A few pre-opener notes

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - The weather is gorgeous here, which means nothing once we're inside the dome. But it was a much calmer drive this afternoon. The Orioles are 2-2 against the Rays in season openers, winning in 1999 and 2006, and losing in 2008 and 2010. They're 8-9 when beginning the season on the road, losing their last three to the Rays, Twins (2007) and Royals (1995). The all-time series between the Orioles and Rays is tied, 111-111. I'm trying to calculate how many of those losses came on blown saves by Jorge Julio. Only 13 players remain from the Orioles' opening night roster in 2010: Brad Bergesen, Jason Berken, Michael Gonzalez, Jeremy Guthrie, Cesar Izturis, Jim Johnson, Adam Jones, Nick Markakis, Brian Matusz, Felix Pie, Brian Roberts, Luke Scott and Matt Wieters. Roberts is making his eighth consecutive opening day/night start for the Orioles. This is five in a row for Markakis and four straight for Jones and Scott. Guthrie is making his third opening day/night start in four seasons. He's 1-1 with a 6.35 ERA in 11 1/3 innings. Guthrie has turned in 10 quality starts in 13 games against the Rays. He went 2-2 with a 2.73 ERA in four starts last season. Guthrie needs four more strikeouts to reach 500 for his career. Guthrie allowed 38 of his 93 runs (41 percent) last season in the first two innings. In his first six starts last season, Guthrie faced Matt Garza twice, CC Sabathia twice, Justin Duchscherer and Jon Lester. Those four pitchers are a combined 38-3 with a 2.74 ERA in 51 career starts against the Orioles. Enjoy David Price.