September call-ups: Don't expect Avery or Hoes
The Orioles can expand their roster Thursday, but don’t expect to see many players you haven’t watched before in the big leagues. The list of promotions hasn’t been officially completed yet but probably will be by Tuesday or Wednesday.
Two of the more intriguing prospects at Double-A Bowie, outfielders Xavier Avery and L.J. Hoes, almost certainly won’t be on it.
In fact, the call-ups initially will come from Triple-A Norfolk, partially because the Baysox are in the Eastern League playoff hunt and their regular season doesn’t end until Sept. 5.
One Baysox player who could make an appearance in Baltimore is first baseman Joe Mahoney, but that’s unlikely, too. A lot depends on whether Chris Davis (shoulder) will return to play in September. If he can’t, then the Orioles likely will promote a corner infielder or two.
The better bet is that Josh Bell will return to the club. Brandon Snyder is a possibility, but I wouldn’t count on it. With Mark Reynolds playing so well at first, Snyder’s at-bats would be limited.
The group of pitchers to be recalled likely should include Zach Phillips, Jeremy Accardo, Rick VandenHurk and maybe Chris Tillman. The Orioles already have six pitchers in their rotation – and Jim Johnson may also be inserted into it – so the majority of pitching call-ups will go to the bullpen. There would be some 40-man roster shuffling to promote some of them, so that also could be an issue.
The number of pitching promotions also has to do with whether Jason Berken (forearm/elbow) pitches in September. The club doesn’t want a glut of relievers sitting around in the bullpen.
It wouldn’t be a surprise to see infielder Blake Davis return or maybe even the debut of outfielder Kyle Hudson, but, really, most of the would-be call-ups are already in Baltimore.
A Baltimore native, 
Comments
Platoon Hudson and Reimold in LF.
Posted by: ray of tampa | August 30, 2011 6:53 AM
If a guy's minor league season is over, he's already been here, and he's on the 40-man roster, what's the advantage of NOT calling him up. For example, maybe Blake Davis or Brandon Snyder won't get any at-bats, but aren't they worth having in uniform in case of emergency? It's not like they're going to be playing anywhere else, instead.
I agree on the decision not to call up Hoes or Avery. They're both young to be in AA, let alone the majors, and there's no sense in starting their service time and exposing them to what will most likely be another September tailspin.
Posted by: Bonzi | August 30, 2011 7:47 AM
That reminds me...got to get my tires retreaded before winter...
Posted by: Dennis in WV | August 30, 2011 8:07 AM
I can't imagine that some team in playoff contention won't grab Gonzalez in the next day or so especially in light of how well he has pitched lately. And maybe Guerrero. That could open two 40-man roster spots...
Posted by: DonM | August 30, 2011 9:23 AM
Dan
That is a sorry list of washed up baseball players listed above for potential call up. There are no "prospects" there. It speaks volumes about the future of this awful franchise. Don't look forward to next year, cover your eyes, Tthis team will stink until ownership changes hands.i
Posted by: Gil | August 30, 2011 10:30 AM
Does anyone here have a take on the long-term plans for Mark Reynolds @ 1st base? If he stays there he’s going to have to work on his lower body flexibility. Other than that he should be fine. If Reynolds stays at first what are the long range plans for Chris Davis @ 3rd base? I have heard conflicting reports on his fielding. Some say he has a plus glove and arm, others say no.
My recommendation for what it’s worth would be to call up the Mets and suggest this trade
Adam Jones for David Wright straight-up, if we did that, it would give us a pretty natty/sporty infield
Reynolds 1st Base
Adams/Andino 2nd base
JJ Hardy SS - Andino as a back-up
Wright 3rd Base
Davis/Adams DH when not in the field
For a replacement for Jones in CF, I would pick up Coco Crisp in free agency.
That’s what I would do
Posted by: Parsons | August 30, 2011 12:51 PM
Gotta have me some Avery, Boats and Hoes.
Posted by: Eli | August 30, 2011 1:06 PM
Calling up other outfielders would be a disservice to Matt Angle. He deserves a real look at the major league level.
Posted by: James | August 30, 2011 1:57 PM
Hi Jeff -- Great work as always. How about Steve Johnson (son of Dave)? Any chance he gets a call-up?
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Jeff Z's reply: Haven't heard his name mentioned as much as Tillman or VandenHurk, but I'm sure he's getting consideration. It doesn't help that he's not on 40-man.
Posted by: Mike | August 31, 2011 7:19 AM