masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgLooking at the list of spring training invitees, I have to wonder what happened to infielder Blake Davis.

Davis made a solid impression last spring before fracturing a bone in his foot and undergoing surgery that limited him to 55 games with Triple-A Norfolk. The Orioles regard him as being ready defensively at shortstop. They just wonder how much he’ll hit.

I know the minor league camp in Sarasota is close to the major league facility, so the Orioles don’t need to fill their roster with…Looking at the list of spring training invitees, I have to wonder what happened to infielder Blake Davis.

Davis made a solid impression last spring before fracturing a bone in his foot and undergoing surgery that limited him to 55 games with Triple-A Norfolk. The Orioles regard him as being ready defensively at shortstop. They just wonder how much he’ll hit.

I know the minor league camp in Sarasota is close to the major league facility, so the Orioles don’t need to fill their roster with invitees. They can bring over Davis at any time, without the past travel complications. But I expected him to be on the list that the club released yesterday.

Blake-Davis.jpg

Davis figures to be the starting shortstop at Norfolk this year, though the Orioles signed Andy Gonzalez to a minor league deal. You would assume that they’d want Davis in camp.

This winter hasn’t exactly been a confidence-builder for Davis, who was left unprotected in the Rule 5 draft. The Orioles chose to put shortstop Pedro Florimon on the 40-man roster.

Cesar Izturis will be the Opening Day starter, but the Orioles will challenge Robert Andino to hold onto the backup job. Justin Turner will probably get a significant amount of time at short, since they already know what he can do at second base.

Meanwhile, the Orioles and OriolesREACH are inviting everyone who attends FanFest on Saturday to contribute to the Haitian earthquake relief effort.

The club will raise funds at the event that will assist in providing much-needed aid to the devastated country. Money will be collected through a portion of the FanFest admission fees and proceeds collected from a silent auction of Orioles items and the team’s memorabilia sale. In addition, collection buckets will be available at various locations at FanFest for fans to make freewill offerings, and the Orioles will match all donations.

Fans also can make donates by sending checks made payable to the Baltimore Orioles Charitable Foundation, with “Haiti Relief” in the memo line. Mail them to Baltimore Orioles Haiti Relief, 333 West Camden Street, Baltimore, MD. 21201.

Double-A Bowie fans have generated more than $1,500 through the club’s raffle. Check out the Baysox’s site here.