More on Mancini and props for the Tides from the Orioles

Orioles first baseman-turned-outfielder Trey Mancini was a popular interview Friday at Harbor Park. And why not? He returned to the place where he had a strong 2016 season, and the Norfolk reporters wanted to ask him about making the opening day roster and adjusting to life in the outfield.

Mancini repeated again that he is feeling comfortable already playing in the outfield. He feels he has quickly earned the trust of manager Buck Showalter as an outfielder.

"It seems like he's comfortable with me," Mancini said. "I don't think I'd be on the team if he wasn't. So I'll keep working hard and I can definitely improve, but at least they have enough faith in me already to play out there when they need me. That is very reassuring."

Often with young players as they reach the majors, teams have a tough decision whether to keep them on the roster if said player will not play every day. It could be that Mancini is a part-time starter with the Orioles. Showalter said he is fine keeping Mancini on the team for now even without him getting regular at-bats.

"Sure. Sure," the manager said. "We are going to do what's best for the Baltimore Orioles and that is also what's best for Trey. We'll see how it falls. There are a lot of different dynamics, but Trey earned an opportunity and we'll see where the at-bats fall. Because he is not getting X-number of at-bats a week, ask him if that is worthy of him getting sent back.

"I don't know how you can do more on your resume to get an opportunity. And the reward for that is do well to get another one. We are excited about Trey's progress. He's done well at every level. Most of the time these guys hit .260 or have an ERA of 4.00 and you are supposed to promote them. Trey is not cut from that statistically. He has earned his way here."

Mancini hit .333/.379/.600 with seven doubles, three homers and 14 RBIs in Grapefruit League games and then he went 1-for-2 with a single in Friday's 3-3 tie with Norfolk. Mancini led the Orioles in spring in hits (20), doubles (seven) and RBIs (14), and his .979 OPS topped all players with 40 or more at-bats.

Showalter admitted yesterday he wished the Orioles had moved Mancini to the outfield sooner. He said as much when asked where the idea to move Mancini to the outfield originated.

"I don't know, it's a baseball decision," he said. "We've got Chris Davis at first base. Didn't like him at shortstop, second, third or center. So that left the corner outfield. It is something we were wanting to do. Personally, I wish we had done it earlier. I thought we should have done it last year. As soon as Chris signed the contract."

The Orioles-Tides relationship: Orioles club officials in Norfolk yesterday made it clear how much they appreciate what the Tides do on and off the field that helps them in Baltimore. It was a day to show the Norfolk fans, media and front office that they are indeed very appreciated.

The Tides have been the Orioles' top affiliate since the 2007 season. This is the 11th year of a relationship the Orioles seem to hope continues for a long time.

"It's a great relationship," said Kent Qualls, the Orioles director of minor league operations. "They've done a nice job to keep up the ballpark. They renovated the playing field a couple of years ago and there is good communication. There were some things in the clubhouse that we asked for and they added a video room. It's been a real positive relationship that we have with the Tides."

Orioles vice president Dan Duquette said: "This is an important relationship for the Orioles. The market is important for the Orioles, also as a TV market. It allows us to introduce our players and then be part of our (TV) distribution for the major league team. A lot of our players have played here over the years and several will be coming through the organization. It's a great stepping stone."

Showalter gave props to the Tides fans as the game drew such a good crowd of 8,729 on a day that featured heavy rain at times. It looked like the game would get rained out, but they got it in and the fans showed up.

"It's humbling that someone might have missed half a day of work to be here," he said. "Our guys understand the gig and it's an honor to be asked to come here. That is one of the reasons we have a great relationship with Norfolk and it is not a one-way thing. That relationship has played a big role in our success the last few years. It's a great honor to be here today. I can't imagine a better Triple-A/major league situation than we have with Norfolk. I think some people are jealous."

In 2012, the Tides beat the Orioles 6-4 and two years later the Orioles won 4-3 in a game shortened to six innings by rain. After Friday's tie, the clubs are all even at 1-1-1 in three exhibitions. Now the Orioles get ready to open a new season Monday against Toronto, while the Tides opener is next Thursday in Charlotte with their home opener set for April 10 at Harbor Park against Gwinnett at 6:35 p.m.