Friday Bird Droppings

With the spring opener on Tuesday, this is our last weekend without any form of major league baseball for several months. What a country!

Nick Markakis apologizes for his comments regarding contract talks with the Orioles | HardballTalk
So, now this is REALLY, REALLY done.

Orioles in the clear on Markakis claim | FOX Sports
Former big leaguer C.J. Nitkowski offers his take.

Johan Santana gets another chance, signs with Blue Jays | Big League Stew - Yahoo Sports
Deep down inside, I want Johan Santana to succees, but, man...not with the Blue Jays.

Who Has the Most to Prove on the 2015 Orioles? - Bird's Eye View
Is Steve Pearce for real? Can Matt Wieters justify a big pay day? Can Manny stay healthy?

School of Roch: Gamboa on being a "hybrid" pitcher
Slim chance Eddie Gamboa makes the big club, but here's hoping...

2015 American League Payroll Breakdown | FanGraphs Baseball
A look at who he big spenders are relative to division and league.

On this day in 1988 the Orioles cut bait on Ray Knight and traded him to Detroit for reliever Mark Thurmond.

It's the birthday of Jumbo Diaz, Pete Smith and Carl Warwick.