Orioles manager Buck Showalter talks every spring about the "points of emphasis" that are presented to the players at that time of year, and every spring one of the things he tries to emphasize is on-base percentage.
It would be foolish to draw any conclusions after just two games, but the early returns this year are very encouraging.
Through those two games, every Orioles nonpitcher who has appeared on the field has reached base at least two times, and that on-base regularity has been fueled by 11 walks. The team that is expected to challenge the major league record for home runs in a season has hit just one, but it is 2-0 because of its .