I could attempt to cheat and wait until I get to spring training, watch a few workouts and talk to the manager before choosing my dark horse for 2011. Or I could do the honorable thing and make my decision today, without benefit of bullpen sessions and batting practice, without the opinions of the people who will construct the 25-man roster, without first having my palm read.
As if it matters.
I selected pitcher Brad Hennessey before arriving in Fort Lauderdale, blinked and missed his entire
Orioles career. I chose
Kam Mickolio last spring after manager Dave Trembley sat in his office and heaped enough praise on the reliever to cover the entire Mickolio family.
I can be wrong using a variety of strategies.
I'm posting the camp roster again, and I'm tagging pitcher
Justin Duchscherer and designated hitter
Vladimir Guerrero at the bottom. Duchscherer hadn't passed his physical when I ran the list last week. Guerrero still hasn't taken his physical, but I'm assuming that it goes off without a hitch.
1
Roberts, Brian INF
2
Hardy, J.J. INF
3
Izturis, Cesar INF
6
Green, Nick INF
9
Fox, Jake CA
10
Jones, Adam OF
11
Andino, Robert INF
12
Reynolds, Mark INF
14
Reimold, Nolan OF
15
Tatum, Craig CA
17
Matusz, Brian LHP
18
Pie, Felix OF
19
Uehara, Koji RHP
21
Markakis, Nick OF
24
Tillman, Chris RHP
25
Lee, Derrek INF
28
Harris, Brendan INF
29
Snyder, Brandon INF
30
Scott, Luke OF
32
Wieters, Matt CA
34
Arrieta, Jake RHP
35
Bergesen, Brad RHP
37
Bell, Josh INF
38
Angle, Matt OF
40
Patton, Troy LHP
43
Johnson, Jim RHP
45
Drese, Ryan RHP
46
Guthrie, Jeremy RHP
47
Viola, Pedro LHP
49
Berken, Jason RHP
50
Accardo, Jeremy RHP
51
Gonzalez, Michael LHP
53
Britton, Zach LHP
54
VandenHurk, Rick RHP
55
Simon, Alfredo RHP
57
Rapada, Clay LHP
58
Mahoney, Joe INF
59
Rupe, Josh RHP
60
Erbe, Brandon RHP
61
Gabino, Armando RHP
62
Spoone, Chorye RHP
63
Gregg, Kevin RHP
64
Lebron, Luis RHP
65
Rivero, Raul RHP
66
Pelzer, Wynn RHP
68
Rosario, Adrian RHP
69
Florimon, Pedro INF
70
Atkins, Mitch RHP
71
Hernandez, Michel CA
72
Adams, Ryan INF
74
Henson, Tyler OF
79
Donachie, Adam CA
Hendrickson, Mark LHP
Winn, Randy OF
Riske, David RHP
Duchscherer, Justin RHP
Guerrero, Vladimir DH
Many of you already made your predictions. I've seen Andino's name come up. The Sun's Jeff Zrebiec suggests that we keep an eye on non-roster pitcher Drese, a 14-game winner with the
Rangers in 2004 under manager Buck Showalter.
A few injuries and a shocking demotion or two might have to occur for Drese to make the rotation, but I like how Zrebiec stepped up to the challenge. And he didn't wait until after his flight landed and his bags were unpacked.
Not only do I still need to pack my bags, I've still got to do laundry. I'm making my selection right now, and I'm going with Riske.
Yes, it's a Riske pick. I get it.
Riske was once good enough to receive a three-year contract from the
Brewers, who released him in August. He's posted a 3.67 ERA in 462 major league games. And I can't come up with anyone else.
At first glance, the bullpen appears to be set with Gregg, Uehara, Johnson, Gonzalez, Accardo, Berken and Hendrickson (or another lefty such as Rapada or Viola). But there could be an injury, or Riske could beat out Accardo.
The Orioles signed Riske late, most likely making him their final roster addition before pitchers and catchers report on Sunday. They also were interested in reliever
Elmer Dressens, according to Fernando Ballesteros at Puro BeÃÂÂsbol, before reaching agreement with Riske.
My guess is they'll be very happy with their choice.