Good morning, Birdland!
J.J. Hardy is back! Sort of! The three-time Gold Glove shortstop has taken a role as a guest instructor for this spring training alongside fellow former Orioles Mike Bordick, Jeff Conine, Ben McDonald, Scott McGregor and Brian Roberts.
As far as I know, Hardy is not officially retired, but the 37-year-old has not played since 2017, when he posted a 56 OPS+ in 73 games with the O’s. In all likelihood, his playing days are over, and it would seem that Hardy is interested in starting his post-playing career.