As a warning to those who may be delusional about the American League's Grapefruit League standings, here's a reminder that two weeks into spring training is no time for early observations. So, with that warning in mind, here are a few:
Starting pitcher Andrew Cashner didn't have a pretty pitching line here in the Orioles' 7-5 win against the Tigers March 3, but with three full innings of work he jumped the other returning members of last year's rotation. A first-inning three run homer to Nick Goodrum notwithstanding, the right-hander's body of work was better than acceptable -- and three innings in his first spring start is the equivalent of a workload. Mike Wright, whose role on the staff has yet to be determined, is the only other starter who has gone three innings, but he did it on his third time out as opposed to Cashner, who made his spring debut.
With the Orioles in the midst of their much publicized rebuild, it's hard to imagine their most publicized reboot getting off to a slower start. After striking out in his first two appearances before grounding out in his third at-bat, first baseman Chris Davis has struck out seven times in 12 at-bats -- and that's a pace that's going to draw hasty attention, among other things.
