Expanded thoughts on September roster

During yesterday's pregame session with manager Buck Showalter, a reporter asked whether the Orioles will expand their roster next month to the full 40 players permitted by Major League Baseball, or at least an amount close to it.

The Orioles won't get anywhere near that total.

Showalter hasn't laid out an exact figure, but he'd be comfortable staying in the five-to-seven range of additions. He doesn't want a clubhouse and dugout filled with guys who are only taking up space.

"First of all, going to Fenway Park with 40 in that locker room ain't working," Showalter said. "We've actually thought about dressing in the hotel there."

Players who are called up must be placed on the 40-man roster. The Orioles can create one spot by transferring catcher Matt Wieters to the 60-day disabled list.

As I said yesterday on "O's Xtra" on MASN, the Orioles always bring up an extra catcher. Steve Clevenger will be here. And reliever Ryan Webb will be recalled unless he's needed this month.

That's two.

Showalter is intrigued by Joe Saunders, who's being converted into a left-handed specialist at Triple-A Norfolk. Saunders has allowed one run in three innings, and the reports on him Saturday night were favorable.

I expected Clay Rapada to have his contract purchased next month as the lefty specialist, but he was released to create room for Saunders, who should get that opportunity.

That's three.

The Orioles will consider infielders Steve Lombardozzi, Jemile Weeks and Jimmy Paredes, all on the 40-man roster.

As for an extra outfielder, don't forget about Quintin Berry at Norfolk. He's 24-for-24 in stolen base attempts in his major league career, and he's 5-for-5 in the playoffs. The Orioles signed him to a minor league deal on Jan. 3 because they were intrigued by his baserunning ability and defensive skills.

Bud Norris starts tonight in the opener of a three-game series against the Yankees. He allowed one run over five innings in his only career start against them on June 21 and ended up on the disabled list with a groin injury.

Stephen Drew is 6-for-13 (.462) with two doubles and a triple against Norris. Chase Headley is 4-for-12 (.333) with a home run, and Carlos Beltran is 8-for-26 (.308) with five doubles.

Norris is 4-2 with a 2.61 ERA in eight home starts this season.

Yankees starter Chris Capuano has allowed two runs in 3 2/3 innings over three career relief appearances against the Orioles. Tonight marks his first start.

Delmon Young is 2-for-2 with a double and three RBIs against Capuano. Does he stay in the lineup?

Nick Hundley is 0-for-9 with five strikeouts.

Left-handers are batting .320 against Capuano this season and right-handers are batting .228. That's an interesting split for a southpaw.

In his career, left-handers are batting .237 and right-handers are batting .275.