Orioles roster comes more into focus with Gallardo and Fowler

SARASOTA, Fla. - It's time to revisit the Orioles' offseason grades.

Revisit and revise.

The lineup is set with Dexter Fowler expected to take his physical this morning at the Ed Smith Stadium complex. The rotation is set with Yovani Gallardo agreeing to a restructured two-year deal that includes an option for 2018.

Hyun Soo Kim is projected as the left fielder. Mark Trumbo is projected as the regular designated hitter, capable of filling in at first base and the outfield corners.

Matt Wieters is back behind the plate, Chris Davis is back at first base and Darren O'Day is back as one of baseball's best set-up men.

Odrisamer Despaigne, with three minor league options, provides much-needed starter depth.

I spoke to someone in the organization last night who said, "It's time to play ball." The relief over having Gallardo and Fowler in the fold - once the outfielder passes his physical - could be heard from miles away.

Certainly over the phone. Even with the car stereo playing in the background.

It must be #TBT with the Orioles forfeiting their top two draft picks to sign free agents in spring training. They did the same thing in 2014 with Ubaldo Jimenez and Nelson Cruz.

The Orioles still hold four of the top 91 picks in this year's draft and they'll attempt to restock their farm system with young arms.

I found it interesting that Adam Jones said he's already written out 10 mock lineups. Players do that, too?

Jones has considered the possibility of batting second. It's been floated, though I wouldn't expect it to happen on opening day. The idea is Fowler reaches base and Jones sees more fastballs behind him.

"I think that started when I asked him one time, 'What have you got for a batting order? What do you got?' " Showalter said. "You like to figure out a way to make it their idea before you do something. Let them embrace something before you force it down someone's throat.

"That was one thing we kicked around. One of many. I say to them with guys that you know are going to hit four or five, 'If we did this, how do you see it impacting you.' I ask them all the time."

How do you feel about a lineup that puts Fowler first, Jones second, Manny Machado third and Davis fourth? You could bat Trumbo fifth, Wieters sixth and decide what to do with Kim, Jonathan Schoop and J.J. Hardy.

Adding Fowler pushes Nolan Reimold to the bench, but he could share left field with Kim if the newcomer gets off to a slow start. Fowler also can spell Jones in center field, which opens up right field.

Having Reimold, catcher Caleb Joseph and infielder Ryan Flaherty on the bench would leave one spot for a host of candidates, including Rule 5 pick Joey Rickard, Efren Navarro, Jimmy Paredes and L.J. Hoes. Of course, they'd have to remain in the organization.

There isn't much drama left in camp unless something unforeseen happens, which is always possible. A few bench spots and one bullpen spot.

Who comes off the 40-man roster for Gallardo and Fowler? Do the Orioles work out a couple of trades to remove players who no longer have options, with Paredes and Vance Worley leaping to mind?

There's more business to conduct, but the heaviest lifting may be done.