Friday Bird Droppings

We are now less than two weeks from pitchers and catchers reporting to Sarasota. Make no mistake: the early days of Spring Training are not real baseball, but aren't they better than...this?

School of Roch: Brian Matusz agrees to terms on 2016 contract
Are you stoked? Amped? Chuffed? Stampffed? Come on home, Baby Britton.

Orioles often try to entice local players | CSN Mid-Atlantic
"How important is playing in the area where you're from for a player? Maybe not very important at all." I mean, seems to be the case time and again.

Report: Blue Jays closing in on deal with pitcher Gavin Floyd - Sportsnet.ca
The dream is dead, but once again it goes to show, you can't trust a man with two first names.

Baltimore Orioles: Grapefruit League standings (Birds Watcher)
I think this is meant to be serious. Panel?

Two Major Prospects Lists Expose Shortcomings in System - Baltimore Sports and Life I'm getting the feeling that there might be some flaws with the Orioles' farm system.

Not really Orioles-related, but Old Hoss Radbourn passed away on this day in 1897.

Happy Birthday to Hall of Famer Roberto Alomar. Febriary 5 is also the birthday of Hank Aaron. Eric O'Flaherty, patron saint of Birdland turns 31 today. Special Assistant to Dan Duquette, Lee "Mad Dog" Thomas turns 80 today. It's the big 3-0 for Ryan Webb today and Chris Brock, who allegedly pitched 44 innings for the 2002 O's also celebrates a birthday, unless it's against his religion or he generally eschews such frippery.