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Good morning, Birdland!
Spring training is so close. As you read this, it is quite likely that a handful of players are either already in Sarasota or in route. At a “Birdland Caravan” event on Friday, uber prospect Adley Rutschman said he was headed down this weekend to get a jump start on camp. Pictures of palm trees and players running in shorts are right around the corner. The anticipation is palpable.
Meanwhile, back in Baltimore, the previously mentioned caravan rolls on, making pit stops throughout Maryland to get the fans hyped about the future of the franchise.
It remains to be seen if this caravan is a permanent replacement for FanFest or a one-off experiment. So far, it seems like a pretty neat idea that makes it easier for fans from all over to interact with the club in someway, albeit in a less grand fashion than the Convention Center takeovers of the past.
If you get to any of the events, leave us a note in the comments on your experience or write a FanPost. I think many of us in the community would be interested to hear first-person feedback.
Links
Hearing from Martin, Mullins and Rutschman on the Birdland Caravan - School of Roch
The Orioles are at a point in their history where they are hosting meet-and-greets with three players that may not play a single major league game all season. Of this trio, my money would be on Cedric Mullins to spend the most time in an Orioles uniform as a useful fourth outfield option.
After rough year, David Hess looks for 2020 turnaround - Steve Melewski
David Hess is a player that I routinely forget about. Given his recent performances, you can’t really blame me. On the whole, he has been pretty terrible. But he has flashed enough that there remains some chance of him eating some much needed innings this season.
The Orioles Birdland Caravan Is On The Go Over The Weekend - CBS Baltimore
It doesn’t quite feel like spring in the Baltimore area, but the Orioles activity is kicking into high gear anyway.
Orioles Need A Healthy Alex Cobb In 2020 - Birds Watcher
Like Hess, it can be easy for Alex Cobb’s spot on the Orioles roster to slip one’s mind. He has had non-stop injuries in his first two seasons with the club, and even when he pitches it doesn’t always go well. If the O’s could rely on Cobb and John Means to be at least somewhat competent at the top of the rotation that would be a huge boost.
Orioles birthdays and history
Is it your birthday? Happy birthday!
It is the 35th birthday of Felix Pie. The outfielder spent three seasons with the O’s from 2009 through 2011. During that time he hit .259/.303/.391, highlighted by a performance on August 14, 2009 in which he hit for the cycle.
Happy 77th to Bob Oliver, a former utility player that played in nine games for the 1974 Orioles.
And a posthumous “Happy Birthday” to outfielder Hoot Evers (b. 1921, d. 1991). He appeared in parts of two seasons for the O’s between 1955 and ‘56.
2008 - One of the most important trades in Orioles history is complete. The O’s agree to send left-handed pitcher Erik Bedard to the Seattle Mariners in exchange for five players, Adam Jones, George Sherrill, Chris Tillman, Tony Butler and Kam Mickolio.