Good news on Hardy and getting to know Gentry

SARASOTA, Fla. - The Orioles made it through today's workout before a storm hit the Ed Smith Stadium complex.

Perhaps the black cloud has lifted from shortstop J.J. Hardy, who found out that the tests on his back - an MRI, CT scan and bone scan - came back clean. Manager Buck Showalter is projecting that Hardy could begin playing on March 10.

"The thing we were worrying about were tears," Showalter said. "There's nothing there. Just got to calm down the irritation.

"You can tell just being around him that he's pretty upbeat about it. I think we talked about dates yesterday. I expect him to be playing, if we don't have any setbacks, March 10, which means he'll be doing a full workout March 4 or 5. It could be before that, but I'm not going to push it."

Hardy has started taking anti-inflammatory medication while hoping that the spasms cease.

Showalter also said all of the Orioles who are participating in the World Baseball Classic will play in Tuesday's intrasquad game.

New outfielder Craig Gentry worked out with the club today after signing his minor league deal.

"He's a guy who for a couple years was considered probably one of the premier fourth outfielders," Showalter said. "Plus runner, plus defender, wore out left-hand pitching. Last two years, because of some injuries, some of it concussion stuff ...

"(Hitting coach) Scott Coolbaugh, who has known him since Clinton in the Midwest League, works out with him every offseason. He had called me and said that he would not have recommended it the last year or two when he was working out. Said this year we might get lucky here, because if he can revert back to that form.

"The guy can play all three (outfield positions) above average, above-average runner. You look at his stolen base percentage and totals ..., but the last two years have been a real challenge for him.

"I think there's really good potential. You've got an atmosphere here where a lot of people know him - Darren (O'Day), Scott, Kirb (Wayne Kirby) and Chris Davis. In fact, I think he's living with Chris down here. Dave Anderson had him, was third base coach in Texas with him. It's a real comfort level, so I thought it was a real good addition."

Gentry is a career .268/.350/.357 hitter against left-handers.

"Gentry has good skills and some good years in the American League," said executive vice president Dan Duquette. "Good defense and hitting versus left-handed pitchers have been his strengths. He's getting an opportunity with the Orioles and we hope he can regain his previous form to help the club."

A return to good health is the first step. Gentry also had with a back injury last season and appeared in only 14 games with the Angels, none after April 25. They designated him for assignment on July 30.

"I was dealing with quite a few things the last few years, but physically everything is good," said Gentry, who is wearing No. 14. "Just glad to be back and just trying to come out here and prove something, because the last couple of years have obviously not been up to standards. I'm just glad that I got an opportunity. That's all that I was looking for.

"It's real tough. Coming off two years, especially when you're getting up in your 30s, you don't know what the future holds, so I'm just excited to get an opportunity here. I didn't know if there was going to be one to present itself, but I'm really glad they took a chance on me."

It seemed like the right match, with the Orioles wanting a plus defender for their outfield and Gentry being so familiar with the organization.

"I feel like my speed and defense can pretty much help a lot of teams," he said. "Plus, I knew a lot of guys here. I've played with a lot of guys, I know a lot of the coaching staff, so it just seemed like a great fit. They were interested and that late in the offseason you're kind of scrambling around. So, they were interested and I thought it would be a great opportunity.

"This developed probably within the last week or so, but yeah, there for a while it was pretty quiet. I was kind of wondering what was going on, but just glad it worked out, to be honest with you.

"I'm sure that they want a guy who can play all three outfield spots. I don't know how this is going to play out, but I think it helps out with a guy who can play all three outfield spots and bring some speed. It definitely can't hurt."

Gentry and Davis are especially close, going back to their early days in the Rangers organization.

"Yeah, we got drafted together, came up through the minors together and were in each other's wedding," Gentry said. "Met my wife at his wedding. We live not too far from each other and work out during the offseason together, hit together every year. It's going to be a nice transition. I'm glad to at least get to be with him again this spring."