Looking ahead to the minicamp

The Orioles should make at least one announcement today. There figures to be some activity. Find a comfortable seat.

The minicamp will provide a nice distraction from all the rumors and speculation that define the hot stove season. And it's sort of like watching baseball. Pitchers will throw on the side and players will take batting practice.

Factor in the clubhouse interviews and daily sessions with manager Buck Showalter, and it's going to have a spring feel to it. Or maybe that's just the 80 degree temperatures.

Sorry about that.

I presently count 22 invites to the minicamp, including late addition Mark Hendrickson, who will be given a tryout.

I'm most interested in checking on Manny Machado's recovery from his second knee surgery, but he isn't scheduled to arrive at the Ed Smith Stadium complex until Wednesday.

Machado will be peppered with questions about his knee and whether he will be ready by opening day. It's deja vu all over again.

He gets to do it all over again in spring training. Such a lucky young man.

I'm also curious about Hunter Harvey, who was shut down late in the season with a strained flexor mass. He's apparently fine now after undergoing a follow-up exam last month that included another MRI.

It will be good to watch Dylan Bundy throw. It's always good to watch Dylan Bundy throw.

I haven't seen left-hander Brian Gonzalez, the Orioles' first pick (in the third round) of the 2014 First-Year Player Draft. Now I've got my opportunity.

I'll also have a chance to meet new hitting coach Scott Coolbaugh. I've heard a lot of good things about him.

Let the bonding begin.

The minicamp also will provide the chance to watch Rule 5 pitchers Jason Garcia and Logan Verrett. Garcia apparently can bring some serious heat.

Henry Urrutia is working out in Sarasota. He's not an official "invite" to the minicamp, but he'll be around.

Urrutia continues to hit the weights hard. Conditioning shouldn't be an issue with him.

I'm taking some time off today, but my colleague, Steve Melewski, will have you covered if news breaks.