Baltimore Orioles Spring Training Preview

Butch Dill-USA TODAY Sports

No one could understand why Baltimore Orioles manager Buck Showalter decided not to bring in Zach Britton against the Toronto Blue Jays in last years postseason. Well that is behind them as a new season approaches. Obviously they are disappointed, but their is so much optimism with Baltimore this upcoming season.

The Orioles hope they can return to the postseason for the third time in four seasons.

The starting rotation will be a question mark, but it has to be strong in order to make it to the postseason. Chris Tillman, Kevin Gausman, Dylan Bundy, Wade Miley, and Ubaldo Jimenez should be the starting rotation. Zach Britton is obviously the closer this season.

Wellington Castillo and Caleb Joseph will battle it out for the starting catchers job, but Chance Sisco is Baltimore's number one prospect who happens to be a catcher. He is projected to be in the major leagues this season and most likely will be. In the long run, it is good that the Orioles didn't resign Matt Weiters.

Chris Davis, Jonathan Schoop, J.J. Hardy, and Manny Machado will be the starters in the infield. Baltimore's number five prospect Trey Mancini, is a first basemen and it is very possible he could be in the opening day lineup at DH or as a backup. If he isn't playing either first or DH, they should start him in Triple-A.

Hyun Soo Kim, Adam Jones, and Seth Smith will most likely be the starters in the outfield. Joey Rickard will be a valuable backup outfielder.

Projected opening day lineup: 1.(CF) Adam Jones 2.(3B) Manny Machado 3. (1B) Chris Davis 4. (DH) Mark Trumbo 5. (2B) Jonathan Schoop 6. (C) Wellington Castillo 7. (RF) Seth Smith 8. (SS) J.J. Hardy 9. (LF) Hyun Soo Kim

The Baltimore Orioles will open up the season at home on April 3rd against the Toronto Blue Jays.