Saturday’s Bird Droppings: Where no one knows who’s starting in the outfield

Morning, Birdland!

Spring training is a lot of fun! I like the competition stories and all of the positivity that has accompanied the new regime, but I’m ready to see the finished product at Camden Yards. Just tell me who is starting in the outfield, who is playing third base and how often I can expect to see Jimmy Yacabonis throw his slider. I cannot take the suspense!

Until then, we will have to settle for the audio-only broadcasts on Orioles.com, which is a welcome arrival this season. The O’s are back on the field today against the Rays. First pitch is set for 1:05 p.m. Dylan Bundy is on the mound, where he will try to lower his 7.20 ERA this pre-season.

Links

Orioles Acquire Dwight Smith, Designate Josh Osich - MLB Trade Rumors
It’s a new month, so the Orioles are now onto stockpiling players a new position. In February, they collected infielders, but March is all about outfielders. Dwight Smith is 26 years old and has played in just 47 big league games. It’s unlikely he turns into a big contributor for the O’s, but he has options and did play some center fielder while in the minors. Once again, flexibility is the name of the game.

Breaking down O’s potential outfielders - Orioles.com
Continuing with the outfielder theme, Joe Trezza takes a look at who may go north with the big league team. If I had to personally pick a group of four outfielders, I would go with Cedric Mullins, Joey Rickard, D.J. Stewart and Anthony Santander with Austin Hays and Yusniel Diaz knocking on the door by May.

Wrapping up a 4-2 win - School of Roch
Quotes from Brandon Hyde, Gabriel Ynoa and Andrew Cashner!

Be wary of random hitter performances in spring training - The Athletic
Tamp down your Chance Sisco-related excitement by traveling back in time to past spring trainings to see who else has lit up the Grapefruit League before falling apart during the regular season. Yes, Jake Fox is mentioned.

Orioles birthdays and history

Is it your birthday? Happy Birthday!

Just one former Oriole celebrates their big day today. Left-handed pitcher Clay Rapada is 38 years old. The southpaw spent 32 games with the Birds back in 2011, during which he struck out 18 batters over 16.1 innings while accumulating a 6.06 ERA and 4.49 FIP.

1900 - The National League votes to reduce its size to eight teams. The Baltimore ownership group is paid $30,000 to close up shop.

2001 - The Orioles release a statement to explain that Albert Belle can no longer physically play baseball due to a degenerative right hip. He would never play another MLB game.

2016 - Pedro Alvarez signs a one-year, $5.75 million deal with the O’s. He would be the team’s primary designated hitter that season.