Should Pete Alonso be Orioles’ captain? | MAILBAG

Question: Have there been any indications that the Orioles will designate a captain this season? Seems like Pete Alonso has very quickly moved into a leadership role. I know it’s not something they normally have but it seems, from the outside looking in, that his style of leadership is something the franchise hasn’t had in a long time. From: Eli Barr

Answer: Eli, I agree that Pete Alonso is going to provide outstanding leadership for the Orioles, but the team has not had a captain in the past, and that includes J.J. Hardy, Adam Jones and Cal Ripken Jr., all of whom would have done that job brilliantly.

I would be surprised if the Orioles broke precedent and designated a captain for this year.

Question: If a player is in camp competing for a roster spot and they choose to leave to play in the World Baseball Classic, wouldn’t it hurt their chances of making the team — think Rico Garcia? I would think you’d be looking for every chance to play in front of and make an impression on the coaching staff. Being away opens the door for others to make the impression you’re not there to make. Your thoughts? From: JT Tolley

Answer: JT, That was my thought, and I posed that question to Luis Vázquez, who’s also playing for Team Puerto Rico along with Garcia and Jose Espada.

“It’s something I’ve thought about, but being able to represent Puerto Rico, I believe is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” Vázquez said through a team translator.

“Being able to play in the big leagues, I have the faith that I’ll be able to do that for a few years. I also believe that playing the Classic is a bit harder than playing in spring training and will also help prepare me for the season, and in a way, provide more of a platform for me to perform in, prove my worth.”

I think Garcia has pitched well enough in camp to make the team, especially with Andrew Kittredge unlikely to be ready for Opening Day.

The WBC games are much more intense than Grapefruit League games, and if a player performs well there, that might actually help their chances, but it does seem like an opportunity too great to pass up.

Most weekdays, I’ll be answering at least one Orioles question. If you’d like to submit a question, send it to: Rich@BaltimoreBaseball.com. Questions may be edited for clarity, length and style.