We are a little less than a week from Spring Training down in Sarasota and I’m excited. With football over, fans can look forward to seeing what the Orioles can do down in Florida. Most of us think that the 2012 campaign for the team may turn out like previous 14; however, the organization is under a new regime now and I’m intrigued to see the results over the next eight or so months.
Will the additions that Dan Duquette made to the roster make any difference? How will Buck Showalter and the front office go about deciding who makes the 25-man roster.
The biggest storyline down in Florida will undoubtedly be focused on the starting pitching. With the trade of Jeremy Guthrie to Colorado, who is in the rotation? I guess you can plug in Jason Hammel, the Asian additions, and that is it.
It will be a wide open competition for spots and who knows what will happen to the young arms. Will we see Jake Arrieta, Brad Bergesen, Brian Matsuz & Zach Britton on the roster? Has Chris Tillman run out of chances with the Orioles? What about the bullpen? Will Jim Johnson close, or Kevin Gregg – who was a lightning rod of frustration amongst fans.
As well, who plays second base? Will Brian Roberts return? Is he healthy? Can he even play right now? If not, do we see Robert Andino man second, or Ryan Adams?
What about the outfield? Can Nick Markakis reverse his downward trend at the plate? Will Adam Jones take his game to the next level? Also, can Nolan Reimold succeed with the Orioles as an everyday player?
I’m sure we all find out the answers to those questions and more soon enough. I’m just happy for the return of baseball, whether the Oriole sink or swim.
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Finally, I know this is a baseball blog; however, I’m pretty down this morning about the loss of singer Whitney Houston. I’m an enormous music fan, and I had nothing but the utmost respect and love for Houston.
For a lot of people, her songs were a soundtrack of life. I could say that same as well. I grew up hearing her pipes during car rides with family back in the day, at dances – middle/junior and high school, weddings, and every so often scanning the radio. I know some people criticized her music choices, but her voice was just so beautiful and powerful.
It is too unfortunate that she had to go through a ton of trials and tribulations in her later years; however, her talent and God-given gift was undeniable. That is why so many – like myself – a bit sad this morning.
Here is perhaps the greatest rendition of the Star-Spangled Banner I’ve ever heard. Rest in peace, Whitney.
