SARASOTA, FLA. — This week's three-day minicamp gave the Orioles the opportunity to evaluate several of their younger pitchers, and Orioles manager Buck Showalter called the event — in its fourth season — a success.
"Familiarity," Showalter said when asked about what he got out of the camp. "You evaluate them walking by in front of the office. You eyeball a lot of guys. I wanted to get to know the Rule 5 guys, get a head start on that because we have to make a good decision on that. I spent half an hour in here with [Rule 5 pick] Logan Verrett."
Showalter said the players benefit as well because they have the opportunity to make an impression on him as well as pitching coach Dave Wallace and bullpen coach Dom Chiti.
"Oh yeah, you get to sit here in front of Dave and Dom and have a 45-minute conversation," Showalter said. "It's a feather in your hat to be invited. We've got some guys who didn't need to be here yet."
Showalter added that fringe players can earn major league spring training invitations or the opportunity to play in Grapefruit League games by leaving a strong impression.
No Hendrickson decision
Left-hander Mark Hendrickson threw a bullpen session in front of Orioles' staff during Wednesday's workout, his second during the minicamp.
Hendrickson, a 40-year-old who hasn't pitched in the major leagues since 2011 with the Orioles, hopes to gain a major league spring training invitation. He came to camp to show the Orioles the progress he has made with a lower arm slot, a change he first tried two years ago after a suggestion by Showalter.
Showalter said the club will make a decision on Hendrickson by the end of month. The Orioles also could offer Hendrickson an invitation to minor league camp, as they did last year when veteran Jack Cust was attempting to make a comeback.
Murphy working way back
Minor league catcher Alex Murphy, who underwent surgery on his nonthrowing shoulder to repair a torn labrum at the end of last season, wasn't a full participant in this week's minicamp, but he said he will be a full go for spring training.
Murphy injured his shoulder while sliding back into second base on a pickoff play while playing for short-season Single-A Aberdeen in August. But he was cleared to begin a hitting progression last week and is expected to take live batting practice in two weeks.
"It was a freak thing," said Murphy, who was the Orioles' sixth-round pick out of Calvert Hall in 2013. "As many times as I've slid into a bag, it just happened to be that one. I landed weird and it popped out."
Around the horn
Showalter was impressed by Rule 5 draft pick Jason Garcia's bullpen session Wednesday. The Orioles believe Garcia, 22, has a high upside nearly two years removed from Tommy John surgery. His fastball has been clocked in the high-90s, and Showalter has been impressed by his smooth delivery. … Wallace and Chiti left Florida on Wednesday for California, where they will work with a group of pitchers that includes Miguel Gonzalez, Zach Britton, Brian Matusz and Tim Berry. Minor league pitcher Zach Davies was added to that list Wednesday. … Showalter mentioned he has been impressed by the hard work of outfielder Henry Urrutia this offseason. Urrutia, who has spent nearly the entire offseason working out in Sarasota, added 10 pounds to his tall, lean frame since last season ended.. … The Orioles announced Wednesday that a preview of autograph session times and participants for FanFest will be posted at Orioles.com/FanFest by 9 p.m. Friday. Vouchers will go on sale at 10 a.m. Saturday on the team's website. Vouchers for each autograph session will be $20 each, the same price as last year. Tickets for the Jan. 31 event at Baltimore Convention Center are already on sale.
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