What's going on today

SARASOTA, Fla. - Let's sort of play ball.

We've reached the point in spring training when the Orioles will hold intrasquad games over the next two days. It's a controlled environment, with strict pitch counts and rules that are looser than my pants on Thanksgiving.

Manager Buck Showalter can order the stoppage of innings, no matter the number of outs, or he can instruct his pitcher to stay on the mound after the third one. He may create situations for his players, taking workout drills to a higher level.

Zach Britton will oppose Ubaldo Jimenez. The smart money is on the Orioles.

Don't read anything into Britton's assignment today. He's not a candidate to start this season. The Orioles have grown fond of his closing skills.

I'm curious about Odrisamer Despaigne, who follows Jimenez to the mound for the other Orioles team. He's liable to change his delivery, his arm slot, at any moment. But I'm not sure that we'll get the full show in one inning of an intrasquad game.

He's also a guy who pitches backward. He'll throw a curveball "in the weirdest count," as Mark Trumbo pointed out earlier this month. Trumbo is 5-for-14 with a double and home run against him.

Chaz Roe is scheduled to follow Despaigne to the mound. He's going to be challenged to break camp with the Orioles, since he's out of options, there's one bullpen spot open and they may need a third left-hander to counter their right-handed rotation.

Yovani Gallardo will throw his first bullpen session as an Oriole. The club is easing him back into action after his late signing. Not that he sat on his couch all winter, ate cookie dough and waited for the phone to ring. He's been throwing to keep his arm in shape, but pitching coach Dave Wallace isn't going to rush him.

Gallardo won't pitch in the intrasquad games, but the Grapefruit League schedule starts on Tuesday. It won't be much longer.

The clubhouse is closed to the media this morning because the players are having a union meeting. It happens every spring. Executive vice president Dan Duquette and manager Buck Showalter will greet season ticket holders and participate in a Q&A at noon.

In case you missed it, MLB Network ranked Manny Machado No. 8 in its "Top 100 Players Right Now." He was slotted one spot ahead of ex-Oriole Jake Arrieta and one behind Buster Posey.

Here's the top 20:

1. Mike Trout, CF, Angels
2. Bryce Harper, RF, Nationals
3. Clayton Kershaw, P, Dodgers
4. Andrew McCutchen, CF, Pirates
5. Josh Donaldson, 3B, Blue Jays
6. Paul Goldschmidt, 1B, Diamondbacks
7. Buster Posey, C, Giants
8. Manny Machado, 3B, Orioles
9. Jake Arrieta, P, Cubs
10. Miguel Cabrera, 1B, Tigers
11. Joey Votto, 1B, Reds
12. Jose Altuve, 2B, Astros
13. Carlos Correa, SS, Astros
14. Giancarlo Stanton, RF, Marlins
15. Robinson Cano, 2B, Mariners
16. Zack Greinke, P, Diamondbacks
17. David Price, P, Red Sox
18. Anthony Rizzo, 1B, Cubs
19. Kris Bryant, 3B, Cubs
20. A.J. Pollock, CF, Diamondbacks