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.