Projected lineup
2B – Robert Andino
SS – J.J. Hardy
RF – Nick Markakis
CF – Adam Jones
C – Matt Wieters
3B – Mark Reynolds
DH – Wilson Betemit
1B – Chris Davis
LF – Nolan Reimold
SP – Zach Britton
SP – Wei-Yin Chen
SP – Tommy Hunter
SP – Jason Hammel
SP – Jake Arrieta
CL – Jim Johnson
Five things to think about:
- The lineup above expresses extreme skepticism about Brian Roberts’ chances to return from last year’s concussion-related absences. Roberts was restricted from working out for much of the winter, so it’s hard to imagine him returning to normal by Opening Day.
- Remember all the hype you heard about Wieters a couple of years ago? He might not become a stud, but he’s pretty good. You could do worse for a starting catcher.
- Jones’ fantasy stats have been getting better, but if he keeps swinging at everything betweem Delaware and North Carolina, stardom will elude him. Still, with 20 homers, 10 steals and a .280 BA likely, Jones makes a fine OF3 in mixed leagues. However, if you don’t grab him in the first six rounds, you might need to adjust your plans.
- Can you live with a batting average below .240 if it comes with 35-40 home runs? Meet to the fantasy enigma that is Mark Reynolds. At third base, I’d give Reynolds a chance in the 10th or 11th round. Just make sure you don't draft any other BA anchors after him.
- Britton didn’t whiff too many batters in his rookie season, but his K rate was better in the minors, and he’s a ground-ball machine. You’ll be able to get his sleeper potential very late in most drafts. Just don’t be surprised if the words “shoulder inflammation” appear next to his name from time to time.
Plus:
Odd man out: Former aces-of-the-future Brian Matusz and Chris Tillman appear to be on the outside of the rotation looking in. 3B Josh Bell could get another chance if Davis whiffs enough to get himself benched again. It’s not like that hasn’t happened to Davis before.
Farm system: The O’s have a pair of superstud prospects in SP Dylan Bundy and SS Manny Machado, but both are a couple of years away. 2B Ryan Adams has decent pop, and could find big-league playing time later in the season.
Backup closer: Johnson gets less respect than he should, but Matt Lindstrom throws as hard as anyone and wasn’t bad when closing for the Astros in 2010. He’s the handcuff.
