94 replies to this topic

[Mackus]

I agree. And as stated, I think Hoes is a very good backup option of that platoon role. I'd even consider Hoes to platoon in LF and Reimold to platoon at DH if there's enough room on the roster. A guy like Gomes or Hairston could be an option too. Or Napoli as the backup C/DH vs lefties, but that's probably not a big enough role for him and he'll likely get paid a decent amount.

I think Gomes and Hairston will both likely get 1-year, major-league deals. I'd be looking for a backup option at the AAA level on a minor-league deal. Of course if we find that the team has a few extra million to spend, then Hairston or Gomes (or any OF who can mash lefties) would be great targets for a million bucks or so. Also agree that Hoes is a possibility, though aside from knowing he bats righty, I don't know if he's a good option against LHP, especially at such a young age and no MLB experience It's hard to adjust and develop only getting sporadic at bats. But, he's certainly in the equation of guys capable to be a 2nd option if Reimold can't deliver what we need him to deliver.

[SportsGuy]

Justin Upton...bat Manny second.

[Mackus]

Justin Upton...bat Manny second.

Forever the optimist on an Upton trade!

I do think Manny will be in the mix for batting 2nd, though probably not quite at the outset of the season. He still needs to show he can have better plate discipline and draw more walks, which I do expect him to do as he matures, that obviously wasn't a problem for him in the minors.

[mweb08]

I think Gomes and Hairston will both likely get 1-year, major-league deals. I'd be looking for a backup option at the AAA level on a minor-league deal. Of course if we find that the team has a few extra million to spend, then Hairston or Gomes (or any OF who can mash lefties) would be great targets for a million bucks or so. Also agree that Hoes is a possibility, though aside from knowing he bats righty, I don't know if he's a good option against LHP, especially at such a young age and no MLB experience It's hard to adjust and develop only getting sporadic at bats. But, he's certainly in the equation of guys capable to be a 2nd option if Reimold can't deliver what we need him to deliver.

Gomes or Hairston would be on the MLB roster as the platoon DH with Betemit or Davis. There is a roster crunch concern with doing that and having Reimold platoon in LF. A guy like Pierce could still be in AAA.

Regarding Hoes, well I'm not sure he's someone who is going to get a chance to start unless there's an injury anyway, so him getting 50 or so starts is better than nothing imo. And obviously his role could increase due to injury and/or his and others quality of play.

[SportsGuy]

Forever the optimist on an Upton trade!

I do think Manny will be in the mix for batting 2nd, though probably not quite at the outset of the season. He still needs to show he can have better plate discipline and draw more walks, which I do expect him to do as he matures, that obviously wasn't a problem for him in the minors.

Yea...I have a thing for getting elite talent that is being sold for 80 cents on the dollar. There isn't a lot of it out there, so go get it when you can.

And yes, I know it won't happen...but that doesn't mean I don't want it to!

[RichardZ]

1. I don't think the signing of Casilla means that Flaherty starts in AAA.
2. I don't think you'll see them platoon McLouth if they resign him
3. If they did platoon him it would be with someone like Pearace and not Hoes, who really needs another season in AAA in the hopes that he taps into some power.
4. If Pearce is kept on the roster it's a clear sign that they think he will make the team because he can't be sent to AAA without risk of being lost.
5. If McLouth is not signed it's a sign that the reports are good on Reimold.

[dpsmith22]

I don't agree that Flaherty isn't ready. You need to keep in mind he was on the bench for the majority of the season. His defense certainly was rusty but that's expected. That being said, he hit the ball with authority and thankfully took Andino's job near the end of the season.

I am not saying Casilla isn't better because frankly, I am not sure. I just think keeping Flaherty on the bench all year, taking a spot away from a potential big bat off the bench, and not having him on the club in 2013, is a management mistake. It DOES look like their intention is to send him down.

-Counting on Reimold is not only a mistake but the definition of insanity. Nothing will change with him. Its not a matter of IF he gets hurt, its WHEN.

-Pearce can't hit and is only adequate defensively. I hope they find another option.

I know this is crazy talk, but I hope that the organization doesn't look at Pearce as a 1st base option....

[JeffLong]

My take on what to expect from Alexi Casilla in the upcoming season.

http://baltimorespor...-alexi-casilla/

[Tucker Blair]

My take on what to expect from Alexi Casilla in the upcoming season.

http://baltimorespor...-alexi-casilla/

If they can get production from the DH/1B hole and LF, I am completely fine with Casilla manning down 2B for the year (assuming everything you mentioned happened).

[bnickle]

My guess is Casilla is a guy that O's fans come to appreciate. Assuming he ultimately ends up a the reg 2b. He's not going to be a guy you ever want as your fulltime 2b but he's a guy you respect as he has value to the team.

[Kevin Ebert]

The line Jeff projects for him looks an awful lot like something we'd see from Andino. Do you think he's an upgrade on Andino?

[JeremyStrain]

The line Jeff projects for him looks an awful lot like something we'd see from Andino. Do you think he's an upgrade on Andino?

Even if he puts up identical numbers, the defense shifts it in favor of Casilla. His speed is better so I'd expect those numbers to tilt things towards Casilla as well.

[JeffLong]

Even if he puts up identical numbers, the defense shifts it in favor of Casilla. His speed is better so I'd expect those numbers to tilt things towards Casilla as well.

What he said.

I think Casilla has a better chance to hit for a slightly higher average than Andino with less power.

The kicker is in his baserunning and fielding for sure. That's actually part of why I like him a lot, because I think he makes a logical late-inning replacement. I'd like to see Flaherty start at 2B (i actually think he might be better than Casilla defensively) and having Casilla come in as a PR or something later in games.

[BSLChrisStoner]

Pretty unexplainable with Casilla to end the game today. Either thought there were 2 outs, or thought the ball landed in right. Either way, it cost the O's another chance.

[BSLChrisStoner]

16 ab's since July 1st.