Veteran outfielder Michael Bourn seems fairly likely to make the Orioles’ Opening Day roster, Dan Connolly of BaltimoreBaseball.com writes. His chief attributes — speed and defense — are areas where the club is lacking, and Bourn could conceivably not only lead off against righties, but also spell Adam Jones in center from time to time. Of course, his presence makes it less likely both that last year’s Rule 5 pick, Joey Rickard, makes the MLB roster and that the team is able to keep this year’s Rule 5ers (outfielders Aneury Tavarez and Anthony Santander).
Here’s more from the game’s eastern divisions:
- The Phillies seem inclined to hand the ball to righty Jeremy Hellickson when they start play this season, as Matt Gelb of the Philadelphia Inquirer writes. “He’s probably got the best chance to be our Opening Day starter,” said manager Pete Mackanin. Hellickson, who took the organization’s $17.2MM qualifying offer rather than testing the open market, will be aiming to replicate a solid 2016 season and then test free agency without being saddled with draft compensation. (Under the new CBA, he won’t be eligible to receive a second qualifying offer.)
- Another player who steered clear of the open market, Marlins third baseman Martin Prado, discussed his decision to take an extension last fall. As Tim Healey of the Sun-Sentinel reports, Prado wasn’t sure he wanted to consider a new deal with just a few weeks left in the season. But the terms (three years and $40MM) were favorable enough for him to consider it, and he says he ended up preferring to stay in place after bouncing around a fair bit in prior seasons. As Healey writes, Prado had reasons both personal and professional for remaining in Miami. “I know I could probably get more money somewhere else if I go to a different team,” said Prado, “but I truly believe in this group of guys. They have fun. They play hard. I feel comfortable.”
- Meanwhile, Marlins lefty Jeff Locke is dealing with biceps tendinitis, as Healey further reports in the above-linked post. A few days’ rest is all that’s required at present, with Locke calling the brief shut-down a matter of taking a precaution early in camp. The southpaw struggled to a cumulative 4.90 ERA over the past two seasons, allowing the Marlins to grab him for $3.025MM on a one-year deal. While it seems reasonable to hope that the ailment won’t limit Locke, he already faces something of an uphill battle to win a rotation spot; Jason Martinez of MLBTR and RosterResource.com currently projects Locke to end up in the Miami pen to start the year.
jeremey hellickson is a smart man for jumping all over that Q.O. while he could. the phillies, however, not so smart for offering a 4th or 5th starter $17 MM
Phillies had less than 100 million payroll at the time and for a club that can support 150+ million there was no reason to not take a shot. The beauty of the qualifying offer for big market clubs is they can take the shot on fringe players and not worry all that much if it backfires.
It was no guarantee Hellickson would take it. He is represented by Boras Corporation in the weakest free agent pitching market in recent memory. I highly doubt that there wasn’t solid consideration by Hellickson and Boras to not roll the dice on the open market.
Lyle gets it
Bingo
Hellickson is the #1 on the Phillies
A healthy Nola is the best thing they got
Incorrect, a healthy Velasquez is the best thing they got. That guy is un-hittable when he is on. Nola has never thrown a complete game shut out with 16 K’s before.
Velasquez is gonna burn out by August
Phillies have cash to burn — good decision on Hellickson
Another very intelligent depth move by the Orioles. As much as they are chastised for their lack of farm system talent, they do a terrific job of stockpiling their organization to withstand all the ups and downs of a major league season.
And while Bourn may well win the roster spot, the team is in a nice position with a surplus of candidates and thus competition in Camp this spring. If the teams goal was to secure corner outfield help (especially on the defensive end) this off-season then they have put themselves in a nice position to succeed.
Meh. Bourn can’t play RF because of his arm
In LF Kim bats LH, Bourn bats LH
That’s not a platoon
So, how does Bourn fit in, the O’s should have signed Crisp
DD needs help, he is a hoarder.
I hate when people say “meh”.
Neeh ! Neeh! We are the Knights of Neeh ! Bring us a…shrubbery !!!
I don’t think Prado had a better offer than 40M. he lying through his teeth.
He was never a free agent. All he said was he probably could get more money if he went somewhere else.
I am not surprised that he resigned with Miami, especially after the tragedy. He knew that he was one of the leaders in the clubhouse and didn’t want to leave it after that happened. I don’t think anyone would
The O’s roster is divinely inspired.
It is truly Bourn Again.
Can always rely on you for my morning pun 😀