Orioles Announce 2014 ALCS Roster
The Baltimore Orioles have announced their roster for the 2014 American League Championship Series against the Kansas City Royals. Manager Buck Showalter had 25 spots to fill and there might be a few surprises once again.
The Orioles signed LHP Ubaldo Jimenez to a big money contract in the off-season to help the clubhouse make it to the Postseason but he faltered in a number of starts and now he didn't make the short list. Instead, LHP Brian Matusz has been added as a reliever. The Kansas City ball club isn't as good at hitting lefties as the Detroit Tigers were this season, which is why Matusz was left out of the ALDS roster.
Once again, the Orioles have the use of two catchers, Nick Hundley and Caleb Joseph. Joseph's ability to throw out potential base-stealers may be a crucial part of the series.
Chris Tillman has been announced as the starter for Game 1, pitching to C Nick Hundley. Miguel Gonzalez, Wei-Yin Chen, Bud Norris and Kevin Gausman are the other starters on the list, but don't expect Gausman to get any starts. He will most likely be used as a long reliever, much like he did when he came in to replace Miguel Gonzalez in Game 2 of the ALDS. The Orioles left long reliever T.J. McFarland off the roster once again. The 7, 8 and 9 guys, Miller, O'Day and Britton were no surprise to make the list. They are accompanied by RHPs Tommy Hunter and Brad Brach as well. Hunter closed out Game 1 of the ALDS at Camden Yards after the Orioles took a big lead in the bottom of the 8th inning, eliminating the save opportunity for Britton.
Expect slugger, Nelson Cruz to fill the Designated Hitter role with Alejandro De Aza being a better defensive option in left field. Delmon Young may be called upon to pinch hit situationally, then fill in left field. Adam Jones and Nick Markakis will field their normal positions in Center and Right. Steve Pearce will be at 1B, Jonathan Schoop at 2B, Hardy at SS, and most likely Ryan Flaherty at 3B. Jimmy Paredes and Kelly Johnson can also fill in at 3rd.
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