Cedric Mullins overlooking the butterflies

Drafted in the 13th round of the 2015 Amateur Draft, center fielder Cedric Mullins is entering his first full season at the major league level. Mullins, 24, made his debut in an Orioles uniform last season on August 10, replacing the 13-year veteran Adam Jones and symbolically reiterating the team’s commitment to rebuilding.

Former manager Buck Showalter knew whoever replaced Adam Jones needed to be the right fit for the organization moving forward. In an interview conducted mere hours before Mullins made his debut, Showalter told the media, “It had to be the right guy and we hope Cedric might be the right guy.”

After going 3-for-4 with two doubles in his first game, Mullins’ finished the month of August with a .317 batting average and a .386 on-base percentage. However, he followed his first month in the majors with a lackluster September, batting .187 and was marred in a 2-for-33 slump over his final eight games.

Although he didn’t shake the foundation of the American League over his first 45 games, Mullins believes in himself and knows he can play a key role during the franchises rebuild. “The talent is there for me to continue to compete,” Mullins told MLB.com reporter Joe Trezza. “It comes down to the point of being better than myself, always competing against myself. Continuing to grow, to develop, and making the most of my opportunities.”

A few weeks ago I spoke with Eddie Phelps, the founder of the Georgia Baseball and Softball Association. Phelps was one of Mullins’ mentors in his early playing days with the GBSA Rays and helped develop him into the player he is today. He described one of the many reasons he’s confident in Mullins’ ability to be a top-level player. “He patrols centerfield as well as any of the top centerfielders in the game,” Phelps said.

“He gets great reads on the ball and makes tough plays look very easy. His plus speed gives him the ability to keep hits in the gap to singles or catch them if the ball stays up to long.”

And not only does Mullins bring elite speed to the Orioles – something they have been lacking over the past few seasons – he also brings leadership skills. “The guy is always praising his teammates,” Phelps told me. “He just goes out and does his job. He just uses that for motivation. Kid has heard for so long what he can’t do. He just proves people wrong at every stop. That’s the type of guy I would want leading my team.”

Cedric Mullins takes his swings during Spring Training on February 18, 2019, in Sarasota, Florida. Photo courtesy of Orioles Productions.

Mullins reported to camp on Friday, two days ahead of when position players were required to report. He provided the media with an update on how he’s feeling and what his thoughts are for the upcoming season. “[My] body’s feeling great,” he said. “I’m just ready to get after it and just work hard, preparing for the season.”

Now that he’s no longer a prospect within the organization, Mullins is looking forward to the progression of Spring Training leading up to Opening Day. “It’s going to be fun,” he stated. “We’ve got a lot of high energy guys, they’re ready to work and just get the most productive situation out of Spring Training.”

And for a 40-man roster with an average age of 25.5 years young, Mullins is looking forward to making it through Sarasota, to New York with a healthy team. Mullins said, “[I’m] just looking for an overall healthy season, for not only myself but for all the guys and just continue to compete.”

Competing will be just what Brandon Hyde’s Orioles do this season, with Mullins projected to be at the top of the Opening Day lineup against the Yankees. Although, “major league debut,” is checked off of his professional career wish list, Mullins is still dealing with the butterflies of being a rookie in the league.

“The butterflies don’t necessarily go away completely,” he said. “But I do feel more comfortable making my adjustments and taking from what I learned last year and bringing it to today.” With this spring being one of the more aggressive in terms of competition, Mullins keeps a level head and is overlooking his butterflies, trying to assure he has a job.

“It’s no different than the past years,” Mullins declared. “You come in with the mindset that you are competing for your job. You just continue to work hard and the competition factor, it stays in the back of your mind. You’re just trying to progress.”

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Brian Pinter

Brian Pinter is the Director of Coverage on the Baltimore Orioles for Maryland Sports Blog. His views and opinions are that of his own and he welcomes any and all discussions. Follow along with Brian Pinter this season on Twitter, @b_pinter23.

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