How Eshelman, Shepherd and Blach fit in camp

SARASOTA, Fla. - The maneuvering that's going to be necessary by April to fill out the rotation at Triple-A Norfolk won't involve only prospects as pieces.

The Orioles are prepared to hold onto a veteran or two and figure out later how it's going to work.

I've heard the six-man rotation idea and I've heard the word "piggyback." It's a bit complicated.

Because they aren't going to rush a young pitcher, someone else will be used if there's an injury to a major league starter or some other emergency arises. No prospect will be promoted before his time.

Ty Blach, 29, Chandler Shepherd, 27, and Tom Eshelman, who turns 26 in June, had their lockers connected along one row in the clubhouse until Shepherd was moved across the hall to the auxiliary side to clear a spot for newly signed left-hander Tommy Milone. They won't create the same buzz as Keegan Akin, Dean Kremer, Zac Lowther, Bruce Zimmermann and Alex Wells, who are camp darlings based on their statuses in the farm system and roles in the rebuild, but they carry an element of importance that might not be clear on the surface.

Dig a little deeper.

They have a shot at making the rotation, though their chances took another hit with the Milone signing, or at least being on deck at Triple-A while the prospects gain more experience and smooth out the rough edges. They're needed here at the Ed Smith Stadium complex.

"That part's humbling because all three of us have been around Triple-A and we have a little bit of time in the big leagues," said Eshelman, who made his major league debut on July 1 at Tropicana Field and posted a 6.50 ERA and 1.611 WHIP in 10 games (four starts).

"We know what it is up there. We have a lot to teach those guys. If they have questions to bounce off someone, we're that guy. Kind of take that part of it into consideration, helping the prospects out. We've all been in those situations, too. Just tell them to calm down and understand the situation. Don't try to be somebody you're not. Don't try to pitch like a prospect's persona. We're here for that, and if the opportunity knocks, we're ready to take it.

"Each one of us has a pretty strong mindset and we're really excited to get this thing going."

The Orioles designated Eshelman for assignment on Sept. 2 while reinstating Mark Trumbo from the injured list. Eshelman was outrighted three days later. Blach, who registered an 11.32 ERA and 2.177 WHIP in five starts for the Orioles over 20 2/3 innings, was outrighted on Sept. 19 after they needed a 40-man roster spot for reliever Eric Hanhold.

Shepherd was outrighted on Sept 30, less than 24 hours after the Orioles lost their final game of the season in Boston. But they already knew that he'd be a spring invite with a chance to contribute in some fashion, as he did in his own major league debut with one run allowed in four relief innings at Yankee Stadium on Aug. 13 and two earned runs allowed with six strikeouts in five innings in a Sept. 29 start at Fenway Park.

"All the outside things and whatever the plan is and stuff, I really just try to not focus on that," said Shepherd, who registered a 6.63 ERA and 1.526 WHIP in five outings. "It's a day-to-day basis for all of us. We're kind of in the same boat. We're all competing for a job and at the end of the day the organization's going to put guys on the team that will help them win games. I think right now that's what we're focusing on."

Eshelman isn't going to magically gain 10 mph on his fastball, his four-seamer sitting in the mid-80s. His ceiling is in a room on the lower level of the rebuilding, with the Orioles banking on their high draft picks to stock the rotation.

Finally achieving their goal of growing the arms.

But he's going to complete his bullpen sessions, same as Shepherd and Blach. He's going to pitch in exhibition games, same as Shepherd and Blach. And he's going to await his assignment, hoping to stay in the organization and be one of those necessary veterans.

Same as Shepherd and Blach.

"Just be who I am," Eshelman said. "I'm not trying to be somebody they want me to be or be someone I'm not. Just kind of take each day and take what they have to say to me and implement it into my game.

"It's an exciting time. This team's kind of on the up. This is my third rebuilding organization that I've been in, so it's flattering knowing that each rebuilding team wants me. I'm just excited to kind of bond with these guys and be a part of it."

"There are some really, really talented guys who are in this clubhouse," said Shepherd, who also qualifies as a veteran in this setting.

"For me, it's just coming in and competing for a job. Every day for me is part of that competition. I just have to continue to get better and work on my craft every day."