Bob Haynie: Britton Thinks He Can Help The Orioles
This is a big spring for Baltimore Orioles lefty Zach Britton. He is out of options and has to make a positive impression in Sarasota if he wants to remain a Bird. But, as Britton told Glenn Younes and yours truly, he's not feeling any pressure and knows he'll have a job in the major leagues even if it isn't in Baltimore.
LISTEN - Sports Rehab: Zach Britton Interview
Britton does, however, feel as though he can help manger Buck Showalter's team win some games either as a starter or out of the bullpen. Since he has been a starting pitcher for most of his professional career, he'd prefer to be in the starting rotation. Whether or not that happens, is up to him.
After winning 11 games as rookie in 2011, it has been a rough ride for the 26-year-old. Britton admitted to us on Sports Rehab that he has been frustrated with the way last couple of seasons of played out for him. Injuries and inconsistency have been the main reasons for why his won only seven major league games since that 2011 campaign.
He says he is fully healthy and is looking forward to the chance to possibly earn a spot in the Orioles five-man rotation. Britton hears the talk of Baltimore trying to sign another pitcher and says that is doesn't really bother him. If he does what he needs to do, everything will take care of itself.
Britton may be in the minority on this one, but he believes the Birds have a chance to win a lot in 2014.
Will he be around to be part of that winning?
We'll start finding out next week.