jamorrow91

Hudson Haskin isn't on the roster? Surprising to see some of these names included over him. Billy Cook also...would've thought he'd be on there.

I would tend to agree with you but it seems that Hyde and/or Elias prioritize a true CF being on the roster behind Mullins. None of the players you listed are of that type. It’s why McKenna and then Hicks have been in Baltimore as much as they have. I personally think it’s overkill, much like having a third catcher. My main thinking is that Cameron likely offers more than McKenna.

Wouldn’t surprise me either, but I would be slightly disappointed. We’ve seen the likely ceilings of Hays and Santander and their weaknesses. Cowser and Kjerstad should be superior offensive options with more upside. Agreed on Westburg seeing time in the OF. Holliday I think would be less likely but it can’t be ruled out. Westburg or Norby seem like they could take on the RH outfielder role that Hays occupies now. This makes sense, to me, if Hays brings back enough value in a deal. Which is not a sure thing but his value may never be higher than it projects to be this offseason, barring injury.

Thanks. Sounds like ideally, neither of them are in RF. If Hays is kept, Cowser fits well in right or vice versa.

Definitely see what you’re saying. It’s most likely that Mayo is at first if he’s not at third. But we keep hearing about that arm so figured it’s worth pondering. From what I read, it seems we will want Kjerstad at DH, if they have their choice of a best lineup with fielding.

I’m interested in Cameron being the 4th OF,/backup CF over McKenna. He’s had a quietly solid season in AAA. Reduced strikeouts, solid power and OBP, can steal bases. I doubt Haskin is considered to start next year with such limited AAA experience.

Couple of questions: 1. How is Mayo’s speed and agility compared to Kjerstad’s? I’m curious about Mayo’s ability to play RF given his big arm. It seems 1B is his likely destination if he keeps hitting but if he can move well I hope he is given more of a look in the OF, which it seems hasn’t happened as of yet. Of course, assuming that Gunnar has locked down 3B and either Ortiz or Holliday are at short. 2. Might Westburg be able to play some 1B in addition to the COF? He has the size and should have the requisite hitting. If Mayo is preferable in RF due to his arm, it may make sense to have Westburg as first against some lefties if Cowser or Kjerstad end up struggling vs LHP.

I am skeptical of a guy like Mountcastle vs postseason pitchers. Unless he’s on one of these hot streaks, his discipline isn’t good enough.

I agree with a lot of your thinking. As for retaining a vet in the infield, I think Urias > Frazier if the trade value isn’t enough to move him. Hyde doesn’t seem to always realize it but Urias is better vs righties. Plus, team control and a better defender than Frazier. I don’t really think it’s necessary to keep him though, if Holliday is in Baltimore at the start or midway next year. Norby maybe can out produce Urias offensively starting next year. And of course, there’s Ortiz who figures to be more than just the backup as you listed him as. Your first base outlook seems right. Santander playing more first if/when another outfielder emerges seems logical. I disagree more with the outfield assessment. One, in needing an addition from outside the org. If they bring back Hays and Santander, it’s crowded. I’d guess it’s more likely only one is back due to contractual statuses and both having already hit their peaks as players. No, we haven’t seen a prospect knock down the door yet but I’d put the odds as higher that one of Kjerstad or Cowser produces above average next year than not. If, they are given the opportunity, which is why I see (more likely) Hays or Santander elsewhere. Plus, as you mention, Mayo could figure in the COF in addition to Norby and Westburg as possibilities, albeit less likely for these three. But they are gonna want to fit them somewhere. Pitching is where I hope they invest. Gibson has worked as a serviceable vet but the bar is higher now. There is depth amongst the starters and in the pen. Hopefully Flaherty proves himself as a #2/#3 and earns a three or four year deal. If not, they should be targeting a high level, dependable and experienced vet to lead these many young and promising arms.

Henderson potentially staying at short and Mayo at third would make it really interesting. And this doesn’t even include Ortiz. If the OF is all left handed in Mullins, Cowser, Kjerstad with Holliday as well and then Adley switch hitting then it’ll be fun to see which of Westburg or Mayo emerges more to fill the RH slugger role. Them and whoever is left long term between Santander, Mountcastle and Hays would be crucial to maintain balance against lefties and righties. This optionality and versatility from the group of players is excellent and bodes very very well for the future.

I keep coming back to this as well. Ortiz is a superior infield defender, Gunnar is too and if Holliday is the same or any better on D then Westburg’s most available role may be in the COF. He could be a nice right handed complement to Cowser & Kjerstad. This is if we assume Hays and/or Santander aren’t in Baltimore beyond next season. I imagine he, Norby, or Mayo eventually end up filling some time in this capacity.

I think that this makes sense but then what happens when Holliday comes up?

It seems that the vibes are about as good as they could be right now with the winning and a great mix of players and personalities. Some young, some middle-aged, a few vets. I don't think they necessarily should make the move right at this time. I'm wondering, and this might not play much of a role but, is there anyone that doesn't quite fit the group? It seems like all of them get along very well and they mesh together. Does anyone see their role at risk and scoff at the idea of going from an everyday role to part-time? Or part-time to a more sporadic role? It seems to me that Mountcastle is the one guy with a differing type of mindset than others with his approach at the plate. That type of diversity isn't the worst thing but that low of an OBP really sticks out when it's coming from a first baseman . Urias and Mateo look increasingly like their roles are in jeopardy. But how does the clubhouse react to a move involving one of these guys?