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[Chris B]

With the news that Manny Machado is joining the team tomorrow, I just wanted to take a look at the current 25 man roster. Let's assume Socolovich is sent down since that is probably the most likely.

Starters: Chen, Gonzalez, Tillman, Hunter, S. Johnson
Bullpen: Johnson, Strop, Patton, O'Day, Gregg, Ayala, Lindstrom

(And what I assume to be the starting lineup)
Markakis RF
Hardy SS
Davis DH
Jones CF
Wieters C
Reynolds 1B
Machado 3B
McLouth LF
Quintanilla 2B

Bench: Teagarden ©, Betemit (1B/3B/DH..maybe playing 3B vs. righties?), Ford (OF), Andino (2B, SS, 3B)

A few thoughts:
- I like that bench depth.
- Barring injury, I see Hammel replacing Johnson or Hunter in the rotation. Whichever does worse over the next 3-4 weeks. I could then see the team sending one of them to the bullpen and DFA'ing Gregg to get a long man.
- If Thome comes back, Ford is sent packing.
- I never like to root for injuries, but I bet the O's will probably take their handy-dandy time with Flaherty.