Mark Hendrickson retiring and more notes

SARASOTA, Fla. - Veteran left-hander Mark Hendrickson requested a conference call with the local beat crew today to announce that he's retiring from baseball after 10 seasons in the majors, the last three with the Orioles.

Hendrickson said he's been in contact with manager Buck Showalter about a future role in the organization. He also has interest in pursuing professional golf.

I'm guessing custom-made clubs.

Hendrickson was 58-74 with a 5.03 ERA in 328 games in the majors, his last appearance coming in August 2011. The Orioles talked him into lowering his arm slot and gave him two tryouts in minicamps, signing him to minor league deals in 2013 and 2015.

Hendrickson posted a 1.54 ERA last summer in 52 2/3 innings with the independent York Revolution. The Orioles released him on March 16.

"I've decided that my playing days as a professional baseball player are done," he said. "It's something my wife and I have been talking about during this period of time, especially when we got back from Florida. I just knew that this is probably the best time to do it prior to the season starting. I know there are a lot of things going on this week with roster decisions and stuff like that.

"We pondered a lot of different things. I said professional baseball player, because to be honest, I love being an athlete. I don't like to use the word 'retired' because it's just something that perhaps down the road golf was always my third sport and I think it's something that appeals to me. But I think in the short run, the way Courtney and I were examining it, is that I have such a good relationship with the Orioles, I love the organization, been a part of it for five years on and off, and I think if there is ever an opportunity to pursue something post-baseball with the Orioles, I think it's something that is better to pursue sooner or rather than later.

"I can't say there's anything definite on my plate I have expressed to Buck. We talked about different things last week, but obviously he has his plate full with everything happening in spring training, but I'm definitely open to that. I just have no idea what it is, but it's definitely something that intrigues me, so we'll have to see what happens.

"It'd be something I'd be interested in this year, yeah. To me, the big question - what does it really look like and I think that's something that's a little bit of an unknown. Coaching, front office, advisor role, lot of different things."

Hendrickson, 40, has twice texted pitcher Pat Connaughton about life as a basketball and baseball player. Hendrickson played four seasons in the NBA. Connaughton's college career just ended at Notre Dame and he's expressed interest in pursuing a basketball career rather than reporting to the Orioles' minor league camp.

"I've reached out to him via text," Hendrickson said. "His name came up probably the last week I was in camp. It was something that, knowing from what I got in talking to Rick Peterson about both sports, I really hadn't followed him too much.

"I said, 'Hey, I'll call him.' And it's more just kind of 'been there, done that' kind of advice and he seemed very willing to talk to me. Other than a few texts here and there, I wanted to give him the respect of what he was going through last weekend. We talked after his Sweet 16 game, I think we talked on Friday, this is just through texts, and then obviously after their loss I texted him yesterday.

"Hopefully, we can line up a conversation this week, just introducing myself and getting a chance to talk him, because I think I can relate to what he is going through and see if we can't help each other out."

Showalter said no decision has been made on Kevin Gausman, who started today against the Rays.

Gausman could make a relief appearance before the Orioles break camp, but right now he seems more likely to throw a side session. He isn't scheduled to make another start. And no word on whether he's made the club in any role.

"We're not there yet," Showalter said.

"We kind of take each day as it comes. We have some issues that kind of affect some things we're doing with the Rule 5 guys. There's a lot of moving parts right now. We just gather after each day and take it in and see what may have changed.

"Dan (Duquette) is privy to a lot of things that are going on. He brings me up to speed when it's time. I'm OK with that. I don't need to know something before it happens."

The Orioles have until 3 p.m. Sunday to set their roster, which will be adjusted again after opening day for first baseman Chris Davis.

The Orioles will need to create room on the 40-man for Davis, along with a few others who could make the club. Ryan Lavarnway, who appears to be the favorite for the backup catching job, is a non-roster invitee. Outfielder Nolan Reimold also is working on a minor league deal, as Showalter reminded reporters today.

Gausman allowed four runs and seven hits in 3 2/3 innings.

"Gausman was OK," Showalter said. "Was working with a pretty tight strike zone. Caleb (Joseph) said he had about seven strikes, turned some counts around. Pretty hitter-friendly day. Some hard-hit balls.

"I think it was actually kind of good for him today. He wouldn't look at it that way."

Brad Brach threw two scoreless innings today and has permitted two runs in 10 1/3 innings, with three walks and 10 strikeouts.

"Brach's going to be a key part of our bullpen," Showalter said. "If he pitches well, it would mean a lot to us. He's a right-hander who gets left-handed hitters out."

Tommy Hunter worked back-to-back games, walking one batter today in a scoreless inning.

Showalter said he doesn't know what "innuendo" comes from the Orioles acquiring Triple-A catcher Audry Perez.

"You can never have enough catching depth," Showalter said.

The Orioles announced the return of the AT&T Fans' Choice Bobblehead promotion for 2015. Fans will once again be able to select the player they want to be immortalized in a bobblehead giveaway, scheduled to be distributed during Fan Appreciation Weekend on Oct. 4 to the first 25,000 fans ages 15 and over.

Fans may vote for any of the following players: Zach Britton, Wei-Yin Chen, Darren O'Day, Bud Norris and Steve Pearce.

Voting is under way now and fans may vote through unlimited mobile voting by texting 1 for Britton, 2 for Chen, 3 for O'Day, 4 for Norris or 5 for Pearce to 31826. Texting is available on all mobile carriers and is subject to standard text message rates.

Each time fans text their vote using their mobile phone, they will automatically be entered into a sweepstakes for a chance to win a VIP experience that includes four lower box tickets to attend the Oct. 4 game and an autographed bobblehead of the player, plus an on-field experience prior to the game.

Fans also may vote at www.orioles.com/bobblehead. Voting will conclude on April 30.