Saturday’s Bird Droppings: Where the Orioles will play an actual game!

Morning, Birdland!

Actual, real baseball is on TV today. The Orioles begin their Grapefruit League campaign against the Minnesota Twins at 1:05 this afternoon. Better yet, the game will be on TV in all of it’s beautiful, sun-soaked glory.

As spring training games often go, it will be very regimented. According to MASN’s Roch Kubatko, Yefry Ramirez will get the start, followed by Josh Rogers, Mike Wright, Paul Fry, Evan Phillips, Bo Schultz and Zach Pop. Not exactly a murderer’s row of hurlers, but no one expected that anyway.

The lineup, at the time of writing, has not been posted. As the game will be held at Ed Smith Stadium, expect all members of the “A” team to filter into the game at some point. Of course, it’s unclear who makes up the “A” team aside from, perhaps, Trey Mancini, Cedric Mullins, Jonathan Villar and Chris Davis (lol).

Personally, I’m excited to see Zach Pop throw an inning, and I am cautiously optimistic that Mike Wright has made some sort of minor tweak due to the organization’s increased use of technology, which will result in him become the best set-up man in the league.

Away from the mound, it’s all about the young guys for me. Let’s see how Ryan Mountcastle handles first base. Does Austin Hays have the inside track on the right field job? Maybe Yusniel Diaz will put on a show.

Whatever happens, it doesn’t matter. Literally. These games don’t count. But I’m excited to watch baseball anyway, and then overreact to every little thing. Let’s do this!

Links

Farewell, One Good Place on the Internet - FanGraphs
For those of you that are big-time readers of baseball content on the internet, I’m sorry to say that Jeff Sullivan will no longer be putting together GIF-laden analysis for your enjoyment. He’s joining the Rays organization. Here come the tears!

Mike Yastrzemski feels like he belongs in major league camp - Baltimore Sun
The minor league veteran received his first invite to major league camp this season. It’s been said several times, but it bears repeating that Yaz’s best shot at ever earning a regular role with the O’s is this season. The club will only be able to hold back the likes of Austin Hays, Yusniel Diaz and Ryan McKenna for so long.

Orioles To Honor Frank Robinson Throughout 2019 Season - Press Box
This is just a copy and past of the team’s press release on the topic. The players are going to sport a commemorative patch on their uniform sleeve and there will be various other celebrations of Frank Robinson’s life throughout 2019.

Richard Bleier throws batting practice, the Orioles are happy about it - Baltimore Baseball
Progress! There’s no reason to rush Richard Bleier through his rehab. He will get into spring games when he’s ready. Until then, his innings will be taken up by one of the many youngsters in camp.

Orioles birthdays and history

Is it your birthday? Happy Birthday!

• Bobby Bonilla celebrates his 56th birthday. The journeyman played in 220 games for the O’s between the 1995 and 1996 seasons. He hit .300/.371/.506 during that time.
• Former outfielder and Orioles first base coach John Shelby turns 61. He won the 1983 World Series with the Birds and hit .239/.273/.361 across parts of seven seasons in Baltimore.

2016 - Rumors spread that the Orioles have agreed to a three-year, $35 million deal with outfielder Dexter Fowler. That report turns out to be false as Fowler appears in Cubs camp just a few days later.