Hayden Penn

The O's gave Hayden Penn every opportunity to earn a spot in the rotation or the bullpen, but he came up short every time. He gave up 6 runs today in a 3 2/3 innings start to bring his spring totals to 19 runs in 17 innings. I have a hard time seeing Trembley keeping him, so don't be surprised if you see him designated for assignment. That means any other team could claim him and put him on their 40 man roster. It's unlikely, but possible, that all 29 teams pass on him and the O's get him back and send him to AAA.

Trembley has ruled out Penn and Brian Bass, leaving Mark Hendrickson, Adam Eaton, and Alfredo Simon as the only starters left, implying that they will fill out the last three spots. Trembley only guaranteed Simon's spot, however. It's also a possibility that the O's could go with 4 starters for now and recall Brad Bergesen when the 5th starters' turn comes up. That would allow them to keep an extra man in the bullpen and have a backup shortstop. That actually makes the most sense to me. I say that Eaton should be the one cut (the O's could keep Penn, Bass, and Simon), but it will probably be Penn or Bass that is cut.

In other news, David Pauley was designated for assignment, but passed through waivers and was sent to AAA Norfolk. The Orioles optioned Lou Montanez and Radhames Liz to AAA, and reassigned Scott Moore, Alberto Castillo, Oscar Salazar, and Guillermo Rodriguez to AAA. There are now 29 players left. Chris Gomez and Jolbert Cabrera are fighting for the utility spot, which may not exist if the O's choose to carry an extra pitcher. Chad Moeller and Robby Hammock are battling for the backup catcher role. Hendrickson, Eaton, Bass, and Penn are fighting for the last 2-3 pitching spots. There's an outside chance that Danys Baez could be released to make room for one of them, but I wouldn't count on it.