masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgWell, the Super Bowl was nice and all, but guess what? It’s baseball season!

Before we talk more about how pitchers and catchers report this coming Thursday, here’s a fun fact: Did you know that quarterback and Super Bowl winner Russell Wilson was once drafted by the Orioles?

Anyway, back to baseball. Spring training will officially be under way in just six days. While pitchers and catchers report in less than a week, there are still many questions surrounding the Orioles.

We have to…Well, the Super Bowl was nice and all, but guess what? It’s baseball season!

Before we talk more about how pitchers and catchers report this coming Thursday, here’s a fun fact: Did you know that quarterback and Super Bowl winner Russell Wilson was once drafted by the Orioles?

Anyway, back to baseball. Spring training will officially be under way in just six days. While pitchers and catchers report in less than a week, there are still many questions surrounding the Orioles.

We have to wonder if there will be any new pitchers joining the Birds in Sarasota, as the O’s are still seeking both starting pitching.

We do know that Evan Meek will be in Sarasota. The right-hander was signed by the O’s and invited to spring training this week. Veteran outfielder Jack Cust was also signed to a minor league deal.

Jim Hunter Twitter Takeover.jpgThis week, the O’s also hired three people for their scouting department: special assignment scout Dave Machemer and amateur scouts Jeff Stevens and Dan Durst.

While we look ahead to spring training, we also look back at last Saturday’s FanFest. I’m a little ashamed to admit this, but this year marked my first FanFest. I had such an awesome time at the MASN booth. The highlight of my time was hosting a “Twitter takeover” with broadcaster Jim Hunter. There were also a ton of prizes given away and photos taken. For more pictures of the event, check out our Facebook page.

It was great to see so many Orioles all back together for FanFest. Before we start (or continue) our countdown to spring training, here are quotes from players discussing their offseason, in addition to other headlines from FanFest.

* Davis: “I’d love to stay here”

* Patton discusses suspension

* Machado unsure about opening day

* Hearing from Markakis, Pearce, Urrutia and Reimold

* Hardy hasn’t discussed extension yet

* Flaherty on his winter work

* Duquette addresses various topics

* Wieters on trade rumors

* Hunter on closing, Lough on defense

* Palmer on Burnett

Also, check out this awesome video put together by my coworker, Ally Bittner. If you were unable to make it to FanFest, or if you just want one more look at the event, this video recap is for you.