Taylor Ward, who was acquired last week from the Los Angeles Angels in exchange for starting pitcher Grayson Rodriguez, spoke with the Baltimore media in a video conference call on Monday.
Here are excerpts from the conversation with the 31-year-old outfielder:
On finding out about the trade:
“Obviously, there’s been rumors for years now, but it was around 8 o’clock at night and got a call from [Angels general manager Perry Minasian] and answered it. Our conversation was pretty brief but just told me that I was traded to Baltimore and he appreciated everything that I had done with the Angels and wished me luck.
“But had no idea. I mean, you could say it was definitely a blind side. I had no idea that the Orioles were interested in me, but definitely thankful, grateful for the opportunity, and excited to get going with them.”
On talking with Orioles about his outfield position
“No, I haven’t had any discussions with them about where I’ll be playing, but wherever they need me to play, I’ll play there and do my best.”
On whom he’s spoken with about the Orioles
“I definitely talked to [manager Craig Albernaz] the same night I was traded, and talked to our hitting coach a good amount so far. But haven’t had much As for players, Ryan Mountcastle, we went to the same high school together. Not together, I actually missed him, but we’re familiar with each other, so I’m looking forward to playing next to him.
“And Zach Eflin, as you guys know, played there last year. We also went to the same high school and are the same age, and I asked him a bunch of questions and things like that. I’m looking forward to getting down to spring training and starting relationships with the guys and getting to know them.”
On his big offensive year
“I’m a huge believer in mechanics. I think when mechanics are clicking, everything pretty much falls in line. It’s crazy how sensitive the teeter-totter is with mechanics, and I just think last year I was probably the most consistent with it [36 home runs, 103 RBIs].
“I think there’s a lot more in the tank, especially with average [.228] and cutting down on strikeouts [175] and things like that. That’s what I’m going to be focused on this offseason and just continuing to dial in the mechanics side of things and the consistency side of things with that, and also swinging at good pitches.
“I think I did a decent job last year with that, too. I just think both of those things combined kind of produces what you saw, and just trying to stay right there and improve a little bit in some areas.”
On talks with Albernaz and hitting coach Dustin Lind
“They’re definitely fiery guys. It was really cool to talk to both of them and it seems like they’ve been together for a while and know each other well. I’m just excited to get down there, get to talk to them more, build those relationships.
“They were good conversations and I got to know them decently well throughout those conversations. So, hopefully, when I get there for spring training, just step right in and basically just be like we’ve known each other for a while. I think that’s a big thing, just the comfort level of that. But, yeah, those are good conversations and definitely looking forward to working with both those guys.”
On being a veteran player with a young team
“Yeah, absolutely. Even with the Angels having the young core that they have, too, anything that they need, any questions they have, yeah, I’m absolutely available to tell them how I do things and just try to educate them the best that I can, just speed up their development. Of course, anything that they have I’m all ears and ready to help.”
On playing with a new team with free agency a year away
“I think nothing changes. I’m a simple guy, simple thoughts. Just trying to keep things simple and not overthink anything. Obviously, I’ve played a lot of baseball to this point, so just trying to improve on little areas and swing at good pitches and stay good with the mechanics and everything else should take care of itself.”
On impressions of the Orioles
“Any time we come into Baltimore, I do my own scouting reports on the pitchers, and going through those guys is tough. Tough to game plan. They just have so many weapons, good arms, especially in the bullpen. I’m looking forward to playing behind those guys and being their teammates now. I just think that the whole group is a solid group, a lot of young players. Just excited to step in and help produce in that lineup. I just think, as always, even with the Angels, just guys got to stay healthy. I think that’s just the biggest thing. But this team’s definitely capable of making a deep playoff run, and I’m excited to join that.”
On seeing a lot of pitches in each at-bat
“I think seeing the most pitches, gathering the most information during your at-bat is the best thing you can do. If you’re solid with your game plan and going up there 0-0 and being ready to hit, that just depends on the pitcher. That wasn’t by design. I’m very selective, obviously, and I’m looking for pitches in the heart of the plate. I think that gives me the best chance to have the most success. Again, like I’ve said, just keeping things simple and getting it in the middle, however I can funnel it to the middle with being able to hit multiple pitches. I just think that’s just something I’ve done over my career. Who knows, this year could be different. I think there’s no telling what that could be at the end of the year. Just going up there with a plan, and if I need to gather information early, then that’s what I’ll do.”
Call for questions: I answer Orioles questions most weekdays. Please send yours to: Rich@BaltimoreBaseball.com.