Brittany Ghiroli of MLB.com reported this week that Alfredo Simon is expected to be cleared of the New Year’s shooting death in the Dominican Republic.
http://baltimore.orioles.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20110220&conte
Let us put sports in the proper context for a second. The human aspect of the victim, and Simon is obviously more important than anything that could happen on the field.
Also, even if Simon is now cleared, he will still have to deal with obtaining a Visa. (Though, I would believe that Mr. Angelos might be able to help have that expedited.)
In Ghiroli’s article, Simon’s Agent is quoted as stating he believed Simon would be ready to pitch in-time for the 2011 season. That quote leads us back to the field. Here is my question, even if Simon walked into the Sarasota complex today, where would he fit? Obviously the first-thing that would have to happen, is for Simon to be removed from the restricted list.
When we look at the bullpen, we know that (if healthy) Uehara, Gonzalez, Gregg, Johnson, and Berken are locks. Assuming the Orioles go with a 7 man bullpen, that leaves two spots.
The other options outside of Simon would be: VandenHurk, Accardo, Hendrickson, Rosario, Rapada, and Patton. You can eliminate Patton, he has an option remaining and is not making this team. Rosario has to make the team (and stay with the O’s all year) or be offered back to Milwaukee. The Orioles probably work out a deal which allows Rosario to stay on the 40 man roster all year.
As the likely second-lefty, I’m tempted to name Hendrickson a lock. Rapada would have to beat out Hendrickson, and be added to the roster. I do not see that happening. Rapada is more of a true LOOGY, and I also prefer Hendrickson’s ability to pitch multiple innings.
If I am right about Hendrickson, that would be 6 spots gone with 1 remaining. If you include Simon, the Orioles would be choosing between him, VandenHurk, and Accardo. Each of Simon, VandenHurk, and Accardo are out of options. The O’s are most immediately familiar with Simon. VandenHurk is a swing guy, who once started the Future’s Game and is just 25. Accardo has had 38 Major League saves, and some AAA success over the past two years.
The Associated Press reported that when Accardo signed, it was a split-contract. I think because of that, Accardo will not make the Opening Day team. It is hard to imagine the scenario where things would work for Simon to grab the last spot. My guess remains that VandenHurk is the one that comes North.
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