Sarasota-The 2013 Durham Bulls: A Glimpse into Future Stars and Coaching Evolution
The 2013 Durham Bulls roster was a who's who of future MLB talent. With Tim Beckham, a former first overall draft pick, and Wil Myers, who snagged the Rookie of the Year award despite playing just 88 games, the team was stacked. Add in Kevin Kiermaier, a future four-time Gold Glove centerfielder, and pitchers Chris Archer, Jake Odorizzi, and Kirby Yates, who collectively earned five All-Star selections, and you had a powerhouse lineup.
Amidst these rising stars was 30-year-old catcher Craig Albernaz, nearing the twilight of his playing days but leaving a lasting impression. “Pretty much the same guy. The personality, the timing, the candidness, he’s an open book,” recalls Jason Bourgeois, a former teammate and now the Orioles’ first base and outfield coach, hired by Albernaz himself.
Reflecting on that special team, Bourgeois notes, “It was a bunch of egos, a bunch of talent, and just a bunch of guys having fun. But Craig stood out as a leader, both vocally and by example. It’s no surprise he’s in the position he’s in now.”
Bourgeois, who enjoyed an eight-year major league career across several teams, brings invaluable experience to the Orioles’ coaching staff. Alongside infield coach Miguel Cairo, Bourgeois offers a wealth of major league insights that nine of Albernaz’s other coaches lack.
“It’s not about me anymore,” Bourgeois says. “It’s about the players-how they learn, what they need, and how we can meet halfway.”
Now in his second major league coaching role, Bourgeois previously served as the first base coach for the White Sox. Albernaz praises his creativity, noting how Bourgeois incorporates footballs and tennis equipment to enhance quickness and agility.
“It’s about getting different ball flights and reads,” he explains. “The conversations with him are invaluable, and player feedback is something JB truly values.”
The Orioles’ outfield features veterans Tyler O’Neill and Taylor Ward, third-year player Colton Cowser, and rookie Dylan Beavers. Bourgeois recalls seeing Beavers in Chicago last season, describing him as a “baby giraffe” in the outfield. Now, with a stable core and focused offseason workouts, Beavers is honing his decision-making and spatial awareness.
Cowser, a Gold Glove finalist in 2024, is also poised for greatness in center field. “With his history and experience, he’s going to be phenomenal,” Bourgeois says. “He’s bought into the process, and his practice pace has been impressive.”
Cowser appreciates his new coach’s approach. “We’ve been focusing on reactions and communication,” he explains. “It’s about understanding our starting and ending points and having great reactions.”
While Enrique Bradfield Jr. is off to the World Baseball Classic, his brief time with Bourgeois left a mark. “There’s nothing not to like defensively,” Bourgeois says. “His speed and willingness to adapt are impressive.”
Bradfield will begin the season with Triple-A Norfolk, while Blaze Alexander will see time at second and third base until regulars return. Despite limited major league outfield experience, Alexander’s athleticism is turning heads.
Bourgeois didn’t witness Alexander’s recent acrobatics in a Grapefruit League game but is excited about his potential. “Experience will show up,” he says. “He’s committed to the process, and you’re going to see some special stuff from him.”
As spring training unfolds, Bourgeois is soaking in the experience. “It’s been a month, and it feels like a year,” he says. “These guys have brought me up to speed, and now things are starting to come together.”