BALTIMORE -- A few years ago, in Spring Training, then-Phillies manager Charlie Manuel was trying to get across the point that he was serious about giving every player in camp a fair shot at earning playing time. Results would matter more than reputation or contracts.
"Ain't no gimme baloney," he said, actually employing a slightly earthier expression.
Orioles manager Buck Showalter didn't have to say that before the Birds opened the 2016 season with a dramatic walk-off 3-2 win over the Twins at Camden Yards on Monday. All he had to do was pick up a pen and write Rule 5 Draft pick Joey Rickard, making his Major League debut in left field, into his starting lineup.