Grapefruit League Opener

The O's opened their 2011 Grapefruit League schedule today with an exhibition 6-4 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates in Bradenton, Fl. Starter Brad Bergesen pitched well, only allowing one baserunner and striking out two in his two hours of work. The stars of the day however came on offense, newly signed Superstar Vlad Guerrero hit an infield single in his first at bat and drove in an rbi. Also, Nolan Reimold got off to a hot start with a deep solo homer in the second. This is a great sign that Reimold has turned things around and is ready to go this year. Fans can remember Nolan's terrible 0-22 Grapefruit League start last year and also the terrible season that followed. Reimold went 1-1, with a solo home run and 3 walks. Hopefully, this is a sign of great things out of the still promising Orioles prospect. Personally, I am a very big fan of Reimold. I think that he has great power and is a very hardworking ball player. It would be nice to see him make a play for the final roster spot. Overall, things went well as the Birds came away with a win and two major pieces of the team contributed. Stay tuned for further Spring Training Updates.

Lee in, Roberts out

Off-season addition, first baseman Derrek Lee hit live batting practice for the first time this spring today. Lee had surgery on his right thumb during the off-season to help fix an injury that he suffered towards the end of last season. According to Manager Buck Showalter, Lee looked good in B.P. and is making strides. Derrek will continue to get treatment and take precautions. The thumb only hurts when he makes contact on the end of the bat or on the handle. When the ball is hit on the "sweet spot" he does not feel and vibrations that aggravate the injury. As long as he feels well, Lee will continue to hit live B.P.  However, he will be careful not to push himself; taking rests whenever necessary. 

Unfortunately, Brian Roberts missed practice again today with a "stiff neck." He will miss the inter-squad scrimmages that will take place this weekend and will most likely not play in the first exhibition game, against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Monday. At this point, fans can only believe what Brian and the training staff are saying about the neck being "nothing major." I am worried though, because I have memories of this type of situation with his back last year. Brain said that if this was the regular season he would be out there, but you never know. Hopefully, everything heals fast and the Orioles stay healthy. The season is long. There is no need to get worried if a guy misses a few spring training workouts and an exhibition game or two. However, everybody has to be conditioned and ready to go when the pitches start for real on the April 1st. 

Visit From A Legend

Today the Orioles welcomed a special guest for a visit before the morning work out. Hall-of-famer Frank Robinson visited the club and provided the new-look Birds with words of inspiration for the upcoming season. Robinson stressed the importance of working hard for the greater good of the team and conducting oneself professionally on and off the field. Frank represents the glory days of the O's, when the team not only played fundamentally sound baseball but they also played the "game of life" the "right way." Over the past few years, I think that the Orioles have not honored their heritage and traditions as much as they should have. Current players should be in awe of Brooks, Frank, Jim, Cal, Eddie and many more of the hardworking Birds of Baltimore that made the franchise the great destination that it is. Baseball used to be paramount in Baltimore. Not only winning, but winning with class was expected. I am glad to see Buck Showalter attempting to involve as many former players as possible. He understands the traditions and that change does not mean looking past all of the heritage. The current edition of the O's need to honor their past and carry on the legacy of the black and orange.

Roberts Truly Healthy?

Many Orioles fans know that Brian Roberts health, or lack thereof, was a major reason for the Birds offensive struggles throughout the first part of the season. Brian is one of the better lead-off men in the game and truly set the table for O's hitters, especially Nick Markakis and Adam Jones. Last year Roberts reported to camp with what started as just a sore back and transformed into a herniated disc. 

Today, about mid-morning, it was released that Roberts would not be practicing and would be leaving camp to get an MRI on a self-diagnosed "strained neck." I cringed as I read the ESPN text update, knowing that this was very similar to the way his injury progression started last year. Upon, returning to camp Roberts said all is fine for now and his back has nothing to do with the current pain. It is still unclear when he will return to practice, but should be in the next few days, or so we hope.

I think that Brian is very key to the potential success ahead of the Birds this season. Without his bat in the line-up and speed on the basepaths, the table may not be set for Vlad, Reynolds, and the boys to clean up. Hopefully, the report is accurate and Roberts is not withholding anything. Stay tuned for updates daily. 

New Beginnings

The Orioles have just officially opened their 2011 Spring Training at their complex in Sarasota, Florida. Yesterday marked the first full-squad workout. As of now, everyone is present and accounted for with the exclusion of relief pitcher Alfredo Simon, who is currently in a Dominican jail while he is a suspect of an involuntary manslaughter investigation. However, news has been released that the ballistics test on his hand gun does not match that of the killer's bullet. This should allow Simon to join the O's within the next 2 weeks or so.
Much has been made of the motivational video that new manager Buck Showalter showed the team on Sunday evening at a local movie theater. Players realize that it is time to step up or shut up. President of Baseball Operations, Andy McPhail, and Showalter have worked hard to build a line-up that has more potential than any of recent memory and possibly in the past decade. It is time for the Birds to compete and restore honor to the once proud franchise.
It is an exciting time to be a fan of the O's. I find myself spending a large amount of time watching video updates, viewing the latest photos, and reading new online articles all of the time. Like many of the other fans, I cannot wait for the boys to start the season and then return to Birdland for a great summer of Orioles Baseball.

Welcome Aboard The Birdland Express

Welcome to The Birdland Express

With the Baltimore Orioles finishing there first full squad workout of spring training yesterday, I felt that it was the perfect time to launch this blog. Throughout the entire season and off-season, I intend to bring to you the latest team news and happenings from a fan's perspective. Too often one gets caught up in expert predictions, player comments, or sports writer analyzations. I strive to do something different. I wish to bring to you a source of a fan's view on my favorite sport and my favorite team. I will not only track the latest transactions, injury updates, team news, and game recaps. In addition, I will include funny anecdotes, uniform updates, stadium news, fan reactions, and things that are specifically important to the Birdland community. Those closely involved with the game and those that make a living off it become jaded to the nuances and pureness of the game that fans revel in. I wish to provide that to you and allow you to add your own take on all things Orioles Baseball.

Thank you and Enjoy