Just an interested observer

Dan Connolly of the Baltimore Sun reports that Orioles pitcher,Brian Matusz spent two hours shadowing the Baltimore City Fire Department's Engine 4 on Tuesday.

Of course, this is the truck that follows Mike Gonzalez around.

Ok, but...

Jeff Zrebiec of the Baltimore Sun reports that the new closer for the Orioles, Mike Gonzalez who last year was throwing in the mid-90's now has a fastball which is topping out in the mid-80's. So far this spring, he has allowed one run on four hits and two walks in two innings of work.*

"My arm feels great and everything else," Gonzalez said. "I just had a little tightness in my lower back. It's just one of those couple of days. I just have to stay on top of it. It's not a big deal at all. I've felt it before. It's just one of those things where you take a couple of days and you're fine."

"I really don't look at velocity. I never have," Gonzalez said.

Unfortunately for Mike, I think the hitters do.

Maybe they should have traded for Slowey.

*This might just be karmic payback for......well a not so great autograph.