Looking back on last night and Adam Jones' tribute to a mentor

SARASOTA, Fla. - Rule 5 pick Joey Rickard had another hit last night, a leadoff double in the first inning, and also walked and scored two runs in the Orioles' 11-2 victory over the Yankees in Tampa.

Mark Trumbo and Manny Machado each drove in four runs and combined for five hits. Trumbo hit a three-run homer.

Ryan Flaherty came off the bench and went 2-for-2 to raise his average to .400.

Starter Miguel Gonzalez gave up two runs in four innings and lowered his ERA from 22.24 to 14.90. Odrisamer Despaigne tossed three scoreless innings in relief, allowing only one hit, and has permitted only two runs in his last 7 1/3 innings.

I'm assuming that he's headed to Triple-A Norfolk's rotation, part of the building pitching depth in the system.

Dylan Bundy retired the side in order in the fifth, striking out one, and looks more and more like a viable relief option and not just a guy who's out of options and being stashed. His arm feels great. Keep those fingers crossed.

The Orioles improved their record to 5-12-3 and are 5-2-1 in their last eight games, the first road victory coming last night. Remember that whole winless streak and the panic that ensued?

Willie Bloomquist announced his retirement last week, ending a 14-year career as a utility player that included nine seasons with the Mariners.

I mention it today because former teammate and current Orioles center fielder Adam Jones reached out to Bloomquist on Twitter.

A huge THANK YOU to @williebloom. You've made a huge impact on my career. Since day one you taught me to GRIND and #StayHungry

-- 10 (@SimplyAJ10) March 12, 2016

Jones and Bloomquist were together in 2007 and 2008, the 37th overall pick and the third-rounder. One a budding superstar, the other valued for his ability to play every infield and outfield position.

Jones describes Bloomquist as "a 25 1/2 player his first three years with Mariners." Always on the fringe, never taking a day in the majors for granted.

"He just worked hard," Jones said. "No one outworked that guy. He wasn't the most talented guy, but played his ass off his entire career. Put in the work. And he knew that he had to put in the work.

"He taught me how to work hard, even being a first-rounder. He would let me know, 'You're a first-rounder. Cool. That was just for that day. Now, you're just a guy thrown into the rubble and thrown into the fire. Now, you're going to have to work hard and prove that you can play.' And he always made me out to prove myself that I can play. That's Willie Bloomquist."

Did Jones ever let Bloomquist know just how much his former teammate meant to his career?

"He probably doesn't know the impact," Jones said before pausing, the memories still coming back to him.

"No," Jones continued, "he knows."