Hard to say hiw Manny would have been as a SS if he’d played it right from the start in the majors. Due to Hardy’s presence, he essentially played 3B for 5.3 seasons before ever getting a shot as full time SS. By that time he’d lost some speed and range and was rusty at the ins and outs of SS.
If 2012-14 Hardy was on this team, Gunnar would be at 3B, watching Hardy win his three Gold Gloves.
The Orioles are not going to re-sign Burnes and they prob shouldn't based on what he's going to ask for.
Answer is Gunnar and it's not even really close. Give the man whatever he wants and keep him indefinitely.
Still a lot of things to shake out this year that IMO affects this decision.
1. Is Silent J the heir apparent to RF?
2. Is Beavers taking the next step and showing as a viable starting OF?
3. Is Fabian taking the next step to be a legit 4th OF who can play all 3 positions?
I will be very surprised if Taters is on the team next year. Honestly I think that if he is it will be due to failure of the young guys to show out. Good thing for us is we have enough of them that I don’t think that will happen.