After the long winter months of the offseason, the O's news is finally starting to heat up. From FanFest to single-game ticket sales, promos, and the return of Tejada, there's no shortage of Orioles buzz in the days leading up to spring training. But before we get to all that this weekend, let's jump back to FanFest for a short story involving rookie pitcher Brad Bergesen. Early on in the day, as Bergesen walked into an Orioles corporate sponsor VIP room, he took a seat next to new Oriole...

Orioles fans don't have long to wait before the O's report to their first spring training in Sarasota, but you can steal a look at the renovations in the works for 2011 even sooner than that. The Major League facilities at Ed Smith Stadium and the Minor League complex at Twin Lakes Park, now dubbed the Buck O'Neil Baseball Complex, will both undergo renovations to make Sarasota the true spring home of the O's by next year. But a handful of artist renderings of the plans for the team's...

Jake Arrieta showed up today with a neatly trimmed beard that will be gone tomorrow. Arrieta has thrown about 12 bullpen sessions since Jan. 4. He'll try to squeeze into the rotation, perhaps bumping Chris Tillman from the fifth spot. Assuming Brad Bergesen avoids the disabled list, that would be Arrieta's best shot. "Whether there's an opening or not, I have to do everything I can to come out here and perform to the best of my ability and be confident in myself that all the hard work...

It's February 1st already, which means the Orioles officially report to spring training this month. That said, O's fans probably don't need extra help getting excited for Orioles baseball, but a mental walk around the Yard never hurts - so we're back for another 'Where in the Yard?' photo challenge in the Orioles Buzz. And no, this week's image isn't a gimme - the giveaways don't start until Opening Day, and even then, you'll have to head to the ballpark gates if you're looking for...

Catcher Caleb Joseph still can't believe that he's in major league camp. He's waiting for someone to pinch him - though that might not be a good idea in the shower area. "All of these names," he said, gazing at the rows of lockers. "It's like Christmas in February." Brian Matusz and Chris Tillman reported to camp earlier today and ducked inside the weight room, which also is much bigger than my townhouse. No more tents set up in the parking lot. Championship banners have been hung...

You probably know that Nicole Sherry is only the second woman to hold the position of Head Groundskeeper for a Major League Baseball team. But did you know that she's also listed in Baltimore Magazine's top singles in "Smalltimore"? Pictured in a short black dress and matching high heels - a far cry from the khakis, orange polos, and sneakers we're used to seeing her sport at Camden Yards - Sherry made a list of 12 notable singles in Baltimore. The magazine's feature points to "the...

Did you survive the snow? I hope so - and if you didn't get any snow over the last few days, there are crowds of us who are jealous of you right now. How many days until the O's report to Sarasota? Then we can at least "think warm" and remember what sunlight looks like... But in the meantime, buckets of snow can't stop your walks down memory lane as you look to identify the item in the photo below for another 'Where in the Yard?' here in the Orioles Buzz. Good Luck and stay warm...

Day One didn't bring any major surprises in camp beyond the drastic differences between the Sarasota and Fort Lauderdale facilities. No more bumping into players inside a crowded clubhouse. No more tents posing as weight rooms. No more contact highs from the gas fumes at the executive airport. It will take some time before I stop shouting my questions to manager Dave Trembley. It wasn't easy being heard over the sound of planes taking off beyond the outfield fence. I can't get used to...

The Orioles have announced that they'll hold open tryouts on Saturday, February 20 for the position of public address announcer for the O's in Sarasota. So if you live in the vicinity of Ed Smith Stadium and think yours could be the new Voice of the O's for their first spring training in Sarasota, bring your resume and arrive at the team's new spring home by 12:30 p.m. for registration. (Complimentary parking is available in the East Parking Lot at Ed Smith Stadium.) Tryouts will begin...

I've been known to rush into relationships, and I'm ready to pay Sarasota's bills and buy it a sports car. Let's just say the place is growing on me. And fast. It's funny what happens once you venture a few miles from your hotel. If you're heading down here to catch a few spring training games and avoid the next blizzard, you'll want to visit Mediterraneo on Main St., but only if you can handle one of the best Italian meals of your life. Dine at your own risk. I'm listed as...