Leading Off

Pitchers and catchers report tomorrow! Our long national nightmare is over – we’ve waited for the crack of the bat, the pop of the mitt, and most importantly:

GRAINY PICTURES OF GUYS IN SHORTS!!!

OK, so the early days of camp aren’t that exciting. But it’s infinitely better than no baseball at all.

Join us for The Drink of the Week. Don’t forget to drink socially with us on Untappd.

This Week on the Twitters

Here is what is happening in the world of Orioles Baseball, in 280 characters, or fewer:

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— Ryan Flaherty (@RFlaherty3) February 8, 2018

The #Orioles have checked out Lance Lynn, Andrew Cashner, Jason Vargas, Alex Cobb and Chris Tillman, among others. They appear content to wait in hopes of signing someone to a short-term deal. Peter Angelos hesitant to commit to 4-year deal after the Ubaldo Jimenez experience.

— Jerry Crasnick (@jcrasnick) February 7, 2018

The Orioles still need 60% of a starting rotation and they’re reportedly talking to the Astros, Rays, and others about maybe getting some of it. https://t.co/jU2jmTVSHw

— Camden Chat (@CamdenChat) February 12, 2018

Nothing is determined yet, but expect Mike Wright to start games for the Orioles in April https://t.co/qKiM373RPa

— Dan Connolly (@danconnolly2016) February 12, 2018

The Orioles have agreed to terms on a one-year contract for 2018 with INF Jonathan Schoop, avoiding arbitration.

— Baltimore Orioles (@Orioles) February 6, 2018

There were some tough times growing up an Orioles fan. Seemed like there was no hope for a winning season. But 10 years ago, Adam Jones, the Captain, was traded to Baltimore. The culture of the team, city, fans changed for the better. Here’s to another 10 years @SimplyAJ10 pic.twitter.com/EKgG5X9fgx

— Joe Papparotto (@JoePappa) February 9, 2018

Former #orioles OF Nolan Reimold will work out at the MLBPA "31st camp" for free agents in Bradenton. Union approved, then denied Reimold based on his 6-year FA status. Agent got involved and matter resolved. Reimold now repped by @JoshuaKusnick.

— Roch Kubatko (@masnRoch) February 9, 2018

Spring Training Story Lines

With so much unsettled, here are the story lines that we’re watching, as camp unfolds:

What else gets done (besides, ahem, starting pitching)?
The scoop on Schoop
What does a rebound for Trumbo and Davis look like?
Do any of the Rule 5 guys stick?
Are the Orioles OK with what they’ve got behind the plate? Are you?

From the Heart

With Valentine’s Day approaching, is it any wonder that the season of new beginnings for Orioles baseball coincides with the season of love? As such, Jake and Scott speak from the heart. They acknowledge their love for Orioles Baseball – a love that is weird, and difficult to explain to their wives.

How will I pitch to thee? Let me count the ways.

Two – that’s all we’ve got.

Check the blog for more Valentines, and let us know which you’d like to see in the BEV collectors’ set.

Blowing the Save

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Most podcasts try to end on a high note – the perfect coda to a quality program. That’s just not our style. Each week, we’ll end on a weak note, blowing the save with an item that didn’t quite fit into the episode, or something they simply need to get off their chests. It’s our version of taking the ball and pulling a Kevin Gregg.