Happy Wednesday to all you Camden Chatters. We are halfway through another week and just 40 days from Opening Day. The number 40 has been worn by a number of players in the recent past including the elusive Troy Patton from 2010-2014. But did you know it was also the number that Brooks Robinson was given in his rookie season of 1955? That was before he settled into the more familiar (and now retired) number five.
Let's check out some spring training links:
Orioles notes: Zach Britton to be held out of second intrasquad game - Baltimore Sun
Are you looking for a reason to panic? Look no further than a sore oblique on Zach Britton. They are playing it down saying that he pitched fine Monday but is showing "symptoms" of an oblique issue, almost as if the rest is preemptive. We'll see.
Though their careers are in different places, Orioles' Machado and Andino share a tight bond - Baltimore Sun
Manny and Andino are super close. I hope Schoop doesn't get jealous.
Jimenez putting thoughts of free agency on hold - School of Roch
Do you think it's possible that Ubaldo Jimenez will have a really good contract year? Probably not.
Spring Training 2017: Three O's With Something To Prove - Camden Depot
He actually writes about four Orioles with something to prove, including J.J. Hardy. I'm not sure why he chose Hardy unless trying to stay healthy is proving something.
Is today your birthday? Happy birthday! You have a number of Orioles birthday buddies, most notably Steve Barber. Barber spent eight seasons with the Orioles, from 1960-67, putting up very solid number as a starting pitcher. Barber ranked at #32 in our top 40 Orioles of all time series.
Other Orioles celebrating today include journeymen Kelly Johnson and John Halama along with Brian Duensing, Ramon Nivar, and Ryne Duren.
On this day in 2014 the Orioles signed Nelson Cruz to a one-year, $8 million deal. That was a good day.