Press Box: Paul Folk - ORIOLES BUBBLE PLAYERS: ONE-WEEK CHECKPOINT

[weams]

http://www.pressboxonline.com/2015/03/10/2015-orioles-bubble-players-one-week-checkpoint

The Orioles' Grapefruit League season turned a week old March 9, as the O's lost to the Phillies, 1-0, to run their record to 2-6 through eight exhibition games. Of course, the Birds' spring training record doesn't mean much of anything; what's of more interest is the performance of several O's players fighting to play a role on the 2015 club

[wildcard]

Very nice article by Paul.

I agree with most everything he said except for Alvarez. There is an outside chance for him to start the season for the O's IMO. Snider has to claim right field. If he does, Alvarez goes to AAA. If Snider doesn't then its wide open. It would not surprise me to see Alvarez in right field if things happen the right way.

[weams]

Very nice article by Paul.

I agree with most everything he said except for Alvarez. There is an outside chance for him to start the season for the O's IMO. Snider has to claim right field. If he does, Alvarez goes to AAA. If Snider doesn't then its wide open. It would not surprise me to see Alvarez in right field if things happen the right way.

Had we not traded for Snider, I might have agreed with you. With all the folks leaving next year, I am certain that Alvarez will be a minor leaguer unless the Os have a need for him.

[wildcard]

Had we not traded for Snider, I might have agreed with you. With all the folks leaving next year, I am certain that Alvarez will be a minor leaguer unless the Os have a need for him.

Snider will be on the O's 25 man roster but he has to claim right field to be the starter. Alvarez has a chance to stick if Snider does not claim right.

[baltfan]

Bundy's velocity is starting to worry me. Harvey from the Mets was 99 in his first Spring Training game. At a certain point in time, you have to stop hoping that the velocity returns. I am sure when Eduardo was dealt, the feeling was that Bundy could still be a stud. This is concerning.

[Redskins Rick]

Bundy's velocity is starting to worry me. Harvey from the Mets was 99 in his first Spring Training game. At a certain point in time, you have to stop hoping that the velocity returns. I am sure when Eduardo was dealt, the feeling was that Bundy could still be a stud. This is concerning.

I believe there was more that Just Bundy above E-Rod on the chart depth list of pitching prospects.

[Frobby]

[bundy] could be considered for a midseason call up to the Birds if he were to dazzle during spring training, but so far that hasn't been the case.

I don't think Bundy's chances of getting called up depend on dazzling in spring training. It depends on how he's pitching during the season. He could look great this spring and not get a call-up if he struggles at Bowie, or he could struggle this spring but then pitch well enough in the minors to earn the call-up. So, while I agree the early signs are troubling, I don't think the statement that he could get a midseason call-up "if he were to dazzle during spring training" is an accurate one.

[PaulFolk]

Very nice article by Paul.

I agree with most everything he said except for Alvarez. There is an outside chance for him to start the season for the O's IMO. Snider has to claim right field. If he does, Alvarez goes to AAA. If Snider doesn't then its wide open. It would not surprise me to see Alvarez in right field if things happen the right way.

I don't think Snider has to "claim" anything -- he was acquired to be a RF starter at least against right-handers, and I don't think anything that happens in spring is going to change that.

Also, Alvarez is way down on the OF depth chart right now, behind Jones, De Aza, Snider, Pearce, Lough, Young, and maybe even Reimold. It's going to be tough for him to make the OD roster unless there are multiple injuries.

I don't think Bundy's chances of getting called up depend on dazzling in spring training. It depends on how he's pitching during the season. He could look great this spring and not get a call-up if he struggles at Bowie, or he could struggle this spring but then pitch well enough in the minors to earn the call-up. So, while I agree the early signs are troubling, I don't think the statement that he could get a midseason call-up "if he were to dazzle during spring training" is an accurate one.

Agreed. I didn't really phrase that very well. I was trying to tie in Bundy's spring performance to the "bubble player" theme, but really he's more of a player of interest, not a bubble player. He'll be spending plenty of time at Bowie regardless of what happens in spring.

[Redskins Rick]

I don't think Alvarez was going to start the year on the Roster, and bringing Snider in, probably seals that.

I think Alvarez will be on Norfolk shuttle, the first time there is a need.

[Crazysilver03]

Snider will be on the O's 25 man roster but he has to claim right field to be the starter. Alvarez has a chance to stick if Snider does not claim right.

You keep saying this but how do you fit him on the roster? DFA Lough?

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Redskins Rick]

Lough is on this roster, if I was a betting man.

The rest of the OF slots will be determine by how they play, will determine who plays, and Buck and said so.

[wildcard]

I don't think Snider has to "claim" anything -- he was acquired to be a RF starter at least against right-handers, and I don't think anything that happens in spring is going to change that.

Also, Alvarez is way down on the OF depth chart right now, behind Jones, De Aza, Snider, Pearce, Lough, Young, and maybe even Reimold. It's going to be tough for him to make the OD roster unless there are multiple injuries.

Snider's career OPS - 716

Snider's career OPS in the first half - 677

Snider's 2014 first half OPS - 660

Snider's 2014 2nd half OPS - 880

If Snider plays through ST the way he normally plays in the first half, he will not claim the starting right fielders job. He probably makes the team but he will be a backup player. There is a reason Snider has not been an everyday player. When given chances he has not taken advantage of them.

That opens a spot for another outfielder. Could be Pearce but that would take a him out of the DH spot. Alvarez has a shot if he has a good spring. He is probably the best defensive right fielder in camp. I'm not saying Alvarez will make the O's out for ST but he has a chance.

[Mayor McCheese]

Gamboa being sent down to AAA now.

[El Gordo]

Snider's career OPS - 716

Snider's career OPS in the first half - 677

Snider's 2014 first half OPS - 660

Snider's 2014 2nd half OPS - 880

If Snider plays through ST the way he normally plays in the first half, he will not claim the starting right fielders job. He probably makes the team but he will be a backup player. There is a reason Snider has not been an everyday player. When given chances he has not taken advantage of them.

That opens a spot for another outfielder. Could be Pearce but that would take a him out of the DH spot. Alvarez has a shot if he has a good spring. He is probably the best defensive right fielder in camp. I'm not saying Alvarez will make the O's out for ST but he has a chance.

Why do you assume Pearce is a DH? He has better numbers than Snider with the glove. He has been a solid OF.

[wildcard]

Why do you assume Pearce is a DH? He has better numbers than Snider with the glove. He has been a solid OF.

Pearce seems likely to play at least 4 positions. LF, RF, 1B and DH. I think Buck values that ability. I don't know if Buck would want Pearce in RF all the time. I don't think his arm is good enough for that. I also don't think Davis is the right fit for right field though a can see him getting some starts there. On the other hand Alvarez is a rightfielder. He has the arm and range for the position. The only question is......is his bat ready.