Chris Davis: "I'd love to stay here"

Earlier today, Orioles executive vice president Dan Duquette told season plan holders that the club offered first baseman Chris Davis a long-term deal, but nothing came of it. "Really?" Davis said while meeting with reporters this afternoon. "Did he say anything else? Dang it. Keep me up to speed on that. "I know they talked at the end of last year, but obviously nothing came to a head. It's something we're going to have to wait and see. It's not my job to worry about that. "I've said it before and I'll say it every day: I love being in Baltimore. This has been a place that's really felt like a second home to me. Just thinking about opening day last year. It's hard not to fall in love with this city and the fan base. The fans really understand the game of baseball, so I'd love to stay here." Davis avoided arbitration by signing a one-year contract for $10.35 million. He can become a free agent following the 2015 season. "You can't think about all that stuff. It becomes a headache," Davis said. "My job is to go out there and prepare to play every day for the Orioles. I've got plenty on my plate to worry about. That's the reason I have Scott (Boras), that's the reason Dan (Duquette) is in the position that he's in. We'll have to wait and see." Davis has been working out, which comes as no surprise. It's like breathing air. "I'm prepared," he said. "A few years ago, I found a routine that works for me. Every year in the offseason, I try to do a little bit something different to challenge my body. I put myself in the best shape that I can. I'm definitely ready. I keep saying it every year, when we turn the corner in January, you turn your mind on and you really start getting ready for spring training. "I'm right around the same weight I am going into camp every year. Hopefully, I'm just carrying it well. I am getting older." He's also getting the same question: Can he eclipse the 50-home run mark again? No pressure, right? "Fifty-three is a big number," he said. "You don't see 50 home runs a lot. I was obviously very fortunate to have a huge year last year, but a lot of different things went into that. Guys getting on base. Adam Jones had one of the greatest years I've seen in recent history. "There's a reason why I hit 53 home runs. It wasn't because guys were just laying it up there. Guys were getting on base, putting pressure on pitchers, really making it harder on them. A lot of factors go into it. "Will I be able to? I don't know. Obviously, I have the power to do it, but it just depends." Davis also was asked about the Orioles' pitching. "Chris Tillman obviously had an outstanding year and is a guy who can really step up and be a horse for us, but we know other guys are going to have to step up," he said. "Our pitching will figure it out. We've got some young guys. I'm excited about (Kevin) Gausman and (Dylan) Bundy, seeing what they can do in a full season."