So many questions coming as pitchers and catchers report

SARASOTA, Fla. - The day finally has arrived.

Orioles pitchers and catchers are required to report to spring training. I stress "required" because the turnout already is impressive. Guys don't need to be dragged to the Ed Smith Stadium complex.

We're not in Fort Lauderdale anymore, Toto.

The turnout won't be restricted to pitchers and catchers. For example, outfielder Henry Urrutia has been working out down here - we spoke at the minicamp last month - and Korean outfielder Hyun Soo Kim arrived from Los Angeles following his two-week workout sessions with vice president of baseball operations Brady Anderson. Outfielder Nolan Reimold flew here last night.

The local media hasn't met Kim or pitcher Odrisamer Despaigne. It's on my to-do list.

Dylan Bundy and Hunter Harvey won't escape questions about their health, no matter how hard they wish for it. Manny Machado and Matt Wieters won't be subjected to them, a drastic change from last spring training.

I just don't see myself walking up to Machado's locker after he reports and asking, "How are the knees?"

Chris Tillman and Miguel Gonzalez will be forced to talk about bounceback seasons. Chaz Roe and Jimmy Paredes will be forced to talk about the tale of two halves and their chances of breaking camp with the team.

Mike Wright and Tyler Wilson will be asked again what they learned from their major league exposure last summer, how those days and innings benefited them.

Brian Matusz will be asked whether he expects to be stretched out in camp and if he has the same desire to get back into the rotation.

Darren O'Day will be asked whether he really expected to be back in Sarasota for spring training after becoming a free agent over the winter. Todd Redmond will be asked whether he really expected to be back in Sarasota after his brief stop in 2013, before the Blue Jays claimed him off waivers.

Jason Garcia will be asked if it feels different being in Sarasota now that he's got a year under his belt. Vance Worley will be asked whether he's now tracking the Yovani Gallardo negotiations from Sarasota.

The challenge for the media is to not make it all sound and feel like someone pushed the replay button. Many of these questions were asked at FanFest and the minicamp. I've participated in interviews with various players on the "Hot Stove Show" on 105.7 The Fan.

I really don't want to be reduced to asking, "So, do you like ... stuff?"

That may be my opener to Francisco Pena, the "other" catcher on the 40-man roster besides Wieters and Caleb Joseph. He's the son of former major league catcher and current Yankees coach Tony Pena.

Maybe I can start out by asking, "How's your dad?" That should break the ice.

Meanwhile, ESPN's Buster Olney reported last night that the Orioles are exploring a deal with outfielder Dexter Fowler that would pay $12-13 million annually for two or three years.

This is a significant change from previous reports that they were aiming at two years for around $20 million.

I spoke to an Orioles official yesterday who referred to Fowler as being "perfect" for the club due to his speed, ability to get on base, defense and leadoff capabilities.

Fowler is represented by Casey Close, a former minor league player in the Yankees system. Buck Showalter managed him in Oneonta in 1986 and they remain friends. They've talked about Fowler this winter.

Can't hurt negotiations, right?

How would the Orioles' offseason grade and projected finish in the American League East be influenced by the additions of Gallardo and Fowler?