Out of Options

The Orioles have three pitchers in camp that might or might not make the squad but the more important part about those three pitchers is the fact they are all out of options. The pitchers i'm talking about are Hayden Penn, David Pauley, and Brian Bass. There are also several more players that are out of options but will surely be on the team this season and those players are Jeremy Guthrie(Locked into the rotation), Dennis Sarfate( definatly will be in the pen this season), Felix Pie(will get significant playing time and should be in the majors unless he fails to hit).

Now players that are out of options that probably won't make the team are utility man Donnie Murphy and infielder Scott Moore. Both players are hurt by the surplus of players that the Orioles have that makes playing time scarce for guys like Luke Scott and several others that will have to play at a high level to even get any playing time. The thing that seperates this years Orioles from those of years prior is that they actually have legitimate competition for playing time from players that are major league caliber and that is something that has not been seen here in a while.

The Orioles also have a few players who will be out of options next season and force the front office to make even more tough decisions. Brad Hennessey, Alfredo Simon, Brian Burres, and Matt Albers. Who nows all four of those players could end up makeing the squad this year less complicating things for next year, but probably 2-3 of those players will start the year at Tripple-A Norfolk.

All of the three players I mentioned at the begining they all could make the team. David Pauley, who was acquired in a trade for Randor Bierd, could be one of the three to crack the last two starting rotation spots and/or the long man spot in the bullpen. Here is the scouting report on Pauley " he mixes a very good sinker with a low 90s fastball with good movement, a good changeup, and a nice curveball. Has 5th starter potential at the MLB level. Pauley has demonstrated solid success against AAA competition for extended periods of time, but has yet to impress much at the big league level, although he hasn't been given much of an opportunity. Needs to improve his control somewhat. Gives up a lot of home runs. Good fielder with a strong pick-off move."

Hayden Penn who was once considered one of the top prospects has fallen well of the radar, but he could make a comeback this season. he would of had several oputunities last season but he got injured every time the O's wanted to call him up. Brian Bass has the most ML playing time out of the three and could be a decent reliever this season.