Notes on Trumbo, Jannis and Valaika

Mark Trumbo was prepared for this. The market dictating his next professional move. The reality that he might have played his last game.

Trumbo has been exploring some other options as teams draw closer to opening their spring training camps and the 10-year veteran is unable to get a nibble.

The sport hasn't been embracing sluggers like Trumbo, and he talked about it with me back in January 2019 while providing an update on his surgically repaired right knee.

"I am aware of the market for aging DHs, so my suspicion is that if I play at a very high level, there will be some opportunities. And if not, there probably won't be, to be quite honest," he said.

"I think my outlook is to try to have as much fun as I can and enjoy the time that I've had in the game. I'm going to give the absolute best that I can and set myself up for another opportunity if it presents itself. But if it doesn't, you've got to deal with that."

This is where we find Trumbo today. He came off the 60-day injured list in September following multiple shutdowns during his rehab assignment and appeared in 12 games with the Orioles, going 5-for-29 with three doubles and three RBIs. His clubhouse and dugout leadership were valued by teammates and manager Brandon Hyde.

It's how a player who turned 34 earlier this month fit into a rebuild. The only way it could happen in Baltimore if he didn't become a trade chip.

Trumbo underwent surgery on Sept. 7, 2018 to repair a hole in the cartilage that limited him to 90 games. The complicated procedure, known as "DeNovo," involves a juvenile cartilage implant from a donor. There are no fast recoveries, though he tried to make it onto the opening day roster.

The knee doesn't seem to be holding back Trumbo, but he hasn't received an offer.

Could coaching be in his future? He's interested in working with hitters and certainly has the knowledge and respect within the industry to excel in the role. He didn't want to force advice on the young players last year, but made it clear to them that he'd be available anytime someone needed him.

They'd just have to take the first step.

Now he'd like to take charge.

Trumbo also would be open to doing some broadcasting if there's an opportunity. Another idea if he's unable to latch on with a team.

* The Orioles signed knuckleballer Mickey Jannis to a minor league deal, which he announced yesterday on Twitter and a baseball official confirmed to me.

Not that I doubted him, but it's still a good idea to check.

Jannis, 32, will report to the minor league complex at Twin Lakes Park. He didn't receive a spring invite to major league camp, but could make a few appearances as an extra.

The Rays drafted Jannis in the 44th round in 2010 out of California State University, back when he used a sinker and slider to get hitters out. He pitched in independent leagues from 2012-14, experimenting with the knuckleball, before the Mets signed him.

Jannis posted a 3.10 ERA and 1.294 WHIP last summer in 20 games (18 starts) with Double-A Binghamton, but he's gone 0-4 with an 18.41 ERA and 3.000 WHIP in four Triple-A starts over the past two seasons. He's allowed 30 earned runs (34 total) in 14 2/3 innings.

Rather than throw the knuckler exclusively, Jannis will mix in his fastball and slider if they're more effective on a particular day.

* The Orioles want to sign another infielder to improve their depth, and Pat Valaika is available again. Perhaps he comes back to the organization.

The Diamondbacks designated Valaika for assignment on Monday to make room for Starling Marte on the 40-man roster. They claimed him off waivers from the Orioles, who claimed him off waivers from the Rockies.

Breyvic Valera, Hanser Alberto and now Valaika. Some guys just can't stay in one place.

Finding a starting pitcher remains a priority, but an infielder also is on the shopping list.