LATEST NEWS: First Orioles spring training workout brings endless possibilities and potential for breaking news

SARASOTA, Fla. – Yesterday, I took a long walk around the perimeter of Ed Smith Stadium to get some steps in—my Fitbit was practically checking if I was still alive—and to snap a few photos. The sun occasionally hid behind the clouds, and the wind picked up, but escaping another snowstorm back home made it more than worth it.

I also stopped by the team store and picked up a 4T shirt. I’ve dropped a few sizes since my heart surgery and the pause on workouts, but it should also be a perfect fit for my granddaughter.

The distant sound of batting practice echoed from a back field, likely just one hitter in the cage. Media access begins today, allowing us to match swings with faces.

During a recent radio appearance, I was asked about the biggest challenge of covering spring training. My answer? Not being able to be in two places at once. Watching a bullpen session means missing batting practice. Walking over to Field 3 could mean missing key action at the main stadium. Spending time in the press box to write? You risk missing it all.

You have to make choices and stick with them—good advice for relationships too.

Whenever Félix Bautista takes the mound, he’ll draw plenty of eyes and cameras. It’ll be a while before the novelty wears off. Rehabbing pitchers playing catch becomes headline news. A bat in Jorge Mateo’s hands will stop the presses—literally.

The biggest draw today? Executive VP/GM Mike Elias, a Day 1 tradition at camp. You could place bets on whether he’ll announce an injury or update roster moves. Mateo is already ruled out from full participation in camp due to elbow surgery, but any clarity on his Opening Day status would be significant.

Surprises are inevitable, and the sound of scribbling in notepads may even drown out the BP swings.

Video calls and the Birdland Caravan gave us some offseason access, but it’s been a long time since we’ve heard from Bautista. He briefly moved his rehab to Tropicana Field last season but didn’t speak to the media. Kyle Bradish and Tyler Wells also need to address their status, as their placement on the 60-day IL opens two spots on the 40-man roster.

Newcomer Ramón Laureano can discuss his decision to sign with the Orioles and his role in an outfield already featuring Colton Cowser, Cedric Mullins, Tyler O’Neill, and Heston Kjerstad. Meanwhile, Coby Mayo can reflect on his offseason work and his chances of making the Opening Day roster despite a crowded infield.

This could be Mullins’ final spring with the Orioles, as he’s set to hit free agency after the season. A 13th-round pick in 2015, he’s not just playing for Baltimore—he’s playing for his next contract.

Cowser, Adley Rutschman, Gunnar Henderson, Jackson Holliday, Ryan Mountcastle, and Jordan Westburg all spoke at the Birdland Caravan, and Cowser also made the rounds at the Winter Meetings. That might slightly thin the locker room media crowd, but there’s always more to discuss.

And, of course, there’s the left field wall moving in.

Rutschman will have to reflect on his second half while keeping details of his offseason training and hitting coach discussions vague.

Spring training also brings opportunities to hear from new major league coach Buck Britton, bench coach Robinson Chirinos, and assistant hitting coaches Tommy Joseph and Sherman Johnson.

Zach Eflin and Dean Kremer can share thoughts on a rotation now missing ace Corbin Burnes. Meanwhile, Samuel Basallo won’t have to talk about his fractured elbow preventing him from catching in camp—his focus is on a likely 2025 MLB debut.

Roansy Contreras can recount his whirlwind journey across baseball before landing (again) with the Orioles—assuming he’s not designated for assignment before players even arrive.

Anyone who claims to be in the best shape of their life will be noted. Pitchers will gauge how the ball comes out of their hand.

It all begins today.