The Orioles will open Spring Training at Ed Smith Stadium on Monday as pitchers and catchers report in advance of Tuesday's first workout. Joined shortly by the position players, this is a group of players largely familiar with each other and ready to put the bitter taste of last season's loss in the American League Wild Card Game behind them.
Gone are catcher Matt Wieters, designated hitter Pedro Alvarez (both to free agency) and Yovani Gallardo (traded to Seattle). But make no mistake, this O's club is largely intact and optimistic in what looks to be another tough year in the AL East.