I’m counting 23 days until Orioles pitchers and catchers must report to the Ed Smith Stadium complex in Sarasota. However, the number of early arrivals seems to increase every year.

Many of the position players also arrive before their date. Great complex, great weather, and an eagerness to start a new season.

I’ve shared some early predictions over the past few weeks that I’ll gladly walk back if I must do it. You learn to admit that you’re wrong if it happens enough times.

There's no substitute for experience.

Me: The Orioles won’t tender contracts to all 17 of their arbitration-eligible players.

Orioles left-hander Keegan Akin makes his first major league start today and he's trying to fill the role of stopper for a team that's reeling. Akin was used in relief twice before today's assignment. He's allowed three runs and two hits in 3 1/3 innings. With openings in the rotation created by injury (Wade LeBlanc) and trade (Tommy Milone), Akin has a chance to receive an extended look as a starter over the final month of the season. Pedro Severino will set the target for Akin, while...