Hendrickson still likes Orioles' opportunity
If you are still looking for a reason why the Orioles hoped veteran left-hander Mark Hendrickson accepted his outright assignment to Triple-A Norfolk, consider this:
After reporting to the minor league facility at Twin Lakes Park today, Hendrickson made it a point to have lunch with top pitching prospect Zach Britton to discuss different things and dispense a little veteran advice.
Hendrickson takes such matters seriously, which is why many of the Orioles' younger pitchers leaned on him so heavily over the past couple of seasons. Henrdrickson still relishes the opportunity to work with some of the organization's younger players, even if it is in Triple-A Norfolk.
“It wasn’t too difficult because there weren’t a whole lot of options at the Major League level," said Hendrickson went asked about accepting the outright. "I really like the team, I like the direction that we’re going in and I’m confident that I’ll be back up there. That it’s just a matter of time. That’s not wishing anybody up there not to do well. It’s just knowing from experience that it takes more than the 12 guys throughout the year to get through a season.”
Hendrickson said that he had some other options, but none were at the big league level.
"This time of year, it’s not like anybody had any openings up at the big league level," he said. "Most teams have their rosters pretty much set. Nothing really panned out with that. If it comes down to Triple-A, I’m obviously familiar with this organization."
There was some discussion about Hendrickson reporting to Double-A Bowie rather than Triple-A Norfolk because it is closer to his York, Pa. home; however, Hendrickson said that he expects to report to Norfolk. He also said that he'll probably be used in a swing-man type role.
A Baltimore native, 
Comments
Make Hendrickson your number 2 starter, move Brian Matuzs to 3 and forget Britten and Duckshcerer. Its so simple if Andy would pay attention to whats happening with his own team.
Britten can come up later this summer. He's not ready. Duckshcerer was another Andy budget baseball signing.
Posted by: Brummie_Oriole | March 31, 2011 3:45 PM
Hendrickson has proven himself to be a real class act and someone who I'm glad is affiliated with the Baltimore Orioles. I wish him a successful season and hope that he'll be back in Baltimore soon for both his and his family's sake.
Posted by: malbie | March 31, 2011 4:04 PM
This is what I mean . Take this Brummie joker . Why do you even let post ? Nothing but negative things out of his mouth . Brummie , go stick your head in a bucket of water . Maybe you could keep your mouth shut that way .Probably not .
Thanks for letting me post
Curt
Posted by: Curt S.S .MD | March 31, 2011 7:50 PM
Reading the part about Mark having lunch with young Mr. Britton, makes me wonder if getting into coaching has ever entered his mind. It's obvious he loves the game, cares about his team(mates), and has the experience to be an asset to an organization.
Posted by: Mike in Ohio | March 31, 2011 8:31 PM
Hendrickson is a class act. I look for him to show up as a pitching coach or even manager one day. The Orioles are fortunate to have him in the organization.
Posted by: Bob Gatty | March 31, 2011 9:10 PM
Hendrickson is a class act. I look for him to show up as a pitching coach or even manager one day. The Orioles are fortunate to have him in the organization.
Posted by: Bob Gatty | March 31, 2011 9:11 PM