"I look at this as a wonderful opportunity to get a new start," said Aubrey, who has hit .282 (35-for-124) with three homers and 21 RBIs in his first 34 games with the Tides. "It's a new look, and maybe I will open up some eyes and make them make a tough decision."
For the Orioles, acquiring Aubrey was an easy call. He is just 27, plays a strong first base and could fit into the club's plans for the position in 2010 if Aubrey Huff is not re-signed.
"I think if he stays healthy he has a very good chance to be a major leaguer again," Orioles director of player development David Stockstill said.
Aubrey had no shortage of Orioles personnel willing to endorse the move. International scouting director John Stockstill scouted Aubrey heavily when he was at Tulane and was the scouting director for the Chicago Cubs. Double-A Bowie manager Brad Komminsk managed Aubrey at Akron in 2004.
Orioles starter Jeremy Guthrie, also a former Indians first-round pick, played with Aubrey in the minors.
"He is such a natural talent: great swing, great approach," Guthrie said. "I don't think very often he comes out just trying to be nice and easy up there. He is going to be consistent when he is healthy and able to swing like his body should allow him to."
If there is any other concern about Aubrey it's that he hasn't exhibited the power expected from a first baseman. He has eight total homers this season, but he is a doubles machine - with 27 so far at his two Triple-A stops. So the Orioles believe the power potential is there.
"If he gets more at-bats, he'll show more power than he has now. He has plenty of bat speed to have power," David Stockstill said. "You never know. People in baseball sometimes get a new lease on life. Certainly, we are hoping this is one of those stories."
Tides bits: : Second baseman Justin Turner is the only player from the Tides' Opening Day starting lineup who is still on the club's active roster. ... First baseman Brandon Snyder, 22, batted .378 (14-for-37) with 10 RBIs in his previous 10 games to improve his Norfolk average to .245 in 151 at-bats.
