2023 2B

[HelenaEngineer]

Assuming the Orioles open 2023 with Henderson at 3B and Mateo at SS, would there be a legitimate battle for the starting 2B spot between Westburg and Ortiz - and if so, I am interested in how the people here who follow the minors more closely than I do would handicap that battle.  I know Westburg is higher on most rankings, but it seems like Ortiz may have a better glove from what I read and after getting back in the groove after his shoulder surgery has been tearing it up at the plate, albeit one level below where Westburg has also been productive.
 
I am excited about both prospects, along with Henderson of course, and am curious about how the 2023 infield may shake out in Baltimore. I know the Orioles current administration has not been too keen on skipping levels but was wondering if Ortiz could be an exception if he finishes well and has a strong spring.

[LookinUp]

Urias and theoretically Vavra also in that convo.

[UMDTerrapins]

Assuming Vavra remains a 2B, there’s just too many players in the 2B/SS/3B mix ahead of Ortiz to think he could skip over AAA. Mateo, Urias, Vavra, Henderson, Westburg, Mayo, Ortiz. 7 players for three positions. Elias will almost certainly try to leverage that depth to fill a position of need via trade. 

[Sports Guy]

I think Vavra is heading towards a super UTI role. 

[clapdiddy]

1 hour ago, Sports Guy said:

I think Vavra is heading towards a super UTI role. 

Vavra reminds me of a poor man's Tony Phillips.   I don't think he'll have the type of power Phillps had, but he'll be able to play average-ish defense at a number of positions and get on base.

[LookinUp]

Assuming...

Henderson and Mateo = Starters.

Vavra and Urias = Really good utility type guys

Mayo plays 3B/RF/1B/DH.

That leaves two potential starters at 2B in Westburg and Ortiz.

Seems like one of those two could be significant trade chips this offseason.

[LookinUp]

Just to add to my previous post, the only other option would be to trade Mateo instead. Hard to fathom this year, but it's possible a team really values him and is willing to pony up to get him.

[Aristotelian]

10 minutes ago, LookinUp said:

Assuming...

Henderson and Mateo = Starters.

Vavra and Urias = Really good utility type guys

Mayo plays 3B/RF/1B/DH.

That leaves two potential starters at 2B in Westburg and Ortiz.

Seems like one of those two could be significant trade chips this offseason.

Agreed, plus Vavra is an additional layer of insurance.