Rickard gets advice, Jones on team goals, Britton on the orange carpet

As he gets ready to play in a major league game that counts for the first time in his life, new Orioles outfielder and Rule 5 pick Joey Rickard said he's gotten some advice from his teammates about opening day.

"Guys have been telling me even veteran guys can get nervous on opening day," Rickard said. "They said embrace it and they have my back. I'll try to enjoy it and relax out there."

At least on the outside, the youngster seems pretty calm and relaxed for someone making the jump to the majors after beginning last year in Single-A ball.

"I think I'm doing a pretty good job of hiding it right now. But when that first inning comes around I'll be pretty shocked and amazed at where I really am," he admitted.

Rickard is the kid and Adam Jones is the veteran. Jones talked Sunday about how special opening day is, especially for young players going through their first like Rickard. As for the 2016 Orioles, Jones said the goal is pretty simple. It's getting there that is the hard part.

"Every season, you want to win the World Series," Jones said. "There is no other reason to play. I'm here to win and I think I make that evident. Only thing that matters to me is winning. Think the guys understand that. We know our manager does. This begins a long journey and it's time to go. We have the mindset to try to win every game. That gets you through 162."

Is this club built to win right now?

"I think it is," Jones said. "We added some veterans, like (Yovani) Gallardo and (Mark) Trumbo. They are guys that have been around in winning situations.

"Top to bottom, one through nine in our lineup, we have the potential to do a lot of damage. Are we going to do it all the time collectively, no. But all you really need is two or three guys to get it going at a time and you never know what we can do."

O's closer Zach Britton said opening day is special for him - especially during the pregame introductions of the players.

"It is just the reaction you get from the fans when you come down the orange carpet," Britton said. "I know a lot of these guys haven't done it. I remember the first time for me was the day after my major league debut. Was a pretty special moment."

Mark Trumbo is going through his first Orioles opening day this afternoon. But his teammates brought him up to speed.

"Apparently it's a pretty big deal here," he said. "I guess the city really rallies behind the team. It seems like it's going to be a great time for the fans and players. I know we really appreciate the support.

"There will be some nerves. Statistically it is no more important than any other game, but obviously there is a lot of attention put on it."