Jeremiah Jackson on making an impression with Orioles: ‘Every day is a job interview’

SARASOTA-What’s happening? A year ago, Jeremiah Jackson was stuck in the auxiliary clubhouse, an unknown minor leaguer, who hadn’t played above Double-A. This year, he’s competing for a major league job with the Orioles.

“I’m excited to get to work, just like any spring training,” Jackson said. “Try to get better ready for the season.”

At the end of the trading deadline, Jackson replaced Ramón Urías on the roster and got his first big league shot, playing right field and third base. He hit .276 with five home runs and 21 RBIs with a .775 OPS in 48 games, but now he has a new manager and new coaches to impress.

“Every day is a job interview,” Jackson said. “Old staff, new staff, you’ve got to compete, and put the numbers and post. New faces, but it’s a good group. It was a good group last year and a really good group this year. I’m excited to get to work with these guys.”

Last year, Jackson didn’t play second base. This spring, he’s taking ground balls at second since Jackson Holliday is out after surgery to remove the hamate bone from his right wrist. Jordan Westburg isn’t playing because of a right oblique muscle injury.

“It’s just about playing, whether it’s right field, third base, second, left, whatever it is,” Jackson said. “I just want to get at-bats, get in the game and get some playing time. I’m going to try to be as versatile as possible, get myself in the lineup any way I can.”

Last year taught Jackson the importance of hard work.

“Keep grinding, and I definitely figured out that I can do it and play,” Jackson said. “Being in Triple-A and the big leagues, which I had never been in before, and having success. I learned a lot.”

Jackson hit .323 with an .828 OPS in August and .221 with a .713 OPS in September.

“Not as much success towards the end of the year, being able to learn from that, going into this spring,” Jackson said. “I’m excited to get to work and get some games under my belt.”

There’s lots of competition for a utility spot, and Jackson has options, which makes him useful.

“Obviously, it’s there,” he says of the competition. “It just pushes us. It’s a really talented group with a bunch of new faces and a lot of good players. It’s about showing up every day, working,  getting better, making the most of every opportunity.”

What’s happened? Manager Craig Albernaz will announce who will start Friday’s Grapefruit League opener against the New York Yankees on Thursday. He emphasized that batting orders in spring games won’t resemble regular season lineups.

Cade Povich, Luis De Léon and Andrew Kittredge threw on Wednesday. Blaze Alexander, Pete Alonso, Tyler O’Neill, Leody Taveras and Taylor Ward hit against them.

Albert Suárez, Richard Guasch and Eric Torres threw live batting practice on the back fields.

What’s up with Creed Willems? It’s the first spring training invite for Willems. He was the Orioles’ eighth-round draft pick, and the catcher/first baseman hit .253 with 16 home runs and 59 RBIs and a .779 OPS.

“It’s been great,” Willems says of his first major league spring training. “We’ve got a new staff, which has been awesome, great guys to be around. Super open to helping you with whatever you need. It makes you feel like you’re really appreciated.”

Willems carries the reputation of being an old school player, and he likes that.

“It was instilled in me through my parents when I was young, and then with my older brother,” Willems said. “I’d say I’m pretty confident in my abilities. There are times when I get a little bit mad. Try and be confident in myself and what I do and try to trust in myself and go out there every day, no matter who I’m facing, believe that I’m better than them.”

Willems is using spring training to get exposure.

“Learn from these veteran guys and these older guys who have been there,” he said. “Understand what it takes to get there and get out of some of these slumps that you go through throughout the season.”   

What’s what? Adam Jones is the first guest instructor in camp. Jones, who’s special assistant to Mike Elias, the president of baseball operations is in camp until February 28^th. 

What’s the word? “Having someone that has done it and performed at a high level in the big leagues and also the person that he is, it’s awesome to have him around.”- Albernaz on Jones’ presence. 

What’s the number? .377/1.073. Jackson’s batting average and OPS in 40 games at Triple-A Norfolk, his first stint there.

Call for questions: I answer Orioles questions most weekdays. Please send yours to: Rich@BaltimoreBaseball.com