Christian Walker talks about playing the outfield

SARASOTA, Fla. - The Orioles are playing their first exhibition game today while also subjected to their longest bus ride. They're not going to Jupiter this spring, but they're kicking off the Grapefruit League schedule with a trip to Lake Buena Vista.

That's no bueno.

The Braves are waiting for them, including former Orioles Nick Markakis, Bud Norris, Jim Johnson, Ryan Lavarnway and Kelly Johnson. I can't decide which one to hug first.

Fans keep asking me about the chances that Markakis might return to right field at Camden Yards. I looked into it earlier this winter and had no indication that the Braves were trying to move him or that they'd eat some salary. And would the Orioles, after pulling their four-year offer last winter due to concerns about Markakis' disk surgery, basically admit that they made a mistake by taking on the last three years of the deal?

There was at least one brief discussion between the two sides, but nothing came of it.

Speaking of outfielders, as I hone my segue skills, the Orioles could experiment with first baseman Christian Walker this season at Triple-A Norfolk. Manager Buck Showalter raised the possibility over the past few days while also cautioning that he merely was responding to a reporter's question.

Walker won't fight it. In fact, the former fourth-round pick out of the University of South Carolina actually may embrace it. Anything to enhance his value to the team and stick in the majors.

"I played a little of outfield in college," he said, referring to his stints in left field. "My college coach always kept it in the mix because he knew somewhere down the line it might be an option or an opportunity. I haven't played it too much, but I think I know my way around the outfield a little bit.

"Up until now, I've just been focusing on first base. If that opportunity comes, I'll be glad to take it and do my best. But for now it's first base."

The thought obviously crossed Walker's mind after Chris Davis re-signed over the winter.

"Yeah, absolutely," he said. "My goal is to play in the big leagues. To me, it doesn't matter what position I'm playing. As long as I'm in the lineup and helping the team win, that's fine with me. It's whatever they think is best, that's what I'll do."

Walker, the organization's Minor League Player of the Year in 2014, doubled off left-hander Cesar Cabral in Sunday's intrasquad game.

How'd it feel? What do you think?

"It felt good to hit that ball," Walker said.

"It's good to be facing some live pitching again, some live arms, getting into the rhythm of a game and the speed of the game again. I feel like I'm finally out of offseason mode."

Players were called off the field after Walker's double because Cabral reached his pitch count. Manager Buck Showalter took the opportunity to mess with Walker a bit, making sure he knew the new rule regarding slides into second base.

"I think he was just joking," Walker said. "He had said something about the new rule and sliding past second. We switched up the inning right after the double and he said, 'Walker, you're out. Inning over. You slid past second base.' He was referring to that new slide rule, the contact play at second base."

Got it.