Friday Bird Droppings

With last night's game in the books, the Orioles are packing up their stuff and heading North. They'll play a game against the Norfolk Tides on Saturday at 3:05 PM.

Orioles lose to Rays, 4-3, in final Grapefruit League game of spring training - baltimoresun.com The Orioles wrap up their Grapefruit League schedule with a record of 13-9-4.

Nelson Cruz of Baltimore Orioles said to be OK after pitch to helmet - ESPN
"Baltimore Orioles designated hitter Nelson Cruz left Thursday night's game against Tampa Bay in the fourth inning after he was hit in the helmet by a pitch from Alex Cobb."

Aceves cut, will opt-out " Britt's Bird Watch
You Alfredo Aceves lovers (all two of you) will have to get your 2014 fix beyond the friendly confines of Oriole Park.

Johan Santana tests his surgically-repaired shoulder by throwing off full mound | HardballTalk
Could Santana be a factor sooner than anticipated?

The 60th Orioles Season Will Bring New Gear & Grub To Camden Yards-CBS Baltimore
Food, fun, etc!

The Imperfect Pursuit of a Perfect Baseball Forecast | FiveThirtyEight I'll leave this here...

Hank the Dog gets his own Brewers bobblehead, to the surprise of no one | Big League Stew - Yahoo Sports
Because...of course he did. Caution...adorable footage within.

A Brief History of Spring Training Trades | FanGraphs Baseball
Daily baseball statistical analysis and commentary.

On this day in 1999,  the Orioles defeated Jose Contreras and a ragtag team of Cuban All Stars 3-2.

It's the birthday of Shawn Boskie and Jose Serra. Serra toiled in the depths of the O's system for a few years before becoming a scout for the Cubs. His signing record is pretty impressive. It's also the birthday of He Whose Name Shall Not Be Spoken.