Wilson and Sisco impressing in camp

SARASOTA, Fla. - The Orioles are playing one game today. They won't need to raid their minor league camp again. Manager Buck Showalter and bench coach John Russell can stick around for the final out.

The short drive to Bradenton puts Adam Jones, Manny Machado and Welington Castillo in gray pants. Infielders Ryan Flaherty and Paul Janish are expected to join them now that they've been cleared to play.

The Orioles went 0-1-1 yesterday in their split-squad games, tying the Twins 6-6 in Sarasota and losing to the Yankees 8-1 in Tampa.

Tyler Wilson retired nine of the 10 batters he faced last night, with Matt Holliday hitting a solo home run. He's the first Orioles pitcher to go three innings and he's retired 15 of 16 batters he's faced over two starts.

Put Wilson in the category of Orioles who are making a strong impression in camp and taking full advantage of their opportunity. There doesn't appear to be a rotation spot for him, but he's vying for Vance Worley's old role as a long reliever/swingman.

Catcher Chance Sisco, the organization's top position prospect, also belongs on the list due to his improved work behind the plate. He's been better than advertised.

Sisco won't break camp with the team at 22, but he's got a shot at joining the Orioles over the summer rather than waiting until 2018. It depends how he's playing at Triple-A Norfolk and whether the Orioles are satisfied with their backup. Caleb Joseph, who homered last night, has an option remaining.

"He's quieter, confident," Showalter said. "We're really getting to know him. If you know the type of personality, he's a sharp guy. He's a lot more open about sharing his opinion.

"John has been doing some things about throwing downhill a little bit more, the same things that Donnie Werner's been doing. Stressing about missing down. Obviously, down is good, but with our taggers in the middle of the field, down's real good. And trying to throw the ball downhill.

"He made a throw between innings the other day that I'd never seen him make, so he's coming. And I knew the time here with John and Donnie would be good. He's coming. It's really encouraging. I just didn't know when, so he's got a chance for the 'when' part of it to be pushed up."

Sisco understands the importance of gaining Showalter's trust behind the plate.

"Oh yeah, absolutely, 100 percent," Sisco said. "I know that defense is the main thing for me right now to work on. Obviously, continue to progress and get better offensively, but main focus defensively.

"I feel really good right now. I'm continuing to work on it, continuing to work on throwing to the bases. J.R.'s been a great help so far, and Donnie and Caleb, too. Everyone's been helping me, but right now I feel confident. I feel really good."

I've heard people in the organization theorize that it may be easier for Sisco to catch at the highest level because pitchers are more likely to be around the plate. He's not going to be leaping out of his crouch or constantly blocking balls in the dirt.

"That definitely helps when you know the ball's going to be in that area," Sisco said. "You're not really playing a guessing game. I'm not saying guys at the lower levels aren't good or they don't know where it's going, but obviously the guys who are in the big leagues are there for a reason. They definitely help me out.

"It's a theory and there's definitely some truth behind it."

Joe Gunkel has some catching up to do in camp. He was shut down for a while with an upper-respiratory infection and he allowed three runs and six hits last night over two innings.

Oliver Drake isn't taking advantage of his opportunity. Out of options this year, Drake gave up three runs and four hits last night in seventh inning. Billy McKinney hit a two-run homer.

Drake's ERA rose to 18.00 in three innings, with six runs and eight hits allowed in three appearances.