Lucky 13?

Roch Kubatko wrote this afternoon about the possibility of Buck Showalter opening the season with 13 pitchers and a three-man bench. This is an interesting idea, but it stems from a different problem than the one that plagued the Orioles through much of their 14-year losing streak. During “the Dark Days,” carrying 13 pitchers meant that the rotation was so weak that the bullpen was taxed beyond the ability of seven guys to hold the team together. In short, the 13-man pitching staff was a short-term desperation move. One that signaled another lost summer at Camden Yards.

This year is a bit different.

This year, bringing 13 pitchers to Baltimore speaks to a plethora of talent. Showalter may simply have too many arms that are worthy of making the club who don’t have options. Josh Stinson and Zach Britton are examples of guys who may force their way on to the team, whereas in past years, their options would work against them. This is what I believe they are referring to when they say “deep depth.”

Still, this is not the most elegant solution to the too much pitching “problem.” Certainly not if Buck is going to make good on his promise to do a better job resting his starters this year. A three-man bench doesn’t make for much lineup flexibility. the three-man scenario means taking a backup catcher, a fourth outfielder, and a utility infielder. It also means utilizing Ryan Flaherty as both a starter and a backup for Chris Davis at first base.

So what to do? The most obvious answer is to make a trade early in the season. Zach Britton is a prime candidate. He’s out of options, he is probably ill-suited for the bullpen, and he will not pass through waivers. The Orioles will try to hold on to Britton (and all their non-optionable pitchers) for as long as possible – even if it is only to establish a limited trade market for him. Then there’s the wildcard: Dan Duquette and Buck Showalter have shown some serious skill in managing the 40-man roster. It’s possible that they’ll pull another rabbit out of their hat and keep everyone – making them available when they’re truly needed, down the stretch.

In the meantime fans can consider themselves lucky that they can enjoy a spring full of real, meaningful position battles.

Is it Opening Day yet?