Mark Trumbo: "Sometimes it's not the home run swing that is best suited for the job"

SARASOTA, Fla. - No doubt the Orioles have a power-packed lineup. They've hit 200 or more homers four straight years and that streak should grow to five this season.

But the homers won't always be there and some nights the team will have to manufacture runs. One player who agrees with this assessment is one of the club's power hitters, new Oriole Mark Trumbo. He has averaged 26.2 homers over the past five seasons. But Trumbo believes there are going to be nights the O's can't simply rely on the longball.

"With that (power) comes some patience. A team with the kind of power ability we have is also probably prone to some cold stretches at times, too," Trumbo said. "I think everyone is on board and is going to try and be the best hitter they can be in addition to driving the ball. And that is how you wear some of these better pitchers down. You have to be patient and take what they give you at times. Sometimes it's not the home run swing that is best suited for the job.

"I think everyone understands the game to the point where, if the situation calls for something slightly more attainable than a three-run homer, that people in here have the bat control and the ability to execute. And they have the wherewithal to know that is the right play at the time, too."

Trumbo says there is a balancing act for a power hitter. They are there to drive the baseball, but not in every case.

"It is (a balancing act). Because the overall mindset is to always drive the ball," he said. "At times, whether it be the pitch selection or maybe there is a giant hole because they are playing one of these shift defenses. It's not the worst thing in the world to take a shot every once in a while if you can drive in a run."

Trumbo hit .262/.310/.449 last season between Arizona and Seattle, with 23 doubles, two triples, 22 homers and 64 RBIs. His career slash line is .250/.300/.458 with a .758 OPS. The Orioles added him Dec. 2 in the trade that sent Steve Clevenger to Seattle.

Trumbo is enjoying his new team.

"So far, it's been awesome," he said. "It's been a really nice experience. I tried to come in with an open mind. The team is great, so is the coaching staff and front office. This has been a real pleasure."

The Orioles are Trumbo's fourth team. He has seen clubhouse chemistry elsewhere. He said the Orioles score very high in this category.

"It is tremendously important," he said. "It is one of those intangibles that you are not going to be able to put in a stat. Someone might be quick to dismiss it. But I really believe that with a quality clubhouse and a tight-knit group, that accounts for a number of wins in itself.

"Chemistry goes a long way in this game. Having confidence in your teammates and yourself because they have confidence in you. It's kind of this circle. A trusting type thing."

It looks like Trumbo will start the year as the Orioles' right fielder. In the clubhouse Sunday, he provided a scouting report on his own defense.

"It can differ by (outfield) position, but in looking at right field, I think the fundamental things I do fairly well," he said. "The range is probably not going to be as great as some other guys. But I do take a lot of pride in scouting and positioning. Despite some of the elite quickness I might not have, I tend to try and be in slightly better positions."

He has enjoyed his work with coach Wayne Kirby, who works with the Orioles outfielders.

"He's excellent," Trumbo said. "He brings a ton of energy. He's had some really nice suggestions for me as far as my starting stance and a little bit of the ready position. That can translate better in the outfield. In the infield, you always have somewhere to go. In the outfield, it's a little more important to get the right read before taking off. That is what we've been working on."