Wednesday Bird Droppings: Where the Orioles have a ton of infielders

Good morning, Birdland!

You could ask 10 people to fill out what they expect to be the Orioles starting lineup on Opening Day, and you are likely to receive 10 completely different answers. Cedric Mullins in center field is the only sure thing, but where he hits in the order is a mystery. Jonathan Villar and Chris Davis will be included somewhere, but their positions are unclear. Will Trey Mancini play first base or DH, or will he be sent back to the outfield? And that doesn’t even get us into the conversation around third base or right field, where it’s anyone’s guess as to who will man those spots throughout the season.

Spring training feels like a big tease to fans. The games don’t count. The veteran players rarely appear in games outside of Sarasota. Almost none of the games are on TV, or even the radio for that matter. But it’s necessary, especially for a team like the Orioles with new coaches, new front office personnel and a bunch of new players. These brief moments of wonder may prove to be the high water mark for what is expected to be another brutal season.

Links

Around the Horn: O’s have hot-corner log jam - MLB.com
One would imagine Renato Nunez is the current front-runner for the starting third base job, but none of the O’s internal options are great. As Joe Trezza notes in this piece, Ryan Mountcastle proving the doubters wrong and claiming the role for himself is the ideal outcome, but it feels unlikely, especially this season.

Orioles, Rangers, Astros Have Recently Scouted Yolbert Sanchez - MLB Trade Rumors
The rumor is that Sanchez has a $2 million offer in hand for the signing period that begins later this year. The Orioles are the only team that could beat that offer for the current signing period. Obviously, Mike Elias is interested. But Sanchez is not viewed as an elite prospect. He’s solid, would improve the club’s depth, and has a good chance to make it to the big leagues soon. Even still, the Baltimore farm system needs as much help as they can get, and if the front office thinks Sanchez would be worth the investment then they should pounce.

Orioles spring training roster preview: Infield in flux - Baltimore Sun
You want infielders? The Orioles have GOT infielders! Of course, they may only have one major league quality infielder, but what they lack in quality they attempt to make up for in quantity.

More on minor league staffs and an international note - MASN Sports
Minor league coaching staffs change a lot year-to-year, even more so when an organization hires a brand new boss at the top. Roch breaks down all of the official (and unofficial) changes to the O’s system for the upcoming season.

Orioles birthdays and history

Is it your birthday? Happy birthday!

It is the 32nd birthday of Pedro Alvarez. The big slugger spent parts of three seasons with the O’s from 2016 through 2018. He will be fighting for a roster spot with the Marlins this season.

2012 - The Orioles trade Jeremy Guthrie to the Colorado Rockies in exchange for pitchers Matt Lindstrom and Jason Hammel. In order to accommodate the move, Baltimore also DFA’s Clay Rapada.