Spring Training

Galvis likes Orioles’ atmosphere; Davis makes changes; Wilkerson brings versatility

What’s happening? –The Orioles will have their fourth different Opening Day shortstop in as many years. Freddy Galvis, who played for the Cincinnati Reds last year, signed a one-year, $1.5 million contract last month, to play shortstop this season.

Galvis and second baseman Yolmer Sánchez are the Orioles’ new double-play combination.

“So far it’s been good,” Galvis said in a video conference call from Orioles’ spring training in Sarasota, Florida. “We know each other back from Venezuela. We’ve been around the league a little bit, so we know each other.

“Just try to talk, try to communicate. I think as long as we do that. We can get ready and get better together every single day. So far, it’s been good, not just with him, with almost everybody on the team, too.”

Galvis was asked how he’s been handling the pandemic.

“I have my family,” Galvis said. “I’m married. I have two daughters. I had the opportunity last year to take my family to Cincinnati, too. From the time I left the stadium, I was coming back to my house and being with my family.

“For me, it was a little bit easier in that moment because I had have family. On a road trip when we go to a different city, it was hard because you’re used to going out and getting some lunch and then some dinner, and now we have to stay in the hotel.

“The more that you’re talking and you’re with your teammates, it’s going to be easier for everybody. It’s hard to be in the room, watching TV and doing nothing, especially if you have a bad day in the field.”

Galvis likes the atmosphere around the Orioles.

“We have to come through like a family,” he said. “That’s what I see so far here.”

What’s happened?—Manager Brandon Hyde says that he’s been discussing changes in Chris Davis’ approach at the plate since he became the Orioles’ manager in December 2018.

“I’ve been talking about making adjustments for a couple of years,” Hyde said. “This offseason, he wanted to change some things in his swing. Yeah, I see some physical differences in his batting practice and live BP. It’s only been a few days, so wait until games start to really take a long look.

“His setup is a little different at the plate. He’s got a good mindset right now. The last couple of years he’s come in with a great attitude, a team-first attitude. He’s doing a nice job on the field right now.” 

What’s up with? Stevie Wilkerson is back in the Orioles’ camp on a minor league contract after missing last season because of a broken left ring finger. Wilkerson was pushed into center-field duty in 2019, and he’ll move around in the spring.

“He’s going to play infield and outfield,” Hyde said. “I’m going to give him an opportunity to play all over the field. I told him that a few days ago. He’s going to be playing three spots in the outfield, and he’s going to be playing multiple spots in the infield.”

In 134 major league games, Wilkerson has played every position but catcher and first base. 

What’s what? Davis is the Orioles’ player representative, and he describes the relationship between the owners and players as “divisive.”

“There’s a lot of division between players and owners right now,” he said. “It’s obvious in the media. It’s obvious in almost everything that you read. It’s frustrating as a veteran player because I feel like our game could be in such a better place than it is right now.

“The only way for that to happen is for both sides to come together … There’s got to be some give-and-take from both sides. Will that happen? I don’t know. Only time will tell.”

What’s the word? “It’s going to look different. That’s all I’m going to say.”-Davis on the mechanical adjustments to his swing.

What’s the number? 12. That’s how many games will be broadcast on 105.7 The Fan and the Orioles Radio Network this spring. The first game will be Tuesday against the New York Yankees at 1:05 p.m.

Other games are: March 4 (Boston), March 6 (Detroit), March 9 (at Minnesota), March 15 (Pittsburgh), March 21 (Minnesota), March 23 (Tampa Bay), March 24 (at Boston), March 25 (Pittsburgh), March 26 (at Yankees), March 27 (at Atlanta) and March 28 (Pittsburgh).

Games March 6, 25 and 27 will begin at 6:05 p.m. The March 26 game starts at 6:35 p.m. Other games are at 1:05 p.m.

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