Ryan McKenna out to make an impression, plus Chris Davis' comments

Since he has yet to play at Triple-A, outfielder Ryan McKenna is unlikely to break north with the Orioles to start the 2020 season. But he's back in major league camp for the second year in a row, trying to making an impression and set himself up for a good season.

The O's outfield picture is a bit crowed right now, with seven outfielders on the 40-man roster. There are three non-roster outfielders in camp with Yusniel Diaz, Mason Williams and Stevie Wilkerson, who is listed with the outfielders. He, of course, was drafted as an infielder and last July became the first position player to ever record a save.

But back to McKenna. He turned 23 last week and has played the last two years at Double-A. He began the 2018 season at Single-A Frederick and batted a remarkable .377/.467/.556 in 67 games, earning a move up to Double-A Bowie. In 60 games with the Baysox, he hit .239.

McKenna spent all of last year with Bowie, playing center field and mostly batting first or second in the order. He filled up the stat sheet but once again did not hit for a high average.

Drafted in round four out of a New Hampshire high school in 2015, he batted .232/.321/.365 for Bowie over 135 games. He tied for first in the Eastern League with 78 runs, tied for ninth with 26 doubles and tied for eighth with 25 steals.

Then, in November, he joined Ryan Mountcastle, Keegan Akin and Dean Kremer and was added for the first time to the Orioles' 40-man roster.

"It was cool. Anytime an organization shows that faith in you, it's significant and a milestone as a baseball player. It's just the beginning and I look forward to keep going," said McKenna.

McKenna played in 14 games last spring for the Orioles, batting .143 (2-for-14). He is a career .211 hitter (4-for-19) in spring training games.

McKenna was asked about his winter workouts during a Birdland Caravan stop in Bowie. He went to a facility to improve his strength and conditioning and work on his baseball skills.

"It was different in that I was staying in Houston," he said. "A couple of guys represented by my agency live down there. It was a chance to get better along with motivating each other. We trained at DST (Dynamic Sports Training), which was awesome and there are a bunch of pro guys there. Got stronger and got prepared for the season."

McKenna has now spent his last 195 minor league games playing for Bowie, so a move up to Triple-A seems likely. What did he learn last year?

"Just stay hungry and keep improving day in and day out. Hone in on things that you need and try to eliminate things you don't. They know (club officials) what I'm capable of. So, want to show what I can do and be confident in that. Also be motivated and competitive to make the team and be an encouraging teammate. It's just kind a balance of everything," McKenna said.

Davis speaks: A few weeks ago on the "Orioles Hot Stove Show," Chris Davis talked about adding weight and strength for the 2020 season. Yesterday in Sarasota, Davis talked further about his season outlook.

In a comment that surprised me, Davis revealed he had discussions with his wife late last year and into the offseason about possibly walking away from the game. Some O's fans, disgruntled with his poor play, have called for this. It seems unlikely to me Davis would ever do this, but he said he has considered it.

To me, that puts even more pressure on him to produce this year. If he struggles badly again, now the questions will surely come about whether he will retire from the game. We all assume, even with three years left on his contract entering this season, that at some point Davis could be designated for assignment by the club.

Is there a really a chance he could beat them to the punch?