Davis on playing third base, Orioles statement on Cashen

As reporters drifted toward his locker this afternoon, Chris Davis politely put them on hold by claiming that he had "early work at third base." Once Davis returned to the clubhouse, he was slumped in his chair and drenched in sweat from taking ground balls from third base coach and infield instructor Bobby Dickerson. Davis was using Manny Machado's glove, saying it felt weird having The Gold Glove Co. inscribed on it. With Machado serving a five-game suspension, Davis is making his first start at third base since Sept. 28, 2011. According to Davis, he was told about the position switch about 30 minutes before heading to the field with Dickerson. "Bobby and I kind of talked a few days ago, just about the fact that obviously (Machado) is going to have to serve the suspension at some point. The way Steve (Pearce) is swinging the bat and Delmon (Young) is swinging the bat gives us a chance to get some more guys in the lineup. "Obviously, I have some experience playing third. It's been a couple of years, but being the great athlete that I am instills a lot of confidence in the manager to put me in there. "I'm really tired, by the way." Davis has played 71 games at third base in the majors and 226 in the minors. "I'll knock it down and try to make a throw," he said. "Obviously, with a guy like Manny - what was he, the Platinum Glove Defender of the Universe last year? I was there for pretty much most of the year in 2011 and in 2010 I played a lot, so it has been a while, but I feel somewhat comfortable over there. "Interested to see how these guys approach it. I know Elvis (Andrus) is probably going to try to bunt every time he gets up to bat. You just go out there and prepare yourself like anything else and then play the game." Going back to the Orioles' decision today to designate Rule 5 pick Michael Almanzar for assignment, he must clear waivers before being offered back to the Red Sox. Every team has a chance to take him. The Orioles issued a statement today regarding the passing of former executive Frank Cashen: "The Orioles were saddened to learn today of the passing of Frank Cashen. Frank served the Orioles as Executive Vice President from 1965 to 1975 during the team's most successful on-field era, winning two World Series championships, four American League pennants, and five AL East titles. "It was during his tenure that the Orioles acquired Frank Robinson and named Earl Weaver manager, two of the most significant moments in club history. His record of success with the Orioles earned him the Herbert Armstrong Award in 1999, recognizing his contributions to the Orioles, the community and the sport of baseball. "The Orioles organization extends its sympathies to his wife, Jean, their seven children, and many grandchildren."