Redman batted .304 in 40 games at Triple-A Norfolk, and the Orioles purchased his contract on Aug. 9, returning him to the majors for the first time since 2005. Manager Dave Trembley was so impressed with Redman's ability to get on base - the outfielder hit safely in 19 of his last 25 games - that he practically assured reporters during the final days of the season that Redman would be part of the 2008 club.
Now, Trembley's not so sure. And not because Redman, who was batting .296 with a home run before last night, has botched his latest opportunity.
"He has not hurt his chances with the way he's swung the bat this spring, but on the other side of the coin, we're pretty left-handed dominated," Trembley said. "We have to have somebody that can spell Melvin [Mora] at third. We need to have a guy that is a multiple-position player. It's almost like there are 16 guys and you're going to carry 13."
"I just want to play ball," said Redman, who spent parts of five seasons with the Pittsburgh Pirates beginning in 2000. "I don't have it in my mind that I'll be sent down or put on waivers or released. The only thing I think of is stay positive, and if they call me to do something, I can come off the bench and hit. I'll do it."
In the meantime, he'll serve as a mentor of sorts to Jones, 22, who figures to occupy center field for many years - the position that Redman held down frequently in September. "That's good for Jones," Trembley said. "Tike definitely remembers where he's come from. He was in that same position years ago when he was in Pittsburgh. That's good for him to do that."
"I'm just easygoing," Redman said.
Their conversations often include tips on how to prolong a major league career. They discuss proper nutrition and how to prepare the body for games. Redman naturally does most of the talking.
"It's just mental stuff," Redman said. "He's already got the skills. But I've been playing center field my whole career. He's just now starting. Sometimes I sneak in a word or two for him and he capitalizes on it. He's doing pretty good.
"I talk to him about eating, the way you eat, make sure you stretch, stuff like that. But when I was 22, I wasn't thinking about that. I was just eating hamburgers, and I'd come to the field and sprint, not even stretch. Just run as hard and as fast as I could. But sooner or later, it'll catch up to you."
Said Jones: "I know a lot, but there's more I can learn. And even if it repeats things I already know, it's still good to have a reminder."
roch.kubatko@baltsun.com
