Orioles news: New faces getting settled in down in spring training

The first week of spring training is in the books. The rest of the roster and invitees have joined the pitchers and catchers as baseball season gets underway. There are lots of new faces with the Orioles in Sarasota that are getting to know their new teammates. 

One of the more interesting pairs in spring training is that of newcomer Charlie Morton and his potential battery mate this season Samuel Basallo. At age 41, Morton is entering his 18th major league season and 24th as a pro. Basallo, who’s expected to start the season in Triple-A Norfolk, is just 20 years old but is already the Birds' top prospect. 

Basallo is known for his bat but it was his glove that impressed Morton. Over his career, Morton has pitched nearly 3,000 professional innings to who knows how many catchers, but the veteran was very impressed with his young teammate's skills. Morton said of Basallo “I was like, ‘Man, I like the hands. I like the way his body moves. He’s got a big target.” following a bullpen session. 

Trio of new faces are off to a strong start for Orioles in spring training

Speaking of bullpen sessions, Tomoyuki Sugano recently got in his first session after reporting to camp a few days late. Sugano had some issues with his visa but was able to get everything squared away. Fortunately for the O’s, those were the only issues Sugano had. 

Sugano turned heads during his first bullpen session with the Orioles using his elite command. Fellow offseason addition Gary Sanchez said "I feel like I can close my eyes and the ball would land in my mitt,". At 35 years old, Sugano brings experience and leadership to a young Orioles team. He’s coming off his third MVP season in Japan and is looking to even more success in Baltimore. 

Baltimore has had success the last two seasons and some of that success was witnessed first hand by Tyler O’Neill. Playing for the division rival Boston Red Sox last season, O’Neill has said it felt as though “It was always chasing Baltimore last year,”. As the saying goes, if you can’t beat them, join them. 

For his career O’Neill has gone 10-47 against the Orioles, good for a .213 average, far worse than his career mark. Now that he no longer has to face the Orioles, hopefully his career numbers will get even better. O’Neill signed the biggest contract the Orioles have given in the Mike Elias era and his bat will be counted on this season.