Final cuts were made today and the roster is set. It's partially the anticipation for the new season, I'm sure, but this lineup really doesn't look half bad. I'm sure I'll be singing a different tune as the season wears on. But for now, hope!
Starting Lineup
 Matt Wieters Catcher |
 Derrek Lee First Base |
 Brian Roberts Second Base |
 Mark Reynolds Third Base |
 J.J. Hardy Shortstop |
 Luke Scott Left Field |
 Adam Jones Centerfield |
 Nick Markakis Right Field |
 Vladimir Guerrero Designated Hitter |
The starting nine are mostly full of smiles. They're confident in their teammates and in the new-and-improved lineup. Well, maybe not Matt Wieters. His face shows that he's concerned about not living up to his hype and he's also thinking very hard about his pitchers. Brian Roberts says, "Look at my boyish grin, would I lie to you? Of course my back feels fine." Luke Scott is thrilled to be back in the field after two years of DH'ing. Adam Jones wonders if all the ladies are noticing his bedroom eyes, and Vlad is just happy that somebody wanted him.
Bench
 Robert Andino 2B/SS/3B |
 Felix Pie Outfield |
 Jake Fox C/1B/3B |
 Cesar Izturis 2B/SS |
The bench is generally a happy bunch, and why not? Izzy can't believe he got someone to pay him over $1M after the way he hit last season. Jake Fox would like you to look deep into his eyes and forget all about his sub-.300 OBP, and Robert Andino would like Nick Green and Brendan Harris to respectfully shove it. Only Felix doesn't look that happy. I'm betting he's sad he lost his starting job and frustrated that his rap album was never released.
Starting Rotation
 Jeremy
Guthrie |
 Brian
Matusz |
 Brad
Bergesen |
 Jake
Arrieta |
 Chris
Tillman |
Jeremy Guthrie: Back at the top where I belong. Kevin Millwood. What were they thinking?
Brian Matusz: Maybe if I grow this scruff on my face people will stop telling me I look twelve years old.
Brad Bergesen: Please no more line drives please no more line drives.
Jake Arrieta: I am SO handsome. Has there ever been anyone another Oriole as handsome as me?
Chris Tillman: I'd like to thank Andrew_G for always believing in me. We're in this together, buddy!
Bullpen
 Kevin
Gregg |
 Koji
Uehara |
 Mike
Gonzalez |
 Josh Rupe |
 Jim Johnson |
 Jeremy Accardo |
 Jason Berken |
Could these guys be any sadder? Only Koji is immune to the bullpen doldrums, although he does feel a little sad that it'll be tougher for his sideburns to become a cult icon if he's not closing. Accardo is trying to smile, but nobody is buying it. Mike Gonzalez says, "Hey guys, I really don't suck. I'm sorry I lied about that thing last year. Please don't hate me." And Josh Rupe, while thrilled to have made the team, wishes everyone would stop acting like children about what his last name rhymes with.