The palm trees were swaying. The sun was shining. And the cold, dreary weather back in Baltimore was an afterthought. Orioles spring training at Ed Smith Stadium got underway Thursday in sunny Sarasota,

The pitchers and catchers had their first spring training workout on Thursday at the Orioles' complex in Sarasota, Florida.

Heston Kjerstad arrived early at Orioles spring training, well ahead of the report date for position players. He’s fighting for a roster spot in a crowded outfield, and if he doesn’t make the club, it won’t be for lack of an opportunity.