Spring Training Report
March 22, 2003
Latest Team News
David Segui has been sidelined with a broken thumb and will likely start the season on the DL. BJ Surhoff, who was signed by the O's in mid-February, will split time at DH/LF with Marty Cordova. Omar Daal is suffering from a sore pitching shoulder but should be ready to make his scheduled start on April 2. Sidney Ponson has stuggled this spring, giving up 11 runs in his last 10 innings. Ponson was diagnosed with a partially torn labrum last season, however, the Orioles insist that Ponson is healthy. Orioles manager, Mike Hargrove, claims that Ponson has only had a couple of bad outings and his performance has nothing to do with his health. I would keep an eye on this situation because the Orioles have a history of downplaying players' "non-injuries".
Projected Lineup
1. Jerry Hairston Jr., 2B
2. Gary Mathews Jr. , CF
3. BJ Surhoff/Marty Cordova, DH
4. Tony Batista, 3B
5. Jay Gibbons, RF
6. Jeff Conine, 1B
7. BJ Surhoff/Marty Cordova, LF
8. Geronimo Gil, C
9. Deivi Cruz, SS
The Orioles plan to work Melvin Mora into the lineup 3 to 4 times a week. He will see playing time at SS and in the OF. Jay Gibbons claims to be pain-free and ready for the season. He had 15 home runs over half a season in 2001 and 28 home runs last year despite having two leftover sutures pressing against a nerve in his right wrist. The Orioles are counting on him to be ready and if he is 30-35 HR’s isn’t out of reach. If the Orioles fail to add some power to their lineup they may be forced to run more. CF Gary Matthews Jr. could swipe 25+ bases this year.
Projected rotation:
1. Rodrigo Lopez
2. Omar Daal
3. Sidney Ponson
4. Jason Johnson
5. Rick Helling
Pat Hentgen is coming back from reconstructive elbow surgery that he had in Aug 2001. In his 4 starts last season, he went 0-4 with a whopping 7.77 ERA. He has been horrid this spring and probably has blown his chance in joining the rotation. Sean Douglass and John Stevens will start the season at AAA but are ready to step up if needed.
Impact Injuries
David Segui (DH), broken thumb, should return to lineup by the end of April.
Scott Erickson (SP), surgery performed, will miss entire 2003 season.
Draftable Orioles?
Jerry Hairston (2B), Solid pick, has the speed to swipes 30+.
Gary Matthews Jr. (OF), Has the potential to hit 15-20 HR with 25+ SB.
Jay Gibbons (OF), If his injuries are behind him he could blast 30-35 HR.
Tony Batista (3B), His BA will drag you down but he will hit 30-35 HR.
Jeff Conine (1B) He's not getting any younger and he's injury prone...expect more of the same.
Rodrigo Lopez (SP), Great stuff but can the O's give him the offense he needs to win?
Jorge Julio (RP), Expect 25-30 saves.
David Segui (DH), If your league counts injuries...He's your man.
Check out the Orioles Minor League player profiles here
