Matusz to get wart removed in Philly

The Orioles' string on 3 straight Grapefruit League wins came to an end today as the Birds lost 2-0 Minnesota Twins this afternoon. O's left-handed starter Brian Matusz pitched two scoreless innings in his 2011 Spring debut. However, bigger news regarding Matusz came out after the game was over. Both Brian and Manager Buck Showalter disclosed the Matusz will be leaving the team tomorrow morning to have a procedure completed on his pitching hand in Philadelphia. Matusz will be having a small wart removed via laser surgery on Friday morning in Philly. According to Showalter, Brian will return to the club in Sarasota late on Friday evening. The wart has been a problem since the end of last season and bothers Brian when he throws his breaking balls. Both Showalter and Matusz do not think that the surgery will be a problem and that Brian will miss one Spring start at most. As a fan, I can't help but wonder why this problem is just being taken care of now. If it had been evident at the end of last season, why wasn't it taken care of during the offseason? Also, how did it just becoming a problem? Brian has been throwing for two weeks now. If there was a major aggravation when he throws his breaking balls, why didn't he have it looked at earlier in the spring? I just wonder why this procedure is happening now. Most likely everything will be fine but anytime something goes on with a player's pitching hand this close to the season, no matter how small, it is a big deal. To me quality organizations have this mapped out ahead of time make sure everyone is 100% at this time of year. Well we can only hope for the best.

3 In A Row

The Orioles won their 3rd Grapefruit League game in a row in as many days today with a 6-5 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies. Chris Tillman started for the Birds vs. Roy Oswalt of the Phillies. Tillman only gave up one in two innings of work. Chris is competing with Rich VandenHurk for the 5th spot in the rotation when the Birds cut down to 25. Following Tillman, 23 year old phenom Zack Britton pitched 2 scoreless innings in his Grapefruit League debut. Britton is one of the next great young arms in the O's farm system and will likely be a September call-up or a full time big leaguer by next year. However, Buck Showalter has not ruled him out of making the rotation this year. I just don't want to see the young man rushed. Its better to wait then ruin what could be a 15 year career as the ace of the future play-off caliber Birds. On offense, the O's were lead by catcher Matt Wieters, who went 3-4 and drove in two of the O's runs. Hopefully, Matt is ready for a break out season. Last year, his defense was much improved and his management of the pitching staff was un precedented for a sophomore player. It is now time for him to get his offense started. I never thought Wieters, himself, could be the answer to all of the Orioles needs. However, he should be able to drive in 70 runs and hit 20 to 25 homeruns a year. If Buck can get that sort of production out of his catcher and 7 hole in the batting order, the Birds will be in great shape for years to come.

Ed Smith Stadium Opens with Fireworks

7, 497, a stadium record, attended the Baltimore Orioles Grapefruit League Home Opener today and the debut of the newly renovated Ed Smith Stadium. The Birds started the offensive fireworks early and the continued long throughout the game as the O's went on to a 12-6 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays. Nick Markakis hit two home runs and collected four RBIs in his four innings of work. Star Vlad Guerrero started off with a bang, hitting his first home run as an Oriole in the first inning of today's ball game. Also homering for the Birds of Baltimore were Centerfielder Adam Jones and Catcher/Utility man Jake Fox. In addition to great offense, Starter Jeremy Guthrie retired all 6 batters he faced in his quick 2 innings of work. The O's look to be off to a great start this spring. Stay tuned for more.