Gibbons becoming very defensive

BALTIMORE — Jay Gibbons long ago built a reputation as a threat at the plate. Now, thanks in part to an enhanced offseason weightlifting program, the Baltimore Orioles’ right fielder has also captured the attention of opposing base runners.

Entering last night’s game against Seattle, which did not end in time for this edition, Gibbons had thrown out runners at the plate in two of Baltimore’s previous five games. He attributes his success to his work this winter in developing the muscles in his shoulder, as well as sessions with coach Tom Trebelhorn to increase the accuracy of his throws.

“My arm feels stronger than it ever has,” Gibbons said. “I don’t know if that’s the reason; I never really lifted for my shoulders before. But my arm definitely feels stronger than last year.”

When Gibbons began his career with the Orioles in 2001 as a Rule 5 draftee, he was listed as an outfielder and first baseman. He hit 15 homers in 73 games as a rookie, but his defense was suspect.

Not anymore. Through hard work and determination, Gibbons has become a threat in the field, too.

“My range has gotten a lot better, especially going in on the ball,” he said.

He’s still capable of covering first base, but Gibbons is far more comfortable with his back to the right-field wall.

“If you put me at first base right now, I’d fully have to relearn a new position. It wouldn’t be an overnight thing,” he said. “I feel great in right field. Hopefully, I can stay there.”

DeJean starting slow

Mike DeJean heard the jeers from the crowd at Camden Yards on Sunday during a stint in which he yielded four runs while getting one out in the Orioles’ 15-3 loss to Toronto.

If he was in the stands, the right-hander would have joined the chorus.

“I guarantee they weren’t as upset as I was. They weren’t booing at me as much as I was booing at myself inside,” he said.

DeJean, acquired as a free agent during the offseason, had an 11.12 ERA after his first eight games with Baltimore. Opponents were batting .400 against him, and he gave up seven walks in 5⅔ innings of work. He attributes his slow start to a dearth of action.

“I’m a guy of repetition. I need to be out there a lot to get in a rhythm, get my arm angle where it’s supposed to be,” he said.

After appearing in five of the Orioles’ first 14 games, DeJean worked in three straight games over the weekend. He gave up one run in one inning Friday and again on Saturday before Sunday’s debacle.

“To sit as long as I did and then come out and pitch three in a row, that was definitely a test,” he said. “I’m looking forward to getting more consistent, getting out there more consistently and obviously doing a lot better.”

Groom waits his turn

As the Orioles’ left-handed setup man, Buddy Groom set a major league record two years ago with his seventh straight season with at least 70 appearances. But B.J. Ryan is now the main lefty in the Baltimore bullpen, so Groom is adjusting to a lighter workload.

“It’s a different role than I’m used to, but I’m just here to help, do whatever I can do,” he said.

Groom was 1-0 with a 0.00 ERA in six games through Monday, yet his last three appearances were as the mop-up man in blowouts.

“I just take it the same way I always have — when I’m called on to pitch, I pitch,” he said.

But like DeJean, Groom is eager for more work.

“You don’t want to sit for long periods of time. Unfortunately, that’s part of the game,” he said. “There are going to be times when you sit for four or five days, maybe even longer, and then you’ve got to go out and be sharp. That’s why it’s a unique job to have in the first place; not everybody can do it mentally.”