News item: The Orioles plan to open the season with a 13-man pitching staff, hoping to cover themselves for the possibility of a string of short starts by the uncertain rotation.
My take: For the most part, I happily defer to the baseball professionals, but I think this is a mistake. Keep a good utility infielder and call somebody up if there's an emergency at the end of the first week of the regular season. Planning for things to go bad might turn into a self-fulfilling prophecy.
News item: The Florida Marlins finally got approval for a new ballpark to be built on the site of the Orange Bowl. When the Marlins move into the new retractable-roof stadium in 2012, they will change their name to the Miami Marlins.
My take: The name change is a smooth move for a team that has had trouble capturing the imagination of South Florida baseball fans. I wonder whether they're going to put Miami on the road jerseys.
News item: Former Orioles shortstop Miguel Tejada has been sentenced to one year's probation and community service for making misleading statements to Congress.
My take: Do I have to say it again? There's a guy serving 30 months for leaking BALCO testimony to the media. Everybody who was caught actually using or distributing steroids has gotten a slap on the wrist by comparison. Do they still call it the Department of Justice?
News item: New Buffalo Bills wide receiver Terrell Owens has informed coach Dick Jauron he will not take part in the team's voluntary training activities.
My take: Well, they are voluntary, but it might be nice if T.O. at least acted as if he were happy to be part of the team instead of making it clear months before training camp that he's just a hired gun.
News item: NFL commissioner Roger Goodell continues to push football owners to lengthen the regular season to 17 or 18 games and reduce the number of preseason games that are forced on season-ticket holders at regular-season prices.
My take: If this passes, Stan White will never get to see Troy Smith run the offense.
Listen to Peter Schmuck from spring training every weeknight at 6 on WBAL (1090 AM).
