The "Vanimal" wants to attack hitters in Orioles' rotation

Vance Worley said he's just looking for a fresh start.

I guess he's keeping the hairstyle, black-rimmed glasses and funny nickname.

Worley is a bit of a character. We don't know yet whether he's going to be part of the rotation or bullpen. His status could be determined by other moves made before pitchers and catchers report to spring training.

The Orioles claimed Worley off waivers from the Pirates knowing that he'd started and pitched out of the bullpen, offering them choices if he remains on the 40-man roster. He wasn't given any guarantees.

All he wants is a chance.

"Just looking for a fresh start and looking forward to coming over and helping this team out," Worley said at FanFest, his introduction to the Baltimore media taking place on the third level of the Convention Center.

"I know this team can play some defense and that's going to play into how I pitch. I'm not a strikeout guy, I'm not overpowering. I rely on my defense to play behind me."

Worley has made 81 starts among his 104 appearances in the majors over parts of six seasons, the last two with the Pirates. He broke camp in their rotation this year before stepping aside in May when Charlie Morton came off the disabled list.

Asked for his preference with the Orioles, the 28-year-old Worley offered the predictable answer. He'd like to start.

"That's what my plan is," he said. "We're just going to see how things go this spring and see how things play out."

Worley is 28-26 with a 3.86 ERA and 1.409 WHIP in 81 career starts and 3-2 with a 2.90 ERA and 1.190 WHIP in 23 relief appearances. However, the splits he'd like to correct involve his production in both leagues.

Worley made 10 starts with the Twins in 2013, his only American League team, and went 1-5 with a 7.21 ERA and 1.993 WHIP in 48 2/3 innings. He's a combined 30-23 with a 3.42 ERA and 1.328 WHIP in five seasons with the Phillies and Pirates.

"It's definitely a little different," Worley said. "Obviously, you've got the eight hitters versus nine. For me, it's still about just making your pitches. As long as you're keeping guys off balance, you're going to have success."

Worley expects to have it with the Orioles and to easily fit in with his new teammates, who also were introduced to him at FanFest and got a look at his hair, with the sides buzzed tight and the top gelled and sort of spiked.

"I had heard it's a really good clubhouse and a good atmosphere and that's the chemistry you need for winning," Worley said, "so I'm looking forward to coming over and being a part of it."

Worley didn't know anyone at the Convention Center as he made the rounds.

"Not that I have found yet," he said, grinning.

Is that a good or bad thing?

"It can go either way," he quipped. "No, I'm looking forward to it. The guys I've talked to so far have been real easygoing and welcoming."

Worley was relatively short with his answers until the conversation shifted to his nickname "Vanimal." That's when his personality really came out and gave the media a sampling of what it can expect in Sarasota.

"That's a college nickname," he said, happy to offer up an explanation. "I got it my freshman year. We had weights at 5 o'clock in the morning and I was one of the few to actually show up and want to lift instead of just kind of hiding in the shadows. I was just looking to get bigger and better and stronger, and our strength coach said, 'The vanimal is in here,' and I'm just like, 'Why are you calling me the vanimal,' and he said, 'You're an animal. Vance, vanimal, it goes together.'

"I just ran with it and it's kind of followed me here. I'm OK with that nickname if you guys want to call me that. I don't care. I'm fine with Vance."

We'll probably stick to Vance while waiting to find out whether he sticks with the Orioles.