The Opening Day roster is set. Sebastian Vader takes the ball and will face the Hudson Valley Renegades, the short A affiliate of the Tampa Bay Rays. The righty went 1-8 last year for the IronBirds but put up a solid 3.71 ERA in 14 appearances (13 starts). The Renegades will send left-handed pitcher Jordan Harrison to the mound who posted 4.00 ERA in limited action for the Renegades in 2012

It’s a beautiful day here at Ripken Stadium. The forecast calls for a comfortable 79 degrees around first pitch with partly cloudy skies.

The club level received a bit of a face lift over the weekend and it looks great. The entire stadium, from the concourse to the new images on the big screen reflect the new era of IronBirds baseball with the fierce new logo. If you are attending tonight’s game, be sure to visit The Hangar to get all your new IronBirds gear.

Enjoy the game and the new season.

5:20 PM:  Here are the lineups for the IronBirds and the visiting Hudson Valley Renegades.

Hudson Valley
Jonathan Quinonez RF
Omar Narvaez DH
Ariel Soriano 2B
Oscar Hernandez C
John Alexander 1B
Granden Goetzman LF
Darryl George 3B
James Harris CF
Julian Morillo SS
Jordan Harrison P

Aberdeen
George Barber CF
Sam Kimmel LF
Manny Hernandez RF
Hector Veloz 3B
Kris Richards 1B
Conor Bierfeldt DH
Scott Kalush C
Jared Breen SS
Jeff Kemp 2B
Sebastian Vader P

“’I’vegone through a lot of adversity,’” Kemp said. ‘I’ve had a lot of injuries throughout, had a tough road getting back from those injuries. I think it’ll really help me out in the minor league lifestyle, definitely.’” – Spalding Grad Jeff Kemp Happy to Stay Local with Aberdeen IronBirds — Seth Boster, The Baltimore Sun

“‘I was a scout for about 12 years, so I think I have a good eye for talent, ability,’ [IronBirds manager Matt] Merullo said. ‘But, the trick here, as a manager, is to figure out how a player can get the most out of their ability.’” – IronBirds Days Away from 2013 Opener — Dewey Fox, The Aegis

“‘I’m gonna give guys chances to pull themselves out of slumps and pull themselves out of tough times,’ said Merullo, a 48-year-old former big league catcher who rendered reporters solemn and observant in this instance.” – Former Catcher Matt Merullo will Stress Fun in First Year as IronBirds Manager — Seth Boster, The Baltimore Sun

“Many years ago, when current O’s vice president Dan Duquette was looking to get into the scouting business, he sought the advice of an older scout named Lennie Merullo. Several years later, Duquette would hire that man’s grandson to manage his Aberdeen farm team.” – New Aberdeen Manager Brings Energy and Family Baseball History to O’s Organization — Steve Melewski, MASNSports.com

During [Kevin Gausman's] last two starts, the Gameday pitch tracker kept giving readings on a “splitter,” which seemed curious, since Gausman doesn’t throw a split-fingered fastball. One split was clocked at 81 mph, the next at 88 mph.  Gausman explained earlier this week that the confusion stems from the two changeups that he includes in his arsenal. – Kevin Gausman and His Two Changeups — Roch Kubatko, MASNSports.com

Not to belabor the point, but OPENING DAY IS TWO SHORT DAYS AWAY!  Get ready for a new era in IronBirds baseball to take flight on Monday, June 17th, as the IronBirds play host to the Hudson Valley Renegades, the New York-Penn League affiliate of the Tampa Bay Rays.

“‘Seeing the kids make progress and feel good about themselves is the whole key. The game will let you know how bad you are. Sometimes you need human beings around to remind you how good you are,’ [IronBirds manager Matt Merullo] said. Merullo, a high energy guy himself, wears uniform No. 27 to remind his players to play hard for all 27 outs.” - O’s Come to Terms with Mike Yasztremski and Two Other Draft Picks (Plus Aberdeen Notes) — Steve Melewski, MASNSports.com

“The short-season Single-A Aberdeen IronBirds will open a new New York-Penn League season on Monday night at Ripken Stadium. Here are some of the names on their training camp roster, which is preliminary. Expect some changes between now and opening day on Monday.”  - Should Strop Have Heard the Boo Birds? (Plus Aberdeen’s Preliminary Roster) — Steve Melewski, MASNSports.com

“What we’ve done is launched a completely new era of IronBirds baseball,” said Colin Clark, assistant vice president of brand marketing for Ripken Baseball, during a small media gathering at Ripken Stadium on Wednesday. “We’ve had an unbelievable first 10 years here in Harford County, and what we’re really looking for is this is the year that really sets us up for another great 10 years of IronBirds baseball.” - In 12th Season, IronBirds to Showcase Makeover — Seth Boster, The Baltimore Sun

“There were too many defensive plays to mention, but let’s just the say the kid is playing third base at a level not seen in these part since a man wore No. 5 over there. I didn’t think I’d ever say that.

But yes, Machado is playing third base at a Broooks Robinson level.” — “Once Again, Manny Machado made a major impact in an O’s win” — Steve Melewski, masnsports.com

“Murphy was the third of four catchers the Orioles drafted in the first 10 rounds in an attempt to bolster that position throughout the organization. The team got an up-close look at him at Camden Yards in the Brooks Robinson All-Star Game.” — “Calvert Hall catcher Alex Murphy passes physical with Orioles, will head to Sarasota” — Daniel Gallen, The Baltimore Sun

“The Orioles are not only well represented in the voting for this year’s starting American League lineup, you could make the case that they are dominating it. When the latest vote totals were released last week, first baseman Chris Davis was holding a huge lead over Detroit Tigers first baseman Prince Fielder, Adam Jones was the top vote-getter among outfielders and J.J. Hardy had moved into the lead at shortstop.” — “All-Star voting is another sign of how far baseball has come in Baltimore” — Peter Schmuck, The Baltimore Sun

“Bowie won 7-4. Devin Jones gave up 2 ER in 5 IP on 6 hits and 3 walks, striking out 4 with a GB/FB of 1/4. Oliver Drake returned with 2 clean innings, striking out 1. Drake was something of a prospect before being felled by injury, but the former midshipman would be a terrific story if he could get up to the big club. Henry Urrutia went 2-5 with a K. Ty Kellywent 0-5 with a K.” — “Around the Minors: 6/11/13” — Camden Chat

“The final selection of the 40th round of the 2013 MLB draft was called just a few hours ago, and somehow theOrioles have already come to an agreement of terms with their sixth-round pick, hometown catcher Alex Murphy. 

Talk about working fast.

In all, the Orioles drafted 41 players, including 13 high schoolers, 28 collegians, 23 pitchers, five outfielders, nine infielders and four catchers.” — “2013 MLB Draft: 10 Pressing Questions About the Newest Baltimore Orioles” — Zachary Ball, Bleacher Report

Opening Day is June 17th at 7:35 p.m. as the IronBirds host the Hudson Valley Renegades. For ticket information, contact our box office at (410) 297-9292 or visit us online at http://www.IronBirdsBaseball.com.

“In the midst of selecting 41 players in 40 rounds over three days of the First-Year Player Draft,Orioles scouting director Gary Rajsich also made himself available for an interview after each day, which was much appreciated as we all got a better understanding of what the Orioles did and why they did it.” — “An interview to wrap up the draft with O’s scouting director Gary Rajsich” – Steve Melewski, MASNSports.com

“A year ago, the Orioles had three frontline prospects in infielder Manny Machado and pitchers Dylan Bundy and Kevin Gausman, a formidable trio opposing organizations were salivating over.” — “With stars emerging, O’s restocking pipeline’s depth” – Brittany Ghiroli, MLB.com

High school catcher Alex Murphy, drafted in round six by the Orioles out of Calvert Hall in Baltimore today, told MASNsports.com tonight that he has already agreed to terms with the team. – “Calvert Hall catcher Alex Murphy says he has agreed to terms with the Orioles” – Steve Melewski, MASNSports.com

Opening Day is June 17th at 7:35 p.m. as the IronBirds host the Hudson Valley Renegades. For ticket information, contact our box office at (410) 297-9292 or visit us online at http://www.IronBirdsBaseball.com.

“Hunter Harvey can throw his fastball in the mid-90s and he has a curve and changeup to go along with it (Video).” — “2013 Draft: Hunter Harvey, P” – MLB.com

“The best drafts are the ones where talent is mined in the later rounds. For example, the Orioles used their 19th-round pick last year on Old Mill High left-hander Josh Hader, who was named this week to the South Atlantic League All-Star team. He’s 1-2 with a 2.28 ERA in nine starts for Single-A Delmarva, with 34 hits allowed, 25 walks and 44 strikeouts in 47 1/3 innings.” – “Much to like about Hader” – Roch Kabutko, MASN Sports

“Right-handed pitcher Tyler Wilson, recently promoted from Single-A Frederick to Double-A Bowie, is going to enter the Bowie rotation and move into Zach Clark’s rotation spot.” – “Tyler Wilson moves into Bowie’s rotation and other minor league notes” – Steve Melewski, MASN Sports

“Who are some of the top local prospects the Orioles could be looking at?

The best player from Maryland is Matthew McPhearson (Riverdale Baptist). He’s one of the smaller, compact, really athletic outfielders. He’ll be somewhat interesting. Errol Robinson (St. John’s College High School) is shortstop, a good athlete, might be able to stay at short. I saw him over the summer. He was fairly impressive. Those are the two guys that jump out to me. Nobody else really stands out. If I were going to pick two Maryland guys, those are the top two.” – “Q&A with MLB Network draft analyst Jonathan Mayo” – Daniel Gallen, The Baltimore Sun

“Markakis is the first of two still-active Orioles to make an appearance on this list of draft picks. I was surprised to see him so high, because he is a player who is frustrating at times. Why did his nearly .300/.400/.500 season in 2008 at age 24 never translate into similar success in his prime? Why does he now, at age 29, seem to lack arm strength and speed? I still don’t know the answer to these questions, but even with those being the case, he has, in his 8-year career, been one of the best Orioles picks of all time.” -”Who Are The Top 10 Draft Picks in Baltimore Orioles Franchise History?” – Post on SBNATION

Opening Day is June 17th at 7:35 p.m. as the IronBirds host the Hudson Valley Renegades. For ticket information, contact our box office at (410) 297-9292 or visit us online at http://www.IronBirdsBaseball.com.

“It’s so early in his career, but the Josh Hader story keeps getting better. The 19-year-old lefty from Millersville and Old Mill High likely was heading to Anne Arundel Community College last summer when the Orioles, on a recommendation by local scout Dean Albany, drafted him in the 19th round and paid him a $40,000 bonus.” — “Old Mill’s Josh Hader makes SAL All-Star team” – Dan Connolly, The Baltimore Sun

Former IronBirds and Orioles pitcher Adam Loewen, now an outfielder and designated hitter for the New Hampshire Fisher Cats, double-A affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays, extended his hit-streak to seven games last night with a two-run home run, his sixth of the season. — “Aeros walk off with 3-2 win” – Brian Doak, IndiansBaseballInsider.com

“Orioles right fielder Nick Markakis will leave the team following Tuesday’s game to attend his grandmother’s funeral and he will miss the following two games in Houston.” — “Markakis to miss two games for grandmother’s funeral” – Brittany Ghiroli, MLB.com

“It was as difficult a travel day as the PawSox have ever had. ‘We haven’t missed a game in 40 years,’ Pawtucket vice president and chief financial officer Matt White said. ‘That is absolutely as close as we’ve come.’” — “Minor-league travel is no hop, skip and a jump” – Tim Britton, Providence Journal

The Rule 4 draft, more commonly known as the First Year Player Draft, gets started tomorrow evening. Coverage of the draft begins at 6 PM on MLB Network and MLB.com. Here are a few links to get you informed on the draft and some of the prospects who will be selected over the three days of the draft:

Scout.com provides Mock Drafts, latest on draft prospects and which way clubs are leaning when considering different prospects.

“MLB’s annual draft is a three-day event covering a whopping 40 rounds, and this year’s draft will begin on Thursday night. Day 1 covers rounds one and two, Day 2 rounds 3-10 and Day 3 the rest. Like the baseball season, the draft is a marathon. Not a sprint.” — “2013 MLB Draft: Top Position Players” – Mike Axisa, CBSSports.com

MLB.com top draft and prospect expert Jonathan Mayo gives his insight on each of his top 100 prospects in this year’s draft. — “2013 Prospect Watch” – Jonathan Mayo, MLB.com

For IronBirds ticket information, contact our box office at (410) 297-9292 or visit us online at http://www.IronBirdsbaseball.com.

“Gausman throws 99 mph. Garcia celebrates if his fastball ventures into the upper 80s. They have little in common besides the uniform, but Gausman took advantage of another opportunity to soak up a lesson provided by the soaked veteran.” — “Gausman Learning from Garcia” – Roch Kubatko, MASNSports.com

“Steve asked Scott to give his thoughts on Kevin Gausman’s first start. Scott said that Gausman was good for his first time out, and that his fastball was clocking high on the radar and he had good movement on the ball.” — “Former Orioles Pitcher Scott McGregor Gives His Thoughts on Kevin Gausman” – The Norris and Davis Show, CBS Radio 105.7 The FAN

“Because of the inherent riskiness of selecting high school and college kids often years away from playing on the big stage, baseball’s annual amateur draft differs from the talent-selection process of other pro sports. In baseball, an organization’s current need is rarely a focus. It’s often about best player available — and, at times, the most willing to sign.” – “Catching-Deep Draft Could Help Orioles Address Weakness in Organization – Dan Connolly, The Baltimore Sun

“The good news for the club is that because of changes in compensation rules as part of the most recent collective bargaining agreement, the Orioles will actually have more picks in the top 40 and top 100 than they have had since 2006.” —  “Most Draft Picks in top 40 Since 2006 Means More Work for Orioles Scouting Staff” – Dan Connolly and Daniel Gallen, The Baltimore Sun

“I remember in the first couple years I got into the big leagues, a lot of Orioles were at the end of their careers—Kenny Singleton, Al Bumbry, and Jim Palmer,” [Cal] Ripken told Fortune. “I asked them all, ‘What are you doing next?’ When you get to around 30 years old, you start to think you don’t know how much longer you’re going to play.” — “Making Money after the Big Sports Contract Ends” – Daniel Roberts, CNN/Fortune

Just a friendly reminder: Opening Day is Monday, June 17th at 7:35 as the IronBirds host the Hudson Valley Renegades. For ticket information, contact our box office at (410) 297-9292 or visit us online at http://www.IronBirdsBaseball.com.

“Pitching at home for the first time after two poor road starts, a “comfortable” Gausman easily navigated through the Tigers lineup…”

“The amazing Manny Machado fact isn’t that he hasn’t missed a game but that he’s hit 25 doubles…That puts him on pace for 75; the all-time record was set by the not-legendary Earl Webb for the Red Sox in 1931.”

“When the first round of this year’s draft takes place Thursday night at 7 p.m., the Orioles are unlikely to get a talent on [the level of Manny Machado, Dylan Bundy or Kevin Gausman]. That is because they drafted that threesome third, fourth and fourth overall, respectively. This time, after winning 93 games in 2012, the O’s don’t have a selection until the 22nd pick.”

“A capacity crowd of roughly 6,000 people swelled the IronBirds’ stadium to watch [Ladarius] Webb and several [Ravens] teammates at his fourth annual charity softball game that benefits his foundation.”

Opening Day is June 17th at 7:35 as the IronBirds host the Hudson Valley Renegades. For ticket information, contact our box office at (410) 297-9292 or visit us online at http://www.IronBirdsBaseball.com.