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SARASOTA, Fla. - Mark Trumbo started in right field again last night and handled both fly balls hit in his direction in a 4-1 victory over the Twins. The early camp misplays haven't been repeated.
Orioles executive vice president Dan Duquette, appearing last night on the "Hot Stove Show" on 105.7 The Fan, said he's been "encouraged" by what he's seen from Trumbo in right.
"He's worked hard on his first step, which is something that was a priority for our instructors when we came in here," Duquette said. "He's worked hard on his positioning in right field. I'm encouraged by his everyday play in right field.
"Early on in the spring, he looked a little rough in right field, but the last week he's worked very hard and I think he's going to be fine out there."
Trumbo contributed an RBI single last night and is 9-for-33 (.273) with a home run, four RBIs and 12 strikeouts.
"I think he's a proven hitter who's going to be helped by our ballpark," Duquette said. "He has excellent power to right-center field and he's going to be a good asset for the team."
Hyun Soo Kim flied to the fence in left field in the third inning and lined a single to left in the seventh. He's having much better at-bats of late.
"Well, I guess after going 1-for-25," Duquette said with a laugh. "I'll go with the second sample.
"He's starting to use the whole field. It looks like he's starting to relax. His skill set also is something we need on the team, and that is to get on base. We need another left-handed hitter to balance out our lineup. I'm encouraged by how he's played the last couple of days. He's a hard-working kid. I know he wants to do well.
"I remember the transition that the Pirates went through last spring with (Jung-ho) Kang. Kang was over here in some B games and he didn't look so great early, but he ended up having a good campaign. He was one of the better first-year players in the National League last year. I think in fairness to Kim, we need to give him a little bit more time. It looks to me like he's started to come around here in the last few games."
I asked Duquette if he felt confident that catcher Matt Wieters would be in the opening day lineup after experiencing discomfort in his right elbow during Saturday's game.
"I'm not sure where that's going to come out," Duquette replied. "I know he needs a rest period before he ramps it up, but I've been encouraged by what I've heard. I know looking at Matt, it looks to me like he's fairly encouraged by how he feels.
"We're in a pretty good position with our catching depth. Of course we'd like to have Matt back to start the season, but I don't know the answer to that."
