A team preview that actually credits the team

[25 Nuggets]

Mike Axisa, CBS Sports

Now that we're in the thick of spring training, these team previews should be closer to the mark. Some highlights:

Probable lineup

1. LF Alejandro De Aza

2. 3B Manny Machado

3. CF Adam Jones

4. 1B Chris Davis

5. DH Steve Pearce

6. RF Travis Snider

7. SS J.J. Hardy

8. C Matt Wieters

9. 2B Jonathan Schoop

Bench: C Caleb Joseph, IF Everth Cabrera, UTIL Ryan Flaherty, OF Delmon Young

Both Cabrera and Flaherty on the team; Lough and Paredes cut in this scenario.

Fantasy bounceback: Chris Davis

Via Al Melchior's fantasy outlook:

"Feeling hesitant about giving Davis a second chance? It's understandable. After suffering through his .196 batting average and seemingly endless strikeouts, most people would just want the pain to end for good. Even in last season's darkest days, Davis provided home run power, and it seems odd that his ability to make contact and get hits on balls in play would decrease so much in one season. Davis claims that the after-effects of his early-season oblique injury plagued him all year, and it's plausible to think that had an impact. Also, getting a therapeutic use exemption for Adderall could help, as Davis has claimed that it aids his concentration. Enough owners could be hesitant to draft Davis this season, so he could be a cheap source of extraordinary power."

Yeah, it's from a fantasy blog, but fantasy sports is where people get paid so in terms of individual production, they're a good source of scouting. Better than talking heads anyway.

Outlook

The losses of Cruz and Markakis are notable but not fatal. They're quality players who are a bit overrated by many fans -- Cruz has negative defensive value and Markakis hasn't topped a .390 slugging percentage since 2012. They'll miss Cruz's 40 home runs, no doubt about it, but chances are he won't hit 40 homers again in 2015 anyway. Hitting 40 homers is really hard!

On paper, the O's might have the most well-rounded roster in the AL East. They have a very good defensive infield, a solid defensive outfield, a quality lineup one through nine, five good starters, a strong bullpen, and a brilliant manager in Buck Showalter. I would feel a little better about Baltimore going into the year if I knew Davis would bounce back or Machado and Wieters would stay healthy, but, either way, they're an obvious contender for the AL East crown and should be a strong contender for a wild-card spot at worst.

Thank you. Losing Cruz and Kakes does not mean the sky is falling. And you'd think the Orioles are an obvious contender but certain projections still want them in last place. *shrug*

[Bahama O's Fan]

This is basically how I felt throughout this whole scenario. I believe if we remain competitive and are in the thick of things, Dan will get us whatever is missing at the trading dealine (e.g. Miller). I don't like losing Lough and Paredes, though.

[wildcard]

Pretty good and accurate assessment. I don't think Flaherty and Cabrera make the team. Either Lough or Paredes will fill out the bench. The O's are obviously trying to make Matusz more appealling to trade. Garcia is favored to win a pen spot. But that is nitpicking in the overall scheme of things. Nice review.

Davis is the biggest question mark for me. His home run power is probably back and I can see him hitting 37. But his OBP and average are in jeopardy. He hasn't figured out how to go the other way via bunt, half swing or just hitting the ball to left. Packing the field on the right side via the shift looks like something that will continue to give him problems. I hope to see a change from him soon.

Wieters is not a big a concern. He will probably not hit early but will come on in the summer. Joseph is a good back up. Joseph can handle the job defensively and calls a good game. He doesn't have Wieters bat but he should improve his offense a little.

Manny is ready for great year.

Hardy is driving the ball which is a great side.

Those four guys are the ones that have to make up for losing Cruz power and I think they will do just that.

[Beef Supreme]

Pretty good and accurate assessment. I don't think Flaherty and Cabrera make the team. Either Lough or Paredes will fill out the bench. The O's are obviously trying to make Matusz more appealling to trade. Garcia is favored to win a pen spot. But that is nitpicking in the overall scheme of things. Nice review.

Davis is the biggest question mark for me. His home run power is probably back and I can see him hitting 37. But his OBP and average are in jeopardy. He hasn't figured out how to go the other way via bunt, half swing or just hitting the ball to left. Packing the field on the right side via the shift looks like something that will continue to give him problems. I hope to see a change from him soon.

Wieters is not a big a concern. He will probably not hit early but will come on in the summer. Joseph is a good back up. Joseph can handle the job defensively and calls a good game. He doesn't have Wieters bat but he should improve his offense a little.

Manny is ready for great year.

Hardy is driving the ball which is a great side.

Those four guys are the ones that have to make up for losing Cruz power and I think they will do just that.

We haven't even seen Wieters throw. That's the biggest question of the spring. He might start the season on the DL. Wieters' arm is the biggest concern of all, for me.

[Larry18]

I think this fits with the OP.

http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2015/03/17/2015-preview-baltimore-orioles/