Trey Mancini and Christian Walker talk about Chris Davis re-signing with the O's

Christian Walker was the Orioles' minor league Player of the Year after the 2014 season, winning the Brooks Robinson Award. Trey Mancini took that same honor after last season. But going into the 2016 season, both prospects' path to the Orioles is potentially blocked by first baseman Chris Davis. He plays the same position they do and Davis re-signed with the club, agreeing to a seven-year contract through the 2022 season.

What does this mean to the futures for Mancini and Walker with the Orioles?

When I interviewed both players on Monday, they praised Davis and said they were not surprised that he re-signed. They both maintain a great attitude - one where they will continue to work hard to try to become big league players, no matter which player is at first base for the Orioles.

"I was pretty much prepared for him to re-sign," Mancini said during a phone interview. "Obviously, the Orioles would want Chris Davis back with the career he has had there. You know, I just always have tried to worry about myself. I think if I play to best of my ability, I'll find a spot at some point. It didn't crush me or break my heart, I guess, or anything. I had pretty much prepared for him to re-sign.

"That is something that was out of my control. Not really too worried about it. I still have some areas to work on and that is what I've tried to do."

Walker had a similar response when asked about Davis re-signing with Baltimore.

"You know, it is part of the game and comes with the territory," he said. "Davis is a great player and they obviously wanted him back. All I can worry about is what I can control. I'm just going to focus on the season and be excited it is almost baseball season again."

Walker has been hitting and working out this winter near his home in Trappe, Pa., about 30 miles from Philadelphia. He was, of course, reading and watching the reports on the Davis negotiations before he did re-sign.

"Of course," Walker said. "This is my job and I want to know about it. But at the same time, I didn't want to let it affect me in how I prepared for the season. Just focused on one thing at a time and controlling what I can control.

"Been working on everything. Did a real in depth ... you know, after last season it wasn't the season I wanted to have. Really kind of broke down hitting and got back to basics. Just continue to learn a lot about myself through the process."

At Triple-A Norfolk last year, Walker hit .257 with 18 homers, 74 RBIs and a .748 OPS. In 206 at-bats in the second-half, Walker hit .257 with 13 homers, 44 RBIs and an OPS of .856 for the Tides. He hit .306 with an OPS of .921 against left-handed pitching.

Mancini hit a combined .341/.375/.563 with 43 doubles, six triples, 21 home runs, and 89 RBIs in 136 games between Single-A Frederick and Double-A Bowie. He led all Orioles minor leaguers in batting average, home runs (21) and RBIs (89), and won the Eastern League batting title with an adjusted .330 batting average. He was a key player for Bowie's Eastern League championship club.

Mancini has spent most of his offseason at home in Winter Haven, Fla. But he also returned to Notre Dame for several weeks to finish his degree in political science. He was also in California for a week of workouts in January, joining pitcher Mike Wright and outfielder Mike Yastrzemski with O's vice president Brady Anderson.

"We have done a lot of speed work actually," Mancini said of those workouts. "A lot of hills sprints, other workouts and we also hit. So it was some strength and conditioning and hitting.

"I do really trust him (Anderson). In spring training last year he helped change my stance around a little bit. He is a guy I really trust and listen to about hitting and other aspects of the game."

Fans have wondered if the Orioles will look to experiment with either Mancini or Walker or both in the outfield this season. It seems unlikely at this point. But to no surprise, both players said they are up for it if the Orioles ask them to give it a shot.

"I think it is reasonable to think about, but no one has mentioned it to me," Mancini said. "I have always been a first baseman, but I played some outfield in college summer ball. I know how to play out there, but it would definitely take some work to get used to it. I'm pretty dedicated and if they want me to go out there, I think I could. I will do whatever they want me to do."

Walker said no one has talked to him about playing in the outfield.

"Up until this point, nothing has come up. I'll be fully prepared if something like that were to happen. But that is someone else's decision, so all I can do is worry about when the time comes," Walker said.

I'll have more later this week with both players as Mancini talks about getting his degree and trying to follow up on his big 2015 season, and Walker talks about his strong second half last summer.

Meanwhile, Gray Fenter, the Orioles' 2015 seventh-round pick, has been working on his long-toss game and right-hander Hunter Harvey is ready for spring training:

Just adding yards to the long toss game thanks to @PhantomWeights pic.twitter.com/uo9ObMfSRY

-- Gray fenter (@GrayFenter58) February 1, 2016

Only 2 more weeks till spring training so ready to get back on the mound pic.twitter.com/W8KPYqYxX0

-- Hunter Harvey (@Hunterharvey35) February 1, 2016