They often say you can measure a club’s energy by the way it practices.
Crisp workouts, constant chatter and players pushing one another offer an early glimpse into how a team plans to approach the season. That standard has been evident in Sarasota.
With a new manager, several new players and evolving clubhouse leadership, the Baltimore Orioles have opened camp with a noticeable sense of enthusiasm.
The offseason addition of Pete Alonso on a five-year, $155 million deal has already made an impression, even with position players not required to report until Monday.
“Seems like he is going to be a leader in this clubhouse,” O’s infielder Jordan Westburg said. “Big voice for us, veteran, bringing the energy every day.”
Westburg described the offseason as exciting and ongoing before addressing his own situation. He is progressing from an oblique injury that surfaced unexpectedly one morning, prompting an MRI. There is no formal timetable for his return, though the expectation remains that he will be ready by Opening Day.
Manager Craig Albernaz already understood how important Westburg was to the team before entering the organization.
“Extremely important,” Albernaz said of Westburg. “Westy is such a great ballplayer — the skills, the at-bat quality, what he can bring. And what he brings in the clubhouse, the way he goes about his business. He is a quiet leader. For me, it is one step at a time, one day at a time with him.”
Health remains a central theme early in camp, and Albernaz reiterated that the organization’s priority is having its roster at full strength by Opening Day.
On the field, Rico Garcia, Anthony Nunez, Dietrich Enns, Albert Suárez, Jean Carlos Henriquez and Jeisson Cabrera all threw live batting practice. Suárez, in particular, stood out, striking out three while allowing only a groundout, a flyout and a walk.
Dean Kremer, Zach Eflin, Eric Torres and Luis de León completed bullpen sessions at the club’s new player development facility as well.
Among the position players, Adley Rutschman drove a double and a home run, while a healthy Heston Kjerstad launched a homer to deep center. Coby Mayo worked at third base and Jeremiah Jackson at second.
In center field, Albernaz indicated that behind Colton Cowser, opportunities could go to Leody Taveras, Blaze Alexander and Dylan Beavers. Cowser continues working with outfield coach Jason Bourgeois after transitioning from left field to center late last season.
SIDE NOTES:
- Chris Bassitt’s one-year, $18.5 million deal became official after he passed his physical.
- Jackson Holliday underwent successful hamate surgery in Los Angeles with Dr. Steven Shin. The bone was removed from his right wrist, and he will begin the season on the injured list with a recovery timeline measured in weeks.
Four days into camp, there has already been a blend of energy and power from both pitchers and hitters. With Bassitt officially signed, attention now turns to his arrival in Sarasota and first session on the mound as spring training continues to build momentum.
Be sure to tune in tomorrow for the next round of SpringNotes to see what transpires in the next go round of O’s camp.
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