Really, it seems like yesterday that the Orioles were filtering into their new training site in Sarasota, and I'm already getting nostalgic. When I think of the first time Will Ohman asked Roch why he wears all his t-shirts two sizes too small, I can't help but mist up.
It also seems like yesterday that Brian Roberts reported to camp and dropped the bombshell on us that he had suffered a slightly herniated disk in his lower back during offseason workouts. It actually was yesterday when Brian made good on his promise to be in the lineup for the regular season opener.
The switch from Fort Lauderdale to Sarasota took some getting used to, if only because you can't drive through Pollo Tropical at 1 a.m. and get a full chicken dinner. I definitely missed that. It's a little slower on the gulf coast, but the people are great, the beaches are beautiful and the training facility -- even before the coming renovation -- is a huge improvement over the old Yankees complex.
We'll have to wait and see if the team is a huge improvement over last year. It certainly looked that way until the ninth inning last night, but let's not make too much of one ridiculously frustrating game.
Well, my Southwest flight awaits. It'll be great to see all of you at Camden Yards this weekend.