The Orioles are still basking in the afterglow of yesterday's six-homer, 12-2 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays. Now, it's time to head down to the new Rays complex at Port Charlotte to see Brian Matusz make his first start of the exhibition season.
The Rays now train at the old Texas Rangers site, but it has been remodeled and upgraded. Rays vice president Rick Vaughn, who used to be the Orioles public relations director in the late 1980s and early 1990s, says the facility is terrific. I hope he's right, since my comfort is always a priority.
Matusz has been chomping at the bit to get out there, and why not? The last time he was in a competitive situation, he showed the New York Yankees why he's considered one of the premier pitching prospects in the game.
He won't have the "A" team behind him today, however. The Orioles are only taking a small handful of position players who are likely to be on the 25-man roster. Felix Pie and Ty Wigginton are the biggest names, so I'm pretty sure you won't see another six home runs. I'm looking for Lou Montanez to carry the offensive load today. My first prediction of the year.
Here's the Orioles lineup:
Felix Pie CF
Robert Andino SS
Lou Montanez RF
Ty Wigginton 3B
Scott Moore DH
Jeff Salazar LF
Brandon Snyder 1B
Craig Tatum C
Blake Davis 2B
Brian Matusz LHP