Apply Within: Postions That Need To Be Filled
As much of an Orioles fan that I am, I cannot overlook a few areas that need improvement in 2013. In some cases, just practice and more game time would help; in other situations, some guys need to be demoted.
One of the most obvious positions that needs to be filled is second base. Ryan Flaherty has to go. He is batting with a .071 average, with only 2 hits this season- almost a sure out every time he gets up to the plate. And it isn’t like he is a rookie. Last season he batted .216 in 153 at bats, with 33 hits and 43 strikeouts. That’s right, 43 strikeouts. He might be a decent fielder, but he is not good enough defensively to make up for his poor performance at the plate. That leaves the Orioles with Alexi Casilla, who hasn’t lit the world on fire with his batting average in the past (.241 with the Twins in 2012), but already has 3 hits in his 11 at bats in 2013. Might as well give him a chance to play!
And then we get to the designated hitter. This season, the DH for the O’s is only 3-43 with 1 RBI. Not much power coming from a player whose only job is to hit. At this point, I am not sure a utility player or bench player is the way to go. We need real power in the lineup and Steve Pearce and Nolan Reimold are not getting the job done. I would like to see us trade for a decent hitter or bring up someone from the Minor Leagues.
As far as the pitching goes, the biggest liability I see is Pedro Strop, the poor guy. So far this season, he looks shaky and gets rattled so easily. I do think the Orioles should give him a few more chances, and he has proven in the past to be a dominant pitcher, but he needs to build up confidence. Continue to bring him in the games in which the Orioles have built up a nice lead (four or more runs). Once he gets back on track, he has the potential to be an amazing reliever this season.
Just so I am not considered a Debbie Downer or Negative Nancy, my next post will be about the bright spots on the 2013 team and what we have to look forward to as the Orioles battle for a playoff spot!
Magic At The Yard 
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