From bringing back Chris Davis to adding Mark Trumbo to signing Pedro Alvarez, the Baltimore Orioles' offensive approach this year is just to hit as many three-run home runs as possible. The Orioles introduced Alvarez today, formally announcing his one-year contract.
Formerly the second overall selection in the 2008 draft, Alvarez may not have envisioned being introduced as a free agent signee after spring training already began, and he may not have even envisioned leaving Pittsburgh. But he will have the opportunity to make his second free agent contract a lot more lucrative.
"Patience is the key," Alvarez, 29, said at his news conference. "Obviously, it was something different, but you have to be comfortable with being uncomfortable. I just took it day by day and tried to prepare as best as possible for when the time came. I've got some good people in my corner who have been through the ringer before, but yeah, patience was the key. Just take it one step at a time."
At times, Alvarez struggled with inconsistency at the plate for the Pirates, but his ability to hit home runs - and hit them a long way - was beyond doubt. He moved from third base to first to make way for infielders like Josh Harrison and, eventually, Jung ho Kang. But with the Orioles, Alvarez's main concern will be hitting.
He will, in all likelihood, start as the team's designated hitter when facing a right-handed pitcher. Though he may see some playing time against lefties, the team brought in Trumbo for that purpose. Alvarez can also fill in at first should the team want to give Davis a day to DH or sit out.
With the addition of Alvarez, six Orioles who project to play regularly have at least one season with 30 home runs. They also play in one of the most hitter-friendly parks in Camden Yards and will make regular trips to Yankee Stadium and Fenway Park, two other notable hitters' parks.
The Orioles are hoping South Korean outfielder Hyun Soo Kim breaks out of his funk and can, eventually, take an outfield spot, as they would love to not have to use Trumbo in the outfield. But with Manny Machado at third, J.J. Hardy at short, Matt Wieters behind the plate and Adam Jones in center, the Orioles have four legitimate Gold Glove contenders.
No word yet on who will lead off for the Orioles, but the game plan is clear: take a lot pitches and take big swings.
