masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgThe clubhouse is pretty much empty except for a few players who are grabbing an early breakfast – and it counts as early when you’re playing a 1:35 p.m. game. The door to manager Buck Showalter’s office is closed. He’ll meet with the media at noon.

In other words, I’m early again.

A few stats to consider while we wait:

The Orioles are 11-3 in the opening game of a series since Showalter took over, but only 5-8 in the closing game.

The 11 runs surrendered last night were the most under…The clubhouse is pretty much empty except for a few players who are grabbing an early breakfast – and it counts as early when you’re playing a 1:35 p.m. game. The door to manager Buck Showalter’s office is closed. He’ll meet with the media at noon.

In other words, I’m early again.

A few stats to consider while we wait:

The Orioles are 11-3 in the opening game of a series since Showalter took over, but only 5-8 in the closing game.

The 11 runs surrendered last night were the most under Showalter, and the eight-run deficit tied the largest.

The Orioles haven’t been swept in a series under Showalter, but they’re facing Andy Pettitte today. He’s 27-6 lifetime against the Orioles, including 16-4 at Camden Yards. That’s the most wins for Pettitte against any opponent and in any road venue.

However, Pettitte will be on a strict pitch count after coming off the disabled list – something like 75 pitches. Perhaps the Orioles will take a more patient approach at the plate, rather than letting him get through seven innings with that total.

Nick Markakis is .353 lifetime against Pettitte, with two homers and four RBIs. Adam Jones is 5-for-15 with a triple, and Corey Patterson is 7-for-21 with two doubles, a homer and four RBIs.

Ty Wigginton might want to consider taking in a movie or going on a pub crawl in Fells. He’s 2-for-24 against Pettitte. Both hits are doubles.

Shameless plug alert: I’ll be appearing on O’s Xtra in the bullpen area.