The Orioles had a heck of a start to the exhibition season with a 12-2 whomping of the Rays.
Top prospect Josh Bell hit two homeruns, one from each side of the plate; Nick Markakis hit a homer, firstbase prospect Rhyne Hughes hit two; third base prospect Scott Moore hit one as well. The Orioles pitchers had a great day, Jeremy Guthrie was in top form and the only hiccups came with Safarte and Hernandez each giving up a run.
Miggy had his first game at third and it was a mixed bag. Tejada had an error on a ball that skirted under his glove as he attempted to catch the short hop. He made the first play that came to him however and he has plenty of time to get into gear at third.
Nolan Reimold did not play today. He is game ready but the Orioles are treating him gingerly as he recovers from achilles tendon surgery. I don’t think it is anything to be worried about right now but I will feel a lot better when I see Reimold starting in left field. Brad Bergesen still doesn’t have a set day to begin his exhibition season, Dave Trembley said that he wants Bergy to get one more bullpen session under his belt.
The Orioles had a great start to the exhibition year. Hopefully it is an omen of things to come.
