Catcher Caleb Joseph still can't believe that he's in major league camp. He's waiting for someone to pinch him - though that might not be a good idea in the shower area.
"All of these names," he said, gazing at the rows of lockers. "It's like Christmas in February."
Brian Matusz and Chris Tillman reported to camp earlier today and ducked inside the weight room, which also is much bigger than my townhouse.
No more tents set up in the parking lot.
Championship banners have been hung...
You probably know that Nicole Sherry is only the second woman to hold the position of Head Groundskeeper for a Major League Baseball team.
But did you know that she's also listed in Baltimore Magazine's top singles in "Smalltimore"?
Pictured in a short black dress and matching high heels - a far cry from the khakis, orange polos, and sneakers we're used to seeing her sport at Camden Yards - Sherry made a list of 12 notable singles in Baltimore.
The magazine's feature points to "the...
Did you survive the snow?
I hope so - and if you didn't get any snow over the last few days, there are crowds of us who are jealous of you right now. How many days until the O's report to Sarasota? Then we can at least "think warm" and remember what sunlight looks like...
But in the meantime, buckets of snow can't stop your walks down memory lane as you look to identify the item in the photo below for another 'Where in the Yard?' here in the Orioles Buzz.
Good Luck and stay warm...
Day One didn't bring any major surprises in camp beyond the drastic differences between the Sarasota and Fort Lauderdale facilities.
No more bumping into players inside a crowded clubhouse. No more tents posing as weight rooms. No more contact highs from the gas fumes at the executive airport.
It will take some time before I stop shouting my questions to manager Dave Trembley. It wasn't easy being heard over the sound of planes taking off beyond the outfield fence.
I can't get used to...
The Orioles have announced that they'll hold open tryouts on Saturday, February 20 for the position of public address announcer for the O's in Sarasota.
So if you live in the vicinity of Ed Smith Stadium and think yours could be the new Voice of the O's for their first spring training in Sarasota, bring your resume and arrive at the team's new spring home by 12:30 p.m. for registration. (Complimentary parking is available in the East Parking Lot at Ed Smith Stadium.)
Tryouts will begin...
I've been known to rush into relationships, and I'm ready to pay Sarasota's bills and buy it a sports car.
Let's just say the place is growing on me. And fast.
It's funny what happens once you venture a few miles from your hotel.
If you're heading down here to catch a few spring training games and avoid the next blizzard, you'll want to visit Mediterraneo on Main St., but only if you can handle one of the best Italian meals of your life. Dine at your own risk.
I'm listed as...
Welcome to a big week in Birdland, as the O's officially report to spring training this week (as if I needed to tell you!). From here, the 2010 season will begin and continue to take shape, and we'll see what the Birds' flock of young O's are capable of soon enough.
But for now, welcome back to the Orioles Buzz, where we have another photo from Camden Yards ready for you to identify for this week's 'Where in the Yard?'
Just in case you're joining us for the first time, simply take a...
Players are lined up in the clubhouse to take their physicals before the first workout.
Brian Matusz and Chris Tillman arrived together again today, and they walked out together to grab breakfast. They stretched on the field together yesterday. You could say they're inseparable.
Reliever Wilfrido Perez said his left arm is fine after he underwent surgery over the summer to remove bone chips from his elbow.
Perez will compete for the job of lefty specialist, but I'm still guessing that he...
The first Orioles spring training game kicks off on Wednesday, March 3 at 1:05 p.m. against the Rays, with many more to follow.
But if you aren't lucky enough to be heading to Ed Smith Stadium to see the Birds in person, you'll be able to catch your first glimpse of the O's on MASN on Sunday, March 7 at 1:05 p.m.
That Sunday's game will be the first of four opportunities Orioles fans will have to see the Birds play before they break the 2010 season wide open against the Rays on Opening...
If you're headed to Sarasota to see the O's in their new spring training home, Roch's already sending back good reviews.
The facilities are clearly an improvement from the past, and the general opinion is a high one of Sarasota.
And while the area has hardly been extensively scouted, here are a few recommendations from Roch and fellow O's fans who've been there:
Gus 12th Street Café: According to Roch's quick note at the bottom of his General info on Patton post,...