Out of the Park: Spring training begins in Sarasota

By Bobby Blanco

Orioles

February 19, 2016, 4:34am

Comments

It's all been leading up to this: Baseball is finally back!

Orioles pitchers and catchers reported to the Ed Smith Stadium complex yesterday, with the first official workout later today after the players take their physicals.

Before we get to the best of the Birds getting ready for and arriving at spring training, I do have some non-baseball-related material to share with you first. And of course, it comes from Adam Jones.

The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show was earlier this week, and as a dog person, I believe a dog gives you its name from the way it acts. So this Mexican Hairless named Manny Machado, who won "Best of Breed," must be stellar at the hot corner and can swing a big bat.

@SimplyAJ10 Here he is: pic.twitter.com/qVNlBKcRPp
-- Amy Ciarlo (@twomooks) February 16, 2016

Besides the dog show, Jones also took in the Duke-North Carolina men's basketball game on Wednesday, prompting him to list some of his favorite rivalries, whether they be in sports or not.

A few of my fav sports rivalries. Unc/Duke
Lakers/Celtics
Chargers/Raiders
OSU/Mich
Dodgers/ Giants @CariChampion. I know there are more.
-- 10 (@SimplyAJ10) February 17, 2016

More great Rivalries Orioles/ EVERYONE ELSE @CariChampion
-- 10 (@SimplyAJ10) February 17, 2016

Me vs. Popeyes Chicken #GreatRivalries
-- 10 (@SimplyAJ10) February 17, 2016

My favorite rivalries include Maryland-Duke in anything and myself versus a Chipotle meal. What are yours?

OK, back to baseball. I'm just going to list the best of the spring training-related social media posts from the Orioles, and I'll add to the list as more are posted throughout the day!

Sarasota bound. Spring Training 2016! Let's get it!
-- Tyler Wilson (@t_willy18) February 17, 2016

@masnRoch I'm on my way. Tell Tilly and Miggy to hold on!!!
-- Zach Britton (@zbritton) February 18, 2016

Please excuse the interruption, but I thought you'd like to know that WE'VE GOT PITCHERS & CATCHERS IN THE HOUSE! #ORANGESPRING
-- The Oriole Bird (@OrioleBird) February 18, 2016