SARASOTA, Fla. - As I wait for the pitchers and catchers to complete their physicals and head to the backfields for the first workout, I'll pass along the five exhibition games that will air on MASN: Monday, March 7 at 7 p.m., New York Yankees vs. Orioles Monday, March 14 at 1 p.m., Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Orioles Tuesday, March 15 at 1 p.m., Houston Astros vs. Orioles Saturday, March 19 at 1 p.m., Philadelphia Phillies vs. Orioles Sunday, March 27 at 1 p.m., Boston Red Sox vs. Orioles I'll...

The Orioles and 1090 AM WBAL Radio, the new flagship station of the Orioles Radio Network, have announced that 16 Orioles spring training games will be broadcast in 2011. The schedule includes the spring opener against the Pittsburgh Pirates from Bradenton, FL on Monday, February 28 at 1:05 p.m. as well as the first ever game at the new Ed Smith Stadium in Sarasota, FL on Tuesday, March 1 at 1:05 p.m. A total of 12 of the 16 broadcasts will feature 30-minute Pre-Game and Post-Game Shows. WBAL...

SARASOTA, Fla. - I woke up to a bunch of spam comments on the blog, most of them from senders claiming to have squirrels in their pants. Is that really how my day is starting? Anyway, pitchers and catchers are taking their physicals this morning and the clubhouse is closed to the media. They'll immediately head to the back fields for workouts, so access will be delayed. I won't be arriving at Ed Smith Stadium before 11 a.m., unless I want to sit in a room and stare at the walls. A team...

For Orioles pitching prospect Chorye Spoone, the long road back from shoulder surgery in September 2008 has just about reached its end. Some fans were worried when he walked eight in just 3 2/3 innings in his last start at Bowie last Aug. 19. But he was simply out of gas, but not hurt again, after throwing 132 innings in 2010 at Double-A. That is not a lot until you remember, he had pitched just 71 innings combined in 2008 and 2009, before and after his surgery. But Spoone, once one of the...

What a difference a year has made for Nationals right-hander Collin Balester. Heading into spring training 2010, Balester was a starter with 22 games under his belt, but not much consistency - and a tendency for giving up some big runs. After working hard in the minors to redefine his role and regain confidence on the mound, Balester made a nice transition to the bullpen. "I think this year I feel a lot better where I am at," Balester said. "Last year, I heard going in, 'If you don't...

SARASOTA, Fla. - Michael Gonzalez was a health riddle last spring, insisting that his left shoulder felt fine while everyone noticed his diminished velocity and spotty location. He blew two of his first three save chances and went on the disabled list April 14 with a strained shoulder. He wasn't reinstated until July 21. Gonzalez posted a 1.76 ERA in his first 18 appearances after being activated. He looked like a different pitcher, and not simply because he no longer was closing. Orioles...

SARASOTA, Fla. - I took an extensive walk through Ed Smith Stadium, where the construction will continue right up to the home opener on March 1. Most of the work should be completed by Feb. 21. Construction beyond the left field fence, including an elevated picnic perch that fans are going to love, will take a little longer. The lawsuit delayed construction, but it also allowed for some late changes to the original plans, including raising the picnic area from ground level. I walked through...

SARASOTA, Fla. - Brian Matusz and Chris Tillman just arrived together at 12:16 p.m. Troy Patton isn't allowed to speak with the media regarding his DWI arrest in Houston last month. He politely declined to comment before leaving the clubhouse, but he's clearly embarrassed by the incident. Patton may not have to leave the team for a court hearing later this month. There's a chance that he'll be able to work around it. Brad Bergesen was playing catch on one of the back fields with Jeremy...

Well, a new Orioles season is finally here. Pitchers and catchers will be on the field in Sarasota tomorrow and the first exhibition game is two weeks from tomorrow. So what story lines are you interested in as camp begins? What are you wondering about? What most excites you about this team? I am wondering if: * Adam Jones will bat second. Since I wrote that was my preference several weeks ago, I've noticed I am not alone. Despite the fact several of you think I am crazy and have lost my...

SARASOTA, Fla. - Koji Uehara just played catch outdoors. So far, so good. Third baseman Mark Reynolds has reported with the pitchers and catchers. Looks like he's eager to get started. Reynolds is working out today and will take his 2-year-old daughter to Disney the next two days. I told him to enjoy these precious moments while he can, since my little angel turns 18 tomorrow. I swear she was 2 when I left the house yesterday. I took another spin through the clubhouse. It's a little...