Should Orioles think about Mateo leading off? | MAILBAG

Question: Is there any chance that an improved Jorge Mateo could lead off for the Orioles? From: PR Klimas

Answer: PR, I don’t see that happening. Mateo had an on-base percentage of .267 last year and drew just 10 walks in 68 games. While the Orioles love his speed, it’s best to have a player who gets on base more often leading off.

Last season, the Orioles used Gunnar Henderson as their leadoff hitter in 119 games. His on-base percentage was .364. While they’re probably not wedded to Henderson as a leadoff batter, they want someone whose OBP is much higher than Mateo’s. 

Question: Do the Orioles really need more relievers? Now that they have as many as 10 possible starting pitchers, isn’t it likely that one or more of them could be added to the relief corps? Thinking of former Orioles starters Zack Britton and Koji Uehara, who were successfully converted to closers. From: Rusty Wallace, Annapolis  

Answer: Rusty, you raise an interesting point. I think some of those starting candidates, particularly Albert Suárez and perhaps Brandon Young, could find their way into the bullpen.

However, not every starting pitcher can successfully acclimate to the bullpen, and while the Orioles have Félix Bautista, Yennier Cano, Seranthony Domínguez, Gregory Soto, Cionel Pérez and Keegan Akin, there’s always the risk of injuries, and adding another experienced veteran to the mix would add to the depth.

Most weekdays, I’ll be answering at least one Orioles question. If you’d like to submit a question, send it to: Rich@BaltimoreBaseball.com. Questions may be edited for clarity, length and style.