The Birds Down In Florida...

Ah, seeing the Baltimore Orioles down in Florida is a great respite from the sordid MacNamee-Clemens saga and the stench of drugs in the sport right now.

From all accounts from the scribes from camp, things seem to be laid back and coming along. Right now, the pitchers and catchers are at Spring Training, as the team gets ready for the pre-season games. Dave Trembley and Rick Kranitz have a lot of work on their hands as they try to get the staff going and ready for the 2008 season.

I'll be down there in about 12 or so days, and I'm looking forward to seeing the players up close and as well seeing the other teams down in the Sunshine State.

* The Oriole blog on MASNSports.com gives us a sneak peek into how the players are feeling in the first week of camp; naturally, the players are excited to be on the field doing what they love before the games begin according to the Sun's Jeff Zrebeic. As well, Jeremy Guthrie has a few words with the Sun paper, and there's a video of the Baltimore Orioles Spring Training facility.

* Closer Chris Ray, who is a lot lighter, is looking forward to coming back and pitching in August, rather than waiting out the year. Also, on the physique front, Ramon Hernandez reportedly looks great and is also ready to go.

* Also, Ray Frager reports that the Orioles have set dates and times for their radio broadcasts from camp.

* Meanwhile, erstwhile blogger and Sun beat reporter, Roch Kubatko reports that Aubrey Huff changed his uniform number to honor the late Joe Kennedy; as well, he reports on the comings of several players and also the departure of one.