Schoop will see bulk of playing time at second base

BALTIMORE -- Jonathan Schoop has been taking most of his infield work at second base, and manager Buck Showalter said prior to Wednesday's game that in a perfect world that's where the Orioles' No. 5 prospect will get the bulk of his playing time.

Schoop, also an option at third base and shortstop if needed, was asked by Showalter during Spring Training what his ideal position would be and he never really committed to one answer.

"I think it's second right now, but I don't know. Whatever they need me to do," Schoop said. "I'm thinking about second base right now, but I'll be ready [elsewhere]."

Schoop, who got his first taste of the Majors in September, has been working with infield coach Bobby Dickerson and instructor Mike Bordick on his fielding and said that having prior experience in the big leagues helped calm Schoop's nerves somewhat on Monday. Still, the thrill of starting the opener at second base and running out on the orange carpet to join his teammates was something he won't forget.

"It's fun to be here with a good group of guys," Schoop said. "They are great to me, they are fun, tell me to get loose and help me. That's why I'm so comfortable here -- because of them, not because of baseball. In baseball, I know what I can do. Because of them, the way they treat me, I feel like we are a family. We are one."