Let the games begin!
The Orioles will kick off exhibition season on Wednesday as they face off against the New York Mets; however, some of the young, future Birds took on Team Italy and beat them in impressive fashion, 4-0.
Roch Kubatko literally had a game running blog along with Peter Schmuck, and kept us all at work — thanks a lot! — updated with the latest from the game. It looks like our young pitching — Matusz (who started), Patton, Bergesen, Tillman, Wilfredo Perez, Arrieta — looked great and were solid at the plate.
Donnie Murphy and Scott Moore each doubled in a run and Craig Brazell drove in the third run with a single; the final blow was delivered by Adam Donachie’s home run in the eighth inning.
As noted, Brad Hennessey starts for the Orioles against the Mets Wednesday afternoon, and should be expected to go two innings. Well, as it is, he may be a contender for a rotation spot; therefore, each hurler who gets a chance to start may indeed be battling for a roster spot.
- Felix Pie showed up at camp this morning after visa issues due to the Cubs-Orioles trade’ nevertheless, he’s relieved to finally be in Florida. Whether he starts on Opening Day, rides the pine or doesn’t get a spot depends on what happens during the next few weeks and may affect the playing time of Freel and Scott.
- According to Peter Schmuck, Rich Hill looked good — very good today in workouts. As we can all assume, all eyes will be on him in camp.
- B.J. Surhoff was in camp today; Kate Wheeler looks at who may be coming up to Baltimore in 2009 from Spring Training; finally, one could fathom how far the Orioles go this season will come down to pitching and defense.
