masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgSARASOTA, Fla. – I’m told that a fan drove down here from Baltimore because I wrote that the intrasquad games were open to the public.

I did? Was I snacking on vodka-soaked olives?

I’m pretty sure I made it clear that the games were closed to the public.

Tommy Hunter played long-toss this morning to test his lower back. He was firing the ball from an impressive distance. He looks fine to me, but I’m not a doctor or an athletic trainer. I only play one on the blog.

Jason Berken, who’s…SARASOTA, Fla. – I’m told that a fan drove down here from Baltimore because I wrote that the intrasquad games were open to the public.

I did? Was I snacking on vodka-soaked olives?

I’m pretty sure I made it clear that the games were closed to the public.

Tommy Hunter played long-toss this morning to test his lower back. He was firing the ball from an impressive distance. He looks fine to me, but I’m not a doctor or an athletic trainer. I only play one on the blog.

Jason Berken, who’s been sidelined with a strained left hamstring, played catch on the same practice field before heading indoors with Hunter.

Tsuyoshi Wada joined his teammates for the morning stretch, and he’s scheduled to play catch for the second consecutive day. His left elbow is feeling much better.

Jim Johnson and Zach Britton were slated to throw bullpen sessions this morning.

The clubhouse opens to the media at 11:30 a.m., so I’ll have more information to pass along later. Stay tuned.

Note: Special assistant and former outfielder Brady Anderson will throw out the ceremonial first pitch before Monday night’s home exhibition opener against the Pirates. That game is open to the public!

Gates open at 5 p.m. First pitch is 7:05 p.m.

Fans are encouraged to bring donations for Goodwill Manasota. A Goodwill Manasota truck will be located in the East Lot off 12th Street to collect items. All donations stay in the community and help provide job placement, job training, housing and other free social services to individuals with disabilities and other barriers to opportunity. Goodwill is hoping that their first “Donate and Change Lives donathon” with the Orioles will help increase those donations and bring awareness to their mission. The Orioles have partnered with Goodwill Manasota to collect donations from fans attending four team workouts as well as the home opener.