Answering a popular question about Chris Davis

What was he thinking? That's not the question. Sorry. Some fans were wondering if Chris Davis could play in exhibition games next spring while still serving his suspension. I checked with a team official who reminded me that left-hander Troy Patton pitched last spring before serving his 25-game suspension. It totally slipped my mind. I'm going to blame fatigue. Davis has one game left on his suspension after testing positive for Adderall, which he took without a therapeutic use exemption. It must carry over to opening day because the Orioles were swept in the American League Championship Series. Davis refused to speak with reporters following yesterday's loss to the Royals, saying, "I don't think so, guys. I've still got one game left." His only communication has come via a statement he released following his second positive test for the amphetamine. The Orioles would have considered putting Davis on their World Series roster, but they weren't going to play a man short for five games in the ALCS. Davis was allowed to take batting practice and work out with the Orioles during the postseason, but he couldn't sit on the bench. Davis, whose salary jumped from $3.3 million to $10.35 million this season, has one year of arbitration eligibility remaining before he can become a free agent. He batted .196 in 127 games and his home run total dropped from 53 to 26. Do the Orioles tender him a contract this winter? The Orioles flew out of Kansas City this afternoon and are scheduled to arrive at Camden Yards around 6 p.m.