At one point in September 39 of the 40 players on the Orioles roster were on the active roster.

Just one wasn’t.

Joe Mahoney, who was the Orioles sixth-round choice in 2007, made his major league debut this season, but wasn’t called up in September.

After he completed his season at Norfolk, Mahoney reported to the Instructional League in Sarasota, Fla. to stay ready in case he was needed. He wasn’t.

Mahoney hit .265 with 10 home runs and 56 RBIs for Norfolk. It wasn’t a bad year, just not enough to get him on the fast track to the majors.

“Big Irish” had two brief stays with the Orioles, going hitless in four at-bats.

Even if Mark Reynolds isn’t back with the Orioles next season, it’s doubtful they’d trust Mahoney at first base. He’s a good fielder, but he hasn’t shown enough power.

One scout who’s watched him this week labeled him: “a non-prospect, a Four-A player.”

In scout parlance, a Four-A player is better than a Triple-A performer, but not good enough to be a reliable big league player.

The Orioles will probably remove Mahoney from the 40-man roster in the coming weeks.