Adley Rutschman on trying to follow up his strong rookie year, plus other O's notes

O’s catcher Adley Rutschman said the fans at Birdland Caravan this weekend brought “an energy and a buzz” that was great for the players to see. The fans might say the same about their catcher.

Rutschman’s 2022 season began with him on the injured list but ended with him on American League MVP lists. He finished 12^th in voting for the MVP after finishing second for AL Rookie of Year.

It was a debut season where his 5.3 fWAR ranked third-best among rookie catchers in MLB history. Mike Piazza was first at 7.4 in 1993 and Carlton Fisk was at 6.6 in 1972. And then Adley. Keeping not good, but great company.

“I mean, it really worked out well,” he said of getting past the strained right triceps that kept him out of the majors until May 21. “I think I was put there for a reason and I went through what I went through for a reason. To be able to have the season I did and be able to see the team progress, the coaches and everyone come together, it was a special, special year.

“My goal is always to be the best version of myself – the best baseball player, the best human. There is always going to be room to improve. That’s the thing about baseball and life, you are always going to have things to improve on. So, in that offseason, work as hard as you can, and we’ll see how this year goes.”

So, what is the best version for a player that hit .254/.362/.445/.806? And his 35 doubles set an O’s rookie record. He became the third O’s rookie following Gregg Olson in 1989 and Rodrigo Lopez in 2002 to be named Most Valuable Oriole.

“That is something I’m always chasing for,” he said. “You know, I think you have your set of goals and ideas and standards that you set for yourself. You are always going to fall short of that but the more you can strive to kind of fit that ideal image, you know the better you will be for it.”

Rutschman believes a close-knit O’s club is ready for whatever pressure comes in making a playoff run.

“I think we have a really good group of guys. You know everyone is a year older now, I’m really excited to see what we can do. I know the guys on this team are of high character and you know we come together well. Really excited to see what we’ve got.

“We have a bunch of guys who are extremely selfless. Who are committed to making the team more important than themselves. I think because of that, that is why we get along so well together. That is why we have so much fun. Regardless of a good or bad day, everyone has each other’s back. When it comes to a team activity, that is the most important thing,” he said.

Rutschman did not rake in the majors from the outset and his OPS was .529 in May and .775 in June. But it was .859 in July, .942 in August and .851 in September.

“I think at every single level – whether it’s high school, college or pro ball, big leagues – there are always going to be steps that you take and things that are very uncertain going in. Once you have done it for a year or two years, however long, you are going to become more comfortable and just know the routine. And so, coming into this year, I know the routine a little bit more and I’m definitely excited to get going," he added.

He put up numbers on defense too. His 18 DRS (Defensive Runs Saved) was second among MLB catchers. He ranked in the top 16 percent in framing and top 21 percent in pop time (throwing) to second base.

Now he approaches year two with some confidence - both about himself and his team.

He is emerging as a leader already on a club where most already consider him the face of the franchise. Is he the leader of the team now or does he want to emerge in that role?

“I mean, leadership for me is one of those things that has to come authentically. I’m just going to try and be myself and help guys in the best way that I can. I think however that shows itself, is what it is going to be. I don’t think anything is going to be forced. That is a nice part about being a catcher – I’m able to help out a lot of different aspects, I’m able to help out the pitching staff and encourage the guys who are hitting. So, we’re just going to try and do that,” said Rutschman.

Kjerstad on AFL and more: After waiting for so long to get on the field after the Orioles drafted him No. 2 overall in 2020, outfielder Heston Kjerstad made up for lost time last year when he was named the MVP of the Arizona Fall League. This came after his 27-month wait following the draft to play in a game finally this past June. He was out first due to myocarditis and a hamstring issue early last season.

Then he produced a 1.007 OPS with five homers in 22 games in the AFL. I asked him if his swing has finally returned to where it was heading into the 2020 draft?

“Me personally I would say I was swinging it better (than in college). Because I’m more mature as a hitter, taking better at-bats and have a little more pop than I used to more consistently. So honestly, I think I’m a leg up from back then.

“It was great. Went out there and man, so many great players out there I got to face or play with. Was a really great experience for me to get some more at-bats against high-level arms and also, I got rolling out there. Kind of got grooving there and it’s always good to have some success like that.”

Ramón ready for infield competition: He won the Gold Glove for third baseman in the American League, but Ramón Urías knows that is nice for the resume but won’t earn him playing time this season. The Orioles seem to have Gunnar Henderson and Jorge Mateo set on the left side of the infield and they also added infielder Adam Frazier. Where does Urías fit in, has he heard about his role from the club yet?

“I don’t know, I think we will figure it out in spring training. We haven’t talked about it (yet). Of course, I am excited for this spring training. I know it will be short for me, I’ll be leaving (for the World Baseball Classic). But I’ll be ready to compete for a spot,” he said.

Urías said it will be special to join his brother Luis of the Milwaukee Brewers when they play together for Team Mexico in the WBC. Mexico is in the same pool as Team USA and the clubs meet on March 12 in Phoenix.

By the way, Urías' Gold Glove was the first by any Oriole since 2015 and he joined Brooks Robinson and Manny Machado as the only three players to win the GG at third base for the Orioles.