Orioles thankful for left-handed relievers

The Orioles currently have 20 pitchers on their 40-man roster, including two left-handed relievers who are recent additions to the group. They claimed Pat McCoy off waivers from the Tigers on Oct. 31, and we're waiting to find out whether it's a trick or a treat. It was a fun-size transaction, small in comparison to other moves made by teams during the offseason. (I know it's a different holiday today. Stay with me here.) The Orioles acquired Scott Barnes from the Indians yesterday for cash considerations, which always sounds to me as though a team is basically saying, "We're still deciding whether to pay for this guy. We'll get back to you." There's no guarantee that McCoy and Barnes will remain on the 40-man roster, which currently stands at 39. They need the one open spot for the Rule 5 draft, but they also hope to re-sign Nick Markakis and perhaps Nelson Cruz - you know the obstacle - and add other players. McCoy, 26, appeared in 14 games with the Tigers as a rookie this season and allowed six runs and 21 hits in 14 innings for a 3.86 ERA. He walked 13 batters and struck out 11. However, left-handers were 5-for-24 against him. McCoy has an option remaining and the Tigers sought left-handed relief this year, yet they placed him on waivers. Should that send up any red flags? Minor league left-handers hit .191 against Barnes this season and right-handers batted .194. He's out of options, however, which eventually could make him a casualty. The Orioles have made left-handed relief a priority and figure to bring in more of a sure thing later this winter. In the meantime, they'll continue to make the sort of depth moves that occasionally pay off. Let's take another look at the 40-man: Pitchers Scott Barnes Tim Berry Brad Brach Zach Britton Dylan Bundy Wei-Yin Chen Oliver Drake Kevin Gausman Miguel Gonzalez Tommy Hunter Ubaldo Jimenez Brian Matusz Pat McCoy T.J. McFarland Bud Norris Darren O'Day Chris Tillman Ryan Webb Tyler Wilson Mike Wright Catchers Steve Clevenger Caleb Joseph Mike Ohlman Matt Wieters Infielders Ryan Flaherty J.J. Hardy Steve Lombardozzi Manny Machado Rey Navarro Jimmy Paredes Jonathan Schoop Christian Walker Outfielders Quintin Berry Alejandro De Aza Alex Hassan Adam Jones David Lough Steve Pearce Henry Urrutia Chris Davis doesn't count against the 40-man while he's got one game remaining on his suspension. The one perk for the Orioles. A report out of Miami yesterday stated that the Marlins checked on Davis' availability as they attempt to acquire a first baseman. Some Orioles fans took it as a sign that the Orioles are engaged in serious trade discussions. Teams inquire about players all the time and I doubt that the Marlins are alone in their curiosity regarding Davis. He's not untouchable, but he's also not being actively shopped as if the Orioles are in full dump mode. (Please resist the obvious Thanksgiving dinner joke.) I'll mention Lombardozzi again as eventually coming off the 40-man. However, don't be too quick to assume that Berry will join him. Berry enjoyed his time in the organization and indicated that he'd like to stay. The Orioles value his basestealing ability and plus-defense. He could stick around. OK, that's it for me. Happy Thanksgiving to everyone. Travel safe if you're on the roads today. I'm thankful for many things - my family and friends, Biceps Day, covering a winning team again. The list wouldn't be complete without this blog and all of you who pump life into it every single day. I offer my heartfelt thanks and whatever leftovers my wonderful mother sends home with me this weekend. White meat or dark?