Wondering how O's configure camps in spring training (updated)

The planning that goes into setting up spring training again grows more complicated with the expected delay in pitchers and catchers reporting.

An announcement could be made as early as today, according to reports.

The Orioles are in the process of figuring out how they're going to operate under these conditions. We'll get confirmation whether minor league camp remains at Twin Lakes Park, which is supposed to signal a return to normal after 2021, and on the report date.

I'm curious about the non-roster invites and how the Orioles handle them.

A list hasn't been released, but there are obvious choices, including infielder Richie Martin, who was outrighted on Nov. 30, pitchers Spenser Watkins and Marcos Diplán, who were re-signed to minor league contracts, and catchers Jacob Nottingham and Anthony Bemboom.

Pitchers Nolan Hoffman, Cole Uvila and Tommy Wilson were acquired in the Triple-A phase of the Rule 5 draft, the latter via a trade with the Mariners, and it's assumed that they'd also be working out at Ed Smith Stadium. Under normal circumstances, of course.

My main interest lies with the top prospects, specifically Adley Rutschman, Grayson Rodriguez, Heston Kjerstad, Colton Cowser, Gunnar Henderson, Kyle Stowers and Jordan Westburg. Also, Robert Neustrom, Patrick Dorrian and César Prieto, the latter an international signing.

The logical move seems to be shuttling them over to Twin Lakes Park if the lockout continues. Get them into workouts and games, with the freedom, I assume, to pivot and place them on the major league camp roster when allowed.

It would be a lot easier to prognosticate if we knew the exact date when the major league side is to open. Perhaps none of this would be necessary, but we're operating in the dark.

(My past experiences do me no good here.)

At least it's understood that players on the 40-man roster can't participate. A tiny ray of clarity in an otherwise murky setting.

Teams had to anticipate the possibility of an extended lockout and delay to the regular season when deciding which players to add to the 40-man roster in 2021, including those protected in a Rule 5 draft that remains on hold.

The latter didn't allow for as much flexibility. The unprotected could be lost. But the ones who weren't eligible didn't necessarily warrant an aggressive move by the club.

Better to have Rutschman catching at Triple-A Norfolk if the minor league season starts ahead of the majors. And in camp before that.

The Orioles eventually will share their plans with the public, including media and fan access. Which safety protocols remain in place from last year. What can and can't be done, and where.

The stuff that can be finalized and implemented without a new collective bargaining agreement.

Let there be light.

Update: Pitchers and catchers will report to minor league camp on Feb. 28, and position players will report on March 8.

Meanwhile, Major League Baseball has agreed to a universal designated hitter this season.

Commissioner Rob Manfred told the media earlier today that he still expects the regular season to start on time, and he wasn't ready to declare that spring training would be delayed. The sides are supposed to meet again on Saturday, with MLB making its latest proposal.