Baltimore Orioles' Ryan Drese wants to play in the big leagues
The Baltimore Orioles took on the Boston Red Sox in a Grapefruit league fixture recently. Even though the Orioles went on to lose 2-1 to their rivals, one player made an impressive start on the mound.
Ryan Drese, who hasn’t been on the Major League Baseball (MLB) roster since 2006, was involved in the game which looked more like a pitcher’s duel. The right hander had a chance to talk to the press and he expressed his desire to play for any team in the
major league this year.
"I want to play in the big leagues this year," Drese said. He added, "I would love for it to be with the Orioles. At this point in my career ... that's why I'm here. Hopefully it could be with the Orioles. If not, then I welcome that opportunity [with another
club] as well."
Although Drese will soon turn 35, his impressive performance against Boston recently have raised quite a few eyebrows. The player lost just one run to the Red Sox, while conceding four hits. Furthermore, his play on the mound lasted seven good innings. He
got three players out through strike outs, while allowing one walk in his first start for Spring Training.
Nevertheless, with good pitches to the hitters, came bad ones as well. Drese conceded a home run to J. D. Drew and a double to Jason Varitek in the second inning.
"I felt like I threw the ball pretty well," Drese said of Wednesday's performance. He added, "My third inning was probably the best inning of the three making pitches-wise."
Drese sees himself starting this season if he can continue to replicate his performance. The O’s will consider him and he will be moving out of the independent Long island Ducks squad this season.
"[I've] just got to continue to throw well and get outs," he said. "That's why I came here trying to win a spot. It's been fun so far."
The Orioles have another option in the mix and it makes sense to use Drese, since they could have injury problems after the season gets underway in April.
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