Roster Cuts Update and Orioles-Pirates Open Thread

Real quick: today the Orioles sent Matt Antonelli, Armando Galarraga, Brad Bergesen, Steve Tolleson, John Hester, Scott Beerer, Jason Berken, and Dontrelle Willis to minor league camp. Brian Roberts and Zach Britton were unsurprisingly put on the 15-day disabled list. None of these cuts were surprising in the paradigm of my post earlier today on where things stand. The updated Spring Training battles are:

Backup Catcher: Taylor Teagarden vs. Ronny Paulino. Paulino would require a spot on the 40 man roster, though as long as Teagarden is not healthy the job would appear to be his.

Last Bench Spot: Jai Miller vs. Nick Johnson vs. Keeping an extra reliever. Johnson would also require a spot on the 40 man roster, though if Miller loses the job then he would be designated for assignment to create the roster space.

Last Rotation Spot: Brian Matusz vs. Tsuyoshi Wada vs. Chris Tillman. Dana Eveland and Alfredo Simon are also options, but either would be pretty big surprises, despite Tillman and Matusz's ability to be sent to AAA Norfolk.

Bullpen Spots: Matt Lindstrom, Pat Neshek, Zach Phillips, and Darren O'Day are all vying for spots that don't exist unless the bench is left short or the Orioles only take two of Matusz, Eveland, Wada, Simon, Tillman, and Luis Ayala north with them. Of that group, only Matusz and Tillman can be optioned to the minors. Simon and Wada have dealt with injuries most of the spring but appear to be healthy at this point. All of the above candidates (Lindstrom et al) can be sent to AAA Norfolk this season. Neshek is not on the 40 man roster, so he would require a corresponding move.

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Meanwhile, there's a game tonight on MLB.TV, or the Pittsburgh channels if you're out in Western Pennsylvania. Old friend (unless you're a member of the media) Monsieur Erik Bedard starts for the Pirates as he prepares for their Opening Day. Tommy Hunter gets the nod from the Orioles.

Your lineups, courtesy MLB.com's Britt Ghiroli:

ORIOLES

Nolan Reimold LF
J.J. Hardy SS
Nick Markakis RF
Adam Jones CF
Matt Wieters C
Mark Reynolds 3B
Wilson Betemit 1B
Ronny Paulino DH
Robert Andino 2B

PIRATES

Alex Presley LF
Jose Tabata RF
Andrew McCutchen CF
Neil Walker 2B
Garrett Jones 31B
Rod Barajas C
Pedro Alvarez 3B
Clint Barmes SS