via d.yimg.com

The O's spring training schedule kicked off proper in Fort Lauderdale today, and the Mets downed the Birds, 9-3.

With Guthrie in the WBC, Brad Hennessey got the first spring start. He left in the second inning with tightness in his right forearm and a sore elbow. And so it begins.

I like that spring training is here, but outside of guys getting injured and positional battles -- and we have the four open rotation spots -- this stuff really doesn't matter much. I used to stay excited for the first couple weeks, then I wanted the season to start. Now I just sort of want the season to start as soon as the exhibition games are going.