SARASOTA, Fla. — Joe Mahoney has performed well in spring training with the Baltimore Orioles.

Still, on Tuesday, the Orioles optioned the Catholic Central graduate to Triple-A Norfolk.

Mahoney was the organization’s Minor League Player of the Year last season and started spring training 7-for-17 (.412) at the plate.

“He’s done a lot to put himself on the map,” manager Buck Showalter told MLB.com.

The 24-year-old started the 2010 season at High Class A Frederick, but played the last 52 games at Double-A Bowie, where he hit .319 with nine home runs and 29 runs driven in.

Showalter indicated that even if Mahoney starts the 2011 season, back in Bowie, where he finishes the year could be based on his production.

“I think he’s primed to have that year that’s similar to last year and maybe even better,” Showalter said to MLB.com.