Today the O’s minor leaguers were back at Twin Lakes in Sarasota. The mood was way up as most of the organization was back doing baseball things after checking in over the last couple of days. The man named Ray who brings the guys snacks and candy was back after a two-year respite. Players were happy to see him. There was no game action but as I checked in I heard some cage work going on.
Some drills I got to see today were full scale infield coverage ramped up with intensity and pitchers fielding bunts/throw-to-base reps. The guys looked to be moving well for just getting back, credit to the trainers.
It’s a pitcher morning out at camp…. pic.twitter.com/IgiP0bP80i
— Eric_Birdland (@Eric_Birdland) March 14, 2022
The practice fields were set up for live BPs so I saw several of them all around once warmups were complete. Lots of pitchers looked good early. I saw Eduard Monroy get a few hitters as well as former GCL Champ Nick Roth on one field. Looking elsewhere I saw Juan De Los Santos and Carlos Del Rosario getting great downward action. Still among others I saw Shane Davis and another GCL Champ Jake Prizina fooling early swingers. Infielder Mason McCoy stung one that went deep into a power alley. There were young fans and some players families in the house too.
I talked to a few families and came out with some neat info for O’s fans. One of the ways we know that the newer regime is different is how they handle people. The families shared with me that from the very first interaction with Orioles personnel they felt comfortable and treated with respect. A phone call or invitation to a workout can start a meaningful relationship and in lots of prospects’ cases it has. Now here’s the neat part: I’ve talked with later round draft picks that have said the exact same thing, some of whom were selected in rounds that no longer exist. Great to know the O’s front office is making an effort to both find unique talent and treat the players and their families right from the beginning.
Tomorrow there’s one more practice session at Twin Lakes before games start up on Wednesday.
