Orioles' Joey Rickard: Building strong case for roster spot

Rickard went 2-for-2, improving his spring training batting average to .378, in Monday's game against the Red Sox.

Analysis:

Rickard once seemed bound for a minor-league assignment, but he's making that decision difficult for Orioles management as the regular season looms. His batting average is the best among all players with 20-plus at-bats this spring. Furthermore, Rickard owns the team lead in Grapefruit League home runs (3), runs (10) and walks (12). The former Rule 5 pick also ranks second in RBI (7) and stolen bases (6) through 22 exhibitions games. Rickard's impressive spring may just help him overcome pre-camp expectations. Also working in his favor is that he's the only outfielder currently on the roster who can cover center field in case Adam Jones is ever lost to injury or just needs a rest.