As pitchers and catchers reported to spring training for the Baltimore Orioles on Wednesday, it was a peculiar day for Lopez, who for the first time in his career is no longer reporting to camp as a catcher. Though Lopez's first baseman's mitt may not fit, he will have to somehow get comfortable with it. Baltimore's signing of catcher Ramon Hernandez to a four-year, $27 million contract this offseason meant Lopez was headed to another position or to another team. For a short time this winter, Lopez, unsure of his place with the team, asked to be traded. "There was a time in the winter where I got pretty frustrated on the fact that I didn't hear from the Orioles on whether they were going to give me an extension or not, whether I am going to be a first baseman or a DH full time," Lopez said. "Spring training was right around the corner, and I had no idea what my position was going to be for the Orioles. So I was getting frustrated. I was like, 'If they don't want me to catch then somebody else would probably love to have me as a catcher.' " Now it appears Lopez, 35, is content to remain with the Orioles regardless of what position he plays. Another box sat at the top of Lopez's locker. He reached for it and opened it and inside was a chest protector. He quickly closed the box and set it also on top of his locker. "I don't need catcher's gear," he said.