O's boast powerful lineup with Davis' return

First baseman, Machado, Jones lead Baltimore's potent bats into 2016

February 16th, 2016

BALTIMORE -- When the Orioles re-signed Chris Davis last month, they solidified most of their lineup, giving Baltimore an intimidating middle of the order, coupled with a strong bullpen.
The O's will go into camp with several questions: Who will man the corner-outfield spots? How will the rotation fare? Will they finally reach an agreement with free-agent righty Yovani Gallardo? But there are a lot of spots filled and an enviable amount of offensive talent that should scare the rest of the American League East.
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Video: Dan Duquette on Orioles' interest in Gallardo, Fowler
In continuing with MLB.com's preview series, with pitchers and catchers reporting in just two days, here's a look at some early -- very early -- predictions about the batting order and starting rotation.
2015 record
81-81, third in the AL East
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Projected batting order (stats for 2015)

  1. 3B Manny Machado:
    .286 BA, .359 OBP, .502 SLG, 35 HR, 86 RBI
  2. LF Hyun Soo Kim:
    .326 BA, .438 OBP, .541 SLG, 28 HR, 121 RBI in KBO
  3. CF Adam Jones:
    .269 BA, .308 OBP, .474 SLG, 27 HR, 82 RBI
  4. 1B Chris Davis:
    .262 BA, .361 OBP, .562 SLG, 47 HR, 117 RBI
  5. DH Mark Trumbo:
    .262 BA, .310 OBP, .449 SLG, 22 HR, 64 RBI
  6. C Matt Wieters:
    .267 BA, .319 OBP, .422 SLG, 8 HR, 25 RBI
  7. 2B Jonathan Schoop:
    .279 BA, .306 OBP, .482 SLG, 15 HR, 39 RBI
  8. SS J.J. Hardy:
    .219 BA, .253 OBP, .311 SLG, 8 HR, 37 RBI
  9. RF Dariel Alvarez:
    .275 BA, .305 OBP, .424 SLG, 16 HR, 72 RBI (Triple-A stats)
    Video: Outlook: Machado can build off career-best season
    Projected rotation (stats for '15)
  10. Chris Tillman, 11-11, 4.99 ERA
  11. Kevin Gausman, 4-7, 4.25 ERA
  12. Ubaldo Jimenez, 12-10, 4.11 ERA
  13. Miguel Gonzalez, 9-12, 4.91 ERA
  14. Vance Worley, 4-6, 4.02 ERA
    Projected bullpen (stats for '15)
    Closer: Zach Britton, 36 saves, 1.92 ERA
    Setup man: Darren O'Day, 1.52 ERA