Christian Walker on his second-half improvement

If the Orioles aren't willing to enter a bidding war for first baseman Chris Davis, they'll need to figure out whether his replacement is inside the organization, or if they need to come up with a cheaper alternative from another team or the free agent market.

Where does Christian Walker fit into this puzzle?

My guess is Walker begins the 2016 season at Triple-A Norfolk, but he's going to fight for a roster spot in spring training. There's been lots of attention directed toward Double-A Bowie first baseman Trey Mancini, the Orioles' minor league Player of the Year, but Walker made his own impression.

Walker won the same award in 2014 and he finished strong in 2015, batting .257/.342/.515 with 12 doubles, one triple, 13 home runs and 44 RBIs in 54 games with Norfolk following the break.

"His second half of the season, he almost carried the club offensively on a lot of nights," said Orioles manager Buck Showalter. "He had the type of second half he had almost all year last year. He made a lot of improvements at first base."

Walker, 24, said he made "some adjustments" that allowed him to increase his production after hitting five home runs and registering a .313 on-base percentage and .366 slugging percentage in the first half.

"A couple little mechanical things here and there," Walker said last month. "It was more of a comfort thing. I couldn't get comfortable at the plate the first half. Whether it was my approach or my fundamentals, for whatever reason it just wasn't there. It's part of the game.

"Looking back, it was probably good for me. It was learning curve. I learned a lot about myself. But, yeah, it was a great second half, and all things considered, it was a good year."

Walker was challenged to focus on his play at Norfolk and not what the Orioles might do with their expanded roster.

"I want to be here and stay here and play as much as possible," he said. "All I can really worry about is what I can take care of - and that's being the best player I can be, staying healthy and just all aspects of it."

Walker, who went 1-for-9 with three walks in seven games with the Orioles, understood that his defense was being scrutinized. He didn't make a favorable impression in the field last year.

"Defense is key, especially here and just in the big leagues," he said. "I didn't want that to be the reason why I wasn't in the big leagues. I wanted to turn that weakness into a strength and focus on it and I've definitely made some strides. I'm definitely getting better. I'm comfortable with where I'm at right now."

Walker credited Norfolk's coaching staff, including field coach Jose Hernandez, who often seems to get overlooked.

"That was a good staff we had. Real helpful guys," he said.

"Jose Hernandez did a lot for me defensively. I took a lot of ground balls, just a lot of conversation about footwork. You learn a lot from those guys, people who have been around the game for years and years and played in the big leagues. (Sean) Berry was there for 11 years, Jose for parts of 15. They've been through it. They know the game and understand it. It's good to be around those guys."

Meanwhile, I'm taking the Royals in six.

I'm going back to my zombie analogy. You just can't kill this team. It keeps coming back at you.

Also, the Mets' Daniel Murphy may hit six more home runs in the postseason and I'm still not buying that he's worth big money on the free agent market.

Managers warn against falling in love with spring training and September stats. The same is true in October.