SARASOTA, Fla. — One of the reasons why Tyler O’Neill, a Gold Glove-winner twice over in left field, lobbied to audition at center field this spring was because he felt playing the position he sought would mean playing the style he chased.
“I want to compete. I want to play aggressive. I want to have that mentality and that edge I have when I am feeling like myself,” O’Neill said Monday after taking batting practice at Baltimore’s Ed Smith Stadium.
“Center field gives me that opportunity.”
And he’s won the opportunity in center field.
Manager Oliver Marmol opened Monday’s final exhibition game with the batting order he’ll likely pen Thursday at Busch Stadium for the regular season opener.