Rule 5 Guys

[ELMERO]

Do we assume that one of these guys will be kept on the 25 man roster?

http://www.milb.com/player/index.jsp?sid=milb&player_id=606477#/career/R/hitting/2016/ALL

http://www.milb.com/player/index.jsp?sid=milb&player_id=623993#/career/R/hitting/2016/ALL

[PaulFolk]

Keep in mind that Santander had right shoulder surgery this offseason, so the O's will likely stash him on the 60-day DL to start the year to buy themselves some time.

As for Tavarez, I think it's going to be tough for him to crack the roster, barring injuries. It would help if he were a right-handed hitter who could spell Kim/Smith against lefties, but he isn't.

[TGO]

Agree with Paul, I think Tavarez's chances went down significantly when we got Smith. Santander doesn't have a great chance of seeing ML action this year. They may try to swing a trade for his rights while they have him stashed on the DL. 

[esmd]

Seems to me a lot depends on what happens in ST.  If Rickard has a poor spring, and Tavarez has the kind of spring Rickard had a year ago, Tavarez could take a bench spot and push Rickard to the minors since he can be optioned.  But I agree with Paul, that would be a lot more likely if he was a RH hitter.  But I think the chance is there to play himself onto the team.

[Moondoggie]

If the Orioles can find a way to keep them, they will. There's nothing they like more than a (virtually) free player. But as esmd pointed out, it will depend on how Tavarez looks in the spring. Truthfully, Rickard probably could use some more time in Triple A, so I won't be surprised if they option him unless he has a big spring. I still look for them to add another outfielder, so Tavarez may stick as a 5th and they'll deal with Santander when they have to.

[Camden_yardbird]

For some reason they don't like Kim, I could see him being traded if there is roster crunch.  It's on Tavarez to endear himself to Buck though.

[webbrick2010]

If Tavarez is the best defensive OF'er  I think he'll get a roster spot.

If he isn't clearly better defensively than Rickard he won't get a roster spot

[weams]

16 minutes ago, Camden_yardbird said:

For some reason they don't like Kim, I could see him being traded if there is roster crunch.  It's on Tavarez to endear himself to Buck though.

They love Kim. He just has limited value at his salary. 

[backwardsk]

20 minutes ago, webbrick2010 said:

If Tavarez is the best defensive OF'er  I think he'll get a roster spot.

If he isn't clearly better defensively than Rickard he won't get a roster spot

If Tavarez earns a roster spot, then they'll have to be willing to give either Kim or Smith a lot of ABs against lefties.  I don't see any way around it.

[Creamsicle]

1 hour ago, esmd said:

Seems to me a lot depends on what happens in ST.  If Rickard has a poor spring, and Tavarez has the kind of spring Rickard had a year ago, Tavarez could take a bench spot and push Rickard to the minors since he can be optioned.  But I agree with Paul, that would be a lot more likely if he was a RH hitter.  But I think the chance is there to play himself onto the team.

Will reserve judgment til I see the Tucker / Tavarez Royal Farms commercial.