Happy Sunday, Camden Chatters! I hope you’re having a good weekend so far. I’m fortunate that this is only day two of my three-day weekend.
Spring training is going strong in both Florida and Arizona, but it seems like the only thing anyone can talk about is the Houston Astros. Fans, players, and press are all fixated on the cheating scandal, a story with new life now that the Astros’ players are in spring training to talk about it. It’s easy to understand the fascination. Not only is it one of the biggest scandals in baseball history, the players aren’t doing themselves any favors with their put upon attitudes.
But frankly, I’m tired of it. I want to hear more about players being in the best shape of their lives. Who’s with me?
One of the stories coming out of the Orioles’ camp is that there is a stomach virus working its way through the clubhouse. This is a reminder for everyone wash their hands!
Links
How Eshelman, Shepherd and Blach fit in camp - School of Roch
Roch Kubatko on some of the lesser touted Orioles pitchers and how they are vying for a spot in the rotation.
Alex Cobb hopes to justify Orioles' huge investment in him - Yahoo Sports
This certainly would be nice, considering he is signed beyond this year. I'm a pessimist, though.
Orioles Season Preview: Potential for newcomers across the board for infield | NBC Sports Washington
Season previews are so depressing.
Is today your birthday? Happy birthday! You have three Orioles birthday buddies, including Terry Crowley, who was lucky to be in f-ing baseball (link not safe for work). Crowley played for the Orioles from 1969-73 and 1976-82. He also served as the O’s hitting coach from 1985-88 and 1999-2010. That last tenure is astounding considering it spanned nearly the entirety of the dark days. Today is Crowley’s 73rd birthday.
It’s also the 44th birthday of Eric Byrnes, who was the deadline trade acquisition by the Orioles in 2005. He didn’t exactly help the Orioles to get back in contention and was gone after the season ended.
Jorge Rondon, who appeared in 8 games for the 2015 Orioles, turns 32 years old today.