The primetime beating of a dead horse that was Super Bowl XLVIII is now behind us, which means that the football world has entered the post-championship, pre-draft dead zone. During this stretch, fans desperate for news will anxiously discuss a number of topics, including 40-yard dash times of third-string wide receivers from schools you’ve never heard of (“This kid out of Middle Appalachian State can run faster than expected for someone with only four toes!”) , the finer points of the salary cap (“We may be able to sign Jimmy Graham if we can convince him to take his salary in Monopoly game pieces from McDonald’s!”), and which team will give Tim Tebow a shot this offseason (“The Browns!”).

Are we going to get into that mind-numbing level of discourse on this blog? Of course we are! But we won’t go there quite yet, not with Spring Training right around the corner! Pitchers and catchers report for the Orioles on February 13th, and the rest of the team follows five days later. Over the next few posts, I’m going to break down the current Spring Training roster for the birds and make some projections on who will be on the team when the Red Sox come to town on March 31st.

Infielders

Chris Davis – “Crush” got noticed last season because of his home run power, and he was rewarded with a nice salary bump in 2014. But we all knew he had the potential to hit. The nice surprise in 2013 was the way he handled first base. There were concerns going into the year that he’d struggle fielding his position, but he responded with a season that earned him a Gold Glove nomination. The second-runner-up for league MVP is fully expected to be a contributor in both areas again this year.

– “Crush” got noticed last season because of his home run power, and he was rewarded with a nice salary bump in 2014. But we all knew he had the potential to hit. The nice surprise in 2013 was the way he handled first base. There were concerns going into the year that he’d struggle fielding his position, but he responded with a season that earned him a Gold Glove nomination. The second-runner-up for league MVP is fully expected to be a contributor in both areas again this year. Ryan Flaherty – The former Rule 5 draft pick is the frontrunner to replace Brian Roberts at second base this season. He got off to a slow start at the plate last year, but brought up his average and OBP during the last two months of the season. Flaherty has a good glove, but he needs to continue his improvement at the plate if he wants the Orioles to consider him as the heir apparent to Roberts.

– The former Rule 5 draft pick is the frontrunner to replace Brian Roberts at second base this season. He got off to a slow start at the plate last year, but brought up his average and OBP during the last two months of the season. Flaherty has a good glove, but he needs to continue his improvement at the plate if he wants the Orioles to consider him as the heir apparent to Roberts. J.J. Hardy – Last season, Hardy was the anchor for a fantastic Orioles defense. He was rewarded with his second straight Gold Glove award, and there has been recent buzz about an extension. Hardy reeled off 27 doubles and 25 homers in 2013 and will reliably hit around .260 year after year.

– Last season, Hardy was the anchor for a fantastic Orioles defense. He was rewarded with his second straight Gold Glove award, and there has been recent buzz about an extension. Hardy reeled off 27 doubles and 25 homers in 2013 and will reliably hit around .260 year after year. Manny Machado – The face (or at least ears) of the franchise will have to overcome offseason surgery in order to top his All-Star 2013 season. Machado’s first full year in the league was a huge success, as he wowed spectators at the plate and on the field. He drilled 51 doubles in 2013 and earned the first of what will likely be many Gold Glove awards. Assuming his knee is 100%, there’s no reason to think Machado won’t have a huge impact on the team this season.

– The face (or at least ears) of the franchise will have to overcome offseason surgery in order to top his All-Star 2013 season. Machado’s first full year in the league was a huge success, as he wowed spectators at the plate and on the field. He drilled 51 doubles in 2013 and earned the first of what will likely be many Gold Glove awards. Assuming his knee is 100%, there’s no reason to think Machado won’t have a huge impact on the team this season. Jonathan Schoop – The young infielder from Curacao made his debut for the Orioles last September and looked impressive in limited action. He hit .286 over 14 at-bats, including a home run. The former Orioles Minor League Player of the Year may start the year in Triple-A, as the O’s will want him to get regular at-bats. But don’t be surprised to see him with the big league club, perhaps as a mid-season call up like Machado in 2011.

– The young infielder from Curacao made his debut for the Orioles last September and looked impressive in limited action. He hit .286 over 14 at-bats, including a home run. The former Orioles Minor League Player of the Year may start the year in Triple-A, as the O’s will want him to get regular at-bats. But don’t be surprised to see him with the big league club, perhaps as a mid-season call up like Machado in 2011. Jemile Weeks – The Orioles acquired Weeks as part of the deal that sent Jim Johnson to Oakland. The young second baseman will likely be Flaherty’s primary competition at second base. Weeks blasted onto the scene in June of 2011, winning the AL Rookie of the Month. He was erratic in 2012, hitting .220 in the majors before being sent to Triple-A. He has a ton of speed, with 38 career steals, 41 career doubles, and 16 career triples. The O’s are hoping that a new environment will provide some spark to his bat. Weeks has a good shot at the utility infielder spot when the birds break camp next month.

– The Orioles acquired Weeks as part of the deal that sent Jim Johnson to Oakland. The young second baseman will likely be Flaherty’s primary competition at second base. Weeks blasted onto the scene in June of 2011, winning the AL Rookie of the Month. He was erratic in 2012, hitting .220 in the majors before being sent to Triple-A. He has a ton of speed, with 38 career steals, 41 career doubles, and 16 career triples. The O’s are hoping that a new environment will provide some spark to his bat. Weeks has a good shot at the utility infielder spot when the birds break camp next month. Michael Almanzar – The Orioles selected Almanzar from the Boston Red Sox during the 2013 Rule 5 Draft. The 23-year old from the Dominican Republic predominantly plays third base and spent 2013 at Double-A Portland, where he hit .268 with 29 doubles, 16 home runs, and 81 RBIs. The Orioles have found a way to hang onto their last two Rule 5 picks (Flaherty and T.J. McFarland) by keeping them on the 25-man roster all season. It’ll be interesting to see if they can find a spot for Almanzar or if he’ll have to be offered back to Boston.

– The Orioles selected Almanzar from the Boston Red Sox during the 2013 Rule 5 Draft. The 23-year old from the Dominican Republic predominantly plays third base and spent 2013 at Double-A Portland, where he hit .268 with 29 doubles, 16 home runs, and 81 RBIs. The Orioles have found a way to hang onto their last two Rule 5 picks (Flaherty and T.J. McFarland) by keeping them on the 25-man roster all season. It’ll be interesting to see if they can find a spot for Almanzar or if he’ll have to be offered back to Boston. Alexi Casilla – Casilla’s $3 million option was declined by the Orioles at the end of the 2013 season, making him a free agent. The Orioles have invited him to Spring Training as a non-roster attendee, and he could potentially earn back the utility infielder spot he held last year. That being said, Casilla’s playing time dropped dramatically after Roberts returned from injury, with Flaherty being the primary back-up. With the O’s clearly preferring Flaherty to Casilla, Alexi will have to outperform Weeks and possibly Schoop if he wants to return to Camden Yards in 2014.

Outfielders

Adam Jones – The captain of the Baltimore Orioles is coming off a season that saw him earn an All-Star berth, a Gold Glove, and his first Silver Slugger. He set career highs for batting average (.285), home runs (33), and RBIs (108), though he struggled with drawing walks. Jones has been the most valuable asset for the Orioles over the past several years, and he’ll have to perform at a high level if the birds are going to return to the postseason.

– The captain of the Baltimore Orioles is coming off a season that saw him earn an All-Star berth, a Gold Glove, and his first Silver Slugger. He set career highs for batting average (.285), home runs (33), and RBIs (108), though he struggled with drawing walks. Jones has been the most valuable asset for the Orioles over the past several years, and he’ll have to perform at a high level if the birds are going to return to the postseason. Nick Markakis – If I had to name one “x-factor” for the Orioles in 2013, it would have to be Markakis. After a very strong 2012 campaign, Markakis wasn’t his usual self in 2013. His .271 batting average was a career low, and he also had career worst marks for home runs (10) and doubles (24), as well as his second-worst mark for RBIs (59). If Markakis can get back into his 2012 form this season, he can join Jones, Davis, and Hardy in the heart of a lineup that can instill real fear into opponents. If he struggles again, it’ll be that much harder for the Orioles to return to October baseball.

– If I had to name one “x-factor” for the Orioles in 2013, it would have to be Markakis. After a very strong 2012 campaign, Markakis wasn’t his usual self in 2013. His .271 batting average was a career low, and he also had career worst marks for home runs (10) and doubles (24), as well as his second-worst mark for RBIs (59). If Markakis can get back into his 2012 form this season, he can join Jones, Davis, and Hardy in the heart of a lineup that can instill real fear into opponents. If he struggles again, it’ll be that much harder for the Orioles to return to October baseball. David Lough – The Orioles acquired Lough from Kansas City during the offseason, and he figures to be the replacement for Nate McLouth in left field. Like McLouth, Lough is a lefty with plenty of speed and above-average skill in the field. He hit .286 with the Royals last year, and he can play all three outfield positions. Lough finished 8 th in the American League Rookie of the Year balloting in 2013.

– The Orioles acquired Lough from Kansas City during the offseason, and he figures to be the replacement for Nate McLouth in left field. Like McLouth, Lough is a lefty with plenty of speed and above-average skill in the field. He hit .286 with the Royals last year, and he can play all three outfield positions. Lough finished 8 in the American League Rookie of the Year balloting in 2013. Henry Urrutia – Urrutia made his debut with the Orioles in 2013 and was solid in limited appearances. He hit .276 overall but .294 against righties, and his average in the minors last year was .347 between Double-A Bowie and Triple-A Norfolk. The knock on Urrutia is his defense, which will likely keep him from usurping Lough as the everyday left fielder with the club. He’ll likely make the roster as a designated hitter/reserve outfielder and should see plenty of playing time this season when the O’s face right-handed pitching.

– Urrutia made his debut with the Orioles in 2013 and was solid in limited appearances. He hit .276 overall but .294 against righties, and his average in the minors last year was .347 between Double-A Bowie and Triple-A Norfolk. The knock on Urrutia is his defense, which will likely keep him from usurping Lough as the everyday left fielder with the club. He’ll likely make the roster as a designated hitter/reserve outfielder and should see plenty of playing time this season when the O’s face right-handed pitching. Delmon Young – The Orioles signed Young as a free agent in January, and it will be interesting to see the role he plays. He has proven that he can be a major player on a competitive team, winning the World Series with the Tigers in 2012 and being named that year’s ALCS MVP. Since then, he has had legal troubles that have marred his reputation and hurt his chances at a long-term deal. He underwhelmed in 2013, hitting a career-low .260 with both the Phillies and the Rays and only driving in 38 runs. The Orioles are hoping he can revert to his 2012 form, where the career .282 hitter drove in 74 runs and knocked 27 doubles.

– The Orioles signed Young as a free agent in January, and it will be interesting to see the role he plays. He has proven that he can be a major player on a competitive team, winning the World Series with the Tigers in 2012 and being named that year’s ALCS MVP. Since then, he has had legal troubles that have marred his reputation and hurt his chances at a long-term deal. He underwhelmed in 2013, hitting a career-low .260 with both the Phillies and the Rays and only driving in 38 runs. The Orioles are hoping he can revert to his 2012 form, where the career .282 hitter drove in 74 runs and knocked 27 doubles. Nolan Reimold – It feels like this is the fifth straight “make or break” year for Reimold, who can’t seem to stop breaking body parts. Reimold has gone through season-ending neck surgery each of the last two years, which has severely limited his ability to establish himself. He’s a solid fielder and has shown that he can hit when he’s healthy. The question is if his body can hold up for 162 games. If it can, he’ll be a very solid contributor in the outfield and as an occasional DH. That is, however, a very big “if” at this point.

– It feels like this is the fifth straight “make or break” year for Reimold, who can’t seem to stop breaking body parts. Reimold has gone through season-ending neck surgery each of the last two years, which has severely limited his ability to establish himself. He’s a solid fielder and has shown that he can hit when he’s healthy. The question is if his body can hold up for 162 games. If it can, he’ll be a very solid contributor in the outfield and as an occasional DH. That is, however, a very big “if” at this point. Steve Pearce – Pearce has been on and off the roster for much of the last two years and has been solid in the utility role. He’s not an everyday player by any stretch, and he’ll need to earn a spot in Spring Training. Even if he doesn’t make the roster when camp breaks, it’s not unlikely that he’ll pop up as a replacement at some point this season.

– Pearce has been on and off the roster for much of the last two years and has been solid in the utility role. He’s not an everyday player by any stretch, and he’ll need to earn a spot in Spring Training. Even if he doesn’t make the roster when camp breaks, it’s not unlikely that he’ll pop up as a replacement at some point this season. Francisco Peguero – The Orioles picked up the free agent outfielder from San Francisco after the 2013 season. He has some defensive skill but has a long way to go at the plate. He’s on the 40-man roster but appears to be candidate for Triple-A. When playing at that level for Fresno in 2013, he hit .316 with a .354 OBP.

– The Orioles picked up the free agent outfielder from San Francisco after the 2013 season. He has some defensive skill but has a long way to go at the plate. He’s on the 40-man roster but appears to be candidate for Triple-A. When playing at that level for Fresno in 2013, he hit .316 with a .354 OBP. Quintin Berry – The Orioles acquired Berry after he finished the season with the World Series champion Red Sox. Berry stole 3 bases during the postseason and was 3 for 3 on steals. He hit .309 at the Triple-A level across multiple organizations last year, where he also stole 30 bases while only getting caught four times. He’s also a former high school teammate of Adam Jones.

Catchers

Matt Wieters – Matt Wieters enters the 2014 season at a crossroads. The two-time All-Star and Gold Glove winner has established himself as one of the best defensive catchers and game managers in baseball. But he has been every bit as frustrating offensively as he has been great defensively. In 2013, he posted full-season career lows for average (.239), walks (43), and OBP (.287) while also having his second straight season with over 100 strikeouts. That’s not to say he hasn’t shown offensive potential. He’s hit over 20 home runs for three straight seasons, had a career-high 29 doubles last year, and also had a second-best career mark for RBIs with 79. The issue here is inconsistency. With a big contract looming, Wieters will have every incentive to try and boost his offensive stats in 2014.

– Matt Wieters enters the 2014 season at a crossroads. The two-time All-Star and Gold Glove winner has established himself as one of the best defensive catchers and game managers in baseball. But he has been every bit as frustrating offensively as he has been great defensively. In 2013, he posted full-season career lows for average (.239), walks (43), and OBP (.287) while also having his second straight season with over 100 strikeouts. That’s not to say he hasn’t shown offensive potential. He’s hit over 20 home runs for three straight seasons, had a career-high 29 doubles last year, and also had a second-best career mark for RBIs with 79. The issue here is inconsistency. With a big contract looming, Wieters will have every incentive to try and boost his offensive stats in 2014. Steve Clevenger – The Orioles picked up Mount Saint Joe grad Clevenger in 2013, and he appears to be the favorite to back up Wieters. He’s not an offensive juggernaut by any stretch, with a career .204 batting average and just one home run in three years. He is, however, a solid defensive catcher. He won’t push Wieters, but he’s not a step down from previous back-ups either.

– The Orioles picked up Mount Saint Joe grad Clevenger in 2013, and he appears to be the favorite to back up Wieters. He’s not an offensive juggernaut by any stretch, with a career .204 batting average and just one home run in three years. He is, however, a solid defensive catcher. He won’t push Wieters, but he’s not a step down from previous back-ups either. Michael Ohlman – Ohlman was selected in the 11th round of the 2009 draft by the Orioles and spent all of last year with Single-A Frederick. He doesn’t have a reasonable shot to make the team out of camp, but he should be interesting to watch. If Wieters ends up leaving Baltimore on a big-money deal, Ohlman will be one of the top candidates to replace him.