Tony-OH

Hard to not like what McDermott has looked like so far this spring. He took a real big step last year which is why I became more of a believer in him. I'd really like to see them give him a start against major league competition early in the game, but still, the still is legitimate and while he looks ready for a bullpen job, I still want to see what he looks like in AAA this year as a starter. Either way, you have to believe we will see him in Baltimore some time this year is some role barring an injury.

Gave up all three runs in the first inning, including two on a home run by Kirk that would not have been a home run in any major league stadium.

Well it's not overusing him since that's on 5-days rest, but saying that, if you can squeeze out an extra day of rest for him to get another starter into their groove I'd probably do it. I think some it depends on the match up. If you do it though, the good news is you could start Wells or Irvin off in the pen to give it another arm out there. That's usually not a bad thing early in the season when starters may not be able to go very far past 90-100 pitches.

Just like to point out, it's how I think the Orioles look at him, not the way I would. I have no issues DFAing him.

https://www.fangraphs.com/roster-resource/depth-charts/orioles The bullpen is where a lot of guys are out of options. Webb, Baumann, and Perez all are out of options and should make the team. McKenna is really the only position player in jeopardy although Urias and Mateo are out of options too. Nevin and Maton are most likely getting cut so they are at risk as well, but they were always depth guys anyways. Maton had a real chance to win a job but has been pretty bad all spring at the plate so far.

Stowers is hitting his way into the conversation because he doesn't have to play every day. Saying that, Stowers hasn't shown he can hit in a part-time role yet. Being a good 4th/5th outfield involves bringing that part-time hitting skill or really good defense. Stowers is adequate defensively though he does have a plus arm. It's going to be interesting to see the roster decisions, but I think Stowers is heading back to start the year in AAA.

Cowser is not good at hitting left-handers, especially left-handed breaking balls. Not sure he's the guy you want handcuffing Mullins.

So who replaces him in LF? I mean you could put Kjerstad in LF as he doesn't have a big platoon difference, but you lose some defensive range and especially arm in LF when you do that. Mateo makes sense because he can backup SS too. Saying all that, despite McKenna's terrible spring so far, he very well may still make the team as a 5th outfielder since he put up decent numbers against lefties last year.

Perhaps. It just seems strange when you look at the roster it would seem they've want a right-handed hitting CF to be a handcuff for Mullins. McKenna hasn't hit, but they mat be comfortable still with him as that guy since Elias is usually not to swayed by spring training numbers if he's got major league track records to go by.

It would be nice if they actually played him there to see, but he keeps playing shortstop.

I have no idea how they will be able to look him in the eyes and tell them he's going back to AAA. He looks not only ready, but looks ready to be an impact hitter. Mayo needs to be the everyday 3B. Whether you send Holliday back to AAA, or send Urias away for what you can get, or make Westburg a super sub, or what, but he needs to be starting at 3B on opening day. The home run he hit was so far the LF took two steps and then became a spectator himself.

Nathan Webb is coming back from TJ surgery and was not ready to pitch and Guzman reported late due to Visa issues according to Roch.

After 6 yeas of Mayo, hopefully more, we will be thinking of him as #24. He's going to be amazing.

I was going to say Rick Dempsey was the first guy that pops in my head when I see #24.

Did he? I missed that, thanks.

Haha, you may be a troll at times, but you are not getting banned anytime soon!

Priorities!! Thanks for the report.

I think Perez is definitely a lock minus an injury. He's a slow starter, but he's a groundball machine from the leftside. Akin is not a lock because of his options. He very well may pitch his way onto the team, but it won't be over potentially losing a pitcher like Webb. Webb is a little underrated by some around here, but if you look at his numbers with the Orioles last year, he was very good besides a few outings where he was overused due to need. I don't think this team needs a 5th or 6th bullpen guy, they need another lockdown high leverage guy. Cano should be good again, and I'm going to hope Kimbrel will get has act together and pitch like he did most of last year, but I don't feel like we have that high strike out guy. @Sports Guy talked about Luke Little from the Cubs. While i don't know anything other than what I saw on his baseball savant page, he certainly looks like a guy who will miss bats. Now the question is can he handle pressure late in games? It would probably take a Westburg type talent to get him though in my opinion which I would do.

Mayo is certainly making it real hard to send him down. He's so comfortable at the plate against everyone.

Seeing Gunnar do that to a hard throwing lefty is really nice. He's such a special hitter and player.

I can't see the Cubs moving Little for Urias. Westburg maybe, but not Urias. Little looks like he's similar to DL Hall but younger. Would you trade DL Hall for Urias? I'd love for the Orioles to get ahold of Luke Little, but it's going to take more than Urias. I'll be honest, I might trade Westburg for Little if that was offered. That would enable Mayo to have a clearer path to make the team at 3B.

It really is strange because with Urias on the team, assuming no trade and Holliday making the team, he's going to be the backup 3B/2B with Holliday being the backup SS. That mean if Mateo is kept on the roster, he needs to be able to show he can back up CF and maybe even play some Camden Yards LF. Maybe they are trying to showcase Mateo as an infielder for trade? I'm sure there is a method to the madness but for now, its surprising Mateo is not getting outfield time.

All of his "movement" numbers are in the spring training tracker.

I still think Webb makes it over Suarez as they may want to stretch out Suarez as a depth starter in AAA. Suarez is out of options so when they put him on the 40-man, they will not be able to send him back down so they need to be sure Saurez is going to be in the pen the rest of the year. They also may work out a deal to pay Teheran to not opt out and pitch as a starter in AAA as well. Either way, Webb threw the ball well enough last year that I think he's a lock for the pen. The issue they have is with guys with a lack of options. While Webb is not a impact reliever, he was very good and able to be used often.

Interesting eyes on comments by @Frobby and @justD. Thanks.