Jackson Holliday has former Oriole stars Brian Roberts and J.J. Hardy as spring training tutors

SARASOTA—On most teams, Jackson Holliday would be the regular shortstop, but not on the Orioles. They have Gunnar Henderson. Last year, the Orioles decided that Holliday needed to learn second base.

This year, they’re trying to give him a graduate course at the position. The team has a terrific group of guest coaches, including longtime second baseman Brian Roberts and shortstop J.J. Hardy, who’ve been working with the infielders this week, especially Holliday.

“We’re sitting out there with Gunnar today. He doesn’t need to listen to any of us, technically,” Roberts said. “He could be like, ‘Go jump in the water, I couldn’t care less about what you say.’ He’s motivated and wants to learn and wants to get better. He soaks in what J.J. tells him like a sponge.

“Same with Jackson. He doesn’t have to listen to me…What do I have to tell him necessarily? But, he’ll sit in the video room, and we break down film on pitchers and how to get better at stealing bases, and he’ll just sit there and soak up every bit of it. [Jordan] Westburg, all those guys. They’re all the same. They’re just humble guys that want to get better, but they’re super, super talented.”

Shortstops are usually the best athletes on their teams, and the Orioles drafted Holliday with the top pick in the 2022 draft knowing that Henderson was nearing the major leagues and might play shortstop.

Because shortstops are such good players, it’s often thought they can easily transition to other positions. Roberts moved from shortstop to second as a young player, and he’s helping Holliday do the same.

“He tends to get his feet in the same position he would to play short, which is opposite a little bit at second,” Roberts said. “He’s great. He’s obviously going to pick it up super quick. It just takes a little reps and a little time.”

Holliday said after working one day with Roberts and Hardy that he feels better.

“It’s getting a lot more comfortable,” Holliday said. “I would say I’m still learning. Like yesterday, picking up tips from guys that played in the big leagues forever. I’m getting a whole lot more comfortable over there, and I’m just excited to keep playing games.”

Roberts and Hardy combined to play 20 years for the Orioles with three All-Star appearances. Hardy won three Gold Gloves from 2012-2014, and he’s in his third year of coaching the infielders.

“Really impressed with our guest instructors this year. They’ve done a great job,” manager Brandon Hyde said. “B-Rob’s been fantastic, every single year, working with our middle infielders. He’s doing some stolen-base stuff today, talking to our guys about leads and breaks from first and second. J.J. Hardy has been wonderful with our middle infielders the last few days, too.”

Hyde thinks the accomplishments of Hardy and Roberts heightens their credibility.

“Absolutely. These guys know who B-Rob and J.J. are,” Hyde said. “We love having [Hardy] around. A great personality. We love having him in the coaches’ room. It’s fun to hear stories. We’re lucky to have him around.”

Hardy has been impressed with his students this spring.

“Pretty special, pretty special,” Hardy said. “Super athletes, they’re willing to learn more, are willing to try new things,” he said. “Very coachable, which is fun because you give them one little thing and maybe this worked for me and you can see ‘em trying it instantly and picking up on instantly. They’re pretty special.”

Hardy has noticed a huge difference between last year and this year with Holliday.

“Looks more comfortable for sure,” Hardy said. “I think last year when I saw him, it was like he hadn’t played much at second base at all, and now he’s looking a lot more comfortable. Example today, talking about a little pointer on something. B-Rob gave him something on double play feeds and one ground ball later, it looked amazing. Golly, to be able to do it like that, that quick is awesome, pretty special.”

During Hardy’s seven years with the Orioles, there were three playoff teams, 2012, 2014 and 2016, so he recognizes good teams.

“It’s different. I think when you’re playing on a team with low expectations, it’s a lot easier to get away with stuff,” he said. “When you have those high expectations, you better be good. You better be on your game and do all the little things right. It sure seems like these guys are ready for it.”

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