Jeff,

I know Nolan is fully recovered so he's 100% healthy, but do you sense that he wants to prove he belongs and that his rookie campaign wasn't a fluke? I know it's a cliche, but it seems like he is in the best shape of his pro career and with a different attitude as well.

I am sure Buck is loving this competition because nothing worse than guys thinking they have a job sewn up without backing it up with #s plus depth is vital in the majors so all good news today.

I know Bergy gets lost in the shuffle because his stuff is far from electric, but I honestly believe the combo of the Billy Butler hit and the mishap from the commercial pushed him back further than anyone thought last season. He's a young guy and I think what we saw when Buck took over is what we will see from Brad from the get go this season.

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Jeff Z's reply: Yes, I do. I'm not going to win any points for originality because Showalter has said it several times but Reimold just has a different look about him this spring. He looks focused and determined and it looks like he's playing with a little chip on his shoulder, which is a great thing.

Way to go Nolan

Jeff,

It seems like the off season work Riemold did with Brady helped out quite a bit. It seems that Riemold's bat will be his biggest case for making a roster spot as he isn't the best in the field, sure isn't better than Pie. So with most of the off season acquisitions bolstering the offense and bringing the overall defense down a notch do you think the 4th outfielder should be one with speed or pop? So far I have heard great things out of Riemold's corner, even from Buck himself, not much about Pie.

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Jeff Z's reply: I think we should just let it play out this spring and not overreact to one strong game by either Reimold or Pie. I've thought that Pie is the best fit for that 4th outfield role because he'd be a nice defensive replcement for Scott late in the game and he can do more things off the bench with his speed. But if Nolan is back to the player he was in 2009, that certainly would make things interesting.

Jeff,
I am Nolan's cousin (seriously) I live in Philly and was wondering if there is any chance Nolan could come over here to the Phillies?
Thanks.
S.D.

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Jeff Z's reply: Thanks for the message. Obviously, the Phillies could use another outfielder, but I would think they'd have to give up something to get Reimold. The Orioles still believe that he will be a good Major League player and he's certainly having a good spring. It will be interesting to see how it plays out.