Another look at the lineup and what to do with Pearce

I was messing around with another projected Orioles lineup yesterday during "Wall to Wall Baseball" on MASN. We had two hours to kill.

Manager Buck Showalter can go in many directions, depending on the opponent's starting pitcher. Here's one possibility:

Alejandro De Aza LF
Manny Machado 3B
Adam Jones CF
Chris Davis 1B
Matt Wieters C
Steve Pearce DH
Travis Snider RF
J.J. Hardy SS
Jonathan Schoop 2B

I'm fully aware of the free-agent losses this winter, but that's still a nice lineup.

Pearce could move up to the second slot, as Showalter suggested at the Winter Meetings. Delmon Young will get plenty of starts as the designated hitter and perhaps in right field, where he's more comfortable than in left.

Any theories on why Young would prefer right to left?

A 12-man pitching staff leaves the Orioles with four players on the bench. Young would be one of the reserves with the above lineup, along with the backup catcher. David Lough is the favorite to break camp as an extra outfielder and Ryan Flaherty is the favorite to emerge as the utility infielder.

We must remember that the opening day roster won't include Davis, who has one game remaining on his suspension. Someone is going to be on the team for one day before heading to minor league camp, and Showalter could choose to carry an extra pitcher.

Also, we don't know whether Wieters will begin the season on the roster or the disabled list, and his absence would bring a major adjustment to the lineup.

Dave Johnson, the former Orioles pitcher and current MASN analyst, wonders whether Pearce would be better served playing every day at one position. Give him a shot as the full-time right fielder, for example, instead of moving him around.

While I totally see the logic there, I like the idea of taking advantage of Pearce's versatility by starting him in left and right field, at first base and as the designated hitter (just not at the same time). His defense won't hurt you at any position.

Your thoughts?

No matter how it plays out, Pearce will receive plenty of at-bats as long as he isn't sidelined again by a wrist injury. He's earned them.