There has been a lot of discussion about what’s wrong with second-year catcher Matt Wieters, who is hitting .250 with four homers and 16 RBIs. He has hit a respectable .276 over one full season in the big leagues, but he has belted only 13 homers in 522 big-league at-bats after compiling a .343 average and 32 homers in 169 minor league games.

Here are the opinions of scouts on him and a bonus take from Orioles Hall of Fame pitcher and current broadcaster Jim Palmer.

Scout No. 1

“When he came up last year, he was really tentative and just feeling for the ball. But then I thought he locked in for the last month and I thought that would continue. And now I see him being a little tentative again and thinking too much at the plate. But everything I see about him, I think he’s going to be a good hitter who is going to hit with power. That’s going to come, but he’s still learning how to hit.”

“I’m less worried about Wieters than any of them. He’s going to be OK. He has a good approach, a good swing. You watch a young hitter in the minor leagues. They tease you a lot but they are a little crude. You can get away with it a little in the minor leagues. But in the big leagues, you won’t. A big part of it is if he is going to make adjustments. He has the physical ability and mental capacity to do it. I think he’s going to be fine. Just give him time. He had a lot of responsibility on that club and he’s basically still a rookie.”

Scout No. 2

“If I could have him on our club, I’d take him no questions asked. I think he is that good. I think he is definitely headed toward superstardom. I think it was very unfair what was done to him. He arrived and there was all this fanfare and hype. That’s part of the game, you have to sell tickets. But he is human and when he arrived he was billed like a savior on this club. You expect the guy to hit a home run every time he came to bat and that anyone that got on base better dare not steal. What you had was a young man who has not played very long thrust into a situation where you expect him to be one of the best Major League players. What they really had was a good young player playing the game and learning.”

“He is hitting down in the order right now and he’ll be hitting up a little higher later. But someone above or behind him has to be a better hitter so he is getting better pitches to hit. They don’t have to be as cautious. He is not hitting as well as you thought, but I don’t think anything is wrong with his approach. He is not getting the type of pitches to hit, quality pitches to hit. Normally that comes with protection.”

Scout No. 3

“I think Wieters is going to be a very good offensive catcher. I think he is going to be one of the top offensive catchers in the game. Wieters will reach his ceiling.”

Jim Palmer

“The level of competition is just better than he has ever faced. That’s no different than everybody else that comes up here. Do you think Wieters will be better if he keeps going out there and playing and hitting? I’ve got to think he is going to have a much better idea.”

“It’s like the analogy, when you are a kid and you first start playing with older kids and they were better and bigger and stronger. And to be any good, you have to figure it out yourself. That’s the same analogy for the big leagues. (Wieters) is going to have to figure it out and hopefully he will.”

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 10:35 PM | Permalink | Comments (16)
        

The Triple-A Norfolk Tides edged the Rochester Red Wings, and the Double-A Bowie Baysox topped the Richmond Flying Squirrels in extra innings.

The Single-A Frederick Keys couldn't complete their comeback over the Myrtle Beach Pelicans, and the Single-A Delmarva Shorebirds were routed by the Lakewood BlueClaws.

Norfolk Tides (AAA)

Score: Norfolk Tides 2, Rochester Red Wings 1 (Box score)

Recap: Starting pitcher Jake Arrieta (6-2) gave up one run and five hits in eight innings as the Tides held on for a 2-1 win on the road against Rochester.

Arrieta struck out seven batters and issued two walks, throwing 66 of his 106 pitches for strikes. He lowered his International League-leading ERA to 1.77 in 11 starts.

Norfolk shortstop Robert Andino hit a solo home run in the eighth inning, and second baseman Blake Davis collected two hits in the victory.

Tides relief pitcher Dennis Sarfate retired the side in order in the ninth to pick up his third save of the year.

Bowie Baysox (AA)

Score: Bowie Baysox 3, Richmond Flying Squirrels 2, 11 innings (Box score)

Recap: Shortstop Carlos Rojas hit an RBI single -- one of his two hits in the game -- with one out in the top of the 11th inning to lift the Baysox to a 3-2 win over Richmond.

Bowie relief pitcher Pedro Beato (3-0) held the Flying Squirrels to one hit in three scoreless innings to pick up the victory, while starting pitcher Zach Britton was charged with two runs and six hits in 6 1/3 innings.

Baysox designated hitter Steven Lerud was 2-for-5 with a double, an RBI and a run scored, and left fielder Jonathan Tucker added two hits.

Center fielder Danny Figueroa collected an RBI for Bowie.

Frederick Keys (A)

Score: Myrtle Beach Pelicans 4, Frederick Keys 3 (Box score)

Recap: Catcher Brian Ward was 2-for-4 with a pair of doubles and two RBIs, but the Keys' ninth-inning rally came up short in a 4-3 loss to Myrtle Beach at Harry Grove Stadium.

Frederick starting pitcher Nathan Nery (3-5) only allowed three runs and five hits in eight innings, but he was outdueled by Myrtle Beach's Julio Teheran, who struck out 14 Keys batters in eight shutout frames.

Keys second baseman Miguel Abreu contributed three hits and a run scored, while third baseman Buck Britton was 2-for-4 with a double, an RBI and a run scored.

In his return to the lineup after being removed from the roster last week, Frederick designated hitter Billy Rowell was 0-for-4 with four strikeouts. He is now batting .248 in 40 games this season.

Delmarva Shorebirds (A)

Score: Lakewood BlueClaws 14, Delmarva Shorebirds 3 (Box score)

Recap: Starting pitcher Kenny Moreland (0-2) was charged with six runs and nine hits in five-plus innings as the Shorebirds were pounded, 14-3, by Lakewood at Arthur W. Perdue Stadium.

Delmarva designated hitter Kieron Pope was 3-for-5 in the loss, while catcher Michael Ohlman added two hits, including a solo home run.

Shorebirds second baseman Tyler Kelly contributed two singles and two RBIs, and first baseman T.J. Baxter hit a triple.

Relief pitcher Brent Allar gave up five runs, five hits and two walks in one inning for the Shorebirds.

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 10:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (7)
        

As part of a story that I wrote today on the offensive struggles of several of the Orioles’ younger hitters, my colleague Dan Connolly and I talked to several scouts to get their opinion. Surprisingly or actually shockingly to me, none of them were all that down on the group, saying that the struggles were normal growing pains that young hitters go through. They also felt that such struggles were exacerbated because most of the Oriole veteran hitters are either hurt or not producing, forcing the younger guys to carry the club.

I’ll blog comments from scouts on certain players over the next couple of days with entries on Adam Jones, Matt Wieters, Nolan Reimold, Nick Markakis and Brandon Snyder.

First up is Jones, who I’d have to think has been the most disappointing Oriole this year after his All-Star and Gold Glove season in 2009. He enters tomorrow’s series opener against the Yankees, hitting .251 with five homers and 15 RBIs. His on-base percentage is just .274 and he has hit into more double plays (seven) than he has walks (five).

Scout No. 1 on Jones

“He’s not the same guy we saw last year that would drive that breaking ball to right center. He stayed on the breaking ball so much better. He didn’t try to hit the three-run home run. I think with that 2-16 start, everybody started feeling a little pressure by not scoring runs.”

“[He’s not overrated] in my mind. I just think he is trying to do too much because the Orioles haven’t been scoring runs. And that has added more pressure on a young player like him because there has been so much of a buildup. Hitting three-run homers is not his game. His homers will come when he stays within himself and drives the ball to right, right center.”

“Without a doubt, I think Jones is going to become a really good player. If the Orioles are interested in trading him, I’d certainly be interested. I think in the long haul those guys will come out of it. Jones will come out of it.”

Scout No. 2

“In his case, the expectations were very high. And you saw what happened right off the bat. They lose their leadoff hitter and all of the sudden he is thrust into a situation he is very unaccustomed to. He is not that type of a guy and you don’t know what’s going through a young guy’s mind when he’s thrust into a role and situation he’s never been in before. You tend to put pressure on yourself and sometimes you think you have to be too successful.”

“Conversely, this year he got off to a bad start and you have to give him time, we’re a third of the way into the season. He has a long way to go and he can pick it up. On the other hand, he’s not in the same (lineup) position and does not have the same protection and all of those factors go into how well a player is playing.”

“Early on he was known as a bit of a free swinger and when he was thrust into the top of the order he reverted back to that and I think the reason was because he felt the need to get on base. When I see him now, he still has the tendency and penchant for chasing pitches out of the strike zone. It’s something he’s always done. And the only way to get better at that is to get out there and experience those situations and learn not to do that.”

“I don’t necessarily see a regression. What I see is a guy that is still growing. He hasn’t played more than two full seasons in the big leagues yet and that is not a lot of time. It’s a very small sample. He’s a toolsy player learning his craft at the major league level and that’s not easy. Some of the things that make you the player you are sometimes can make you look bad as well. Baseball is a humbling experience.”

Scout No. 3

“A lot of things came so fast for him, but the league caught up for him. I watch Adam Jones hit and you talk about somebody that is not only identifying pitches and seeing the ball. You don’t have to throw a strike to get him out. Why would you? Until he makes adjustments, he won’t be able to bring the raw power. They have figured him out and he hasn’t made adjustments to counteract that.”

“I think he’s getting help, but he doesn’t have the confidence. He looks like a young hitter who is chasing everything. What the heck is he doing sometimes? There’s no reason he shouldn’t hit 25 to 30 homers, but he gets himself out so much and doesn’t get into hitter counts. He’s messed up right now. I’m worried about him.”

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 4:37 PM | Permalink | Comments (25)
        

Prior to today's game, the Single-A Delmarva Shorebirds added infielder Levi Carolus to their roster and transferred infielder Gary Helmick to the short-season Single-A Aberdeen IronBirds.

Carolus batted .255 with five doubles and eight RBIs in 11 games for the Shorebirds in April. In 2009, he hit .301 with two home runs and 32 RBIs in 61 games while splitting time between Delmarva and Aberdeen.

Helmick, a Towson University alum, was hitting .210 with two home runs and 13 RBIs in 27 games for Delmarva this year. He hit successfully in eight of his past nine games and was 11-for-36 during that span.

Norfolk Tides (AAA)

Record: (22-29)

Opponent

at Rochester Red Wings (5:05 p.m.)

Probable pitchers

Norfolk: Jake Arrieta (5-2, 1.86 ERA)
Rochester: Anthony Swarzak (0-1, 5.54 ERA)

Bowie Baysox (AA)

Record: (25-25)

Opponent

at Richmond Flying Squirrels (7:05 p.m.)

Probable pitchers

Bowie: Zach Britton (4-3, 3.38 ERA)
Richmond: Mike MacDonald (1-4, 4.35 ERA)

Frederick Keys (A)

Record: (29-21)

Opponent

Myrtle Beach Pelicans (4 p.m.)

Probable pitchers

Frederick: Nathan Nery (3-4, 3.93 ERA)
Myrtle Beach: Julio Teheran (3-2, 1.03 ERA at two levels in 2010)

Delmarva Shorebirds (A)

Record: (22-29)

Opponent

Lakewood BlueClaws (2:05 p.m.)

Probable pitchers

Delmarva: Kenny Moreland (0-1, 4.26 ERA)
Lakewood: Julio Rodriguez (0-0, 4.91 ERA)

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 12:45 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

The Triple-A Norfolk Tides were edged by the Pawtucket Red Sox, while the Double-A Bowie Baysox topped the Richmond Flying Squirrels. The Single-A Frederick Keys fell to the Lynchburg Hillcats, and the Single-A Delmarva Shorebirds lost to the Lakewood BlueClaws.

Norfolk Tides (AAA)

Score: Pawtucket Red Sox 5, Norfolk Tides 4 (Box score)

Recap: First baseman Nolan Reimold was 2-for-4 with a two-run home run and a double, but the Tides fell short in a 5-4 loss to Pawtucket.

Norfolk left fielder Matt Angle contributed two hits, a stolen base and a run scored, while designated hitter Brandon Snyder added an RBI and a stolen base.

Tides starting pitcher Armando Gabino filled into the rotation nicely as a replacement for Chris Tillman, but he didn't factor in the decision. Gabino allowed three runs (two earned) and four hits in six innings.

Third baseman Josh Bell scored twice for Norfolk.

Relief pitcher Kam Mickolio (1-2) was charged with the loss for the Tides after giving up two runs and three hits in one inning.

Bowie Baysox (AA)

Score: Bowie Baysox 6, Richmond Flying Squirrels 2 (Box score)

Recap: First baseman Brandon Waring was 2-for-5 with two RBIs as the Baysox scored four runs in the final two innings for a 6-2 victory over Richmond.

Bowie second baseman Ryan Adams collected a double, two RBIs and a run scored, while shortstop Carlos Rojas added two singles and two runs scored.

Baysox starting pitcher Tim Bascom struck out eight batters while holding the Flying Squirrels to two runs and five hits in 6 2/3 innings, and relief pitcher Pat Egan (5-1) tossed 2 1/3 scoreless frames for the win.

Center fielder Danny Figueroa was 2-for-4 with a double, an RBI and a run scored for the Baysox, and left fielder Jonathan Tucker had a double and two runs scored.

Frederick Keys (A)

Score: Lynchburg Hillcats 7, Frederick Keys 2 (Box score)

Recap: Starting pitcher Ryan O'Shea (3-3) was touched up for four runs (two earned) and nine hits in six innings as the Keys lost, 7-2, to Lynchburg.

Frederick right fielder Ronnie Welty was 2-for-4 with a double and a run scored, while center fielder Kyle Hudson added two hits and a run scored.

Third baseman Buck Britton and first baseman Joe Mahoney each added an RBI for the Keys in the loss.

Delmarva Shorebirds (A)

Score: Lakewood BlueClaws 4, Delmarva Shorebirds 3 (Box score)

Recap: Outfielder Steve Bumbry was 2-for-4 with an RBI, but the Shorebirds dropped a 4-3 decision to Lakewood at Arthur W. Perdue Stadium.

Delmarva first baseman Tyler Stampone collected a single, a double and a run scored, while shortstop Garabez Rosa was 2-for-3 with a double.

Shorebirds starting pitcher Jesse Beal only surrendered two runs (one earned) and four hits in seven innings, but relief pitcher Nicholas Haughian (3-1) was charged with two runs and five hits in two innings during the loss.

Designated hitter Mychal Givens and center fielder Michael Planeta each added a sacrifice fly for the Shorebirds.

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 11:59 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

With another off day looming and the Orioles seemingly headed for a fifth straight loss, I fully expect the speculation to start that tomorrow will be the day the team fires manager Dave Trembley.

So before it begins in full force, let me say this: I've talked to a couple of prominent members of the organization over the last 36 hours, and I don't see it happening tomorrow.

Can I say it with certainty that it won't?

No, I can't because you can never predict when owner Peter Angelos will just say that he's seen absolutely enough and order a change immediately. He hasn't done it to this point, but that day is probably not far off. I don't think, however, it will be tomorrow on Memorial Day in the media capital of the world.

Orioles president of baseball operations Andy MacPhail is not on this road trip, and I've been given no indication that he will meet the team in New York, though it's obviously not that difficult of a trip. There's no way MacPhail would fire Trembley over the phone.

Overall, things aren't looking good for Trembley. It doesn't take a brain surgeon to figure that out. MacPhail and Angelos have met several times and I'm sure they've touched on a variety of topics. But it's obvious they are discussing a managerial change. While I'm sure that MacPhail briefs Angelos on his ongoing effort to revamp the bullpen, there is no way that conversation lasts long. They are obviously discussing their options if - or more likely - when a change is made, and it appears it will be soon.

My opinion is that they'll hire somebody on an interim basis and then open up a search after the season. The three interim candidates are bench coach Jeff Datz, third base coach Juan Samuel and Triple-A manager Gary Allenson. I would give Samuel the edge because he's very well-respected by the players and he's a fiery guy who will rattle some cages in the clubhouse. I think we can all agree that some of these Orioles need to be shaken up a little bit because they continue to underachieve and let down their teammates and coaching staff.

And for the record, I hate even having to write a blog like this, which will undoubtedly serve to just fuel more speculation. But as a reporter, you just can't ignore the constant talk. Regardless of what you think of Dave Trembley as a manager, he's a class act who deserves better than to twist in the wind while hearing he's about to get fired.

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 2:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (102)
        

The Orioles took a 1-0 lead in the first inning thanks to some small ball. Corey Patterson, who had struck out in nine of his first 19 at-bats against left-handed pitchers, singled to right and then reached second when Toronto starter Ricky Romero was called for a balk.

Julio Lugo gave himself up and bunted Patterson over to third, and he then scored on Nick Markakis' single to left.

That's when the Orioles remembered, well, that they're the Orioles. Ty Wigginton bounced into an inning-end double play, the Orioles' 55th of the season. That's the third highest total in the American League.

Given a 1-0 lead, Jeremy Guthrie allowed a leadoff double to Fred Lewis, but then got two quick outs and appeared on his way to getting out of it. However, Vernon Wells, who absolutely kills the Orioles, tied the game with an RBI double. Jose Bautista walked and Alex Gonzalez and Lyle Overbay hit back-to-back RBI singles, giving the Jays a 3-1 lead. Guthrie threw 26 pitches in the bottom of the first.

So what do the Oriole hitters do?

Take a couple of pitches to give Guthrie a chance to catch his breath? That's what a winning team would do.

Of course not, Miguel Tejada hacks at the first pitch and grounds out to begin the top of the second. Luke Scott and Adam Jones then go down in order on a total of eight pitches.

Tejada is a team leader and all, and he plays his butt off. He also has had a pretty solid career as a free swinger. But he swung at the first pitch to lead off an inning for the second game in a row after one of his starters had a prolonged bottom half of the inning. That's not good team baseball and he should know better. And it wouldn't hurt if Scott and Jones were a little more selective as well

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 1:37 PM | Permalink | Comments (16)
        

Before Roy Halladay threw a perfect game last night in the Philadelphia Phillies' 1-0 victory over the Florida Marlins, Orioles starter Kevin Millwood had been the last Phillies' pitcher to throw a no-hitter.

Millwood's no-hitter came on April 27, 2003 versus the San Francisco Giants, also in a 1-0 Phillies' win.

"Yeah, its one of those moments in life, you can always pull up the memories and remember a lot of things about it," he said.

Millwood was at dinner last night when somebody at his table checked his phone and found out what Halladay had done. Asked for his reaction, Millwood was his typical stoic self.

"I’m happy for him," Millwood said. "I think it’s cool when anybody does something like that, but my reaction was ‘Oh that’s cool, good for him’, then I went on to eating my steak. It didn’t change my night or anything."

Millwood did say that Halladay is one of his favorite pitchers to watch.

"He’s probably one of the few guys I’d probably pay to see pitch," he said. "You know what you are going to get every time out. It’s pretty impressive."
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Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 12:36 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)
        

Norfolk Tides (AAA)

Record: (22-28)

Opponent

at Pawtucket Red Sox (6:05 p.m.)

Probable pitchers

Norfolk: Armando Gabino (2-0, 1.50 ERA)
Pawtucket: Kris Johnson (3-3, 4.50 ERA)

Bowie Baysox (AA)

Record: (24-25)

Opponent

at Richmond Flying Squirrels (6:35 p.m.)

Probable pitchers

Bowie: Tim Bascom (3-3, 3.16 ERA)
Richmond: Clayton Tanner (2-4, 3.93 ERA)

Frederick Keys (A)

Record: (29-20)

Opponent

at Lynchburg Hillcats (2:05 p.m.)

Probable pitchers

Frederick: Ryan O'Shea (3-2, 4.12 ERA)
Lynchburg: Brad Boxberger (3-4, 3.70 ERA)

Delmarva Shorebirds (A)

Record: (22-28)

Opponent

Lakewood BlueClaws (2:05 p.m.)

Probable pitchers

Delmarva: Jesse Beal (4-2, 3.56 ERA)
Lakewood: Matt Way (3-4, 4.50 ERA)

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 11:31 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
        

The Triple-A Norfolk Tides fell to the Pawtucket Red Sox, and the Double-A Bowie Baysox were beaten by the Richmond Flying Squirrels. The Single-A Frederick Keys split a doubleheader with the Lynchburg Hillcats, and the Single-A Delmarva Shorebirds topped the Lakewood BlueClaws.

Center fielder Matt Angle, who batted .383 (23-for-60) with one home run and nine RBIs in 14 games for the Baysox, was promoted to Norfolk earlier today.

In order to clear a roster spot, outfielder Danny Figueroa was sent to Bowie.

Also, Shorebirds right-handed pitcher Randy Henry was placed on the disabled list, retroactive to May 27, and right-hander Patrick Kantakevich was added to the roster.

Norfolk Tides (AAA)

Score: Pawtucket Red Sox 7, Norfolk Tides 2 (Box score)

Recap: Starting pitcher Brandon Erbe tossed 5 2/3 scoreless innings, allowing five hits, in the Tides' 7-2 defeat on the road against Pawtucket.

Batting leadoff, Angle was 2-for-4 in his Triple-A debut.

Norfolk second baseman Blake Davis hit a solo home run, while designated hitter Brandon Snyder and third baseman Josh Bell each added a single and a double.

Tides first baseman Rhyne Hughes also hit a double in the game.

Relief pitcher Pedro Viola (0-2) was charged with three runs and three hits in 2/3 of an inning for the Tides. The 26-year-old left-hander has allowed 18 runs (17 earned) and 18 hits in 7 2/3 innings since joining Norfolk in April. That's a 19.96 ERA.

Bowie Baysox (AA)

Score: Richmond Flying Squirrels 7, Bowie Baysox 3 (Box score)

Recap: Third baseman Brandon Waring connected on his seventh home run of the season, a two-run shot in the ninth inning, but it was too late as the Baysox dropped a 7-3 decision to Richmond.

Bowie catcher Steven Lerud hit a solo home run, and first baseman Joel Guzman added a single and a run scored.

Baysox starting pitcher Ryohei Tanaka (3-5) was touched up for six runs, five hits and two walks in 3 2/3 innings. He struck out four batters.

Figueroa was 2-for-2 with a double in his return to Double-A.

Frederick Keys (A)

Game 1 score: Frederick Keys 9, Lynchburg Hillcats 2, 7 innings (Box score)

Game 1 recap: Starting pitcher Ryan Berry (1-0) tossed five scoreless innings to pick up his first professional victory during the Keys' 9-2 win over Lynchburg in the first game of the doubleheader.

Frederick left fielder Xavier Avery contributed a triple, a stolen base, three RBIs and a run scored, while center fielder Kyle Hudson added two hits, two stolen bases, an RBI and a run scored.

Third baseman Buck Britton and shortstop Greg Miclat each collected an RBI and two runs scored, while designated hitter Bobby Stevens and catcher Brian Ward each had an RBI.

Game 2 score: Lynchburg Hillcats 2, Frederick Keys 1, 14 innings (Box score)

Game 2 recap: In a game that was originally scheduled to be half as long, the Keys endured a 2-1 loss in 14 innings to Lynchburg during the second half of a doubleheader.

Frederick right fielder Ronnie Welty accounted for the team's only run with a solo home run in the sixth inning. It was his ninth home run of the year.

Keys first baseman Joe Mahoney and second baseman Miguel Abreu each contributed a double in the losing effort.

Starting pitcher Cole McCurry scattered one run and three hits in five innings for Frederick, while relief pitcher Brett Bordes (2-1) was dealt the loss after being charged with one run, one hit, three walks and one hit batter in 2 1/3 innings.

Delmarva Shorebirds (A)

Score: Delmarva Shorebirds 8, Lakewood BlueClaws 4 (Box score)

Recap: Left fielder Steve Bumbry collected a triple and three RBIs as the Shorebirds cruised to an 8-4 win over Lakewood at Arthur W. Perdue Stadium.

Delmarva starting pitcher Matt Hobgood (3-4) held the BlueClaws to one run and four hits in six innings. He struck out four batters and issued one walk.

Shorebirds catcher Michael Ohlman was 2-for-4 with a pair of doubles and two RBIs, while designated hitter Kieron Pope added two hits and an RBI.

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 1:21 AM | Permalink | Comments (3)
        

That alone should have been the cause of great celebration in the Orioles' dugout. They had gone 29 innings without an extra-base hit before No.9 hitter Cesar Izturis just lined a double down the right-field line off former University of Maryland standout Brett Cecil. That streak dated back to Garrett Atkins' third-inning homer against the Oakland Athletics on Wednesday.

And then miraculously, the Orioles also scored a run in the sixth inning as Julio Lugo followed Izturis' double with a single to left field to tie the game at one.

It was the Orioles' first run in 16 innings, dating back to their two-run seventh inning against the A's on Thursday night.

Thay apparently weren't satisfied with the one run. Nick Markakis just gave the Orioles a 2-1 lead with a single to left off Cecil, who had only given up one hit heading into the sixth.

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 2:31 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)
        

Orioles reliever Jim Johnson, who is nursing an elbow injury and not expected back anytime soon, was called up and placed on the 15-day disabled list.

It is pretty much a paper move, but it does carry ramifications for Johnson, who will accrue major league service time and big-league wages while he is on the DL. If he returns at some point in July, that's not that big of a deal. If he needs Tommy John surgery and is out all of next year, that will be a big deal because that's another year closer to free agency.

It sounds like the Orioles and Johnson's agent, Michael Moye, worked out a deal because Johnson had been on the minor league disabled list.

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 1:12 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)
        

Injured Orioles second baseman Brian Roberts (herniated disk) had his most productive "baseball-activity" session yet this morning at the Orioles' spring training facility in Sarasota, Fla.

Roberts fielded 50 groundballs at second base, and took live batting practice from both sides of the plate, and then got through all his running.

"I think we all are [pleased]," said Orioles manager Dave Trembley. "[Extended spring training coordinator] Gary Kendall made it a point to call me. I think we’re all encouraged. Brian was excited. Tomorrow is an offday in extended but he asked if there could be a couple of coaches come in so he can work out again tomorrow. It’s a good sign."

Trembley was less than encouraged by Scott Moore's performance at second base in last night's 5-0 loss. Moore made three poor plays in the first inning alone. He passively fielded Fred Lewis' grounder and his throw was too late to get the Blue Jays' leadoff man. He then dropped catcher Matt Wieters' on-target throw, which would have had Lewis out stealing easily. And then he made an errant relay throw that allowed Jose Bautista to score.

"It was a rough inning for him," Trembley said. "He laid back on the ball. He misplayed that one. He misplayed the tag play. He threw a ball away in a relay situation that he shouldn’t have thrown. That’s not how he was playing in Triple-A. I don’t know if he’s nervous. I don’t know if the game is too fast for him. I don’t know if he just happened to have a bad game. But boy, it didn’t come at a very good time in the first inning after coming off a particularly tough loss the night before and tough travel and [Kevin] Millwood being out there. We just basically spotted them three runs in the first inning.

"I was perplexed about that performance as anybody else would have been. You don’t think that’s the way it’s going to be. You bring a young guy up here and you’d think you’d get a lot of energy. He just didn’t look very sure of himself."

Asked if he'd hesitate starting Moore at second base again, Trembley said, "I still think you have to give people opportunities, but opportunities are earned. I’d like to think he’s going to show us a little bit more than I’ve seen so far. I think he’s better than what he’s shown. He’s got to show a little more."

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 12:31 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)
        

Right-hander Armando Gabino is now scheduled to start for the Triple-A Norfolk Tides tomorrow. Chris Tillman was the originally listed starter, but that's obviously not happening now.

Norfolk Tides (AAA)

Record: (22-27)

Opponent

at Pawtucket Red Sox (6:05 p.m.)

Probable pitchers

Norfolk: Brandon Erbe (0-8, 6.80 ERA)
Pawtucket: Adam Mills (1-3, 4.15 ERA)

Bowie Baysox (AA)

Record: (24-24)

Opponent

at Richmond Flying Squirrels (6:35 p.m.)

Probable pitchers

Bowie: Ryohei Tanaka (3-4, 3.61 ERA)
Richmond: David Mixon (4-2, 3.27 ERA)

Frederick Keys (A)

Record: (28-19)

Opponent

Doubleheader at Lynchburg Hillcats (4:35 p.m.)

Game 1: Probable pitchers

Frederick: Ryan Berry (0-3, 3.22 ERA at two levels in 2010)
Lynchburg: Curtis Partch (2-4, 4.89 ERA at two levels in 2010)

Game 2: Probable pitchers

Frederick: Ryan O'Shea (3-2, 4.12 ERA)
Lynchburg: Brad Boxberger (3-4, 3.70 ERA)

Delmarva Shorebirds (A)

Record: (21-28)

Opponent

Lakewood BlueClaws (7:05 p.m.)

Probable pitchers

Delmarva: Matt Hobgood (2-4, 5.05 ERA)
Lakewood: Colby Shreve (3-1, 2.70 ERA)

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 11:31 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

The Triple-A Norfolk Tides blanked the Pawtucket Red Sox, while the Double-A Bowie Baysox pounded the Richmond Flying Squirrels.

Dominant pitching lifted the Single-A Delmarva Shorebirds over the Lakewood BlueClaws, while the matchup between the Single-A Frederick Keys and Lynchburg Hillcats was postponed due to rain.

Frederick and Lynchburg will play a doubleheader Saturday with the first game expected to begin at 4:35 p.m. Both matchups are scheduled for seven innings.

Norfolk Tides (AAA)

Score: Norfolk Tides 3, Pawtucket Red Sox 0 (Box score)

Recap: Starting pitcher Troy Patton (3-6) tossed seven scoreless innings to lead the Tides to a 3-0 victory over Pawtucket.

Patton only gave up three hits and threw 59 of his 86 pitches for strikes.

Norfolk first baseman Brandon Snyder was 3-for-4 with a run scored, and second baseman Paco Figueroa added a single, a double and two RBIs.

Third baseman Josh Bell contributed two hits and a run scored for the Tides, while left fielder Jeff Salazar hit his seventh home run of the season.

Tides relief pitcher Dennis Sarfate blanked the Red Sox for the final two frames in order to pick up his second save of the year.

Bowie Baysox (AA)

Score: Bowie Baysox 10, Richmond Flying Squirrels 1 (Box score)

Recap: Designated hitter Joel Guzman was 2-for-5 with a pair of doubles and five RBIs as the Baysox cruised to a 10-1 win over Richmond.

Bowie starting pitcher Chorye Spoone (3-5) held the Flying Squirrels to one run and three hits in seven innings. He collected seven strikeouts, issued two walks and hit two batters.

Third baseman Brandon Waring contributed a double and an RBI for the Baysox, while center fielder Matt Angle, second baseman Ryan Adams and shortstop Carlos Rojas each added two hits and two runs.

Delmarva Shorebirds (A)

Score: Delmarva Shorebirds 2, Lakewood BlueClaws 0 (Box score)

Recap: Three Shorebirds pitchers combined on a one-hitter during a 2-0 victory over Lakewood at Arthur W. Perdue Stadium in Salisbury.

Delmarva starting pitcher Nathan Moreau (1-2) held the BlueClaws to one hit in six innings, while relief pitcher Brent Allar tossed two scoreless frames and Josh Dowdy retired all three batters he faced for his sixth save of the season.

Shorebirds center fielder Michael Planeta was 2-for-3 with a double and a stolen base, while right fielder Brian Conley added a double and two RBIs.

Shortstop Mychal Givens was 0-for-3 with a throwing error for Delmarva.

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 11:59 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)
        

The Orioles optioned struggling reliever Cla Meredith down to Triple-A Norfolk following tonight's game in order to create a roster spot for ChrisTillman, who will start tomorrow’s game.

Meredith surrendered the game-winning hits in back-to-back outings, allowing a game-ending homer to the Washington Nationals’ Josh Willingham on Sunday, and a bases-loaded clearing double to the Oakland Athletics’ Kevin Kouzmanoff on Thursday.

"It’s kind of been a weird year for me," Meredith said. "I’ve pitched here, I’ve pitched there. Get in a groove for a little bit, get in a rut. I’ve been in a rut before. I don’t panic, but I’m not the one who calls shots around here. So, I don’t know. I’m kind of at the mercy of my employer. I’m 26 years old, my arm’s very healthy as is the rest of my body and I envision pitching for a long time whether it’s here or somewhere else. I’ve learned a couple years ago, you can only control the things you can control, this is one those things I can’t really control."

After making the club with a strong spring training, Meredith was 0-2 with a 5.40 ERA in 21 appearances spanning 15 innings, and had allowed at least one baserunner in eight straight outings.

"Until last week, I was getting to talk about good stuff, but that’s kind of the life of a reliever. If you are a hitter and you have a bad week, so what. When you’re a relief pitcher, it’s a little more magnified."

Asked if it's just a matter of learning just what you can control, Meredith said, 'Yeah, especially around here."

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 9:50 PM | Permalink | Comments (25)
        

Adam Jones recently spoke to reporters in Toronto about being detained by Canadian officials earlier this morning.

Here is what he said:
“Basically, what happened was they had the wrong person. They thought I was somebody else. It all got situated, but it took its time to get situated.”

Jones originally expressed his frustration on his Twitter account. One of the tweets was later removed.
“It’s frustrating for me, I shouldn’t have put it out how I put it out. It’s just frustrating. Now we can all just get on with it. There’s more stories, I guess, people want to stay something, but everything’s taken care of on my end.”

Were you detained or just subjected to further screening?
“We went to immigration so I would consider that detained. Everything is cool. They said I had a criminal record. My mom raised me better than that. I have never been involved with anything criminal in my entire life. It was a long, pointless situation to me because of the circumstances. But I’m glad that got cleared and that won’t be a problem anymore coming into this country.”

Did they think you were NFL player Adam “Pacman” Jones?
“I don’t know if it’s him. We got the same name obviously, but I’m not going to say I was mistaken for him when I don’t know.”

More about his original “tweet,” in which he sarcastically said he appreciated “someone from the team making sure we’re OK, NOOOOTTTT.”

“It doesn’t matter what I put on my Twitter page. It’s just something that never should have happened. Obviously, putting it on my Twitter page, it’s gaining pointless exposure. I’ve learned my lesson.”

He said that smiling.

He also added: “I’m not going to say who was there with me. I wasn’t the only person there.”

Posted by Dan Connolly at 4:51 PM | Permalink | Comments (9)
        

Billy Rowell, the Orioles’ No. 1 pick (ninth overall) in the 2006 MLB draft, has been reassigned from Single-A Frederick to short-season Single-A Aberdeen’s roster.

It’s temporary. Rowell will be back with the Keys this week, perhaps this weekend.

Rowell has been dealing with a sore thumb and that, combined with an undisclosed minor disciplinary issue, predicated the reassignment.

Rowell, 21, is in his third season with Frederick, switching back to third base this year after experimenting with a move to right field in 2009.

He is batting .256 with four homers and 22 RBIs this season. But he has been in a tailspin lately, with three hits in his past 29 at-bats (.103 average).

In a corresponding move, Frederick activated shortstop Greg Miclat from the seven-day disabled list.

Posted by Dan Connolly at 3:37 PM | Permalink | Comments (14)
        

Orioles outfielder Adam Jones was detained by customs officials at the Toronto airport early this morning after arriving on the team flight, according to the team.

He wasn't the only one held up. A small group of Orioles personnel were detained by officials for extra screening, including Jones. Jones was not accused of doing anything illegal.

"They had the wrong person," Jones said. "They thought I was somebody else. It took its time, but it all got situated."

Apparently, the background check took longer on Jones than the ones of the other personnel.

According to Yahoo! Sports, Jones tweeted that he was "detained by immigration in canada for no false accusations till 5am and appreciate someone from the team making sure were ok NOOOOOOTTTTT"

"It was frustrating for me, and I shouldn't have put it out like I put it out, but I did," Jones said.

According to a team official, the group detained for extra screening was accompanied by a person in position of authority with the club throughout the process.

And later he added to his tweet: "I wish I could say what I want on here. That would be BRACKIN" before ending with "last 10 hours have been a blast...yaaaaay. time to sleep off the bull."

The first tweet was deleted after a short time, according to the report.

Jones said he wasn't sure if he was mistaken for Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Adam 'Pacman' Jones, who has faced multiple legal issues. But Jones' mother, Andrea Bradley, made that claim on her Facebook page.

A week ago, the MLBPA warned players with criminal convictions or arrests to contact the union before trying to enter Canada, according to the Associated Press.

Doyle Pryor, a union assistant general counsel, sent a memo to agents titled “immigration problems for players entering Canada.” A copy of the memo was posted on bizofbaseball.com and later obtained by the AP.

It is not believed that Jones has any convictions or arrests in his background.

The Orioles were aware of the memo and a team official was quoted in the AP story last week:

“There are certain offenses in Canada that are considered more major than they are in the United States,” Orioles team travel coordinator Kevin Buck said. “Specifically, we were advised that things like DUI and that sort of thing are considered a felony in Canada. So we've just got to be careful about making sure we're aware of anything that anybody in our traveling party might have in their past to prepare for it before we head north.”

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 2:08 PM | Permalink | Comments (29)
        

Norfolk Tides (AAA)

Record: (21-27)

Opponent

at Pawtucket Red Sox (7:05 p.m.)

Probable pitchers

Norfolk: Troy Patton (2-6, 6.56 ERA)
Pawtucket: Felix Doubront (4-0, 2.45 ERA at two levels in 2010)

Bowie Baysox (AA)

Record: (23-24)

Opponent

at Richmond Flying Squirrels (7:05 p.m.)

Probable pitchers

Bowie: Chorye Spoone (2-5, 4.89 ERA)
Richmond: Daryl Maday (7-0, 1.36 ERA)

Frederick Keys (A)

Record: (28-19)

Opponent

at Lynchburg Hillcats (6:05 p.m.)

Probable pitchers

Frederick: Ryan Berry (0-3, 3.22 ERA at two levels in 2010)
Lynchburg: Curtis Partch (2-4, 4.89 ERA at two levels in 2010)

Delmarva Shorebirds (A)

Record: (20-28)

Opponent

Lakewood BlueClaws (7:05 p.m.)

Probable pitchers

Delmarva: Nathan Moreau (0-2, 3.77 ERA)
Lakewood: Brody Colvin (3-5, 6.07 ERA)

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 10:58 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

When a team is going terribly, everything gets second-guessed.

Especially when a late move backfires.

That happened Thursday night, when Dave Trembley made two tough decisions in the eighth that arguably cost the Orioles in their 7-5 loss to the Oakland A’s.

The first I have little problem with; the second I disagreed with at the time, and still do.

Brad Bergesen had thrown 93 pitches when Trembley removed him with two runners on and no outs in the eighth. He had just given up two singles, and had a three-run lead with the top of the order coming up.

Trembley didn’t want Bergesen to get a loss after pitching so well. I get that. I also see how you can criticize it, because it didn’t work and Bergesen had retired 14 in a row before the eighth. Pure judgment call in my opinion.

I am OK with it because Jason Berken has pitched well and that’s who was summoned. And Berken got the first out no problem.

But with two left-handers coming up, Trembley went with left-hander Mark Hendrickson over Berken to get the conventional lefty-lefty matchup.

The twist is that Berken had been better than Hendrickson against lefties in the same number of at-bats in 2010. Lefties were 7-for-36 (.194 average) with one walk and five strikeouts against Berken. They were 12-for-36 (.333 average) with four walks and eight strikeouts against Hendrickson.

Trembley said he made the call because Berken hasn’t been in those situations often and Hendrickson had. And there’s the lefty-versus-lefty thing, of course.

But I’d go with the guy I think has the best chance of getting me outs. And, right now, Berken (and Will Ohman, who is basically the interim closer) is that guy.

Hendrickson got one out, and then a couple singles – including a terrible hop to Cesar Izturis – helped to unravel the Orioles. This wasn’t Hendrickson’s fault. He didn’t pitch poorly, but it didn’t work out.

So Trembley, already embattled, is certainly going to hear it on this one. As the manager says, that’s baseball.

It’s a game where moves are constantly criticized. Especially when things are going poorly. And I think Trembley went 1-for-2 on this one – that doesn’t count bringing in Cla Meredith, who gave up the game-clinching, bases-loaded double. You can hammer that one, too, but the choices were limited then.

That’s my take. Now let’s hear your thoughts.

Posted by Dan Connolly at 12:28 AM | Permalink | Comments (92)
        

The Triple-A Norfolk Tides lost in the final at-bat against the Pawtucket Red Sox, while the Double-A Bowie Baysox dropped the game to the Harrisburg Senators in extra innings.

The Single-A Delmarva Shorebirds continued to play shaky defense in a defeat against the Hickory Crawdads, while the Single-A Frederick Keys were idle.

Norfolk Tides (AAA)

Score: Pawtucket Red Sox 5, Norfolk Tides 4 (Box score)

Recap: Relief pitcher Kam Mickolio (1-1) allowed a three-run walk-off home run to Pawtucket catcher Dusty Brown as the Tides suffered a 5-4 loss in heartbreaking fashion.

Norfolk starting pitcher Chris George shined in 6 2/3 innings. The 30-year-old left-hander held the Red Sox to two runs and four hits in the no-decision.

Tides shortstop Robert Andino was 3-for-4 with two doubles and two RBIs, while second baseman Blake Davis added two hits and a run scored.

Catcher Adam Donachie contributed a double and two RBIs for Norfolk.

Bowie Baysox (AA)

Score: Harrisburg Senators 10, Bowie Baysox 9, 10 innings (Box score)

Recap: Three home runs weren't enough as the Baysox rallied, but ultimately fell, 10-9, to Harrisburg in 10 innings on the road tonight.

Designated hitter Joel Guzman hit a three-run home run in the eighth inning as part of a 17-hit attack for the Baysox, while catcher Caleb Joseph and second baseman Ryan Adams each added a two-run shot.

Bowie starting pitcher Steve Johnson was touched up for five runs, three hits and five walks in four innings. He also hit a batter, but didn't factor in the decision.

Baysox center fielder Matt Angle was 3-for-5 with a double, an RBI and two runs scored, and six other players had two hits each.

Relief pitcher Mike Hinckley (0-1) was charged with the loss for Bowie after allowing the winning run to score in the 10th.

Delmarva Shorebirds (A)

Score: Hickory Crawdads 3, Delmarva Shorebirds 1 (Box score)

Recap: The Shorebirds committed four errors in a 3-1 loss to Hickory.

Delmarva starting pitcher Luis Noel (0-2) made two of the defensive miscues, and he allowed three runs (one earned) and five hits in six innings.

Shorebirds first baseman Tyler Stampone and second baseman Gary Helmick each had an error in the defeat.

Helmick also collected two hits in the game, while designated hitter Kieron Pope was 2-for-4 with an RBI for the Shorebirds.

Center fielder Steve Bumbry hit a double for Delmarva.

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 10:55 PM | Permalink | Comments (5)
        

Nick Markakis' wife, Christina, gave birth to the couple's second child, Tucker Edward, at 8:21 p.m. Thursday night. The boy was seven pounds, one ounce and apparently has a rocket for a left arm.

Ok, I added that last part. Just an educated guess.

Nick and Christina also have a son Taylor.

Markakis will re-join the Orioles on Friday in Toronto.

Posted by Dan Connolly at 8:53 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)
        

Luke Scott, who hasn’t played since straining his left shoulder on a dive in Sunday’s 10th inning, is not in the starting lineup again tonight.

But he said he feels no pain after taking 25 swings off a tee and participating in three rounds of live batting practice.

“I didn’t turn it loose, but I put some good effort in it and it felt pretty good so I should be ready (Friday).”

Orioles manager Dave Trembley said he thought he might be able to use Scott as a pinch-hitter in tonight’s series finale against the Oakland A’s. Scott said that will depend on what his specific treatment is this evening.

“I don’t know what they are going to do, so I have got to go into the training room right now and see what happens,” he said.

Regardless, both Scott and Trembley expect the lefty to be in the lineup Friday against Toronto right-hander Shaun Marcum.

Posted by Dan Connolly at 5:35 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

Norfolk Tides (AAA)

Record: (21-26)

Opponent

at Pawtucket Red Sox (7:05 p.m.)

Probable pitchers

Norfolk: Chris George (1-1, 4.22 ERA)
Pawtucket: Boof Bonser (0-2, 10.61 ERA)

Bowie Baysox (AA)

Record: (23-23)

Opponent

at Harrisburg Senators (7 p.m.)

Probable pitchers

Bowie: Steve Johnson (1-3, 3.88 ERA)
Harrisburg: Tom Milone (4-1, 3.04 ERA)

Delmarva Shorebirds (A)

Record: (20-27)

Opponent

at Hickory Crawdads (7 p.m.)

Probable pitchers

Delmarva: Luis Noel (0-1, 5.40 ERA)
Hickory: Robert Ross (5-4, 2.55 ERA)

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 10:36 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
        

OK, I am willing to take your slams of being Bartender Obvious.

I realize that asking this question leaves me open to every smarty pants with a keyboard to send a zinger my way.

I’m man enough to take it.

So here’s the deal: I want to know who you think has been the most frustrating Oriole this season.

I know, I know, there’s not enough space on the Internet to answer this one properly.

But take a shot.

Now, this is different than “most disappointing Oriole” that we’ve discussed in the past. I am talking about the guy you just can’t watch anymore.

It could be because he is not playing up to his capabilities or because he can’t play defense or because he can’t run the bases or throw strikes.

Maybe it is someone you had high hopes for but just keeps taking steps backward and it’s killing you. We’re easy here at the bar (watch it); you can devise your own criteria. I just want to know why you made your choice.

Yes, there are tons of candidates. I want one answer. Think while I pour.

Daily Think Special: Which Oriole has been most frustrating to watch in 2010? Why?

Posted by Dan Connolly at 11:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (53)
Categories: Connolly's Corner Sports Bar
        

The Double-A Bowie Baysox topped the Harrisburg Senators, while the Single-A Frederick Keys beat the Wilmington Blue Rocks. The Single-A Delmarva Shorebirds lost to the Hickory Crawdads, and the Triple-A Norfolk Tides were idle.

Bowie Baysox (AA)

Score: Bowie Baysox 3, Harrisburg Senators 1 (Box score)

Recap: First baseman Joel Guzman hit his 10th home run of the season as the Baysox picked up a 3-1 victory over Harrisburg.

Bowie third baseman Brandon Waring contributed two hits, and center fielder Matt Angle added an RBI.

Baysox starting pitcher Zach Britton (4-3) held the Senators to six hits and two walks in seven scoreless innings, while relief pitcher Pat Egan tossed the final two frames for his third save of the season.

Designated hitter Robbie Widlansky hit a double for Bowie.

Frederick Keys (A)

Score: Frederick Keys 4, Wilmington Blue Rocks 1 (Box score)

Recap: Starting pitcher Rick Zagone (2-5) tossed a complete game, allowing one run and five hits in the Keys' 4-1 victory over Wilmington.

Frederick third baseman Buck Britton was 2-for-4 with a double, a triple and two RBIs, and center fielder Xavier Avery added three hits and a run scored.

Keys right fielder Ronnie Welty and first baseman Joe Mahoney each collected two hits, while shortstop Bobby Stevens had an RBI and a run scored.

Delmarva Shorebirds (A)

Score: Hickory Crawdads 8, Delmarva Shorebirds 5 (Box score)

Recap: Center fielder Steve Bumbry was 2-for-4 with a double, a stolen base, an RBI and a run scored in the Shorebirds' 8-5 loss to Hickory.

Delmarva right fielder Brian Conley contributed two hits and a run scored, while shortstop Mychal Givens added an RBI and a run scored.

Shorebirds starting pitcher Bobby Bundy (0-2) gave up four runs and seven hits in four innings. Bundy threw two wild pitches and collected four strikeouts.

Catcher Michael Ohlman had a double, an RBI and a run scored for Delmarva.

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 10:16 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

Brian Matusz left the game in the sixth, after facing three batters and retiring none. He was charged with six earned runs on eight hits and a walk in five-plus innings.

The damage could have been worse but Frank Mata, making his big-league debut, induced two fly outs, including one that ended up as a double play at the plate to end the inning.

On that play, Matt Wieters appeared to injure his left shoulder while making the tag on Ryan Sweeney. But Wieters stayed in the game, so no concern there.

But there is some concern with Matusz, who has allowed six or more runs in three of his past four outings. Give the kid some credit, though. He did retire 10 straight after two rough innings.

In the top of the seventh, Rajai Davis beat out a close play at first and Dave Trembley argued the call. He didn’t get it changed, and he didn’t get thrown out, but he got his money’s worth with three umps.

Davis, by the way, has now stolen three bases against the Orioles and Wieters, the most by an Orioles’ individual opponent this season.

Posted by Dan Connolly at 9:03 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)
        

Garrett Atkins hit his first homer as an Oriole in the third inning, becoming the first Oriole to get a hit off Trevor Cahill.

More important, it stopped Atkins from tying a career high homerless drought of 146 at-bats set in 2005. He had gone 145 at-bats between homers, his last coming on Sept. 10, 2009 when he was with the Colorado Rockies.

Atkins snapped an 0-for-18 hitting skid on Tuesday with a single.

Here’s the funny thing about Atkins’ blast: The Orioles still don’t have a home run from a first baseman this season, and it is game No. 46.

Atkins was serving as the game’s DH. Ty Wigginton, who leads the team in homers, is playing first today.

Posted by Dan Connolly at 8:07 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)
        

The struggles of Orioles rookie left-hander Brian Matusz continued tonight as he was rocked for four runs in the first inning. A's second baseman Adam Rosales landed the big blow by driving a Matusz 1-2 fastball into the left-field seats for a three-run homer.

Matusz also allowed an RBI single by Kurt Suzuki in the 26-pitch inning.

In his last 3 1/3 innings, Matusz has surrendered 11 earned runs, 11 hits, three homers and two walks. He also is now assured of giving up at least four earned runs in three of his past four starts.

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 7:25 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)
        

Right fielder Nick Markakis will miss Thursday’s series finale against the Oakland A’s because his wife will be giving birth to the couple’s second child.

Christina Markakis will be induced in Baltimore early Thursday morning and Orioles manager Dave Trembley gave Markakis all of Thursday off to be with his family.

Markakis will join the Orioles in Toronto on Friday.

Designated hitter/first baseman Luke Scott may be back in the lineup on Friday. Scott was scratched from Tuesday’s game with a strained left shoulder that he injured while diving for a ball Sunday and was not in the lineup Wednesday.

Trembley said Scott is feeling much better, but he wanted to give him another day to rest the shoulder. Trembley said it was “50-50” whether he’d use Scott as a pinch-hitter on Wednesday.

More quick personnel notes: Injured pitchers Koji Uehara (elbow) and Alfredo Simon (hamstring) and second baseman Brian Roberts (back) are expected to leave Friday for extended spring in Sarasota to rehab their injuries.

Lefty Michael Gonzalez is already there, but he has been shut down from pitching games for about a week while he continues to build up arm strength. Trembley said Gonzalez is feeling fine, but his velocity is down so the organization is slowing him down a bit.

Both Gonzalez and Roberts are eligible to come off the 60-day DL on June 9, but Trembley said, “I’m not sure that’s an attainable goal.”

Posted by Dan Connolly at 4:35 PM | Permalink | Comments (8)
        

Posted by Baltimore Sun sports at 12:45 PM | Permalink | Comments (5)
        

With Alfredo Simon and Michael Gonzalez all on the major league disabled list and Jim Johnson on the minor league one, Orioles manager Dave Trembley will likely go with a closer-by-committee approach. Simon was the only one of the three that had much success, going 6-for-7 in save opportunities. Johnson was 1-or-4 in save opportunities. And Gonzalez, who the Orioles signed to a two-year, $12 million deal this offseason to serve as the closer, went 1-for-3 in save opportunities with an 18.00 ERA before going on the disabled list with shoulder issues. The Orioles’ signing of Gonzalez looks increasingly worse by the day as several of their other closer options this offseason are off to pretty good starts with their new clubs. Consider below (all numbers through Tuesday):

Matt Capps, Washington Nationals: 0-1, 2.70 ERA (23 1/3 IP), 16 saves, 1 blown save
Octavio Dotel, Pittsburgh Pirates: 2-0, 5.59 ERA (19 1/3 IP), 10 saves, 2 blown saves
Kevin Gregg, Toronto Blue Jays: 0-1, 3.54 ERA (20 1/3 IP), 12 saves, 2 blown saves
*-J.J. Putz, Chicago White Sox: 0-2, 3.68 ERA (14 2/3 IP), 0 saves, 1 blown save
*-Fernando Rodney, Anaheim Angels: 3-0, 3.38 ERA (18 2/3 IP), 5 saves, 1 blown save
Rafael Soriano, Tampa Bay Rays: 2-0, 1.40 ERA (19 1/3 IP), 13 saves, 0 blown save
Jose Valverde, Detroit Tigers: 1-1, 0.46 ERA (19 2/3 IP), 11 saves, 1 blown save
Billy Wagner, Atlanta Braves: 4-0, 2.25 ERA (16 IP), 5 saves, 2 blown saves

*- currently a setup man

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 10:31 AM | Permalink | Comments (6)
        

The Double-A Bowie Baysox announced a pair of roster moves that happened yesterday.

Shortstop Pedro Florimon Jr. was placed on the seven-day disabled list and right-handed pitcher Zach Clark was added to the roster.

Florimon is eligible to return from the DL on June 1.

Bowie Baysox (AA)

Record: (22-23)

Opponent

at Harrisburg Senators (7 p.m.)

Probable pitchers

Bowie: Zach Britton (3-3, 3.88 ERA)
Harrisburg: Aaron Thompson (2-5, 6.25 ERA)

Frederick Keys (A)

Record: (27-19)

Opponent

at Wilmington Blue Rocks (11:05 a.m.)

Probable pitchers

Frederick: Rick Zagone (1-5, 4.12 ERA)
Wilmington: John Lamb (1-0, 1.50 ERA)

Delmarva Shorebirds (A)

Record: (20-26)

Opponent

at Hickory Crawdads (7 p.m.)

Probable pitchers

Delmarva: Bobby Bundy (0-1, 4.34 ERA)
Hickory: Joseph Wieland (3-2, 3.35 ERA)

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 9:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

The Triple-A Norfolk Tides edged the Rochester Red Wings in the final game of their homestand, while the Double-A Bowie Baysox fell to the Harrisburg Senators. The Single-A Frederick Keys beat the Wilmington Blue Rocks, and the Single-A Delmarva Shorebirds lost to the Hickory Crawdads.

Norfolk Tides (AAA)

Score: Norfolk Tides 2, Rochester Red Wings 1 (Box score)

Recap: Starting pitcher Jake Arrieta (5-2) held Rochester to one run and seven hits in seven innings as the Tides earned a 2-1 victory at Harbor Park.

Arrieta struck out six batters and issued two walks, throwing 70 of his 112 pitches for strikes. After 10 starts, the 24-year-old right-hander leads the International League with a 1.86 ERA.

For what it's worth, Arrieta also leads the league in innings pitched (63) and walks (32), and he is sixth in the league with 55 strikeouts.

Tides left fielder Danny Figueroa, batting ninth in his first game at Triple-A, hit a two-run home run in the fifth inning to provide the team's only runs scored.

Norfolk relief pitcher Dennis Sarfate escaped a jam in the ninth after allowing a single and a walk to pick up his first save of the season.

Designated hitter Brandon Snyder hit a double for Norfolk.

Bowie Baysox (AA)

Score: Harrisburg Senators 2, Bowie Baysox 1 (Box score)

Recap: Left fielder Tyler Henson was 2-for-3 with a walk and an RBI, but the Baysox dropped a 2-1 decision on the road against Harrisburg.

Bowie starting pitcher Tim Bascom (3-3) picked up the loss despite holding the Senators to two runs and eight hits in five innings. He collected four strikeouts and walked one batter.

Baysox center fielder Matt Angle contributed a single and his fifth stolen base of the season, while designated hitter Joel Guzman scored the team's only run.

The Baysox were 2-for-13 with runners in scoring position and left 11 runners on base.

Frederick Keys (A)

Score: Frederick Keys 5, Wilmington Blue Rocks 3 (Box score)

Recap: First baseman Jacob Julius was 3-for-3 with two doubles and a two-run home run as the Keys picked up a 5-3 victory over Wilmington.

Frederick left fielder Kyle Hudson contributed a double and two RBIs, and second baseman Miguel Abreu added a double and an RBI.

Keys starting pitcher Oliver Drake (1-1) gave up two runs (one earned) and five hits in seven innings, while relief pitcher Jose Diaz tossed a scoreless frame for his fifth save of the season.

Center fielder Xavier Avery also had a double and a run scored for Frederick.

Delmarva Shorebirds (A)

Score: Hickory Crawdads 4, Delmarva Shorebirds 2 (Box score)

Recap: Designated hitter Mychal Givens was 1-for-2 with an RBI in his professional debut, but the Shorebirds were dealt a 4-2 loss against Hickory.

Delmarva center fielder Steve Bumbry walked twice and scored two runs, while shortstop Garabez Rosa collected two hits.

Shorebirds starting pitcher Kenny Moreland (0-1) was charged with three runs and six hits in 6 1/3 innings. He had three strikeouts and hit a batter.

Catcher Michael Ohlman was 1-for-3 with an RBI for Delmarva.

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 11:24 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

Manager Dave Trembley said before Tuesday’s game that he’d let the situation dictate who he would bring in to close now that Alfredo Simon is on the DL, joining previous closers Michael Gonzalez and Jim Johnson.

He also said he hoped the Orioles would be up 7-1 in the ninth, so he wouldn’t have to worry about the situation.

Well, it was a big enough lead to make Trembley’s decision not so important. The Orioles took a 5-1 lead into the ninth, and he called on veteran Will Ohman in a non-save situation.

Ohman induced a groundout, and then two strikeouts as the Orioles (15-31) picked up the victory against the A’s.

Just like it was dreamed up.

Posted by Dan Connolly at 9:49 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
        

Jeremy Guthrie’s pitch count was elevated from the beginning, but he pitched well enough to get another quality start.

He allowed a baserunner in every inning he pitched, but minimized the damage continually, allowing one run through six innings.

He threw 113 pitches (67 strikes), so he won’t be coming out for the seventh. Mark Hendrickson in coming in.

But Guthrie still picked up his eighth quality start in 10 outings. His line: 6 IP, 6H, 1ER, 3BB, 2K, 1 HB.

The Orioles scored twice in the bottom of the sixth on two sacrifice flies, so Guthrie has a chance to win this one and improve to 3-4.

Unless the Orioles’ score in the bottom of the sixth, Guthrie can’t get the win, however. Game is tied 1-1.

Oakland’s Dallas Braden left the game after four innings and 62 pitches. No reason was given for his departure.

Posted by Dan Connolly at 8:52 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)
        

Corey Patterson and his younger brother, Eric, are playing in Tuesday’s game.

It’s the first time brothers have played against each other in a game involving the Orioles since June 10, 2004, when Jerry Hairston and his brother Scott, then with the Arizona Diamondbacks, played at Camden Yards.

The Pattersons have played together one other time in the big leagues, back in 2008, when Corey was with the Cincinnati Reds and Eric was with the Chicago Cubs.

They also played against each other in the minors last year, but Corey joked that he didn't want to think about that.

Posted by Dan Connolly at 8:28 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

Luke Scott, one of the Orioles' hottest hitters, was a late scratch from the team's lineup tonight in the series opener against the Oakland A's because of a left shoulder strain.

Scott was expected to be in the lineup as the designated hitter, but instead, Garrett Atkins, who originally wasn't scheduled to play, is in at DH. Ty Wigginton will get the start at first base.

Scott did take batting practice before the game so hopefully that's a sign that his injury isn't serious..

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 6:56 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)
        

Ballyhooed right-hander Chris Tillman will make his 2010 Orioles' debut on Saturday in a start against the Blue Jays in Toronto, according to two Orioles sources.

The Orioles will not confirm Tillman’s promotion, but Orioles manager Dave Trembley said Tuesday that David Hernandez has been moved to the bullpen in anticipation of another starter for Saturday’s game.

“We’ll get a starter from Triple-A for the 29th, which is Saturday," Trembley said. "You guys can do the homework and figure out who that is going to be. I think that will become pretty self-evident the next day or so.”

Tillman, 22, lost the fifth starter competition to Hernandez in the spring, and was demoted to Triple-A Norfolk, where he was 5-4 with a 3.12 ERA. He has allowed more than two runs only once in his past six starts, beginning with a no-hitter on April 28 against Gwinnett.

Tillman pitched 12 games for the Orioles last year, going 2-5 with a 5.40 ERA.

Hernandez was scheduled to start Thursday. Brad Bergesen will pitch that game, with Kevin Millwood remaining on line for Friday and Tillman for Saturday.

The 25-year-old Hernandez is 1-5 with a 5.31 ERA in eight starts. He broke his 11-game personal losing streak on Friday.

Posted by Dan Connolly at 4:37 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)
        

Second baseman Justin Turner, who the Orioles designated for assignment last week to make room on the 40-man roster for infielder Scott Moore, has been claimed by the New York Mets.

It's not a complete surprise with former Orioles executive Wayne Krivsky, who was with the Cincinnati Reds organization with Turner and recommended that the Orioles get him in the Ramon Hernandez deal, now in the Mets' front office.

Also to make room for Frank Mata on the 40-man roster, the Orioles will likely just move reliever Michael Gonzalez from the 15-day disabled list to the 60-day. That would mean that Gonzalez would be eligible to come off the DL on June 9, just like Brian Roberts.

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 1:34 PM | Permalink | Comments (19)
        

Triple-A Norfolk right-hander Jake Arrieta allowed two hits in a scoreless first inning against Rochester this afternoon. He threw 22 pitches.

The significance of this is not that it happened, as Arrieta has thrown plenty of scoreless innings this year. But it probably means that he's not the guy who will get the call on Saturday to start in Toronto.

Arrieta is now through four scoreless innings so I think we can assume that he's definitely not the guy who will start on Saturday. He's allowed three hits and a walk while striking out four, and throwing 64 pitches.

Chris Tillman is the favorite to do that if the club decides to send David Hernandez to the bullpen, which is not a formality by any means.

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 12:32 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)
        

I'm told that Triple-A Norfolk left-hander Alberto Castillo and right-hander Frank Mata will join the club later today as the two roster moves to take the spots of Koji Uehara and Alfredo Simon, who are both headed to the disabled list.

Castillo is 0-0 with a 3.38 ERA in eight games for the Tides, and 1-0 with a 12.79 ERA in nine games with the Orioles. This will be his third stint with the Orioles this season. Castillo could become the main situational lefty if the club decides to use Will Ohman as the closer.

Mata, 26, is 2-1 with a 1.86 ERA and eight saves for Norfolk. Signed in November as a minor league free agent, Mata has never pitched in the big leagues. The Orioles will need to open up a 40-man roster spot for him.

One of the two pitchers summoned to the big leagues today will be the likely candidate to return to the minors on Saturday if the Orioles decide to move David Hernandez to the bullpen and bring up Chris Tillman or Jake Arrieta to take his place in the rotation.

Arrieta is scheduled to pitch in a couple of hours for Norfolk, so unless he is scratched or removed after one or two innings, you can probably take him out of the equation for Saturday's start with the Orioles. There is no way the club would ask him to make his big league debut on three days' rest.

In other news, Triple-A Norfolk outfielder Nolan Reimold will be away from the team for a couple of days after the birth of his first child, a baby girl.

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 9:51 AM | Permalink | Comments (14)
        

As Jeff Zrebiec mentioned, Triple-A Norfolk Tides outfielder Nolan Reimold was placed on the temporary inactive list today because his daughter was born.

To replace Reimold, outfielder Danny Figueroa was promoted from the Double-A Bowie Baysox to Norfolk.

Norfolk Tides (AAA)

Record: (20-26)

Opponent

Rochester Red Wings (12:15 p.m.)

Probable pitchers

Norfolk: Jake Arrieta (4-2, 1.93 ERA)
Rochester: Anthony Swarzak (0-1, 7.00 ERA)

Bowie Baysox (AA)

Record: (22-22)

Opponent

at Harrisburg Senators (7 p.m.)

Probable pitchers

Bowie: Tim Bascom (3-2, 3.11 ERA)
Harrisburg: Andrew Kown (0-0, 1.69 ERA)

Frederick Keys (A)

Record: (26-19)

Opponent

at Wilmington Blue Rocks (6:35 p.m.)

Probable pitchers

Frederick: Oliver Drake (0-1, 5.84 ERA)
Wilmington: Ivor Hodgson (2-3, 6.75 ERA)

Delmarva Shorebirds (A)

Record: (20-25)

Opponent

at Hickory Crawdads (7 p.m.)

Probable pitchers

Delmarva: Kenny Moreland (2-2, 5.22 ERA with Frederick this season)
Hickory: Neil Ramirez (4-3, 6.00 ERA)

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 8:30 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

The Triple-A Norfolk Tides picked up a one-run victory over the Rochester Red Wings, and the Double-A Bowie Baysox outlasted the Harrisburg Senators in a marathon. The Single-A Frederick Keys fell to the Wilmington Blue Rocks, while the Single-A Delmarva Shorebirds defeated the Hickory Crawdads.

Mychal Givens, the Orioles' second-round pick in the 2009 MLB draft, was assigned to Delmarva on Monday. He didn't play in the team's game against Hickory, however.

In order to make room for Givens with the Shorebirds, infielder Tyler Kolodny was transferred to the roster of the short-season Single-A Aberdeen IronBirds.

Also, there were four transactions for the Tides on Monday.

The team officially added left-hander Alberto Castillo back to the roster from the Orioles, and right-hander Jim Miller was added to Norfolk from Aberdeen.

Tides first baseman Michael Aubrey was placed on the disabled list, retroactive to May 23, with a right hip flexor injury, while right-hander Ross Wolf was transferred to Aberdeen.

Wolf, who is 0-2 with a 2.70 ERA in 15 appearances for Norfolk this season, is believed to be one of the relief pitchers under consideration to join the Orioles' bullpen if Koji Uehara or Alfredo Simon (or both) are placed on the disabled list Tuesday. Castillo's name has also been mentioned in the discussion.

Norfolk Tides (AAA)

Score: Norfolk Tides 2, Rochester Red Wings 1 (Box score)

Recap: Starting pitcher Chris Tillman (5-4) held Rochester to one run and eight hits in six innings as the Tides grabbed a 2-1 victory at Harbor Park.

Tillman struck out seven batters and issued one walk, throwing 78 of his 117 pitches for strikes.

Norfolk third baseman Josh Bell was 2-for-4 with a double and an RBI, and left fielder Jeff Salazar added a double and a run scored. Salazar also threw out a runner at home plate to preserve the one-run lead in the eighth inning.

Tides relief pitcher Armando Gabino tossed three scoreless innings for his first save of the season.

Designated hitter Nolan Reimold was 0-for-4 with a strikeout for Norfolk. In 10 games since his demotion, the 26-year-old outfielder is 3-for-34 (.088) with one home run and two RBIs.

Bowie Baysox (AA)

Score: Bowie Baysox 7, Harrisburg Senators 3, 15 innings (Box score)

Recap: Catcher Caleb Joseph was 2-for-7 with a double and three RBIs as the Baysox captured a 7-3 victory in 15 innings over Harrisburg.

The matchup lasted 4 hours and 43 minutes.

Baysox center fielder Matt Angle hit a solo home run to start the game, and second baseman Ryan Adams also added a solo shot.

Bowie infielder Brandon Waring struck out four times in the game, but he also contributed two RBIs, while right fielder Jonathan Tucker collected two hits, two stolen bases, two runs scored and three walks.

Closer Pedro Beato (2-0) suffered his second blown save of the season after allowing one run and two hits in one inning for Bowie, but he was also the winning pitcher.

Starting pitcher Ryohei Tanaka allowed two runs and seven hits in six innings for the Baysox. He struck out three batters and issued two walks.

Frederick Keys (A)

Score: Wilmington Blue Rocks 3, Frederick Keys 1 (Box score)

Recap: Second baseman Miguel Abreu was 2-for-4, but the Keys couldn't get anything else going offensively in a 3-1 loss to Wilmington.

Frederick first baseman Joe Mahoney was 1-for-2 with an RBI before leaving the game in the fifth inning, and center fielder Xavier Avery added a stolen base and a run scored.

Keys starting pitcher Nathan Nery (3-4) gave up three runs and five hits in six innings. Nery collected two strikeouts, issued three walks and hit a batter.

Delmarva Shorebirds (A)

Score: Delmarva Shorebirds 4, Hickory Crawdads 3 (Box score)

Recap: Center fielder Steve Bumbry was 3-for-4 with a double and a stolen base as the Shorebirds edged Hickory for a 4-3 victory.

Delmarva first baseman Tyler Stampone was 2-for-4 with a run scored, and second baseman Gary Helmick added a single and two RBIs.

Shorebirds starting pitcher Jesse Beal (4-2) gave up three runs and eight hits in six innings, and relief pitcher Josh Dowdy picked up his fifth save of the season after tossing a perfect ninth.

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 4:30 AM | Permalink | Comments (4)
        

it certainly looks like Triple-A Norfolk right-hander Frank Mata will be one of the two players the Orioles add when they put relievers Koji Uehara and Alfredo Simon on the disabled list.

Mata was "unavailable" for Norfolk tonight in a save situation in the Tides' 2-1 victory. That's interesting because Mata is the Tides' closer, and the team's best reliever and he hadn't pitched in a couple of days. He's also not injured. All that probably means that he'll join the Orioles tomorrow, but perhaps I'm jumping to conclusions.

As for the other moves, we'll obviously know more tomorrow. If Jake Arrieta is scratched from his afternoon start for Norfolk or pulled after one or two innings, I think we can assume that he'll join the Orioles in time to make Saturday's start. That will also mean that David Hernandez is headed to the bullpen, where he could close before too long.

Fellow prospect Chris Tillman allowed one run over six innings tonight for the Tides, lowering his ERA to 3.12. Assuming the Orioles continue with their plan of inserting Hernandez in the bullpen, Tillman would be in line to start Saturday if Oriole officials deem him more ready for the assignment than Arrieta. It also helps that Tillman is on the 40-man roster.

But in probably wouldn't make sense to promote Tillman until Saturday. That still makes it likely that another reliever will join Mata on the way to Baltimore tomorrow. Could it be Alberto Castillo who could become the situational lefty with Ohman inheriting the closer role?

As I said, we'll know more tomorrow.

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 11:02 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)
        

Orioles designated hitter Luke Scott spent his day off Monday partaking in one of his favorite hobbies: fishing.

Scott took to the Chesapeake Bay with Greg Shute of Annapolis and Shute's 9-year-old son, Brennan. The two were the winners of the World Fishing Network's "Fish with Luke Scott" contest and got to see Scott haul in a 10-pound, 28-inch rockfish, the biggest catch of the day.

Photo by Ned Dishman: From left, Greg Shute, his son, Brennan Shute, and Orioles designated hitter Luke Scott show off a 10-pound, 28-inch rockfish.

Posted by Baltimore Sun sports at 7:42 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)
        

Orioles president of baseball operations Andy MacPhail and principal owner Peter Angelos met today to discuss the floundering team and its major-league-worst 14-31 record.

Those discussions are becoming a more common occurrence, something MacPhail joked doesn’t suit either man.

“He’s gotten a larger dose of me than I think he wants,” MacPhail said. “He’s gotten a heavy dose of me recently, but, obviously, he is more likely to see me when things aren’t going well than when things go along as planned.”

MacPhail would not reveal specifics, but the topic of manager Dave Trembley’s job security surely was on the agenda. Trembley’s job still isn’t safe, but he survived Monday’s off day, which seemed like it would be a logical time for him to be replaced if that decision already had been made.

When asked about Trembley on Monday afternoon, MacPhail said basically what he has said in the past, that his focus right now is on roster construction and not his manager.

“We are still working through player personnel issues, which have increased based on our injury issues Sunday,” MacPhail said.

The Orioles are expected to place reliever Koji Uehara (strained right elbow) on the disabled list Tuesday. They also could do the same thing with closer Alfredo Simon, who strained his left hamstring running to cover first base in Sunday’s 10th inning.

MacPhail said the club is looking at every potential option to improve the beleaguered bullpen. That presumably would include promoting relievers such as Frank Mata, Kam Mickolio, Dennis Sarfate and Alberto Castillo from Triple-A Norfolk. Also, the club could move starter David Hernandez to the bullpen while calling up prospects Chris Tillman or Jake Arrieta to take Hernandez’s place in the rotation.

Tillman and Arrieta almost certainly would not be called up to pitch in relief, however.

Posted by Dan Connolly at 5:05 PM | Permalink | Comments (14)
        

While much of today's fan attention is on the status of embattled manager Dave Trembley and whether he still has a job come tomorrow (it seems he will), it appears that the front office's focus is on getting a healthy 25-man roster.

Koji Uehara (right elbow strain) and Alfredo Simon (strained left hamstring) are both expected to be placed on the disabled list tomorrow, leaving two vacancies in the bullpen. I still think one of them will be filled by starter David Hernandez, whose next scheduled start on Thursday at home against the Oakland A's could be skipped and given to Brad Bergesen, who would be on regular rest for that start.

Because of today's off day, the Orioles won't need a fifth starter until Saturday against the Toronto Blue Jays. I'm hearing that no final decisions have been made so this is part informed speculation, but I think that Chris Tillman or Jake Arrieta will make that start on Saturday in Toronto. Again, nothing has been decided, but I think Tillman has the upper hand because he is on the 40-man roster, and he pitches tonight against Triple-A Rochester, meaning that he'd be on regular rest. Arrieta, on the other hand, pitches tomorrow night, and the Orioles aren't going to have one of their top pitching prospects make his big league debut on three days' rest. There is always the possibility that the team scratches Arrieta tomorrow night, which will take all the drama out of the decision.

Anyway, there is still is the matter of filling the two roster spots tomorrow with Uehara and Simon headed to the disabled list. The Orioles could recall Alberto Castillo, who wouldn't need to stay down in Triple-A for 10 days because it's an injury situation. Other options include Ross Wolf, Dennis Sarfate, Frank Mata and Armando Gabino. Mata, the Tides' closer, is probably throwing the ball the best, but he, like the rest of the candidates other than Castillo, would need to be added to the 40-man roster. Kam Mickolio also wouldn't need to be added as he's on the 40-man, but he has a 7-plus ERA and some recent back issues, so I'd think he's a long shot.

Either way, one of the pitchers added tomorrow could be returned back to Triple-A on Saturday to make room for Tillman or Arrieta.

Stay tuned. It could be an interesting couple of days.

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 2:01 PM | Permalink | Comments (13)
        

I’ve been covering the Orioles for 10 seasons. This is the fourth time I have had a thermometer out to test a manager’s hot seat.

My stance has been pretty consistent throughout – you can pay the money and look at the archives if you don’t believe me.

I try not to speculate too much on a manager’s job security. It’s a man’s livelihood we are talking about. And, for the most part, the men I have dealt with in this position are good people who don’t deserve public hangings.

I also have had difficulty gauging the ability of recent Orioles’ managers considering the rosters they have had to work with compared to those of their rivals. There are certain things a manager can control during a game – lineup and bullpen choices, etc.

But, believe me, the biggest impact a manager makes is before and after the games, dealing with the players, handling the egos and putting out personality fires. No manager is liked by all 25 players all the time. There will always be grousing, even on winning teams (or so I have heard. Can’t say that one from experience).

So I gauge whether a manager needs to go based on the level of discontent in the clubhouse and whether that is affecting overall play. For me, that’s easier and more reliable than speculating about a game’s outcome if the manager had stuck with his lefty in the seventh.

Dave Trembley is not beloved by every current Oriole. Far from it. But he’s also not being blamed – publicly or privately -- within the clubhouse. On the record, his players keep defending him, and that’s not what usually happens when a manager has lost his clubhouse.

I can remember the exact moment when it became apparent that Sam Perlozzo and Lee Mazzilli lost their clubhouses. The same can be said for Ray Miller (though I got that story second-hand). When key players stop defending the manager, or stop taking responsibility for their own mistakes, the gig is usually up.

And it’s not at that level with the Orioles yet, despite baseball's worst record. Any finger-pointing is being aimed at fellow players or the roster construction or the rampant injuries. But not the manager.

Now some may argue that the players are still defending Trembley because a change could disrupt their comfortable routines. There is some merit there, but Perlozzo and Mazzilli weren’t exactly taskmasters, either, and players didn’t refrain from tossing them to the wolves.

The bottom line is that I don’t think the reincarnation of Casey Stengel fixes this mess for this year. But maybe a manager can make chicken salad here. I want to know your opinion. But a “fire Trembley” does not suffice. So don’t waste your fingers on that one.

If you want Trembley gone, then you need to tell me who should replace him and why. We are a thinking man’s (and woman’s) tavern here.

Daily Think Special: Can a manager fix this mess? If so, tell me who and why.

Posted by Dan Connolly at 11:51 AM | Permalink | Comments (129)
Categories: Connolly's Corner Sports Bar
        

Norfolk Tides (AAA)

Record: (19-26)

Opponent

Rochester Red Wings (7:15 p.m.)

Probable pitchers

Norfolk: Chris Tillman (4-4, 3.31 ERA)
Rochester: Deolis Guerra (0-1, 7.20 ERA)

Bowie Baysox (AA)

Record: (21-22)

Opponent

at Harrisburg Senators (7 p.m.)

Probable pitchers

Bowie: Ryohei Tanaka (3-4, 3.69 ERA)
Harrisburg: Brad Meyers (1-0, 0.00 ERA)

Frederick Keys (A)

Record: (26-18)

Opponent

at Wilmington Blue Rocks (6:35 p.m.)

Probable pitchers

Frederick: Nathan Nery (3-3, 3.86 ERA)
Wilmington: Alex Caldera (3-2, 2.89 ERA)

Delmarva Shorebirds (A)

Record: (19-25)

Opponent

at Hickory Crawdads (7 p.m.)

Probable pitchers

Delmarva: Jesse Beal (3-2, 3.44 ERA)
Hickory: Matt Thompson (4-1, 2.70 ERA)

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 10:30 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

First, I wanted to apologize for the lack of minor league updates over the past couple days. I had some technical issues with my laptop, but the problem seems to be solved -- hopefully.

One of these days I'll invest in a new computer.

The Triple-A Norfolk Tides fell to the Rochester Red Wings today, while the Double-A Bowie Baysox topped the New Hampshire Fisher Cats. The Single-A Frederick Keys were edged by the Kinston Indians in extra innings, and the Single-A Delmarva Shorebirds lost to the Hagerstown Suns.

Also, there have been a series of roster moves over the past few days in the organization.

Here are the final landing spots for players involved in the moves:

UTIL Miguel Abreu -- Demoted to Frederick from Bowie
RHP Ryan Berry -- Promoted to Frederick from Delmarva
RHP Zach Clark -- Transferred to Aberdeen from Bowie
RHP Jake Cowan -- Placed on disabled list at Delmarva
UTIL Paco Figueroa -- Added to roster at Norfolk
LHP Chris George -- Activated from disabled list at Norfolk
IF Mike Mooney -- Promoted to Frederick from Delmarva
RHP Kenny Moreland -- Transferred from Frederick to Delmarva
RHP Luis Noel -- Added to Delmarva from extended spring training
RHP Ryan Ouellette -- Added to roster at Bowie
OF Kieron Pope -- Activated from disabled list at Delmarva
IF Carlos Rojas -- Added to roster at Bowie

Clark spent a couple days with the Shorebirds over the weekend, tossing two scoreless innings against the Hagerstown Suns on Saturday. He made 11 appearances for Bowie earlier this year, going 1-0 with a 1.65 ERA and one save in 27 1/3 innings.

Right-hander Patrick Kantakevich tossed six scoreless frames of relief for Delmarva in the 15-inning victory at Arthur W. Perdue Stadium on Saturday, but he was also transferred back to Aberdeen.

Norfolk Tides (AAA)

Score: Rochester Red Wings 8, Norfolk Tides 4 (Box score)

Recap: Starting pitcher Brandon Erbe (0-8) is still searching for his first victory of the 2010 season as the Tides suffered an 8-4 loss to Rochester at Harbor Park.

Erbe allowed five runs and seven hits in two innings. The 22-year-old right-hander has a 6.80 ERA in nine starts and he has only made it through six innings three times this year.

Norfolk first baseman Brandon Snyder was 2-for-4 with a double and two RBIs, and third baseman Josh Bell added two hits and a run scored.

Tides left fielder Jeff Salazar hit a solo home run in the seventh inning, and designated hitter Rhyne Hughes was 1-for-3 with an RBI and a run scored.

Second baseman Paco Figueroa was 2-for-4 with a walk for Norfolk.

Bowie Baysox (AA)

Score: Bowie Baysox 7, New Hampshire Fisher Cats 2 (Box score)

Recap: Shortstop Pedro Florimon Jr. hit a grand slam with two outs in the bottom of the eighth as the Baysox topped New Hampshire, 7-2, at Prince George's Stadium.

Bowie first baseman Brandon Waring and catcher Steven Lerud each added a solo home run, while second baseman Carlos Rojas was 2-for-5 with an RBI.

Baysox starting pitcher Chorye Spoone held the Fisher Cats to two runs and four hits in six innings, and relief pitcher Pat Egan (4-1) earned the win after tossing two scoreless frames.

Center fielder Matt Angle collected two hits and a run scored for the Baysox.

Former Orioles starting pitcher Adam Loewen walked as a pinch-hitter in his only at-bat in the top of the ninth for the Fisher Cats. In the three-game series, Loewen was 1-for-9 with four strikeouts.

Frederick Keys (A)

Score: Kinston Indians 2, Frederick Keys 1, 12 innings (Box score)

Recap: Center fielder Kyle Hudson was 3-for-5 with a double and two stolen bases, but the Keys came up short in a 2-1 loss to Kinston in 12 innings at Harry Grove Stadium.

Frederick starting pitcher Ryan O'Shea gave up one run and six hits in five innings. The 23-year-old right-hander walked five batters and collected two strikeouts.

Relief pitcher Cole McCurry held Kinston to one hit and one walk in six scoreless innings for the Keys, while Sean Gleason (1-1) allowed an unearned run and two hits after making a fielding error.

Delmarva Shorebirds (A)

Score: Hagerstown Suns 6, Delmarva Shorebirds 3 (Box score)

Recap: Delmarva couldn't recover from five errors in a 6-3 loss to Hagerstown at Arthur W. Perdue Stadium.

Shorebirds shortstop Garabez Rosa made his 18th and 19th defensive miscues of the season, while catcher Jason Stifler was also charged with an error.

Rosa committed seven errors in the five-game series with Hagerstown. The 20-year-old infielder has made at least one defensive miscue in each of the Shorebirds' past eight games and he has 10 errors overall during that stretch.

Delmarva starting pitcher Matt Hobgood (2-4) was charged with six runs (three earned), five hits and four walks in 4 2/3 innings. He also committed two of the errors, hit a batter and threw a wild pitch.

Right fielder Brian Conley collected two hits for Delmarva, while second baseman Gary Helmick and third baseman Tyler Kelly each added an RBI.

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 6:33 PM | Permalink | Comments (8)
        

If and when Koji Uehara lands on the disabled list, the Orioles have to decide who replaces him in the bullpen. The answer could be David Hernandez, who allowed just one hit and run in his first win of the season Friday.

But Hernandez (1-5, 5.331 ERA) has pitched six innings or more just twice in eight starts and could be moved to the bullpen to give the club another pitcher who can throw multiple innings.

That would allow the Orioles to recall either Chris Tillman (4-4, 3.31 ERA) or Jake Arrieta (4-2, 1.93 ERA) from Triple-A Norfolk and insert one into Hernandez’s spot.

The Orioles aren't tipping their hand yet.

“We know what the possibilities are, but to be very honest with you, I couldn’t tell you what we are going to do,” Trembley said. “I know this, what you don’t need is another guy in the bullpen that throws one inning. That’s what you don’t need. You need somebody that can give you multiple innings.”

Hernandez's next start is scheduled for Thursday against the Oakland A's at home.

Posted by Dan Connolly at 3:02 PM | Permalink | Comments (22)
        

Right-hander Koji Uehara, who has experienced soreness in his elbow, saw team doctor John Wilckens this morning and has been diagnosed with a flexor-pronator strain in his right forearm.

He is unavailable today and will be re-examined Tuesday by Wilckens, Uehara said through interpreter Jiwon Bang.

An MRI has not been scheduled, but the injury is a common one that has landed other big-league relievers on the disabled list in the past. Uehara said “we haven’t talked about” another disabled list stint, though that looks exceedingly likely for the 35-year-old right-hander.

It would be the fourth time Uehara has been placed on the DL since signing a two-year, $10 million deal before the 2009 season. He was limited to 12 starts last season due to injuries and didn’t join the Orioles until May 6 due to a strained hamstring that he injured in mid-March.

Uehara has made six appearances for the Orioles this season, posting a 1.80 ERA in five innings. He has made 18 appearances for the team since 2009.

“I don’t know what to say, except I feel terrible,” Uehara said.

Posted by Dan Connolly at 12:13 PM | Permalink | Comments (11)
        

Orioles manager Dave Trembley revealed following the Orioles' 7-6 loss to the Washington Nationals today that Koji Uehara is no longer dealing with fatigue following his 30-pitch outing on Wednesday. His elbow is hurt again.

If you recall, Uehara didn't pitch the last 3 1/2 months of last season because of a partially torn flexor tendon in his right elbow. He says the pain he's experiencing now is in the same spot.

"The bad part is gone, so hopefully I'll be able to recover soon," Uehara said through translator, Jiwon Bang.

The pitcher said that they'll make a decision tomorrow, but I'm guessing the Orioles will have to make a roster move before tomorrow's series finale, and he'll be back on the disabled list.

Asked if it seems like it's been one thing after another for him, Uehara made an interesting remark, which he didn't elaborate on.

"Everything has been my fault," he said.

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 7:57 PM | Permalink | Comments (23)
        

Now, I've seen it all.

Orioles center fielder Adam Jones just gave the Orioles a 4-2 lead with a two-run, inside-the-park homer in the top of the fourth inning. It was the Orioles' first inside-the-park homer since David Newhan connected for one on July 21, 2004 against the Boston Red Sox's Pedro Martinez at Fenway Park.

It also wasn't your typical inside-the-park homer as Washington Nationals' center fielder Nyjer Morgan thought he had knocked the ball over the fence, and he slammed in glove in disgust. The problem was the ball popped out of his glove and was still rolling behind him when he was throwing his temper tantrum. Nationals left fielder Josh Willingham came over, retrieved the ball and threw it back in, but Jones slid in home safely for his second homer in as many days.

Morgan, who was booed soundly by the crowd, did just get a single to give the Nationals men on first and third with two outs, and Cristian Guzman followed with an RBI single to cut the Orioles' lead to 4-3.

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 5:15 PM | Permalink | Comments (10)
        

Orioles manager Dave Trembley was waiting to consult with his pitching coach Rick Kranitz before determining whether Koji Uehara is available tonight. Uehara hasn't pitched since he appeared to run out of gas during his 30-pitch outing on Wednesday, and he spent much of pregame today in the training room.

Trembley, who already has Jason Berken unavailable in the pain after he threw 75 pitches on Thursday and Cla Meredith unavailable as he's pitched three straight days, admitted that Uehara's status has become a concern.

"That was the reason why it was conveyed to me [that] it wasn’t in his best interest to be a starter anymore," Trembley said. "Once he got past 50 pitches, it took a toll on his arm. You look at him the third day now. He didn’t pick up a ball yesterday, he didn’t even play catch yesterday. Like I said, I’m anxious to see how he responds."

Center fielder Adam Jones (leg cramps) and Matt Wieters (bruise on right knee) have returned to the lineup after a one-day absence.

Trembley shuffled the lineup slightly, moving Miguel Tejada from the fourth spot to third and inserting Luke Scott as his cleanup hitter. Nick Markakis is batting second and Ty Wiginton is hitting fifth.

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 3:44 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)
        

I don’t want to take anything away from a solid performance from David Hernandez last night and his first win since last August, but the performance only reaffirmed my belief that the hard-throwing right-hander’s best role is in the bullpen. In 27 career starts, Hernandez has only pitched six complete innings 10 times, and he still struggles to establish all his pitches and maintain his command through the course of the game, evidenced by the five walks last night. Putting him in the bullpen would serve numerous purposes, including allowing Chris Tillman or Jake Arrieta, who are both pitching well at Triple-A Norfolk, to join the rotation. It could also significantly upgrade the bridge to the back-end of the bullpen, and give manager Dave Trembley one more reliever capable of a multi-inning outing. Plus, I think Hernandez and his mid 90’s fastball would be way more effective one time through the lineup.

Speaking of the bullpen, a lot of people have asked what’s going to happen in the closer spot when Michael Gonzalez comes off the disabled list, which is likely before the end of the month. Trembley hasn’t really addressed the question, saying he just wants Gonzalez to be healthy and build up his arm strength before determining his role. But I have a very hard time believing that they’d throw the left-hander right back into the ninth inning. I would think they’d use him in less stressful situations until he shows he can consistently get big-league hitters out. He did sign a two-year, $12 million deal so I’m sure the Orioles want him back in the ninth inning at some point, but he has something to prove before that happens.

I think it has been fair to question Trembley and pitching coach Rick Kranitz’s usage of reliever Matt Albers in several games this season. However, I don’t think last night was one of those times. Jason Berken was unavailable and probably will be again today after pitching in back-to-back games, including a 75-pitch, 4 1/3 inning outing on Thursday. Because of Berken’s situation, you want to stay off your other long man, Mark Hendrickson, in case a starter is knocked out early the next two days. Koji Uehara was also unavailable, still recuperating from Wednesday’s 30-pitch outing. Cla Meredith had pitched on back-to-back days, though Trembley had to use him a third straight day anyway. Will Ohman, who has had elbow and shoulder problems in the past, already leads the A.L. in appearances, and it’s simply unfair and dangerous to ask him to pitch a full inning every time he goes out there. So if you’re saving Alfredo Simon for the ninth inning, Albers was the only option last night.

The team on the field at the end of last night game was a battery of Craig Tatum and Alfredo Simon, an infield of Scott Moore, Julio Lugo, Cesar Izturis and Miguel Tejada, and an outfield of Lou Montanez, Corey Patterson and Nick Markakis. Four of those players (Simon, Moore, Montanez and Patterson) started their seasons with Triple-A Norfolk. One of them (Lugo) wasn’t even in the organization until a week before spring training ended, and another (Tatum) was given absolutely no shot to make the club.

With Monday’s off day looming, there has been plenty of speculation, including some in this very space, that Trembley’s tenure as Orioles’ manager could be nearing an end. I obviously am aware that the patience of some key members of the organization is wearing thin with the team’s play, and something will have to change sooner rather than later. That goes without saying when you have the record that the Orioles have. But Andy MacPhail has been consistent in saying that the organization’s focus is on improving the roster, not bringing in a new manager, and he did spent basically the entire week, watching his Triple-A club and not hovering over the shoulder of his beleaguered manager. Angelos has stayed out of it to this point, leaving MacPhail to make the call. Obviously, there is some thought from people who have been around the club for a while that a losing weekend against the Nationals would spur Angelos to demand a change. But what happens if they win the series? What happens if they sweep? Does it even matter at this point because the decision has already been made? MacPhail and Angelos are keeping the answers to those questions very close to their vests, and while I obviously wouldn’t be at all surprised to see a change made any day now, I don’t think it’s necessarily a formality either.

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 11:20 AM | Permalink | Comments (27)
        

David Hernandez knew he had to perform well on Friday night against the Washington Nationals to save his rotation spot.

Chris Tillman and Jake Arrieta are banging on the rotation door from down in Norfolk. And, heading into Friday, Hernandez hadn’t won since last August.

We saw the good and bad of Hernandez against the Nats. He was nearly unhittable. In fact, he was unhittable against actual hitters. The only hit he allowed in 5 1/3 innings was to reliever Miguel Batista.

But he lasted only 5 1/3 because Hernandez walked five batters and pushed his pitch count up to 105. And he only threw 59 strikes.

Hernandez has a mid-90s fastball and a solid changeup. But he needs to throw strikes consistently. That inability is what has his ERA at 5.31 this season.

There is a contingent that wants Hernandez to be moved into the bullpen and for the club to promote Tillman or Arrieta. I think that’s eventually what will happen.

But the Orioles would prefer to have Hernandez, only 25, pitch well as a starter while Tillman and Arrieta keep honing their craft in the minors. The hope is that three quality starters emerge from the logjam and not one/two and one middle reliever.

I asked manager Dave Trembley Friday night if Hernandez did what he needed to keep his spot. Trembley’s response: “He helped his cause tremendously.”

Now I am asking you.

Daily Think Special: Did David Hernandez do enough Friday to keep his rotation spot?

Posted by Dan Connolly at 11:52 PM | Permalink | Comments (24)
Categories: Connolly's Corner Sports Bar
        

It was going to happen sometime.

It happened in the fifth. Right after I filed my last blog.

And it evaporated with a pitcher.

With two outs in the fifth, Miguel Batista singled up the middle to end Hernandez's bid at a no-hitter.

Hernandez recorded the next out, so he's taking a one-hitter (with three walks) into the sixth inning.

By the way, center fielder Adam Jones didn't come back out in the fourth due to leg cramps. Lou Montanez replaced him in the lineup and Corey Patterson moved from left to center.

Posted by Dan Connolly at 8:51 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
        

David Hernandez hadn’t pitched since May 11. Maybe he should do the 10-day rest thing more often.

Hernandez, who has lost his last 11 decisions, is in position to get his first win of 2010 with the Orioles up 4-0 to start the bottom of the fifth.

He could get even more than just a win, but let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Hernandez has allowed just three baserunners through four innings against the Nationals and all have reached via the walk.

I am an old school non-jinxer, so I’ll let you figure that one out on your own.

Hernandez has already thrown 78 pitches, though, so he is not going nine innings here. He might not go six.

Regardless, he has pitched well – and that might have bought him more time in the rotation.

When I asked Dave Trembley in the pre-game conference about the importance of this start for Hernandez, considering how well Chris Tillman and Jake Arrieta are pitching in Triple-A, he said simply: “It speaks for itself.”

Posted by Dan Connolly at 8:49 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)
        

The Orioles need to take someone off their 40-man roster to make room for Scott Moore, who will join the club today in Washington.

And, though it might come as a bit of a surprise, expect it to be infielder Justin Turner.

Nothing is official. It won’t be until later today.

But it looks like the odd man out is Turner, the 25-year-old infielder who was hitless in nine at-bats for the Orioles in five games this year. He has three hits in 31 at-bats in two seasons with the Orioles.

Turner was sent down to Norfolk when Rhyne Hughes came up to the majors on April 24. He has batted .250 with one homer, eight RBIs, two steals and 11 runs scored in 84 at-bats in 2010 with the Tides.

The Orioles will have 10 days to trade, place on waivers or outright release Turner. If they put him on waivers and he isn’t claimed, he can’t refuse an assignment back with the Tides.

The club acquired Turner in their December 2008 deal with the Cincinnati Reds in which they traded Ramon Hernandez for Turner, Ryan Freel and Brandon Waring.

Posted by Dan Connolly at 1:12 PM | Permalink | Comments (8)
        

Scott Moore will be making his first appearance with the Orioles this weekend since he spent four games with the club in 2008.

Moore can play just about everywhere. He has played every infield position in a game – except catcher – in the past couple years. And he even played in the outfield once for the Orioles in 2007.

Assuming you want to give him some regular at-bats – the guy does have some pop – where do you play him?

Do you put him at first base regularly, or at least after interleague play ends and Luke Scott can go back to DH?

Do you put him at second and move Ty Wigginton to first base?

Do you put him at shortstop and give Cesar Izturis a mental break so he can concentrate on his problems at the plate?

Or is Moore simply a bench guy and it doesn’t matter when or where you play him?

Since he is up, I think he should get regular at-bats somewhere so the Orioles know once and for all what they have in Moore: A late bloomer who hasn’t been able to stay healthy or a quad-A guy who will never be a consistent major leaguer.

Daily Think Special: What do you do with Scott Moore?

Posted by Dan Connolly at 11:14 AM | Permalink | Comments (19)
Categories: Connolly's Corner Sports Bar
        

If you're looking to catch a game tonight and don't feel like driving to Washington D.C. to watch the Orioles face the Nationals, I'd highly recommend making the trip to Prince George's Stadium in Bowie.

The Double-A Bowie Baysox take on the New Hampshire Fisher Cats in former Orioles first-round pick Adam Loewen's return to the area. He's also playing a different position than he did with the Orioles, in case you weren't aware of his switch to become an outfielder.

If that's not enough, the pitching matchup is Baysox left-hander Zach Britton against Fisher Cats right-hander Kyle Drabek, the son of former Orioles right-hander Doug Drabek. Both are top 100 prospects.

Norfolk Tides (AAA)

Record: (18-24)

Opponent

Pawtucket Red Sox (7:15 p.m.)

Probable pitchers

Norfolk: Chris George (1-1, 4.50 ERA)
Pawtucket: Adam Mills (1-3, 4.25 ERA)

Bowie Baysox (AA)

Record: (19-21)

Opponent

New Hampshire Fisher Cats (7:05 p.m.)

Probable pitchers

Bowie: Zach Britton (2-3, 4.24 ERA)
New Hampshire: Kyle Drabek (5-3, 3.06 ERA)

Frederick Keys (A)

Record: (25-16)

Opponent

Kinston Indians (7 p.m.)

Probable pitchers

Frederick: Rick Zagone (1-4, 3.24 ERA)
Kinston: Nick Hagadone (0-3, 2.76 ERA)

Delmarva Shorebirds (A)

Record: (18-22)

Opponent

Doubleheader vs. Hagerstown Suns (5:30 p.m.)

Game 1: Probable pitchers

Delmarva: TBA
Hagerstown: TBA

Game 2: Probable pitchers

Delmarva: TBA
Hagerstown: TBA

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 10:30 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

Well, it appears that you will get him.

I'm hearing that Triple-A Norfolk infielder Scott Moore, and not first baseman Michael Aubrey, will likely join the club tomorrow night in Washington.

The Orioles are looking for a little more versatility, and Moore provides it with his ability to play first base, second base, third base and a little shortstop.

Moore is batting .267 with five homers and 20 RBIs in 33 games for the Tides.

A career .235 hitter over parts of three major league seasons, Moore played 17 games with the Orioles in 2007 and four in 2008.

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 10:15 PM | Permalink | Comments (19)
        

The Triple-A Norfolk Tides routed the Pawtucket Red Sox, and the Double-A Bowie Baysox beat the Binghamton Mets. The Single-A Frederick Keys lost to the Potomac Nationals, while the Single-A Delmarva Shorebirds were beaten by the Hagerstown Suns.

Earlier today, the Keys placed infielders L.J. Hoes and Greg Miclat on the disabled list. Hoes' move is retroactive to May 18.

As I told you earlier, Miclat injured his ankle sliding into second base last night. Hoes has been battling strep throat and hasn't played since May 15.

Norfolk Tides (AAA)

Score: Norfolk Tides 8, Pawtucket Red Sox 1 (Box score)

Recap: Starting pitcher Jake Arrieta (4-2) struck out 10 batters in seven scoreless innings as the Tides cruised to an 8-1 win over Pawtucket at Harbor Park.

Arrieta allowed four hits and issued two walks, throwing 75 of his 111 pitches for strikes.

Norfolk second baseman Scott Moore was 2-for-3 with a double, three RBIs and a run scored, while designated hitter Brandon Snyder also had two hits and three RBIs.

Shortstop Robert Andino hit a solo home run and scored twice for the Tides, and right fielder Jeff Salazar added two hits and an RBI.

Tides left fielder Nolan Reimold was 0-for-3 with a walk and a run scored. In seven games since being demoted, Reimold is 2-for-22 (.091) with one home run and two RBIs.

Bowie Baysox (AA)

Score: Bowie Baysox 8, Binghamton Mets 4 (Box score)

Recap: Designated hitter Joel Guzman had a double and three RBIs as the Baysox topped Binghamton, 8-4, in the series finale.

Bowie catcher Caleb Joseph and first baseman Robbie Widlansky each collected three hits, while center fielder Matt Angle was 2-for-5 with a stolen base, two runs scored and an outfield assist.

Baysox starting pitcher Tim Bascom (3-2) allowed four runs (two earned) and seven hits in five innings, and relief pitcher Mike Hinckley tossed two scoreless frames in his season debut.

Shortstop Pedro Florimon Jr. committed his 12th error for Bowie.

Frederick Keys (A)

Score: Potomac Nationals 7, Frederick Keys 5 (Box score)

Recap: First baseman Joe Mahoney was 2-for-4 with a double and three RBIs, but the Keys failed to sweep Potomac in a 7-5 loss at Harry Grove Stadium.

Frederick shortstop Bobby Stevens was 2-for-3 with a home run and two RBIs, and center fielder Xavier Avery added a single, a stolen base and a run scored.

Keys starting pitcher Oliver Drake (0-1) suffered the loss after giving up five runs (four earned), six hits and four walks in 3 2/3 innings.

Delmarva Shorebirds (A)

Score: Hagerstown Suns 10, Delmarva Shorebirds 6 (Box score)

Recap: Catcher Michael Ohlman hit his first professional home run and knocked in two RBIs, but the Shorebirds dropped a 10-6 decision to Hagerstown at Arthur W. Perdue Stadium.

Delmarva designated hitter Tyler Kelly contributed three hits and an RBI, while right fielder Brian Conley and third baseman Tyler Kolodny each added two hits, an RBI and a run scored.

Defensively, it was ugly for Delmarva.

Kolodny committed his 12th and 13th errors in the game, while shortstop Garabez Rosa matched him with his 13th defensive miscue this season.

Starting pitcher Tony Butler (1-4) was charged with eight runs (six earned) and nine hits in 3 2/3 innings for the Shorebirds.

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 10:10 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
        

Everyone has been calling for Jason Berken, but I assume they didn't want to see him under these circumstances.

Brian Matusz was just knocked out of the game before four complete innings for the second time in a span of three starts.

In the worst and shortest start of his career, Matusz allowed seven earned runs on eight hits, including two homers, and a walk in just 2 1/3 innings. That leaves his ERA at 5.26.

The Orioles trail 7-3 heading into the fourth inning.

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 9:23 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
        

It was another bad display of baseball in the first inning for the Orioles, who fell behind 4-0, but just got three runs back in the top of the second.

In the top of the first inning, they loaded the bases on Scott Feldman, who allowed a one-out single to Ty Wigginton, a one-out walk to Nick Markakis and then a two-out walk to Luke Scott. He was clearly searching for his command, and his pitch count was already at 24 when Matt Wieters stepped to the plate.

So what does Wieters do? He swings at the first pitch, a 90 mph fastball that was pretty much neck high, and grounds weakly to first. Inning over.

The Rangers then sent nine batters to the plate in the bottom of the first against rookie left-hander Brian Matusz, who wasn't solely to blame, but it certainly didn't help walking leadoff man Elvis Andrus and falling behind several other hitters, including Nelson Cruz, who bashed a 2-0 changeup over the wall for a three-run homer.

But second baseman Wigginton should have probably caught Michael Young's blooper, and he certainly has to stop booting routine grounders, like the one from Joaquin Arias that prolonged the inning.

Wigginton did redeem himself a bit with an RBI single in the second after Corey Patterson connected for a two-run double. But even that inning has to be a little maddening for Orioles fans because of how it ended.

Feldman was again on the ropes as the Orioles had a man on second and one out. And Markakis grounds out on the first pitch, and then Miguel Tejada lines out on the first pitch to strand the potential tying run at third.

How about taking a pitch?

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 8:37 PM | Permalink | Comments (6)
        

I wrote yesterday that I expected Triple-A first baseman Michael Aubrey to join the team Friday in Washington, likely in the place of reliever Alberto Castillo. I still think that is possible, but it wouldn't surprise me either if Scott Moore, instead of Aubrey, gets the call. Moore obviously is more versatile than Aubrey, and he's also swinging the bat pretty well, evidenced by his two homers last night.

In other news, Orioles manager Dave Trembley acknowledged that he is concerned about reliever Koji Uehara and could give him back-to-back days off after the reliever clearly grew tired in his 30-pitch outing Wednesday night.

"I think it was apparent to everybody last night that we have to still get him built up in baseball pitching shape, but I am concerned about it,” Trembley said.

Trembley also said Luke Scott, who is starting at first base tonight, will likely get some more starts at first over the weekend in the Nationals' series. That obviously means some more time on the bench for the struggling Garrett Atkins.

“Luke Scott right now is swinging the bat well for us. Going in to play the Nationals where there is no DH, I have to try and find a way to get a lineup where the best eight guys are in there for us,” Trembley said. “I think that’s why you see Luke playing first base tonight in anticipation of him doing that against the Nationals. That does affect Garrett Atkins tonight and it probably will affect him somewhat when we go play this weekend.”

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 8:08 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)
        

The Orioles have played 41 games heading into Thursday night’s game at the Texas Rangers.

You all know they are 13-28.

But did you know the real score? It’s 4-3. Seven of their 41 games – about one-sixth – have ended with a final score of 4-3. That includes the last three nights.

The worse part: The Orioles are 1-6 in those games. Talk about a terrible 4-3 defense.

Here are a few other scoring statistics to chew on (or gag on).

The Orioles have been shut out three times, scored one run nine times, scored two runs six times and scored three runs eight times. They are 2-24 in those games.

They are 11-4 in games in which they have scored four or more. Strangely, they are better in games in which they have scored four or five runs (5-1) than games in which they have scored six or more (6-3).

Posted by Dan Connolly at 3:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)
        

Orioles second baseman Brian Roberts said via text message that he is doing a "little bit" better after being admitted to a Baltimore-area hospital on Monday, and diagnosed with pneumonia.

Roberts remains hospitalized while he recuperates.

It's been a tough year for the two-time All-Star who has had to deal with a herniated disk in his back, an abdominal injury, and now this.

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 1:37 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)
        

For the Orioles, the most concerning thing in Wednesday’s ninth-inning loss to the Texas Rangers was Koji Uehara again struggling with the heat and humid conditions.

Orioles manager Dave Trembley said that Koji looked gassed during his 30-pitch outing and admitted that he may have to give him a couple of days off so he can recuperate, a decision that would further cripple the much-maligned bullpen.

The game-time temperature at the Ballpark in Arlington on Wednesday night was 85 degrees and the heat and humidity undoubtedly contributed to Jeremy Guthrie leaving the game after six innings as well.

The Orioles were hoping that moving Koji to a relief role would answer some of the questions about his stamina, but Wednesday night wasn’t a great sign with plenty of humid days and nights in Baltimore ahead.

Triple-A Norfolk right-hander Chris Tillman picked a pretty good time to throw seven scoreless innings against Pawtucket on Wednesday. President of baseball operations Andy MacPhail was at Harbor Park, as part of his annual swing to watch all of the Orioles’ affiliates play in person. In his last six starts, Tillman is 4-1 with a 2.14 ERA, and he continues to put pressure on David Hernandez, who may be pitching for his rotation spot Friday night.

Statistic that concerns me, part I: The Orioles’ top three starters (Kevin Millwood, Jeremy Guthrie and Brian Matusz) have ERAs of 3.65, 3.86 and 4.18, and are a combined 4-11.

Statistic that concerns me, part II: Matt Wieters is 8-for-37 (.216) with 12 strikeouts and one extra-base hit with runners in scoring position. How much pop Wieters has is becoming an increasingly popular topic around the Orioles, and I think it will remain one until he goes on a homer or extra-base hit binge. I didn’t think I’d ever say this, but I feel much better about Wieters’ defense than his offense. The improvements he has made behind the plate have been striking.

Garrett Atkins takes an 0-for-15 slump into tonight’s series finale in Texas. He’s 6-for-28 (.214) with runners in scoring position with five double plays and four strikeouts. Michael Aubrey is expected to have his contract selected from Triple-A Norfolk on Friday, so tonight could be the last we see of Atkins for a little while.

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Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 11:45 AM | Permalink | Comments (37)
        

The Triple-A Norfolk Tides continue their series with the Pawtucket Red Sox at Harbor Park, and the Double-A Bowie Baysox wrap up their short road trip against the Binghamton Mets.

The Single-A Frederick Keys host the Potomac Nationals this morning at Harry Grove Stadium, and the Single-A Delmarva Shorebirds welcome the Hagerstown Suns to Arthur W. Perdue Stadium.

In last night's game, Keys shortstop Greg Miclat injured his left ankle while sliding into second base. X-rays were negative, according to the team, and he is day-to-day.

It's the second injury to Miclat this season. He also broke his nose last month and spent time on the disabled list. In 26 games, the 22-year-old infielder is batting .298 with six doubles and six RBIs.

Norfolk Tides (AAA)

Record: (17-24)

Opponent

Pawtucket Red Sox (7:15 p.m.)

Probable pitchers

Norfolk: Jake Arrieta (3-2, 2.20 ERA)
Pawtucket: Fabio Castro (2-2, 6.56 ERA)

Bowie Baysox (AA)

Record: (18-21)

Opponent

at Binghamton Mets (6:35 p.m.)

Probable pitchers

Bowie: Tim Bascom (2-2, 3.05 ERA)
Binghamton: Eddie Kunz (3-2, 6.21 ERA)

Frederick Keys (A)

Record: (25-15)

Opponent

Potomac Nationals (11 a.m.)

Probable pitchers

Frederick: Oliver Drake (0-0, 4.15 ERA)
Potomac: Patrick Lehman (1-1, 4.50 ERA)

Delmarva Shorebirds (A)

Record: (18-21)

Opponent

Hagerstown Suns (7:05 p.m.)

Probable pitchers

Delmarva: Tony Butler (1-3, 8.16 ERA)
Hagerstown: Jack McGeary (3-1, 4.50 ERA)

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 10:12 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

The Triple-A Norfolk Tides topped the Pawtucket Red Sox, and the Single-A Bowie Baysox beat the Binghamton Mets. The Single-A Frederick Keys remained hot by winning again over the Potomac Nationals, and the Single-A Delmarva Shorebirds were edged by the West Virginia Power.

Norfolk Tides (AAA)

Score: Norfolk Tides 5, Pawtucket Red Sox 2 (Box score)

Recap: Designated hitter Scott Moore was 2-for-3 with two home runs and three RBIs in the Tides' 5-2 victory over Pawtucket at Harbor Park.

It was Moore's first game since May 13 due to a strained left hamstring.

Norfolk starting pitcher Chris Tillman (4-4) tossed seven scoreless innings, giving up three hits and striking out four batters. Tillman also issued two walks, throwing 65 of his 112 pitches for strikes.

Tides second baseman Justin Turner added a two-run home run, and first baseman Nolan Reimold was 0-for-2 with a walk and a run scored.

Reimold also committed an error on a pickoff attempt at first base.

Relief pitcher Frank Mata entered with the bases loaded in the ninth inning and recorded the final two outs to pick up his eighth save of the season for the Tides.

Bowie Baysox (AA)

Score: Bowie Baysox 6, Binghamton Mets 4 (Box score)

Recap: Third baseman Brandon Waring was 3-for-4 with two doubles and four runs scored as the Baysox topped Binghamton, 6-4, on the road.

Bowie catcher Caleb Joseph contributed a home run and four RBIs, while right fielder Jonathan Tucker and designated hitter Robbie Widlansky each collected two hits and an RBI.

Baysox starting pitcher Ryohei Tanaka (3-4) scattered seven hits in six shutout innings, striking out six batters and not allowing any walks. Relief pitcher Pedro Beato recorded the final out to earn his third save of the season.

Second baseman Ryan Adams hit a double for Bowie. It was Adams' 12th double of the season, which ties him for second in the Eastern League.

Frederick Keys (A)

Score: Frederick Keys 6, Potomac Nationals 4 (Box score)

Recap: First baseman Joe Mahoney was 3-for-4 with a home run, three RBIs and two runs scored in the Keys' 6-4 win over Potomac at Harry Grove Stadium.

Frederick right fielder Ronnie Welty hit a solo home run and scored three times, while infielder Buck Britton added two hits.

Keys relief pitcher Brett Bordes (2-0) earned the victory after recording the final out of the eighth inning, and closer Jose Diaz retired all three batters he faced for his third save of the season.

Starting pitcher Kenny Moreland gave up two runs and five hits in five innings for Frederick, but he didn't factor in the decision.

Delmarva Shorebirds (A)

Score: West Virginia Power 3, Delmarva Shorebirds 2 (Box score)

Recap: Third baseman Tyler Henson was 3-for-4 with a double, an RBI and a run scored, but the Shorebirds suffered a 3-2 defeat to West Virginia.

Delmarva center fielder Steve Bumbry was 2-for-4 with a double, and second baseman Tyler Kelly added a double and a run scored.

Shorebirds relief pitcher Jacob Smith (3-1) picked up the loss after giving up one run and two hits in 1 2/3 innings, and starting pitcher Jesse Beal held the Power to two runs (one earned) and six hits in 6 2/3 innings.

Shortstop Garabez Rosa was 0-for-3 with two strikeouts for Delmarva. He also committed his team-leading 12th error of the season.

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 10:08 PM | Permalink | Comments (11)
        

Orioles injured second baseman Brian Roberts didn't board a plane today headed for Sarasota, Fla., like he originally planned in order to begin his rehab program for the herniated disk in his back.

Roberts, instead, was at a Baltimore area hospital, where he was diagnosed with pneumonia. I don't know much more than that because I haven't been able to reach Roberts or his agent, Mark Pieper. I'm not sure if he has been released or not, but it sounds like Roberts is doing better.

“We don’t anticipate that it’s going to be anything that impacts his rehabilitation schedule,” Orioles president of baseball operations Andy MacPhail said.

Roberts now probably won't leave for the team's spring training complex in Sarasota for a several days.

In other news, the Orioles are planning on calling up first baseman Michael Aubrey from Triple-A Norfolk in time for Friday's series opener with the Washington Nationals. They'll likely return pitcher Alberto Castillo to Norfolk, which will bring them back to a seven-man bullpen.

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 8:24 PM | Permalink | Comments (33)
        

Single-A Frederick Keys second baseman L.J. Hoes is expected to miss a few more days due to strep throat, according to the team.

Hoes, who is batting .290 with one home run and 20 RBIs in 35 games this season, hasn't played since Saturday. He is currently second on the Keys with eight doubles and tied for third with 22 runs scored.

The 20-year-old infielder hit .260 with two home runs and 47 RBIs in 119 games with the Single-A Delmarva Shorebirds in 2009. Hoes had 19 doubles and 20 stolen bases for Delmarva.

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 4:28 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
        

Here’s an updated look at how several members of the 2009 Orioles are doing with their new organizations. Below numbers are through Tuesday’s games.

Hitters

Aubrey Huff (S.F. Giants): .275 avg., 4 HRs, 18 RBIs, 20 runs, 14 BBs
Chad Moeller (Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, Yankees’ Triple-A): .207 avg. (6-for-29), 0 HR, 3 RBIs
Melvin Mora (Colorado Rockies): .268 avg. (15-for-56), 0 HRs, 8 RBIs, 4 runs
Oscar Salazar (San Diego Padres): .200 avg. (8-for-40), 0 HRs, 1 RBI, 6 runs, 5 BB
Gregg Zaun (Milwaukee Brewers): .273 avg. (27-for-99), 2 HRs, 13 RBIs, 10 BBs

Pitchers

Danys Baez (Philadelphia Phillies): 1-1, 5.29 ERA (17 IP), 18 hits, 7 BBs, 7 Ks
Brian Bass (Indianapolis, Pirates’ Triple-A): 0-1, 3.77 ERA (14 1/3 IP), 15 hits, 3 BBs, 8 Ks
Sean Henn (Las Vegas, Blue Jays’ Triple-A): 1-0, 3.00 ERA (21 IP), 21 hits, 17 BBs, 17 Ks
Rich Hill (Memphis, Cardinals’ Triple-A): 2-2, 4.55 ERA (31 2/3 IP), 26 hits, 19 BBs, 31 Ks
Radhames Liz (Portland, Padres’ Triple-A): 3-1, 3.19 ERA (31 IP), 28 hits, 11 BBs, 35 Ks
*John Parrish (Kansas City Royals): 1-1, 3.00 (6 IP), 4 hits, 5 BBs, 4 Ks
Hayden Penn (Indianapolis, Pirates’ Triple-A): 0-0, 3.27 ERA (11 IP), 12 hits, 3 BBs, 11 Ks
Chris Ray (Texas Rangers): 1-0, 2.55 ERA (17 2/3 IP), 10 hits, 9 BBs, 11 Ks
George Sherrill (L.A. Dodgers): 0-1, 6.92 ERA (13 IP), 15 hits, 12 BBs, 10 Ks
Chris Waters (Nashville, Brewers’ Triple-A): 4-1, 2.55 ERA (42 1/3 IP), 36 hits, 13 BB, 31 Ks

*Disabled list

As I’ve said before, I can’t possibly document every single former Oriole, so I focus on those who were in the organization at some point, including spring training in Parrish’s case, last season. But I will update two pre-2009 Birds each time I do this.

Jay Gibbons, OF (Albuquerque, Dodgers’ Triple-A) .383 avg. (41-for-107), 6 HR, 28 RBIs
Adam Loewen, OF (New Hampshire, Jays’ Double-A): .266 (29-for-109) 5 HR, 17 RBIs, 7 SB

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 3:13 PM | Permalink | Comments (15)
        

When the Orioles brought up Corey Patterson from the minors last week, there were a whole lot of groans from Orioles Nation, or Orioles Borough, as it may be constituted right now.

You’ve seen the Corey Patterson movie before. Great defender, super nice guy, tremendous speed all mixed in with an inability, or maybe unwillingness, to best use his talents.

He swung from the heels, almost never bunted for a base hit and rarely took a walk.

But Patterson is 30 now, far removed from that can’t-miss label applied by the Chicago Cubs when he was the third overall pick out of a Georgia high school in 1998.

In his seven games since being recalled from Triple-A Norfolk, Patterson looks like a guy who understands what he specifically needs to do to succeed.

“From the first time I played with him to now, it's almost night and day,” said right fielder Nick Markakis, who was Patterson’s teammate with the Orioles in 2006 and 2007. “He looks relaxed up there, he's patient and he's waiting for his pitch.”

Sure, it may not last, but here is a stat to backup Patterson’s new patience at the plate. In his two seasons with the Orioles, Patterson had 1,001 plate appearances and walked 42 times. Absolutely awful.

In his 32 plate appearances so far with the Orioles this season, Patterson has walked four times.

He also has two home runs already, and that’s seen by some as a sign of concern. In the past, Patterson was accused of falling in love with the long ball and getting away from his level, line-drive swing. Not a problem this time, Patterson says.

“The swing is the same. I think mentally, I'm a lot better,” Patterson said. “I'm not all the way there. But mentally as a player, there’s always things you can work on. No one has figured the game out. You always want to do better. And I think when things aren't going my way, I'm kind of able to sit back and ask myself what happened and make the adjustment. Not dwell on it so much, not carry it form at-bat to at-bat or game to game.”

Perhaps one of the most encouraging signs from Patterson came in the first inning on Monday, when he bunted for a single, stole second, moved to third on a fly out and scored on a single. It was all set up a bunt, something he didn’t do much of in the past.

“I really honestly didn't know how to bunt, or start learning to bunt, until 2004 in the big leagues. I didn't bunt at all in minor league ball. Never,” Patterson said. “Every year I had some success (hitting in the minors). So that doesn't mean I shouldn't have learned, but you know, to me, it's like 'Why bunt? You might hit a homer.' As the older I got, the pitchers got tougher, and I learned you better lay a bunt down or maybe two a game.”

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Posted by Dan Connolly at 1:44 PM | Permalink | Comments (21)
        

Norfolk Tides (AAA)

Record: (16-24)

Opponent

Pawtucket Red Sox (7:15 p.m.)

Probable pitchers

Norfolk: Chris Tillman (3-4, 3.83 ERA)
Pawtucket: Michael Bowden (1-1, 5.93 ERA)

Bowie Baysox (AA)

Record: (17-21)

Opponent

at Binghamton Mets (6:35 p.m.)

Probable pitchers

Bowie: Ryohei Tanaka (2-4, 4.24 ERA)
Binghamton: Michael Antonini (3-3, 4.54 ERA)

Frederick Keys (A)

Record: (24-15)

Opponent

Potomac Nationals (7 p.m.)

Probable pitchers

Frederick: Kenny Moreland (2-2, 5.45 ERA)
Potomac: A.J. Morris (1-2, 3.12 ERA)

Delmarva Shorebirds (A)

Record: (18-20)

Opponent

at West Virginia Power (7:05 p.m.)

Probable pitchers

Delmarva: Jesse Beal (3-2, 3.77 ERA)
West Virginia: Kyle McPherson (2-4, 4.66 ERA)

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 11:54 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

I don't regularly cover the Orioles, so I can't honestly say whether or not Dave Trembley is a good major league manager.

Nor can I tell you whether or not he'll still be managing this team next week, although I think we can probably agree that, barring more games like Tuesday night's comeback win against the Royals, it doesn't look promising.

What I can say with reasonable certainty is that, no matter what happens in the next few weeks, Trembley has handled a difficult situation with class. And in an emotionally charged sports climate, that's an increasingly rare thing.

I was thinking about Trembley Monday night when I saw the highlights of the Florida Marlins game where Hanley Ramirez booted a ball into left field, and then jogged after it as if he barely cared when he got there, a lazy display of sportsmanship if there ever was one. Ramirez, who is easily one of the best young players in the game, acted like a spoiled child when manager Fredi Gonzalez yanked him from the game, and in the clubhouse afterward, he told reporters that he didn't care what Gonzalez thought because Gonzalez "never played in the big leagues."

Gonzalez's response?

"He's right, but I know how to play this game," he said.

Trembley too never played in the big leagues. He's one of only eight managers to not play professionally at any level, and I've always wondered if today's modern player ever tried to throw that back in his face. It's a unique snippet of baseball culture, when you think about it. No one in the NFL gives a damn that Bill Belichick didn't play college football, but baseball is such a cliquish game, it doesn't surprise me at all that Ramirez went there with Gonzalez instead of being accountable for himself.

Delicately, I asked Trembley what he thought about the incident concerned that he might think I was trying to provoke him, or imply that the players in the clubhouse didn't respect him. That wasn't my intent, but when a manager is fighting for his job, every question can feel like you're being cross examined.

But calmly and warmly, Trembley responded with, literally, a seven-minute answer that wasn't so much about Gonzalez and Ramirez as it was his philosophy about leadership, and the way baseball and sports have changed in the last 20 years. He even recommended I read a book about Chuck Daly, former Detroit Pistons coach, and the way he dealt with the frustrations and challenges of being a leader.

"I find it rather interesting that when someone does something that's not very responsible, that instead of taking responsibility for their own actions, they call out maybe some of the biographical things of someone else," Trembley said. "To me, that's rather cheap. But hey, that's just the way society is these days. It's a very passionate game and things are said. That's why I've always tried to have the 24-hour thing. Go home and think about it and if you have a problem the next day, come in and let's talk about it."

Think about this for a second: Trembley dreamed his entire adult life about getting a chance to manage a major league baseball team, and now that he'd had his chance, can we honestly say he was ever given a realistic chance to succeed? The right players to compete? He hasn't always made the right moves. I don't think even he would argue that he has. But even if he was perfect, would it have mattered? At the very least, Trembley would have needed a magic wand to give this team a consistent chance to win, night after night. I can't fault him for not being Dumbledore from Harry Potter.

And yet, with his lifelong dream hanging by a thread, have you seen Trembley call out his players for some of their boneheaded mistakes? Has he pointed to scapegoats, even when they were obvious? Nope.

"I think it's unfortunate that that kind of stuff gets put out there and gets put in headlines," Trembley said. "Most guys that I know do what I've tried to do in the last month here or six weeks, try to take the high road and not call out players."

Gonzalez is a friend of Trembley's, and their situation is hardly unique. Jim Leyland didn't play in the major leagues either, but it's hard to imagine a player popping off and calling him out like that. Because Leyland would probably challenge him to a fight, because he's as old school as they come. And though Trembley seems to long for that previous era, he's not the kind of manager who would react that way. Maybe it's his teaching background, but he seems to understand as frustrated and emotional as you might be in the moment, turning the other cheek is just as important.

"The game has changed," Trembley said. "You know why the game has changed? Because the people that are in it. I admire our guys. I admire every one of them. Because for the most part, with the exception of a handful, maybe two or three, they've all been stand-up guys. In situations that have not been pleasant. You know what I mean? And that's why it's so darn tough."

It's obvious this season hasn't been pleasant for Orioles fans. Even though the club has more young talent, both in the major leagues and in the minor leagues, than it did five years ago, it's not enough talent to consistently win baseball games. Bobby Cox, Joe Torre and Tony LaRussa probably couldn't turn this team into a winner, so I'm not sure why we think Trembley should.

Still, you can see the losses in Trembley's face, adding up, and adding years. This is killing him as much as killing any fan, yet he knows he has to be composed and calm, even when the second-guessing begins.

"Everyone is just as tired of asking me the questions as I'm tired of answering them," Trembley said. "What new spin can we put on it? But we all have to be decent about it because you have a job and I have a job. I understand that I'm required to come in here and talk to you all. But let's be honest. I'd rather talk about it when we win."

The fact that Trembley is a classy guy doesn't mean he's necessarily the right guy for this organization. But I don't think that means he's the wrong guy either. You may not have noticed, but in the last 24 games, the Orioles are 12-12. Not great, but not embarrassing either. To blame the team's lack of early success entirely on him would be ridiculous, especially considering their brutal schedule.

Trembley's done his best to not look for scapegoats. The sad reality of it is, he himself might end up being one.

-- Kevin Van Valkenburg

Posted by Baltimore Sun sports at 11:57 PM | Permalink | Comments (52)
        

The Triple-A Norfolk Tides were blanked by the Pawtucket Red Sox.

The Single-A Frederick Keys won two games against the Potomac Nationals, while the Single-A Delmarva Shorebirds split a doubleheader with the West Virginia Power.

The matchup between the Double-A Bowie Baysox and Binghamton Mets was postponed due to rain. The two teams will play a doubleheader on June 8 to make up the missed contest.

Yesterday, the Baysox made a series of roster moves.

Right-hander Brandon Cooney was promoted to Bowie from the Keys, and left-hander Mike Hinckley was added to the team's roster. Left-hander Chad Thall was placed on the temporary inactive list.

Also, left-hander Brett Bordes rejoins the Keys to replace Cooney.

Norfolk Tides (AAA)

Score: Pawtucket Red Sox 6, Norfolk Tides 0 (Box score)

Recap: Third baseman Josh Bell committed two errors in the Tides' 6-0 loss to Pawtucket at Harbor Park, raising his season total to eight.

Norfolk right fielder Rhyne Hughes was 2-for-3 with a double and a walk in his return to Triple-A, while designated hitter Nolan Reimold was 0-for-3 with a walk and two strikeouts.

Tides starting pitcher Brandon Erbe (0-7) remained winless this season after giving up five runs and eight hits in six innings. Erbe surrendered two home runs.

First baseman Brandon Snyder was 0-for-4 with three strikeouts for Norfolk, and left fielder Michael Aubrey collected a double and a triple.

Frederick Keys (A)

Game 1 score: Frederick Keys 3, Potomac Nationals 1, 7 innings (Box score)

Game 1 recap: Center fielder Xavier Avery was 3-for-3 with an RBI and a run scored in the Keys' 3-1 victory over Potomac in the first game of the doubleheader at Harry Grove Stadium.

Frederick third baseman Billy Rowell and second baseman Buck Britton each added a single and an RBI, while left fielder Kyle Hudson and first baseman Joe Mahoney each had a stolen base.

Keys starting pitcher Nathan Nery (3-3) held the Nationals to one unearned run and two hits in six innings, and relief pitcher Jose Diaz tossed a scoreless frame to pick up his second save of the season.

Game 2 score: Frederick Keys 3, Potomac Nationals 2, 7 innings (Box score)

Game 2 recap: Avery was 2-for-4 with a double and two RBIs as the Keys scored three runs in the bottom of the seventh to escape with a 3-2 victory in the nightcap.

Frederick shortstop Greg Miclat was 3-for-3 with a double and a run scored, and Britton added a single and an RBI in the win.

Keys starting pitcher Cole McCurry gave up two runs and three hits in four innings, but he didn't factor in the decision.

Relief pitcher Brett Jacobson (3-0) held Potomac to one hit in three scoreless innings to earn the win for Frederick.

Delmarva Shorebirds (A)

Game 1 score: West Virginia Power 8, Delmarva Shorebirds 3, 7 innings (Box score)

Game 1 recap: Starting pitcher Matt Hobgood (2-3) was charged with six runs (five earned) and six hits in the Shorebirds' 8-3 loss to West Virginia in the first game of the doubleheader.

Hobgood collected four strikeouts in five-plus innings, but he also issued three walks, hit a batter and threw two wild pitches in the defeat.

Delmarva catcher Jason Stifler was 2-for-3 with a double and two RBIs, and shortstop Garabez Rosa added a double and an RBI. However, Rosa also committed his 10th error of the season.

First baseman Tyler Stampone was 2-for-2 with a run scored for the Shorebirds.

Game 2 score: Delmarva Shorebirds 6, West Virginia Power 2, 7 innings (Box score)

Game 2 recap: First baseman Tyler Kolodny continued his recent power surge with a two-run home run in the third inning as the Shorebirds salvaged a split of the doubleheader with a 6-2 victory over West Virginia.

It was Kolodny's 10th home run of the season and his fourth in the past four games.

Delmarva catcher Michael Ohlman contributed a double and two RBIs, and third baseman Tyler Kelly added two hits and an RBI.

In a spot start, Shorebirds left-hander Nathan Moreau tossed four no-hit innings. Moreau struck out seven batters and walked one batter in the win.

Shorebirds relief pitcher Randy Henry (1-1) earned the victory despite giving up two runs (one earned), one hit and two walks in two innings.

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 11:25 PM | Permalink | Comments (8)
        

Kevin Millwood retired the first 13 batters he faced. But number 14 through 19 weren’t so easy.

Jose Guillen broke up the perfect game in the fifth against Millwood. Then the Kansas City Royals added four more singles by the next five batters, and suddenly Millwood was down 3-0.

The big play came with first and second and one out, when Chris Getz singled up the middle. Adam Jones came up throwing, and unleashed a bullet to Matt Wieters who blocked the plate perfectly as Alberto Callaspo slid in.

It was a bang-bang play – it was hard to make a determination even using the replays – but Callaspo was ruled safe. Scott Podsednik then dragged a bunt for a third run, and like that, Millwood (0-4) is on the hook for another loss.

The Orioles got one back on Luke Scott’s eighth homer, but against Zack Greinke, a 2-run lead could be pretty safe.

Posted by Dan Connolly at 8:25 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

David Hernandez felt no pain in his throwing shoulder during a side session on Tuesday, meaning he will make his scheduled start Friday in Washington.

“It went really good,” said Hernandez, who had his start Sunday skipped because of a pinching discomfort in his right shoulder. “I threw what I'd normally throw in any given side day. I had no pain, so that's good.”

The Orioles expected Hernandez to miss just one start, but wanted to make sure Hernandez was pain-free. The 25-year-old has started seven games this season, posting a 0-5 record and a 5.84 ERA.

“It was normal. It was just like a normal bullpen session, no problems,” said Orioles pitching coach Rick Kranitz. “He’s good to go.”

Hernandez said the discomfort had been lingering for a few weeks, but he didn’t feel it in a game until his May 13 start against the Seattle Mariners. The decision to hold him out on Sunday, Hernandez said, was the right one.

“I really do think not starting on Sunday really helped me because I feel if I probably would have started I would have been at 60 or 70 percent,” Hernandez said. “Then it would have been the same cycle over and over. I guess it was a really good thing to give me 10 days, really, between starts. I feel a lot better.”

Posted by Dan Connolly at 6:26 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

Shorebirds starting pitcher Jake Cowan is being replaced in the rotation for the first game of tonight's doubleheader against the West Virginia Power by left-hander Nathan Moreau.

Cowan, a 10th-round selection in the 2009 MLB draft, is experiencing some shoulder tightness, according to Orioles assistant director of player development Tripp Norton.

The plan, according to Norton, is to skip Cowan's start and reevaluate him in the next couple days.

Cowan struggled in his last start, giving up six runs and nine hits in five innings against the Kannapolis Intimidators on May 12. He struck out six batters, but allowed two home runs.

In seven starts this season, Cowan is 3-1 with a 3.51 ERA. The 21-year-old right-hander has 40 strikeouts and 18 walks in 41 innings. Opponents are batting .261 against him.

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 11:38 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

There was an interesting incident in Monday’s loss to the Kansas City Royals.

In the eighth inning, Adam Jones hit into an inning-ending double play. Once he got to the first base bag, and the umpire signaled for the out, Jones took off his helmet and heaved it.

We’ve seen players show some frustration this season. There have been some bats flipped and helmets slammed and dirt kicked. And Jones is one of the main culprits.

But Monday’s incident had a little more edge. Jones threw his helmet about 50 feet down the right field line. He then had to retrieve it himself before taking his position in center. I don’t think I have ever seen that before; certainly not recently, and not from Jones.

It was a baseball walk of shame in a season of pure frustration.

Afterward, Jones said, “I've got to handle it better. Point blank.”

He’s young and he definitely needs to control his emotions on occasion. Kids are watching, etc.

But there are two sides of this coin.

I know I have heard at times during these 13 years of losing that the Orioles have seemed lifeless, that they don’t seem to care enough.

Certainly, there is a fine line between showing emotions and being unprofessional. I want to know where the helmet tossing fits.

Really, I want to know whether you like to see players show their frustration at times. Or do you think it is unprofessional in all -- or most -- cases.

Daily Think Special: Players’ outbursts of frustration: Welcomed or Unprofessional?



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Posted by Dan Connolly at 10:43 AM | Permalink | Comments (72)
        

The Triple-A Norfolk Tides return home to face the Pawtucket Red Sox at Harbor Park, while the Double-A Bowie Baysox travel to take on the Binghamton Mets.

The Single-A Frederick Keys host the Potomac Nationals in a doubleheader at Harry Grove Stadium, and the Single-A Delmarva Shorebirds are scheduled to play two games against the West Virginia Power.

Norfolk Tides (AAA)

Record: (16-23)

Opponent

Pawtucket Red Sox (7:15 p.m.)

Probable pitchers

Norfolk: Brandon Erbe (0-6, 5.84 ERA)
Pawtucket: Kris Johnson (2-2, 6.11 ERA)

Bowie Baysox (AA)

Record: (17-21)

Opponent

at Binghamton Mets (6:35 p.m.)

Probable pitchers

Bowie: Ryohei Tanaka (2-4, 4.24 ERA)
Binghamton: Michael Antonini (3-3, 4.54 ERA)

Frederick Keys (A)

Record: (22-15)

Opponent

Doubleheader vs. Potomac Nationals (5 p.m.)

Game 1: Probable pitchers

Frederick: Nathan Nery (2-3, 4.46 ERA)
Potomac: Robinson Fabian (1-0, 5.03 ERA)

Game 2: Probable pitchers

Frederick: Cole McCurry (1-2, 4.55 ERA)
Potomac: A.J. Morris (1-2, 3.12 ERA)

Delmarva Shorebirds (A)

Record: (17-19)

Opponent

Doubleheader at West Virginia Power (6:05 p.m.)

Game 1: Probable pitchers

Delmarva: Nathan Moreau (0-2, 4.91 ERA)
West Virginia: Nathan Baker (2-3, 3.78 ERA)

Game 2: Probable pitchers

Delmarva: Matt Hobgood (2-2, 4.42 ERA)
West Virginia: Brandon Holden (0-1, 4.91 ERA)

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 9:30 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

Kansas City Royals first baseman Billy Butler put a different kind of hurt on Orioles starter Brad Bergesen than the one he administered last July, when his liner hit the pitcher in the left shin and ended his season.

Butler hit an RBI single in the first inning, and then an RBI double in the seventh that accounted for the eventual winning run in the Orioles' 4-3 loss. Before Butler's RBI double, pitching coach Rick Kranitz and catcher Matt Wieters came to the mound and told Bergesen not to throw any strikes to Kansas City's best hitter.

However, Bergesen hung a curveball and Butler hit it a long way.

"I try and get it down and I hung one right in the zone and he made me pay for it," Bergesen said. "I can’t do that. That was the deciding factor in the game. Absolutely, that was a missed location. They told me to have it out of the zone and I left it in the middle of the plate."

As for any psychological challenges facing Butler again, Bergesen said, "I knew I was going to face a couple of questions about that. No, it wasn’t in the back of my mind at all. I was more affected by him hitting that double today like he did. He’s a good hitter."

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 10:29 PM | Permalink | Comments (6)
        

There's only one score to report for the Orioles' minor league system tonight.

The Triple-A Norfolk Tides fell to the Buffalo Bisons.

The Double-A Bowie Baysox were idle, while the games for the Single-A Frederick Keys and Single-A Delmarva Shorebirds were both rained out.

Frederick will play a doubleheader against the Potomac Nationals on Tuesday. The first game is scheduled to begin at 5 p.m., and both contests are scheduled for seven innings.

Delmarva is also going to play a doubleheader Tuesday, with the first game against the West Virginia Power starting at 6:05 p.m. Both matchups are scheduled for seven innings.

Norfolk Tides (AAA)

Score: Buffalo Bisons 11, Norfolk Tides 4 (Box score)

Recap: Right fielder Michael Aubrey was 2-for-4 with a two-run home run, but the Tides were pounded, 11-4, in the series finale against Buffalo.

Norfolk third baseman Josh Bell added two singles and a run scored, while first baseman Brandon Snyder and catcher Adam Donachie each collected an RBI.

Tides starting pitcher Troy Patton (2-5) allowed four runs (three earned) and eight hits in 5 2/3 innings. The 24-year-old left-hander struck out six batters and issued one walk.

Left fielder Nolan Reimold was 1-for-4 with a run scored for Norfolk.

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 10:15 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)
        

The Orioles just announced tonight's attendance at 9,299. That is the second smallest crowd in Camden Yards' history.

The previous smallest crowd was 9,129, set on April 12 of this season with the Tampa Bay Rays in town.

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 9:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (9)
        

More bad baserunning just robbed Nick Markakis of another RBI.

Three nights after Adam Jones didn't score from third on Markakis' groundball to the right side, Corey Patterson didn't come home on Markakis' liner to right field.

Patterson obviously thought the ball was going to drop in so instead of tagging up, he broke for home. The only problem was Royals' right fielder David DeJesus made a diving catch on the ball, and Patterson didn't have enough time to go back to third and tag before coming home.

Patterson did score when Ty Wigginton grounded out to second base, tying the game at two.

Patterson walked, stole second and then went to third on catcher Jason Kendall's errant throw. He has two stolen bases now, tying Brian Roberts and Julio Lugo for the team lead.

For comparison, Royals leadoff man Scott Podsednik stole his 14th base earlier today, which is three more than the Orioles have as a team.

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 8:37 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)
        

Ty Wigginton has probably been the Orioles' best player this season so it's hard to single him out too much for poor play. But it certainly has been a rough two innings for him tonight.

In the top of the first, he made a poor tag after catcher Matt Wieters' throw was right on the money to get Scott Podsednik, who was stealing second base. Podsednik should have been out. Instead, he was called safe because scored on Billy Butler's bloop single into right.

In the bottom of the first, Wigginton struck out with a Corey Patterson on third and one out. Miguel Tejada bailed him out by driving in Patterson with a two-out infield single.

Wigginton then booted Mitch Maier's routine groundball with one out in the second. Maier scored from third when Brad Bergesen was called for a balk by home plate umpire Bob Davidson, who is nicknamed "Balking Bob."

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 7:46 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)
        

Through 38 games, the Orioles have given up 40 fewer runs than last year’s team did at this point, but they’ve also scored 62 fewer.

There’s probably no further explanation needed as to why the Orioles enter tonight’s series opener against the Kansas City Royals with a 12-26 record.

“I think the whole thing comes down to, we have more quality starts than last year, we have more innings pitched out of our starters this year than we had through 38 games last year,” said Orioles manager Dave Trembley. “Our runs are down, our batting average is down, our on-base percentage is down, our slugging percentage is down. We’re chasing way too many pitches out of the strike zone. We’ve had four games where we’ve blown ninth-inning saves. We haven’t scored as many runs as we did last year. We miss [Brian] Roberts. That’s not an excuse.”

Trembley obviously could go on, but he opted not to.

At this point last season, Adam Jones was batting .370 with eight homers and 26 RBI, and Nick Markakis was hitting .336 with six homers and 34 RBIs. Entering tonight, Jones is hitting .245 with three homers and nine RBIs, and Markakis is batting .294 with two homers and 12 RBIs.

The club also has missed a healthy Brian Roberts, who was batting .294 with a .374 on-base percentage five homers and 11 doubles through 38 games last year, and Aubrey Huff, who was batting .281 with seven homers. This year, Orioles’ leadoff men have just two homers and a .301 on-base, and the lack of production from the first base spot has been well documented.

Asked if the criticism of the Orioles’ offense and its inability to make adjustments is fair, Trembley said, “I’m watching the same thing that everybody else is. I think anything that happens on a repetitive basis is worthy of the criticism. I don’t know if criticism is ever fair, but it’s part of what you live with.”

And just a couple of other smaller notes: The first-pitch is about 10 minutes away and there can’t be more than 500 people here. I’d be willing to bet a lot of money that this will go down as the smallest crowd in Camden Yards’ history. The previous one is 9,129 on April 12 of this year with the Tampa Bay Rays in town. The Orioles will make a roster move before Friday’s series with the Washington Nationals and interleague play behind. They’ll bring up a position player (possibly Michael Aubrey) and demote a pitcher (likely Alberto Castillo). Trembley said that the club has not discussed moving third baseman Miguel Tejada to shortstop to displace the struggling Cesar Izturis, and bringing up a third baseman.

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 7:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)
        

Orioles president of baseball operations Andy MacPhail said today that the club will stay with their current first base situation “for the time being” while team officials continue to evaluate both internal and external solutions at the position.

With Ty Wigginton entrenched at second base until Brian Roberts’ return, Garrett Atkins is the only true first baseman on the Orioles’ roster and he’s hitting .243 with no homers and 6 RBIs in 103 at-bats this season.

“We’re not getting enough out of [first base],” MacPhail said. “That’s one of the reasons we’re trying to add to our options. We need to get more production out of that. We’ll go the way we are for the time being and we’ll see how things evolve. ”

Collectively, Orioles first basemen are hitting .226 with no homers, 11 RBIs and six runs in 38 games. They are the only team in the majors without a homer from a first baseman.

Asked specifically about how long the club will stick with Atkins, MacPhail said, “It doesn’t have to be that way forever. We’re looking outside, but as you know, things really don’t crank up [on the trade market] yet. They will more and more, but [right now], you’re pretty much looking internally.”

One internal option down the road could be Nolan Reimold, an outfielder who started at first base yesterday for Triple-A Norfolk, his first professional start at the position.

“I thought it was a good opportunity for him to get some experience there,” MacPhail said. “We had him take some groundballs in spring training and he’d occasionally do it during batting practice here, but I thought some game experience there would help increase his versatility, take some pressure off his [surgically-repaired] Achilles and give us some potential options down the road.”

In three games for the Tides since his demotion, Reimold has started at first base, in left field, and served as the designated hitter.

“We just wanted to give him some experience [at first] and see how he takes to the position,” MacPhail said. “I don’t imagine that he’d be there exclusively.”

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 12:32 PM | Permalink | Comments (55)
        

That question was asked to me a week ago and I now have an answer.

Costanzo, 26, signed last week with the Cincinnati Reds organization and was assigned to the Double-A Carolina Mudcats.

Costanzo was one of five players the Orioles received in the December 2007 deal with Houston for Miguel Tejada (the other four were Luke Scott and pitchers Matt Albers, Dennis Sarfate and Troy Patton).

The burly third baseman made an immediate impression with his power during spring training 2008 and had an outside chance to make the team. He didn’t, and then languished in the Orioles’ minors, batting just .202 with three homers in 82 games with Bowie and Norfolk last year.

This spring, the club released him after asking him whether he wanted to attempt to convert to pitching. He decided to stick with hitting, signed with the Camden Riversharks of the Atlantic League and, after hitting .278 in 16 games, was signed by the Reds.

I caught up with Costanzo in the spring and we chatted briefly about his future. He’s a real character, a tough Philly guy with a great sense of humor. Hopefully, he can rediscover the power stroke that made him a legitimate prospect a few years ago.

Posted by Dan Connolly at 10:45 AM | Permalink | Comments (6)
        

Norfolk Tides (AAA)

Record: (16-22)

Opponent

at Buffalo Bisons (7:05 p.m.)

Probable pitchers

Norfolk: Troy Patton (2-4, 5.65 ERA)
Buffalo: Dillon Gee (3-1, 4.39 ERA)

Frederick Keys (A)

Record: (22-15)

Opponent

Potomac Nationals (7 p.m.)

Probable pitchers

Frederick: Nathan Nery (2-3, 4.46 ERA)
Potomac: Robinson Fabian (1-0, 5.03 ERA)

Delmarva Shorebirds (A)

Record: (17-19)

Opponent

at West Virginia Power (7:05 p.m.)

Probable pitchers

Delmarva: Nathan Moreau (0-2, 4.91 ERA)
West Virginia: Nathan Baker (2-3, 3.78 ERA)

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 9:30 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

Before Sunday’s game – and after the club demoted first baseman Rhyne Hughes to Triple-A Norfolk – Orioles manager Dave Trembley said that Garrett Atkins is his first baseman for the time being.

It wasn’t a resounding endorsement, but it was something.

“Garrett Atkins is playing first base (today),” Trembley said before Sunday’s game. “And I would expect he would play first base for the next few games here while we are going with one more pitcher and one less position player.”

Atkins was hitless in four at-bats Sunday, striking out once and hitting into three groundouts, including an inning-ending double play in the fourth. He is batting .243 with no homers and six RBIs in 103 at-bats. He has a slugging percentage of .311 and an on-base percentage of .271.

When asked after the game whether he’d need to make a change at first base, Trembley said, “I’ll sleep on it and see where we’re at.”

In a dreadful offensive season, first base has been the biggest hole. Collectively, Orioles’ first basemen are hitting .226 with no homers, 11 RBIs and six runs scored in 38 games. That includes 24 games started by Atkins, 11 by Hughes, one by Luke Scott and two by Ty Wigginton.

There really aren’t any slam-dunk options in Triple-A either. Michael Aubrey (.256 average, 2 homers, 7 RBIs) and Brandon Snyder (.200, 2, 12) have not impressed so far. Nolan Reimold played first on Sunday – and hit a homer – but he is new to the position on the pro level. So you just can’t throw him there in the big leagues right now.

I wouldn’t be surprised if Wigginton gets more games at first with Julio Lugo playing more second base. Or Scott could be inserted at first, though the club may not want to put more on his plate while he is digging out of his hitting slump.

Or maybe the Orioles go outside the organization, but the candidate better be an unquestioned improvement on Atkins, who gets $4.5 million from the Orioles this season.

Lots of options, but none are great.

Daily Think Special: What should the Orioles do about first base?

Posted by Dan Connolly at 7:06 PM | Permalink | Comments (75)
Categories: Connolly's Corner Sports Bar
        

The Triple-A Norfolk Tides edged the Buffalo Bisons, and the Double-A Bowie Baysox were blanked by the Erie SeaWolves. The Single-A Frederick Keys topped the Kinston Indians, and the Single-A Delmarva Shorebirds were beaten by the West Virginia Power.

Starting pitcher Chris George was placed on the disabled list by the Tides with a strained groin, retroactive to May 13, and the team added right-hander Andy Mitchell to the roster.

Norfolk Tides (AAA)

Score: Norfolk Tides 5, Buffalo Bisons 4 (Box score)

Recap: In a spot start, Tides right-hander Armando Gabino (2-0) held Buffalo to one run and four hits in five innings during a 5-4 victory. He struck out six batters and issued two walks.

Playing first base for the Tides, Nolan Reimold hit a two-run home run. Norfolk third baseman Josh Bell added a double and two RBIs.

Tides second baseman Justin Turner was 2-for-5 with a double and two runs scored, while left fielder Jeff Salazar contributed two hits, an RBI and a run scored.

Relief pitcher Frank Mata recorded the final four outs in order to pick up his seventh save of the season for the Tides.

Bowie Baysox (AA)

Score: Erie SeaWolves 4, Bowie Baysox 0 (Box score)

Recap: Baysox starting pitcher Chorye Spoone (2-5) held Erie to one run and five hits in six innings, but the offense didn't support him in a 4-0 loss at Prince George's Stadium.

Bowie center fielder Matt Angle was 1-for-3 with a walk, and designated hitter Robbie Widlansky also added a single and a walk in the game.

Relief pitcher Zach Clark gave up three runs and six hits in two innings for Bowie.

Frederick Keys (A)

Score: Frederick Keys 8, Kinston Indians 1 (Box score)

Recap: Third baseman Bobby Stevens was 3-for-4 with a triple, three RBIs and two runs scored in an 8-1 victory over Kinston.

Frederick second baseman Buck Britton contributed two doubles and two RBIs, and right fielder Ronnie Welty added two singles and two RBIs.

Keys starting pitcher Ryan O'Shea (3-2) scattered one run and three hits in six innings. The 23-year-old right-hander struck out four batters and issued three walks.

First baseman Joe Mahoney was 2-for-4 with a run scored for the Keys, and designated hitter Jacob Julius had two singles, a stolen base and two runs scored.

Relief pitcher John Mariotti gave up one hit in the final three innings to pick up his first save of the season for the Keys.

Delmarva Shorebirds (A)

Score: West Virginia Power 8, Delmarva Shorebirds 4 (Box score)

Recap: Designated hitter Tyler Kolodny was 2-for-4 with two home runs and four RBIs, but the Shorebirds suffered an 8-4 loss to West Virginia.

Delmarva starting pitcher Ryan Berry (0-3) was roughed up for seven runs and 10 hits in five innings. The 21-year-old right-hander collected four strikeouts, walked two batters and threw two wild pitches.

Right fielder Brian Conley contributed a single and a run scored for the Shorebirds, while third baseman Tyler Kelly also had a single.

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 6:34 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)
        

Mark Hendrickson is on the hook for the loss in Sunday’s game after allowing three runs and seven hits in five-plus innings.

But give the veteran lefty credit. The Orioles couldn’t have asked much more from a guy who hasn’t thrown more than 2 1/3 innings this season.

Hendrickson was called on to make the spot start in place of David Hernandez, who is experiencing shoulder discomfort.

Hendrickson didn’t walk anyone and struck out two. He threw 59 pitches, and 40 were for strikes. His previous high for pitches this season was 33, and that was in his first game of the season on April 9.

His only true mistake was a two-run homer to Matt LaPorta in the fifth.

Meanwhile, the Orioles have outhit the Indians through six innings, 8-7. Yet they have left six men on base and are 0-for-4 with runners in scoring position.

Posted by Dan Connolly at 3:12 PM | Permalink | Comments (8)
        

Orioles manager Dave Trembley met with the media at 12:30 and confirmed what we’ve all been writing.

He says David Hernandez’s shoulder discomfort should make him miss only a start. They’ll know for sure by his next side session, which probably will be Tuesday, whether he will start as scheduled on Friday at Washington.

Trembley said that if he had viewed this as an injury that requires a disabled list stint, he might have dipped to Triple-A Norfolk for a starter. But since it is not viewed that way, Mark Hendrickson takes the start and Alberto Castillo, who was recalled Sunday, replaces him as another lefty in the bullpen.

“I thought it was best to stay in-house for one start. I think you are looking at a different story if you are looking at a DL [situation],” Trembley said. “But it wasn’t a DL.”

The Orioles are playing with a short bench now that Rhyne Hughes has been sent to Norfolk to make room for Castillo. And that, Trembley said, means Garrett Atkins is back to being the club’s starting first baseman, at least for now.

“Garrett Atkins is playing first base [today],” Trembley said. “And I would expect he would play first base for the next few games here while we are going with one more pitcher and one less position player.”

A couple other quick tidbits: Michael Gonzalez (shoulder) is expected to throw live batting practice on Monday at extended spring training in Sarasota, Fla., and then will throw one inning in an extended spring game Thursday.

Brian Roberts (back) is hitting off a tee and is expected to go to Sarasota when the Orioles start their road trip later this week.

Posted by Dan Connolly at 12:56 PM | Permalink | Comments (10)
        

Mark Hendrickson is the obvious choice to get the spot start today against the Cleveland Indians.

He made 11 starts last season for the Orioles, going 2-4 with a 5.40 ERA. The 35-year-old lefty has made 165 starts in his career, going 49-66 with a 5.28 ERA.

He is 1-0 with a 4.38 ERA in five games (four starts) versus Cleveland.

Most important, Hendrickson, who his teammates call "Big Smooth," won't get fazed by having to make a spot start. He is about as calm as any big leaguer I have ever covered.

And that's surely why he got the call over a kid from Triple-A Norfolk.

Posted by Dan Connolly at 11:49 AM | Permalink | Comments (5)
        

Orioles right-hander David Hernandez, who was supposed to be Sunday’s starter, has been scratched with shoulder discomfort.

He said he has felt some pinching in his shoulder for a couple of weeks but had never felt it in a game until Thursday versus the Seattle Mariners.

“My last start was probably the first time I felt it during the start,” he said. “I usually feel it more the next day or my side day. But usually on the fifth day it feels well enough to where I can pitch and not feel it during the games because I’ve got the adrenaline going and you don’t really feel it. That’s why I said something, because I felt it during the game.”

He told the medical staff after that, began receiving treatment and is “day-to-day.” But the club decided to scratch him today and start middle reliever Mark Hendrickson, who made 11 starts for the Orioles last season.

This, obviously, is the primary reason the club brought lefty Alberto Castillo up from Triple-A Norfolk last night.

Hernandez said he has not received an MRI and doesn’t know what the plan is, besides rest and treatment, at this point.

When asked what happened this morning, he joked, “I got fired.”

Hernandez won the Orioles’ fifth starter job out of spring training but has endured a trying six weeks. He is 0-5 with a 5.84 ERA. He has allowed 38 hits and 23 walks in 37 innings pitched and has lost 11 straight decisions dating back to last August.

“I’m not going to go out and make excuses as why I’ve been a little out of control,” Hernandez said.

Posted by Dan Connolly at 11:09 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
        

We won't know definitively until tomorrow morning, but I'm told that left-hander Alberto Castillo is the guy who will be summoned to the majors to take Rhyne Hughes' spot on the roster.

It will be Castillo's second stint with the Orioles this year. He went 1-0 with a 5.40 ERA in six appearances for the Orioles before he was optioned back to Norfolk on May 5.

For Triple-A Norfolk this season, Castillo has a 3.38 ERA and two saves in eight appearances.

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 11:44 PM | Permalink | Comments (8)
        

Struggling first baseman Rhyne Hughes has been optioned to Triple-A Norfolk. The Orioles announced the decision after Saturday's 8-2 loss to the Cleveland Indians and said a corresponding move would come Sunday.

Hughes, 26, hit .213 (10-for-47) with no home runs and four RBIs in 14 games with the Orioles. He had four hits in his first nine major league at-bats but was just 6-for-38 (.158) since his first two games in Boston.

Hughes did not play in Saturday's loss to Cleveland.

He is the first player in club history to record a hit and an RBI in each of his first three games with the Orioles.

Posted by Baltimore Sun sports at 10:13 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)
        

If you're done reading bad news on Orioles Insider, it might not be a good idea to read tonight's minor league recaps because all four full-season affiliates also lost Saturday.

The Triple-A Norfolk Tides fell to the Buffalo Bisons, and the Double-A Bowie Baysox blew a late lead against the Erie SeaWolves. The Single-A Frederick Keys were beaten by the Kinston Indians, and the Single-A Delmarva Shorebirds couldn't stop the Kannapolis Intimidators.

Norfolk Tides (AAA)

Score: Buffalo Bisons 4, Norfolk Tides 0 (Box score)

Recap: Starting pitcher Jake Arrieta (3-2) gave up four runs, five hits and four walks as the Tides were blanked, 4-0, on the road against Buffalo.

Norfolk managed only four singles in the game, including one by right fielder Jeff Salazar.

Tides relief pitcher Dennis Sarfate tossed 1 2/3 scoreless innings. The 29-year-old right-hander has only allowed one unearned run and one hit in 7 2/3 frames this season for Norfolk.

Bowie Baysox (AA)

Score: Erie SeaWolves 9, Bowie Baysox 6 (Box score)

Recap: Designated hitter Joel Guzman hit a solo home run for the second consecutive game -- his eighth on the season -- but it wasn't enough as the Baysox dropped a 9-6 decision to Erie at Prince George's Stadium.

Bowie right fielder Jonathan Tucker was 2-for-4 with a double and three RBIs, while center fielder Matt Angle and catcher Caleb Joseph each added three hits and two runs scored.

Baysox starting pitcher Steve Johnson allowed three runs and six hits in five innings, but he didn't factor in the decision. Relief pitcher Eddie Gamboa (1-3) suffered the loss for Bowie after being charged with five runs (three earned) and three hits in two-plus innings.

Frederick Keys (A)

Score: Kinston Indians 8, Frederick Keys 3 (Box score)

Recap: Right fielder Ronnie Welty was 2-for-4 with a two-run home run in the eighth inning, but the Keys fell to Kinston, 8-3.

Frederick third baseman Bobby Stevens hit a solo shot, and left fielder Xavier Avery was 2-for-5 with a run scored in the loss.

Keys starting pitcher Rick Zagone (1-4) was charged with four unearned runs and seven hits in five innings, while relief pitcher Oliver Drake allowed four runs and six hits in three innings.

Delmarva Shorebirds (A)

Score: Kannapolis Intimidators 11, Delmarva Shorebirds 10 (Box score)

Recap: The Shorebirds scored 10 runs for the second straight night, but they were unable to hold a late lead in an 11-10 loss to Kannapolis.

Delmarva third baseman Tyler Kolodny was 2-for-4 with a three-run home run, and center fielder Michael Planeta added three hits and three RBIs.

Shorebirds shortstop Garabez Rosa was 2-for-5 with an RBI and a run scored, while right fielder Brian Conley and designated hitter Michael Mooney each contributed two hits.

Starting pitcher Tony Butler allowed seven runs (six earned) and seven hits in five innings for the Shorebirds, and relief pitcher James Brandhorst (1-3) was touched up for three runs, two hits and two walks in one-plus innings.

First baseman Tyler Stampone scored three runs for Delmarva.

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 10:05 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

It's been a nice pitching duel between two rookies - Orioles' left-hander Brian Matusz, and Indians' Mitch Talbot.

Ty Wigginton accounted for the game's only run with a solo homer in the second inning off Talbot. It was Wigginton's 11th of the season, tying his total from last year.

Matusz has allowed a baserunner in each inning, but he's managed to keep the Indians off the scoreboard. Cleveland has seven hits and Matusz has walked two people, while striking out six.

The Indians have been held without a run for 14 consecutive innings, though Matusz sure could use a little more breathing room.

The Orioles had a chance to add on a run in the fifth with men on first and third and one out, but Cesar Izturis was thrown out trying to steal second base with Corey Patterson at the plate.

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 8:27 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)
        

Orioles second baseman Brian Roberts (herniated disk) played catch and took ground balls this afternoon after playing catch Friday. They are the first baseball-related activities Roberts has done since he played his last game April 9.

Roberts isn't eligible to be activated from the 60-day disabled list until June 9, so consider these baby steps.

Injured reliever Michael Gonzalez (left shoulder strain) threw 30 pitches from off the mound today for the first time since going on the disabled list. He's still a couple of weeks away from returning.

And finally, Orioles center fielder Adam Jones couldn't really explain his base-running gaffe in Friday's game when he didn't score from third on Nick Markakis' ground ball. He did admit that it was a mistake, and he has apologized to Markakis several times.

"I saw everyone [on the infield] was back ,and I just didn't go," Jones said. "I was frustrated with myself. I put Markakis in a position to get an RBI, and he did exactly what he needed to do and I didn't give him an RBI. I told him about six times, 'I'm sorry,' and he just brushes it off. I'm a 10 times better base runner than that. That's just one of those things that just kind of happened."

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 4:17 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)
        

Orioles pitching prospect Jake Arrieta continued to struggle with his command in his outing this afternoon for Triple-A Norfolk against Buffalo.

Arrieta allowed four earned runs on five hits and four walks over six innings. In his last four starts, he has walked 18 batters in 24 innings. For the season, he has issued 28 walks in 49 innings.

In his second appearance for Norfolk, outfielder Nolan Reimold is 0-for-3 so far. He went 0-for-3 last night with a walk.

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 3:14 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

I thought one of the coolest things from last night’s game was when MASN cameras showed Will Ohman aggressively clapping into his glove in the bullpen when Orioles manager Dave Trembley went to the mound and decided to let Jeremy Guthrie face Grady Sizemore for the final out in the eighth inning. Ohman was ready in the bullpen if needed. The left-hander always wants the ball, but I’m sure he appreciated Trembley allowing Guthrie to stay out there for one more batter. Guthrie deserved that, and he also deserved the partial standing ovation he got after retiring Sizemore.

Speaking of Guthrie, here are his numbers through eight starts this year compared with his first eight starts of 2009.

This year: 2-4, 4.13 ERA, 52 1/3 IP, 24 ER, 46 hits, 6 HRs, 10 BBs, 30 Ks
Last year: 3-3, 5.21 ERA, 46 2/3 IP, 27 ER, 53 hits, 8 HRs, 16 BBs, 29 Ks

I think he best summed up the difference in how he feels after last night’s game when he said: “I felt at the end of spring, with the adjustment that I made arm-slot-wise, I felt like when I pitched, I had weapons to use against the hitters, and that’s something I never really felt last year, or certainly not in a consistent way. That’s the biggest thing, I’m confident. I feel like I have the pitches to get people out, and that’s important.”

One thing I’m not sure television cameras caught was the quick stare Nick Markakis shot across the diamond at Adam Jones, who didn’t score from third on a ground ball to first in the third inning. It was a typically subtle gesture from Markakis, who exhibits little emotion and never shows up teammates. But the point needed to be made, and it certainly was reinforced when third base coach Juan Samuel gave Jones an animated lecture after the base runner decided to freeze several steps off third. Jones, who is normally a pretty good base runner and knows he erred on the play, apologized profusely to Markakis, and the two walked out of the clubhouse together last night. I’m sure they’ll laugh about it in the future, unless Markakis finishes the season with 99 RBIs.

First baseman Garrett Atkins was taking ground balls at third base before last night’s game, but I wouldn’t read too much into it. Trembley said that Atkins, who was primarily a third baseman with the Colorado Rockies before being moved across the diamond by the Orioles, was doing that on his own. Atkins, meanwhile, said he was doing it just to keep busy and get some work in.

Speaking of first base, my colleague, Dan Connolly, wrote a blurb in today’s Orioles notebook that the Orioles don’t currently have interest in corner infielders Ryan Garko and Hank Blalock. I think it’s possible that the Orioles revisit the idea of Blalock, whom they had tepid interest in this past offseason, but right now, they seem to be fine with what they have. It would be a good idea for Atkins to start hitting because if Brian Roberts comes back in 3 1/2 weeks as the second baseman hopes to, you would think Ty Wigginton would be moved to first on a regular basis. Rhyne Hughes' roster spot also might be in jeopardy if he doesn't start having a few productive at-bats.

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 10:42 AM | Permalink | Comments (6)
        

Norfolk Tides (AAA)

Record: (15-21)

Opponent

at Buffalo Bisons (1:05 p.m.)

Probable pitchers

Norfolk: Jake Arrieta (3-1, 1.67 ERA)
Buffalo: Pat Misch (2-0, 4.15 ERA)

Bowie Baysox (AA)

Record: (17-19)

Opponent

Erie SeaWolves (6:35 p.m.)

Probable pitchers

Bowie: Steve Johnson (1-2, 3.08 ERA)
Erie: Jon Kibler (3-2, 3.00 ERA)

Frederick Keys (A)

Record: (21-14)

Opponent

at Kinston Indians (7 p.m.)

Probable pitchers

Frederick: Rick Zagone (1-3, 3.68 ERA)
Kinston: T.J. McFarland (4-0, 0.59 ERA)

Delmarva Shorebirds (A)

Record: (17-17)

Opponent

at Kannapolis Intimidators (7:05 p.m.)

Probable pitchers

Delmarva: Tony Butler (1-3, 7.61 ERA)
Kannapolis: Matt Wickswat (3-3, 4.31 ERA)

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 9:30 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

There was a debate in spring training as to who should be the Orioles cleanup hitter, since the lineup was devoid of a true power threat.

My answer, and the Orioles’ eventual decision, was Miguel Tejada. Even though he doesn’t hit many home runs, he drives the ball. And the veteran is clutch.

Tejada is batting a solid .288 on the season. But he is hitting an impressive .324 with runners in scoring position.

Friday night he did it again – basically helping to turn a squeaker into an Orioles’ 8-1 win over the Cleveland Indians.

The Orioles had runners at second and third and one out in the sixth with Cleveland’s Justin Masterson on the mound. Instead of bringing in a lefty to face Nick Markakis, Cleveland manager Manny Acta intentionally walked Markakis and loaded the bases for Tejada.

“I think (Acta) did the right thing because (Masterson) is really tough on righties and I think with one out he was probably looking for a double play,” Tejada said. “I had to make an adjustment. I didn’t look too good against (Masterson) the first two at-bats. I made an adjustment and it turned into a hit.”

Tejada’s two-run single up the middle ignited a four-run rally that gave the Orioles the victory. Orioles manager Dave Trembley said that hit was the reason Tejada bats cleanup. Tejada said he absolutely relishes those opportunities.

“I love it. I love that situation. When we have that situation, I want to be in there. I’ve been doing it for a long time and it takes a lot of concentration in a situation like that and I think I do that,” Tejada said. “It doesn’t (tick) me off, but in those situations I (am) more relaxed. With runners in scoring position I like to be relaxed and not try too hard. I think that’s why I love it … I love seeing the people cheer when that situation comes.”

Posted by Dan Connolly at 11:53 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)
        

The Triple-A Norfolk Tides fell to the Buffalo Bisons, while the Double-A Bowie Baysox edged the Erie SeaWolves. The Single-A Frederick Keys lost to the Kinston Indians, and the Single-A Delmarva Shorebirds pounded the Kannapolis Intimidators.

In order to make room for Nolan Reimold in Norfolk, utility player Paco Figueroa was transferred off the roster. Figueroa joined the Tides from Bowie on Wednesday.

Norfolk Tides (AAA)

Score: Buffalo Bisons 5, Norfolk Tides 3 (Box score)

Recap: Reimold was 0-for-3 with a walk in his return to Triple-A as the Tides suffered a 5-3 loss to Buffalo.

Norfolk starting pitcher Chris Tillman (3-4) gave up five runs (four earned) and eight hits in six innings. The 22-year-old right-hander allowed two home runs, throwing 68 of his 105 pitches for strikes.

Tides right fielder Blake Davis was 2-for-4 with a run scored, and third baseman Josh Bell had an RBI.

Shortstop Justin Turner added a single, an RBI and a run scored for Norfolk.

Bowie Baysox (AA)

Score: Bowie Baysox 3, Erie SeaWolves 2 (Box score)

Recap: After a nearly two-hour rain delay, the Baysox were able to come away with a 3-2 victory over Erie at Prince George's Stadium.

Bowie designated hitter Joel Guzman hit his seventh home run of the season, and center fielder Matt Angle added a single and an RBI.

Baysox relief pitcher Pat Egan (3-1) tossed 2 2/3 no-hit innings to earn the win, while closer Pedro Beato retired all three batters he faced in order to pick up his second save of the season.

Starting pitcher Zach Britton gave up two runs and four hits in 5 1/3 innings for Bowie.

Frederick Keys (A)

Score: Kinston Indians 4, Frederick Keys 3 (Box score)

Recap: Designated hitter Jacob Julius had a double and two RBIs, but the Keys dropped a 4-3 decision against Kinston.

Frederick second baseman L.J. Hoes was 1-for-4 with a double and a run scored, while center fielder Kyle Hudson and third baseman Billy Rowell each scored a run.

Keys starting pitcher Kenny Moreland (2-2) was charged with four runs and six hits in 4 1/3 innings. He struck out six batters and issued one walk.

Delmarva Shorebirds (A)

Score: Delmarva Shorebirds 10, Kannapolis Intimidators 4 (Box score)

Recap: Right fielder Brian Conley was 4-for-4 with two walks, an RBI and a run scored in the Shorebirds' 10-4 victory over Kannapolis.

Delmarva left fielder Steve Bumbry was 2-for-4 with a double and three RBIs, and third baseman Tyler Kelly added three hits, two runs scored and an RBI.

Shorebirds starting pitcher Jesse Beal (3-2) held the Intimidators to three runs and six hits in seven innings. The 19-year-old right-hander had three strikeouts and walked one batter.

Second baseman Michael Mooney, first baseman Tyler Stampone and shortstop Gary Helmick collected two hits each for Delmarva.

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 11:29 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
        

Will Ohman is in the game in the ninth, meaning Jeremy Guthrie is officially done.

And what a start it was against his old team.

Guthrie allowed a run in the first and then retired 16 batters until allowing his next hit.

His line: 8 IP, 2H, 1ER, 1BB, 5Ks.

It was the first time since July 19 that Guthrie went eight innings.

He got his second win of the season (Will Ohman pitched a scoreless ninth).

The Orioles have now won 10 of their last 18 after winning two of their first 18.

They are 12-24 overall.

Posted by Dan Connolly at 10:53 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

The Orioles scored four in the sixth to go up 6-1 over the Indians.

The big blow came off the bat of Miguel Tejada, and it followed a curious decision by Cleveland Indians manager Manny Acta.

The Orioles had runners at second and third with one out, Nick Markakis up and Justin Masterson had thrown over 100 pitches.

Lefty Aaron Laffey was warming up but Acta decided to intentionally walk Markakis, load the bases and keep Masterson in to face Miguel Tejada.

It was the high-percentage move. But it was curious since there are few people in baseball who know Tejada and his clutch ability more than Acta.

The two are close friends; Acta has always been a big supporter of Tejada. He managed him on the Dominican World Baseball Classic team.

And Acta challenged Tejada, who singled up the middle to drive in two and spur the rally.

Posted by Dan Connolly at 10:18 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

Jeremy Guthrie had a rough first against his former team, the Cleveland Indians. With two outs, he walked a guy, hit a batter and allowed a RBI single.

From that point until now, he has retired 16 straight.

He threw 25 pitches in that first inning; he’s thrown 55 in the next five.

The Orioles are up 2-1 in the bottom of the sixth and Guthrie may have two innings left in him.

Posted by Dan Connolly at 9:53 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

We just saw the good and bad of the Orioles in one inning.

Corey Patterson made two nice catches in left field, a running one and then a leaping one at the wall. And Jeremy Guthrie got out of a first inning jam and has settled down

Patterson led off the bottom of the third with a single and scored when Adam Jones crushed a ball to the wall in right that Cleveland outfielder Shin-Soo Choo turned into a triple by slipping on the warning track.

Nick Markakis then hit a weak grounder that the first baseman gloved and flipped to pitcher Justin Masterson, which should have been run two. But Jones read the ball off the bat wrong and didn’t dash in from third.

Third base coach Juan Samuel gave Jones an earful.

Jones did score, however, on a single by the now red-hot Luke Scott, who may never get out again in his career.

Ty Wigginton struck out and Matt Wieters popped up to strand two runners and the Orioles are now 1-for-8 with runners in scoring position through three innings.

The Orioles’ 2010 slogan: Come to the Park. Enjoy the rollercoaster.

Posted by Dan Connolly at 9:14 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

The Orioles and Cleveland Indians are underway at Camden Yards.

The first pitch, a strike from Jeremy Guthrie, occurred at 8:12 p.m. The rain delay was one hour and seven minutes.

Posted by Dan Connolly at 8:12 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

It's clearing and the tarp is about to come off. The Orioles just announced that the game will start approximately at 8:10 p.m.

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 7:44 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

Game one of the Orioles weekend three-game series with the Cleveland Indians at Camden Yards is currently in a rain delay.

The Orioles' grounds crew started rolling out the tarp as both pitchers (the Orioles' Jeremy Guthrie and the Indians' Justin Masterson) were warming up in the bullpen, and several position players were on the field stretching.

No word yet on when the first pitch will be, but it's coming down pretty hard.

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 7:13 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

With the June 7 draft less than four weeks away, Orioles director of scouting Joe Jordan has whittled down his targets for the third overall pick, and he’ll visit each of them over the next couple of weeks.

“I’ve got it down to four or five guys where our pick is going to come from,” Jordan said while on a scouting trip Thursday afternoon. “I’m really going to stay on the guys that we’ve been on the whole time, visit with them and try to get to know them even more. I’m trying to get real good looks for the next 2 and 2 ½ weeks. There are no days off right now. We’ll leave no stone unturned.”

Jordan will preside over West Coast regional scouting meetings, which start on Sunday, and then similar meetings with Midwest scouts after that. Then, he’s hoping to see about 10 or 12 more games before lining up the names on the Orioles’ wish list.

“Right now, we’re just really circling back on the guys we like,” he said. “It’s all coming together.”

Jordan, of course, wasn’t going to tip his hand on the four or five players the club is considering with the top pick, though most draft pundits think that the Orioles first selection will come from a group that includes University of Mississippi left-hander Drew Pomeranz, Woodlands (Tex.) High right-handed pitcher Jameson Taillon, Cal State Fullerton shortstop Christian Colon, or Brito (Fla) High shortstop Manny Machado.

Jordan said several weeks ago that if all things were equal, he’d like to take an impact bat at No.3, but beyond junior college catcher Bryce Harper, who is expected to go first overall to the Washington Nationals, there are only a few hitters who project as early first-round picks. Zack Cox, a third baseman from the University of Arkansas, is one of them.

“We’re going to have position guys that we like and they’ll be plenty of pitching available,” Jordan said. “We’re going to have our options, and we’re going to get a player we really like. To be honest, some of the guys that I felt like we’re maybe on the [fringe] and had a chance to get in the mix, they haven’t performed as well as I would have liked them to.”

Jordan didn’t mention any names, but LSU pitcher Antony Ranaudo is one player who was expected to go in the top few picks, but has had a disappointing season, and may have dropped out of Orioles’ consideration.

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 10:45 AM | Permalink | Comments (37)
        

Norfolk Tides (AAA)

Record: (15-20)

Opponent

at Buffalo Bisons (7:05 p.m.)

Probable pitchers

Norfolk: Chris Tillman (3-3, 3.49 ERA)
Buffalo: R.A. Dickey (3-2, 2.56 ERA)

Bowie Baysox (AA)

Record: (16-19)

Opponent

Erie SeaWolves (7:05 p.m.)

Probable pitchers

Bowie: Zach Britton (2-3, 4.37 ERA)
Erie: Andrew Oliver (3-1, 4.41 ERA)

Frederick Keys (A)

Record: (21-13)

Opponent

at Kinston Indians (7 p.m.)

Probable pitchers

Frederick: Kenny Moreland (2-1, 5.04 ERA)
Kinston: Joe Gardner (1-0, 2.70 ERA with two teams in 2010)

Delmarva Shorebirds (A)

Record: (16-17)

Opponent

at Kannapolis Intimidators (7:05 p.m.)

Probable pitchers

Delmarva: Jesse Beal (2-2, 3.75 ERA)
Kannapolis: Cameron Bayne (2-4, 3.78 ERA)

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 10:41 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

The Triple-A Norfolk Tides endured a heartbreaking loss to the Syracuse Chiefs, and the Double-A Bowie Baysox were beaten by the Erie SeaWolves.

The Single-A Frederick Keys topped the Salem Red Sox, and the Single-A Delmarva Shorebirds were blanked by the Kannapolis Intimidators.

In the past two days, there were a few roster moves in the Orioles' minor league system.

Utility player Paco Figueroa was promoted to the Tides from Bowie, replacing Corey Patterson on the roster. When Nolan Reimold joins Norfolk, a corresponding move will need to be made.

Also, center fielder Matt Angle was activated from the disabled list for the Baysox and catcher Phil Britton was transferred off the team's roster. Angle made his season debut tonight for Bowie after missing the first 34 games due to a broken bone in his hand.

Norfolk Tides (AAA)

Score: Syracuse Chiefs 2, Norfolk Tides 1 (Box score)

Recap: Tides starting pitcher Brandon Erbe dominated Syracuse for seven shutout innings, giving up four hits and striking out six batters.

Erbe didn't factor in the decision, however, as Norfolk relief pitcher Frank Mata (1-1) surrendered two runs with two outs in the bottom of the ninth inning, handing the team a 2-1 loss to the Chiefs.

Tides catcher Michel Hernandez was 2-for-4 with an RBI, and designated hitter Michael Aubrey added two hits and a run scored.

Left fielder Jeff Salazar was 2-for-4 for Norfolk.

Bowie Baysox (AA)

Score: Erie SeaWolves 5, Bowie Baysox 3 (Box score)

Recap: Angle was 2-for-4 with a run scored in his first game of the season, but the Baysox suffered a 5-3 loss to Erie.

Bowie left fielder Tyler Henson hit a solo home run in the sixth inning, his third of the season, and designated hitter Joel Guzman collected two RBIs.

Baysox starting pitcher Tim Bascom (2-2) gave up five runs (three earned) and nine hits in 5 2/3 innings, while relief pitcher Zach Clark tossed 3 1/3 scoreless frames.

Third baseman Brandon Waring hit a double for Bowie.

Frederick Keys (A)

Score: Frederick Keys 8, Salem Red Sox 4 (Box score)

Recap: First baseman Joe Mahoney collected four hits, including two doubles, and two runs scored in the Keys' 8-4 victory over Salem.

Frederick left fielder Jacob Julius was 2-for-3 with a double, two RBIs and a run scored, while right fielder Ronnie Welty added two hits, two runs scored and an RBI.

Despite allowing both inherited runners to score, as well as being charged with one run and three hits in one inning, Keys relief pitcher Raul Rivero (2-1) earned the win.

Starting pitcher Cole McCurry gave up three runs (two earned) and five hits in 4 1/3 innings for the Keys. The 24-year-old left-hander walked three batters and had four strikeouts.

Delmarva Shorebirds (A)

Score: Kannapolis Intimidators 5, Delmarva Shorebirds 0 (Box score)

Recap: The Shorebirds were held to two hits in a 5-0 loss to Kannapolis.

Delmarva starting pitcher Matt Hobgood (2-2) allowed four runs (three earned), three hits and four walks in four innings. The 19-year-old right-hander also hit a batter, threw a wild pitch and collected two strikeouts.

Shorebirds shortstop Garabez Rosa and left fielder Michael Planeta each had a single.

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 10:32 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)
        

Luke Scott hit a grand slam in the eighth inning Thursday to win the game for the Orioles.

He was 2-for-4 on Thursday and 2-for-4 on Wednesday. Scott, who led the team in homers last year, now has six home runs and 14 RBIs and has his average up to a still-dreadful .213.

We all know the deal with Scott. When he is hot, no player is more scalding. When he is cold, icicles form on the bench next to him.

So are we seeing the beginning of another Luke Scott thaw? Is he about to turn it around and again remind you why you love watching the enthusiastic Scott swing the lumber?

Or is this a two-game blip and Scott will be swinging from the heels the next time you watch him come to the plate, as he has much of the year?

Daily Think Special: Is Luke Scott about to turn his early season around?

Posted by Dan Connolly at 7:15 PM | Permalink | Comments (20)
Categories: Connolly's Corner Sports Bar
        

The Jim Johnson report from earlier was accurate, but apparently needs some clarification.

First of all, there was no new diagnosis, as Johnson made clear in his comments. Dr. James Andrews basically shared the same opinion as Orioles team orthopedist Dr. John Wilckens, who diagnosed the Orioles reliever with a strained ulnar collateral ligament and “possibly a low-grade tear” in his right elbow.

Dr. Andrews’ diagnosis was virtually the same thing. The only difference was Dr. Andrews was more conservative in his timetable for Johnson’s return. It was previously thought that Johnson could return in about six weeks. Dr. Andrews feels like it will be eight or 10.

As far as the Orioles are concerned, this isn’t a setback, just a more conservative approach. And team officials are still confident that the reliever will avoid Tommy John ligament-replacement surgery, and the injury will heal over time.

I’m not a doctor, so I can’t speak with any authority on this, but I’m also told that a strain is essentially a slight tear, so people shouldn’t be hung up on that part of it. And Johnson was told last week that he was told it could be a “low-grade” tear so it’s not like he was taken by surprise by that.

The only bad news for Johnson, who wants to pitch, is he might be on the sidelines two or three weeks longer than he had hoped.

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 3:57 PM | Permalink | Comments (10)
        

For much of this early season, Kevin Millwood has pitched good enough to win, but his offense has failed him.

The Orioles’ offense continued its slumber with Millwood making a start, but this time Millwood can’t feel cheated.

He allowed just eight base runners in 6 2/3 innings, but five scored. The punchless Mariners hit three homers against Millwood, who had previously allowed seven homers total in his first seven starts for the Orioles.

He gave up home runs to Ichiro Suzuki (two-run shot in the fifth) and solo knocks to Mike Sweeney (to lead off the sixth) and Michael Saunders (two outs in the seventh).

Suzuki, Sweeney and Saunders had one homer among them before Thursday.

Millwood’s final line: 6 2/3 IP, 7 H, 5 ER, 1 BB, 5 K, 3 HR

Posted by Dan Connolly at 2:29 PM | Permalink | Comments (7)
        

Orioles reliever Jim Johnson didn’t get the best news from his visit today to renowned orthopedic surgeon Dr. James Andrews in Pensacola, Fla.

He said that he was diagnosed with a small tear in his right elbow that will keep him out at least eight to 10 weeks. Johnson will begin a rehabilitation program, and if things don’t improve in four weeks, he could be facing season-ending Tommy John ligament-reconstruction surgery on his right elbow.

"It’s a little bit worse," Johnson said. "All it did was it just changed the timetable. Instead of four to six weeks, now we’re looking at probably closer to eight weeks, maybe 10. But obviously after about a month or so, if there’s no improvement with what we’re doing with the rehab and if it’s still lingering, surgery becomes an option at that point. But we’re pretty optimistic about the rehab first.”

Johnson, who had been one of the club's few reliable relief options over the past two seasons and had two stints as the team's closer, was 1-1 with a 6.52 ERA this season and had allowed 15 hits and four walks over 9 2/3 innings when he was optioned to Triple-A Norfolk.

He pitched one scoreless inning for the Tides before deciding that he needed to get his elbow looked at by Orioles team orthopedist Dr. John Wilckens.

Johnson said he was diagnosed with a strained ulnar collateral ligament and “possibly a low-grade tear,” at the time. He went to Dr. Andrews for a second opinion, which pretty much confirmed Dr. Wilckens' diagnosis. It's just a little worse than Johnson originally though.

“It’s a small tear," he said. "There’s some damage to the [ulnar collateral ligament]. I’m sure there’s a medical term for it, but I’m not sure what it is. It’s stretched out obviously.”

Asked if he just considered having surgery immediately rather than trying to rehab the injury, Johnson said, "“It’s an option, but it’s an option I’m not doing yet. I’m going to go other avenues before we consider that. It’s what the first diagnosis was. It’s just going to push the timetable back a little bit.”

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 12:43 PM | Permalink | Comments (9)
        

Norfolk Tides (AAA)

Record: (15-19)

Opponent

at Syracuse Chiefs (10:30 a.m.)

Probable pitchers

Norfolk: Brandon Erbe (0-6, 7.20 ERA)
Syracuse: Andrew Kown (1-2, 2.79 ERA)

Bowie Baysox (AA)

Record: (16-18)

Opponent

Erie SeaWolves (7:05 p.m.)

Probable pitchers

Bowie: Tim Bascom (2-1, 2.78 ERA)
Erie: Thad Weber (1-3, 5.00 ERA)

Frederick Keys (A)

Record: (20-13)

Opponent

at Salem Red Sox (7:05 p.m.)

Probable pitchers

Frederick: Cole McCurry (1-2, 4.61 ERA)
Salem: Caleb Clay (2-0, 4.97 ERA)

Delmarva Shorebirds (A)

Record: (16-16)

Opponent

at Kannapolis Intimidators (7:05 p.m.)

Probable pitchers

Delmarva: Matt Hobgood (2-1, 4.13 ERA)
Kannapolis: Terry Doyle (3-2, 1.13 ERA)

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 9:35 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
        

So it is never dull at Camden Yards.

Painful, but not dull.

The Orioles took a 5-1 lead into the ninth. Then Koji Uehara, who wiggled out of an inherited jam in the eighth, walked the first batter he faced in the ninth and then gave up a single.

Alfredo Simon entered for a save situation – with two runners on and no outs.

He threw a 95-mph fastball past Josh Wilson for the first out. Then Oriole Killer Ken Griffey entered to pinch hit and just got under a pitch for a sacrifice fly. The lead was down to 5-2.

Michael Saunders flied out to center on a full-count pitch, and Simon picked up his fourth save while Bergesen won his third straight decision.

Good thing because the deadly Ichiro Suzuki was on deck.

Never a doubt, Alfredo. Never a doubt.

Posted by Dan Connolly at 10:20 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
        

All four full-season affiliates in the Orioles' minor league system lost Wednesday.

The Triple-A Norfolk Tides failed to score against the Syracuse Chiefs, and the Double-A Bowie Baysox were also kept off the scoreboard in a loss to the Richmond Flying Squirrels.

The Single-A Frederick Keys fell to the Salem Red Sox, and the Single-A Delmarva Shorebirds dropped a game to the Kannapolis Intimidators.

Norfolk Tides (AAA)

Score: Syracuse Chiefs 4, Norfolk Tides 0 (Box score)

Recap: All eyes were on Syracuse starting pitcher Stephen Strasburg (2-0) and he didn't disappoint.

Strasburg tossed six no-hit innings as the Chiefs cruised past the Tides, 4-0. The 21-year-old right-hander struck out seven batters and issued one walk, throwing 55 of his 80 pitches for strikes.

Norfolk starting pitcher Troy Patton (2-4) gave up four runs, six hits and three walks in five innings. The 24-year-old left-hander had two strikeouts.

Tides right fielder Blake Davis hit a double and third baseman Josh Bell picked up the team's only other hit.

Bowie Baysox (AA)

Score: Richmond Flying Squirrels 5, Bowie Baysox 0 (Box score)

Recap: Starting pitcher Ryohei Tanaka (2-4) gave up five runs and nine hits in 5 2/3 innings as the Baysox were blanked, 5-0, by Richmond at Prince George's Stadium.

Bowie left fielder Tyler Henson was 2-for-5 with a double, and second baseman Ryan Adams extended his hitting streak to 10 games with two hits and a walk.

Third baseman Brandon Waring was 0-for-1 with four walks for Bowie.

Frederick Keys (A)

Score: Salem Red Sox 6, Frederick Keys 4 (Box score)

Recap: First baseman Joe Mahoney was 2-for-4 in the Keys' 6-4 loss to Salem.

Frederick second baseman L.J. Hoes and right fielder Ronnie Welty each contributed a single and an RBI, while center fielder Xavier Avery and catcher Luis Bernardo each added an RBI.

Keys starting pitcher Nathan Nery (2-3) allowed five runs and seven hits in 4 2/3 innings. The 24-year-old left-hander walked three batters and collected four strikeouts.

Shortstop Greg Miclat scored twice for Frederick.

Delmarva Shorebirds (A)

Score: Kannapolis Intimidators 8, Delmarva Shorebirds 3 (Box score)

Recap: Third baseman Tyler Kelly was 3-for-5 with an RBI, but the Shorebirds were beaten, 8-3, on the road against Kannapolis.

Delmarva left fielder Michael Planeta added three hits and a run scored, while catcher Michael Ohlman and shortstop Garabez Rosa each added an RBI.

Shorebirds starting pitcher Jake Cowan (3-1) suffered his first loss of the season after allowing six runs and nine hits in five innings. The 21-year-old right-hander collected six strikeouts and gave up two home runs.

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 10:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (7)
        

You have some time to think about it.

Nolan Reimold, one of the brightest spots for the Orioles last season, was sent down Wednesday after hitting .205 in 29 games and looking tentative defensively.

He wasn’t contributing up here, and manager Dave Trembley thinks it will be good for Reimold to regain his form in a lower-pressure environment.

Reimold, 26, admits his confidence has been shaken and that a stint in Norfolk may not hurt.

I agree. But not everyone who has stopped by the blog thinks it is a good thing. Some would rather have had another player get sent down -- Lou Montanez, for instance -- and I guess I can see that rationale.

But others have commented that Reimold should have been left in the majors to work out his struggles there. That the win-loss record is really irrelevant now, so why not have him stay up and play every day? Those who subscribe to that theory believe it is a bigger confidence buster to demote him to Triple-A.

I am with the Orioles here. I think they did the right thing regarding Reimold

Daily Think Special: Should Nolan Reimold have been sent down to Triple-A?

Posted by Dan Connolly at 9:54 PM | Permalink | Comments (23)
Categories: Connolly's Corner Sports Bar
        

Seattle’s Ryan Rowland-Smith left in the fourth inning after giving up a homer to Luke Scott to lead off the inning.

It was the shortest start of the season for Rowland-Smith. More important for Orioles’ fans, it was the earliest the Orioles have knocked out a starter this season – for a non-injury related reason that is.

In the third game of the season, Tampa’s Jeff Niemann left after 1 1/3 innings when he was hit in the shoulder by a Miguel Tejada liner.

It may be a small victory, but knocking a starter out in the fourth (with only 55 pitches thrown) is a big deal for the Orioles.

Consider this: 25 of 34 starters the Orioles have faced this year have gone six or more innings. Wow.

The Orioles are leading 3-0 in the bottom of the fifth.

Posted by Dan Connolly at 8:45 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)
        

Tonight's Orioles-Mariners' game, which was originally scheduled to start at 7:05, is now scheduled to begin at 7:25.

The rain is still coming down, but it has slowed considerably, and the tarp remains on the field.

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 6:55 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)
        

Demoted Orioles outfielder Nolan Reimold certainly hasn't lost his sense of humor on one of the most disappointing days of his professional career.

Asked what he feels he needs to work on at Triple-A in order to get back to Baltimore, Reimold said, "Hitting the ball, getting on base, fielding, throwing."

Reimold, who was hitting .205 with two homers and 10 RBIs in 29 games, said that he was surprised that he was sent to Triple-A Norfolk today to make room for outfielder Corey Patterson, but he certainly understands where the Orioles are coming from.

"I haven’t been playing well, so it’s understood. I have to go down and start hitting. It’s just been frustrating," Reimold said in a phone interview with The Sun after leaving the ballpark. "I haven’t been playing the way I want to play, the way I know that I can play. It has been a frustrating start to the year. It’s still early. There’s still a lot of time to turn it around."

Reimold said his struggles were a result of a combination of factors, most related to his putting far too much pressure on himself to produce.

"It all kind of snowballed," Reimold said. "I didn’t get off to a hot start, and then you start pressing and you try too hard to not make mistakes. And that's when you do make mistakes. That’s kind of what happened to me. I’m just going to go down there and get a fresh start, work on some things and hopefully get back up here."

Reimold said that he was not used to not playing every day, but he refused to blame that for his problems.

"I just need to relax and go out there and get my confidence up and start playing like I should be," he said. "I know I can hit, but when you’re hitting .200, you need to correct some things.
If I was playing better, I wouldn’t be sent down. This is on me."

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 5:41 PM | Permalink | Comments (21)
        

Injured second baseman Brian Roberts (herniated disk) hasn't given an exact timeline for when he expects to return, but he at least now has a target date.

Put on the 60-day disabled list today to open up a 40-man roster spot for Corey Patterson, Roberts will be eligible to return June 9, and he thinks that's a realistic goal for his return.

"Even if I started tomorrow and I really started getting ready to go, it would still take me at least three weeks to be ready," said Roberts, who hasn't done any baseball activities since playing in his last game April 9. "We talked a lot about it yesterday, and the best-case scenario is I might be back seven days before that. But that’s with everything. So this gives us a little bit of extra time to make sure I don’t rush anything. Hopefully, by that time, I’ll be ready."

Roberts spoke to Orioles president of baseball operations Andy MacPhail yesterday about the idea.

"Andy said, ‘Look obviously if I could get you back 10 days before that, I’m not going to do it,’ but we couldn’t give him any guarantees of that," Roberts said. "In the end, it winded up probably being the smartest move for everybody."

Roberts remains hopeful to start some small baseball activities later this week.

"Today is probably the best day I’ve had in 2 1/2 months," he said. "I’m encouraged at this point. I’m hoping that everything goes well and I’ll be back when I’m able to [come off the DL]."

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 5:12 PM | Permalink | Comments (14)
        

Orioles manager Dave Trembley said the decision to send outfielder Nolan Reimold to Triple-A Norfolk today and replace him with leadoff hitter Corey Patterson was a move that could help Reimold and the Orioles.

“I hope it is a two-fold purpose here,” Trembley said. “We need to get somebody that can spark our offense. I am not putting it all on Corey, but he has been a leadoff guy in the past. He was playing very well at Triple-A. Nolan wasn’t playing well here. It’s unfortunate that these things happen, but they do happen.”

Reimold, 26, was one of the Orioles’ brightest spots last season, coming up from the minors on May 14 and almost immediately claiming the starting left field job. He hit 15 homers and batted .279 and was a contender for the American League Rookie of the Year Award before his season ended prematurely due to a left Achilles injury that was surgically repaired in September.

He never seemed fully recovered from the injury – and it was apparent both at the plate, where he hit just .205 with two homers in 29 games, and in the field, where he looked increasingly hesitant.

“We held on as long as we possibly could with him,” Trembley said. “This was a discussion that had been going on for a while. I was hoping he was going to hit himself through it. But we got to a point where he wasn’t getting much success here and he needs to go to Triple-A and get some success. … He is very important to us and we don’t expect his stay to be long. But that is up to him.”

Adam Jones, who played center field next to Reimold for the past year and a half, was surprised when he heard the news of Reimold’s demotion.

“It’s crazy. He got sent down. You know that you’ve got to play, you’ve got to produce,” Jones said. “He was struggling up here a little bit, but he continued to play hard. It just wasn’t falling. He hit balls hard right at them. It’s frustrating.”

Trembley and Orioles president of baseball operations Andy MacPhail have said changes would be made if the offense didn’t produce.

It was the first example of that thinking – and players such as Lou Montanez, Luke Scott and Jones also could find themselves playing for a job if their numbers don’t improve.

“He’s not the only one that’s frustrated in this clubhouse,” Jones said. “It’s just that he’s the one that got moved. I wish the best for him. You’ve got to go down there and rake Triple-A pitching, act like he doesn’t even belong there because he doesn’t. Come back up here with a new mentality and start back over.”

Posted by Dan Connolly at 4:53 PM | Permalink | Comments (6)
        

I guess the fact the Orioles are facing a left-handed pitcher doesn't matter.

Corey Patterson, whose contract was purchased today from Triple-A Norfolk, is in the lineup and leading off, and playing left field.

Orioles president of baseball operations Andy MacPhail also confirmed that Brian Roberts is headed to the 60-day disabled list to make room on the 40-man roster for Patterson.

Roberts last played on April 9, meaning he wouldn't be eligible to come off the DL until June 9. That's in four weeks. Roberts hasn't even started baseball activities yet, so he wasn't expected to be ready anytime soon anyway.

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 3:37 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)
        

Although it won't be official for another hour or so, the Orioles have decided to send struggling outfielder Nolan Reimold to Triple-A Norfolk.

Both Reimold and fellow outfielder Lou Montanez were candidates to be demoted to make room for outfielder Corey Patterson's arrival from Norfolk. Patterson is expected at Camden Yards tonight and in uniform as the Orioles take on the Seattle Mariners.

Reimold has batted just .205 with two homers and 10 RBIs in 29 games with the Orioles this season, but his struggles extended beyond the plate. On Tuesday, he misplayed two singles in left field, getting a late break on one and bobbling another.

After the game, Orioles manager Dave Trembley said he thought Reimold was struggling with his confidence.

Reimold was a candidate for the 2009 American League Rookie of the Year before injuring his left Achilles and not playing after mid-September. He hit .279 with 15 homers in 2009. The Achilles hampered him this spring after offseason surgery.

Posted by Dan Connolly at 2:42 PM | Permalink | Comments (10)
        

The former Orioles outfielder will be a current Orioles outfielder at some point today. If there are no flight delays from Syracuse, he'll be at Camden Yards well before game time.

It's still possible that the club holds off activating him until Thursday. But since he'll be in Baltimore, it's more likely he'll be in uniform for tonight's game.

No official word on who goes when Patterson arrives, but given Nolan Reimold's struggles and his status within the organization, it makes the most sense for him to go to Triple-A Norfolk and play every day. That would leave Lou Montanez as the O's fourth outfielder, unless more changes are made.

Again, just speculation on our part at this point in regards to the demotions.

Posted by Dan Connolly at 9:45 AM | Permalink | Comments (32)
        

Norfolk Tides (AAA)

Record: (15-18)

Opponent

at Syracuse Chiefs (7 p.m.)

Probable pitchers

Norfolk: Troy Patton (2-3, 5.40 ERA)
Syracuse: Stephen Strasburg (1-0, 0.00 ERA)

Bowie Baysox (AA)

Record: (16-17)

Opponent

Richmond Flying Squirrels (11:05 a.m.)

Probable pitchers

Bowie: Ryohei Tanaka (2-3, 3.63 ERA)
Richmond: Daryl Maday (5-0, 1.78 ERA)

Frederick Keys (A)

Record: (20-12)

Opponent

at Salem Red Sox (7:05 p.m.)

Probable pitchers

Frederick: Nathan Nery (2-2, 3.74 ERA)
Salem: Fabian Williamson (3-1, 3.34 ERA)

Delmarva Shorebirds (A)

Record: (16-15)

Opponent

at Kannapolis Intimidators (7:05 p.m.)

Probable pitchers

Delmarva: Jake Cowan (3-0, 2.50 ERA)
Kannapolis: Joseph Serafin (3-2, 2.95 ERA)

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 9:05 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

Triple-A Norfolk outfielder Corey Patterson is expected to leave Syracuse, N.Y. on Wednesday for Baltimore, a source told the Sun.

It’s possible he won’t be activated by the Orioles until Thursday, when the club faces a right-handed starter for the first time in their three-game series with the Seattle Mariners at Camden Yards.

Patterson, 30, who played with the Orioles in 2006 and 2007, batted .368 in 14 games with the Tides. He joined Norfolk in late April after he failed to make the Seattle Mariners out of spring training.

Patterson's Tides are in Syracuse to play the Chiefs, the Washington Nationals' Triple-A affiliate.

No word on a corresponding move, but outfielders Nolan Reimold and Lou Montanez are the most likely candidates to be demoted.

Posted by Dan Connolly at 11:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (17)
        

The Triple-A Norfolk Tides topped the Syracuse Chiefs, and the Double-A Bowie Baysox edged the Richmond Flying Squirrels. The Single-A Frederick Keys beat the Salem Red Sox, and the Single-A Delmarva Shorebirds were idle.

Earlier today, the Keys activated right-hander Oliver Drake from the disabled list and sent left-hander Brett Bordes to the short-season Single-A Aberdeen IronBirds roster.

Norfolk Tides (AAA)

Score: Norfolk Tides 5, Syracuse Chiefs 3 (Box score)

Recap: Five different Tides players collected an RBI in the 5-3 victory over Syracuse.

Norfolk center fielder Joey Gathright was 2-for-4 with an RBI, and second baseman Justin Turner added a single, a double and two runs scored.

Tides third baseman Josh Bell and first baseman Brandon Snyder each had a double and an RBI, while left fielder Corey Patterson -- batting in the leadoff spot -- hit a double.

Starting pitcher Chris George gave up two runs and two hits in four innings for the Tides, and relief pitcher Armando Gabino (1-0) earned the win after allowing one run and one hit in three innings.

Norfolk relief pitcher Frank Mata tossed a scoreless frame for his sixth save of the season.

Bowie Baysox (AA)

Score: Bowie Baysox 6, Richmond Flying Squirrels 5 (Box score)

Recap: Designated hitter Joel Guzman was 2-for-4 with a pair of doubles, two RBIs and two runs scored as the Baysox held on for a 6-5 win over Richmond at Prince George's Stadium.

Bowie third baseman Brandon Waring added a double and two RBIs, and left fielder Tyler Henson was 2-for-4 with a double, two runs scored and an RBI.

Baysox starting pitcher Chorye Spoone (2-4) gave up four runs (two earned) and five hits in five innings. The 24-year-old right-hander struck out four batters and issued three walks.

Catcher Caleb Joseph was 2-for-3 for Bowie, and relief pitcher Pedro Beato picked up his first save of the season after throwing two scoreless innings.

Frederick Keys (A)

Score: Frederick Keys 4, Salem Red Sox 1 (Box score)

Recap: Designated hitter L.J. Hoes was 2-for-3 with a double, an RBI and a run scored in the Keys' 4-1 victory over Salem.

Frederick third baseman Billy Rowell was 2-for-3 with a run scored, and first baseman Buck Britton added an RBI and a run scored.

Keys starting pitcher Ryan O'Shea held the Red Sox to one run and two hits in five innings, and relief pitcher Jose Diaz (1-0) recorded a scoreless frame.

Second baseman Bobby Stevens collected two hits for Frederick.

Keys relief pitcher Brandon Cooney retired all three batters he faced in order to pick up his sixth save of the season.

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 10:31 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)
        

Orioles manager Dave Trembley said just because there were no moves made on Tuesday, didn’t mean roster shuffling wouldn’t happen later this week.

Those of us who get paid to read between the lines and then write more lines suspected this: With consecutive left-handers on the mound for Seattle Tuesday and Wednesday, the Orioles didn’t want to bring up guys who didn’t hit lefties particularly well.

And that would be left-handed hitting outfielders Corey Patterson and/or Jeff Salazar and switch-hitting third baseman Josh Bell – Triple-A Norfolk’s hottest hitters (along with infielder Scott Moore).

It also gave a reprieve to Nolan Reimold, who is struggling to hit .200 after such a great rookie year in 2009. Reimold had a hit in four at-bats Tuesday, but twice misplayed balls in the field.

He took a bad jump on a Josh Wilson single in the fifth – that should have been an out -- and then he completely butchered a single by Rob Johnson in the sixth. The ball clanked off his glove, then he couldn’t pick it up and a run scored.

The team has been concerned about Reimold at the plate, but troubles in the field won’t help his cause to stay in the big leagues.

Posted by Dan Connolly at 9:42 PM | Permalink | Comments (8)
        

David Hernandez has lost his last 10 decisions as a big leaguer.

And right now he is on the hook for No. 11, which would be the second longest personal losing streak in O’s history, passing Jay Tibbs’ 10 (7-14-88 to 10-1-88) and two behind Mike Boddicker’s 13 (9-9-87 until 5-14-88).

Hernandez pitched well early on – but he unraveled in the fifth and sixth, again felled by an inability to throw strikes.

After allowing one hit through four innings, he gave up a leadoff homer in the fifth to Ryan Langerhans – that happens.

But then with two on and two outs, he intentionally walked Ichiro Suzuki to load the bases and walked Chone Figgins – who entered the game hitting .185 and is so lost he attempted to bunt in that bases-loaded at-bat -- for the second run.

In the sixth, he got two quick outs and then walked two more before a single to left – that Nolan Reimold badly misplayed, by the way – and two more runs scored. Jason Berken allowed an inherited runner to score and now the Orioles are down 5-0 in the sixth.

Here’s Hernandez’s line: 5 2/3 IP, 5H, 5R/4ER, 4BB, 4K, 1HR, 2WP.

You have to wonder how much longer the Orioles will stick with Hernandez.

Posted by Dan Connolly at 8:51 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)
        

Injured second baseman Brian Roberts said that he's feeling "OK," and he's hoping to engage in some smaller baseball activities later this week.

"It's still slower than I would like, than what I was hoping for," said Roberts who hasn't played since April 9 because of a herniated disk in his back. "We're hoping to start making some progress later this week."

Roberts said that he still has no idea when he'll be able to return to the Orioles' lineup.

"Physically, I haven't had any setbacks," he said. "It's just one of those things were time is the key factor, I think."

Roberts has been running in the pool and doing other "core work," but not much more than that.

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 5:52 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)
        

We've recited the statistics over and over again to describe the Orioles' offensive futility. But a perfect example of those struggles came in the nightcap of Saturday's doubleheader against the Minnesota Twins.

The game was tied at one heading into the top of the sixth inning. Kevin Millwood had just gotten out of the bottom of the fifth inning on 15 pitches, but his pitch count was elevated.

So what do the Orioles do against Scott Baker, who had allowed just a Luke Scott homer and hadn't thrown many pitches at all?

No.9 hitter Craig Tatum swings at the first pitch and grounds out to the pitcher.
Leadoff man Julio Lugo swings at the first pitch and pops out to third.
No,2 hitter Nick Markakis has to let two pitches go to give Millwood a chance to catch his breath. He promptly falls behind 0-2 and then popped out to third on the third pitch.

Baker gets out of the inning on five total pitches. Millwood, barely getting a chance to sit down, goes to the mound in the bottom of the sixth, and gives up two runs. Coincidence? I don't know.

Orioles manager Dave Trembley, who spent most of his pregame meeting with reporters today talking about his punchless lineup and how impatient Oriole hitters have been, admitted that he wasn't pleased by the sequence.

“I didn’t think it was the right thing to do for Millwood, who was busting his butt out there,” Trembley said. “The next inning, he went out on short rest. You certainly don’t expect that from guys who have played and have experience. And it also put Markakis in a whole where he had to take two pitches and basically his at-bat was thrown away.

“That at-bat with Lugo was not good. Now, if he hits it out of the ballpark, it’s like the 30-footer in baseball. You go, ‘great shot.’ But more times than not, it doesn’t work out in your favor. You expect better from a guy that has played as long as he has played, but it just goes to show you that a lot of them are just trying to do way too much. I don’t think anybody can fault the intent.”

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 5:17 PM | Permalink | Comments (5)
        

Orioles relief prospect Luis Lebron is having Tommy John ligament-reconstruction surgery on his right elbow today. Renowned orthopedist Dr. James Andrews is performing the surgery in Birmingham, Ala.

Lebron had an appointment with Dr. Andrews yesterday, and opted to have the surgery. The exact prognosis isn't known, but Lebron will probably miss most of next season.

Lebron, a hard-throwing 25-year-old who impressed team officials in spring training, split the 2009 season between Double-A Bowie and Single-A Frederick. He went 1-0 with a 1.98 ERA in 24 appearances for the Baysox after going 2-3 with a 3.00 ERA in 28 games for the Keys.

Lebron totaled 20 saves -- nine for Bowie and 11 for Frederick -- while striking out 91 hitters in 60 1/3 total innings.

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 3:31 PM | Permalink | Comments (5)
        

First baseman Rhyne Hughes was not in the lineup on Sunday in the Orioles’ 6-0 loss to the Minnesota Twins despite the fact that right-hander Nick Blackburn was on the mound for the home team. It marked the first time in 15 games since his April 24 promotion that Hughes was not in the lineup against a right-handed starter.

That’s obviously not a good sign for Hughes, though Orioles manager Dave Trembley did say that “we’ll continue to try and get him some at-bats.” And Garrett Atkins isn’t exactly knocking the cover off the ball either.

The Orioles are waiting for Hughes to make some adjustments and get out of his slump. Since going 4-for-9 in his first two games following his callup, Hughes is 5-for-29 with 13 strikeouts, his average dropping to .237. He went 1-for-11 on the road trip, and is probably unlikely to be in the lineup tonight with ace lefty Cliff Lee on the mound for the Seattle Mariners.

“Word travels fast in the big leagues,” Trembley said. “There are so many different scouting services and things to look at. There are so many advanced things here. He’s getting pitched a little different. It’s his move. It’s like a chess match, it’s his move now. We will see how it goes. He started out good, now they made some adjustments with him and he has to make some adjustments. But he has to stick with his strengths. He’s pretty much a low ball hitter. We’ll continue to try to get him some at-bats.”

Hughes, 26, was promoted because he was Triple-A Norfolk’s hottest hitter (.353 avg., 3 homers and 11 RBIs), and because of his power potential. But of his nine hits in the big leagues, only two of them are for extra bases and they were both doubles. Hughes, who belted 25 homers in the minors last year, has hit very few balls hard.

“I’m still waiting for him and a couple of other guys to get their first [homer],” Trembley said. It’s different there. This is the big leagues. If people find a certain way they can get you out, they are going to keep repeating it.”

Hughes may not be in as much danger of getting sent out as perhaps outfielder Lou Montanez is, but I've heard nothing over the last 24 hours that leads me to believe there will be a roster move before tonight's game. As of a couple of hours ago, the people I spoke with said that they weren't aware of anything. That doesn't necessarily mean something won't happen closer to the game, but nothing was in motion earlier this afternoon.

Obviously, Trembley will probably address that later when he meets with reporters around 4 p.m. Just a guess, but perhaps with lefties starting the next two nights for Seattle (Lee, and Rowland-Smith), team officials didn't feel the need to bring up a left-handed outfielder like Corey Patterson. Again, just a guess, I'm not saying I agree with that, or that's the reasoning.

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 1:47 PM | Permalink | Comments (14)
        

OK, the Orioles' brutal 32-game stretch to start the season is over.

During that span, they faced only one team, the Seattle Mariners, that is currently under .500. And they had to do that in Seattle as part of a West Coast trip that was jammed into a period of 16 games in 16 days.

But now the excuse of a brutal schedule is in the rear-view mirror. The Orioles (9-23) play eight straight games at home, starting tonight against the Seattle Mariners.

The homestand is comprised of three against Seattle (12-19), three against Cleveland (11-18) and two against Kansas City (11-21).

Once that is over with, the Orioles get two at Texas, three in Washington, three at home versus Oakland and three on the road in Toronto -- solid teams but likely not contenders in October -- before beginning another brutal, nine-game stretch versus the Yankees and Red Sox, three versus the New York Mets and then another West Coast swing.

So this is the time for the Orioles to prey on below-average opponents -- the worst three teams, record-wise, in the AL behind the ultimate cellar dwellers, the Orioles.

I realize eight games is a blip on the radar. And even if they go 8-0 they'd still be 17-23 on the season.

But given how bad things have gone, a good showing here may at least settle your stomach a bit. Or has that rocking ship already passed?

Daily Think Special: How many of the next eight must the Orioles win to make you feel a little better?

Posted by Dan Connolly at 10:01 AM | Permalink | Comments (26)
Categories: Connolly's Corner Sports Bar
        

Norfolk Tides (AAA)

Record: (14-18)

Opponent

at Syracuse Chiefs (7 p.m.)

Probable pitchers

Norfolk: Chris George (1-1, 4.50 ERA)
Syracuse: Chuck James (2-0, 4.85 ERA)

Bowie Baysox (AA)

Record: (15-17)

Opponent

Richmond Flying Squirrels (7:05 p.m.)

Probable pitchers

Bowie: Chorye Spoone (1-4, 6.21 ERA)
Richmond: Clayton Tanner (2-2, 2.03 ERA)

Frederick Keys (A)

Record: (19-12)

Opponent

at Salem Red Sox (7:05 p.m.)

Probable pitchers

Frederick: Ryan O'Shea (2-2, 5.53 ERA)
Salem: Brock Huntzinger (2-2, 3.68 ERA)

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 9:30 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

The Triple-A Norfolk Tides fell to the Syracuse Chiefs, and the Double-A Bowie Baysox dropped a close decision to the Richmond Flying Squirrels. The Single-A Frederick Keys beat the Salem Red Sox, but the Single-A Delmarva Shorebirds lost to the Charleston RiverDogs.

The Baysox placed outfielder Danny Figueroa on the disabled list earlier today, retroactive to May 8. In his place, the team added catcher Steven Lerud.

In nine games with Norfolk earlier this year, Lerud batted .095 (2-for-21) with two RBIs.

Norfolk Tides (AAA)

Score: Syracuse Chiefs 4, Norfolk Tides 3 (Box score)

Recap: Starting pitcher Jake Arrieta held Syracuse to three runs (two earned) and four hits in seven innings, but the Tides suffered a 4-3 loss. Arrieta collected six strikeouts, issued five walks and hit a batter.

Norfolk right fielder Corey Patterson was 2-for-3 with a triple and two runs scored, while third baseman Scott Moore was 3-for-4 with a triple and a run scored.

Tides first baseman Brandon Snyder added a triple and two RBIs, and second baseman Justin Turner collected two hits.

Relief pitcher Ross Wolf (0-2) gave up one run and two hits in one inning for Norfolk.

Bowie Baysox (AA)

Score: Richmond Flying Squirrels 5, Bowie Baysox 4 (Box score)

Recap: Right fielder Miguel Abreu hit a grand slam in the fourth inning, but that was all the offense for the Baysox in a 5-4 loss to Richmond at Prince George's Stadium.

Bowie starting pitcher Steve Johnson only allowed two hits in six scoreless innings, but he didn't factor in the decision. The 22-year-old right-hander struck out six batters and issued four walks.

Baysox relief pitcher Pat Egan (2-1), who has been nearly unhittable this season, was touched up for five runs (four earned), four hits and three walks in three innings.

Lerud hit a double in his first game for Bowie.

Frederick Keys (A)

Score: Frederick Keys 7, Salem Red Sox 2 (Box score)

Recap: Left fielder Kyle Hudson was 3-for-4 with two RBIs and two runs scored in the Keys' 7-2 victory over Salem.

Frederick third baseman Billy Rowell collected three RBIs, while right fielder Ronnie Welty and first baseman Joe Mahoney each added two hits and an RBI.

Keys starting pitcher Rick Zagone (1-3) picked up his first win of the season after holding the Red Sox to two runs and four hits in five innings.

Delmarva Shorebirds (A)

Score: Charleston RiverDogs 4, Delmarva Shorebirds 3 (Box score)

Recap: Second baseman Tyler Kelly was 2-for-5 with a double and two RBIs, but the Shorebirds were edged, 4-3, by Charleston at Arthur W. Perdue Stadium.

Delmarva left fielder Michael Planeta contributed an RBI, while center fielder Steve Bumbry and first baseman Tyler Stampone each added two hits.

Shorebirds starting pitcher Ryan Berry (0-2) gave up four runs (two earned) and six hits in five innings. The 21-year-old right-hander struck out three hitters, issued two walks and threw a wild pitch.

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 11:25 PM | Permalink | Comments (5)
        

Just in case you are wondering, this is Norfolk's lineup tonight against the Syracuse Chiefs and former National Shairon Martis:

Andino SS
Gathright CF
Patterson RF
Bell DH
Moore 3B
Snyder 1B
Aubrey LF
Turner 2B
Hernandez C
Arrieta P

So Corey Patterson is in the lineup and so is Josh Bell. They aren't headed to Baltimore yet, so you can breathe easy for another night.

The only regular not in the Tides' lineup today is outfielder Jeff Salazar, but that likely has more to do with lineup configuration than anything related to the parent club.

Just figured we'd let you know.

Posted by Dan Connolly at 6:58 PM | Permalink | Comments (5)
        

Corey Patterson arrived in Syracuse with his Norfolk Tides late last night and that’s where he is this afternoon, amid the rumors that he’ll be getting called up to the Orioles.

I talked to Patterson around noon and he said he was unaware of Orioles manager Dave Trembley’s comments that the club is keeping tabs on Patterson’s success at Triple-A and that changes could come at the big-league level before Tuesday’s game.

“Me, personally, I haven’t heard anything yet,” said Patterson, who is batting .367 with four doubles, three steals and a .415 on-base percentage in 12 games with Norfolk. “I’m hoping to keep with my approach and keep working hard and, for me, that’s all you can do. I won’t believe anything until it happens.”

If you know the Orioles, you know Patterson’s story. He was a can’t-miss prospect with the Chicago Cubs (third pick overall in 1998 draft), but he never could reach the lofty expectations there. The Orioles gave up two minor leaguers for him in 2006 and he had two solid years with them, including 2006 when he hit 16 homers, batted .276 and had 45 steals. But he never could raise his on-base percentage high enough to be a leadoff or No. 2 hitter, and the Orioles didn’t re-sign him after 2007.

He bounced around with a few organizations, and after not making the Seattle Mariners this spring, went back home to Georgia, worked out and waited for the phone to ring.

He said he had a few offers to play Triple-A, but settled with the Orioles, because he knew the organization and some key members of the organization knew him.

“When they were talking to me they were very upfront,” Patterson said. “And I think all I was really looking for was an opportunity to show what I can do.”

Now, because outfielders Lou Montanez, Nolan Reimold and Adam Jones have struggled with the Orioles this season, he could get that opportunity soon. Maybe he’ll get that nod as soon as tonight or tomorrow, with Montanez – or possibly Reimold – being demoted.

But Patterson, one of the nicer guys in baseball, won’t think about that until it becomes official.

“It’s one thing for people to talk about it – and certainly that’s been positive, of course – but until it happens, I can’t think about it happening.”

Posted by Dan Connolly at 2:20 PM | Permalink | Comments (20)
        

First off, I’m a big Corey Patterson fan. I think he is a great guy, and while his free-swinging ways are maddening at times, I think he’d be a good addition to the Orioles’ bench because of his defensive abilities and what he brings with his speed/bunting ability, etc. But all the talk about Patterson coming up and being a huge part of an offensive turnaround is a little much. Patterson has been in six different organizations since 2005, and this is his second go-around with the Orioles. He is a career .252 hitter with a career .290 on-base percentage. No disrespect to Patterson, but neither he nor anybody else the Orioles could summon from the minors is going to save the offense. That will only happen when Adam Jones, Nolan Reimold and Luke Scott remember what they were doing in the first half last year to be successful and Matt Wieters and Nick Markakis mix in a few homers with all those singles and a handful of doubles. Offensive contributions by Garrett Atkins, Cesar Izturis and Julio Lugo would go a long way as well.

I think those being dismissive of Andy MacPhail’s threat that if some of the position players don’t start hitting they’re heading to Triple-A Norfolk are missing the point by focusing on whom the Orioles would call up to replace some of the underperformers. Regardless of how badly guys like Reimold and Jones are struggling, they remain a key part of the organization’s future. If MacPhail was to demote one of them, he’d do it either because that player needed a wake-up call or he felt that the player needed to go down to the minors to aid his long-term development. It also sends a message to the rest of the big league club, similar to the ones received by Chris Tillman and Brad Bergesen. Now, I know I’m going to be reminded that this year is supposed to be about wins and losses and not development. But the Orioles are already 9-23. If MacPhail feels that two weeks in Norfolk would help Reimold both later this season and in the future, he’ll replace him with Patterson or Jeff Salazar and deal with the results.

Speaking of Reimold, I don’t know whether he still lacks confidence as a result of the Achilles surgery or his bad start has totally wrecked his psyche, but he doesn’t look like himself at all. Reimold went through some ups and downs during his rookie season, but he almost always put forth a solid at-bat and did the right things in the field. That hasn’t always been the case this year, and Sunday was another example. Playing left field, Reimold picked up Denard Span’s single in the fourth inning and double-clutched, ruining any chance of getting Alexi Casilla at home. He then overthrew cutoff man Miguel Tejada, allowing Span to get to second base. Span later scored. It was not a good sequence for Reimold, who doesn’t outwardly show much frustration, but it’s clear that he’s searching for answers right now.

Today’s a day off for the Orioles, meaning there will be plenty of speculation that this is the day manager Dave Trembley will be fired. I have nothing much to add to this, other than the fact that I was told yesterday -- and continue to be told -- that the club has no imminent plans to make a managerial change. Now, I guess anything can happen overnight -- there are certainly enough decision-makers who are ticked with how the team is playing -- but I’m not counting on it. If a 2-16 start didn’t force a change, then a 7-9 stretch against the Yankees, Red Sox and Twins, which I reckon most people would have settled for before the season began, probably won’t do it either. I will say a winning homestand is probably critical. The Orioles play the Mariners, Indians, Royals -- three teams with a combined 34-58 record.

I understand why some people are up in arms about Jim Johnson pitching through an elbow injury. And I know I’m going to get skewered in writing this, but I really have a hard time crushing a guy who pitched through pain because he didn’t want to abandon a struggling team and a decimated bullpen, and he had the confidence in himself that he was healthy enough to be part of the solution. Johnson had an epiphany when he reported to Norfolk, realizing that any chance he had of returning to the big leagues and helping the Orioles was contingent on getting his elbow fixed or rested. There was a reason he wasn’t throwing his sinker as much, after all. He was getting treatment on his elbow since Day Two of the season, the one game Johnson told Trembley that he couldn’t pitch. So it’s not like the club was totally in the dark. However, day after day, Johnson said he felt well enough to take the ball later that night. He admits now that he erred in judgment and learned a valuable lesson.

The Orioles' offense, featuring only four regulars with an average over .250 and not a single .300 hitter, has no excuses for how poorly it has performed. It is quite remarkable, however, the quality of pitchers the Orioles have faced so far this season: Matt Garza, John Lackey, Jeff Niemann, CC Sabathia and A.J. Burnett twice each; Felix Hernandez, Jon Lester, James Shields, Shawn Marcum, David Price, Ben Sheets, Justin Duchscherer, Francisco Liriano, Josh Beckett, Andy Pettitte, Brett Anderson, Phil Hughes, and "Mr. Perfect Game" Dallas Braden all once. It’s a pretty impressive list, but the Orioles have also been shut out this season by Dana Eveland and Nick Blackburn, and held to two runs or fewer by Jason Vargas, Doug Fister and Carl Pavano. So I’m not sure it really matters a whole lot. They’ll get Cliff Lee on Tuesday and King Felix again Thursday. And it appears reigning AL Cy Young Award winner Zack Greinke will be on the Camden Yards mound for the Royals next Tuesday.

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 8:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (25)
        

Norfolk Tides (AAA)

Record: (14-17)

Opponent

at Syracuse Chiefs (7 p.m.)

Probable pitchers

Norfolk: Jake Arrieta (3-1, 1.50 ERA)
Syracuse: Shairon Martis (1-2, 6.20 ERA)

Bowie Baysox (AA)

Record: (15-16)

Opponent

Richmond Flying Squirrels (7:05 p.m.)

Probable pitchers

Bowie: Steve Johnson (1-2, 3.66 ERA)
Richmond: Ronnie Ray (0-1, 6.57 ERA)

Frederick Keys (A)

Record: (18-12)

Opponent

at Salem Red Sox (7:05 p.m.)

Probable pitchers

Frederick: Rick Zagone (0-3, 3.69 ERA)
Salem: Stolmy Pimentel (3-1, 4.38 ERA)

Delmarva Shorebirds (A)

Record: (16-14)

Opponent

Charleston RiverDogs (10:35 a.m.)

Probable pitchers

Delmarva: Ryan Berry (0-1, 2.23 ERA)
Charleston: Graham Stoneburner (1-3, 2.13 ERA)

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 7:30 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

The Triple-A Norfolk Tides topped the Toledo Mud Hens, and the Double-A Bowie Baysox were routed by the Trenton Thunder. The Single-A Frederick Keys beat the Wilmington Blue Rocks, and the Single-A Delmarva Shorebirds were tripped up by the Charleston RiverDogs.

Norfolk Tides (AAA)

Score: Norfolk Tides 4, Toledo Mud Hens 1 (Box score)

Recap: Starting pitcher Chris Tillman (3-3) held the Mud Hens to one run and four hits in seven innings as Norfolk earned a 4-1 victory at Harbor Park.

The 22-year-old right-hander struck out a season-high 10 batters and issued one walk.

Tides first baseman Brandon Snyder was 2-for-3 with a solo home run and two runs scored, while designated hitter Scott Moore and third baseman Josh Bell each added an RBI.

Frank Mata recorded the final five outs of the game for the Tides to pick up his fifth save of the season.

Bowie Baysox (AA)

Score: Trenton Thunder 15, Bowie Baysox 4 (Box score)

Recap: Starting pitcher Zach Britton (2-3) struggled mightily as the Baysox were pounded, 15-4, by Trenton.

The 22-year-old left-hander gave up six runs (five earned), four hits and three walks in five innings for Bowie. Britton also threw three wild pitches in the loss.

Baysox center fielder Jonathan Tucker and second baseman Ryan Adams each contributed two hits, a stolen base and a run scored, while first baseman Robbie Widlansky added a double and two RBIs.

The one bright spot for the Baysox was relief pitcher Zach Clark's continued effectiveness. The 26-year-old right-hander tossed two scoreless frames, lowering his season ERA to 0.90 in 20 innings (eight appearances).

Frederick Keys (A)

Score: Frederick Keys 8, Wilmington Blue Rocks 2 (Box score)

Recap: Starting pitcher Kenny Moreland (2-1) tossed seven scoreless innings, holding the Blue Rocks to two hits, as the Keys cruised to an 8-2 victory at Harry Grove Stadium.

Moreland collected 10 strikeouts and issued one walk in the win.

Frederick third baseman Billy Rowell hit a three-run home run in the bottom of the seventh, his second in as many games and fourth overall this season.

Left fielder Xavier Avery and catcher Luis Bernardo each added a home run for the Keys, and first baseman Joe Mahoney was 2-for-3 with an RBI.

Keys center fielder Kyle Hudson also had two hits.

Delmarva Shorebirds (A)

Score: Charleston RiverDogs 5, Delmarva Shorebirds 3 (Box score)

Recap: Shortstop Garabez Rosa collected two more hits for the Shorebirds, raising his league-leading batting average to .368, but the team suffered a 5-3 loss to Charleston at Arthur W. Perdue Stadium.

Delmarva first baseman Tyler Stampone was 2-for-4 in the defeat, while designated hitter Tyler Kelly and left fielder T.J. Baxter each contributed an RBI.

Shorebirds starting pitcher Tony Butler (1-3) gave up four runs and nine hits in 5 2/3 innings. The 22-year-old left-hander struck out one hitter and issued one walk.

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 7:22 PM | Permalink | Comments (5)
        

Given an opportunity to take three out of four in the series, the Orioles were hammered today by the Minnesota Twins, 6-0, at Target Field.

They finished the road trip with a 2-5 record and are now 9-23 on the season.

Rookie left-hander Brian Matusz had one of the worst starts of his young career, allowing six earned runs on nine hits and a walk in just 3 2/3 innings.

And the Orioles' offense remained in its slumber. The Orioles had just six hits. All but one was a single, and two of them were of the infield variety. Another one, by Adam Jones in the seventh inning, appeared to be caught by Twins left fielder Delmon Young, but the umpires ruled that the ball bounced into his glove.

In the four-game series in Minnesota, the Orioles scored 10 runs, and seven of them were in one game. They tallied 29 hits, but 12 of them were in one game.

On the seven-game road trip, they scored just 17 runs and were held to one run or fewer four times.

Orioles president of baseball operations Andy MacPhail said before Wedneday's series finale in New York that if guys don't start hitting, they are heading to Triple-A Norfolk. His patience was just about worn thin. In five games since, the Orioles scored 15 runs.

It will be interesting to see whether changes are made before Tuesday's series opener against the Seattle Mariners. Orioles manager Dave Trembley acknowledged he is intrigued by what outfielder Corey Patterson has done at Triple-A Norfolk.

I'm not sure whether he's the answer, but you almost have to try something, don't you? You have to expect Matusz to have a couple of bad outings. You also have to expect the Orioles offense to get on a hot streak at some point and put up a bunch of runs.

It hasn't happened.

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 4:22 PM | Permalink | Comments (23)
        

Orioles President of Baseball Operations Andy MacPhail said that the team's prognosis for reliever Jim Johnson and his strained right elbow is for him to rest for a few weeks before beginning a throwing program.

That, of course, is contingent on Johnson getting the same opinion from Dr. James Andrews this week that he got from Orioles orthopedist Dr. John Wilckens.

"Generally, the second opinion verifies the first, but we’ll get the second opinion for verification," MacPhail said. "The prognosis is that he probably needs to rest it a few weeks and then start a throwing program. There’s no need for surgery, which is good news on the first opinion. We’ll just get him back when he’s healthy. It’s a strain, but it was explained to me that it’s not in the area that indicates, ‘Oh my gosh, we have a problem.’ It’s in an area where if you let it rest for a while, it’s going to be fine."

Orioles manager Dave Trembley said that Johnson was never listed as unavailable while he was with the club before his demotion. Johnson, who made one appearance for Triple-A Norfolk, said this morning that he had been trying to pitch through the elbow soreness, but that became too difficult.

"You don’t ever want a player to do anything that will potentially create a bigger issue for himself and for the team," MacPhail said. "Jim Johnson is a terrific kid and a good competitor, but you have to be smart with what it is. We were not aware of at the time anything that is potentially harmful for him. We never would have put him in that situation. We’ll just see what the second opinion is and how things play out. Right now, I’m happy that the prognosis isn’t anything more severe than what the first opinion gives us."

Johnson will start rehabbing the injury, joining closer Michael Gonzalez down at the club's spring training facility in Sarasota. Gonzalez has been doing flat ground work, and reported no pain after throwing from 90 feet.

"Let’s see how the Jim thing turns out, but clearly, with Koji [Uehara], Gonzalez and Jimmy not at 100 percent which now looks like since the beginning of the year, those are issues that are difficult to overcome when you don’t have the benefit of an offseason," MacPhail said. "Fortunately for us, Koji is back and has been effective. [Alfredo] Simon has done a nice job in that role and [Will] Ohman has done a nice job. [Cla] Meredith has done fine. This is one area where internally, we had enough depth to deal with some pretty severe issues that hit us right at Opening Day. Our offense unfortunately has not shown the same amount of depth.

"We’ve lost [Brian] Roberts and [Felix] Pie and we haven’t been able to do what looks like we’ve been able to do in the bullpen. We’ve been able to get the ship stabilized and in the offensive area, we still need to do more there."

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 1:02 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)
        

From the bad-news department, reliever Jim Johnson, who made one appearance for Triple-A Norfolk, will see orthopedist Dr. James Andrews in Birmingham, Ala., this week to get a second opinion on his ailing right elbow.

Johnson has been dealing with a bad elbow since his first appearance this season.

He's already seen Orioles team orthopedist Dr. John Wilckens, who Johnson said is calling the injury a strained ulnar collateral ligament.

"I felt like I could have pitched through it, but obviously I wasn’t able to," said Johnson, who is on his way to Sarasota, Fla., to start a rehab program. "I can’t straighten out my arm like I normally should be able to, and obviously that’s affected everything. I’ve been getting treatment for it since the first day of the season. But the more you throw, the worse it gets.

"In hindsight, I should have seen a doctor earlier. But I have to deal with what’s at hand now and for me to get back to helping out the team, I have to get this resolved."

Asked whether he is fearing the worst, Johnson said: "I don’t think it’s the same. I think Tommy John is on the acceleration of the arm. But where I get the pain is on the extension of the arm. It’s not the exact same. I’m being optimistic that it’s something I can rehab and come back 100 percent from and be back in a couple of weeks."

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 11:03 AM | Permalink | Comments (7)
        

Norfolk Tides (AAA)

Record: (13-17)

Opponent

Toledo Mud Hens (1:15 p.m.)

Probable pitchers

Norfolk: Chris Tillman (2-3, 3.98 ERA)
Toledo: Ryan Ketchner (0-0, 2.57 ERA)

Bowie Baysox (AA)

Record: (15-15)

Opponent

at Trenton Thunder (1:05 p.m.)

Probable pitchers

Bowie: Zach Britton (2-2, 3.60 ERA)
Trenton: D.J. Mitchell (2-2, 5.76 ERA)

Frederick Keys (A)

Record: (17-12)

Opponent

Wilmington Blue Rocks (2 p.m.)

Probable pitchers

Frederick: Kenny Moreland (1-1, 6.56 ERA)
Wilmington: Alex Caldera (1-1, 4.00 ERA)

Delmarva Shorebirds (A)

Record: (16-13)

Opponent

Charleston RiverDogs (2:05 p.m.)

Probable pitchers

Delmarva: Tony Butler (1-2, 8.00 ERA)
Charleston: Shaeffer Hall (1-1, 1.86 ERA)

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 10:45 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

The Orioles couldn't get anything going off Twins' right-hander Scott Baker and couldn't complete a doubleheader sweep as they fell 6-1.

Baker threw eight innings, allowing just one run on Luke Scott's fifth inning homer, and three hits. Orioles starter Kevin Millwood wasn't bad either as he surrendered three earned runs on seven hits and three walks over seven innings.

The Twins broke a 1-1 tie in the sixth, a rally that started with Orlando Hudson's leadoff walk. Michael Cuddyer's double-play ball broke the tie and Delmon Young gave the Twins a two-run lead with a bloop single.The Twins then tacked on three more in the eighth on relievers Mark Hendrickson and Matt Albers. Injured catcher Joe Mauer made his first appearance in the series as a pinch-hitter in the eighth inning and struck out.

Millwood fell to 0-4 this season, and 0-8 in 13 starts against the Twins, who he referred to as his '27 Yankees. The Orioles have now scored only 12 runs during Millwood's seven starts.

"It happens to everybody," Millwood said. "It just seems like it’s my lucky year. Guys are fighting hard and they are doing everything they can to put some runs across while I’ve been pitching. I just haven’t been so lucky yet."

Orioles center fielder Adam Jones admitted that the players feel bad that they haven't been able to support Millwood, who has quickly become one of the most popular players in the Orioles' clubhouse.

"It [stinks]," Jones said. "He goes out there and battles his [butt] off every time and we get him no runs. When he’s out there, it’s not like we decide to not hit, but we need to get runs for all of our starters and get them more W’s."

They'll try to do that tomorrow for rookie left-hander Brian Matusz, who opposes Twins' right-hander Nick Blackburn. A win would allow the Orioles to take three out of four in the series and finish the seven-game trip, which included a stop in New York, with a 3-4 record.

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 11:38 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)
        

The Triple-A Norfolk Tides lost to the Toledo Mud Hens, and the Double-A Bowie Baysox were edged by the Trenton Thunder. The Single-A Frederick Keys fell to the Wilmington Blue Rocks, and the Single-A Delmarva Shorebirds topped the Charleston RiverDogs.

As Jeff Zrebiec noted earlier on Orioles Insider, the Baysox placed left-hander Wilfrido Perez on the disabled list with left shoulder soreness. In order to fill his roster spot, outfielder Jonathan Tucker was transferred from Norfolk.

Norfolk Tides (AAA)

Score: Toledo Mud Hens 10, Norfolk Tides 3 (Box score)

Recap: Starting pitcher Brandon Erbe (0-6) remained winless this season after allowing six runs and nine hits in 5 2/3 innings during the Tides' 10-3 loss to Toledo at Harbor Park.

Norfolk center fielder Corey Patterson collected three doubles, an RBI and a run scored, and right fielder Blake Davis added three hits, including a triple.

Shortstop Robert Andino was 2-for-5 with a double and two runs scored for the Tides, and designated hitter Scott Moore had two RBIs.

Bowie Baysox (AA)

Score: Trenton Thunder 4, Bowie Baysox 3 (Box score)

Recap: Relief pitcher Eddie Gamboa (1-2) suffered a loss after giving up two runs in the ninth inning, including one on a wild pitch with the bases loaded to end the game, as the Baysox were beaten, 4-3, by Trenton.

Bowie starting pitcher Tim Bascom gave up two runs and seven hits in six innings, but he didn't factor in the decision after Gamboa's blown save. The 25-year-old right-hander struck out eight batters and didn't walk anyone.

Baysox second baseman Ryan Adams contributed a double and two RBIs in the loss, and third baseman Brandon Waring added an RBI.

Frederick Keys (A)

Score: Wilmington Blue Rocks 2, Frederick Keys 1 (Box score)

Recap: Designated hitter Billy Rowell hit a solo home run, but the Keys only managed two hits as a team in a 2-1 loss to Wilmington at Harry Grove Stadium.

Rowell connected on the blast with two outs in the second inning. It was the 21-year-old infielder's third home run of the season, and he is batting .302 with 14 RBIs in 24 games.

Frederick starting pitcher Cole McCurry (1-2) pitched well, holding the Blue Rocks to two runs (one earned) and six hits in six innings, but he was saddled with the defeat.

Keys right fielder Ronnie Welty had a double.

Delmarva Shorebirds (A)

Score: Delmarva Shorebirds 4, Charleston RiverDogs 2 (Box score)

Recap: Starting pitcher Jesse Beal (2-2) gave up two runs and five hits in seven innings as the Shorebirds won, 4-2, over Charleston at Arthur W. Perdue Stadium.

Delmarva shortstop Garabez Rosa was 3-for-4 in the victory, raising his South Atlantic League-leading batting average to .363 in 25 games, while second baseman Tyler Kelly and third baseman Tyler Kolodny each added an RBI double.

Relief pitcher Josh Dowdy tossed one scoreless inning to earn his fourth save of the season for the Shorebirds.

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 11:25 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

Luke Scott finally made contact with a pitch and he didn't get cheated.

Scott drove an 0-2 pitch from Scott Baker over the right-field seats at Target Field. His fourth home run went an estimated 409 feet.

Scott had struck out in 10 of his previous 15 bats.

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 9:18 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)
        

The Orioles could opt to use Kevin Millwood for Thursday's series finale at home versus Seattle, or Jeremy Guthrie. Because of Monday's offday, both pitchers, who are starting the doubleheader games today, would be on four days rest for Thursday's start.

At this point, the Orioles are leaning toward bringing back Millwood on Thursday opposite Mariners ace Felix Hernandez, and then starting Guthrie on Friday against the Cleveland Indians.

The reason for that is Millwood pitched on five days rest for his April 27 start against the New York Yankees. So it appears to be Guthrie's turn for the five days rest.

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 7:40 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
        

Orioles
Julio Lugo, SS
Nick Markakis, RF
Matt Wieters, DH
Miguel Tejada, 3B
Ty Wigginton, 2B
Luke Scott, LF
Adam Jones, CF
Rhyne Hughes, 1B
Craig Tatum, C
Kevin Millwood, SP

Twins
Denard Span, CF
Orlando Hudson, 2B
Justin Morneau, 1B
Jim Thome, DH
Michael Cuddyer, RF
Delmon Young, LF
Nick Punto, 3B
Alexi Casilla, SS
Drew Butera, C
Scott Baker, SP

NOTE: Double-A Bowie reliever Wilfrido Perez was placed on the minor league disabled list with left shoulder soreness. Director of player development John Stockstill said that he doesn't believe Perez's injury is serious and he just needs rest at this point.

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 5:27 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)
        

It was a pretty good start to a long day of baseball as the Orioles beat the Minnesota Twins, 7-3, to take their second straight game, and give Kevin Millwood a chance to secure a sweep of the doubleheader in the nightcap.

The Orioles got good starting pitching with Jeremy Guthrie allowing three earned runs, five hits and one walk while striking out five over 6 2/3 innings. It was Guthrie's first victory since Sept. 6, 2009.

"I strive to go out there and help our team win each time and it’s nice to be able to contribute in the win," Guthrie said. "I’m excited for the team that we won two games in a row and we have a chance to get the doubleheader sweep tonight, I think that would be really big for us."

The Orioles got more quality work out of their bullpen as Will Ohman pitched 1 1/3 scoreless innings and Koji Uehara turned in a scoreless ninth, allowing just one hit.

Offensively, the Orioles tallied five runs on 10 hits and a walk in six innings against talented Twins left-hander Francisco Liriano, who had given up three runs in the entire month of April.

"He doesn’t give up a lot of runs," Orioles manager Dave Trembley said. "I remember managing against him when he was in Triple-A and I bunted off him in the first inning because we weren’t going to get a whole lot of runs off him. He’s tough, he’s very tough. But sometimes you have to find a way and sometimes the breaks got to go your way. They did today. We’ve been hitting a lot of balls on the button and they’re not falling in. We got some balls today that didn’t exactly look pretty, but they gave us good results."

Every starter had at least a hit except corner infielders Miguel Tejada and Garrett Atkins, who combined to go 0-for-9. No matter, the Orioles went 8-for-16 with runners in scoring position and scored six of their seven runs with two outs. Leadoff man Julio Lugo, Adam Jones, Nick Markakis and Cesar Izturis all had at least two hits, and Markakis drove in three runs.

"It’s tough, you face him sometimes and he’s throwing hard, he’s got his slider," Markakis said. "But I think for the most part with two outs, guys were getting good pitches to hit. We were hitting his mistake pitches, which was good."

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 4:38 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
        

It hasn't exactly been a laser show here at chilly Target Field, but the Orioles are getting the job done against Francisco Liriano.

Through four innings, they have scored five runs on nine hits and a walk off Liriano, who gave up a total of six earned runs and 26 hits over his first five starts. Very few of the hits have been well struck, but they've all been well placed and that's all that matters.

Liriano needed just seven pitches to get out of a perfect first inning and 10 pitches to retire the side in the second. But he needed to throw 27 pitches in the Orioles' two-run third and 32 in the three-run fourth.

Julio Lugo, Nick Markakis and Cesar Izturis all have two hits and Markakis has driven in three runs. Lugo and Izturis also have RBIs. The five runs are the most the Orioles have scored in a game that Jeremy Guthrie has pitched.

Guthrie isn't very sharp either. He's allowed two home runs through four innings, a two-run shot to Justin Morneau in the first and a solo shot to Michael Cuddyer in the fourth. The Orioles lead is 5-3 heading into the bottom of the fifth.

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 2:15 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)
        

Orioles manager Dave Trembley said today that he will not use Adam Jones in the leadoff spot for the time being, and will instead use either infielders Julio Lugo, who is batting leadoff in the first game of the doubleheader, Cesar Izturis or outfielder Nolan Reimold there.

"I got to try something," Trembley said. "Jones is 0-for-13, [has] swung at a lot of bad pitches. I put him in the two slot today. Maybe he will get some better pitches to hit with [Nick] Markakis hitting behind him. Maybe he will just show a little more patience.

Trembley also said, "It's been very, very, very difficult trying to find someone to be a leadoff hitter," and acknowledged that he's considered Markakis for that spot, but think his presence at No.2 or No.3 has helped Ty Wigginton and Miguel Tejada.

Jones refused to blame his struggles on his placement in the lineup.

"It’s me," Jones said. "I’m the one that has to go up there and hit. No one is going to go up there and hit for me. I’m not really seeing good pitches to hit, but I’m still swinging at them. I’m getting myself out, really. It’s been a lack of patience. I have to be more patient, take what they give me, and if they give me nothing, go to first base instead of trying to force the issue which I feel I’ve been trying to do all year. I’m trying to pick up slack with [Brian] Roberts not here, instead of playing my role like everybody else."

Trembley also issued a challenge of sorts to the struggling Reimold.

"We got to let Reimold go here," Trembley said. "We got to let Reimold either hit his way out or continue to just go in the other direction. I'm going to play him. I'm going to try to play him as much as I can to see what he can do."

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 1:03 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)
        

Right-hander Jeremy Guthrie (0-4, 4.78 ERA) will get the start for the Orioles in the first game of their day-night doubleheader with the Minnesota Twins today at Target Field, The Sun's Jeff Zrebiec reports. He'll oppose left-hander Francisco Liriano (4-0, 1.50 ERA). Game time is 1:10 p.m.

Orioles right-hander Kevin Millwood (0-3, 3.15 ERA) will start the nightcap at 8:10, facing righty Scott Baker (3-2, 5.35).

In four career games (two starts) against Minnesota, Guthrie is 1-0 with a 2.84 ERA. Millwood has had significantly less success against the Twins in his career, going 0-7 against them with a 5.90 ERA in 12 starts.

The Orioles' lineup for Game 1 is as follows:

Lugo 2B
Jones CF
Markakis RF
Tejada 3B
Wigginton DH
Wieters C
Atkins 1B
Reimold LF
Izturis SS
Guthrie RHP

Posted by Steve Gould at 10:47 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

Norfolk Tides (AAA)

Record: (13-16)

Opponent

Toledo Mud Hens (7:15 p.m.)

Probable pitchers

Norfolk: Brandon Erbe (0-5, 6.66 ERA)
Toledo: Alfredo Figaro (3-1, 2.76 ERA)

Bowie Baysox (AA)

Record: (15-14)

Opponent

at Trenton Thunder (7:05 p.m.)

Probable pitchers

Bowie: Tim Bascom (2-1, 2.73 ERA)
Trenton: Lance Pendleton (1-2, 5.87 ERA)

Frederick Keys (A)

Record: (17-11)

Opponent

Wilmington Blue Rocks (6 p.m.)

Probable pitchers

Frederick: Cole McCurry (1-1, 5.48 ERA)
Wilmington: Chris Dwyer (0-2, 4.37 ERA)

Delmarva Shorebirds (A)

Record: (15-13)

Opponent

Charleston RiverDogs (7:05 p.m.)

Probable pitchers

Delmarva: Jesse Beal (1-2, 4.03 ERA)
Charleston: Kelvin Perez (2-0, 1.07 ERA)

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 10:23 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

Powered by last-inning heroics from a top prospect, the Triple-A Norfolk Tides beat the Toledo Mud Hens, while the Double-A Bowie Baysox were blanked by the Trenton Thunder.

The Single-A Frederick Keys won against the Wilmington Blue Rocks, and the Single-A Delmarva Shorebirds fell to the Charleston RiverDogs.

Norfolk Tides (AAA)

Score: Norfolk Tides 3, Toledo Mud Hens 2, 12 innings (Box score)

Recap: Designated hitter Josh Bell hit a solo home run to lead off the bottom of the 12th inning, sending the Tides to a 3-2 victory over Toledo at Harbor Park.

Bell was 3-for-4 with two walks, a stolen base and two RBIs in the game.

Norfolk right fielder Michael Aubrey was 2-for-3 with a double, two intentional walks and a run scored, and second baseman Blake Davis added two hits.

Tides starting pitcher Troy Patton allowed two runs, six hits and four walks in 6 2/3 innings, and relief pitcher Jim Miller (1-0) earned the win after tossing a scoreless frame.

First baseman Brandon Snyder was 0-for-5 with five strikeouts for Norfolk. In 28 games this season, the 23-year-old infielder is batting .181 with one home run and eight RBIs. Snyder is 1-for-19 in his past six games.

Bowie Baysox (AA)

Score: Trenton Thunder 1, Bowie Baysox 0 (Box score)

Recap: Trenton catcher Austin Romine hit an RBI single in the bottom of the first inning for the game's only run as the Thunder blanked the Baysox, 1-0.

Bowie only collected four singles -- one each by second baseman Ryan Adams, left fielder Tyler Henson, center fielder Miguel Abreu and catcher Caleb Joseph -- in the loss.

Baysox starting pitcher Ryohei Tanaka (2-3) gave up one run and four hits in six innings. The 27-year-old right-hander collected four strikeouts and hit a batter.

Relief pitcher Pat Egan continued his Double-A dominance for the Baysox. The 6-foot-8, 225-pound right-hander tossed two scoreless frames, lowering his ERA to 0.49 in 18 1/3 innings (nine appearances) this season.

Frederick Keys (A)

Score: Frederick Keys 2, Wilmington Blue Rocks 0 (Box score)

Recap: Starting pitcher Nathan Nery (2-2) held Wilmington scoreless for 7 2/3 innings as the Keys picked up a 2-0 win at Harry Grove Stadium. The 24-year-old left-hander struck out four batters and scattered five hits.

Frederick left fielder Xavier Avery hit a solo home run, his first of the season, while designated hitter Billy Rowell and shortstop Greg Miclat each added two hits.

Keys relief pitcher Brandon Cooney recorded the final four outs to earn his fifth save of the season.

Delmarva Shorebirds (A)

Score: Charleston RiverDogs 6, Delmarva Shorebirds 4 (Box score)

Recap: Second baseman Tyler Kelly hit three doubles and scored twice, but it wasn't enough as Delmarva couldn't overcome four errors in a 6-4 loss to Charleston at Arthur W. Perdue Stadium.

Shorebirds right fielder Brian Conley collected two hits, and shortstop Garabez Rosa had a triple, an RBI and a run scored.

Delmarva starting pitcher Matt Hobgood gave up four runs (three earned), nine hits and two walks in five innings, but he didn't factor in the decision. The 19-year-old right-hander threw three wild pitches and also had a throwing error on a pickoff attempt.

Kelly, center fielder Steve Bumbry and catcher Michael Ohlman also committed one defensive miscue each in the game.

Relief pitcher James Brandhorst (1-2) suffered the loss after allowing two runs and three hits in one inning for the Shorebirds.

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 11:55 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

Orioles manager Dave Trembley has gotten plenty of criticism for keeping Adam Jones in the leadoff role, and it's understandable why. After all, Jones is hitting .218 with three homers, six RBIs, three walks, 29 strikeouts and 12 runs, while recording an on-base percentage of .242.

In 15 games as the Orioles leadoff man in place of the injured Brian Roberts this season, Jones is 12-for-64 (.188) with three walks and a .224 on-base percentage. In his career as a leadoff hitter, Jones is 22-for-94 (.234) with a .280 on-base percentage.

Jones said that he doesn't change his approach based on where he hits in the lineup and it doesn't matter. But the numbers clearly show that he is much better in the two spot.

Trembley has said that his reason for keeping Jones at leadoff is the young center fielder needs to learn to be a better all-around hitter, to show better plate discipline, work the count and use his speed more. He's an important player for the organization's future, and if he is going to realize his potential, Jones has to learn these things. And with Roberts out for an extended period, what better time for Jones to learn than now?

I understand the logic, but Jones is showing no signs of doing any of those things after several weeks in the leadoff spot, and he looks like a shell of himself. The frustration has clearly set in, and I think Trembley is going to have to make a decision and get him away from the top of the lineup if Jones doesn't start showing signs of breaking out. He is currently hitless in his last 13 at-bats.

The question is who do you use at the top of the lineup, and there is absolutely no clear answer right now. The club would like to use Nolan Reimold there, but he's hitting under .200 and is having enough problems without worrying about the pressure of leading off. Cesar Izturis can handle the bat and run a little, but he has a .221 average and a .259 on-base.

The Orioles have considered moving Nick Markakis to the leadoff spot. He is hitting .312 with 19 walks and a .411 on-base, and his current power numbers (2 homers and 9 RBIs) are more suited for the top of the order right now than the middle of it.

But I'm not sure I'd be comfortable with that either. Markakis has clearly settled comfortably in the No.2 spot, and he's 22-for-55 (.400) over his last 14 games. He has never hit leadoff in his career and Markakis is very much a creature of comfort. I worry that an elevation to the top of the lineup would completely mess with his head and take him out of his comfort zone. Plus, ask any opposing pitcher what Oriole they fear most, and they'd tell you Markakis. I really believe him hitting where he is, has helped both Ty Wigginton and Miguel Tejada.

It's quite a dilemma the Orioles have on their hands and Roberts isn't coming back any time soon. But for Jones' sake, something needs to change.

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 8:08 PM | Permalink | Comments (46)
        

It's official. Game two of the Orioles-Twins series, scheduled tonight at Target Field, has been postponed by rain and will be made up tomorrow as part of a day/night doubleheader.

Game one is scheduled for 1:10 Eastern time and Game two will be 8:10 Eastern time.

Kevin Millwood, who was scheduled to pitch tonight, and Jeremy Guthrie, who was scheduled to start tomorrow afternoon's game, will be the starters for the two games. The Orioles won't announce who is starting what game until tomorrow but expect Millwood in game one and Guthrie in game two.

Brian Matusz is scheduled to start Sunday's series finale.

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 2:09 PM | Permalink | Comments (20)
        

It's been raining all day here in Minnesota, and it's not looking like there will be a game tonight. I've gotten no official confirmation, but it appears to be just a matter of time before an announcement is made.

Both the Twins and Orioles are off on Monday, but it appears that the two teams would play a double header tomorrow rather than playing the postponed game on Monday's off day.

Hopefully, I'll have more on this soon, but it doesn't appear like you'll get Orioles baseball tonight.

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 1:55 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
        

Norfolk Tides (AAA)

Record: (12-16)

Opponent

Toledo Mud Hens (7:15 p.m.)

Probable pitchers

Norfolk: Troy Patton (2-3, 6.12 ERA)
Toledo: Enrique Gonzalez (1-3, 4.50 ERA)

Bowie Baysox (AA)

Record: (15-13)

Opponent

at Trenton Thunder (7:05 p.m.)

Probable pitchers

Bowie: Ryohei Tanaka (2-2, 4.08 ERA)
Trenton: David Phelps (2-0, 1.52 ERA)

Frederick Keys (A)

Record: (16-11)

Opponent

Wilmington Blue Rocks (7 p.m.)

Probable pitchers

Frederick: Nathan Nery (1-2, 4.85 ERA)
Wilmington: Ivor Hodgson (2-1, 7.94 ERA)

Delmarva Shorebirds (A)

Record: (15-12)

Opponent

Charleston RiverDogs (7:05 p.m.)

Probable pitchers

Delmarva: Matt Hobgood (2-1, 3.90 ERA)
Charleston: Jose Ramirez (1-1, 1.84 ERA)

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 10:51 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
        

Brad Bergesen earned plenty of praise in both clubhouses tonight after he pitched 6 2/3 scoreless innings in the Orioles' 2-0 victory over the Minnesota Twins.

Orioles manager Dave Trembley: "That’s not only the best I’ve seen him pitch, that’s probably the most relaxed I’ve seen him. He showed confidence in all of his pitches, especially his changeup, and he didn’t throw too many pitches up. Most of his pitches were down and had movement. A big improvement with his delivery and his arm angle. He didn’t get under too many pitches. They have some guys in the middle of that lineup and you can’t let the guys at the top get on. Like I said, that’s the best I’ve seen him pitch."

Orioles reliever Will Ohman: "This is the Brad Bergesen that was advertised."

Orioles second baseman Ty Wigginton: "He was outstanding. It makes it a lot easier to play defense behind a guy like that. You know you are going to get ground balls in the infield and he was hitting his spots in locations where fielders can actually cheat and move with a pitch. And anytime a pitcher is hitting the spot, it’s fun to play behind him."

Twins manager Ron Gardenhire: “He kept throwing that sinker, getting ground balls and did a good job of it. We had a couple chances, got a couple men out in scoring position, but he made pitches when he had to. Sometimes you just have to say the guy did a heck of a job against us. [It] hasn’t happened very often, but we got shut down tonight.”

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 11:51 PM | Permalink | Comments (5)
        

The Triple-A Norfolk Tides won the first game of their series against the Toledo Mud Hens, while the Double-A Bowie Baysox fell to the Harrisburg Senators. The Single-A Frederick Keys edged the Winston-Salem Dash, and the Single-A Delmarva Shorebirds inched past the Savannah Sand Gnats.

Earlier today, the Shorebirds placed catcher Justin Dalles on the disabled list with a sprained right ankle. To replace him on the roster, Delmarva added catcher Jason Stifler.

It's unclear how long Dalles will be out of action, but the Orioles are thankful the injury wasn't more serious following a collision at home plate Wednesday night. The other player involved in the play -- Savannah first baseman Sam Honeck -- reportedly suffered two broken bones in his leg.

Norfolk Tides (AAA)

Score: Norfolk Tides 12, Toledo Mud Hens 7 (Box score)

Recap: Third baseman Josh Bell hit a three-run home run in the first inning as the Tides topped Toledo, 12-7, at Harbor Park.

Norfolk right fielder Michael Aubrey contributed a home run and two RBIs, while designated hitter Justin Turner and shortstop Robert Andino each added a double and three RBIs.

Despite allowing a run and two hits in one inning, relief pitcher Kam Mickolio (1-0) picked up the victory when the Tides scored five runs in the bottom of the eighth.

Starting pitcher Chris George gave up five runs (three earned) and seven hits in five innings for Norfolk. The 30-year-old left-hander struck out four batters and issued two walks.

Bowie Baysox (AA)

Score: Harrisburg Senators 6, Bowie Baysox 3 (Box score)

Recap: First baseman Joel Guzman was 2-for-4 with a double and a solo home run, but the Baysox suffered a 6-3 loss to Harrisburg.

Bowie starting pitcher Chorye Spoone (1-4) surrendered six runs and 10 hits in six innings, while relief pitcher Zach Clark tossed two scoreless frames.

In 18 innings this season, Clark has only given up two earned runs.

Baysox catcher Caleb Joseph and left fielder Tyler Henson each had an RBI.

Frederick Keys (A)

Score: Frederick Keys 5, Winston-Salem Dash 4 (Box score)

Recap: Although they committed four errors, the Keys scored five runs in the bottom of the seventh to escape with a 5-4 victory over Winston-Salem at Harry Grove Stadium.

Frederick catcher Brian Ward hit a two-run home run, and first baseman Joe Mahoney collected an RBI double.

Keys relief pitcher Brett Jacobson (2-0) gave up two unearned runs and two hits, but he picked up the win. Starting pitcher Ryan O'Shea held the Dash to two runs and seven hits in five innings for Frederick.

Second baseman L.J. Hoes raised his batting average to .316 this season by going 2-for-4 with a double and a run scored for Frederick, while right fielder Ronnie Welty and designated hitter Jacob Julius each added an RBI and a run scored.

Delmarva Shorebirds (A)

Score: Delmarva Shorebirds 5, Savannah Sand Gnats 4, 11 innings (Box score)

Recap: Despite four errors -- including three by pitchers -- the Shorebirds outlasted Savannah for a 5-4 win in 11 innings at Arthur W. Perdue Stadium.

Delmarva center fielder Steve Bumbry and shortstop Garabez Rosa each collected three hits, and first baseman Tyler Kolodny added two RBIs.

Shorebirds relief pitcher Nicholas Haughian (3-0) earned the victory after one scoreless frame.

Starting pitcher Jake Cowan didn't factor in the decision for Delmarva after giving up three runs (two earned) and three hits in six innings. The 21-year-old right-hander collected five strikeouts and walked four batters.

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 11:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
        

Andy MacPhail went off on the Orioles’ lack of offense Wednesday in an interview with my buddy Jeff Zrebiec.

I am paraphrasing here -- though I’d love another opportunity to recycle the “suicide pact” quote; pure gold, Andy -- but MacPhail said the offense can’t continue to leave men in scoring position and fail to get the big hit. If it does, changes will be made.

He didn’t name names, he is the president of baseball operations after all.

We, however, are bunch of men and women in a cyber bar. We can name whatever we like (in reasonable good taste, anyway).

I want to know who you think has been the Orioles’ biggest offensive disappointment this season. There are plenty of candidates: Luke Scott, Garrett Atkins, Nolan Reimold, Adam Jones, Cesar Izturis, etc.

Depending on how you view the question, maybe Nick Markakis is your answer (perhaps you have more disappointment with a Nick or Adam because the expectations for them are considerably higher).

I am not necessarily asking who you think has been the worst or even who should be replaced (though you can certainly sprinkle that in with your answer). Really, you can interpret the question any way you like, I suppose. Just tip your support staff.

Daily Think Special: Which Orioles hitter has disappointed you most?

Posted by Dan Connolly at 8:54 PM | Permalink | Comments (76)
Categories: Connolly's Corner Sports Bar
        

Ty Wigginton continues to supply the pop for the Orioles with a two-run homer off Carl Pavano in the second inning giving the Orioles the 2-0 lead. The 404-foot shot was Wigginton's 10 of the season, one shy of his total all of last season.

He's second in the American League in homers behind only the Chicago White Sox's Paul Konerko, who has 12. Not bad for a guy who appeared to have little more than a bench role at the end of spring training.

Orioles starter Brad Bergesen just survived a shaky bottom of the third to keep the 2-0 lead in tact. He loaded the bases on a oneout double to Denard Span, and back-to-back walks to Justin Morneau and Jim Thome. WIth the bases loaded, Bergesen then started Michael Cuddyer with a ball, his ninth straight pitch out of the strike zone. However, Cuddyer swung at Bergesen's next pitch and flied out to the center field warning track.

The Twins are now 7-for-46 with the bases loaded this season. And you thought the Orioles were bad with runners on base?

Oh yeah, they are. Matt Wieters grounded into a double play in the third inning and Wigginton did the same in the fourth. The Orioles have now grounded into six double plays over the last 13 innings.

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 8:49 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)
        

Orioles manager Dave Trembley just acknowledged that if Adam Jones and his right hip strain had not improved significantly enough for Jones to be in the lineup tonight, Nick Markakis would have gotten the start in center field.

Markakis hasn’t played center field since his rookie season in 2006. He has played right field exclusively since starting 24 games in left and eight in center in 2006.

"That's what I would have done," said Trembley who watched Lou Montanez struggle in place of Jones on Wednesday. "I think with Jones out, he's our best outfielder so you put your best outfielder in center field if you have to adjust."

While he doesn’t have any Gold Gloves on his resume, Markakis has long been considered one of the better defensive outfielders in the game. He doesn’t have great speed, but he has a strong and accurate arm, takes good routes to flyballs and usually gets good jumps.

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 6:21 PM | Permalink | Comments (5)
        

Orioles fans, if you're trying to get to a game during one of the next three home series and would like to save some cash, check this out.

Michelle Deal-Zimmerman of The Sun's Consuming Interests blog writes about an offer for 50 percent off tickets here.