Built through discipline and tougher batting practice sessions, more Orioles are trusting a program introduced by the team’s hitting instructors that emphasizes forcing pitchers to throw more strikes.

They'll remember the win, most of all, but the Orioles have plenty to take from opening day. The positives: A potent, patient offense powered by speedy, daring runners. The negatives: Questions about the defense and relief pitching, which were solid on the way to 2022's surprising season.

The Orioles’ rebuild is over. It truly is supposed to be “liftoff” now. Maybe. Because it’s not like the front office spent to upgrade, or used prospects to trade for established talent. All of which makes it almost impossible to predict how good this O’s team should be.

Any frustration anyone feels about Rodriguez not being on the opening day roster has nothing to do with the reason given, which was that he isn’t good enough right now. It has everything to do with how the Orioles under Mike Elias have operated.

Meoli covered the Orioles from 2016-2021, the launched a newsletter with the mission to write about the players, processes, philosophies and anything else that can help make the Orioles good again. Now, he’s bringing his insights and reporting to The Baltimore Banner.