Now that the NFL season is over, MLB Spring Training is officially on the clock. For the Baltimore Orioles, pitchers and catchers officially reported today. With that, the team also announced a few guest coaches to join them on their trip in Sarasota. A lot of guys are set to join the squad, but there are some notable names. Among those are: Ben McDonald, Zack Britton, Brian Roberts, J.J. Hardy, Adam Jones, Al Bumbry, and Nick Markakis.
The Baltimore Orioles selected Ben McDonald with the #1 overall pick in the 1986 MLB Draft. McDonald pitched to a 3.91 ERA with 894 strikeouts and a .243 opposing batting average in 1,291 innings in his career. McDonald is also involved with the O’s off the diamond, as he’s been working for MASN since 2010. “Big Ben” will certainly provide great tips and insights to the O’s pitching staff this spring training.
Zack Britton had a very dominant career for the Baltimore Orioles. Britton held a streak of 60 consecutive saves towards the end of his tenure in Baltimore, and he had a sub-one ERA in 2016. Like McDonald, Zack Britton will provide lots of useful information to the current bullpen of the Birds.
Brian Roberts had a long tenure in the Orange and Black. From 2001-2013, Roberts had a .276 average with 92 home runs, 531 RBIs and 278 stolen bases. Roberts is very useful for the Orioles in spring training, as their current infield is very young with Westburg, Henderson, Holliday, and Mountcastle.
J.J Hardy spent eight seasons in Baltimore and was very productive. Hardy was a vital piece on the Orioles 2014 team that won 96 games and a division title. Hardy is a career .256 hitter with 188 home runs, 688 RBIs, and 411 walks. Hardy will pair up with Brian Roberts to teach the Baby Birds infield.
Before Cedric Mullins, Adam Jones manned center field from 2011-2017. Jones hit .256 in his career with 188 home runs and 688 RBIs and 411 walks. Adam Jones will help out a strong O’s outfield with Cowser, Mullins, and O’Neill.
Al Bumbry is probably the greatest name on this list. The O’s Hall of Famer was a career .281 hitter with 54 home runs and 402 RBIs. Bumbry will use his years of his experience to help out the young bucks in Sarasota.
Last but certainly not least, Nick Markakis. Markakis had a long and storied career and was a member of the 2014 team with J.J Hardy. The left fielder hit .288 with 189 home runs 1,046 RBIs in his eight years.
Overall, the Orioles staff has a lot of experience. This will hopefully prepare them for a long and successful 2025.
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