Donnie Hart and Alan Mills reunited again

In Donnie Hart's world, Alan Mills was destined to join the Orioles coaching staff next season. It couldn't happen any other way.

Trace Hart's professional career and you'll run into Mills, his pitching coach every year, beginning with short-season Single-A Aberdeen in 2013.

Hart moved up to low Single-A Delmarva in 2014 and Mills was waiting for him. He climbed to Double-A Bowie in 2015 and Mills was waiting for him.

They were together for 40 games at Bowie this season before Hart received a surprise promotion to the Orioles. He's got a legitimate shot at breaking camp with the team next spring and again sharing a bullpen with Mills, who was hired yesterday as Dom Chiti's replacement.

No need for a restraining order. This is a good thing.

"I had him when I was a rookie in Aberdeen and we kind of built a good relationship there," Hart said yesterday. "Then, as the years went on, he saw things as I progressed and he didn't stop giving me information, which I was very thankful for.

"He pitched in the big leagues for 12 years, and knowing that and knowing what kind of pitcher he was, picking his brain really helped."

Mills made Hart more aggressive. Not to the point where he wants to punch Darryl Strawberry in the face, but he's more comfortable moving hitters off the plate, not giving in.

"He installed in me being able to pitch inside on guys," Hart said. "That was important for me because I didn't really do that much in college and as a rookie. As I went on, that became part of my arsenal and weapons I used against hitters."

Mills is 50, but he plays much younger. He seems to easily relate to today's pitchers. I've seen it at Bowie and in spring training.

"He's young at heart," said Hart. And yes, I know how that sounds. All we need are Ann and Nancy Wilson to come out for an encore.

"He loves the game, loves interacting with people," Hart continued. "I think that's where he gets some of his pure joy from, being able to interact with people and help them and learn from them, as well. He asks a lot of questions and has a lot of stories from all the questions he asks. That's one of the fun things about him. He's never short of stories and always has a smile on his face."

I've also seen the scowl. The smile is far less intimidating.

Hart made 22 appearances with the Orioles this summer and allowed only one run in 18 1/3 innings. Opponents batted .194 against him. It didn't happen by accident.

He's not going to forget the influence of Chiti and former pitching coach Dave Wallace.

Hart said he "absolutely" was sad to learn that they weren't returning and added, "I'm forever grateful for those two." The celebrating over Mills' promotion won't mute those feelings.

"They were guys I made my big league debut with and I learned a lot," Hart said. "I want to thank them, and Dom especially. From Day One, I sat down next to him every game in the big leagues. I sat next to him in the bullpen and we talked baseball. We talked about a lot of things and he helped me out a lot.

"He helped ease my mind as I made my way through the big leagues. I can't thank him enough. The same with Wally. The times I was struggling, to have Wally come over to me in the dugout and explain how it wasn't as bad as I thought it was, it's nice to have a coach come over and tell you that.

"I was disappointed. It was sad to see the news that they were moving on. But I know that's what Wally needed and Dom will do a good job over there for Atlanta."

Hart has limited knowledge of new pitching coach Roger McDowell. The stats that are easy to find online. The conversations with other pitchers.

"I don't know a whole lot," Hart said. "I know who he is. I know he was with Atlanta for a while. I played with a guy in the fall league who really liked him. Was with Atlanta and in the big leagues with him. And I saw him come to the fall league.

"You kind of hear about coaches in the organization and everybody spoke very highly of him."

Note: The Twins reportedly reached agreement with catcher Jason Castro on a three-year deal worth $24.5 million.

The Orioles weren't going to make that type of commitment despite having serious interest in him.

The Braves also were interested in Castro, but figure to turn their attention to Matt Wieters.