SARASOTA-What’s happening? Monday was the first day of full-squad workouts for the Orioles, and players gathered for a group meeting. Control owner David Rubenstein and minority owner Michael Arougheti addressed the team.
Other department heads spoke, and so did manager Craig Albernaz.
“It was great,” Albernaz said. “The players should feel the support that they have from the organization. They should feel that the organization is pulling for them, and not working against them.”
After the meeting, players trotted onto the back fields as a large crowd of fans watched and collected autographs.
Rubenstein, Arougheti and another minority owner, Mitch Goldstein watched the workouts on the back fields before they came over to Ed Smith Stadium to watch more drills.
“Games are coming,” Albernaz reminded the team. “Each day, you’re getting closer to Opening Day.”
It’s four days until the Orioles play their first Grapefruit League game on Friday here against the New York Yankees.
What’s happened? When the Orioles acquired utility player Blaze Alexander from Arizona on February 5th, they thought they were getting a useful player. A day later when Jackson Holliday broke the hamate bone in his right wrist, they were doubly glad they’d made that move.
“I know my role coming here. You never want to see that with anyone,” Alexander said. “Jackson was one of the first guys that called me when the trade happened. I can’t wait for that dude to be healthy, to work with him, learn with him. That dude’s a great athlete. He is who he is for a reason.”
With Holliday not expected to play any Grapefruit League games, Gunnar Henderson leaving on March 1st for the World Baseball Classic and Jordan Westburg out for at least the early spring games with a right oblique injury. Alexander is expected to get substantial playing time.
Last season, Alexander hit ,230 with a .706 OPS, seven home runs and 28 RBIs in 74 games. He started at third base, second base and center field. He’s also had time in left field and shortstop.
“I couldn’t be more excited to come here, represent Baltimore and be an Oriole,” Alexander said. “The first couple of days here, guys have been really nice, really good people.”
Alexander says he’s equally comfortable at any position, and is looking forward to playing in the American League East since he hasn’t played in Fenway Park, Rogers Centre and Yankee Stadium.
“I’m a gamer,” he said. “Arizona’s in the past. I’m here to get to the playoffs and help win a World Series championship, which I think we’re fully capable of doing, just seeing the guys in this locker room.”
Shane Baz, Zach Eflin and Dean Kremer threw live batting practice in Ed Smith Stadium. Among those hitting were Pete Alonso, Samuel Basallo, Gunnar Henderson, Jeremiah Jackson, Coby Mayo, Tyler O’Neill, Adley Rutschman, Leody Taveras, Reed Trimble and Taylor Ward.
Albernaz said he was giving extra work to Kremer to prepare him for the World Baseball Classic. Kremer is pitching for Team Israel.
He also said he wasn’t planning on formal intrasquad games in the three final days before the start of Grapefruit League games.
Single-A Delmarva will host Double-A Chesapeake on Friday March 27th at 6:05 p.m. and Sunday March 29th at 2:05 p.m.
What’s up with Jhonkensy Noel? Big Christmas has joined the Orioles. Noel, who’s in camp on a minor league contract, hit a home run in his first major league game at Camden Yards on June 26th, 2024 when he played for Cleveland.
“It’s a great crew. I know the manager,” Noel said. “A great guy. A special guy. He’s a great manager, great person.”
“He’s such a great kid,” Albernaz said. “The biggest smile, fun loving. Big body. He’s such a caring, loving guy and he has such great ability. He was brought up in the Cleveland organization and sometimes guys need a change of scenery to take the next level.”
What’s what? The first day of full-squad workouts was well attended. The Presidents’ Day holiday, increased access and excitement about the team contributed to the larger crowd.
What’s the word? “It looks like a football team in there. Everyone’s huge. It’s good stuff.”-Alexander marveling at the size of the Orioles.
What’s the number? 4. FanGraphs has four Orioles in their top 100 prospects. Catcher/first baseman Samuel Basallo is fourth, outfielder Dylan Beavers is 39th, left-handed pitcher Luis De Léon 64th and Trey Gibson 83rd.
Call for questions: I answer Orioles questions most weekdays. Please send yours to: [email protected]