Graham on Alvarez: "He could help in the big leagues next year"

While I fully expect Nick Markakis to be playing right field for the Orioles on opening day, I don't mind revisting the Dariel Alvarez question.

Again, no. He isn't going to break camp with the Orioles in 2015. He wouldn't be Markakis' replacement if negotiations fell apart.

Will Alvarez be in the majors at some point next season? I really like his chances.

So does Brian Graham, the Orioles' director of player development, and his opinion carries a lot more weight.

Alvarez, signed to an $800,000 contract in July 2013, hit a combined .306/.330/.472 with 37 doubles, three triples, 15 home runs and 87 RBIs in 135 games and 532 at-bats at Double-A Bowie and Triple-A Norfolk.

"He could help in the big leagues next year," Graham said. "He's a talented guy. He obviously performed well at two different levels this year in his first full season. At some point next year he's going to be an option.

"You're looking at a guy who plays above-average defense, throws above average, runs average and can swing the bat with some pop. There are some things he needs to get better at: command of the strike zone, getting a good pitch to hit. He doesn't walk very much, but when he makes contact he gets on base and does a lot of positive things."

Alvarez, who turned 26 in November, is widely regarded as possessing the strongest arm in the organization, but it's his offensive development that excites the organization.

"He's got a great arm," Graham said, "but the ball also comes off his bat real well, which would come into play a lot more than his arm would, his ability to hit."

Adam Jones won his fourth Gold Glove in center field and is signed through 2018. Markakis won his second in right field and, barring the unexpected, is going to get a four-year deal to stay with the Orioles. Alvarez may need to shift over to left.

"He can play center field and he's above-average on both corners," Graham said. "Dariel Alvarez fits in wherever we need him.

"You know what makes him special? What makes this kid special is he loves to play the game, he loves to practice, he loves to be at the ballpark. That's what makes him special. He's a guy who enjoys practicing and enjoys putting the uniform on and enjoys playing. He's always got a smile on his face and he plays with energy. He has unique qualities that not every single player has."

Henry Urrutia, the first Cuban player signed by the Orioles, picked up the English language much easier than anticipated. I could use him to proofread my blog entries. Alvarez is still struggling with it.

"His command of the English language is below average and behind Henry," Graham said, "but his ability to communicate on the baseball field and compete every day and do what he needs to do to be successful is above average."