You might remember the last time the Baltimore Orioles played – last October in the ALDS in Texas. They were swept, ending their season. It was abrupt and unexpected. But it happened. Today we begin to turn the page.
The Boston Red Sox come to Sarasota to take on the Orioles on “Opening Day” of the Florida Grapefruit League. Make no mistake, not much about anything that happens today will matter. Certainly not the result. But needless to say, the Birds will play ball today. In a ballpark, with people buying tickets, hot dogs and beer being sold, against another team, with umpires.
I suppose the big story as the spring slate of games commences is the Orioles’ injury problems. Gunnar Henderson’s on the shelf, as are John Means and Kyle Bradish. Henderson appears to be closer to getting into a game than Means or Bradish, for what that’s worth. However manager Brandon Hyde expects most of the Oriole regulars to be in the lineup this afternoon against Boston.
What’s always interesting in these games is what the Boston lineup looks like. (Or that of any visiting team – just happens to be the BoSox today.) Teams are supposed to bring a minimum of three “regulars” to all road games, so as to ensure competitiveness. But we all know that EVERY team has inventive ways around this, usually by saying it’s spring training; we don’t know who’s a regular yet.”
So into Sarasota the BoSox come, for today’s exhibition opener at Ed Smith Stadium. Newly acquired Corbin Burnes gets the start for the O’s, and he’ll be opposed by Boston’s Garrett Whitlock. Game time is set for just after 1 PM.
Birdland Crush 