Orioles Spring Training Autographs- Extras For Trade

Many of the Orioles players were kind enough to sign multiple cards for me during my trip to Spring Training and some of the extras are available for trade. Let me know if anyone out there is interested in these bad boys. I'd be happy to swing a deal to help other O's collectors with their collections. 

Spring Training Autographs- The Likely Orioles

Up today are some more of the autographs I got on my Spring Training trip. This group of players have not yet played for the Orioles but I anticipate their doing so at some point this season. I'll start with the players who I feel are most likely to make the team and work my way down. 

I heard stories that Tsuyoshi was a tough signer, but he seemed pretty nice when I asked him to sign. The O's inked him from Japan to a two year deal, so he seems like a near lock to play in Baltimore this summer

Betemit also signed a two year deal, so he's very likely to play for the O's as well. In fact, I predicted that he would be the first player to debut as an Oriole this season. 

Lindstrom has been having a nice Spring, and I think he will be one of the main power arms out of the 'pen this year. (In person, I would say that Lindstrom doesn't look much like a baseball player)

Endy's been having a nice Spring and is pretty much a lock to break camp as the fourth outfielder. 

I would have Luis a little higher, except he's been having some mild allergy problems in Florida. I doubt that it changes the likelihood he makes the team, but it could.

 Ryan Flaherty is likely to spend the entire season as the team's utility infielder, and has a clear leg up on the other guys competing for that position due to his Rule 5 pick status, but he's not guaranteed anything at this point.

If Nick stays healthy, I'm pretty sure he will be heading north to Baltimore, but that's a pretty large if, considering his lengthy injury history. 

Pat's been having a nice Spring so far, and I'm certainly pulling for him on personal level, since he's the rare active player who is a card collector too. And look at that awesome signature, with the sweet seams in the P. That's great stuff.  

Who Will Be the First Player To Make Their Orioles Debut in 2012?

One thing that we all know is that some players will make their Orioles debut during the 2012 season, but what he don't know is who will be the first. My assumption, which generally has been proven true in past seasons, is that multiple players will make their Orioles debut on Opening Day. And if multiple players debut in the same half inning, I use the position numbering system (pitcher- 1 through right fielder-9) to break any ties.

I don't believe that the Opening Day starter will be Wei-Yin Chen, Dana Eveland, Jason Hammel, or Tsuyoshi Wada, although Chen and Hammel are remote possibilities.

I'm confident that Matt Wieters will be behind the plate on Opening Day, but, God forbid, he tweaks something in Spring Training, Taylor Teagarden is the most likely guy to fill-in as the backstop.

Looking around the infield, Wilson Betemit is a lock to get regular playing time, but his position is up in the air; he could play first or third, DH, or pop up somewhere else on the field. He's definitely on the O.D. roster though.

Nick Johnson is a wild card, but will likely make the team if healthy. Ryan Flaherty and Matt Antonelli seem to be in direct competition with one another for the utility infield spot, with Flaherty having the edge since he's a Rule 5 guy that would have to be returned to the Cubs if he drops off the 25 man roster. Even if either of them make the team, it seems unlikely they would start on Opening Day. 

My money is on Endy Chavez to be the fourth outfielder, and I think that's a safe bet, but again, it's unlikely he would start the first game of the year. Jai Miller and Steve Tolleson are in the discussion too, but likely only can make the team if someone gets hurt.

If no position players make their debut on Opening Day, which is a possibility, then a relief pitcher very well could be the first O's debut of the season. I have no idea how Buck will use the guys out of the 'pen this year but I know that Luis Ayala and Matt Lindstrom are both near locks to make the team. Darren O'Day, Pat Neshek, and Armando Galarraga are also posibilities to break camp with the Birds.

 

 My guess is that Wilson Betemit is the first new player to debut for the Orioles at Camden Yards on April 6. Think I'm wrong? Who do you think will become Oriole #911?