Does Flaherty start next year with the O's or Tides?

[wildcard]

After putting up a 519 OPS in the first half Flaherty has come on strong in the 2nd half in limited playing time. He has:

53 AB, 4 HR, 12 RBI, 245/310/547/858 since the All-Star game.

Where does he start the season next? O's, Tides, Bench or 2nd Base starter?

[crissfan172]

Personally...I'd make him the starter, but that's just me. I've been a believer in his bat all year, though I didn't think he was ready for the big leagues. Well...it's his time to show us what he can do.

[VeveJones007]

After putting up a 519 OPS in the first half Flaherty has come on strong in the 2nd half in limited playing time. He has:

53 AB, 4 HR, 12 RBI, 245/310/547/858 since the All=Star game.

Where does he start the season next? O's, Tides, Bench or 2nd starter?

If Roberts is healthy enough to make the active roster, Flaherty will be in Norfolk unless they non-tender Andino.

They'll need someone who can backup SS. If they drop Andino, they'd have to either acquire a backup SS, or consider Manny as the backup to Hardy and have Flaherty as the backup at 3rd.

[wildcard]

If Roberts is healthy enough to make the active roster, Flaherty will be in Norfolk unless they non-tender Andino.

They'll need someone who can backup SS. If they drop Andino, they'd have to either acquire a backup SS, or consider Manny as the backup to Hardy and have Flaherty as the backup at 3rd.

The question on Andino for me is does DD pay him $2m to be a defensive infield backup or can DD get that for less with another player? Andino could be traded. Another option is the O's keep two backup infielders. They did that for most of the year this year.

Manny can backup SS which means part of Andino's value to the O's is taken away.

[dan-O]

I'm a Flaherty believer, I say start him if he earns it in spring training.

[BobDylanBundy]

The question on Andino for me is does DD pay him $2m to be a defensive infield backup or can DD get that for less with another player? Andino could be traded.

Andino made $1.3 million this season and due to the ridiculous way salary arbitration works, he's probably in line for an increase. Wouldn't be surprised to see him non-tendered - his production doesn't come close to equaling his arbitration value.

I was going to say Flaherty would have more than enough opportunity to be a serviceable bench player with AB's against RHP if Reynolds, Machado, Hardy, and Reimold are all in the starting lineup. However, checking the stats before posting revealed that I was admittedly wrong. Hardy is the only one from that group who couldn't hit righties this season, and he was actually better against righties in 2010 and 2011. Flaherty should go to Norfolk to play everyday, and the Orioles' big league bench will be better off with someone who can offer greater speed or defense since there'd be minimal benefit from a LH platoon player.

[El Gordo]

I know this is old school, but I would take a good look at Flash, Dino, and BRob, in ST and start the best one OD. I think since Flash plays 5 other positions he can make the team even if he doesn't start.

[Loophole]

I'd prefer if we found outside help for the starting job. Flaherty's been nice lately, but that's the same logic that led to Andino starting this year.

[foxfield]

I really hope the best for Roberts. But it is time to plan on him being done. Past time really. If he is healthy and earns a spot that is great. But it would be foolish to hold a spot for him at this point. I would not be surprised to see Andino non tendered as well but ai like him if they can work a deal that is favorable to both sides.

[Brendan25]

I think a lot of it depends on who else is availabe at 2B on day 1. If Andino is the only other option then I say start him. I think if Roberts is healthy, he will get first look. I also think that DD is going to look at some other depth guys there.

[eddie83]

I would say AAA. He still needs to work on his defense. It will be interesting to see how the Orioles handle 2nd base next year. He is an a nice option. His bat should definately play as a 2nd basemen. Maybe we will sign a defense first one year stop gap guy.

[Scotto]

I would say AAA. He still needs to work on his defense. It will be interesting to see how the Orioles handle 2nd base next year. He is an a nice option. His bat should definately play as a 2nd basemen. Maybe we will sign a defense first one year stop gap guy.

I would expect that he'll work on his defense pretty hard this winter- O's have asked him to go to Winter Ball I believe, and I'm sure he'll be told if he comes to Spring Training and shows he's improved defensively he's got a shot to make the team. Personally I really hope he does.

[baltfan]

Flaherty reminds me of Zobrist a bit. Would love to see him develop like that.