Fresh from West Coast workouts, Matusz eager to get going

Orioles lefty Brian Matusz is enjoying the optimism around the Baltimore Convention Center today and said he is pretty psyched for the 2011 season. "You can see it, everyone is excited," he said. "We just seem like a team, we all are real comfortable right now. I keep saying it, but I am real excited about this spring. Our new park (in Sarasota), I hear is amazing." Matusz said he had a productive winter of workouts on the West Coast. "It's been a good offseason. I've been working out in L.A. with Chris Tillman at Athletes Performance. It's been going really well, but I'm starting to get the itch for spring training. We are all excited about the new acquisitions. The season ended well last year and that has us excited for spring," Matusz said. "I've been working on my flexibility. One issue I had last year was my hips would get tight. So I am working on my flexibility to avoid that this year." Matusz also said he has had a couple of conversations with new pitching coach Mark Connor. "I spoke with Mark a couple of times and last night had a chance to sit down with him. He's got a long list of guys he has coached like Curt Shilling and Randy Johnson. His resume is long. I'm excited to work with him and see what he can help me with." Someone asked Matusz if he had any hopes to be the opening day starter come April. "I will just prepare for whatever day they give me," he said. "Wherever I am, I'll be happy."