Craig Albernaz’s “go have fun” method is likely to be simply what one Orioles infielder wanted

Losing each Jackson Holliday and Jordan Westburg early in spring coaching has put the Baltimore Orioles in a tricky spot. Blaze Alexander went from an interesting depth piece to an integral a part of the lineup, and Jeremiah Jackson went from Triple-A depth to an key main league bench participant. However, the most important change could also be Coby Mayo going from first baseman on the trading block to doubtlessly the Orioles’ on a regular basis third baseman.

Ever for the reason that severity of Westburg’s harm turned recognized, each rep that Mayo has gotten at third has been scrutinized, and for good purpose. Typically, when a participant is moved to first base, that is the final defensive place on the sector earlier than they transfer to DH. It’s not frequent to see a participant get moved to full-time first base, the way in which Mayo was final 12 months, after which see them return to the new nook.

However, the Orioles’ new supervisor’s method to dealing with the swap could possibly be precisely what is required to drag it off.

It’s affordable to see Coby Mayo’s title penciled in because the on a regular basis third baseman and marvel: “Can he really do this?”

So far in spring coaching, Mayo’s defensive efficiency has been up and down. He’s made some good performs. He confirmed off his arm, throwing out a runner from foul territory, and he is additionally demonstrated the benefit of his massive body by making some leaping grabs to rob a few batters of line drive base hits. However, the errors that pushed him to first base have continued. There have been a number of errant throws and a few awkward performs coming in on gradual grounders.

It’s spring coaching, so a certain quantity of rustiness is to be anticipated, particularly contemplating the place change he is going by. However, Mayo has to know that if he does not clear it up at third, he will not have a beginning spot on the workforce. The psychological side of the sport goes to be necessary. Mayo has performed sufficient third base all through the minors and acquired loads of teaching on the “how-to” points of taking part in third. What’s going to determine whether or not or not Mayo sinks or swims at third in 2026 can be his psychological method to the place.

Mayo, having his future with the Orioles flash earlier than his eyes each time a ball is hit to 3rd, shouldn’t be conducive to success. Putting that a lot stress on each play will solely end in extra booted balls and wild throws. However, for those who’re Mayo, how is that not what is going on by your thoughts? The Orioles have by no means prioritized him getting on the sector. This offseason, they spent $155 million blocking him from taking part in time. This could also be his final likelihood to win any type of beginning job in Baltimore.

That’s the place Craig Albernaz is available in. His “go have fun” angle in direction of spring coaching is strictly what Mayo wants. This was finest demonstrated by Albernaz moving Mayo to shortstop during a game when Gunnar Henderson wanted to get some pre-WBC work at third.

Mayo had been instructed he can be shifting to first, but Albernaz instead surprised him with the shortstop task. They instructed him proper earlier than the inning began, so he did not have time to assume, and the one phrase of recommendation he received from his skipper was “go have fun”.

This was the proper approach for Albernaz to exhibit his confidence in a younger participant whereas concurrently taking a load of stress off his shoulders. Asking Mayo to play brief reveals perception in his glove, however there’s nothing that Mayo may do whereas taking part in shortstop on two minutes’ discover that may change how the teaching employees views him. For the primary time all spring coaching, Mayo was taking part in with home cash.

The “Coby Mayo at third base” expertise may not be a easy journey all 12 months. Mayo goes to commit errors and a few of the balls that Westburg would have changed into outs will get handed him. There can be occasions after a misplay that Mayo will smack his glove and hold his head for a second, however Albernaz can be there, on the prime step of the dugout, to maintain issues mild and preserve the stress at bay.