Zach Britton and Chris Davis on today's game and moving the Tampa series

It was close to a normal pregame scene in the Orioles clubhouse this morning, just with more reporters than usual.

But the questions players were getting were not about their play on the field, but regarding the last few days around Baltimore and the changes that have happened because of the rioting.

Today's game will be played without fans and the Orioles are moving what was scheduled to be a Camden Yards series this weekend to St. Petersburg, Fla. to play the Rays.

Zach Britton felt the teams should have swapped home series instead of how it turned out.

"Going to Tampa, I think it's unfortunate they won't compromise and come here at the end of the season," Britton said. "You would think they'd have some compassion for what is going on in the city. This is a bigger issue than just baseball. You would think they would have some compassion and come up here when we are supposed to go there, but unfortunately that is not the case."

What about today's game being played without the fans?

"I think we are excited to play," Britton said. "Anytime you get your mind off of what is going on out there, even for a few hours, that helps you out a little. We've had B games in spring training where no one is in the stands. It is unfortunate this is the way it has to be, but there are more important things that need the attention of law enforcement."

Chris Davis was asked for his reaction on the last few days in Baltimore.

"They have been eye-opening to me," he said. "Just to see the frustration, the anger, the emotion of the city the last few days has been shocking to me. I support productive protests and people getting their point across in a safe manner. I think there are a lot of people out there trying to do things the right way, but it got out of hand. Was happy to see things kind of cool down last night and think we're headed in the right direction.

"It is sad it is going to be on these terms (making history today with no fans). Usually when you are making history, you want to do it for a positive reason and something you feel good about. But I think they have everyone's best interest in mind. As much as we would like to be kind of a shot in the arm for the city, we have to understand what is going on around us and what is the best thing for everybody.

"Obviously the safety of everyone involved is most important. I think we are doing the right thing. ... I'm not real happy about playing in an empty stadium - that is one of the reasons we look forward to coming home so much, playing in front of our fans - but we also understand there is a bigger picture here."

Davis said he could understand the reasons for moving this weekend's series to Florida.

"I think when you start thinking about what it would require for us to play here - the amount of security, what it would take away from the city - you realize what is most important," he said. "What is most important to us is that the city gets back on its feet. We don't want anything to take away from that."

But, doesn't having 78 true home games and 84 on the road put the Orioles at a competitive disadvantage?

"We're going to be wearing white uniforms so it will be just like we're playing here," Davis said, laughing. "You have to put that out of your mind and focus on the game. We know we'll be the home team in another team's stadium, but it is what is best for us and what is best for the city right now and we just (have) to comply."

Someone asked Davis if the lack of fans today would prepare the O's for playing at Tropicana Field, where the Rays do not draw well.

"I've seen so many questions, comments on Twitter about that. I'm not even going to go there," Davis said.