Orioles confident renovations to spring training home will be completed in time

There's still a lot of work to be done at Sarasota, Fla., complex

The Orioles had hoped to start the project last April after the club headed north following the conclusion of spring training. However, a lawsuit, filed by two citizens groups that alleged Sarasota officials violated Florida's "Sunshine Laws" in their negotiations with the Orioles, held the project up for more than a month.

It also prevented the construction crews from tackling the project before this spring. When the Orioles head north in April, work will be begin on a renovation of the clubhouse building, which includes team offices, a major and minor league locker room, a weight room and a player dining room.

Team officials are confident that when the project is complete, they'll have one of the best spring training arrangements in baseball.

"I think it will be the jewel of the Grapefruit League," Showalter said.

Added president of baseball operations Andy MacPhail: "I think it is a reflection of the commitment of ownership to surround our players with the kind of environment that will give them every chance to improve and enhance their skills. Whether they are ticketed to [Single-A] Delmarva or Baltimore, they are going to be in a facility more reflective of their professional status and the desire the organization has to give them the tools they need to improve."

[e-mail]

twitter.com/jeffzrebiecsun

• Text BASEBALL to 70701 to get Baltimore Sun Orioles text alerts