Albernaz on managing the Orioles: ‘Every day, every game, is going to be like Christmas’

On Thursday, Craig Albernaz will manage his first major league game. Spring training hasn’t given us many clues on how he’ll manage, though we’ve looked for them.

In Grapefruit League games, there aren’t many bunts. Teams want their players to swing away. We don’t know how often Albernaz will play for one run, when he’ll steal or how he’ll use his relievers.

Answers to questions he’s been asked this month reveal some of what he thinks.

His excitement is clear: “Every day, every game, is going to be like Christmas.,” he said on Monday. “You don’t know what’s going to happen.”

Will he use a platoon of Taylor Ward and Gunnar Henderson as leadoff hitters?

“Taylor Ward, he can hit. He has power. That’s what everyone knows him for. His at-bat quality is fun to watch. The way he works the count, doesn’t chase, swings at pitches in the strike zone.

“It sounds very elementary. At this level, the way pitchers are throwing with their shapes, it’s really tough to do. Taylor can do that. It feels like every time he’s up in spring training, it’s either been a 3-2 count or he’s got his A swing of either barreling it or just missed it.

“Gunnar is very similar. Gunnar is a little more dynamic in the sense of just the pure swing he has. Having him up top with the ability to run, that’s what you always want at the top of the order. Gunnar’s presence, the way he’s handling his at-bat. With those two up top, or wherever we hit them, is going to help us a lot.”

Will he use any reliever in important spots?

“All of them, going to use all our relievers in the highest-leverage spots. All of our relievers are out there because they’re really good pitchers. Our guys are going to get exposed to a lot.

“Early in the year, there’s a workload progression for your bullpen. You don’t want to overuse them too early. You need to get built up and get in flow of the season. There are going to be opportunities for guys in the ‘pen to pitch in high leverage. All of our guys are fully capable and have the talent to pitch in high-leverage moments.

“All of our guys will more likely pitch in high -everage at the start of the year and, in my opinion, that’s how you build the floor of the bullpen.”

Has it been hard not using strategy in spring training games?

“The thing that you’re trying to balance in spring training games is the player’s workload and what that looks like, getting them in at the right time, but they want to stay in longer.

“Other than that, you’re playing like you would in a game. You want to make sure your positioning’s right in the infield and outfield.”

What do you look for in end-of-roster players?

“Every player on the roster has utility. It’s rare where you roll out your starting nine and you just play, and the bench guy doesn’t see the field for two or three weeks. That’s not how a lot of teams are built now. It’s the complete roster construction and what it looks like, and you want to get the best players you can in those spots.

“It’s about how good they are and what we need to complement with the rest of the group. Sometimes, it could be defense. Sometimes, it’s a bat. It all depends. Terrance Gore made a great career of being a pinch-runner and defensive replacement. If you’re on the roster, you have a role on the team and an impactful role.”

What statistics are most important to you?

“Strikeout-to-walk rate is great for both sides of the ball. I think that tells a really good pitcher. For pitchers, I like zone rate. I like chase rate. I like in-zone chase. I like first-pitch strikes. I like strike percentage in general.

“Offensive side is very similar. Where are we controlling the strike zone? Are we making the right swing decisions? Are we swinging at balls in the strike zone? Are we chasing? Are we getting on base?

“Hitting is so hard. Hitters are going to slump. It’s part of the game, but can you, when you’re in a skid, are you walking? Are you still touching first base? Are you still being productive? I always lean on that quality for hitters and the ability to get walks and get pitch counts up.”

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