Wynns on Rule 5 picks: "They have great big league stuff"

SARASOTA, Fla. - The Internet makes pitching statistics easily accessible to the public and there are multiple sites offering full scouting reports. Video can be found in only a couple of keystrokes. It's reached the point where leaving your couch no longer is a prerequisite.

Then there are those opportunities to hang out at a catcher's locker and pick his brain.

Still one of my favorite activities, and especially in spring training with so many arms in camp.

Austin Wynns turned 29 in December, making him one of the senior members on the Orioles though he's played in parts of only two seasons in the majors. He's been a professional since 2013 at short-season Single-A Aberdeen.

The man has caught a few pitchers in his day.

During our brief chat yesterday morning, which began as usual with a firm handshake from Wynns, I asked whether any of the younger pitchers stood out to him during bullpen sessions or live batting practice.

Two rotation candidates were lumped together by their statuses.

"Both our Rule 5s," Wynns said.

Brandon Bailey and Michael Rucker have been noticed.

"I'm impressed with both of them," Wynns said. "They have great big league stuff and their potential is huge. Now it just comes down to let the games start under the lights and see how they react."

Beneath a cloudless sky also works for a team that's got to find out whether it can carry at least one of them. And whether the bullpen is an option.

Wynns also is working with some of the veterans on the staff, including Alex Cobb, who's returning from hip and knee surgeries and starts Monday afternoon against the Phillies in Clearwater.

"He'll be healthy," Wynns said. "His preparation, he's going about it the right way. If you talk to him, he feels and looks great and he will be someone to be reckoned with. He's ready."

What about David Hess, who's making a positive impression in camp after following a throwing program provided to him by Premier Pitching and Performance in St. Louis?

"I've caught him once in the bullpen," Wynns said. "Stuff-wise right now is pumped up. His velo is up and he's worked on that curveball. He's made some big adjustments with his curveball and I like it a lot. And the organization likes it a lot, too, so I'm looking forward to the games to see how it really plays out.

"Everyone's ready for games."

Wynns is trying to win a job and break camp with the team after having his 2019 chances ruined by a strained oblique.

"Last year, I was in the best shape of my life and then that happens," he said. "What's meant to be is meant to be. I had the oblique issue, I'm 100 percent and ready to take on this year and do what I can for the Orioles."

Pedro Severino is lined up to make most of the starts again this summer, which puts Wynns in direct competition with Chance Sisco, Bryan Holaday and Taylor Davis.

Martin Cervenka would like to make it out of Double-A Bowie and Adley Rutschman is waiting to learn whether he's beginning the season at Single-A Delmarva or Frederick. But Wynns has a lot more at stake in Sarasota.

"You better be hunting for a job. You know what I mean? That's just our nature," Wynns said.

"My mentality is just like, obviously I'm a little older now, a little bit wiser. You get wiser every year. And I'll always be hungry for the big leagues, no matter what."