Orioles manager Brandon Hyde has his full squad together as they begin workouts. His message right off the bat is a great reminder to the veterans and the young prospects.
“It’s pretty much just building off of a season where nobody expected us to do anything,” Hyde said. “Just wanted our guys to be aware that we haven’t done anything yet, either, and we have a long way to go.”
If that doesn’t tell you where we have been and where we are going, then people haven’t been paying attention. That’s just how we like it in Birdland.
With Jackson Holliday in camp, of course Hyde had to respond to questions. But also after seeing him, the O’s skipper seems more impressed than expected.
“It doesn’t look like a kid that just was in high school a year ago,” Hyde said. “It’s special ability.”
As with most, we are waiting to see what Holliday is bringing to the game. How mature he is, how much he knows and where he stands as the season starts are all things pondering the minds of O’s fans.
Holliday says he hasn’t had that “wow moment” in camp yet, though he has enjoyed bonding with mini golf, ping pong and other things.
“You look around, and there’s first-round picks all over the place,” Holliday said.
Hyde watched infield work this morning, which had an interesting mix of guys.
At first base was Ryan Mountcastle, Franchy Cordero and Ryan O’Hearn. At second was Adam Frazier and Ramón Urías, shortstop was Jorge Mateo and Gunnar Henderson and the lone third baseman was Terrin Vavra.
I know it’s early, but it’s an interesting setup, to say the least. With Henderson, the team’s expected third baseman, working at short and Vavra at third, it’s something to watch and see how things unfold.
Also, Jordan Westburg is confirmed to be playing second, short and third in camp. He is a player to watch who could possibly make his big league debut this year.
Kyle Gibson, Dean Kremer, Cade Povich and Cole Irvin were pitching live batting practice today. Expected batters were Cedric Mullins, Adley Rutschman, Anthony Santander, Austin Hays, Jorge Mateo, James McCann and Adam Frazier.
Mullins wanted some extra work against lefty pitchers today. After nearly taking Kyle Gibson deep, Mullins ended up taking Cole Irvin deep, so it seems the left-on-left practice is working.
Mullins seems ready for the World Baseball Classic, as he is driving the ball and displaying power off each pitcher he is facing. Could we see another 30/30 season from Ceddy?
As full squad workouts get under way, we will see more of what is in store on a daily basis, as well as how the rotation will set up heading into the first Grapefruit League game this Saturday against the Twins.
The Baltimore Battery will keep you up to date on what is happening in camp throughout the week, leading up to the O’s first game.
Let us know in the comments who you’re most excited to see play this spring! And make sure to follow The Baltimore Battery on Facebook and Twitter, and use the hashtag #baltimorebattery when sharing our content!
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