Photo courtesy: https://www.dmsas.com/project/orioles-spring-training-facilities-ed-smith-stadium/

Spring has finally sprung on the Gulf Coast, bringing with it more than a dozen Major League Baseball teams to Florida’s own Grapefruit league. Spring Training’s six-week stretch predating the 162-game regular season began last week, with pitchers and catchers reporting, and continues on in full-swing with games starting this weekend.

Of particular note are the team’s that have their facilities in the immediate Sarasota area: the Atlanta Braves, in CoolToday Park in North Port, the Pittsburgh Pirates with LECOM Park in Bradenton, and of course, the Baltimore Orioles, who call Sarasota’s Ed Smith stadium home. Although all of these teams are in close proximity to one another, each organization finds themselves at a different juncture heading into Spring Training.

For the Atlanta Braves, this Spring Training is about trying to stay on top. After finishing with a gaudy regular season record of 101-62, securing the National League East for the fifth consecutive year, the Braves fell flat in the postseason, falling to the upstart Philadelphia Phillies in the National League Divisional Series. Even still, the Braves remain one of top five teams in all of Major League Baseball, with one of the sport's deepest rosters. After losing long-term shortstop Dansby Swanson in free-agency, look for the battle between top prospects Vaughn Grissom and Orlando Arcia to be the highlight of camp.

For the Pittsburgh Pirates, on the other hand, this Spring Training represents an opportunity for new beginnings and new growth within the organization. Make no mistake about it, after finishing last in the National League Central with a 62-100 regular season record, the Pirates are smack in the middle of a rebuild. However, that doesn’t render their Spring Training any less significant. Look for newcomers like outfielder Connor Joe from the Colorado Rockies and first-baseman Ji-Man Choi from the Tampa Bay Rays to make an impact.

Last, but certainly not least, are the Baltimore Orioles. After finishing a lowly 52-110 in 2021, the Orioles completely flipped the script in 2022, posting a regular season record of 83-79, and just missing out on the last American League Wild Card spot. With plenty of additions in free agency, the Orioles are looking to make a run at the postseason in 2023. Look for top prospects like infielder Gunnar Henderson and pitcher Grayson Rodriguez to pop in Spring Training.

https://www.mlb.com/braves/tickets/spring-training; https://www.mlb.com/pirates/tickets/spring-training; https://www.mlb.com/orioles/tickets/spring-training.

Photo courtesy: https://www.dmsas.com/project/orioles-spring-training-facilities-ed-smith-stadium/