If some are still wondering why the Orioles didn’t make a stronger play to retain first baseman/outfielder Steve Pearce, count Pearce among those also looking for answers.
Pearce, whose one-year, $4.75-million deal with the Tampa Bay Rays became official on Thursday, spoke with Tampa Bay reporters on Friday by conference call. On the call, he was asked why the Orioles didn’t push to re-sign him.
“You know, I really don’t know what happened there,” Pearce said. “It’s one of those things, you might have to ask one of those guys.”
Yes, Pearce struggled to duplicate his breakout 2014 season, hitting .