NumerOlogy

Over the weekend, the O’s temporarily bid goodbye to infielder #9 Scott Moore,  who was optioned to Norfolk to ease the strain on the pitching staff that was caused by last week’s doubleheader in Texas…or something. Taking his place is pitcher Jim Johnson, who becomes the nineteenth player in Oriole history to wear #43 by my count. He has previously worn #47 (2006) and #59 (2007) in his brief stays in Baltimore. To welcome Johnson back to Birdland, I’ve updated the Forties biography page, the All-Time Roster, and the Odds and Ends page. Jim makes it into Odds and Ends by wearing his third different number in as many years. Many happy returns to Jim, who actually helped the O’s preserve a slim lead tonight. Two weeks into the season, and we’re still in first place. I don’t know about you, but I could get used to this.

One refreshing story out of Orioles camp involves several former Birds who accepted invitations to come impart their wisdom (and their stories of better times in Baltimore) to the current crop of players. Those on hand this Spring have included former pitchers Mike Cuellar and Scott McGregor, former catcher Rick Dempsey and former outfielder/third baseman B. J. Surhoff. Although the numbers that each of these men made famous are now worn by others (#35 Greg Aquino, #16 Jay Payton, #24 Guillermo Quiroz, and #17 Aubrey Huff, respectively), it appears that the ex-O’s were allowed to wear their familiar digits anyway. The sight of Cuellar in orange and black again (and the promise of Boog Powell and others in the future) is a positive sign that Andy MacPhail has what it takes to undo a lot of the damage that has been done over the past decade.

Meanwhile, Opening Day is right around the corner and the pitchers are dropping like flies. In the past few days, the following players were sent to minor league camp: #57 Garrett Olson, #59 Craig Anderson, #60 Ryan Bukvich, #62 Radhames Liz, and #63 Roberto Novoa. I think the O’s are still looking for a fifth starting pitcher, if anyone wants to grab a glove and head for Fort Lauderdale.