Returning to lineup, Andreoli looks to make impact with speed

KANSAS CITY - He's been an Oriole less than two weeks and we've seen flashes of his speed both in the outfield and on the bases. But John Andreoli's fleet feet had real impact in the Orioles' last win at home, on Wednesday versus the Blue Jays.

In a 5-5 tie in the last of the sixth, Andreoli got an infield hit, stole second base and scored on Austin Wynns' single to give the Orioles a 6-5 lead in a game they won 10-5. Two innings later he hit one into left-center and produced a hustle double. He scored an insurance run. It was his first two-hit game in the seven he's played as an Oriole since the team claimed him off waivers from Seattle on Aug. 18 and recalled him from Triple-A two days later.

"Whatever way I can help my team win that day is why I'm here," Andreoli said of his solid game versus Toronto. "I was able to get on base on an infield hit and get in scoring position there, and Wynny had a huge knock to get me in and we got the lead back."

Andreoli's speed didn't much come into play when the Orioles were held to two runs and four hits in a 9-2 loss at Kauffman Stadium Friday night. But the Orioles' increased team speed did factor into the sweep over the Jays at Oriole Park, during which the Orioles scored 29 runs.

"It can tremendously impact the game," said Andreoli, who is back in the starting lineup tonight against the Royals. "We have guys throughout the lineup that can really run. Speed helps not just with stealing bases, but going first to third on a borderline single. It puts a lot of pressure on the defense. Keeps constant pressure and them thinking about ground balls and getting rid of it quick. I think it is huge for our success.

"It's a lot of fun. When guys get on first that can run, you ask any pitcher, they have to keep those guys close and really think about them. Takes away from their concentration from the batter at the plate, and you can get better pitches to hit and you can create more opportunities with guys in motion, and holes (on the defense) opening up. It's a great way to win games."

I asked Andreoli whether he looks for specific situations in which he can use his speed or finds that it just happens naturally.

"I think both," he said. "There are times at first base that Wayne Kirby will remind us it's a good time to go, and other times your instincts take over when a situation presents itself and you take advantage of it."

The 28-year-old Andreoli batted .287/.397/.401 with 18 doubles, five triples, three home runs, 36 RBIs and 19 stolen bases in 89 games this season with Triple-A Tacoma. He got three brief call-ups to the Mariners and went 1-for-5 in three games in his first taste of the big leagues.

In seven games with the Orioles, he's batting .231/.259/.269, going 6-for-26 with a double, four runs and two steals in two attempts.

"It's been great. A great group of guys between the young guys and the veterans that lead this club. It's been an awesome group and they've been great to me," he said of his brief time with the club.