“It is a lot different coming out here with the weather and the humidity and being away from home,” Tripp said. “This is the first time I have been away from home. I am trying to adjust.”

Aberdeen manager Andy Etchebarren is not worried about the slow start.

“Tripp went to the College World Series and then signed a few weeks later,” Etchebarren said. “The college guys have the playoffs and the world series and [the break] is not a problem.”

Etchebarren did say that Tripp worked on hitting for four or five days before seeing any game action for Aberdeen.

“I?ll say it was a little rusty,” Tripp said. “I put the ball down and the bat and tried to get away from it all. When I came back, I found it to be a little difficult. Through 10 games, it is getting better as the day goes by.”

Though Tripp arrived late, he already had two friends on the Aberdeen roster. One was his former college teammate, second-year outfielder Bobby Andrews.

“It was real nice seeing Bobby?s face when I walked through the door,” Tripp said. “I was talking to him when they drafted me. He was telling me to sign and get here.”

Tripp also had an existing friendship with Aberdeen pitcher Josh Tamba, a seventh-round pick this year.

“I was fortunate to have two guys I knew,” Tripp said. “It has been really great. They have helped the experience.”

Despite the difficult transition, Tripp is focused on what he needs to do to be successful.

“Playing every day and trying to stay as consistent as possible is the key,” he said.

David Stockstill, the Orioles? director of minor league operations, said that the organization is extremely happy with what Tripp has shown so far.

“He has got great bat speed,” Stockstill said. “He has the potential to hit for power, and we think he can be a solid defensive outfielder, as well.”

THE TRIPP FILE

College: Cal State Fullerton

Position: Outfield

Height: 6-foot-2

Weight: 210 lbs.

Bats/Throws: L/R

Did you know? In his last college season, Tripp batted .321 with 42 RBI and nine home runs.