Should Orioles try Mayo in right field? | MAILBAG

Question: What are your thoughts about Coby Mayo getting a shot at right field during spring training? When we took Anthony Santander in the Rule 5 draft he wasn’t a very good rightfielder but had a strong arm. He then worked hard and ended up becoming a decent outfielder.

Mayo has a strong arm, has decent speed and has proven to be adaptable. I think over time he could also be decent outfielder as well. From: Don

Answer: Don, there was some chatter before spring training about Mayo playing some in the outfield but nothing materialized.

You’re correct. He has a strong work ethic, and I think he could be an acceptable outfielder, and the Orioles could use more production from the outfield.

However, if there’s a lockout, spring training could be cut in half, and it might not be enough time for Mayo to learn another new position.

Moving him to right field would be predicated on Jordan Westburg being completely healthy, which is the team’s hope. If Westburg’s healthy, then Mayo could be moved. If he’s not, then Mayo might well stay at third base.

Question: Been watching Sam Huff, the catcher at Norfolk.  He has been really hitting the ball.  Why don’t the Orioles bring him up?  He certainly could be better than the other two backups who can’t hit. Your thoughts! From: Gene Rene

Answer: Gene, while the Orioles have been offensively challenged at catcher, I’m not sure that Sam Huff is the answer.

Huff hit .121 (4-for-33) with 19 strikeouts during his time with the Orioles this season, and he’s hit .196 in 51 games with Norfolk.

If the Orioles wanted an offensive upgrade behind the plate, I think they’d look at Creed Willems first.

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.