2023 Orioles - A bit different

[DiamondDave]

The top pitching team of last year returns with no changes... no real 'superstars' but solid in every slot....

Starting Rotation
1) R J. McKee - 3.5 star complete game machine
2) R P. Aranda - 3.5 star, 3rd in ERA and WHIP in 2022
3) R T. Criado - 3 star solid pitcher
4) R C. Gelinas - 2.5 star, seems to be improving with age.. a slow developer
5) R F. Llamas - Youngster who debuted with a 4.15 ERA last season after callup

Mopup/Middle Relievers
1) R F. Mejias - 3.5 star guy who comes thru in the clutch. An innings eater too
2) L D. Griffin - Young token lefty for mopup situations, nothing special but has performed well

Setup Reliever
1) L L. Gutierrez - Baltimore's 5.0 setup lefty for years to come
2) R F. Cornett - 4.5 star setup guy and innings eater

Closer
1) R L. Eckard - 5 star closer after he just could not get enough endurance to be a starter coming back after a great debut in 2022 as a closer

The new and improved lineup that will be the difference in this year's Orioles.

LINEUP VS RHP+DH
1) L P. Sugg CF - Baltimore's little 2 star engine that could. 7th round pick that had a surprise explosion in ratings to become a .300 hitter and 20+ base stealer.
2) R H. Huebner 3B - Ever improving 4.5 P-star youngster who should be still improving even after batting .328 last year
3) R A. Bermejo C - 1 of 2 major FA acquisitions Baltimore is proud of. The next Justin Huber for the O's??? BAL likes 5 star catcher spects with contact AND power.
4) R P. Cash DH - The 2nd of the 2 major FA signings as a 3.5 star 3B. Will play DH against righties but hopefully can learn a corner OF position. Adds much needed power to this lineup that was horrid in HR's last year
5) R A. Ocasio 1B - Long time 3 star C for BAL now plays both 1B and C with Bermejo. Maybe with lineup support he finally produces like he should.
6) S N. Whitmore 2B - Another late round draft pick who really blossomed into a 2 star ML starter who has a .300+ career BA so far.
7) R B. Raynor LF - 3rd of the FA signings to fill out an OF that was very thin. This 2.5 star guy entering his prime should be a good contributor and perfect fit for the 7 hole in the lineup.
8) S W. Salazar RF - Last year's OF acquisition returns to hopefully repeat his .315+ BA performance. Hopefully improves ratings to talent levels to improve on his 1.5 star rating.
9) R Z. Williams SS - Young 3.5 P-star SS who needs to finish his improvement while playing as the every day SS

LINEUP VS LHP+DH
1) R C. Mooreman DH - The 5 P-star lefty smasher brings 10 power, great eye, and base stealing to the top of the lineup against lefties. Hopefully only gets better with progression. Plays every IF position.
2) R H. Huebner 3B
3) R A. Bermejo 1B
4) R P. Cash RF
5) R A. Ocasio C
6) S N. Whitmore 2B
7) R B. Raynor LF
8) R Z. Williams SS
9) L P. Sugg CF

Bench
C Charles Bunyard - 8 contact backup
SS/2B/3B Benjamin Hansley
2B/3B/CF Angel Pedraza - Improving to possibly be a starter in the future
CF/LF/RF Tad Botella
CF/LF/RF Wilton Leon


With returning a pitching staff that was tops in the league and that is still young and improving an anemic offense with huge power signings, Baltimore has hopes of possibly being on the return to glory after a few seasons of attempting to rebuild.

[Saber]

Top pitching staff in the league?

[DiamondDave]

Last year it was 1st in ERA and Runs scored against... believe it or not

[Saber]

I don't believe it, and in fact I call you a liar and defrauder, sir.

*glove slap*

[DiamondDave]

Nope... honest to God truth man... with Florida 2nd, if I am not mistaken.....

http://www.strike3forums.com/forums/...tml#post312076
http://www.strike3forums.com/forums/...tml#post312378