Utility infielder

This is the most bizarre competition in camp. No one has stepped up and now I’m thinking there may not be a traditional utility infielder on the 25-man roster. Engelb Vielma looked like he could be the leading candidate but his camp was delayed by visa issues. Luis Sardinas and Ruben Tejada have been OK, and Erick Salcedo was recently reassigned to minors’ camp. When the Orioles signed Danny Valencia this weekend – and the veteran immediately said he was solely focused on a major league job and would not go to the minors – the focus of this spot shifted. If Valencia, who can play first, third and the corner outfield positions, makes the club, the Orioles wouldn’t necessarily need a utility type to play shortstop and second base. Instead, Valencia could get some time at third base against left-handed pitching and starting third baseman Tim Beckham could play the occasional game at second or short to spell starters Manny Machado and Jonathan Schoop. I also could see the Orioles filling this spot in late March when a utility infielder – Ryan Flaherty, Ryan Goins, et cetera – gets cut loose in a roster crunch elsewhere.

My projected winner: Valencia or someone not yet in camp

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