Trying to decide on the roster in December

As we approach the Christmas holiday, the Orioles still have lots of work to do on their roster unless they're committed to starting Alejandro De Aza or David Lough in left field and Steve Pearce in right.

Executive vice president Dan Duquette wanted two more outfielders - one who batted from the left side and one who batted from the right. He wanted another catcher to improve the depth, though he's got four on the 40-man roster. And if the season started today, manager Buck Showalter wouldn't know who to use as his designated hitter.

Showalter told reporters at the Winter Meetings that he'd have every other position covered, including Pearce in right field. But again, who projects as the designated hitter?

I tried to supply a national publication with a projected lineup, as I do every winter, and ran out of hitters.

I put De Aza atop the order and in left field, followed by third baseman Manny Machado, first baseman Chris Davis and center fielder Adam Jones. I decided to slot catcher Matt Wieters fifth, Pearce sixth and shortstop J.J. Hardy seventh.

I intended to place second baseman Jonathan Schoop at the bottom of the order, no matter the DH, who still hadn't been determined.

Maybe the pitcher could bat.

Maybe the Orioles should consider giving Delmon Young a two-year deal.

I eventually settled on Henry Urrutia because I couldn't leave it blank. He didn't play in the majors this year after undergoing sports hernia surgery, but he's working out in Sarasota and determined to become an established major leaguer. The door seems to be open for him.

The Orioles could re-sign Young and still include Urrutia on the 25-man roster. Urrutia needs to rake this spring and force his way onto it.

I also had to supply a four-man bench for the publication. Working under the assumption that Wieters is ready on opening day, I've got Caleb Joseph backing him up. Ryan Flaherty is the super utility guy, having played all four infield positions and the outfield this year. Lough is my fourth outfielder. I gave infielder Jimmy Paredes the last spot, fully aware that he may not stick on the 40-man through the winter.

The Orioles would have to clear a spot if they acquire another player, and Paredes is a prime candidate to come off.

That's not much pop coming off the bench.

The 40-man roster also includes outfielders Quintin Berry and Alex Hassan and infielder Rey Navarro, a minor league free agent who was given a major league deal.

I'm curious about the Orioles' plans for catcher Steve Clevenger. He's still on the 40-man and can play other positions, but he seems to have faded into the background after making the club out of spring training. Have they soured on him? Will he get a legitimate chance to back up Wieters or perhaps be used more in a utility role?

What's the plan for the Pride of Pigtown?

The rotation and bullpen present a separate set of challenges because of the extra pitching. I can't bring myself to option Kevin Gausman or stick him in the bullpen, though he'd be quite a weapon. If Miguel Gonzalez or Ubaldo Jimenez go to the 'pen - and that's a lot of money to pay a long man if it's the latter - I don't see any room for Ryan Webb or T.J. McFarland.

Let's do the math. It's a seven-man bullpen and four spots belong to Zach Britton, Darren O'Day, Tommy Hunter and Wesley Wright - barring a trade, of course. Brad Brach deserves to stay and Brian Matusz has to be included if the staff is being set today. The last spot would go to the extra starter unless Gausman is optioned.

Teams looking for a reliever should check with the Orioles. Matusz and Webb could be moved in the right deal.

Perhaps a deal that brings the Orioles a hitter who can play the outfield and DH for them.