The Baltimore Orioles

2012 Orioles

The Orioles waited until the end of the off season to make their moves. Earlier in the off season they did sign closer Grant Balfour, but the deal was voided after the Orioles did not like something that came up on his physical. Big additions Ubaldo Jimenez and Nelson Cruz will make their presence
heard in 2014.

The lineup for the Orioles will be centered around two important players; Chris Davis and Adam Jones. Manny Machado and Nick Markakis are likely to anchor the top of the lineup for the Orioles. Here is how the entire lineup should look in 2014.

1. R. Manny Machado 3B 99 OPS+
2. L. Nick Markakis RF 86 OPS+
3. R. Adam Jones CF 115 OPS+
4. L. Chris Davis 1B 165 OPS+
5. R. Nelson Cruz DH 123 OPS+
6. S. Matt Weiters C 88 OPS+
7. R. JJ Hardy SS 97 OPS+
8. L. David Lough LF 96 OPS+
9. S. Jemile Weeks  73 OPS+ in 2012

Adam Jones

The rotation for the Orioles will take a mighty boost with the addition of pitcher Ubaldo Jimenez. Jimenez will find much success in 2014, although joining the AL East. He is a ground ball pitcher and had a very strong finish to the 2013 season. Here is how the rotation for the Orioles may look in 2014.

1. R. Ubaldo Jimenez 114 ERA+
2. R, Bud Norris  88 ERA+
3. R. Dylan Bundy no data available
4. L. Wei- Yin Chen 103 ERA+
5. R. Miguel Gonzalez 111 OPS+

The bullpen is currently weak for the Orioles, but the closer situation is up in the air. Tommy Hunter is currently the favorite for the closer position, with Darren O'day and possibly Bud Norris in second. The Orioles also signed South Korean pitcher Suk Min Yoon. The Orioles appear to be in a good position for the 2014 season.