Jackson positioned to serve in utility role for Orioles

SARASOTA, Fla. - Whatever stigma is attached to the designation of utility infielder can evaporate like a puddle in the Florida sun.

Want to be a major league player? Accept any role handed to you.

Are you a Rule 5 pick who wants to avoid going back to the minors? Embrace any role handed to you.

Squeeze it like a popup - camping under it from whichever position you're assigned on a given day.

Drew Jackson has an excellent chance of being introduced on opening day at Yankee Stadium because of his versatility, the trust placed in him at multiple positions. He's played shortstop, second base, third base and center field for the Orioles, whether starting or coming off the bench, and is working out at other spots to broaden his appeal.

"I feel great," he said. "I mean, this is what I wanted. As much opportunity as I can get and that's what they've given me. I've played in pretty much every game. Can't ask for much more than going out there and playing."

Sixteen games to be exact, tying him with Ryan Mountcastle for the team lead. Mountcastle was reassigned to minor league camp on Sunday.

Jackson played shortstop in his first two exhibition games before branching out to second base and center field. He's shifted from second to center and center to shortstop in the same games.

Last night presented his first chance this spring to play third base, replacing Renato Núñez against the Yankees in Tampa.

None of it interferes with his work at the plate, where he's gone 11-for-29 to further strengthen his bid for the opening day roster.

"I kind of went into camp thinking that I was going to play as many positions as I can," he said. "I think I have even more under my belt. I can play the corner outfield spots and even third base. And they know I'm that versatile, so wherever they put me, I think I can play.

"I know I can play."

Jackson quipped that he hasn't pitched or caught in a game or on the back fields. Otherwise, he's been a man on the move.

"I was listed in right field in a game, but ended up just playing second and center," he said. "But I've taken reps everywhere."

Beyond his more extensive work at other positions, Jackson has five games worth of experience at third base in the minors and says, "I feel good over there, as well." He also owns a career .360 on-base percentage.

The Orioles seem inclined to carry two Rule 5 players on opening day, including Richie Martin, the first player selected at the Winter Meetings and the likely starter at shortstop. They traded for Jackson after the Phillies selected him from the Dodgers organization, surrendering international signing bonus slot money and cash.

Martin and Jackson must stay on the roster or be passed through waivers and offered back to their respective clubs.

The former fifth-round pick out of Stanford University hasn't moved past the Double-A level, but he seems poised to make the biggest leap. So far, he keeps landing on his feet.

"Obviously that's the goal, but I told myself just come in and do work every single day and leave it all out there, so no matter what happens I look back knowing I did my best," Jackson said. "That's all I can do."

* Chris Davis went 1-for-2 with an RBI single last night in his first game since March 3. Austin Hays had a three-run double and a home run in the Orioles' 8-7 loss to the Yankees and he's making it harder and harder to head north without him.

* Nate Karns and Richard Bleier each threw a scoreless inning, but Mychal Givens was charged with three runs in one-third of an inning to inflate his ERA to 30.38.

* Manager Brandon Hyde told reporters that Mark Trumbo will serve as the designated hitter today in the veteran's spring debut.