I’ve put together 15 Questions I have for the O’s, and have answered those questions with my own thoughts. How would you answer these questions? Where do you agree or disagree with my responses?
1) Based on existing internal options, who is likely to get the most 2013 starts in LF? McLouth, Reimold, or Hoes?
Answer: This question is a bit of ‘cheat’, as McLouth is not currently under contract for next year. Still, I think it is quite likely he returns. I think you can make a case of any of the 3, but I currently lean towards Reimold.
2) Do you agree that if healthy, Hammel, Chen, Britton, and Tillman will each begin ’13 in the rotation?
Answer: Hammel and Chen are are basically locks. I think Britton and Tillman have shown enough that they go into the Winter with the upper-hand.
2a) If you agree that Hammel, Chen, Britton, and Tillman (if healthy) will be 4/5s of the 2013 rotation, who (based on existing internal options) do you think is the most likely 5th? Gonzalez, Johnson, Matusz, Arrieta, Hunter, Wada?
Answer: If he was still here, I think Matusz would win the next job next Spring. If he is not here, I think Gonzalez goes in as the favorite.
3) Do you expect Matusz to be traded this Winter?
Answer: Yes, I think he will be moved.
4) If Arrieta is not traded, do you expect him to be in the O’s bullpen to begin ’13?
Answer: Yes, I expect Arrieta to be part of the ‘pen to start next year.
5) Do you expect the O’s to add a SP via Trade or FA?
Answer: I tend to think they will pursue a FA SP. Perhaps another Japanese League arm, that they think could slot-in similar to Chen. Maybe Edwin Jackson.
6) Baltimore’s salary to begin 2012 was $81.4M. To begin 2013, the salary will be above or below $91.4M?
Answer: I see the payroll going up some, but would be surprised if it went above $91M.
7) What % chance do you give that either Hardy or J. Johnson are traded in the off-season?
Answer: 5% or less. I’m pretty much convinced that Johnson will not be moved. I think there is a chance that Hardy could, but I find it highly unlikely.
8) Will Hardy and Machado stay at their current positions, or will they flip-flop next Spring? (Or see question 14)
Answer: Based on the comments from Ripken the other day on the TBS telecast, I think they would stay at their current positions.
9) For most of ’12, the bullpen has included Johnson, Strop, O’Day, Ayala, and Patton. Will each of those 5 be back to start ’13?
Answer: I’m not sure about Ayala returning. The club has a $1M option. I’d probably pick it up, not sure if they will. With Arrieta, Johnson, Gonzalez, Hunter – there will be other options.
10) Wei-Yin Chen is 12-9, with a 4.00 era. In his 175.2 ip, he has allowed 165 hits, 25 hr’s, 53 bb’s, 145 k’s, with a .714 OPS against, and a G/F ratio of 0.65. Do you expect Chen to approximate that same production next year?
Answer: I would expect Chen to basically match his 2012 season. Could be slightly better, could be slightly worse. I don’t think you will see a wild fluctuation in performance.
11) Will the O’s approach Wieters or Hammel about an extension this Winter?
Answer: Not sure about Wieters, but I think they will approach Hammel about a 1 or 2 yr extension.
12) Will Reynolds be the 1st baseman to start ’13?
Answer: This seems likely to me at this point.
13) Will Dylan Bundy be in the Baltimore rotation by mid-June ’13?
Answer: I bet there will be those on the Coaching staff that want him to break camp with the O’s next Spring. I think the FO will win, and Bundy will start in the Minors. I expect by mid-May he will be an option for promotio
14) Do you expect Andino to go into ’13 as the projected 2nd baseman? Will Roberts give it another go next Spring? Will Hardy be moved to 2nd, with Machado to SS, and another 3rd baseman added?
Answer: With the O’s winning as a team, and with Roberts still owed $ for next year; I think Roberts will again attempt to play. Adding someone like Headley or Andrus could happen, with that impacting Hardy; but I think that is has to be deemed unlikely. With the money tied up to Roberts, I think Andino is the current favorite to start ’13 as the everyday 2nd baseman.
15) The biggest story relating to the O’s this Winter, will be….?
Answer: I think the biggest story is what happens with the MASN contract (https://baltimoresportsandlife.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=951). After that, I think you see the success on the field during ’12, impact the season ticket sales.
The other issue, will be seeing how the O’s react to their success on the field in ’12. Do they go for a larger move, thinking that will put them over the top?
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Chris Stoner founded Baltimore Sports and Life in 2009. He has appeared as a radio guest with 1090 WBAL, 105.7 The Fan, CBS 1300, Q1370, WOYK 1350, WKAV 1400, and WNST 1570. He has also been interviewed by The Baltimore Sun, Baltimore Business Journal, and PressBox (TV). As Owner, his responsibilities include serving as the Managing Editor, Publicist, & Sales Director.