The Orioles contacted outfielder Felix Pie, who went 1-for-4 with a walk tonight for Double-A Bowie, and told him to be ready to go tomorrow if Luke Scott goes on the disabled list as expected.

Well, Pie, who hasn't played since April 15 due to a torn muscle in his back, didn't waste any time. Pie arrived at Camden Yards about two hours after the conclusion of the Orioles' 9-6 victory over the Oakland Athletics tonight to start moving some of his stuff and equipment back into his locker.

He'll probably be activated tomorrow as Scott said he expects to miss about two weeks. If Scott suddenly feels dramatically improved and keep in mind that he was on crutches tonight, Pie will play at least two more rehab games with Bowie and then be activated next week in Detroit.

The Orioles had hoped to give Pie a couple of more days with Bowie so he can work on his throwing. However, Scott's injury will probably force the Orioles' hand a little. Plus, Pie can play a couple of games at designated hitter with Scott down and out.

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 11:59 PM | Permalink | Comments (9)
        

Go figure.

The Orioles get another big come-from-behind victory. They hit five homers, including clutch back-to-back ones by Ty Wigginton and Luke Scott in the seventh to turn a 6-4 deficit into a 7-6 lead on their way to a 9-6 win against the Oakland A’s.

And it all comes with a serious negative.

Scott injured his left hamstring on his way around first base and limped to the plate in Kirk Gibson style. And now the best guess is that he’ll limp onto the disabled list tomorrow.

Technically, the Orioles are cautiously calling it a strain and there will be no official determination until they re-evaluate it Thursday – a MRI is expected. The next morning is always the tell-all in these injuries, so we’ll have to wait

But Scott, who is always in tune with his body, thinks it is a pulled hamstring, which usually means a DL stint.

“Right now, it doesn’t look good,” Scott said. “I would say probably (a DL trip), that’s what I have been told so far. Any time you deal with a pulled hamstring it’s going to be at least two weeks.”

The crutches in his locker were an ominous sign. He said he can walk around OK, on it, but when he puts too much weight on the left leg, he feels the pain.

“It sucks. I am glad the ball went out. But this is frustrating.”

Scott, who is batting .274 with 12 homers and 30 RBIs in 66 games, said he thought he might have to leg out a triple when he hit the ball to the left-center gap.

“My thought process coming around first base was the outfielders are both converging and I wanted to make sure if the ball caroms off the wall I’d be standing at third base,” Scott said. “So I kind of turned it up as I was getting ready to come around (first). And when I came around first base it kind of cramped up, my hamstring cramped up and when my leg went forward it pulled.”

What really kills Scott is he said he felt like he was starting to swing the bat with authority again, starting Tuesday. He walked three times on Wednesday and had the homer.

“Yesterday and today were the first days I really felt good since that streak I had earlier in May,” Scott said. “And, like I said, this is frustrating. When I start feeling like this a lot of good things happen. But that’s life. You’ve got to dig down, get on my knees, say my prayers and God will give me the strength to get through it.”

Posted by Dan Connolly at 11:19 PM | Permalink | Comments (9)
        

Several roster moves occurred in the Orioles' minor league system today.

Left-handed pitcher Rick Zagone was promoted to the Baysox from Frederick, while left-hander Chad Thall was transferred to Aberdeen.

In order to replace Zagone with the Keys, left-hander Nathan Moreau was promoted from Delmarva. In case you missed it, Moreau threw a no-hitter in his debut with Frederick.

Finally, right-hander Brian Parker was sent from the IronBirds to Delmarva.

Tides starting pitcher Chris Tillman and outfielder Jeff Salazar were both selected to represent the Orioles' affiliate in the Triple-A All-Star Game.

The game between the Rookie-level GCL Orioles and GCL Red Sox was postponed.

Norfolk Tides (AAA)

Score: Charlotte Knights 2, Norfolk Tides 1 (Box score)

Recap: Starting pitcher Troy Patton (5-9) gave up two runs (one earned) and five hits in six innings as the Tides suffered a 2-1 setback against Charlotte.

Patton struck out two batters and issued two walks, throwing 46 of his 68 pitches for strikes.

Norfolk third baseman Josh Bell was 2-for-4 in the loss, while center fielder Matt Angle added an RBI with a sacrifice fly.

Right fielder Blake Davis singled and scored a run for the Tides.

Bowie Baysox (AA)

Score: Bowie Baysox 4, Erie SeaWolves 3 (Box score)

Recap: Starting pitcher Rick Zagone fared well in his Double-A debut, but he didn't factor in the decision as the Baysox topped Erie, 4-3, at Prince George's Stadium.

Zagone gave up three runs and four hits in seven innings, striking out six batters and issuing three walks.

Baysox first baseman Joel Guzman hit his 18th home run of the season, and second baseman Ryan Adams was 2-for-4 with a pair of doubles, two RBIs and a run scored.

Relief pitcher Pedro Viola (3-0) tossed two scoreless frames to pick up the victory for the Baysox. He allowed one hit and collected two strikeouts.

Bowie left fielder Felix Pie was 1-for-4 with a stolen base.

Frederick Keys (A)

Score: Frederick Keys 7, Salem Red Sox 0 (Box score)

Recap: As we mentioned earlier on Orioles Insider, Moreau debuted with the Keys by throwing a no-hitter in the team's 7-0 victory over Salem.

Frederick catcher Brian Ward helped his pitcher by going 2-for-4 with a double, three RBIs and a run scored, while designated hitter Billy Rowell added two doubles, an RBI and two runs scored.

Keys shortstop Bobby Stevens was 2-for-3 with a double, triple, one RBI and three runs scored, while third baseman Buck Britton, center fielder Xavier Avery and right fielder Ronnie Welty each collected two hits.

Delmarva Shorebirds (A)

Score: Delmarva Shorebirds 7, West Virginia Power 1 (Box score)

Recap: Designated hitter Kieron Pope was 3-for-5 with a home run and four RBIs in the Shorebirds' 7-1 win over West Virginia.

Delmarva first baseman Tyler Townsend was 2-for-4 with a double, an RBI and two runs scored, and left fielder Steve Bumbry added a single and a triple.

Shorebirds starting pitcher Luis Noel (3-2) held the Power to one hit in five scoreless innings. He struck out five batters and issued four walks.

Aberdeen IronBirds (A)

Score: Staten Island Yankees 4, Aberdeen IronBirds 2 (Box score)

Recap: Right fielder Jeremy Nowak was 3-for-3 with an RBI in the IronBirds' 4-2 loss to Staten Island at Ripken Stadium.

Aberdeen second baseman Omar Casamayor and first baseman Mike Flacco each contributed two hits, while left fielder Kipp Schutz hit a sacrifice fly.

Starting pitcher Justin Anderson (1-1) was charged with four runs and seven hits in five-plus innings for the IronBirds. He collected three strikeouts and walked two batters.

IronBirds designated hitter Tyler Kolodny left the game in the first inning after apparently injuring his foot. I'll pass along details if I hear them.

Bluefield Orioles (Rookie)

Score: Burlington Royals 7, Bluefield Orioles 2 (Box score)

Recap: First baseman Corey Thomas hit a solo home run and scored two runs in the Orioles' 7-2 loss to Burlington.

Bluefield starting pitcher David Baker (0-1) was touched up for seven runs, five hits and two walks in 4 1/3 innings. He struck out one batter in the defeat.

Designated hitter Joe Velleggia added a sacrifice fly for the Orioles.

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 10:03 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)
        

Orioles pitching prospect Nathan Moreau was promoted to the High-A Frederick Keys from the Low-A Delmarva Shorebirds on Wednesday, and he celebrated his ascension in a big way.

Starting on the road against the Salem Red Sox, Moreau thew a no-hitter, striking out six while walking none in Frederick's 7-0 victory. If not for two Keys errors, including a throwing miscue by the 23-year-old left-hander, he would have completed the perfect game.

Moreau, whom the Orioles drafted in the 11th round of the 2008 MLB draft out of Georgia, was 2-3 with a 2.98 ERA in 16 games (seven starts) for the Shorebirds before being sent to Frederick. He struck out 70 batters in 60 1/3 innings for Delmarva.

Last season, Moreau was 5-3 with a 3.61 ERA in 20 starts for the Shorebirds. He struck out 95 batters and issued 43 walks in 87 1/3 innings in 2009.

It was the first individual, nine-inning no-hitter in the Carolina League in six years. It was the Keys' first nine-inning no-hitter since July 3, 2003 when John Maine threw one against Winston-Salem.

Posted by Steve Gould at 9:41 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)
        

Ty Wigginton just hit a two-run homer in the bottom of the seventh against Oakland A's reliever Brad Ziegler to tie Thursday's game at 6-6.

But that's not what is important here.

Wigginton homered -- as a first baseman. That's the first time this season an O's first baseman has gone deep. Really. In Game No. 77.

It was the longest such drought by Orioles' first basemen to start a season in team history. The previous long was in 1959 that was snapped by Bob Boyd in game 56.

It was the fourth longest such streak since 1961 in the majors. The 1979 Kansas City Royals first basemen hit their first of that season in Game No. 104. The 1984 San Francisco Giants did it in Game No. 103 and the 1981 Chicago White Sox in Game No. 98.

That awesome stat was researched by baseball historian David Vincent.

The Orioles took the lead in the seventh when Luke Scott homered right after Wigginton's two-run shot.

But it's not all good news. Scott grabbed at the back of his left leg while rounding first base and eventually had to fast-walk to the plate. Looks like a hamstring tweak or pull.

Posted by Dan Connolly at 9:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

Thursday will be a busy one for Orioles president of baseball operations Andy MacPhail and principal owner Peter Angelos.

In the morning, the two are expected to meet with former Cleveland Indians manager Eric Wedge at Angelos’ downtown law office.

In the afternoon, MASN broadcaster Rick Dempsey will be at Angelos’ law offices for his interview, which originally was scheduled for Tuesday.

It’s the second interview for Wedge, who spoke with MacPhail on June 9 in Cleveland about his interest in the position, which is currently held by interim manager Juan Samuel.

Dempsey hasn’t met with MacPhail about this opening, but he has interviewed on three other occasions to be the manager of the Orioles, a team he once played for and coached.

The Orioles also have interviewed Buck Showalter and Bobby Valentine, who has since taken his name out of consideration.

Posted by Dan Connolly at 8:44 PM | Permalink | Comments (13)
        

After throwing 1 1/3 innings for short-season Single-A Aberdeen last night, Orioles reliever Michael Gonzalez (left shoulder strain) will take two days off and then pitch Friday for Double-A Bowie. He's then scheduled to pitch Sunday and Tuesday for the Baysox before he will be evaluated again.

This means that the earliest Gonzalez would rejoin the club would be Thursday, July 8 in Texas. However, pitching coach Rick Kranitz didn't rule out that Gonzalez might not return until after the All-Star break.

"It could be that," Kranitz said. "It's getting better, but he's been out for so long. You want him to be 100 percent ready."

Kranitz said Jim Johnson will be shut down for about five days after he felt some recurring elbow discomfort while throwing off the mound in Sarasota, Fla.

Orioles president of baseball operations Andy MacPhail said he doesn't consider the latest news on Johnson a serious setback.

"He felt some tightness and some discomfort, and we just backed him off a couple of days," MacPhail said.

In unrelated news, the Orioles have agreed to terms with their 18th-round pick, right-handed pitcher Sebastian Vader out of San Marcos (Calif.) High School. They have agreed to terms with 27 of their 49 selections.

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 5:28 PM | Permalink | Comments (8)
        

Orioles reliever Jim Johnson will be backed up for about three days after he felt some discomfort in his right elbow.

"Not deemed serious at present time," Orioles president of baseball operations Andy MacPhail said in a text message.

Johnson (slight tear in right elbow) had been throwing from off the mound, but that has stopped for the time being with him feeling some discomfort.

The Orioles were hopeful that Johnson could return shortly after the All-Star break.

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 3:27 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)
        

Reliever Cla Meredith, who was designated for assignment by the Orioles last week, has cleared waivers and accepted his outright assignment to Triple-A Norfolk.

Meredith was removed from the 40-man roster on June 22 when the Orioles acquired utility infielder Jake Fox from the Oakland Athletics. Meredith, 27, has a 13.50 ERA in five appearances for Norfolk, allowing seven earned runs, nine hits and five walks in 4 2/3 innings.

He was in the Orioles' Opening Day bullpen, but was optioned to Triple-A after going 0-2 with a 5.40 ERA in 21 games.

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 2:03 PM | Permalink | Comments (5)
        

2010 Orioles: 23-53 (.303)

Notable win-loss records through 77 games (win percentage in parentheses):

1916 Philadelphia Athletics: 18-58-1 (.240)
1954 Orioles: 30-47 (.390)
1962 New York Mets: 21-56 (.273)
1988 Orioles: 22-55 (.286)
2003 Detroit Tigers: 18-59 (.234)

How each team fared in their 77th game:

1916 Athletics: 3-2 loss to the Chicago White Sox

The White Sox completed a four-game sweep over the Athletics at Shibe Park. It was Philadelphia's seventh consecutive loss overall. During those seven games, the Athletics were outscored 34-12.

1954 Orioles: 11-3 loss to the Cleveland Indians

Orioles starting pitcher Joe Coleman was charged with seven runs while not recording an out in the first inning as the Indians scored 11 times in the frame at Cleveland Stadium. Indians first baseman Bill Glynn and left fielder Wally Westlake each collected three RBIs.

1962 Mets: 11-4 loss to the San Francisco Giants

Third baseman Frank Thomas was 2-for-4 with a home run and two RBIs, but the Mets dropped the first game of a doubleheader at Candlestick Park on the Fourth of July. New York shortstop Elio Chacon added a two-run shot in the defeat. Giants starting pitcher Bobby Bolin tossed a complete game to earn the victory.

1988 Orioles: 4-2 loss to the Toronto Blue Jays

Blue Jays starting pitcher Jimmy Key only allowed one run and four hits in 6 2/3 innings to prevent the Orioles from completing a three-game sweep in front of an announced 18,059 fans at Memorial Stadium. Third baseman Rick Schu was 2-for-3 with two runs scored for the Orioles.

2003 Tigers: 8-3 loss to the Arizona Diamondbacks

The Tigers surrendered five runs in the final three innings in their seventh consecutive defeat. Detroit left fielder Dmitri Young was 2-for-5 with an RBI triple and a run scored at Comerica Park, while center fielder Alex Sanchez also contributed an RBI triple. Tigers starting pitcher Adam Bernero fell to 1-11 on the season.

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 10:11 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
        

In his bullpen session a couple of days before last night’s start, Triple-A Norfolk right-hander Chris Tillman worked with Tides pitching coach Mike Griffin on adding a new pitch to his repertoire – a two-seam fastball.

Tillman threw about four of them during last night’s outing in which he surrendered three runs (all on solo homers), six hits and two walks while striking out seven Charlotte batters over 6 2/3 innings. None of them were for strikes, but Tillman said that he was satisfied with the movement that he was getting on the pitch.

“The first game out, I was just trying to get it to move and I was missing down and away,” said Tillman who has allowed four earned runs in 12 2/3 innings since his demotion back to Norfolk. “But I can see the potential there. I need to build confidence in it. I’m still playing with some grips.”

Tillman’s four-seam fastball tends to be extremely straight, and team officials have encouraged him to use a cut fastball or try to throw a two-seamer, which gets downward movement when thrown correctly. Tillman said he threw about seven cutters last night, but both the cutter – and the two-seamer – are works in progress.

“My [four-seam] fastball is fine when I locate it,” Tillman said. “But my two seamer will help me get away with more, especially when my velocity is up.”

Tillman, who was struggling to break 90 miles per hour in his last outing with the Orioles against San Francisco before he was sent down with an 8.40 ERA, said he looked up at the scoreboard a couple of times last night and noticed he hit 93 and 94 on occasion. He reiterated that his velocity issues were more a result of him thinking too much, rather than focusing on making quality pitches.

In other Triple-A Norfolk news, outfielder Nolan Reimold didn’t play last night and could miss a few games as he deals with a family matter, according to a team official.

The bad news for the Orioles is that their second pick in this month’s draft, UCLA right-handed pitcher Dan Klein, gave up the game-winning hit in South Carolina’s College World Series-clinching victory over the Bruins on Tuesday night. Whit Merrifield’s RBI single in the 11th inning produced a 2-1 victory for South Carolina and the school’s first national baseball championship.

The good news is Klein, the Bruins closer who the Orioles drafted as a starter, otherwise pitched well in the game, allowing one earned run on one hit and two walks while striking out four over 3 1/3 innings.

And now that UCLA’s season is over, the Orioles can work on agreeing to terms with Klein and the other two Bruins that they drafted - left-handed pitcher Matthew Drummond in the 20th round and outfielder Blair Dunlap in the 43rd round.

It sounds like Klein won’t be too difficult of a sign, which bodes well for getting this done quickly.

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 1:55 AM | Permalink | Comments (13)
        

By now, you probably know that former Oriole standout Brady Anderson was in Norfolk, Va., this past weekend to work with struggling outfielder Nolan Reimold.

My colleague, Dan Connolly, is also reporting that Orioles president of baseball operations Andy MacPhail confirmed that player development director John Stockstill has talked to former Oriole B.J. Surhoff, who still lives in Baltimore, about working with player development on an informal basis.

"John has some other guys he would like to rotate through occasionally. We like to utilize those assets when we can," MacPhail said. "John has been keen on getting B.J. involved to some degree."

Former Oriole Mike Bordick, the organization's minor league offensive coordinator and an ex-teammate of Anderson's and Surhoff's, has been working with the major league hitters and infielders this homestand.

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 9:46 PM | Permalink | Comments (13)
        

Four Baysox players were selected to represent the Western Division squad in the Eastern League All-Star Game. Starting pitcher Zach Britton, left fielder Tyler Henson, first baseman Joel Guzman and relief pitcher Pedro Beato all received nods for the contest.

Britton, however, will not participate in the game because of his Triple-A promotion, as well as his participation in the MLB Futures Game as part of All-Star Weekend in Anaheim, Calif.

Also, the Shorebirds placed third baseman Tyler Stampone on the disabled list with a left hand injury and transferred infielder Michael Mooney to Delmarva from the GCL Orioles in order to take his roster spot.

Norfolk Tides (AAA)

Score: Norfolk Tides 12, Charlotte Knights 3 (Box score)

Recap: It was a grand night for third baseman Josh Bell as the Tides cruised to a 12-3 victory over Charlotte.

Bell hit a two-run home run in the sixth inning and a grand slam in the seventh for Norfolk.

Tides catcher Adam Donachie and second baseman Paco Figueroa each added a two-run home run, while designated hitter Rhyne Hughes was 2-for-5 with a run scored.

Despite allowing three solo home runs, Norfolk starting pitcher Chris Tillman (7-4) picked up the win. He struck out seven batters and issued two walks in 6 2/3 innings.

Every Tides player in the lineup had at least one hit in the win.

Bowie Baysox (AA)

Score: Bowie Baysox 6, Erie SeaWolves 5 (Box score)

Recap: Left fielder Felix Pie was 4-for-5 with a double and a run scored in his latest rehab assignment as the Baysox edged Erie, 6-5, at Prince George's Stadium.

Bowie third baseman Ryan Adams was 2-for-3 with a double, an RBI and two runs scored, while Guzman was 2-for-4 with an RBI and a run scored.

Baysox starting pitcher Chorye Spoone was charged with five runs and six hits in 6 1/3 innings, while relief pitcher Jim Hoey (2-0) tossed a scoreless frame for the victory.

Center fielder Danny Figueroa added three walks, an RBI and two stolen bases for Bowie.

Frederick Keys (A)

Score: Wilmington Blue Rocks 3, Frederick Keys 2 (Box score)

Recap: Third baseman Billy Rowell was 2-for-3 with a double and a stolen base in the Keys' 3-2 loss to Wilmington at Harry Grove Stadium.

However, he also made two fielding errors. Rowell has 19 defensive miscues this season.

Frederick right fielder Ronnie Welty was 2-for-5 with an RBI, and first baseman Joe Mahoney also added an RBI in the defeat.

Keys starting pitcher Oliver Drake (2-3) gave up three runs and seven hits in seven innings. He struck out seven batters and issued three walks.

Delmarva Shorebirds (A)

Score: Delmarva Shorebirds 4, West Virginia Power 3 (Box score)

Recap: Catcher Justin Dalles hit a two-run home run for the Shorebirds as they topped West Virginia, 4-3.

Mooney and center fielder Michael Planeta each added two hits, while shortstop Garabez Rosa contributed an RBI.

Rosa also committed his 26th error of the season.

Shorebirds relief pitcher Thomas Phelps earned the victory despite suffering a blown save. He allowed one run and three hits in 2 2/3 innings.

Starting pitcher Bobby Bundy gave up two runs and two hits in six innings for the Shorebirds. He collected three strikeouts and walked three batters.

With two runners on base, relief pitcher James Brandhorst recorded the final out to pick up his third save of the season for Delmarva.

Aberdeen IronBirds (A)

Score: Staten Island Yankees 10, Aberdeen IronBirds 8 (Box score)

Recap: Orioles relief pitcher Michael Gonzalez allowed two inherited runners to score and gave up three hits in 1 1/3 innings as the IronBirds fell, 10-8, to Staten Island at Ripken Stadium.

Aberdeen designated hitter Mike Flacco was 2-for-4 with three RBIs, and left fielder Kipp Schutz was 3-for-5 with two RBIs and two runs scored.

Schutz is batting .389 with one home run and 10 RBIs in 10 games this season.

IronBirds right fielder Austin Knight was 2-for-4 with a double, and shortstop Michael Rooney collected two hits and two runs scored.

Starting pitcher Blake Mechaw gave up three runs and five hits in three innings for Aberdeen, while relief pitcher Jason Gurka (0-1) was charged with four runs, two hits and two walks in 2 1/3 innings.

Bluefield Orioles (Rookie)

Score: Bluefield Orioles 5, Burlington Royals 1 (Box score)

Recap: Starting pitcher Angel Cespedes (2-0) held Burlington to one unearned run and three hits in eight innings as Bluefield picked up a 5-1 win.

Orioles right fielder Luis Ramirez was 3-for-4 with two runs scored and a stolen base, and center fielder Brenden Webb was 2-for-5 with a triple and an RBI.

Bluefield left fielder Christopher Clinton contributed two hits, an RBI, two stolen bases and a run scored, while first baseman Corey Thomas was 2-for-5 with a double and a run scored.

GCL Orioles (Rookie)

Score: GCL Orioles 5, GCL Twins 1 (Box score)

Recap: Catcher Rolando Petit hit a solo home run with two outs in the sixth inning to lead the GCL Orioles to a 5-1 victory over the GCL Twins.

Orioles designated hitter Marcus Jones contributed a pair of doubles and an RBI, while center fielder Martin Serrata was 2-for-3 with a stolen base, an RBI and a run scored.

Starting pitcher Enrico Jimenez tossed four scoreless innings for the Orioles, and relief pitcher Douglas Ferguson (1-0) blanked the Twins for 1 2/3 innings to pick up the win.

Orioles relief pitcher Jose Mota scattered four hits in the final three innings to pick up his first save of the season. He struck out two batters.

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 9:22 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)
        

Cal Ripken Jr. said today that talks with the Orioles about a future front office role are ongoing and progressing nicely, but he wouldn’t commit to them being finalized before the 2011 season.

“I love the fact that it’s an open exploration and we’re talking,” Ripken said in a phone interview with The Baltimore Sun and the Mid-Atlantic Sports Network. “It really is. My goal truly was to be available to [my son] Ryan, and to my kids. But you start to look at it, it’s a short period of time and he’s out the door and both are off to college. The talks are generating more not on the short, short term, but actually what the long term will look like. There’s really no rush. They are ongoing, and they are progressing pretty nicely.”

The Hall of Famer said he has discussed a “secondary and advisory” position with owner Peter Angelos and president of baseball operations Andy MacPhail.

“We’ve had had some talks about learning and advising and being available when you can,” he said. “It’s sort of a secondary position and an advisory position. There’s a fairness on both sides – how much can you give, can you be involved as much as you need to be. Some of those issues needed to be looked at. In general, the concept of transitioning is a healthy thing. We’ve talked about different advisory positions and ways to transition. Nothing has been set.”

Ripken said he meets with Angelos or MacPhail regularly to discuss things.

“It can be two or three times a week if schedules work out that way,” Ripken said. “I talk to Mr. Angelos about a number of subjects besides the Orioles. Sometimes I have a chance to have dinner with him on that regard. If I’m traveling out of the circle or someplace at that moment, it could be a week to 10 days. We haven’t set a real urgent timetable. I’m just satisfied we’re talking. I guess I’m more of a planner than somebody who would say, ‘Let’s just jump in and see what happens.’ ”

One thing you can rule out is Ripken becoming the Orioles' next manager.

“I couldn’t make that happen right now,” he said. “In some ways, if you had a magic wand and everything could work out, it would be interesting to consider and think about. But I value being around the next two years too much to jump into that right now.”

Ripken spoke one day before he will break ground on a youth-sized replica of Memorial Stadium on the stadium’s original site as part of the Cal Ripken Sr. Foundation’s “Swing for the Future” campaign.

The foundation’s goal is to develop multiple ballparks in Baltimore City – future sites include Park Heights and Patterson Park – and take that model across the country.

The one on the site of Memorial Stadium will be an artificial turf field that will accommodate various sports. The project will be done in partnership with the Y of Central Maryland, and the goal is to have it completed before winter.

The Ripken Foundation will hold a news conference Wednesday at 11:30 a.m. at the Memorial Stadium site, which is expected to be attended by Cal and Bill Ripken, Orioles great Brooks Robinson, Baltimore Colts great Art Donovan and Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake.

“The whole concept of the projects is we started out really building programs and reaching kids on a one-on-one sort of way, and you realize that all the great programs you have, they still have to have safe, good places to play,” Ripken said. “You realize that some of them were limited doing the programming. We needed to put the money in and find the places.”

As for the significance of the Memorial Stadium site, Ripken said: “You want to look at areas of need and where we can do the projects. We had a couple of projects in the works outside of Baltimore, and we really wanted to get into Baltimore and say, ‘Look, let’s start here’. The Memorial Stadium site became an opportunity, and I said, ‘This must be meant for us to do it.’ It was so important to me in a symbolic way. I thought, ‘If we can make it happen on this spot, this is what I want to do.’ ”

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 7:59 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)
        

The Oakland A’s scratched lefty Dallas Braden from Tuesday’s start with elbow stiffness and replaced him right-hander Vin Mazzaro.

So that means that the Orioles reshuffled their lineup to face Mazzaro.

Corey Patterson, who was on the bench was moved to leadoff and left field. Luke Scott, who was originally playing left is the DH.

Jake Fox, who was looking forward to facing the team that traded him earlier this month, was the DH, but is now on the bench.

And Julio Lugo, who had been leading off, is now batting eighth.

Here’s the revised lineup: Patterson 7, Tejada 5, Markakis 9, Wigginton 3, Scott DH, Jones 8, Tatum 2, Lugo 4, Izturis 6.

Posted by Dan Connolly at 6:26 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

This is a big week for injured Orioles Felix Pie and Michael Gonzalez as they rehab in the minor leagues and, if everything goes well, perhaps rejoin their big-league teammates for Friday’s road trip.

Interim manager Juan Samuel isn’t putting a date on their returns just yet, saying Gonzalez (strained shoulder) will pitch out of the bullpen for the first time Tuesday night at Single-A Aberdeen, where he started Sunday.

After playing at High-A Frederick, Pie (torn back muscle) has joined Double-A Bowie and will play there Tuesday night.

The Orioles want him to continue to play left field, and if he continues to have success without getting hurt, he’d rejoin the big-league club as its primary leadoff hitter, a spot that Corey Patterson has held for much of the time since he was recalled from the minors.

“Obviously, Patterson has done a good job. But if Felix Pie is here and he's going to play left field, I'll probably have him lead off,” Samuel said.

As for Gonzalez – and yes, we are getting ahead of ourselves – Samuel said he’d probably be eased back into late-inning/closing duties and not handed the role on his return. Samuel also said he doesn’t feel any pressure to make Gonzalez his closer even though the lefty signed a two-year, $12 million deal this offseason.

“The one thing in baseball, things always end up working out,” Samuel said. “I am not worried about that. I am not feeling any pressure at all.”

Posted by Dan Connolly at 5:14 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)
        

Former Orioles center fielder Brady Anderson was in Norfolk, Va., over the weekend, primarily to work with struggling outfielder Nolan Reimold.

Player development head John Stockstill confirmed that Anderson spent three days with Reimold and other Tides players. He also didn’t deny that he has been trying to secure an agreement with another former Oriole to do some special assignment work.

Reimold is hitting .210 with four homers and 12 RBIs for the Tides after he went 1-for-4 with a solo homer in Triple-A Norfolk’s 7-2 loss to Louisville tonight.

Reimold, who was demoted by the Orioles on May 12 after he hit just .205 with two homers and 10 RBIs in 29 games, has showed signs of breaking out of his season-long slump. He has hit .258 (23-for-89) with two homers and eight RBIs in 25 games this month.

Anderson, who has also done some broadcasting work with Mid-Atlantic Sports Network this year, apparently worked with Reimold on several aspects of the game, not just his hitting.

In other minor league news, pitching prospect Zach Britton has been promoted from Double-A Bowie to Norfolk. He's expected to make his Triple-A debut on Thursday for the Tides. Britton was 7-3 with a 2.48 ERA in 15 outings for the Baysox and was recently named the Eastern League Pitcher of the Week.

Rehabbing outfielder Felix Pie worked out with Double-A Bowie today and could play for them Tuesday night.

Single-A Delmarva starter Matt Hobgood, the team’s first-round pick last year, is still about a week to 10 days away from returning to the mound. Hobgood has some tendinitis in his shoulder and has been doing strengthening exercises. Team officials don’t look at this as a significant setback considering Hobgood is on a strict innings limit anyway in his first professional season and he was scheduled to be shut down early.

Stockstill said that Triple-A first baseman Brandon Snyder, on the disabled list with a shoulder strain, is probably three to four days away from returning to the lineup.

Norfolk starter Brandon Erbe, also on the DL with shoulder soreness, is expected to miss one or two more starts.

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 11:18 PM | Permalink | Comments (10)
        

Tonight's series finale between the Single-A Delmarva Shorebirds and Lakewood BlueClaws was postponed due to severe weather. A makeup date will be announced later.

Relief pitcher Pat Egan was promoted from Bowie to Norfolk today.

Baysox starting pitcher Zach Britton was named Eastern League Pitcher of the Week for June 21-27, while Keys first baseman Joe Mahoney was selected as Carolina League Player of the Week for the same span.

Norfolk Tides (AAA)

Score: Louisville Bats 7, Norfolk Tides 2 (Box score)

Recap: First baseman Nolan Reimold hit a solo home run in the second inning, but the Tides suffered a 7-2 loss to Louisville at Harbor Park.

Norfolk designated hitter Michael Aubrey was 2-for-3 with a double and an RBI, and second baseman Paco Figueroa added a single and a stolen base.

Starting pitcher Chris George (3-3) struck out nine batters in 6 1/3 innings. However, he allowed five runs and eight hits, including four home runs in the outing.

Egan gave up two runs and four hits in 1 2/3 innings during his Triple-A debut.

Bowie Baysox (AA)

Game 1 score: Bowie Baysox 10, Erie SeaWolves 9 (Box score)

Game 1 recap: The Baysox scored nine runs in the bottom of the third inning and survived an eight-run fifth by Erie for a 10-9 victory at Prince George's Stadium.

Bowie second baseman Ryan Adams hit a three-run home run, and designated hitter Robbie Widlansky was 3-for-5 with a double and a run scored.

Baysox left fielder Jonathan Tucker was 1-for-3 with two RBIs and a run scored, while center fielder Danny Figueroa added two hits, an RBI and two runs scored.

Starting pitcher Steve Johnson was roughed up for eight runs, four hits and four walks in 4 2/3 innings for the Baysox. He didn't factor in the decision.

Relief pitcher Brandon Cooney (1-0) tossed 2 1/3 perfect innings to pick up the win for Bowie, and reliever Bob McCrory gave up one run and two hits in two innings to pick up his first save of the season.

Game 2 score: Bowie Baysox 3, Erie SeaWolves 2 (Box score)

Game 2 recap: Adams hit a solo shot as the Baysox swept the doubleheader with a 3-2 win over Erie in the nightcap at Prince George's Stadium.

Bowie third baseman Brandon Waring contributed a double, while left fielder Tyler Henson and center fielder Danny Figueroa each scored a run.

In a spot start, Baysox right-hander Eddie Gamboa held the SeaWolves to two hits in three scoreless innings. Gamboa struck out four batters and didn't walk anyone.

Relief pitcher Jim Hoey (1-0) struck out the side in the top of the ninth to pick up his first victory of the season for the Baysox.

Frederick Keys (A)

Score: Wilmington Blue Rocks 4, Frederick Keys 3, 11 innings (Box score)

Recap: Pinch hitter Jacob Julius hit a game-tying solo home run with two outs in the ninth inning, but the Keys eventually lost, 4-3, to Wilmington in 11 innings at Harry Grove Stadium.

Frederick center fielder Kyle Hudson was 2-for-4 with a walk and a run scored, and right fielder Ronnie Welty added two hits in the defeat.

Keys starting pitcher Ryan Berry gave up two runs and three hits in five innings. He struck out three batters and issued two walks, but didn't factor in the decision.

Relief pitcher Sean Gleason (1-4) only allowed one run and two hits while striking out five batters in 3 2/3 innings for the Keys, but it was the game-winning run in the 11th.

Aberdeen IronBirds (A)

Score: Aberdeen IronBirds 4, Staten Island Yankees 2 (Box score)

Recap: Left fielder Kipp Schutz hit a two-run home run to lead the IronBirds to a 4-2 victory over Staten Island at Ripken Stadium.

Aberdeen first baseman Mike Flacco and second baseman Omar Casamayor each contributed an RBI double, and center fielder Trent Mummey had a stolen base and a run scored.

IronBirds relief pitcher Brandon Holloway (1-1) allowed one hit in 2 1/3 scoreless innings to pick up the win, and closer David Walters recorded the final three outs for his second save of the season.

Starting pitcher Tim Adleman gave up two runs, five hits and four walks in 4 2/3 innings for the IronBirds. Adleman collected five strikeouts in the game.

Bluefield Orioles (Rookie)

Score: Burlington Royals 9, Bluefield Orioles 1 (Box score)

Recap: Starting pitcher Jarret Martin (0-2) gave up seven runs (four earned) and six hits in 4 2/3 innings as the Orioles were routed, 9-1, by Burlington.

Martin collected six strikeouts and issued three walks.

Bluefield second baseman Anderson Childers knocked in the team's only run with a sacrifice fly, while catcher Michael Ohlman and outfielder Kyle Hoppy added one hit each.

GCL Orioles (Rookie)

Score: GCL Twins 4, GCL Orioles 3 (Box score)

Recap: Starting pitcher Aaron Swenson (1-1) gave up two runs (one earned) and five hits in four innings in the GCL Orioles' 4-3 loss to the GCL Twins.

Orioles right fielder Jaynnertt Melenciano hit an RBI double in the ninth inning, while second baseman Pedro Rodriguez and first baseman Gino Moranci each added an RBI.

Designated hitter Marcus Jones hit a double and scored a run for the Orioles.

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 11:15 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)
        

First of all, I want to thank all of you who made suggestions for titles and authors to look for at my favorite used book sale over the weekend.

One of you even came up to the press box Sunday and handed me a list of a few more. As I have said before in my best country twang, “I love this bar.”

For the record, I bought 32 books and one CD (an old Jayhawks’ for $2) for a total of $50. Not nearly as inexpensive as it would have been had I been able to make the “$5 per yardstick” bounty Sunday, but the selection wouldn’t have been as good, either.

All told, I snagged seven sports titles, including two copies of my favorite, Pat Conroy’s “My Losing Season,” one of which I already gave to a friend. It’s certainly worth a buck to me to share that story with others.

Here are the other ones I snagged:

* “Million Dollar Baby: Stories From The Corner” by F.X. Toole. It’s a collection of short stories that includes the title one that was made into the awesome movie.
* “A Civil War” by John Feinstein. One of his most heralded that I have never read.
* “Memories of Summer” by Roger Kahn. I’m a sucker for Kahn baseball books.
* “The Miracle of St. Anthony” by Adrian Wojnarowski. Already borrowed it from Jeff Z and read it. But I wanted a copy of my own for $2.
* “Big Game, Small World: A Basketball Adventure,” by Alexander Wolff. Love Wolff’s stuff in Sports Illustrated, so I am excited by this find.
* “2008’s Best American Sports Writing.” That anthology never gets old for me.

I also bought two nonsports books by sportswriter types: Jon Krakauer’s “Into the Wild” and Michael Bamberger’s “Wonderland.”

So I’ll be busy for a while.

Now, to a current topic. My Tuesday story is on the Orioles’ potential 2010 All-Star. Yes, they have to have one. And, more than any other recent year, there’s no obvious candidate.

I want to know who you think deserves to represent the Orioles in Anaheim, Calif., on July 13.

Here are the four best candidates: Ty Wigginton (.266, 13 HRs, 40 RBIs), Nick Markakis (.306, 3, 24), Adam Jones (.271, 12, 33) and reliever Jason Berken (1-1, 1.66 ERA, 32 Ks in 43 1/3 IP).

There’s just no slam-dunk. Markakis has been the most consistent but doesn’t have the power numbers. Wigginton leads the team in homers and RBIs but has had a rough June. Jones had a terrible start, but his numbers have progressed nicely and he’s the team’s hottest hitter. And Berken has been fantastic, but he is a middle reliever, and they rarely get the All-Star call.

I’d probably go Markakis, but rewarding Wigginton for his flexibility and hard-nosed career is a nice touch, too. Whom would you select?

Remember, someone has to go.

Daily Think Special: Who is your 2010 Orioles All-Star? Why?

Posted by Dan Connolly at 10:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (37)
Categories: Connolly's Corner Sports Bar
        

Contrary to reports elsewhere, former Cleveland Indians manager Eric Wedge has not interviewed in Baltimore yet.

That will change this week.

Wedge will be in to meet with President of Baseball Operations Andy MacPhail and principal owner Peter Angelos at Angelos’ downtown law office on either Wednesday or Thursday.

On June 9, MacPhail traveled to Cleveland and met with Wedge, who was the first to be interviewed for the job that is currently held by interim manager Juan Samuel. This time, Wedge will also share his ideas with Angelos.

Since the Wedge interview, Angelos and MacPhail have talked to former big-league manager and current ESPN analyst Bobby Valentine, who has taken his name out of consideration, and Buck Showalter, who has managed three different major league clubs and also works for ESPN.

On Tuesday afternoon, MacPhail will interview former Orioles player and coach and current Mid-Atlantic Sports Network broadcaster Rick Dempsey at the B & O Warehouse. At least one representative of Angelos’ will be there, but the owner is not expected to be present.

Don’t read anything into that. Dempsey has a good relationship with Angelos and is familiar with Dempsey’s ideas on the team. This will be the fourth time Dempsey has interviewed for the Orioles’ managerial job.

“I think if I don't do something now with this organization, it's never happening,” Dempsey told The Baltimore Sun earlier this month. “If the next guy comes in and he lasts two or three years, by then I'll be so far removed from being down on the field that it probably would take an act of God to actually make it happen.”

Posted by Baltimore Sun sports at 3:28 PM | Permalink | Comments (23)
        

I caught up with former Orioles first baseman Garrett Atkins as he prepared to board a plane and head home to California. As you know by now, Atkins was designated for assignment Sunday after batting just .214 with one homer and nine RBIs in 44 games.

The Orioles now have 10 days to trade, release or ask waivers on the first baseman. While saying he held no ill will toward the club, Atkins said he would have no interest in reporting to Triple-A Norfolk if he cleared waivers and the Orioles couldn’t find any takers for the 30-year-old on the trade market.

“I don’t anticipate that being an option,” Atkins said.

Asked whether he was willing to go to the minor leagues for another organization, Atkins said: “We’ll see what happens when the process is done and what opportunities are out there. I think it will definitely depend on the team or the situation whether I’ll do something like that.”

Atkins was not surprised when he was summoned to interim manager Juan Samuel’s office Sunday and informed by president of baseball operations Andy MacPhail that the club would designate him for assignment and activate reliever Koji Uehara.

“Obviously, you kind of think it’s coming with [Felix] Pie coming off the DL soon,” Atkins said. “You knew there was going to be a move made. You knew it was probably going to me at some point, especially after they got [Jake] Fox. I think they decided there was no sense in having us both here.

“There wasn’t really any at-bats here for me, and when I was getting them, I wasn’t very productive. I think [the decision] was better for both ends. Just move along. Let’s see if there is a spot out there for me on another team. … Andy has been nothing but nice from the beginning. There’s nothing negative to say [about] how they handled it. I’ll head back home and see if the phone rings and see if a new opportunity comes.”

Needing a first baseman and a right-handed run producer, the Orioles took a gamble on Atkins, signing him to a one-year, $4.5 million deal and hoping he would be the player who averaged 25 homers and 110 RBIs for the Colorado Rockies from 2006 to 2008. Instead, they got the Atkins who hit .226 with nine homers and 48 RBIs in 126 games for Colorado and then was nontendered after the season.

Atkins said he doesn’t regret the decision and still thinks he has productive years ahead of him.

“I would never question the decision to come here. It was the right opportunity at the right time,” he said. “It just didn’t work out. It’s frustrating. I didn’t envision this when I signed here, and I don’t think the Orioles did as well. You just move on. Hopefully, you are able to turn it into a positive.

“I definitely think it’s still in me. Taking my [batting practice] and stuff the last month or so, it’s been pretty good. I’ve been driving the ball well. I just haven’t been able to transfer it over to the games. It just hasn’t happened. Obviously, I’d like to get a collection of at-bats with the swing I have, and we’ll see if that comes.”

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 1:02 PM | Permalink | Comments (31)
        

2010 Orioles: 23-52 (.307)

Notable win-loss records through 76 games (win percentage in parentheses):

1916 Philadelphia Athletics: 18-57-1 (.243)
1954 Orioles: 30-46 (.395)
1962 New York Mets: 21-55 (.276)
1988 Orioles: 22-54 (.289)
2003 Detroit Tigers: 18-58 (.237)

How each team fared in their 76th game:

1916 Athletics: 9-2 loss to the Chicago White Sox

The Athletics fell in the first game of the doubleheader to the White Sox at Shibe Park. After Philadelphia won the first two games of the season series against Chicago in May, they dropped the next 14 meetings before winning another game between the two teams.

1954 Orioles: 2-1 loss to the Chicago White Sox

Pinch hitter Sam Mele lined out to left field with runners on the corners in the ninth inning as the Orioles' rally came up short at Comiskey Park. White Sox first baseman Ron Jackson hit a solo home run off Orioles starting pitcher Duane Pillette in the seventh to break a scoreless tie.

1962 Mets: 10-1 loss to the San Francisco Giants

Giants right fielder Felipe Alou contributed three hits, including a home run, and three RBIs in San Francisco's lopsided rout over the Mets at Candlestick Park. New York starting pitcher Al Jackson fell to 4-9 on the season after being charged with seven runs and 10 hits in 4 1/3 innings.

1988 Orioles: 7-0 win over the Toronto Blue Jays

Starting pitcher Jay Tibbs -- 5 2/3 innings -- and reliever Mark Thurmond combined for the Orioles' shutout against Toronto in front of an announced 16,241 fans at Memorial Stadium. Center fielder Fred Lynn was 3-for-4 with a double, home run and three RBIs, while designated hitter Eddie Murray hit a three-run shot.

2003 Tigers: 6-4 loss to the Boston Red Sox

Catcher Jason Varitek hit a two-run home run and right fielder Trot Nixon was 3-for-4 with a double and three RBIs as the Red Sox completed a four-game sweep over Detroit at Fenway Park. First baseman Kevin Witt was 2-for-4 with a double and an RBI in a losing effort for the Tigers.

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 10:28 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)
        

The Shorebirds activated catcher Justin Dalles from the disabled list. In order to make room for him on the roster, Delmarva placed catcher Jason Stifler on the DL.

Norfolk Tides (AAA)

Score: Norfolk Tides 8, Louisville Bats 3 (Box score)

Recap: Catcher Michel Hernandez was 3-for-4 with a grand slam in the fifth inning as the Tides beat Louisville, 8-3, at Harbor Park.

Norfolk right fielder Jeff Salazar added three hits, including a solo home run, and two runs scored, while second baseman Robert Andino collected two RBIs.

Tides starting pitcher Tim Bascom (2-2) allowed two runs while scattering 11 hits and one walk in six-plus innings. He struck out three batters and issued one walk.

Third baseman Josh Bell contributed a double and an RBI for Norfolk.

Bowie Baysox (AA)

Score: Altoona Curve 12, Bowie Baysox 3 (Box score)

Recap: Starting pitcher Nathan Nery (0-2) allowed seven runs (one earned) and nine hits in six-plus innings as Altoona cruised, 12-3, over the Baysox.

Bowie center fielder Danny Figueroa was 2-for-2 with a run scored, and right fielder Jonathan Tucker added a stolen base and a run scored.

Relief pitcher Josh Perrault was touched up for five runs and seven hits in 1 1/3 innings for Bowie. His ERA stands at 10.97 after six appearances this season.

Frederick Keys (A)

Score: Frederick Keys 10, Wilmington Blue Rocks 3 (Box score)

Recap: Left fielder Felix Pie, playing that position for the first time on his injury rehabilitation assignment, was 2-for-4 with an RBI and two runs scored as the Keys pounded Wilmington, 10-3, at Harry Grove Stadium.

Frederick first baseman Joe Mahoney was 3-for-4 with three RBIs and two runs scored, while center fielder Kyle Hudson contributed a pair of doubles, an RBI and a run scored.

Keys starting pitcher Ryan O'Shea (5-3) tossed six scoreless innings, giving up four hits while striking out six batters. He also issued one walk.

Right fielder Ronnie Welty collected two hits and an RBI for Frederick.

Delmarva Shorebirds (A)

Score: Lakewood BlueClaws 4, Delmarva Shorebirds 2 (Box score)

Recap: Starting pitcher Jesse Beal (5-4) gave up three runs and eight hits in seven innings in the Shorebirds' 4-2 loss to Lakewood at Arthur W. Perdue Stadium.

Delmarva left fielder Levi Carolus hit a solo home run in the second inning, and Dalles was 1-for-3 with a double and an RBI in his return to the lineup.

Shortstop Garabez Rosa committed his 25th error of the season for Delmarva.

Aberdeen IronBirds (A)

Score: Brooklyn Cyclones 6, Aberdeen IronBirds 3 (Box score)

Recap: Orioles relief pitcher Michael Gonzalez (0-1) allowed a two-run home run to Cyclones center fielder Cory Vaughn in the first inning as the IronBirds fell, 6-3, at Ripken Stadium.

Vaughn is the son of former major leaguer Greg Vaughn.

Aberdeen center fielder Trent Mummey, the Orioles' fourth-round selection in this year's MLB draft, was 3-for-5 with a double and two RBIs. Mummey is 5-for-9 in his first two professional games.

IronBirds shortstop Michael Rooney contributed a double, triple and two runs scored, and third baseman Adam Gaylord was 2-for-4 with an RBI.

Bluefield Orioles (Rookie)

Score: Bluefield Orioles 6, Danville Braves 2 (Box score)

Recap: Catcher Dashenko Ricardo contributed a triple and two RBIs as the Orioles pulled away from Danville in a 6-2 win at Bowen Field.

Bluefield designated hitter Michael Ohlman contributed a double and two RBIs, and right fielder Luis Ramirez was 2-for-4 with an RBI, a stolen base and a run scored.

Starting pitcher Jacob Petitt tossed three scoreless innings for the Orioles, and relief pitcher Dustin Carder (1-0) gave up two hits in two shutout frames for the victory.

First baseman Corey Thomas was 2-for-4 with a run scored for Bluefield.

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 11:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (5)
        

Buck Showalter said Sunday night on ESPN's "Baseball Tonight" that he has interest in the Orioles managerial opening and that he's "honored" to have the opportunity.

He also said he respects the job Juan Samuel has done as interim manager.

"Managing baseball is not a right; it's something that you earn," Showalter told Karl Ravech, who asked why he would be interested in the Orioles. "I"m not going to get into personal issues; we'll see where it takes us. It's an honor -- a lot of people work hard to get this opportunity."

Ravech also asked Showalter whether he offered any opinions on the Orioles' current lineup.

"I don't make suggestions -- not right now, anyway," Showalter said.

Posted by Baltimore Sun sports at 8:05 PM | Permalink | Comments (22)
        

The ongoing saga of reliever Michael Gonzalez is expected to take a positive step forward today.

He is scheduled to start for Short-A Aberdeen against Brooklyn tonight in a minor-league rehab assignment. He will probably only throw an inning or so.

This will be Gonzalez’s first outing outside of Florida since he went on the disabled list on April 14 with a strained left shoulder.

If all goes well with Gonzalez, he could be activated in time for the Orioles road trip that begins Friday in Boston, according to Andy MacPhail, the club’s president of baseball operations.

And he may not be the only old face joining the club for that trip. MacPhail said it is also possible for outfielder Felix Pie (torn muscle in back) to be on that trip, too.

Both are on the 60-day disabled list, so two players would have to come off the 40-man roster when they are activated.

Posted by Dan Connolly at 3:51 PM | Permalink | Comments (8)
        

It was president of baseball operations Andy MacPhail who decided this offseason to give Garrett Atkins a $4 million, one-year deal (with a guaranteed $500,000 buyout on a second year).

So it’s MacPhail who has to stand up and take the heat as the Orioles designated Atkins for assignment on Sunday to make room for Koji Uehara to be activated from the disabled list.

Needing right-handed power at the corner infield positions, and hoping that Atkins could rekindle his 2006-2008 years in Colorado, where he had at least 21 homers and 99 RBIs each season, the Orioles signed Atkins, who had been non-tendered by the Rockies after hitting just .226 with nine homers in 2009.

“I think we used the term that we had to take some chances and sometimes you have to swing for the fences,” MacPhail said. “We knew, obviously, that (Atkins’) 2009 performance was not nearly what it had been in 08 and 07. We were gambling we could measure up to that, which we couldn’t do. We gambled and we lost.”

Atkins, 30, batted .214 (30 for 140) with one homer and nine RBIs. He lost his starting first baseman’s spot to Ty Wigginton, who moved over from second base, and had just 14 at-bats in June.

With the addition of infielders Jake Fox and Scott Moore to the roster, Atkins wasn’t even being used off the bench much.

“The opportunity for him was going to start to dwindle because we have Jake Fox, we have Scott Moore, and neither one of them started the year on our 25-man roster,” MacPhail said. “They make more sense for us as extra guys because they have more flexibility. Jake can catch and play left and first and third and Scott can play second and third and first. So when he didn’t produce offensively, he wasn’t as valuable to us as the other guys and it was time to admit that it didn’t work and move on.”

Assuming the Orioles cannot trade Atkins in the next 10 days, they will be forced to release him or put him on waivers. If he is not claimed, the Orioles would have to eat the remainder of his 2010 salary – which, with the buyout – is about $2.5 million.

MacPhail said the club is willing to live with that reality.

“Economically, in our game, it was not a huge gamble,” MacPhail said. “I have a saying, there’s no such thing as a bad one year deal because then you are out of it. So we had to take a chance. “

Posted by Dan Connolly at 1:59 PM | Permalink | Comments (23)
        

Garrett Atkins, who the Orioles signed a $4.5 million, one-year deal to be their starting first baseman this offseason, has been designated for assignment.

The Orioles will have 10 days to trade, release or ask waivers on Atkins, who had 30 hits in 140 at-bats with the Orioles (.214 average). He had just one homer and nine RBIs this season and had been relegated to the bench.

He had just 14 at-bats and 18 plate appearances in all of June.

While designating Atkins, the Orioles activated relief pitcher Koji Uehara from the 15-day disabled list. He will be available to pitch today, according to Orioles interim manager Juan Samuel.

"That was the decision that was made Unfortunately things did not work out for him here,” Samuel said. “It was getting kind of tough trying to get Atkins some at-bats. … We just wish him luck. Sometimes these things work, will help these players.”

Said veteran first baseman Ty Wigginton about the move: “I think any time you see a player get sent out or get designated, you obviously feel for him. Hopefully he gets another opportunity somewhere. I’ll be checking the papers every day to see if he signs somewhere else. Or goes somewhere else, and hopefully he comes out raking.”

Atkins left before commenting to reporters, but he said earlier this week that if he leaves the Orioles, he’d want to continue his career elsewhere and would consider a minor-league deal in the right situation.

A previous version of this entry gave the wrong number of hits this season for Garrett Atkins. The Baltimore Sun regrets the error.

Posted by Dan Connolly at 11:55 AM | Permalink | Comments (9)
        

2010 Orioles: 22-52 (.297)

Notable win-loss records through 75 games (win percentage in parentheses):

1916 Philadelphia Athletics: 18-56-1 (.247)
1954 Orioles: 30-45 (.400)
1962 New York Mets: 21-54 (.280)
1988 Orioles: 21-54 (.280)
2003 Detroit Tigers: 18-57 (.240)

How each team fared in their 75th game:

1916 Athletics: 1-0 loss to the Chicago White Sox

The Athletics were edged by the White Sox in the second game of a doubleheader at Shibe Park. It was Philadelphia's fifth consecutive loss and 13th defeat in 14 games in July.

1954 Orioles: 3-0 loss to the Chicago White Sox

Orioles starting pitcher Don Larsen's record dropped to 2-9 on the season after he gave up three runs (two earned) and 10 hits in eight innings against the White Sox. Center fielder Chuck Diering walked three times for the Orioles, but they managed only four hits in the loss.

1962 Mets: 8-5 win over the San Francisco Giants

Left fielder Gene Woodling was 2-for-5 with four RBIs to lead the Mets to victory in the series opener at Candlestick Park. Center fielder Willie Mays hit his 22nd home run of the season in a losing effort for the Giants. Mays would finish the season as the leader in the National League with 49 home runs.

1988 Orioles: 6-2 win over the Toronto Blue Jays

First baseman Jim Traber was 3-for-4 with a solo home run as the Orioles snapped a two-game losing streak in front of an announced 17,212 fans at Memorial Stadium. Starting pitcher Jeff Ballard held the Blue Jays to one run and seven hits in seven innings to earn the win.

2003 Tigers: 11-2 loss to the Boston Red Sox

On his way to 21 losses for the season, Tigers starting pitcher Mike Maroth fell to 2-12 despite only allowing two runs and seven hits in seven innings at Fenway Park. Detroit relief pitcher Fernando Rodney gave up six runs and five hits while recording one out as the Red Sox scored nine runs in the eighth.

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 10:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

If there's anyone who can understand what Orioles interim manager Juan Samuel is going through right now, it's Frank Robinson.

Seven games into what turned into the team's 21-game losing streak to start the 1988 season, Robinson replaced Cal Ripken Sr. as the Orioles manager.

Though the Hall of Fame outfielder who already had managerial experience in Cleveland and San Francisco would go on to manage his former team for nearly three seasons, Robinson knew what he was there to do after replacing Ripken.

"You can't get down because the players feed off of you," Robinson said before Saturday's game against the Washington Nationals at Camden Yards. "You can't fool 'em. They can tell if you're down or your not confident in them. That's the biggest job you have in that situation."

Robinson, who previously was known for being tough on reporters as a player and manager, reinvented himself during that 1988 season.

"I had to become a comedian during the course of that season because you had to laugh, you had to joke, you had to talk to reporters every day and keep them away from focusing on the players on the field," Robinson said. "People said after it was over that I did a pretty good job of it.

Asked what advice he would give to Samuel, Robinson said, "He just has to keep their morale up, be positive and put down the players in the lineup that he thinks he can be successful with. Manage the game as you see it and not try to worry about the games that have gone by and think about the game today and do what you can do to win that ballgame. Try to take as much of the spotlight off the players as you possibly can."

-- DON MARKUS

Posted by Dan Connolly at 6:17 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)
        

Davey Johnson was at the Orioles’ 40th anniversary celebration of the 1970 championship team at Camden Yards today.

I grabbed him afterward and asked him about his interest in the Orioles’ managerial job.

“I have not been contacted, but I will always have interest in Baltimore, and I’ll always care about whatever happens to them in any way, shape or form,” Johnson, a senior advisor to Washington Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo. “The best part of my life was spent here.”

Does that mean he’d have no problem working with principal owner Peter Angelos a second time? Remember, they went separate ways after the 1997 season – the Orioles last winning season – after the two had a dispute.

“I have no doubt we could work together again,” Johnson said. “I understood where he was coming from. We didn’t win. We got stopped on the door. …We went wire-to-wire, we beat the Yankees, we had a great club, but I didn’t get to the World Series and that’s just not acceptable to Peter.”

Johnson hasn’t managed a big-league team since 2000 and is now 67. But he has managed the 2009 U.S. World Baseball Classic team, the 2008 U.S. Olympic team and will manage his second consecutive season in the Florida Collegiate Summer League. So he is not exactly out of practice.
“I’d love to manage. I have been managing,” he said. “It is no difference what level I am on.”

When asked about this Orioles’ squad, he said: “This team going into spring training a lot of people felt pretty good about,” Johnson said. “Good young arms, good young talent. Now all of a sudden they are not going good, so it’s bad talent. I don’t agree with that.”

More to come in a story on our site and in the paper.

Posted by Dan Connolly at 5:46 PM | Permalink | Comments (22)
        

Juan Samuel met with the media before Saturday’s game against the Washington Nationals.

Here’s a few of the tidbits he offered:

Ty Wigginton was out of the lineup again Saturday with back tightness that kept him out of Friday’s game. Samuel said Wigginton would be available to pinch hit and the plan is to have him play Sunday. Meanwhile, Scott Moore will get the start at first.

“(Wigginton) did not feel 100 percent yet so we are being cautious, giving him an extra day. I think he could use another off day anyway. He’s been the one that has been out there every day. We’re just being a little cautious with him.”

Here’s Samuel on Felix Pie, who is rehabbing the torn back muscle at High-A Frederick:

“He’s probably going to be there two or three more days then I think he’s going to go to [Double-A] Bowie. There’s been some discussion whether he’s going to go with us on the road trip or not. We’ll see how he continues his rehab assignment. We would like to see him play the outfield at least three or four games and throw some more. If the decision is that he’s going to be ready to go [on the road] with us, we’d like to see him play the outfield. He’s just DH’ing right now but at some point he has to play the outfield.”

There is a question as to whether throwing could aggravate the injury, so the club has moved slowly with him.

“Yes, I think that’s the one part that they’ve been real cautious on. He’s been swinging for a while and he played long toss yesterday, which was good. So we’d like to see him probably at some point take some infield or have him throw to the bases. That’s something that will probably tell us if he’s ready to step in and play left field right away.”

Samuel said Brian Roberts (herniated disk) has “added some light baseball activities” while working out in Sarasota. Samuel did not know the specifics of what was involved.

Samuel said he does not consider tonight’s start by Brad Bergesen to be an audition. He just wants to see the kid get back to what made him so successful last year.

“We have all seen him when he has success, he has that sinker working for him. Whether he needs to get his fingers on top of the ball a little bit more, I don’t know. That’s something for our pitching coach to talk to him about. … He has to pitch down and when he doesn’t have that sinker going it doesn’t work to his advantage. So he needs to have movement on the ball.”

Samuel said he is hoping some of the old Orioles’ greats who are in for Saturday’s 40th anniversary celebration of the 1970 World Series championship will talk to his current players.

“Hopefully they will get a chance to talk to some of those guys. Talk to these players about what it takes to win. It takes a lot of sacrifices. It takes showing up every day, and the days that you are not feeling good enough to play, that’s when you have to push yourself. Because anybody could play when they are feeling good. So it’s nice to see those guys come back and hopefully here, in the near future, some of these guys will be in that position.”

By the way, what was Samuel, now 49, doing in 1970?

“I was probably in the Dominican with no TV and if we had one, it was probably black and white.”

Posted by Dan Connolly at 2:06 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)
        

2010 Orioles: 21-52 (.288)

Notable win-loss records through 74 games (win percentage in parentheses):

1916 Philadelphia Athletics: 18-55-1 (.250)
1954 Orioles: 30-44 (.405)
1962 New York Mets: 20-54 (.270)
1988 Orioles: 20-54 (.270)
2003 Detroit Tigers: 18-56 (.243)

How each team fared in their 74th game:

1916 Athletics: 4-1 loss to the Chicago White Sox

The Athletics dropped the first game of a doubleheader to the White Sox at Shibe Park. In the 1916 season, Philadelphia was 4-18 against Chicago. They were outscored 106-56 during those games.

1954 Orioles: 3-1 win over the Detroit Tigers

The Orioles made it a memorable Fourth of July holiday for an announced 11,506 fans at Memorial Stadium with a victory over Detroit. Starting pitcher Lou Kretlow tossed a complete game for the Orioles, giving up one run and five hits.

1962 Mets: 5-1 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers

A day after failing to get a hit against Sandy Koufax, the Mets struggled again offensively as Dodgers starting pitcher Don Drysdale struck out 13 batters in a complete-game victory at Dodger Stadium. Right fielder Frank Howard and first baseman Ron Fairly each added two RBIs to power Los Angeles.

1988 Orioles: 10-1 loss to the Boston Red Sox

Center fielder Fred Lynn hit a solo home run with one out in the top of the first inning for the Orioles' only run at Fenway Park. Boston left fielder Mike Greenwell and designated hitter Jim Rice each hit a two-run home run in the bottom of the first against Orioles starting pitcher Oswaldo Peraza as the Red Sox cruised to an easy win.

2003 Tigers: 10-1 loss to the Boston Red Sox

Shortstop Nomar Garciaparra was 5-for-5 with three runs scored, and first baseman Kevin Millar added four hits and five RBIs as the Red Sox ran away from Detroit at Fenway Park. Tigers designated hitter Dmitri Young led the team offensively with two hits and a run scored.

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 11:15 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

By now, you probably know that the Orioles erased a 6-0 deficit in the fourth inning and won in the ninth on Nationals' second baseman Cristian Guzman's throwing error on what should have been an inning-ending double play ball off the bat of Julio Lugo. Instead Guzman's throw sailed past first baseman Adam Dunn and pinch runner Jake Fox scored the winning run all the way from second base.

It was the Orioles' biggest comeback win this season. They now have won two straight for the first time since taking three in a row from May 12-14, and the much-maligned offense has scored 18 runs on 30 hits the last two nights.

It was the Nationals' fourth error of the game, leading to four unearned runs. After watching them tonight, it doesn't surprise me that Washington leads the league in errors.

"We had 10 different ways to win that game, and we lost it 10 different ways," said Nationals shortstop Ian Desmond who was responsible for two of the four errors and now has 18 miscues on the season.

Most people in the victorious home clubhouse felt that it was Scott Moore who was the star of the game. He hit a pinch-hit, two-run homer off Tyler Clippard in the eighth and then he singled off Clippard in the ninth to get a runner in scoring position.

Ironically, Moore had been 1-for-17 with 10 strikeouts in his career as a pinch hitter. And that one hit came over the weekend in San Diego. At one point during last weekend's series in San Francisco, Moore saw a statistic flash across the television screen that he was 0-for-15 with 10 strikeouts as a pinch hitter in his career. He's since 2 for his last 3 in such situations.

"Since we talked about that [statistic], I feel like I’ve put together some better at-bats in pinch hit appearances," Moore said. "[Hitting coach Terry Crowley] and I talked about it and I think it just comes down to the way I prepare for those at-bats. It’s obviously a lot different than starting."

Speaking of starting, Jake Arrieta didn't do a very good job of it, allowing six runs (five earned) on eight hits and three walks in 4 1/3 innings. After winning his last two starts and allowing a total of four earned runs in 13 innings, Arrieta has now surrendered 10 earned runs, 13 hits and six walks in just 7 1/3 innings over his last two starts.

Here's one comment from him and it's short-and-sweet: "I just really had a tough time avoiding that big hit, and I have to work towards that. Do better the next time out."

And finally, until the bullpen meltdown, Nationals center fielder Nyjer Morgan stood to be the story of the game for his amazing catch over the center-field wall to rob Corey Patterson of a solo homer in the third inning. He also made a great running grab on Miguel Tejada's shot in the left center-field gap with the bases loaded and nobody out in the fifth inning. But the buzz was all about his catch on Patterson's ball.

"I'm like, ‘He’s got no shot,’ especially you know how much the ball travels here," interim manager Juan Samuel said. "But that’s one of the finest ones I have seen."

Patterson tipped his batting helmet in Morgan's direction.

"It was a good play," he said. "I think that’s pretty much neck and neck, right below the catch Gary Matthews Jr. had in [2006] in Texas. Gary, that was probably the best catch I’ve ever seen. But [Morgan's] was right behind it. I thought I had enough to get it, but he climbed up there and it was a great catch. He does a great job for them, had a great game today."

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 12:11 AM | Permalink | Comments (14)
        

Earlier today, the Triple-A Norfolk Tides placed right-handed pitcher Brandon Erbe on the disabled list, retroactive to June 23, with right shoulder soreness.

In 14 starts this season, Erbe is 0-10 with a 5.73 ERA for the Tides.

To replace him on the roster, Norfolk activated right-hander Andy Mitchell from the DL.

Norfolk Tides (AAA)

Score: Louisville Bats 7, Norfolk Tides 0 (Box score)

Recap: Right fielder Jeff Salazar was 2-for-4 with a stolen base as the Tides were blanked, 7-0, by Louisville at Harbor Park.

Norfolk starting pitcher Troy Patton (5-8) suffered the loss after being charged with six runs and nine hits in 5 1/3 innings. He collected two strikeouts and walked two batters, throwing 59 of his 91 pitches for strikes.

Third baseman Josh Bell added a double for the Tides.

Bowie Baysox (AA)

Score: Bowie Baysox 5, Altoona Curve 1 (Box score)

Recap: Third baseman Ryan Adams hit a solo home run as part of a four-run ninth inning as the Baysox picked up a 5-1 victory over Altoona.

Adams also hit his 20th double of the season.

Bowie starting pitcher Zach Britton (7-3) won his fifth straight decision after holding the Curve to one run and four hits in eight innings. Britton struck out nine batters.

In four starts this month, Britton is 3-0 with a 0.66 ERA. He is 6-1 with a 1.74 ERA in his past 10 starts overall.

Baysox catcher Caleb Joseph hit a solo home run and scored twice, while first baseman Joel Guzman was 1-for-3 in the win.

Frederick Keys (A)

Score: Frederick Keys 11, Winston-Salem Dash 2 (Box score)

Recap: Designated hitter Felix Pie was 1-for-3 with a run scored as Frederick routed Winston-Salem, 11-2, at Harry Grove Stadium.

Keys second baseman Miguel Abreu was 3-for-5 with a double and three RBIs, and right fielder Ronnie Welty added two hits and three RBIs.

Frederick starting pitcher Rick Zagone (5-6) gave up two runs and seven hits in 6 1/3 innings. He struck out four batters and didn't issue any walks.

Third baseman Billy Rowell contributed a pair of doubles and two runs scored for Frederick, and left fielder Kyle Hudson was 2-for-4 with a stolen base and two runs scored.

First baseman Joe Mahoney hit a solo home run for the Keys.

Delmarva Shorebirds (A)

Game 1 score: Lakewood BlueClaws 5, Delmarva Shorebirds 2 (Box score)

Game 1 recap: First baseman Tyler Townsend was 2-for-4 with a double and an RBI in his return to the lineup, but Delmarva dropped a 5-2 decision to Lakewood in the first game of the doubleheader at Arthur W. Perdue Stadium.

Delmarva relief pitcher Patrick Kantakevich (0-2), who took over when the suspended game continued, allowed four runs and eight hits in three innings.

Shorebirds center fielder Steve Bumbry contributed a pair of doubles, while third baseman Tyler Stampone added an RBI.

Second baseman Tyler Kelly walked in all four plate appearances for Delmarva.

Game 2 score: Lakewood BlueClaws 2, Delmarva Shorebirds 1 (Box score)

Game 2 recap: Starting pitcher Nathan Moreau (2-3) allowed two runs and four hits in six innings during the Shorebirds' 2-1 loss to Lakewood in the nightcap at Arthur W. Perdue Stadium.

Townsend was 1-for-3 with an RBI, while right fielder Brian Conley and shortstop Garabez Rosa each added a double in the loss.

The Shorebirds committed three errors, including Rosa's 24th of the season.

Aberdeen IronBirds (A)

Score: Staten Island Yankees 4, Aberdeen IronBirds 1 (Box score)

Recap: Right fielder Zach Moore was 2-for-4 in the IronBirds 4-1 loss to Staten Island in the final game of their road trip.

Aberdeen left fielder Kipp Schutz contributed two hits, while shortstop Pedro Florimon was 2-for-4 as part of his injury rehabilitation assignment.

IronBirds starting pitcher Scott Copeland (0-1) gave up three runs and four hits in five innings. He walked three batters and collected three strikeouts.

Bluefield Orioles (Rookie)

Score: Danville Braves 9, Bluefield Orioles 4 (Box score)

Recap: The Orioles committed six errors in a 9-4 loss to Danville at Bowen Field.

Bluefield shortstop Javier Santana, first baseman Joe Velleggia and relief pitcher Eiris Ramirez each made two defensive miscues.

Ramirez allowed five runs and five hits in one inning.

Orioles third baseman Michael Mosby was 2-for-4 with a pair of doubles, an RBI and a run scored, and right fielder Christopher Clinton added a double.

Starting pitcher Daurin Tavarez (0-1) gave up two runs and five hits in six innings for Bluefield. He collected two strikeouts and issued one walk.

GCL Orioles (Rookie)

Score: GCL Orioles 6, GCL Rays 4 (Box score)

Recap: Second baseman Pedro Rodriguez was 3-for-3 with a run scored as the Orioles won their second straight game, 6-4, over the Rays.

Orioles relief pitcher Michael Gonzalez tossed a scoreless inning during his latest injury rehabilitation assignment, striking out one batter.

Relief pitcher Joshua Goodin (1-0) earned the victory after giving up two runs and four hits in three innings, while right-hander Andy Deain picked up his first save of the season after tossing a scoreless frame.

Orioles right fielder Jose Nivar was 2-for-4 with a double and an RBI, and catcher Justin Dalles was 1-for-1 with a double, an RBI and two walks.

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 10:21 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)
        

As I said earlier, infielder Ty Wigginton is unavailable tonight because of some lower back tightness. Wigginton, however, said that he's not concerned and should return to the lineup soon.

"I’m not worried at all," Wigginton said. "I’ve never really had any serious back issues. In [2006], I had a back issue and missed like three games. This one is nowhere near that. It’s more precautionary at this point."

Wigginton said he first started feeling some discomfort while running to first base during his final at-bat on Thursday against the Florida Marlins.

"I just kind of came up tight," he said. "I went down the line in my last at-bat and when I got my glove and stuff, I noticed it getting pretty tight. It’s the least of my concerns."

With Wigginton out, first baseman Garrett Atkins will get a rare opportunity to start against Nationals right-hander J.D. Martin.

"You always want to be in there," Atkins said. "Obviously, I’m a little surprised because it’s a righty but I’m going to go out there and see if I can string together some good at-bats and help the team someway."

With the Orioles needing to make two roster moves in the coming days to promote Brad Bergesen and activate Koji Uehara, Atkins knows his spot is in jeopardy, but he's hardly dwelling on it.

"I don’t think I’d be playing today if I was going to be that move," he said. "We’ll see. They got two moves to make. They might send out one position player, they might send out two. Who knows? I’m not really worried about that. I just want to go out there tonight and put together some good at-bats."

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 4:57 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)
        

Orioles interim manager Juan Samuel said that seldom-used outfielder Lou Montanez has an oblique injury and will probably go on the disabled list tomorrow when the club activates starter Brad Bergesen.

That could save Garrett Atkins from losing his roster spot until at least later next week when outfielder Felix Pie is ready to be activated from the disabled list.

In fact, Atkins is in the starting lineup tonight against the Washington Nationals, his first start since June 14. He's playing mainly because Ty Wigginton is having some lower back tightness that started during last night's game and is still affecting the infielder.

Wigginton said that he doesn't believe it's anything serious, but he could miss a couple of days.

Samuel said that it's not a given that reliever Koji Uehara will be activated before tomorrow's game. The club could wait until after Monday's off day. Either Frank Mata or Matt Albers could be in jeopardy when Uehara is activated.

Samuel also said that reliever Michael Gonzalez is close to a being sent to one of the minor league affiliates for a rehab assignment.

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 4:11 PM | Permalink | Comments (7)
        

2010 Orioles: 20-52 (.278)

Notable win-loss records through 73 games (win percentage in parentheses):

1916 Philadelphia Athletics: 18-54-1 (.253)
1954 Orioles: 29-44 (.397)
1962 New York Mets: 20-53 (.274)
1988 Orioles: 20-53 (.274)
2003 Detroit Tigers: 18-55 (.247)

How each team fared in their 73rd game:

1916 Athletics: 7-3 loss to the St. Louis Browns

The Athletics lost their third straight game to St. Louis at Shibe Park, falling to 24 1/2 games behind the American League-leading New York Yankees. They would lose six more times before winning again.

1954 Orioles: 5-3 win over the Detroit Tigers

Third baseman Vern Stephens hit a two-run home run in the third inning as the Orioles beat Detroit in front of an announced 17,126 fans at Memorial Stadium. Despite walking 11 batters, Orioles starting pitcher Bob Turley pitched a complete game for the victory.

1962 Mets: 5-0 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers

Starting pitcher Sandy Koufax threw his first career no-hitter as the Dodgers blanked New York, 5-0, at Dodger Stadium on June 30. Koufax struck out 13 batters and issued five walks. Los Angeles right fielder Frank Howard was 2-for-3 with a home run and two RBIs.

1988 Orioles: 10-3 loss to the Boston Red Sox

Shortstop Cal Ripken Jr. and designated hitter Eddie Murray both hit home runs, but it wasn't enough as the Red Sox scored seven runs in the eighth inning to cruise to an easy victory at Fenway Park. Left fielder Mike Greenwell had three RBIs for Boston.

2003 Tigers: 3-1 loss to the Boston Red Sox

Designated hitter Kevin Millar was 2-for-4 with a solo home run and two RBIs to lead the Red Sox over Detroit at Fenway Park. Tigers starting pitcher Jeremy Bonderman didn't pitch poorly -- giving up two runs and eight hits in six innings -- but his record fell to 2-11 in the defeat.

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 1:01 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
        

In 119 2/3 innings as a starter last year, Jason Berken struck out 66 batters. In 41 innings as a reliever this year, he’s struck out 32, many on a slider that was absolutely devastating last night. Berken has been quite a revelation this year in his transition to the bullpen and he’s probably one of two Orioles – Ty Wigginton would be the other – who has actually exceeded the club’s individual expectations. And I know people will point out that Berken has succeeded mostly in low-pressure situations as the long man, but he’s been awfully good recently pitching later in tight games. Berken never looked intimidated last year even when he was compiling a 6-12 record and a 6.54 ERA. But everything about him is different this year, from his body language to the finish on his pitches to his confidence level.

The Orioles will likely make two roster moves tomorrow to promote starter Brad Bergesen and to activate reliever Koji Uehara. Interim manager Juan Samuel said the team will probably dump one reliever and one position player. All signs point to that one position player being first baseman Garrett Atkins, who won’t exactly be floored by the news. The first baseman, who despite his on-field struggles has handled himself with class, told my colleague Dan Connolly earlier this week that getting designated for assignment is “probably going to happen. Not really much sense in having my agent call and talk to them about it. Eleven at-bats in this month, I mean, it doesn’t seem like I serve much of a purpose. But, like I said, I am still here and I’ll be ready when they need me.” The reliever to go will probably come down to Frank Mata or Matt Albers. When outfielder Felix Pie is activated from the disabled list as early as the middle of next week, Lou Montanez obviously would be the top candidate to head back to Triple-A Norfolk. And then the survivor of Mata and Albers would be at the most risk for a demotion when Michael Gonzalez is ready, which could be in about 10 days.

According to a team official, Chris Tillman’s fastball was clocked between 90 and 93 miles per hour in his first outing back at Triple-A Norfolk yesterday. And speaking of the Tides, infielder Robert Andino is serving a two-game suspension from the International League as a result of his ejection on Wednesday.

I’ve gotten a couple of emails about whether Nick Markakis’ meeting yesterday with owner Peter Angelos was a slap at president of baseball operations Andy MacPhail, and I don’t believe it was. Markakis has talked to MacPhail before, including a closed-door meeting late last season at Tropicana Field which included Brian Roberts. MacPhail also said that he was aware of the meeting and in favor of it. MacPhail would never say this, but I’ve heard from a couple of team officials that members of the front office are pleased that Markakis is taking a more vocal role with the club. That was what they had hoped when they signed him to a six-year, $66.1 million deal.

I, like several other reporters and many fans, were not exactly behind the Orioles’ decision to name Craig Tatum the team’s backup catcher and grant veteran Chad Moeller his outright release. My opinion was more based on Moeller’s leadership than on-field performance. But Tatum deserves a lot of credit and has pretty much done exactly what you’d want from your backup catcher. First of all, the Orioles are 6-8 in games that he has started behind the plate, which isn’t bad when you are 20-52 overall. Second, Tatum has held his own at the plate with a respectable .262 average. I still think the Orioles’ young pitchers could really use Moeller’s leadership and knowledge, gained from years in the big leagues, but Tatum has been a solid addition as well.

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 11:49 AM | Permalink | Comments (9)
        

For those of you who are new to the bar, who stumbled in here while checking out O’s Insider, I say welcome. Pull up a stool. And participate in a Connolly’s tradition today.

One of my favorite bar entries is upon us. This is the third year in which I have prepared to go to my favorite annual used book sale armed with information from my bar patrons.

Unfortunately, work responsibilities will keep me from enjoying the best day of the sale, on Sunday when you can get a yardstick of books for a couple dollars. But I’m still going to sneak in Friday and buy a year’s worth of good books.

That’s where you people come in. As I have written before, I am a bit of a bibliophile. The money I should spend on clothes or a gym membership gets frittered away on books.

And I am always looking for interesting reads to check out on a rainy day or a flight to Dallas. So let’s take a break from the Orioles’ mess to talk some books.

The last two years, some of you have made awesome suggestions, introducing me to Chuck Klosterman, Dick Francis, Khaled Hosseini, Michael Connelly, Yann Martel and Danielle Steel (I am kidding about that last one).

So I want your must-look-for suggestions for this weekend’s sale. Author or title, hook me up people. I want your advice.

But since this is a sports forum, I’m not solely searching for novelists. I often have sports books on my nightstand and put them into the rotation. In the last three months I have read the Lombardi biog, “When Pride Still Mattered” (tremendous, as advertised) and SL Price’s story on the Mike Coolbaugh tragedy (solid, but it dragged).

My buddy Jeff Zrebiec – also a big sports book reader – recently loaned me Jon Krakauer’s biography of Pat Tillman that he says is fascinating. And I have a Satchel Paige bio that I’ll get to soon.

I want your recommendations for sports books, and want to know which is your all-time favorite.

I am split between “My Losing Season,” by Pat Conroy, who is probably by favorite contemporary author, and the classic baseball tome, “Boys of Summer” by Roger Kahn.

So throw some suggestions my way – both sports and non-sports. I’ll tell you how I did at the sale sometime next week.

Daily Think Special: What’s your favorite sports book?

Bonus Think Special: Suggest some authors or titles for me to look for this weekend.

Posted by Dan Connolly at 2:02 AM | Permalink | Comments (46)
Categories: Connolly's Corner Sports Bar
        

As he stood in the on-deck circle before his at-bat in the bottom of the fifth inning, Orioles' center fielder Adam Jones turned to some vocal fans seated behind him and asked them a simple question:

"You want me to swing or bunt?," Jones said that he asked the fans. "They said, “Bunt,’ so I tried to bunt. They asked for it so I obliged."

Jones did drop down a nice bunt that left Marlins veteran third baseman Wes Helms with no play, so he waited and waited for it to roll foul and then he picked it up.

Jones then came back to the plate and blasted Alejandro Sanabia's next pitch into the left-field seats for his 11th homer and second in as many days. That homer gave the Orioles a 6-4 lead and put them on their way to an 11-5 victory.

"Good thing I fouled it off," Jones said with a smile.

Jones went 3-for-5 in the game with two RBIs. It marked his fifth consecutive multi-hit game and his sixth three-hit game of the season. The guy people were calling for to be demoted to Triple-A not too long ago is suddenly hitting .272 with 11 homers and 30 RBIs.

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 11:25 PM | Permalink | Comments (7)
        

It was the first full day of games in the Orioles' minor league system.

The Triple-A Norfolk Tides beat the Lehigh Valley IronPigs this afternoon, while the Double-A Bowie Baysox won against the Reading Phillies tonight.

The Single-A Frederick Keys fell to the Winston-Salem Dash, and the short-season Single-A Aberdeen IronBirds snapped a three-game losing streak by topping the Staten Island Yankees.

The Rookie-level Bluefield Orioles dropped a decision to the Pulaski Mariners, and the Rookie-level GCL Orioles defeated the GCL Red Sox.

The matchup between the Single-A Delmarva Shorebirds and the Lakewood BlueClaws was suspended in the third inning at Arthur W. Perdue Stadium due to rain. The two teams will finish the game Friday at 4:35 p.m. before playing a seven-inning contest.

Earlier today, shortstop Greg Miclat was promoted from Frederick to Bowie. In his place, the Keys added infielder Michael Mooney to their roster.

Also, the Shorebirds activated first baseman Tyler Townsend from the disabled list. In order to make room for Townsend on the roster, Delmarva placed outfielder T.J. Baxter on the disabled list, retroactive to June 22 with an undisclosed injury.

Norfolk Tides (AAA)

Score: Norfolk Tides 5, Lehigh Valley IronPigs 3 (Box score)

Recap: As Jeff Zrebiec noted earlier, starting pitcher Chris Tillman (6-4) gave up one run and three hits in six innings as the Tides beat Lehigh Valley, 5-3, at Harbor Park.

Norfolk third baseman Josh Bell contributed a double and two RBIs, while designated hitter Rhyne Hughes was 2-for-3 with two RBIs.

Tides left fielder Joey Gathright was 2-for-3 with a triple, a stolen base and two runs scored, and first baseman Nolan Reimold was 1-for-4 with a run scored.

After relief pitcher Dennis Sarfate loaded the bases with a single and two walks in two-thirds of an inning, left-hander Alberto Castillo recorded the final out to pick up his third save of the season for the Tides.

Bowie Baysox (AA)

Score: Bowie Baysox 6, Reading Phillies 3 (Box score)

Recap: Starting pitcher Chorye Spoone (6-5) won his fourth straight decision as the Baysox picked up a 6-3 win over Reading.

Spoone gave up four hits and issued five walks, but held the Phillies scoreless for six innings.

Bowie left fielder Tyler Henson was 2-for-5 with a solo home run and a double, while first baseman Robbie Widlansky contributed three hits and an RBI.

Relief pitcher Pedro Beato retired the final four batters to pick up his fifth save of the season for the Baysox. Beato struck out one hitter.

Frederick Keys (A)

Score: Winston-Salem Dash 7, Frederick Keys 4 (Box score)

Recap: Designated hitter Felix Pie was 2-for-5 with an RBI while serving as the leadoff hitter in the Keys' 7-4 loss to Winston-Salem at Harry Grove Stadium.

Frederick center fielder Xavier Avery added a single, an RBI and his 17th stolen base of the season, while right fielder Ronnie Welty was 2-for-4 with a stolen base and a run scored.

Keys starting pitcher Oliver Drake struck out eight batters while allowing three runs (two earned) and seven hits in six innings, and relief pitcher Sean Gleason (1-3) gave up four runs and five hits in one inning.

Third baseman Billy Rowell was 0-for-4 with three strikeouts and two fielding errors for Frederick. He is now batting .234 this season with 15 defensive miscues.

Aberdeen IronBirds (A)

Score: Aberdeen IronBirds 8, Staten Island Yankees 5 (Box score)

Recap: It looks like L.J. Hoes is recovered from the mononucleosis that forced him to the disabled list in Frederick earlier this season.

Hoes was 3-for-5 with a home run, a double, three RBIs and two runs scored as Aberdeen grabbed an 8-5 victory on the road over Staten Island.

In seven games on his rehab assignment with the IronBirds, the 20-year-old second baseman is batting .500 (12-for-24) with five doubles, a triple, a home run and five RBIs.

Aberdeen designated hitter Mike Flacco was 2-for-4 with an RBI and a run scored, while left fielder Tyler Kolodny added a single and three stolen bases.

IronBirds starting pitcher Justin Anderson was charged with two runs and five hits in 6 1/3 innings, while relief pitcher David Walters (1-0) recorded the final five outs to earn the win.

First baseman David Anderson hit a two-run home run for Aberdeen.

Bluefield Orioles (Rookie)

Score: Pulaski Mariners 5, Bluefield Orioles 4 (Box score)

Recap: Center fielder Brenden Webb was 2-for-3 with a two-run home run, a double and two runs scored as Bluefield was edged, 5-4, by Pulaski.

Orioles starting pitcher David Baker gave up four runs (two earned) and five hits in three innings, while relief pitcher Zachary Petersime allowed one unearned run and two hits in four innings.

Bluefield shortstop Vincent Zazueta was 1-for-3 with a run scored.

GCL Orioles (Rookie)

Score: GCL Orioles 6, GCL Red Sox 2 (Box score)

Recap: Shortstop Jonathan Schoop hit a pair of two-run home runs as the GCL Orioles grabbed a 6-2 victory over the GCL Red Sox.

Schoop, 18, was signed as a non-drafted free agent from Curacao in August 2008. He batted .239 with no home runs and 35 RBIs in 68 games for the Dominican Summer League Orioles last season.

Orioles left fielder Rojean Cleofa contributed a double and two RBIs, while first baseman Gino Moranci was 2-for-3 with a walk.

Starting pitcher Derek Hanks allowed two runs (one earned) and four hits in three innings for the Orioles, while relief pitcher Yancorix Adrian (1-0) struck out seven batters and issued one walk in four no-hit frames.

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 10:25 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

So you knew Orioles’ first basemen hadn’t hit a homer this year.

We hope you knew, because we sure have written it several times.

But today we went a little further. I talked to David Vincent, who we officially refer to as a baseball historian. Generally, though, we refer to him as the home run doctor. Need a stat about home runs, and David can get it for you and get it quick.

So here’s some historical info on the Orioles’ homerless drought to start the season – which was at 71 games and counting heading into Thursday night.

It is a franchise record, eclipsing the 1959 club that didn’t have a home run from a first baseman to start the season until Bob Boyd went deep in Game No. 56 on June 13, according to Vincent.

Only four clubs since 1961 have started the season with a longer home run drought by first basemen than the current Orioles. The 1979 Kansas City Royals didn’t have one until Game No. 104, when George Scott homered on July 31.

The 1984 San Francisco Giants went 103 games until it happened; the 1981 Chicago White Sox, 98 and the 2004 Anaheim Angels, 73, Vincent said.

Before this season, the Orioles have gone 20 or more games without a home run from a first baseman four other times in their history: 1959, 1981, 1967 and 1993. The only time besides this year in which it was more than a 25-game drought was in 1959.

Garrett Atkins has started 29 games at first for the Orioles, but his lone homer came as a designated hitter. Ty Wigginton has started 24 games at first base, including Thursday, and leads the team in home runs with 13. But 11 of those came as a second baseman and two as a third baseman.

Posted by Dan Connolly at 8:19 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)
        

Orioles right fielder Nick Markakis met with team owner Peter Angelos for about an hour and a half this afternoon at a Little Italy restaurant to discuss the direction of the team.

Markakis acknowledged that he called Angelos to set up the meeting. It was the first in-depth conversation between the team's highest-paid player and the Orioles owner, who met for the first time last Opening Day when Angelos dropped by the clubhouse.

"I wanted to give him my input and tell him the things I thought we lacked and needed, and what we needed to change," Markakis said. "He's completely open to anything. He was listening, and he was a lot easier to talk to than I anticipated. You know me, sometimes you’ll have a better conversation with the wall than talking to me. But it went a lot better and it was a lot smoother than I thought it was going to go. If I can strike up a conversation and talk to a guy like him who owns the team, I think it is a good situation."

Markakis, whose comments in an article in The Sun last week about the direction of the team and the club's offensive approach got Angelos' attention, also wanted to tell the owner he is committed to the franchise and serious about his role as one of the team's leaders.

"I want to see this organization going the right way," Markakis said. "When you can get things turned around and in the right direction, this will be one of the best places in baseball to play. As players, as an organization, I think we owe it to fans and the people that are here to make that next step to show that we are willing and we do want to compete. We know we’re in the toughest division in baseball, we know what we are up against. Right now, our backs are against the wall. All our top prospects in the minor leagues are here. I think it’s unfair to put them in that situation where they feel like they have to go out there and do too much, and I think it’s showing. We need to address that and go from there."

Angelos declined to say what was discussed but said he appreciated Markakis' wanting to meet with him.

"He's an exceptional young man, first-rate all the way," Angelos said. "Baltimore is lucky to have him and his fine young family."

Orioles president of baseball operations Andy MacPhail said he felt the meeting was a good thing.

"Frankly, I wish Peter spent more time around the team," he said. 'I think it's a good idea. I know Peter likes Nick, and I'm sure he was moved by his comments last week."

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 7:21 PM | Permalink | Comments (16)
        

In his first start back at Triple-A Norfolk today, right-hander Chris Tillman allowed one earned run on three hits and two walks while striking out one over six innings against Lehigh Valley.

The only run that he gave up was on a sacrifice fly by former Orioles' farmhand Andy Tracy.

I don't have the particular details right now about his velocity or command, but I'd say that it's a pretty encouraging outing considering that Tillman hadn't pitched in nine full days.

It's also good to see that he didn't go down there and sulk and get lit up in his first start. It certainly took him a while to rebound from his demotion in spring training, as his early-season numbers for Norfolk will show. That it didn't happen this time shouldn't be overlooked.

UPDATE: I was just told by a team official that Tillman's fastball was clocked between 90 and 93 miles per hour today. A lot of people asked, so you have your answer.

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 2:11 PM | Permalink | Comments (24)
        

Orioles outfielder Felix Pie (torn muscle in back) will join the Single-A Frederick Keys to continue his rehab assignment on Thursday against the Winston-Salem Dash at Harry Grove Stadium.

It's unknown how long he'll stay with the Keys, but it's expected that he'll play about seven more games with the Orioles' minor league affiliates before being activated by the major league club. He's also expected to join Double-A Bowie at some point for a couple of more games, perhaps as early as next week.

Pie hasn't played since April 15 in Oakland. He was batting .400 (8-for-20) when he went down.

The Keys also announced that shortstop Greg Miclat has been promoted to Double-A Bowie.

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 11:52 AM | Permalink | Comments (6)
        

In addition to being the worst team in the majors right now, the Orioles are flirting with the historical distinction of being one of the most dreadful teams in the modern era.

So, here at The Baltimore Sun, we've decided to begin charting the team's record compared to other notably bad teams in team and major league history -- the 1954 and 1988 Orioles, as well as the 1916 Philadelphia Athletics, 1962 New York Mets and 2003 Detroit Tigers.

In the first year of the Orioles' existence, the team went 54-100 in 1954. The 1988 Orioles became the only other team since the franchise moved to Baltimore to lose 100 games when they finished 54-107.

The 1916 Athletics compiled the worst winning percentage in the modern era (.235) and ended with a 36-117 record. The 1962 Mets lost the most games in the modern era and finished with a 40-120 record.

I'm adding the 2003 Tigers, who finished with a 43-119 record. They weren't historically bad -- meaning they didn't set the record for most losses or worst winning percentage in the modern era -- but the Orioles Insider readers convinced me to add them to the list because they were so close.

2010 Orioles: 19-52 (.268)

Notable win-loss records through 72 games (win percentage in parentheses):

1916 Philadelphia Athletics: 18-53-1 (.250)
1954 Orioles: 28-44 (.389)
1962 New York Mets: 20-52 (.278)
1988 Orioles: 20-52 (.278)
2003 Detroit Tigers: 18-54 (.250)

How each team fared in their 72nd game:

1916 Athletics: 2-1 loss to the St. Louis Browns

The Athletics' record in July fell to 1-10 after losing to the St. Louis Browns at Shibe Park. They won only one game for the rest of the month, finishing 2-28 and being outscored 175-70 by opponents during that span.

1954 Orioles: 2-0 win over the Detroit Tigers

Orioles starting pitcher Joe Coleman tossed a three-hit shutout, striking out seven Tigers hitters in front of an announced 11,303 fans at Memorial Stadium. Shortstop Jim Brideweser was 2-for-3 with an RBI, and third baseman Vern Stephens added a sacrifice fly for the Orioles.

1962 Mets: 10-4 win over the Los Angeles Dodgers

The Mets snapped a four-game losing streak by scoring 10 runs on only four hits at Dodger Stadium. Dodgers pitchers combined to walk 16 New York batters, including eight free passes by relief pitcher Stan Williams in five innings. Mets right fielder Richie Ashburn was 2-for-5 with three RBIs.

1988 Orioles: 6-2 win over the Boston Red Sox

Red Sox starting pitcher Roger Clemens was chased from the game after being charged with six runs (five earned) and seven hits in 2 1/3 innings at Fenway Park. Orioles right fielder Jim Traber was 3-for-4 with two RBIs, while designated hitter Larry Sheets also knocked in a pair of runs.

2003 Tigers: 5-3 loss to the Colorado Rockies

Former Orioles catcher Charles Johnson was 1-for-2 with two RBIs to lead the Rockies over Detroit in the series finale between the two teams at Coors Field. Tigers starting pitcher Adam Bernero fell to 1-10 on the season after giving up five runs and six hits in six innings.

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

There was almost nightly complaints about former manager Dave Trembley's failure to call for the bunt more, but I'd imagine this is not what you had in mind:

With men on first and second and nobody out and the Orioles trailing by two runs in the eighth inning on Wednesday, interim manager Juan Samuel asked for catcher Matt Wieters to drop down a bunt.

"That was my decision. That’s what I wanted to do,” Samuel said.

It didn't work out too well. Wieters, who didn't recall the last time that he had bunted in a game but knew it hadn't been with the Orioles, dropped one down not far from home plate. Florida Marlins catcher Ronny Paulino had plenty of time to field it and get the lead runner at third base. That loomed large later in the inning when the Orioles scored one run on Corey Patterson's RBI infield single, but came up short of tying the game as Miguel Tejada flied out with the bases loaded.

The bunt certainly surprised and pleased Florida reliever Brian Sanches.

“I think I heard one of their guys say, ‘We never bunt,’” Sanches said. “I don’t know whose call that was. I’ll take an out any way I can get it. The first out in that situation is big.”

Samuel's rationale was a successful bunt would give his team two shots at a single that would likely tie the game. He also feared that the plodding Wieters could hit into a double play and take the Orioles out of the inning.

My main problem with the decision was Wieters hasn't been asked to bunt like that in years. And behind Wieters in the order were Scott Moore and Cesar Izturis, who was pinch hit for with Jake Fox, so it's not like you were setting up the inning for Nick Markakis or Ty Wigginton.

Either way, Wieters took the blame for failing to execute.

"It’s the first bunt this year, but we do it every day in [batting practice]," he said. "Juan told me if it’s first and second, we’re probably going to bunt here. I just have to get the job done. We do it every day three times in BP. I just didn’t get it out there far enough."

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 1:47 AM | Permalink | Comments (54)
        

The Triple-A Norfolk Tides topped the Lehigh Valley IronPigs, and the Double-A Bowie Baysox lost to the Reading Phillies.

The short-season Single-A Aberdeen IronBirds fell to the Staten Island Yankees.

The Rookie-level Bluefield Orioles routed the Pulaski Mariners, and the Rookie-level GCL Orioles couldn't overcome one bad inning in a loss to the GCL Red Sox.

The Single-A Frederick Keys and Single-A Delmarva Shorebirds were idle.

Norfolk Tides (AAA)

Score: Norfolk Tides 5, Lehigh Valley IronPigs 4 (Box score)

Recap: Left fielder Jeff Salazar was 2-for-3 with an RBI and two runs scored as the Tides held on for a 5-4 victory over Lehigh Valley at Harbor Park.

Norfolk starting pitcher Chris George (3-2) allowed two runs and five hits in 5 2/3 innings. George collected six strikeouts and issued one walk.

Catcher Michel Hernandez added two hits for Norfolk.

Tides closer Dennis Sarfate recorded the final four outs for his 10th save.

Bowie Baysox (AA)

Score: Reading Phillies 8, Bowie Baysox 3 (Box score)

Recap: Starting pitcher Steve Johnson (3-5) gave up six runs and nine hits, including three home runs, in three innings as the Baysox dropped an 8-3 decision to Reading.

Bowie first baseman Robbie Widlansky hit a three-run home run, and right fielder Jonathan Tucker was 2-for-3 with a stolen base.

Second baseman Ryan Adams contributed two hits for the Baysox.

Phillies starting pitcher J.A. Happ held Bowie to three runs and seven hits in five innings during an injury rehabilitation assignment. He struck out four batters.

Aberdeen IronBirds (A)

Score: Staten Island Yankees 6, Aberdeen IronBirds 5 (Box score)

Recap: Second baseman L.J. Hoes was 2-for-4 with two doubles and two runs scored, but the IronBirds were edged, 6-5, by Staten Island.

Aberdeen left fielder Kipp Schutz collected two hits, including a triple, and three RBIs, while third baseman Adam Gaylord was 3-for-5.

IronBirds first baseman David Anderson was 2-for-4 with two RBIs, and catcher Joe Oliveira added two hits and a run scored.

Starting pitcher Blake Mechaw allowed three runs, two hits and five walks in 1 2/3 innings for Aberdeen. He also hit a batter, but didn't factor in the decision.

Relief pitcher Brandon Holloway (0-1) suffered the loss for the IronBirds after giving up two unearned runs, one hit and two walks in 1 2/3 innings. He also allowed an inherited runner to score.

Bluefield Orioles (Rookie)

Score: Bluefield Orioles 14, Pulaski Mariners 0 (Box score)

Recap: First baseman Corey Thomas was 3-for-6 with a three-run home run, a stolen base and four runs scored as Bluefield pounded Pulaski, 14-0.

Orioles starting pitcher Angel Cespedes (1-0) tossed six scoreless innings. He struck out one batter, issued one walk and allowed six hits.

Bluefield right fielder Eiris Ramirez was 3-for-4 with two doubles, a triple and three RBIs, while designated hitter Michael Ohlman and third baseman Brad Decater each added three hits and an RBI.

GCL Orioles (Rookie)

Score: GCL Red Sox 10, GCL Orioles 8 (Box score)

Recap: First baseman Tyler Townsend collected three doubles and three RBIs in his latest rehab assignment, but the GCL Orioles allowed seven runs in the top of the eighth inning in a 10-8 loss to the GCL Red Sox.

Orioles left fielder Preston Hale also contributed three doubles, and center fielder Martin Serrata was 3-for-5 with a triple, an RBI and three runs scored.

Starting pitcher Enrico Jimenez struck out six batters in three innings for the Orioles. He allowed one run and three hits, but didn't factor in the decision.

Orioles second baseman Pedro Rodriguez was 3-for-4 with a double and two runs scored. He also added a stolen base in the defeat.

Relief pitcher Chris Hervey (0-1) picked up the loss after being charged with two runs (one earned) and one hit for the Orioles.

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 12:05 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

President of Baseball Operations Andy MacPhail did not hear directly from ESPN analyst Bobby Valentine that he no longer wants to be considered as the club’s next manager, but MacPhail talked to Valentine’s agent, putting an end to the possibility the ex-New York Mets skipper will lead the Orioles.

“I have been told that he has a statement out that he has withdrawn,” MacPhail said. “I have not seen it. I haven’t seen the statement but I did talk to his agent so I do believe the thing is accurate.”

MacPhail said later: “We will obey by his wishes and keep him out of consideration.”

ESPN The Magazine first reported that Valentine has withdrawn his consideration from the job, the same day that the Florida Marlins fired Fredi Gonzalez creating a managerial opening in Miami. Marlins owner Jeffrey Loria and Valentine have been good friends for 20 years, leading to speculation that Valentine will soon manage the Marlins. The club confirmed him

Valentine, who visited Baltimore on June 11, was the second candidate to interview. Eric Wedge interviewed with MacPhail in Cleveland on June 9 and Buck Showalter met with MacPhail and principal owner Peter Angelos for three hours on Wednesday.

“It was enjoyable. I find these things pretty educational,” MacPhail said. “You get some different perspectives. It’s not a process that anybody enjoys doing, but like anything, there are some silver linings to it.”

MacPhail reiterated that the search likely will not wrap up until after the all-star break and that he would consider candidates currently employed by other clubs.

“If you’re going to take the time to go through the process, then you ought to be persuaded by the process,” he said. “You may wake up one day and go, ‘this is it.’ On the other hand, it may drag on longer than you expect. You just don’t know. I don’t know.”

Posted by Dan Connolly at 7:34 PM | Permalink | Comments (6)
        

Eric Wedge and Rick Dempsey do not have interviews scheduled with Andy MacPhail in Baltimore yet, but both are expected to meet with the club’s president of baseball operations in the near future.

Wedge was the first candidate to interview, when MacPhail traveled to see him on June 9. But Wedge, the former Cleveland Indians skipper and 2007 AL Manager of the Year, has not yet met with the club’s principal owner Peter Angelos.

Therefore, a second interview – with Wedge coming to Baltimore – is expected, but has not yet been scheduled, an industry source said.

Dempsey, the long-time Orioles player and current MASN broadcaster, has interviewed for the club’s managerial position three times in the past. He is expected to interview for it again, an industry source said, but a specific date has not been determined.

The only other candidate the Orioles have interviewed is Bobby Valentine, who reportedly pulled himself out of consideration on Wednesday.

Posted by Dan Connolly at 6:38 PM | Permalink | Comments (23)
        

Buck Showalter, the ESPN baseball analyst who has managed three different major league organizations, met with Orioles President of Baseball Operations Andy MacPhail and principal owner Peter Angelos for about three hours in Baltimore on Wednesday.

Showalter would not go into specifics about the meeting, what was discussed or whether he has significant interest in the Orioles’ managerial opening.

“I am not going to comment on it at all,” he said.

Showalter’s interview occurred on the same day in which another high-profile candidate, Bobby Valentine, reportedly took his name out of consideration for the post. Valentine, also an ESPN analyst, told ESPN The Magazine that, “I am honored and flattered that the Orioles reached out with this potential opportunity, but at this time in my career, I feel I should direct my energies in another direction.”

That direction is apparently pointed toward Florida. The Marlins, who are in town for a three game series, fired Fredi Gonzalez on Wednesday and Marlins team president David Samson confirmed that Valentine has been contacted and “is a candidate for this position. … There is a list of candidates. The reason I address Bobby by name is because of speculation that’s been out there for some time.”

Valentine, who did not respond to multiple requests from The Sun for comment, was the second candidate to be interviewed by the Orioles, meeting in Baltimore with MacPhail and Angelos on June 11. Former Cleveland Indians manager Eric Wedge met with MacPhail on June 9.

Posted by Dan Connolly at 6:12 PM | Permalink | Comments (6)
        

ESPN's Tim Kurkjian is reporting today that former Texas Rangers and New York Mets manager Bobby Valentine has withdrawn his name from consideration for the Orioles' managerial job.

"I am honored and flattered that the Orioles reached out with this potential opportunity, but at this time in my career, I feel I should direct my energies in another direction," said Valentine in the story.

Valentine, who is currently an analyst for ESPN, is one of three candidates to interview with Orioles' officials. Former Cleveland Indians manager Eric Wedge interviewed once and is expected to get a second interview. Former New York Yankees, Texas Rangers and Arizona Diamondbacks manager Buck Showalter is meeting with team officials today.

It's expected that Valentine could immediately become a candidate for the Florida Marlins' managerial job, which opened today when Fredi Gonzalez was fired.

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 1:58 PM | Permalink | Comments (23)
        

As Orioles fans are well aware, record-wise, the team is easily the worst in the major leagues at this point in the 2010 season. The Pittsburgh Pirates are the next closest, a full six games ahead of the Orioles with a 25-45 record through 70 games.

In addition to being the worst team in the majors right now, the Orioles are flirting with the historical distinction of being one of the most dreadful teams in the modern era.

So, here at The Baltimore Sun, we've decided to begin charting the team's record compared to other notably bad teams in team and major league history -- the 1954 and 1988 Orioles, as well as the 1916 Philadelphia Athletics and 1962 New York Mets.

In the first year of the Orioles' existence, the team went 54-100 in 1954. The 1988 Orioles became the only other team since the franchise moved to Baltimore to lose 100 games when they finished 54-107.

The 1916 Athletics compiled the worst winning percentage in the modern era (.235) and ended with a 36-117 record. The 1962 Mets lost the most games in the modern era and finished with a 40-120 record.

UPDATE: I'm adding the 2003 Detroit Tigers, who finished with a 43-119 record. They weren't historically bad -- meaning they didn't set the record for most losses or worst winning percentage in the modern era -- but the Orioles Insider readers convinced me to add them to the list because they were so close.

2010 Orioles: 19-51 (.271)

Notable win-loss records through 71 games (win percentage in parentheses):

1916 Philadelphia Athletics: 18-52-1 (.254)
1954 Orioles: 27-44 (.380)
1962 New York Mets: 19-52 (.268)
1988 Orioles: 19-52 (.268)
2003 Detroit Tigers: 18-53 (.254)

How each team fared in their 71st game:

1916 Athletics: 8-3 loss to the St. Louis Browns

After snapping a 12-game losing streak with a shutout victory over the St. Louis Browns, the Athletics returned to their losing ways in the first part of a doubleheader against the Browns at Shibe Park.

1954 Orioles: 2-0 loss to the Cleveland Indians

Indians starting pitcher Mike Garcia tossed a complete-game, four-hit shutout in front of an announced 17,262 fans at Memorial Stadium. Orioles right fielder Cal Abrams collected two of the team's four hits, while Cleveland center fielder Larry Doby hit his 11th home run of the season.

1962 Mets: 5-4 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers in 13 innings

Right fielder Frank Howard hit an RBI double with one out in the bottom of the 13th inning to lift the Dodgers over the Mets in walk-off fashion at Dodger Stadium. The Mets' Frank Thomas was 3-for-5 with an RBI and a run scored in a losing effort, while third baseman Rod Kanehl added two RBIs.

1988 Orioles: 5-2 loss to the Toronto Blue Jays

The Orioles scored two runs in the top of the first inning, but shortstop Tony Fernandez led the Blue Jays' comeback with a double, triple and two RBIs at Exhibition Stadium in Toronto. Orioles starting pitcher Jay Tibbs was charged with five runs (three earned) and seven hits in 6 1/3 innings.

2003 Tigers: 9-6 loss to the Colorado Rockies

Tigers second baseman Warren Morris was 3-for-5 with a three-run home run in the ninth inning, but Detroit couldn't overcome a six-run deficit at Coors Field. Shortstop Shane Halter also hit a home run for the Tigers.

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 10:18 AM | Permalink | Comments (10)
        

Let me start out with a disclaimer: This is not meant as puff piece defending the Orioles and president of baseball operations Andy MacPhail. The team is horrible – we’re talking historically atrocious – and, as Sun columnist Peter Schmuck has written, there’s legitimate reason for concern about the minor league system, too.

But one thing I’ve grown weary of is fans’ ripping on pitcher Matt Hobgood, the Orioles’ first-round pick (No. 5 overall) of the 2009 first-year player draft out of Norco (Calif.) High.

Hobgood, a 6-foot-4, 245-pound right-hander, is 3-6 with a 4.48 ERA in 12 starts for the Low-A Delmarva Shorebirds this season. In first professional season, he was 1-2 with a 4.72 ERA in eight starts for Rookie-level Bluefield.

Sure, those numbers are far from impressive, but let’s keep in mind that the kid isn’t even out of his teen years yet (he turns 20 in August). Many players drafted out of high school – even those who go on to become bona fide superstars – take years to develop, a fact you would think wouldn’t be lost on any serious fan of the game.

But in reading comments from some posters on Orioles Insider or The Schmuck Stops Here and talking baseball with some Orioles fans, they would have you believe that Hobgood is a bust, doesn’t have what it takes, is one of the team’s worst first-round picks of all time, etc.

Obviously, I’m not talking to all of you, but I’ve heard Hobgood’s name dragged through the mud more times than I care to count, and I just don’t get it. Again, the kid is 19. To say that he is already a failure isn’t just wrong; it’s stupid.

Look, I’m not saying Hobgood is going to pan out to be a phenomenal pitcher or even necessarily a good one. Heck, he might turn out to actually be a bust. I don’t know, and that’s the point – none of us knows yet. It’s just too early to tell. Yet there are plenty of people who already label drafting Hobgood as a disaster on the part of MacPhail and the Orioles. Why, because he’s not tearing through the minor leagues like Josh Beckett or other early first-round picks out of high school before him?

Sure, it’d be great if Hobgood were lighting up the minors and burning holes in hitters’ bats. But the fact that he isn’t is no indication that he won’t mature into a quality pitcher.

Find that hard to swallow? Look up the minor league statistics for Ubaldo Jimenez, the Colorado Rockies ace and Cy Young Award candidate who leads the major leagues this year with a 13-1 record and 1.15 ERA in 14 starts. Jimenez, a Dominican who entered the professional ranks at the age of 18, endured struggles at almost every level of the minors (6.53 ERA in 14 starts for Rookie-level Casper in 2002; 5.43 ERA in 12 games for Double-A Tulsa in 2005; 5.06 ERA in 13 starts for Triple-A Colorado Springs in 2006; 5.85 ERA in 19 starts for Colorado Springs in 2007). Even Hall of Famer Dennis Eckersley posted a 4.80 ERA in 12 starts for High-A Reno as a 17-year-old in 1972. Those aren’t the only examples of young pitchers who had a rough go of it in the minors before going to achieve greatness in the bigs, just two particularly compelling ones.

Am I saying Hobgood is going to turn out to put up jaw-dropping numbers like Jimenez or go on to a Hall of Fame major league career like Eckersley? Absolutely not. But imagine how foolish you’d feel if you had written off either of those guys after some less-than-desirable minor league performances.

And yet, some people have no problem doing that with Hobgood, a player who has yet to play a full season as a professional and who can’t even sip a beer legally. It’s astounding to me.
I have no problem with criticism when it’s deserved, and as soon as Hobgood signed a contract with the Orioles, he opened himself up to be thrust under a microscope. If you want to dissect every pitch the kid throws in the minor leagues, go nuts. If you want to pick apart his delivery or question his conditioning, have a field day. But let’s at least be rational and fair in our evaluations of Hobgood.

Branding a pitcher a bust before he has had a chance to start more than 20 games in the minors – or, better yet, suggesting that the Orioles turn him into a hitter because he clearly doesn’t have what it takes on the mound, as one Orioles Insider reader did in a recent post -- is short-sighted and a waste of everyone’s time.

(As an aside, I’m not ignoring the fact that some of the criticism of Hobgood stems from the perception that MacPhail and the Orioles selected him because he was an easy, quick sign, and that fellow pitchers Mike Leake and Drew Storen, taken eighth and 10th overall, respectively, in the same draft, are already in the majors and excelling. Those are valid points, and I’m not giving MacPhail and the club a pass on those. But let’s give Hobgood some time to show what he’s got before we blast him as an awful draft pick.)

Posted by Steve Gould at 8:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (50)
        

The Orioles sent Chris Tillman to Triple-A Norfolk on Tuesday to make room for Jake Fox on the bench.

And because he can’t be brought back up within the next 10 days unless there is an injury to a member of the pitching staff, Tillman will not be starting Saturday against the Washington Nationals.

That start almost certainly will go to Brad Bergesen, who is 3-4 with a 6.50 ERA in 12 games (10 starts) for the Orioles this season. When Bergesen was sent back to Norfolk on June 13, it was so he could start every fifth day, get himself straightened out and come back effective in a few weeks.

Now, after two starts – one that was abbreviated because of pitch-count concerns – it looks like he’ll be back Saturday. In his last appearance, on Monday against Lehigh Valley, he allowed two runs on five hits and a walk in five innings.

All told, he allowed five runs in 7 2/3 innings while with Norfolk. There’s sentiment, in the press box anyway, that the Orioles should leave Bergesen in Triple-A until he truly earns his way back. Not as a punishment; no one works harder or is a nicer kid than Bergesen.

But because it does him no good if he comes up to the big leagues without fixing the things that got him demoted earlier this month.

So, that said, the Orioles could have gone with a spot starter to fill Saturday’s spot, maybe Mark Hendrickson or Jason Berken. They also could move Berken back to the rotation full time, a slot in which he struggled mightily last year as a rookie.

Berken has a 1.85 ERA in 25 games this year, so he deserves another shot. But he has been so good as a middle reliever, I’d leave him where he has had some success and let him keep building on that.

There’s also the option of promoting someone else from Norfolk, maybe Troy Patton, who is 5-7 with a 4.74 ERA in 12 starts. But that’s not really earning it either – and the Orioles need to get to the point where promotions aren’t just given because of necessity.

Honestly, I’d throw Hendrickson out there on Saturday, buying Bergesen a little more time in the minors.

Some of you may say it doesn’t matter who pitches Saturday – and that’s true as far as the game is concerned. But for the future of this team, the future of some young pitchers, it is something worth considering.

One other thought: It is the 40th anniversary celebration of the Orioles’ 1970 championship team on Saturday. And Jim Palmer still looks like he is in great shape and can still manage that high leg kick effectively. He is not on the 40-man roster, however.

Daily Think Special: Who would you start Saturday against the Nationals?

Posted by Dan Connolly at 11:05 PM | Permalink | Comments (23)
Categories: Connolly's Corner Sports Bar
        

The Triple-A Norfolk Tides topped the Lehigh Valley IronPigs, while the Double-A Bowie Baysox lost to the Reading Phillies.

The short-season Single-A Aberdeen IronBirds dropped a decision to the Brooklyn Cyclones.

The Rookie-level Bluefield Orioles kicked off their season with a loss to the Pulaski Mariners, and the Rookie-level GCL Orioles pounded the GCL Twins.

The Single-A Frederick Keys and Single-A Delmarva Shorebirds were idle as each of their leagues participated in their respective All-Star contests.

Earlier today, left-handed pitcher Nathan Nery was promoted to the Baysox from Frederick in order to start tonight's game. Also, left-hander Chris George was sent back to Norfolk after spending a day with Bowie.

Norfolk Tides (AAA)

Score: Norfolk Tides 9, Lehigh Valley IronPigs 4 (Box score)

Recap: Left fielder Jeff Salazar was 2-for-5 with a home run, three RBIs and two runs scored in the Tides' 9-4 win over Lehigh Valley at Harbor Park.

Salazar is hitting .279 with 12 home runs and 32 RBIs in 61 games for Norfolk this season.

Tides second baseman Robert Andino added a pair of doubles and two runs scored, while third baseman Josh Bell was 2-for-4 with a double.

Norfolk starting pitcher Tim Bascom (1-2) picked up his first Triple-A victory after holding the IronPigs to two runs and six hits in five-plus innings.

First baseman Nolan Reimold was 0-for-5 with two strikeouts for Norfolk.

Bowie Baysox (AA)

Score: Reading Phillies 7, Bowie Baysox 5 (Box score)

Recap: Third baseman Brandon Waring was 2-for-4 with a double, a home run and three RBIs as the Baysox lost, 7-5, to Reading.

Nery (0-1) was roughed up for five runs and 11 hits in five innings during his Double-A debut.

Phillies prospect Domonic Brown was 3-for-4 with two home runs and three RBIs. He is batting .325 with 15 home runs and 46 RBIs for Reading this season.

Baysox first baseman Joel Guzman contributed two hits, including a double, and two runs scored, while catcher Caleb Joseph added an RBI.

Aberdeen IronBirds (A)

Score: Brooklyn Cyclones 9, Aberdeen IronBirds 3 (Box score)

Recap: Left fielder Tyler Kolodny hit a two-run home run, but the IronBirds were beaten, 9-3, on the road against Brooklyn.

Aberdeen designated hitter L.J. Hoes was 1-for-3 with an RBI and a run scored, and shortstop Pedro Florimon was 1-for-4. Both players are on injury rehab assignments with the IronBirds.

IronBirds starting pitcher Tim Adleman, the Orioles' 24th-round selection in this year's MLB draft, tossed four scoreless innings in his professional debut.

First baseman Mike Flacco was 1-for-2 with two walks for Aberdeen.

Relief pitcher Bruno Sanchez (0-1) was charged with eight runs, six hits and three walks in two-plus innings for the IronBirds. He also threw a wild pitch.

Bluefield Orioles (Rookie)

Score: Pulaski Mariners 8, Bluefield Orioles 4 (Box score)

Recap: Starting pitcher Jarret Martin (0-1) allowed four runs (two earned) and three hits in four innings as Bluefield lost, 8-4, to Pulaski.

Martin struck out seven batters and issued three walks in his professional debut.

Orioles left fielder Kyle Hoppy was 2-for-5 with a double, an RBI and a run scored, while right fielder Luis Ramirez added a single, a triple, an RBI and a run scored.

Bluefield center fielder Brenden Webb was 1-for-2 with an RBI and a stolen base.

GCL Orioles (Rookie)

Score: GCL Orioles 6, GCL Twins 1 (Box score)

Recap: Designated hitter Felix Pie was 1-for-4 with a run scored in his second game as the Orioles won, 6-1, over the Twins.

Relief pitcher Michael Gonzalez started the game for the Orioles as part of his injury rehabilitation assignment. He struck out two batters and allowed one hit in one scoreless inning.

Orioles shortstop Jonathan Schoop collected two hits, two RBIs and a run scored, while left fielder Preston Hale added a triple and two RBIs.

Right-handed pitcher Aaron Swenson (1-0) tossed four no-hit innings to pick up the victory for the Orioles. He walked two batters and collected four strikeouts.

California/Carolina League All-Star Game (A)

Score: California League All-Stars 4, Carolina League All-Stars 3 (Box score)

Recap: Keys relief pitcher Jose Duran suffered the loss after giving up one run and one hit in the ninth inning as the Carolina League All-Stars fell, 4-3, to the California League All-Stars.

Keys players fared much better offensively in the game.

Frederick shortstop Greg Miclat was 2-for-2, while left fielder Ronnie Welty added a single and an RBI.

South Atlantic League All-Star Game (A)

Score: North All-Stars 5, South All-Stars 5 (Box score)

Recap: Who says All-Star games can't end in ties anymore?

The South Atlantic League contest was ruled a 5-5 tie after 10 innings.

Shorebirds center fielder Brian Conley was 0-for-1 with a walk before he was replaced in the game, while second baseman Garabez Rosa was 0-for-2.

Delmarva starting pitcher Jesse Beal tossed the fourth inning for the North squad, allowing one run and two hits. He struck out one batter.

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 10:08 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

Matt Albers was the driver of that bus. Gave up three runs on three hits while getting no outs in the ninth.

The Orioles would have had to mount a serious rally, but they were down only 7-4 in the ninth.

The Marlins have made it 10-4.

No longer a save situation.

No longer a real consideration that they can come back in this one.

Update: Corey Patterson hits into a game-ending double play.

It’s their 20th loss in 24 games. They are now 19-51 in their first 70 games.

Posted by Dan Connolly at 10:01 PM | Permalink | Comments (7)
        

What looked like a good outing with one bad inning turned into a rough pitching line.

Jeremy Guthrie came out to pitch the seventh after holding the Marlins to four runs in six innings -- with all four runs scored in the second.

He had retired 13 of 14 before the top of the seventh, when he walked leadoff hitter Chris Coghlan and then Gaby Sanchez made it 5-3 Florida with a double. Jason Berken came in to relieve Guthrie and promptly gave up a RBI single Hanley Ramirez.

Another run charged to Guthrie.

Guthrie's line: 6+ innings, 7 hits, 6 earned runs, 2 walks and three strikeouts. He threw 108 pitches, 68 for strikes.

Posted by Dan Connolly at 8:59 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)
        

Matt Wieters’ three-run homer in the second inning put the Orioles’ back in Tuesday’s game, turning a 4-0 laugher into a tight 4-3 contest against the Marlins.

But just when you thought the Orioles’ offense could rally against Florida’s starter Anibal Sanchez, it hit another snag.

Sanchez had retired 12 of 13 since Wieters homer. Miguel Tejada’s single was the only hit until Nick Markakis' one-out double in the sixth.

Jeremy Guthrie, however, has done his part after a four-run second inning. Guthrie has retired 12 of 13 starting in the top of the third. Give Guthrie credit: He turned what looked like a disastrous start into one which has kept his team in the game.

So it is still 4-3 heading in the bottom of the sixth.

Posted by Dan Connolly at 8:42 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

Jeremy Guthrie just hit Jorge Cantu in the left side, prompting home plate umpire Doug Eddings to warn both benches.

I don't know why Guthrie would hit Cantu on purpose other than the fact that the Marlins are knocking him around and the Orioles right-hander may have been frustrated after second baseman Scott Moore failed to catch Chris Coghlan's line drive.

Wes Helms gave the Marlins a 1-0 lead with an RBI single in the second and then Coghlan's liner made it 2-0. Hanley Ramirez then stroked a two-run double and the next batter, Cantu, was drilled on a first pitch by Guthrie.

It's 4-0 Marlins after the top of the second.

(UPDATE: I spoke too soon. Matt Wieters just hit in opposite-field three-run homer on a ball I initially thought was going to be a routine flyout to left field. O's back in it).

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 7:42 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)
        

Double-A Bowie Baysox left-handed pitcher Zach Britton will represent the Orioles in the 12th annual Futures Game as part of the All-Star festivities July 11 in Anaheim.

Britton, who was ranked as the No. 63 prospect in the major leagues by Baseball America before this season, is 6-3 with a 2.62 ERA in 14 games for the Baysox.

The 22-year-old starter is 2-0 with a 0.47 ERA in three starts in June.

Last season, Britton was selected as the Carolina League Pitcher of the Year after going 9-6 with a 2.70 ERA in 25 games for the Single-A Frederick Keys. Britton finished second in the league in ERA as well as strikeouts with 131 in 140 innings.

Orioles starting pitchers Brian Matusz and Chris Tillman participated in the 2009 contest in St. Louis.

Tillman allowed two runs and two hits, while Matusz surrendered one run and one hit.

Each pitcher threw one inning in the game.

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 4:27 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)
        

The Orioles acquired utility man Jake Fox from the Oakland Athletics this morning for minor league reliever Ross Wolf, according to sources.

Fox is on his way here and should be in uniform tonight when the Orioles begin a three-game series with the Florida Marlins.

Wolf, 27, was 0-2 with a 2.11 ERA in 25 games for Triple-A Norfolk. The right-hander went 4-2 with a 3.95 ERA in 47 appearances for the Tides last year.

To create a roster spot, the Orioles optioned pitcher Chris Tillman to Triple-A Norfolk and designated right-handed pitcher Cla Meredith for assignment.

The roster move temporarily saves Garrett Atkins' spot, but the team might need to make another move Saturday if it promotes Brad Bergesen to make the start that night, so Atkins is hardly out of the woods. Both interim manager Juan Samuel and pitching coach Rick Kranitz said they need to get Tillman pitching every five days and it's not happening here now.

The A’s designated Fox on June 14. The 27-year-old hit .214 with two homers and 12 RBIs for Oakland after batting .259 with 11 homers and 44 RBIs for the Chicago Cubs last year. He can catch and play both corner infield and outfield positions.

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 1:01 PM | Permalink | Comments (63)
        

OK, by acquiring utility man Jake Fox from the A's for minor league righty Ross Wolf today, Andy MacPhail's collection of high-drafted former Cubs is growing. I guess it makes sense; MacPhail spent a decade or so with the Cubs and knows these guys.

Consider that the Orioles currently have on their roster the Cubs' No. 1 pick in 1998 (Corey Patterson), and 2000 (Lou Montanez) and their third-rounder from 2003 (Fox). They also have the Cubs' eighth-rounder from 1998 (Will Ohman) and last year had their 2002 fourth-rounder (Rich Hill).

Three other ex-Cubs are on the O's current roster: Felix Pie, a nondrafted amateur by the Cubs in 2000 who became that organization's top prospect and is now on the O's DL; Cesar Izturis, who played for the Cubs in 2006-2007; and Scott Moore, who was a first-rounder selected by the Tigers in 2002 but debuted with the Cubs in 2006, after going there in the Kyle Farnsworth deal.

I guess we shouldn't forget Rocky Cherry, who played for the Orioles after MacPhail acquired him and Moore for Steve Trachsel, or Trachsel himself.

I've always said that one of the best ways to build a winner is to emulate another legendary success story, you know, like the Cubs.

Posted by Dan Connolly at 12:07 PM | Permalink | Comments (34)
        

Indications that the Orioles are bad:

Of course there is their record, the worst in the majors.

Then there are the late-night talk show host cracks at the O's expense.

During his monologue Monday night, Dave Letterman took his shot.

Talking about Lady Gaga's recent controversial behavior at baseball games, Letterman quipped (you can read the transcript yourself) at the expense of the woeful O's:

"Over the weekend, at Yankee Stadium, Lady Gaga goes into the Yankees clubhouse, takes off all her clothes and gives everybody there the finger. It's been ... what she's doing now, she's going to go from stadium to stadium, making a fool of herself. It's like the Orioles."

The joke begins at about the fourth minute.

Posted by Baltimore Sun sports at 9:42 AM | Permalink | Comments (27)
        

The Triple-A Norfolk Tides lost to the Lehigh Valley IronPigs, while the short-season Single-A Aberdeen IronBirds dropped a decision against the Brooklyn Cyclones.

The Rookie-level GCL Orioles kicked off their season with a loss, while the Double-A Bowie Baysox, Single-A Frederick Keys and Single-A Delmarva Shorebirds were all idle.

Right-handed pitcher Zach Clark and left-hander Chris George flipped places in the organization earlier today. Clark heads to Norfolk from Bowie, while George goes from the Tides to the Baysox.

Also, Shorebirds first baseman Tyler Townsend and catcher Justin Dalles were both added to the roster of the GCL Orioles to begin their injury rehabilitation assignments.

The South Atlantic League selected Delmarva starting pitcher Kenny Moreland as the Pitcher of the Week for June 14-20. He was 2-0 with 15 scoreless innings during that span.

Norfolk Tides (AAA)

Score: Lehigh Valley IronPigs 6, Norfolk Tides 4 (Box score)

Recap: Starting pitcher Brad Bergesen allowed two runs and five hits in five innings, but he didn't factor in the decision as the Tides fell, 6-4, to Lehigh Valley at Harbor Park.

Norfolk third baseman Josh Bell collected a pair of doubles, an RBI and a run scored, while right fielder Jeff Salazar added two hits and two stolen bases.

Clark (0-2) suffered the loss after giving up two runs, four hits and four walks in four innings. He also allowed two of three inherited runners to score in the defeat.

Tides second baseman Robert Andino was 2-for-4.

Aberdeen IronBirds (A)

Score: Brooklyn Cyclones 5, Aberdeen IronBirds 2 (Box score)

Recap: Shortstop Pedro Florimon was 0-for-3 with a strikeout in his first rehab assignment as the IronBirds lost, 5-2, to Brooklyn.

Second baseman L.J. Hoes was 2-for-3 as he continued his rehab assignment with the IronBirds, while catcher Austin Goolsby added a single and two RBIs.

Aberdeen starting pitcher Tyler Sexton (0-1) was charged with five runs (four earned) and four hits in 5 1/3 innings. He struck out seven batters and issued two walks.

IronBirds third baseman Adam Gaylord contributed two hits in the loss.

GCL Orioles (Rookie)

Score: GCL Twins 8, GCL Orioles 4 (Box score)

Recap: Designated hitter Felix Pie was 0-for-4 in his first injury rehabilitation assignment as the GCL Orioles lost, 8-4, to the Twins.

Townsend hit a double and an RBI groundout for the Orioles, while Dalles was 0-for-3 with a walk.

Orioles third baseman Dudley Leonora was 2-for-4 with a pair of doubles and two runs scored, and shortstop Jonathan Schoop added a double and two RBIs.

Starting pitcher Luiyi Batista gave up two runs and five hits in 4 2/3 innings for the Orioles, while relief pitcher David Richardson (0-1) was charged with four runs without recording an out.

Richardson was the Orioles' 17th-round selection in this year's MLB draft.

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 10:31 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)
        

Orioles pitching coach Rick Kranitz said that he wanted Brad Bergesen to earn a promotion and Saturday's start against the Washington Nationals at Camden Yards.

We'll find out exactly what he considers "earning it" in the days ahead when the Orioles reveal the starter for that game.

Working on three days rest for Triple-A Norfolk against Lehigh Valley today, Bergesen allowed two earned runs on five hits and a walk while striking our four in five innings. He threw 85 pitches before giving way to Mike Hinckley.

If it's not Bergesen, the Orioles could opt to give Chris Tillman another start, and I know there is also some thought being given to using a long reliever, likely Mark Hendrickson or Jason Berken, to start that night. The Orioles have an off day next Monday, so they can use a spot starter on Saturday and then go right back to a four-man rotation.

In that situation, they wouldn't need a fifth starter again until Saturday, July 3 in Boston. By then, Bergesen would get at least one more outing under his belt at Triple-A to try to fix some of his issues.

Outfielder Felix Pie went 0-for-4 while serving as the designated hitter for the Gulf Coast Orioles today. He'll get two more Gulf Coast games in before probably reporting to Single-A Frederick.

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 9:25 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)
        

The Orioles should get a whole lot healthier over the next couple of weeks, although none of the injured players are scheduled to return on the nine-game homestand that starts Tuesday. Here is a rundown:

Outfielder Felix Pie (torn muscle in back): He'll play three games with the Gulf Coast Orioles, starting today, and then head north, where he'll probably join Single-A Frederick on Thursday or Friday. He'll play about seven total games for a combination of Frederick, Double-A Bowie and possibly Triple-A Norfolk, and if he gets through OK, he could be activated in time for the final road trip before the All-Star break, which starts Friday, July 2, in Boston. You'd have to think his activation will spell the end of seldom-used Lou Montanez, although that will mean that four of the Orioles' five outfielders are left-handed hitters (Pie, Nick Markakis, Luke Scott and Corey Patterson).

Reliever Michael Gonzalez (left shoulder strain): He's scheduled to throw another simulated game today, according to pitching coach Rick Kranitz. He then could pitch in a couple of Gulf Coast games before joining one of the Orioles' minor league affiliates in a week to 10 days. He could be ready at some point during the final road trip before the All-Star break if there are no setbacks. The Orioles' bullpen picture seemingly changes on a daily basis, but Matt Albers and Frank Mata would be the two guys at the highest risk of losing their roster spot. Mark Hendrickson has not pitched well, but the Orioles might want to keep him as the long man with Jason Berken pitching so well later in games.

Reliever Koji Uehara (right forearm strain): He's expected to throw a live bullpen session today, and if all goes well, he could get into some Gulf Coast games later this week or early next week. His return is probably the hardest to predict because of his extensive injury history, but it wouldn't be totally shocking to me if he's not ready until after the All-Star break. That, however, is just a guess.

Reliever Jim Johnson (slight tear in right elbow): He has been pain-free in his flat-ground sessions and could graduate to throwing off a mound at some point this week. He remains a ways away, with interim manager Juan Samuel saying yesterday that JJ probably wouldn't return until mid- to late July and after the All-Star break.

Second baseman Brian Roberts (herniated disk): Roberts has been shut down from any baseball activity for the time being. Samuel said in San Francisco that he had spoken to Roberts and estimated that he was four to six weeks away from a return. That means you are probably looking at August at the earliest. But there have been a lot of stops and starts in Roberts' situation, making this one difficult to predict as well.

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 8:07 AM | Permalink | Comments (16)
        

Norfolk Tides (AAA)

Record: (31-40)

Opponent

Lehigh Valley IronPigs (7:15 p.m.)

Probable pitchers

Norfolk: Brad Bergesen (1-0, 4.66 ERA with Norfolk; 3-4, 6.50 ERA with Orioles)
Lehigh Valley: Joe Savery (1-7, 4.92 ERA)

Aberdeen IronBirds (A)

Record: (2-1)

Opponent

at Brooklyn Cyclones (7 p.m.)

Probable pitchers

Aberdeen: Tyler Sexton (3-7, 3.39 ERA with IronBirds last season)
Brooklyn: Wes Wrenn (1-0, 1.80 ERA with Single-A St. Lucie Mets this season)

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 7:30 AM | Permalink | Comments (3)
        

The Triple-A Norfolk Tides fell to the Toledo Mud Hens, and the Double-A Bowie Baysox topped the Harrisburg Senators in extra innings.

The Single-A Frederick Keys wrapped up the first half with a loss to the Myrtle Beach Pelicans, and the Single-A Delmarva Shorebirds lost to the Lexington Legends in the first-half finale.

The short-season Single-A Aberdeen IronBirds beat the Hudson Valley Renegades.

Norfolk Tides (AAA)

Score: Toledo Mud Hens 5, Norfolk Tides 1 (Box score)

Recap: Starting pitcher Brandon Erbe (0-10) remained winless this season as the Tides suffered a 5-1 loss to Toledo.

Erbe gave up two runs (one earned) and five hits in five innings.

Norfolk center fielder Matt Angle and right fielder Jeff Salazar each collected a single and a double, while third baseman Josh Bell added an RBI.

Second baseman Robert Andino hit a double for Norfolk.

Bowie Baysox (AA)

Score: Bowie Baysox 5, Harrisburg Senators 4, 11 innings (Box score)

Recap: First baseman Brandon Waring hit a walk-off home run in the 11th inning to lift the Baysox to a 5-4 win over Harrisburg at Prince George's Stadium.

Bowie right fielder Joel Guzman added two solo shots in the victory. In 63 games this season, Guzman is batting .272 with an Eastern League-leading 17 home runs.

Baysox third baseman Tyler Henson was 2-for-5 with a double, a stolen base and an RBI, while second baseman Ryan Adams also contributed two hits.

Starting pitcher Ryohei Tanaka allowed three runs and eight hits in five innings for Bowie, and relief pitcher Pedro Viola (2-0) tossed a scoreless frame for the win.

Frederick Keys (A)

Score: Myrtle Beach Pelicans 5, Frederick Keys 2 (Box score)

Recap: Second baseman Miguel Abreu had a single and two RBIs, but the Keys didn't have much offense in a 5-3 loss to Myrtle Beach.

As a team, Frederick managed only four singles in the game.

Keys center fielder Kyle Hudson was 1-for-3 with a stolen base and a run scored, while shortstop Greg Miclat also scored a run.

Frederick starting pitcher Ryan O'Shea allowed two runs (one earned) and five hits in five innings, while relief pitcher John Mariotti (2-2) surrendered three runs (two earned) and four hits in three frames.

Delmarva Shorebirds (A)

Score: Lexington Legends 6, Delmarva Shorebirds 3 (Box score)

Recap: First baseman Tyler Stampone was 3-for-4 with a double and two RBIs in the Shorebirds' 6-3 loss to Lexington at Arthur W. Perdue Stadium.

Delmarva designated hitter Levi Carolus hit his first home run of the season, a solo shot in the second inning, and left fielder T.J. Baxter was 2-for-2 with three stolen bases.

Shorebirds starting pitcher Bobby Bundy gave up three runs (two earned) and four hits in five innings, while relief pitcher Nicholas Haughian (4-2) was charged with three runs and five hits in 2 2/3 innings.

Aberdeen IronBirds (A)

Score: Aberdeen IronBirds 4, Hudson Valley Renegades 0 (Box score)

Recap: Second baseman L.J. Hoes was 2-for-4 with a double, a stolen base and two runs scored in the IronBirds' 4-0 win over Hudson Valley at Ripken Stadium.

Aberdeen designated hitter Mike Flacco added an RBI single, and right fielder Tyler Kolodny contributed a stolen base and a sacrifice fly.

IronBirds starting pitcher Justin Moore (1-0) gave up four hits in five-plus scoreless innings. Moore struck out five batters and issued four walks.

Third baseman Adam Gaylord was 2-for-4 with a double for Aberdeen.

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 11:15 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)
        

You may have wondered why Chris Tillman wasn't brought in today with the Orioles trailing by three runs after five innings and five runs after seven in an eventual 9-4 loss to the San Diego Padres.

Tillman was sick with some sort of stomach bug, and was unavailable for the game. The hope was that he, at the very least, would have been able to throw a bullpen session today because he hasn't pitched since Monday, but he couldn't do that either.

It's very possible he'll be making his next appearance for Triple-A Norfolk. Both interim manager Juan Samuel and pitching coach Rick Kranitz were adamant that Tillman needs to be pitching regularly, and they wouldn't just leave him down in the bullpen if he weren't getting regular work.

With a day off tomorrow, that would mean Tillman won't pitch in a week. So a decision is probably overdue.

The Orioles need a starter for next Saturday, and it appears that as long as Brad Bergesen has a solid outing tomorrow night for Norfolk, he'll be the starter. But another bad outing and he isn't coming up to make that start. That would mean the Orioles could give Tillman one more chance, or allow one of the relievers to start that game.

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 8:48 PM | Permalink | Comments (9)
        

Pretty much the entire pre-game media session with interim manager Juan Samuel was about struggling catcher Matt Wieters and whether the Orioles were considering sending him down to Triple-A. The answer was no, by the way.

Then he comes up in his first at-bat with the bases loaded and clears them with a double to left-center. That broke an 0-for-16 slump and was his first three-RBI game since May 1.

Entering the game, Wieters was just 1-for-17 on the road trip, his batting average dropping to a season-low .222. Overall, he was three for his past 34 since getting three hits against the New York Yankees on June 8. He was also hitless in 10 of his past 16 starts.

So much for that. It always happens.

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 4:25 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)
        

First things first: Happy Father's Day to all.

It could be an interesting week at Camden Yards. Buck Showalter will be in Wednesday to interview for the Orioles' managerial job. According to sources, former Cleveland Indians manager Eric Wedge is also expected to get a second interview with team officials. That isn't set yet, but it's likely to happen soon. Wedge did not meet team owner Peter Angelos as Bobby Valentine did, so an interview in Baltimore would give him an opportunity to do just that.

I would suspect that Angelos will speak with Showalter on Wednesday. Because there is a lot of skepticism that Valentine would take this job even if it were offered, I'd say Showalter and Wedge have emerged as the two front-runners. And I know Nick Markakis' recent comments about the team's offensive approach opened some eyes with some high-ranking team officials and reinforced the idea in some minds that the Orioles need a real strong personality in the manager's office.

I spoke to Orioles president of baseball operations Andy MacPhail yesterday, and he wouldn't comment on specific names in the manager process, but he did say that the organization's game plan by now should be clear.

"The first group that we’re talking to has experience, has had some success managing and they’re not affiliated with any team," MacPhail said. "That’s the first group we’re talking to. We’ll see how we are and how they feel and then we’ll determine from there."

The Orioles have not asked permission from other teams to interview anybody else, and that includes New York Mets scout Bob Melvin, who still could get an interview later in the process.

Speaking of MacPhail, he became the latest member of the organization to say he had no problem with the recent comments by Markakis.

“I thought what he said was accurate to the extent that we’re not as disciplined or as patient offensive group as one would like,” MacPhail said. “Our record is what our record is. Our productivity levels are what they are. There is no sense trying to say anything else. I think his comments are, by and large, accurate.

“The reason our record is what it is isn’t because [of] Nick Markakis. Since he’s been here for a while and he’s one of the guys we’re building around, it’s not inappropriate for him to say what he thinks on occasion. His effort on the field certainly hasn’t waned. I don’t have a problem with it.”

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 1:10 PM | Permalink | Comments (9)
        

The Orioles continue to have dialogue with the Oakland Athletics about a potential trade for utility man Jake Fox, according to sources. The A’s designated Fox on June 14 and have 10 days to either trade him, try to push him through waivers and assign him to the minor leagues or give him his outright release.

It's unlikely that he'd clear waivers especially with the league-worst Orioles maintaining some interest, which could prompt Oakland to make a deal for the right-handed hitter.

Fox, 27, hit .214 with two homers and 12 RBIs for Oakland after batting .259 with 11 homers and 44 RBIs for the Chicago Cubs last year. He can catch and play both corner infield and outfield positions.

If he is acquired, the Orioles could designate seldom-used first baseman Garrett Atkins for assignment.

In a total unrelated point, that failed rundown play in the bottom of the first inning tonight that resulted in three San Diego Padres' runs scoring was easily one of the most embarrassing plays in a season full of them for the Orioles. The Padres' Scott Hairston was caught up in between second and third base on Yorvit Torrealba's single.

However, he was able to get back to the base when both Miguel Tejada's throw and Ty Wigginton's tag were too late. But the problem started when shortstop Cesar Izturis didn't run Hairston toward third base after receiving catcher Matt Wieters' throw. He would have had his choice of Padres to tag if he had. Simply awful. I could have sworn that rundown plays were taught in Little League.

Millwood then walked a run in and then allowed a two-run single to former Oriole Jerry Hairston Jr. The Orioles have since tied it at three on an RBI double by Nick Markakis and an RBI single by Luke Scott.

Markakis gave the Orioles a 1-0 lead in the first with a sacrifice fly.

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

The Orioles finally got some good news on the health front as interim manager Juan Samuel said that oufielder Felix Pie (torn muscle in back) will start a rehab assignment on Tuesday at one of the minor league affiliates. Samuel said that it hasn't been decided where Pie will go as it depends on scheduling and what team is at home.

Reliever Michael Gonzalez, who was expected to throw a simulated game today in Sarasota, also could begin a rehab assignment at some point during this coming week.

Speaking of the bullpen, Samuel said that Alfredo Simon, who struck out the only two batters that he faced in Friday's series opener, will return to the closer role. David Hernandez, who blew a one-run save in the game, will be inserted back in the seventh and eighth inning role. Samuel said that was the plan all along once Simon got a few outings under his belt after coming off the disabled list.

Samuel also said that team isn't considering demoting struggling catcher Matt Wieters to Triple-A at this point.

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 7:06 PM | Permalink | Comments (5)
        

The top of the fourth inning was all the backing you need if you were wondering about the validity of Nick Markakis' criticism of the Orioles' offense.

San Diego Padres' left-handed starter Wade LeBlanc, who allowed only one baserunner (a single to Markakis) and threw only 36 pitches through three innings, allowed three straight singles to start the fourth inning. Miguel Tejada hit the first, Markakis got the second and then Ty Wigginton drove in Tejada with a single up the middle.

The Orioles still had men on first and second and no outs and an opportunity to break the game open. Up comes Adam Jones, who swings and misses at LeBlanc's first two pitches and then fouls out to first on the third. Not a very good at-bat.

Then, Matt Wieters steps up and grounds into a double play on LeBlanc's first pitch. Inning over, threat over on a grand total of four pitches.

And that is why the Orioles have scored the fewest runs in the American League and Markakis is questioning the approach of some of his teammates.

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 10:59 PM | Permalink | Comments (17)
        

The Triple-A Norfolk Tides fell to the Toledo Mud Hens, while the Double-A Bowie Baysox rallied to beat the Harrisburg Senators. The Single-A Frederick Keys beat the Myrtle Beach Pelicans, and the Single-A Delmarva Shorebirds topped the Lexington Legends.

The short-season Single-A Aberdeen IronBirds kicked off the 2010 season with a well-rounded victory over the Hudson Valley Renegades.

IronBirds manager Gary Kendall passed along a few tidbits of information after the game tonight.

Frederick second baseman L.J. Hoes is expected to be on an injury rehabilitation assignment with Aberdeen for about eight games. After the first series, Bowie shortstop Pedro Florimon is expected to join the IronBirds for a five-game rehab assignment.

Barring any setbacks, Hoes and Florimon should be back with their regular teams in about one week.

Finally, I wanted to note that the Shorebirds announced they'll host the 2011 South Atlantic League All-Star Game at Arthur W. Perdue Stadium.

Norfolk Tides (AAA)

Score: Toledo Mud Hens 6, Norfolk Tides 4 (Box score)

Recap: Left fielder Nolan Reimold was 3-for-4 with a run scored -- raising his batting average to .206 -- in the Tides' 6-4 loss to Toledo.

Norfolk starting pitcher Chris George (2-2) allowed six runs and nine hits in four innings. George struck out three batters, issued three walks and surrendered two home runs.

Tides designated hitter Michael Aubrey contributed a double and two RBIs, and second baseman Robert Andino added an RBI and a run scored.

Catcher Michel Hernandez was 2-for-4 for Norfolk.

Bowie Baysox (AA)

Score: Bowie Baysox 5, Harrisburg Senators 4 (Box score)

Recap: The Baysox scored four runs in the bottom of the eighth inning to overcome four errors in a 5-4 win over Harrisburg at Prince George's Stadium.

Bowie first baseman Joel Guzman was 2-for-4 with two RBIs and a run scored, and second baseman Ryan Adams was 3-for-4 with a double and a run scored.

Baysox starting pitcher Chorye Spoone was charged with four runs (one earned) and five hits in five innings. He walked four batters and collected one strikeout.

Relief pitcher Eddie Gamboa (2-4) tossed three scoreless innings to pick up the victory for the Baysox, while reliever Bob McCrory earned his first save of the season after throwing one scoreless frame.

Designated hitter Robbie Widlansky was 2-for-4 with a double and a run scored for the Baysox in the victory.

Adams, third baseman Brandon Waring, shortstop Carlos Rojas and center fielder Danny Figueroa each committed an error.

Frederick Keys (A)

Score: Frederick Keys 8, Myrtle Beach Pelicans 6 (Box score)

Recap: Left fielder Xavier Avery was 2-for-3 with a two-run home run and three runs scored in the Keys' 8-6 victory over Myrtle Beach.

Frederick shortstop Greg Miclat was 4-for-5 with an RBI, and right fielder Joe Mahoney added two hits, two RBIs and a run scored.

Keys starting pitcher Rick Zagone (4-6) gave up four runs (two earned) and seven hits in six innings. He also picked off two baserunners in the win.

Designated hitter Buck Britton was 2-for-4 with a double and two runs scored for the Keys, while third baseman Billy Rowell was 0-for-5 with four strikeouts.

Despite allowing one run, two hits and a walk in one inning, relief pitcher Jose Diaz picked up his 10th save of the season for Frederick.

It was Frederick's 40th win in the first half of the 2010 season.

Delmarva Shorebirds (A)

Score: Delmarva Shorebirds 6, Lexington Legends 2 (Box score)

Recap: Designated hitter Levi Carolus was 3-for-4 with a double and two RBIs in the Shorebirds' 6-2 victory over Lexington at Arthur W. Perdue Stadium.

Delmarva third baseman Tyler Stampone contributed a double and two RBIs, while first baseman T.J. Baxter added two hits, two stolen bases and two runs scored.

Shorebirds starting pitcher Jesse Beal (5-3) held the Legends to one unearned run and five hits in six innings. He collected three strikeouts and issued one walk.

Aberdeen IronBirds (A)

Score: Aberdeen IronBirds 5, Hudson Valley Renegades 2 (Box score)

Recap: Starting pitcher Justin Anderson (1-0) lost a no-hitter with one out in the sixth inning as the IronBirds pulled away for a 5-2 win over Hudson Valley in their season opener at Ripken Stadium.

Anderson only allowed a solo home run to Renegades designated hitter Robby Price and two walks in six innings to pick up the win for the IronBirds.

Aberdeen left fielder Kipp Schutz was 2-for-4 with a triple, two RBIs and a run scored, while right fielder Jeremy Nowak added a triple and an RBI.

Hoes hit a triple and played five innings in the field for the IronBirds.

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 10:33 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

The Orioles today agreed to terms with fourth-round draft pick Trent Mummey, an outfielder out of Auburn University. Mummey signed for $252,000, which is considered slot for where he was drafted.

Orioles pitching coach Rick Kranitz said that Brad Bergesen will start on Monday on three days rest for Triple-A Norfolk. That means that he would be in line to start on Saturday in Baltimore, the next time the Orioles need a fifth starter. Chris TIllman also is a candidate to start that day and there is some thought to giving long man Mark Hendrickson a spot start.
Interim manager Juan Samuel said that Bergesen is probably the favorite, but the club wants to see him pitch well on Monday night or at least a lot better than he pitched on Thursday night for the Tides.

It's well known by now that Buck Showalter will interview next week for the Orioles' managerial vacancy. I've heard that interview will probably take place Thursday or Friday.

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 8:39 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
        

I've gotten a lot of emails about Double-A Bowie pitcher Ryan Ouellette being traded to the Chicago White Sox, but it's just a minor league deal for future considerations and not part of some blockbuster deal with the White Sox.

You'll probably see the Orioles make a handful of these type of deals in the coming days since the roster of short-season Single-A Aberdeen has been set and the Orioles lose the ability to store people there while they wait for roster space to open up elsewhere. So you either let a player sit on the disabled list and be inactive, trade him somewhere or release him.

Also, in response to my previous post about Brad Bergesen's schedule, he only threw 65 pitches last night so I'm told it's possible that Triple-A Norfolk could bring him back on Monday on only three days rest. That would keep him in line to start on Saturday at Camden Yards against the Washington Nationals.

At this point, Chris Tillman appears to be the lead option for that start as I'm sure Bergesen didn't help himself too much with his outing last night. But the Orioles also could go in a couple of other directions. They could just have Jason Berken or Mark Hendrickson make a spot start next Saturday and then just go back to a four-man rotation against until Saturday, July 3, when they'll need another starter. That would allow Bergesen and Tillman an extra outing or two to straighten things out before they have to make another start in the big leagues.

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 1:28 PM | Permalink | Comments (19)
        

Interim manager Juan Samuel said earlier this week that Brad Bergesen is a candidate to start for the Orioles on June 26 against the Washington Nationals, which is the next time the team needs a fifth starter. They are currently down to four with Bergesen's demotion to Triple-A and Chris TIllman's demotion to the bullpen.

However, looking at the schedule, I don't see how Bergesen would be able to make that start for the Orioles. I was told that team officials wanted him to get at least two starts for Norfolk before deciding whether or not to bring him back up. He had his first one last night and it didn't go very well as he allowed three earned runs on five hits, including a homer, and two walks over 2 2/3 innings.

It was Bergesen's first start since June 2 so I don't know that you can get too down about the results. The rocky performance does, however, make it impossible to fathom that the Orioles would now allow Bergesen to make his next start in the big leagues.

The right-hander is next scheduled to start on Tuesday. That would mean if he would come up to start on June 26, he'd be on only three days rest. I can't imagine the team doing that, leading me to believe that Tillman will get another shot unless the Orioles have more surprises in store.

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 11:19 AM | Permalink | Comments (9)
        

Norfolk Tides (AAA)

Record: (30-38)

Opponent

at Toledo Mud Hens (7 p.m.)

Probable pitchers

Norfolk: Chris George (2-1, 3.63 ERA)
Toledo: Ruddy Lugo (1-3, 8.40 ERA)

Bowie Baysox (AA)

Record: (34-32)

Opponent

Harrisburg Senators (7:05 p.m.)

Probable pitchers

Bowie: Chorye Spoone (5-5, 3.75 ERA)
Harrisburg: Ross Detwiler (injury rehabilitation assignment)

Frederick Keys (A)

Record: (39-28)

Opponent

at Myrtle Beach Pelicans (7:05 p.m.)

Probable pitchers

Frederick: Rick Zagone (3-6, 3.26 ERA)
Myrtle Beach: Arodys Vizcaino (9-3, 2.70 ERA at two levels in 2010)

Delmarva Shorebirds (A)

Record: (30-37)

Opponent

Lexington Legends (7:05 p.m.)

Probable pitchers

Delmarva: Jesse Beal (4-3, 3.98 ERA)
Lexington: Luis Cruz (2-0, 4.34 ERA)

Aberdeen IronBirds (A)

Record: (0-0)

Opponent

Hudson Valley Renegades (7:35 p.m.)

Probable pitchers

Aberdeen: Justin Anderson (2-1, 2.82 ERA with IronBirds and Rookie-level Bluefield Orioles last season)
Hudson Valley: Devin Fuller (4-2, 2.92 ERA with Hudson Valley last season)

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 8:58 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

The Triple-A Norfolk Tides came from behind to beat the Toledo Mud Hens, while the Double-A Bowie Baysox failed to rally in a loss to the Reading Phillies. The Single-A Frederick Keys beat the Winston-Salem Dash, and the Single-A Delmarva Shorebirds blanked the Lexington Legends.

Norfolk Tides (AAA)

Score: Norfolk Tides 6, Toledo Mud Hens 3 (Box score)

Recap: Starting pitcher Brad Bergesen gave up three runs and five hits in 2 2/3 innings, but he didn't factor in the decision in the Tides' 6-3 win over Toledo.

Norfolk relief pitcher Mike Hinckley (1-3) retired all three batters he faced to earn the victory, while closer Dennis Sarfate tossed a scoreless ninth for his ninth save of the season.

Tides left fielder Nolan Reimold was 2-for-5 with a double and two RBIs, while center fielder Matt Angle added two hits, two runs scored and a stolen base.

Second baseman Robert Andino was 2-for-4 with a double, an RBI and a run scored for the Tides, while right fielder Jeff Salazar and first baseman Brandon Snyder each collected two hits.

Bowie Baysox (AA)

Score: Reading Phillies 6, Bowie Baysox 4 (Box score)

Recap: Starting pitcher Steve Johnson (3-4) encountered a lot of difficulty in five innings as the Baysox fell, 6-4, to Reading at Prince George's Stadium.

Johnson allowed six runs, five hits and five walks in the outing. He surrendered a grand slam to Phillies designated hitter Matthew Rizzotti in the third inning.

Baysox left fielder Tyler Henson hit a solo home run, and right fielder Jonathan Tucker was 2-for-4 with an RBI and a run scored.

Shortstop Carlos Rojas and catcher Caleb Joseph each scored a run for the Baysox in the loss.

Frederick Keys (A)

Score: Frederick Keys 6, Winston-Salem Dash 3 (Box score)

Recap: Designated hitter Buck Britton was 4-for-5 with two doubles, two RBIs and two runs scored in the Keys' 6-3 win over Winston-Salem.

Frederick catcher Phil Britton contributed a double and a pair of RBIs, while first baseman Jacob Julius and second baseman Miguel Abreu each added a single and a double.

Keys starting pitcher Oliver Drake (2-2) gave up two runs and six hits in 6 2/3 innings. Drake collected three strikeouts, issued one walk and hit a batter.

Third baseman Billy Rowell was 2-for-4 with two runs scored for Frederick.

Delmarva Shorebirds (A)

Score: Delmarva Shorebirds 3, Lexington Legends 0 (Box score)

Recap: Second baseman Tyler Kelly was 3-for-3 with two doubles and an RBI in the Shorebirds' 3-0 victory over Lexington at Arthur W. Perdue Stadium.

Delmarva starting pitcher Nathan Moreau (2-2) blanked the Legends for six innings, allowing four hits and one walk in the outing. Moreau struck out three batters.

Shorebirds first baseman T.J. Baxter was 1-for-3 with two RBIs and a run scored, and shortstop Garabez Rosa contributed two hits and a run scored.

Relief pitcher Josh Dowdy tossed a scoreless ninth to earn his 11th save of the season for the Shorebirds.

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 11:45 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
        

Notre Dame fired its baseball coach, Dave Schrage, on Monday and is conducting a national search for his replacement.

I have no inside knowledge of the search and interview process, but I have to think that former Orioles manager Dave Trembley's name will come up at some point if it hasn't already.

Trembley is keeping a low profile these days at home in Daytona Beach, Fla., so I don't know whether he would even be interested in uprooting his family and getting involved in the recruiting game and other aspects of college coaching.

However, I do know he is friendly with members of the Notre Dame athletic department and has a love of the school and its football program that is second to none. Regardless of what you thought of him as Orioles manager, he also has a reputation of working well with younger players and being a patient teacher.

It sounds like a pretty good fit to me.

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 7:49 PM | Permalink | Comments (20)
        

In a rare public display of frustration earlier this week, Orioles' outfielder Nick Markakis questioned both the direction of the club along with the team's offensive approach.

I'll have more on this later in a story for The Sun, but here are a couple of Markakis' comments to tide you over until the story is on the site.

On team needing better approach: “Sometimes, guys are going up there and it looks like they have no idea what they’re doing. I’m not saying that to bash guys. I want guys to be successful, I want this team to be successful, and I have to produce as well. I'm part of this. But it takes a lot more than one big bat. We definitely need that one guy who could hit you 40 home runs, but from top to bottom, you need guys getting on base. You need guys in there who have a plan, who have a clue and who know how to execute that plan and get on base. We don’t need every guy in this lineup trying to hit home runs. We’re paid to get on base and figure out how to score and drive in runs. You look at the Yankees. They have guys who can hit home runs but everybody in that lineup can get on base.”

On hitting coach Terry Crowley and player accountability: "You have to go up there with an approach. [Crowley] has 110 percent nothing to do with the way we are going about our business at the plate and on the field right now. You can have anybody come here and you still are going to have a couple of guys who are not going to change their approach and fix it. It’s worthless. You can point your fingers here and there, but it is what it is. You’re in the big leagues. You have to change your approach on your own. If you go up there clueless, you’re going to come back [to the dugout] clueless. It’s that simple."

On direction of the club: “At this point, yeah, where are we going? I know we have a lot of injured guys, we’re in the toughest division in baseball and we’re a last-place team. But at this point, it’s mind boggling. You don’t even know what to think, but you still have to be professional and go out and play every day.”

Markakis was backed both by interim manager Juan Samuel and veteran infielder Ty Wigginton, who agreed that there have been times where guys haven't had a very good plan in going up to the plate.

And in a totally unrelated item, the Orioles have agreed to terms with Old Dominion catcher Joseph Velleggia, their 40th-round pick in last week's draft. Velleggia is from Monkton and went to high school at Calvert Hall. The Orioles have agreed to terms with 24 of their 49 picks.

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 12:20 PM | Permalink | Comments (68)
        

Norfolk Tides (AAA)

Record: (29-38)

Opponent

at Toledo Mud Hens (7 p.m.)

Probable pitchers

Norfolk: Brad Bergesen (1-0, 2.57 ERA with Tides; 3-4, 6.50 ERA with Orioles)
Toledo: Ryan Ketchner (4-3, 3.31 ERA at two levels in 2010)

Bowie Baysox (AA)

Record: (34-31)

Opponent

Reading Phillies (7:05 p.m.)

Probable pitchers

Bowie: Steve Johnson (3-3, 4.18 ERA)
Reading: Vance Worley (4-3, 3.93 ERA)

Frederick Keys (A)

Record: (38-28)

Opponent

at Winston-Salem Dash (7 p.m.)

Probable pitchers

Frederick: Oliver Drake (1-2, 4.34 ERA)
Winston-Salem: Stephen Sauer (5-2, 4.06 ERA)

Delmarva Shorebirds (A)

Record: (29-37)

Opponent

Lexington Legends (7:05 p.m.)

Probable pitchers

Delmarva: Nathan Moreau (1-2, 3.35 ERA)
Lexington: Jose Cisnero (3-3, 4.29 ERA)

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 10:28 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

The Double-A Bowie Baysox beat the Reading Phillies in a sloppy game tonight, while the Single-A Frederick Keys fell to the Winston-Salem Dash. The Single-A Delmarva Shorebirds swept the Kannapolis Intimidators, and the Triple-A Norfolk Tides were idle.

Keys relief pitcher Jose Duran was added to the Carolina League All-Star team, joining teammates Greg Miclat and Ronnie Welty on the roster for the matchup with the California League All-Stars.

Also, the short-season Single-A Aberdeen IronBirds unveiled their projected rotation for this weekend's opening series against the Hudson Valley Renegades at Ripken Stadium.

IronBirds left-hander Justin Anderson, the Orioles' 24th-round selection in the 2009 MLB draft, will start the opener Friday night. He will be followed by right-handers Scott Copeland (Saturday) and Justin Moore (Sunday). Copeland was selected by the Orioles in the 21st round of this year's draft, while Moore was a 26th-round draft choice by the team in 2007.

Bowie Baysox (AA)

Score: Bowie Baysox 11, Reading Phillies 9 (Box score)

Recap: Third baseman Brandon Waring was 2-for-5 with two home runs and five RBIs as the Baysox outlasted Reading, 11-9, at Prince George's Stadium.

Bowie designated hitter Robbie Widlansky hit a three-run shot as part of a five-run eighth inning, and left fielder Tyler Henson was 4-for-5 with two runs scored.

The Baysox overcame five errors in the victory, including two by catcher Steven Lerud. Waring, Henson and second baseman Ryan Adams each committed one defensive miscue.

Relief pitcher Pedro Viola (1-0) recorded the final two outs of the eighth in order to pick up the win for the Baysox, and closer Pedro Beato tossed a scoreless inning for his fourth save of the season.

Baysox starting pitcher Zach Clark was charged with five runs (two earned) and seven hits in 3 2/3 innings, but he didn't factor in the decision.

Frederick Keys (A)

Score: Winston-Salem Dash 13, Frederick Keys 7 (Box score)

Recap: Right fielder Jacob Julius was 3-for-5 with two RBIs, a stolen base and a run scored as the Keys collected a season-high 15 hits -- 14 singles -- in a 13-7 loss to Winston-Salem.

Frederick left fielder Kyle Hudson also contributed three hits, and center fielder Xavier Avery was 2-for-6 with his 15th double of the season and an RBI.

Keys starting pitcher Nathan Nery (5-6) allowed five runs, 10 hits and two walks in 4 1/3 innings. He also struck out two batters.

Welty and third baseman Buck Britton each added two hits for the Keys.

Fresh off his All-Star nod, Duran was roughed up for seven runs (five earned) and six hits in 2 2/3 innings. He also hit two batters and issued two walks.

Delmarva Shorebirds (A)

Score: Delmarva Shorebirds 8, Kannapolis Intimidators 6 (Box score)

Recap: Right fielder Steve Bumbry contributed a pair of triples and an RBI as the Shorebirds topped Kannapolis, 8-6, at Arthur W. Perdue Stadium.

Delmarva designated hitter Kieron Pope remained hot with a double and two RBIs, while left fielder Levi Carolus was 2-for-4 with two doubles, two runs scored and an RBI.

Shorebirds starting pitcher Luis Noel (2-2) gave up four runs and seven hits in five innings, but he still picked up the victory. He collected two strikeouts and issued three walks.

Relief pitcher James Brandhorst struck out all three batters he faced to pick up his second save of the season for the Shorebirds.

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 11:17 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)
        

Jeremy Guthrie admirably shouldered the blame for the Orioles' 6-3 loss to the San Francisco Giants today as he allowed back-to-back solo homers to former teammate Aubrey Huff and Juan Uribe to break a 1-1 tie in the sixth inning.

However, the Orioles lost another game primarily because of their inability to hit with runners in scoring position. They went 3-for-14 with runners in scoring position and stranded 13 baserunners, failing to take full advantage of a wild Tim Lincecum, who allowed eight hits, walked four and threw three wild pitches in six innings. He did strike out 10 and the Orioles registered a season-high 15 strikeouts for the game.

For the series, the Orioles went 5-for-33 (.152) with runners in scoring position and stranded 33 runners. It continued their season-long woes in clutch spots as the Orioles are hitting a Major League-worst .213 as a team with runners in scoring position. The next worst team batting average with runners in scoring position in the A.L. is owned by the Seattle Mariners, who entered tonight with a .237 average.

“I think we had a chance to beat them,” said Julio Lugo who was a late addition into the lineup for an injured Scott Moore, and went 3-for-5 with two RBIs. “We had a lot of chances with men in scoring position and less than two outs. That’s been one of our weaknesses. We’re not putting the ball in play at the right time. Sometimes, you don’t need a hit to drive some runs in. That’s one of the things that cost us even though I thought we swung the bats well as a team.”

Their final chance came in the eighth when they had runners on the corners with one out and Giants closer Brian Wilson fanned Nick Markakis on four pitches and then got Nick Markakis to ground out.

“I think we had some situations that we were put in that we didn’t execute, including myself in that last at-bat,” said Markakis. "It’s tough especially with the situation that we’re in. When you don’t execute those plays in crucial times, it’s magnified times 10. It’s not like we’re not out there trying. We’re trying and just coming up short right now.”

The Orioles have now lost 10 straight series and 17 of their last 20 games.

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 8:47 PM | Permalink | Comments (6)
        

Buck Showalter will interview for the Orioles' managerial vacancy next week when the team returns home from the West Coast.

He'll be the third candidate to interview with president of baseball operations Andy MacPhail and other team officials, following Eric Wedge and Bobby Valentine.

ESPN.com reported today that the Orioles had contacted Showalter, who is currently employed by the network.

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 4:53 PM | Permalink | Comments (7)
        

I'm not sure how serious their interest is, but the Orioles and their president of baseball operations, Andy MacPhail, have at least discussed acquiring catcher-first baseman Jake Fox, who was designated for assignment Sunday by the Oakland Athletics.

Fox was hitting .214 (21-for-98) with two homers and 12 RBIs when the A's made the decision to DFA him, giving them 10 days to pass him through waivers, trade him or give him his outright release.

Fox did have a decent offensive year in 2009, batting .259 with 11 homers and 44 RBIs and slugging .468 in 82 games for the Chicago Cubs in 2009.

Fox can play multiple positions, but if he's added by the Orioles, it would probably mean the end of the Garrett Atkins era in Baltimore.

Interim manager Juan Samuel acknowledged before today's game that it has been hard to find playing time for the struggling Atkins, and that doesn't figure to change anytime soon.

"You try to get some situations where you can get him some at-bats," Samuel said. "Interleague play without the DH does not really help. You have to see where we are from here. Andy’s going to have to come up with a plan what we can do because he’s definitely not getting enough playing time here right now. Especially without the DH, you just try to get him a lefty here and there, just hoping you are going to see that swing. You know, you could see him produce. But unfortunately, I know the kid is trying. It’ s just not showing right now."

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 3:56 PM | Permalink | Comments (44)
        

Scott Moore was expected to start at second base for today's series finale with the San Francisco Giants, but he was scratched and replaced with Julio Lugo.

Moore stepped on a ball and rolled his right ankle in batting practice and limped back to the Orioles' clubhouse with the team's training staff. He's been diagnosed with a lateral mid right foot strain.

With Ty Wigginton and Matt Wieters getting a day off as interim manager Juan Samuel continues to try to keep his regulars fresh, that leaves the team with a bottom four in the order of Lugo, Craig Tatum, Cesar Izturis and Jeremy Guthrie.

And yes, they're facing Tim Lincecum.

Ouch.

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 2:34 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)
        

Bowie Baysox (AA)

Record: (33-31)

Opponent

Reading Phillies (7:05 p.m.)

Probable pitchers

Bowie: Zach Clark (1-2, 2.87 ERA at three levels in 2010)
Reading: Drew Naylor (5-6, 3.97 ERA)

Frederick Keys (A)

Record: (38-27)

Opponent

at Winston-Salem Dash (7 p.m.)

Probable pitchers

Frederick: Nathan Nery (5-5, 3.39 ERA)
Winston-Salem: Dylan Axelrod (2-1, 1.91 ERA)

Delmarva Shorebirds (A)

Record: (28-37)

Opponent

Kannapolis Intimidators (7:05 p.m.)

Probable pitchers

Delmarva: Luis Noel (1-2, 2.95 ERA)
Kannapolis: Joseph Serafin (6-3, 3.16 ERA)

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 10:38 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

With a four-game losing streak overall, a nine-game skid on the road and a tired bullpen, the Orioles needed rookie Jake Arrieta to respond in a big way on Tuesday, and that's exactly what he did.

In just his second big-league start, the confident right-hander held the San Francisco Giants to just one run on three hits over seven-plus innings in the Orioles' 4-1 victory.

Here are some quotes on Arrieta from his teammates about the performance:

Reliever David Hernandez who pitched a scoreless ninth for his second career save: “I think he’s definitely given us a little energy especially when he’s going out there and giving us quality starts and quality innings. It was a big performance from Jake. We really needed it especially after the number of relievers we used [Monday]. He was able to get deep in the game."

Third baseman Miguel Tejada: "The kid is pretty impressive. It doesn’t look like he only has two starts in the big leagues. The two starts that he had are against the Yankees and the Giants and he’s looked great. He has a lot of confidence.I think that’s the most impressive thing about him. He throws a lot of first pitches for strikes. He’s really aggressive in the strike zone. He’s not afraid. I think he’s going to be good."

Interim manager Juan Samuel: "To me, it’s confidence and only success will give that. He was pitching very well at Triple-A and he came up to face a very, very tough team with the Yankees and he got out of some tough situations. He knows that he can trust his stuff and he showed that tonight. He showed from the first inning that he was going to have a good game. He came out throwing strikes on both sides of the plate. He came in on some guys, and then went away and changed speeds. He was on top of his game."

Outfielder Nick Markakis: "Jake pitched his butt off. He got the ball, got back on the mound, he located his pitches. When you do that with a three or four-run lead, you’re going to do good things. Anytime anybody comes up and pitches the way he’s pitching, it’s a very good sign. You know, it’s only two starts. Hopefully he builds on that and continues to do what he’s doing."

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 4:25 AM | Permalink | Comments (9)
        

The Triple-A Norfolk Tides were pounded by the Columbus Clippers, and the Double-A Bowie Baysox fell to the Reading Phillies. The Single-A Frederick Keys dropped a close decision to the Winston-Salem Dash, while the Single-A Delmarva Shorebirds beat the Kannapolis Intimidators.

Earlier today, the Baysox placed outfielder Matthew Tucker on the disabled list, retroactive to June 13. They also added relief pitcher Bob McCrory to their roster from the short-season Single-A Aberdeen IronBirds.

Norfolk Tides (AAA)

Score: Columbus Clippers 11, Norfolk Tides 0 (Box score)

Recap: First baseman Michael Aubrey collected two of the Tides' four hits, including a double, in an 11-0 loss to Columbus this afternoon.

Norfolk third baseman Josh Bell and designated hitter Brandon Snyder each added one hit, while right fielder Rhyne Hughes was 0-for-3 with three strikeouts.

Tides starting pitcher Tim Bascom (0-2) gave up four runs and eight hits in 4 2/3 innings. He threw 66 of his 100 pitches for strikes.

Relief pitcher Alberto Castillo allowed five runs, five hits, a walk and a hit batter while recording only one out in his first appearance since being sent back to Norfolk.

Shortstop Robert Andino was 0-for-4 with two strikeouts and his 13th error of the season for the Tides. He is batting .234 with seven home runs and 39 RBIs in 63 games this season.

Bowie Baysox (AA)

Score: Reading Phillies 7, Bowie Baysox 2 (Box score)

Recap: Third baseman Joel Guzman hit his 15th home run of the season, but the Baysox dropped a 7-2 decision to Reading at Prince George's Stadium.

Bowie first baseman Robbie Widlansky and left fielder Tyler Henson each collected a single and a double, while second baseman Ryan Adams added an RBI double.

Baysox starting pitcher Ryohei Tanaka (3-7) was touched up for six runs and seven hits in four innings. He struck out one batter and issued one walk.

McCrory tossed a scoreless inning in his season debut for the Baysox.

Frederick Keys (A)

Score: Winston-Salem Dash 7, Frederick Keys 6 (Box score)

Recap: Relief pitcher Sean Gleason (1-2) gave up three runs (two earned) and four hits in 2/3 of an inning as the Keys blew a two-run lead in a 7-6 loss to Winston-Salem.

Frederick designated hitter Jacob Julius was contributed two hits, a stolen base and three RBIs, while right fielder Ronnie Welty was 3-for-5 with a double, an RBI and two runs scored.

Keys starting pitcher Ryan O'Shea struck out six batters in six innings. He allowed four runs (three earned) and six hits in the no-decision.

Center fielder Xavier Avery hit a double and a triple for the Keys.

Delmarva Shorebirds (A)

Score: Delmarva Shorebirds 2, Kannapolis Intimidators 1 (Box score)

Recap: Left fielder Kieron Pope was 3-for-3 with a double and two RBIs as the Shorebirds edged Kannapolis, 2-1, at Arthur W. Perdue Stadium.

Pope is batting .361 with three home runs and 18 RBIs in 21 games since joining Delmarva.

Shorebirds first baseman T.J. Baxter contributed three hits, including a pair of doubles, and a run scored, while center fielder Michael Planeta also had a double.

Delmarva starting pitcher Bobby Bundy (2-3) gave up one run and four hits in five innings. Bundy collected three strikeouts and hit two batters. He also threw two wild pitches and balked once.

Relief pitcher Josh Dowdy collected his 10th save of the season for Delmarva.

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 10:43 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

Interim manager Juan Samuel announced today that struggling starter Chris Tillman will head to the bullpen for the time being. Because of three off days in a 12-day span, the Orioles won't need a fifth starter until June 26.

Pitching coach Rick Kranitz said both Tillman and Brad Bergesen are candidates to start that game. He also said that the club still views Tillman as a starter and he's only in the bullpen on a temporary basis because the rest of the relievers are pretty taxed right now.

It sounds like if Tillman isn't getting regular work by the time the team returns home next week, the club could send him down to Triple-A Norfolk so he can resume pitching regularly as a starter.

Samuel spoke to injured second baseman Brian Roberts (herniated disk) today and said that he expects the two-time All-Star to be out at least another four to six weeks. That shouldn't be a surprise after president of baseball operations Andy MacPhail said yesterday that Roberts will be shut down from baseball activities for another two weeks.

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 8:26 PM | Permalink | Comments (8)
        

but as I write this, right-hander Chris Tillman is taking batting practice, along with several other Orioles' pitchers. I guess it's still possible that they can inform him closer to game time that he's being sent out, but that he's still here is probably a good sign for the youngster.

Several Orioles are out on the field at AT&T Park getting extra work in. Interim manager Juan Samuel is working with Scott Moore at second base. Adam Jones was taking extra batting practice under the watchful eye of hitting coach Terry Crowley. And Brian Matusz is heading out to throw a bullpen.

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 5:52 PM | Permalink | Comments (6)
        

Orioles injured reliever Jim Johnson (slight tear in right elbow) threw from 120 feet today and said that he felt no problems. Johnson is expected to graduate to throwing from the mound next week and then work into rehab games the week after that. “I’ll get a better idea of where I’m at next week after throwing bullpens,” Johnson wrote in a text message. “I’m pretty positive about the outlook so far, but I’m not setting any dates yet.”

Brad Bergesen, who was demoted to Triple-A Norfolk on Sunday to make room for Alfredo Simon, will start for the Tides on Thursday. He'll probably make at least two starts for the Tides before he's re-evaluated for a potential callup.

The Orioles have agreed to terms with eight more draft picks and 23 of their 49 selections in total. The recently signed players are Riley Hornback (12th round), David Richardson (17th), Scott Copeland (21st), Tanner Murphy (22nd), Christopher Clinton (23rd), Timothy Adleman (24th), Austin Knight (Boys’ Latin, 37th) and Travis Strong (39th).

• Bobby Valentine’s comments to ESPN.com on Monday about his interview with president of baseball operations Andy MacPhail and owner Peter Angelos only reinforced my belief that he won’t be the team’s next manager. I don’t know Valentine other than what I read, but it’s well documented that he’s a bombastic personality, and I have my doubts about how that would mesh with MacPhail and Angelos in the long term. MacPhail was again very tight lipped about the managerial process Monday, saying only that it won’t be settled until the All-Star break at the earliest, he’d prefer an experienced candidate, and he has no current interviews scheduled but that probably will change when the team returns home next week. He wouldn’t comment on specific candidates, but it’s well documented that Buck Showalter is on the team’s list. It wouldn’t surprise me if he’s at Camden Yards for an interview next week. Still, I haven’t swayed from my belief that former Cleveland Indians skipper Eric Wedge is the favorite for the job.

• Speaking of MacPhail, he made it clear Monday that while he is getting plenty of calls about a couple of the team’s decently performing veterans, he has no interest in dumping guys like Ty Wigginton and Kevin Millwood for the sake of salary relief. “We’re not in the salary dump business,” he said. Unless the Orioles make Jeremy Guthrie available or Millwood rediscovers his April form, it appears that Wigginton will emerge as their top trade chip and I’ve heard multiple teams are interested.

• I spoke to former Oriole Aubrey Huff at length Monday and much of the conversation was on his former team’s struggles. I’ll have more from Huff on the site later today, but he essentially agreed with multiple other evaluators and scouts that the club put too much pressure on some of its younger players and didn’t surround them with enough productive veterans. “You have a lot of young players over there that just don’t have a lot of veteran guys to protect them,” he said. “It’s a hard situation to win in when you are going against the best in baseball and your bringing a lot of young guys up and you expect them to save the franchise.”

• Did Oriole pitchers really walk former farmhand Eli Whiteside three times in one game Monday night? Add that to a growing list of unimaginable and dubious feats performed by the club this season. Allowing opposing starters to register quality starts in 17 of the past 18 games may be at the top of that list.

• Finally, here’s a feel-good story definitely worth reading about Cody Young, the Orioles’ 47th-round draft pick and a cancer survivor. Young has already agreed to terms with the club.

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 1:54 PM | Permalink | Comments (30)
        

Orioles managerial candidate Bobby Valentine discussed his recent meeting with team owner Peter Angelos and president of baseball operations Andy MacPhail during a Monday appearance on ESPN Radio's The Michael Kay Show.

During the interview, Valentine told Kay: "I did go down there and I did talk with the owner (Angelos) and the general manager (MacPhail) and they have a whole lot of problems and they seem like they're really putting their heads together to try to solve them somehow, some way, [but I'm] not sure how."

When asked about whether he'd be willing to take a managerial position where it might be difficult to win, Valentine said: "It's a big challenge. I like big challenges, but I like to have some reward too, and the reward is in the standings and their standings don't look like they're going to turn around very quickly."

In 15 seasons as a major league manager with the Texas Rangers and the New York Mets, Valentine compiled a 1,117-1,072 record. He led the Mets to the World Series in 2000, and won a Japan Series title with the Chiba Lotte Marines in 2005.

Valentine also talked about how former Orioles manager Dave Trembley is viewed as an intelligent baseball person and shared this anecdote from his meeting with Angelos.

"We were talking in this meeting, and their owner there is a kind of interesting character. And he did mention that the manager they did have (Trembley) was a really nice guy and he said he liked him a lot. He looked at me and he said something like, 'And you?' I said, 'Well, Peter, I don't think either of us are going to really have people running around the country saying we're really nice guys. But we have other qualities that work for us. And he laughed at that. I think that's a good thing in an interview."

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 9:47 AM | Permalink | Comments (56)
        

Norfolk Tides (AAA)

Record: (29-37)

Opponent

at Columbus Clippers (12:05 p.m.)

Probable pitchers

Norfolk: Tim Bascom (3-5, 3.47 ERA at two levels in 2010)
Columbus: Jeanmar Gomez (3-7, 6.96 ERA)

Bowie Baysox (AA)

Record: (33-30)

Opponent

Reading Phillies (7:05 p.m.)

Probable pitchers

Bowie: Ryohei Tanaka (3-6, 4.10 ERA)
Reading: Yohan Flande (3-5, 4.61 ERA)

Frederick Keys (A)

Record: (38-26)

Opponent

at Winston-Salem Dash (7 p.m.)

Probable pitchers

Frederick: Ryan O'Shea (4-3, 3.47 ERA)
Winston-Salem: Terry Doyle (6-4, 1.68 ERA at two levels in 2010)

Delmarva Shorebirds (A)

Record: (27-37)

Opponent

Kannapolis Intimidators (7:05 p.m.)

Probable pitchers

Delmarva: Bobby Bundy (1-3, 4.29 ERA)
Kannapolis: Matthew Hopps (1-4, 5.55 ERA)

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 8:50 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

Orioles interim manager Juan Samuel said that team officials are mulling over Chris Tillman's immediate future in the big-league rotation, but things certainly don't look good for the young right-hander, who fell to 0-3 with an 8.40 ERA after he was smacked around for six earned runs in just two innings by the San Francisco Giants on Monday night.

For one, Samuel immediately met with Orioles president of baseball operations Andy MacPhail in the clubhouse immediately following the game. That's usually a sign that a roster decision is pending.

Also with an off day on Thursday followed by another one next Monday, the Orioles won't need a fifth starter until Saturday, June 26 against the Washington Nationals. On the other hand, they could use a fresh bullpen arm after four relievers combined for six innings last night, and the bullpen as a whole has logged 44 2/3 innings over the last 12 games.

That's why it wouldn't surprise me at all to see Tillman returned to Triple-A Norfolk at some point today, and a reliever get called up.

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 3:41 AM | Permalink | Comments (32)
        

I have no idea whether Chris Tillman is injured or he's just struggling with his confidence, but he's not going to be able to succeed on this level with the command and velocity he's showing.

Every time Tillman throws a fastball, the San Francisco Giants hit it and hit it hard. That's probably because I've yet to see Tillman break 90 mph, or locate a fastball down in the zone. Everything is belt-high or up. He's also hung a few off-speed pitches.

It's not pretty here early as the Giants lead 6-1 after two innings. They have six hits, including a homer by Pat Burrell, a triple by Andres Torres and RBI doubles by Pablo Sandoval and Torres.

The Orioles' only positive came on Matt Wieters' solo homer in the second inning. Wieters hadn't homered in 102 at-bats, tying the longest homerless stretch of his career.

And I'd be remiss if I didn't mention an absolutely atrocious call by second base umpire Rob Drake, allowing the Giants to turn a double-play ball on Miguel Tejada's grounder in the top of the third inning. I've heard of the neighborhood call, but Giants second baseman Freddy Sanchez wasn't even in the same zip code as the bag. Interim manager Juan Samuel argued the call to no avail.

It appears that Jason Berken is coming in for Tillman for the bottom of the third.

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 10:45 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)
        

The Triple-A Norfolk Tides topped the Columbus Clippers, and the Single-A Delmarva Shorebirds blanked the Kannapolis Intimidators. The Double-A Bowie Baysox and the Single-A Frederick Keys were both idle.

Also, I wanted to note that the Keys clinched the Carolina League Northern Division first-half championship over the weekend. They'll be in the playoffs at the end of the season.

Norfolk Tides (AAA)

Score: Norfolk Tides 6, Columbus Clippers 3 (Box score)

Recap: Third baseman Josh Bell was 2-for-5 with a double, a home run, two RBIs and two runs scored in the Tides' 6-3 victory over Columbus.

Norfolk second baseman Robert Andino contributed two hits, three RBIs and a stolen base, while right fielder Rhyne Hughes and first baseman Michael Aubrey each added a double.

Tides starting pitcher Armando Gabino (4-0) held the Clippers to two runs and six hits in six innings, and closer Dennis Sarfate tossed two scoreless frames to pick up his eighth save of the season.

Delmarva Shorebirds (A)

Score: Delmarva Shorebirds 1, Kannapolis Intimidators 0 (Box score)

Recap: Starting pitcher Kenny Moreland (2-2) tossed seven scoreless innings to lead the Shorebirds to a 1-0 win over Kannapolis at Arthur W. Perdue Stadium.

Moreland struck out three batters, gave up three hits and issued one walk in the outing.

Delmarva shortstop Garabez Rosa hit an RBI double to account for the team's only run, while third baseman Tyler Stampone walked and scored.

Relief pitcher Josh Dowdy retired the final three hitters to pick up his ninth save of the season for the Shorebirds. He recorded one strikeout.

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 10:22 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)
        

While second baseman Brian Roberts (herniated disk) could be shut down from baseball activities for another couple of weeks, the other injured Orioles could be returning a lot sooner than the club originally expected.

Orioles president of baseball operations Andy MacPhail said that outfielder Felix Pie and relievers Michael Gonzalez, Koji Uehara and Jim Johnson could all be ready to return to the club by the end of the month.

“All those guys will be welcome here,” said interim manager Juan Samuel. “We do need some help.”

Pie, who hasn’t played since April 15 because of a torn muscle in his back, will take batting practice tomorrow at the club’s spring training complex in Sarasota, Fla. The final step before rejoining the Orioles would be a rehab assignment at one of the team’s minor league affiliates.

Gonzalez (left shoulder strain) threw a simulated game today and both his velocity and his stuff were reportedly much improved. He’s expected to throw again on Wednesday.

Both Uehara (right forearm strain) and Johnson (right elbow inflammation) have reported no problems during the early stages of their throwing program. Johnson will throw from 120 feet tomorrow and could start pitching from a mound in about a week. MacPhail said that both Uehara and Johnson will have relatively short rehab assignments because they are only one-inning pitchers.

As for Roberts, who got another epidural injection late last week, MacPhail said the club is in a holding pattern as it waits for the symptoms to subside, but he reiterated that season-ending back surgery has not been discussed.

“We’re just going to let the symptoms die down and when they do, he can go back to baseball activities,” MacPhail said. “We just hope we can get him back to on-field activities in a couple of weeks.”

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 9:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)
        

The Single-A Delmarva Shorebirds announced a series of roster moves earlier today, including the release of left-handed pitcher Tony Butler from the organization.

Acquired along with Adam Jones, Chris Tillman, Kam Mickolio and George Sherrill, Butler was the only player in the February 2008 trade that sent Erik Bedard to the Seattle Mariners who didn't contribute for the Orioles in the major leagues.

Butler was 1-4 with a 7.66 ERA in 12 games (eight starts) for Delmarva this season. He struggled with his command, walking 35 batters and allowing 60 hits in 44 2/3 innings.

The 6-foot-7, 220-pound left-hander, who was selected by the Mariners in the third round of the 2006 MLB draft, battled a shoulder injury after being acquired and never lived up to his promise.

The Orioles also released left-handed pitcher Jake Smith and added right-handers Kevin Landry and Tom Phelps to the roster of the Shorebirds from the short-season Single-A Aberdeen IronBirds.

Smith was 3-2 with a 4.54 ERA in 18 appearances for the Shorebirds this year.

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 3:28 PM | Permalink | Comments (6)
        

With the Orioles about to start a series with the red-hot Aubrey Huff and the San Francisco Giants tonight, I thought it would be a good time for an updated look at how several members of the 2009 O’s are doing with their current organizations. Below numbers are through Sunday’s games.

Hitters

Aubrey Huff (S.F. Giants): .303 avg., 10 HRs, 33 RBIs, 34 runs, 31 BBs
Chad Moeller (N.Y. Yankees): .182 avg. (2-for-11), 0 HR, 0 RBIs, 2 runs, 1 BB, 4 K
Melvin Mora (Colorado Rockies): .291 avg. (25-for-86), 0 HRs, 9 RBIs, 7 runs
Oscar Salazar (San Diego Padres): .235 avg. (20-for-85), 1 HR, 9 RBIs, 10 runs, 9 BB
*Gregg Zaun (Milwaukee Brewers): .265 avg. (27-for-102), 2 HRs, 14 RBIs, 11 BBs

Pitchers

Danys Baez (Philadelphia Phillies): 2-2, 4.50 ERA (26 IP), 13 ER, 27 hits, 12 BBs, 13 Ks
Brian Bass (Indianapolis, Pirates’ Triple-A): 1-1, 4.30 ERA (23 IP), 11 ER, 24 hits, 16 Ks
Sean Henn (L.Vegas, Jays’ Triple-A): 1-0, 1.95 ERA (32 1/3 IP), 7 ER, 33 hits, 22 BBs, 22 Ks
Rich Hill (Memphis, Cards’ Triple-A): 4-3, 4.46 ERA (42 1/3 IP), 21 ER, 31 hits, 26 BBs, 44 Ks
**Radhames Liz (Portland, Padres’ Triple-A): 4-1, 3.19 ERA (36 2/3 IP), 13 ER, 32 hits, 40 Ks
***John Parrish (Kansas City Royals): 1-1, 3.00 (6 IP), 2 ER, 4 hits, 5 BBs, 4 Ks
Hayden Penn (Indianapolis, Pirates’ Triple-A): 1-2, 5.40 ERA (35 IP), 21 ER, 45 hits, 31 Ks
Chris Ray (Texas Rangers): 1-0, 3.33 ERA (27 IP), 10 ER, 20 hits, 14 BBs, 13 Ks
George Sherrill (L.A. Dodgers): 0-1, 7.80 ERA (15 IP), 13 ERs, 19 hits, 16 BBs, 10 Ks
Chris Waters (Nashville, Brewers’ Triple-A): 4-3, 3.50 ERA (61 2/3 IP), 24 ERs, 58 hits, 44 Ks

*On disabled list; will have season-ending surgery to repair torn labrum this week.
**On minor league disabled list.
***On disabled list; currently on rehab assignment with left rotator cuff inflammation.

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 (a pitcher and a hitter) each time I do this.

Rodrigo Lopez, SP (Arizona D’backs) 2-5, 4.45 ERA (85 IP), 42 ER, 94 hits, 22 BBs, 49 K
Val Majewski, OF (Midland, A’s Triple-A) .275 avg. (11-for-40), 2 HR, 8 RBIs, 3 BBs, 9 Ks

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 11:41 AM | Permalink | Comments (27)
        

Norfolk Tides (AAA)

Record: (28-37)

Opponent

at Columbus Clippers (7:05 p.m.)

Probable pitchers

Norfolk: Armando Gabino (3-0, 2.56 ERA)
Columbus: Carlos Carrasco (5-2, 4.12 ERA)

Delmarva Shorebirds (A)

Record: (26-37)

Opponent

Kannapolis Intimidators (7:05 p.m.)

Probable pitchers

Delmarva: Kenny Moreland (1-2, 5.19 ERA)
Kannapolis: Justin Collop (3-5, 6.71 ERA)

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 9:42 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
        

We all know this has been a terrible baseball season in Baltimore.

I don’t have to wheel out the stats again, do I (please don’t make me)?

We keep saying it’s the worst in two decades.

All you smart patrons know what that means. This has been the Orioles’ worst start since 1988, when the club began 0-21 on the way to a franchise-worst 107 losses.

But, and I hope you are braced for this, we may not be able to use that “worst in more than two decades” line for much longer.

Consider this: In 1988, the Orioles were 17-47 on June 16, the club’s 64th game.

The Orioles are 17-46 heading into Monday night’s game in San Francisco. You get where I am going here?

If the Orioles lose to the Giants on Monday, they have caught that 1988 team by Game No. 64.

I was a college freshman back in 1988; a Baltimore kid living in Pennsylvania. I can’t tell you the amount of crap I received that spring when the Orioles started 0-21. Some wiseacre covered my entire dorm-room door with the Sports Illustrated Billy Ripken cover.

I can’t imagine anything could be worse than that season for an Orioles’ fan. But I am no longer a fan. I do this for a living, so the emotions have been removed.

And, statistically, this season soon could be on pace with that infamous one. So, I gotta know, is this worse than 1988?

Daily Think Special: Is this baseball season in Baltimore worse than 1988? If so, why?

Posted by Dan Connolly at 10:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (99)
Categories: Connolly's Corner Sports Bar
        

Everything went OK with Alfredo Simon’s simulated game Sunday morning, so he is expected to be activated tomorrow game and make the trip to the West Coast with the club.

To make room for Simon on the 25-man roster, Brad Bergesen was sent back to Triple-A Norfolk so he can start every fifth day.

Bergesen pitched just once in relief for the Orioles -- allowing three hits and one earned run in two innings -- since being sent to the bullpen after his last start June 2.

As a starter, Bergesen was 3-4 with a 6.75 ERA in 10 games.

The Orioles had other options, but sending Bergesen back down to pitch in the role he is most accustomed makes plenty of sense.

They hope he can regain his 2009 form and return to the big league rotation this year.

It had to be a pitcher, by the way. The Orioles could use a full bench in National League parks this week.

Posted by Dan Connolly at 3:41 PM | Permalink | Comments (5)
        

Veteran right-hander Kevin Millwood was one of the club’s brightest spots through most of the first two months of the season.

But things have gone south for Millwood in June – or really since his last start in May.

Including May 29, when he lost to the Blue Jays in Toronto, Millwood has allowed 23 earned in four games (so far). He’s given up nine longballs in that span and now leads the majors in surrendering homers, with 19.

He gave up three on Sunday, including two in the first inning to Mets’ David Wright and Chris Carter. The Orioles trailed 5-0 before they came to bat.

Millwood has picked up the loss in his last four starts and is 0-8 for the season.

If you want a bright spot, here it is: Millwood went out to the mound for his sixth inning, after throwing 90 pitches through five. He got an out, gave up a hit and now Mark Hendrickson is in. For a while, it looked like Millwood wouldn’t get out of the first, but the guy is a bulldog – and as the Orioles had hoped – he’ll try to eat innings even on rough days.

Posted by Dan Connolly at 3:22 PM | Permalink | Comments (9)
        

Juan Samuel met with the media this morning and here were some of the topics:

Alfredo Simon: Samuel said Simon (hamstring strain) threw about 20 pitches to Craig Tatum on the field at about 11:30. Assuming he feels OK, he will be activated from the DL soon and will go with the team to the West Coast. Because of the corresponding move, when Simon is activated is not set yet. But Samuel said he doesn’t think he would pitch Simon on Monday in San Francisco because of the simulated game Sunday. So expect David Hernandez in a save situation against the Giants Monday, with Simon available Tuesday.

Closer situation: Samuel reiterated that Simon will get chances but left the door open for Hernandez, saying that he would go to the converted starter if Simon pitches two days in a row. He basically said he’s not locked in to using one closer, but he didn’t say it was a completely shared position either. Of course, like anything, the matter will be resolved based on performance.

The corresponding move: Samuel said it likely would be a pitcher removed from the 25-man roster to make room for Simon. By playing in National League parks this week, Samuel wants bench flexibility for double switches. So a reliever will be demoted. The best two guesses are Brad Bergesen, who could be sent to Triple-A Norfolk to start, or Matt Albers, who is out of options but is seemingly always on the roster bubble. Another thought is Frank Mata, but Samuel endorsed the big righty on Sunday; the manager loves Mata’s velocity. Still, if the Orioles don’t want to risk losing Albers and want a right-handed long man in the bullpen, Mata could be demoted for roster convenience sake.

Posted by Dan Connolly at 12:27 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)
        

I’m not even sure what to say these days about the Orioles’ offense. They simply can’t score.

And I simply can’t write it again.

So here are some stats that will do the talking:

The Orioles went into Saturday’s game against the New York Mets with a .219 average with runners in scoring position – the worst in the majors by 10 full points (the Pittsburgh Pirates were at .229).

And the Orioles’ RISP average actually dipped after Saturday’s 1-for-10 performance. It is now at .216.

The Orioles are tied with the Pirates – who let the pitcher bat – with the fewest runs scored in baseball this season (201).

Heading into Saturday, the Orioles ranked last in the American League in runs scored and second to last in slugging percentage, on-base percentage and grounding into double plays.

They have hit two homers in their past eight games on the homestand. They have scored 35 runs in their last 16 games.

And here’s one last, tortuous one: The Orioles have scored one run or none in 20 losses this year. The Tampa Bay Rays have lost 22 games – total.

Posted by Dan Connolly at 12:07 AM | Permalink | Comments (13)
        

Closer Alfredo Simon, who strained his left hamstring running to cover first base on May 23 against the Washington Nationals, returned to Baltimore from Florida on Saturday and could throw a simulated game at Camden Yards on Sunday morning before the Orioles-New York Mets series finale.

It depends on whether the Mets take batting practice on the field Sunday.

“He’s been throwing (in Sarasota). It’s not an arm injury, it’s a leg injury so we are taking all those things under consideration,” Samuel said.

If all goes well, Simon could be activated from the disabled list in time for the start of the club’s six-game road trip that begins Monday in San Francisco. The exact timeline has not been decided, Samuel said, because the team is also considering what corresponding move will be made to make room for Simon.

The Orioles could demote a pitcher to Triple-A Norfolk such as reliever Frank Mata (1.29 ERA in seven games) or Brad Bergesen (3-4, 6.66 ERA), who could return to the Tides’ rotation. They could also designate reliever Matt Albers (2-3, 5.53 ERA), who is out of options, or go to a three-man bench and send outfielder Lou Montanez back to Norfolk.

Simon (1-1, 2.92 ERA, six saves) is expected to return to the closer’s role, though he may be spelled on occasion by David Hernandez, a former starter who picked up his first career Thursday night.

Posted by Dan Connolly at 8:08 PM | Permalink | Comments (9)
        

Despite interviewing candidates Eric Wedge and Bobby Valentine earlier this week, there is no guarantee that the Orioles managerial search finishes before this season concludes, said club president of baseball operations Andy MacPhail.

He has said previously that he does not have a specified timeline in mind. But the assumption was made that once he started interviewing, a decision would come sooner rather than later.

That's not necessarily the case.

“I don’t know how it is going to play out. We don’t know how long it is going to go, too many variables,” MacPhail said. “You just made an interim change and then you look at the landscape. I think it depends on your pool of candidates, where you are in the process, how comfortable you are with what your options are.”

MacPhail interviewed Wedge, the former Cleveland Indians manager, on Wednesday and Valentine, the former manager of the New York Mets and Texas Rangers, on Friday. MacPhail said he talked to the two candidates this week to “assess their interest, gather information, neither had a current affiliation with a team that was disruptive.”

Those interviews, he said, does not mean that a decision is looming. MacPhail is making the club’s six-game road trip to San Francisco and San Diego and said he doesn’t expect to conduct any interviews during that time.

“Nothing is scheduled, don’t anticipate anything,” said MacPhail, who fired Dave Trembley on June 3 and replaced him, on an interim basis, with Juan Samuel.

MacPhail has yet to seek permission from other clubs to interview their staff members as managerial candidates, but reiterated that he would so long as the target is not a current major-league manager. He likely wouldn’t seek permission until he gets further along in the decision-making process, however.

Posted by Dan Connolly at 7:27 PM | Permalink | Comments (17)
        

The Triple-A Norfolk Tides edged the Gwinnett Braves, and the Double-A Bowie Baysox topped the Harrisburg Senators. The Single-A Frederick Keys fell to the Salem Red Sox, and the Single-A Delmarva Shorebirds lost to the Lexington Legends.

Norfolk Tides (AAA)

Score: Norfolk Tides 4, Gwinnett Braves 3 (Box score)

Recap: First baseman Brandon Snyder was 2-for-3 with a two-run home run as the Tides held off Gwinnett, 4-3, at Harbor Park.

Snyder also picked up two stolen bases in the victory.

Norfolk catcher Michel Hernandez added a solo shot, while left fielder Jeff Salazar was 2-for-4 with an RBI.

Tides starting pitcher Chris George (2-1) allowed two runs and six hits in six innings, while closer Dennis Sarfate earned his seventh save of the season despite giving up one run in the ninth.

Bowie Baysox (AA)

Score: Bowie Baysox 7, Harrisburg Senators 1 (Box score)

Recap: The Baysox used 13 hits, including three home runs, to pick up a 7-1 victory over Harrisburg. Six players had at least two hits each.

Bowie first baseman Joel Guzman was 3-for-3 with a two-run home run and two runs scored, while second baseman Ryan Adams also had a two-run shot and two runs scored.

Baysox starting pitcher Zach Britton (6-3) continues to improve at the Double-A level. He struck out six batters while holding the Senators to one run and six hits in six innings.

Britton lowered his ERA to 2.84 in the win.

Designated hitter Robbie Widlansky added a home run and two RBIs, and left fielder Tyler Henson was 2-for-3 with a run scored.

Frederick Keys (A)

Score: Salem Red Sox 8, Frederick Keys 5 (Box score)

Recap: Second baseman Miguel Abreu hit a three-run home run, but the Keys blew a three-run lead in an 8-5 loss to Salem at Harry Grove Stadium.

Frederick right fielder Ronnie Welty and third baseman Billy Rowell each contributed a double, and catcher Phil Britton added an RBI.

Keys relief pitcher Brett Bordes (1-1) was charged with the loss after allowing one run and one hit in one inning, while starting pitcher Oliver Drake gave up three runs and eight hits in six innings.

Delmarva Shorebirds (A)

Score: Lexington Legends 7, Delmarva Shorebirds 2 (Box score)

Recap: Starting pitcher Matt Hobgood (3-6) gave up four runs (three earned) and seven hits in five innings during the Shorebirds' 7-2 loss to Lexington.

Hobgood issued four walks and hit a batter. He also collected three strikeouts.

Delmarva left fielder Kieron Pope was 2-for-4 with a double, an RBI and a run scored. He is batting .329 with three home runs and 12 RBIs in 18 games this season.

The Shorebirds committed four errors, including shortstop Garabez Rosa's 22nd defensive miscue of the season. Center fielder Michael Planeta made two errors, and catcher Luis Bernardo also had one.

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 9:43 PM | Permalink | Comments (6)
        

The Brian Roberts’ injury saga continues.

Roberts, who has played just four games this season due to a herniated disk, had an epidural injection in his back today in St. Petersburg, Orioles interim manager Juan Samuel said.

It’s the third such shot he’s had since spring training began.

After the last two, Roberts rested for a couple weeks before beginning light exercises. Roberts didn’t return a phone call on Friday, but it’s likely that timetable will continue. Samuel said that Roberts will be re-evaluated Tuesday in Florida.

“They will do some follow-ups on Tuesday and I guess they are going to decide from there what the next move is going to be,” Samuel said.

Roberts, during his regular call-in with The Scott Garceau Show on 105.7, on Thursday, said he hoped to play in games toward the end of the season – not an encouraging statement for a team that desperately needs its leadoff hitter and sparkplug.

“That doesn’t sound good -- the end of the year,” Samuel said laughing. “But we just want him to get better. If the doctors feel that’s what needs to be done, we have our hands full up here. We have a job to do and try to get the best out of these guys that we have here. If that’s the decision that’s going to be made, that’s going to be up to the doctor.”

Roberts was eligible to come off the 60-day disabled list on Wednesday.

In other injury news, Samuel said closer Alfredo Simon (left hamstring strain) will throw in a simulated game Sunday in Sarasota and could join the Orioles next week on the West Coast.

Michael Gonzalez (left shoulder strain) threw seven pitches in one extended spring training inning and his velocity had improved to 87 mph from 85 mph earlier this month. Samuel said the team is considering summoning Gonzalez from Florida to watch him in person before deciding when to send him out on a minor-league rehab assignment.

Posted by Dan Connolly at 5:21 PM | Permalink | Comments (6)
        

Orioles President of Baseball Operations Andy MacPhail met face-to-face with former Cleveland Indians skipper Eric Wedge on Wednesday as part of an ongoing search to find the club's next manager, according to an industry source.

Wedge is believed to be the first candidate to be interviewed by MacPhail. Former New York Mets manager and current ESPN analyst Bobby Valentine is in Baltimore today to interview.

MacPhail was out of the office for most of Thursday, and one industry source said he was conducting another interview. But details of that have not been disclosed.

MacPhail is not discussing specifics of his managerial search. When contacted by phone Friday morning, Wedge declined comment.

Wedge, 42, took the Indians job in 2003 at the age of 35, and spent seven seasons in Cleveland, compiling a 561-573 record (.495 winning percentage). He was fired last year after the Indians lost 97 games.

In 2007, Wedge won the American League Manager of the Year award by guiding the Indians to 96 wins, an AL Central title and a Game 7 loss to the Boston Red Sox in the American League Championship Series.

A former third-round draft pick and big-league catcher, he spent parts of four seasons with the Boston Red Sox and Colorado Rockies.

The Orioles managerial slot opened June 3, when MacPhail fired Dave Trembley after nearly three years on the job. Interim manager Juan Samuel is 2-4 since taking over June 4.

Posted by Dan Connolly at 12:16 PM | Permalink | Comments (27)
        

Former Orioles right-hander Daniel Cabrera received another chance to make a comeback to the major leagues when the Los Angeles Angels signed him Thursday.

The Angels added Cabrera, 29, to the roster of the Double-A Arkansas Travelers, where he is expected to pitch out of the bullpen. To make room for Cabrera, the Angels released left-hander Jayson Miller.

Cabrera was 0-6 with a 6.00 ERA in 15 games (nine starts) while splitting the 2009 season between the Washington Nationals and the Arizona Diamondbacks. He was also 0-1 with a 6.14 ERA in four starts for the Reno Aces, Arizona's Triple-A affiliate, last year.

In spring training, Cabrera worked out with the Chicago White Sox, but he was released before the beginning of the season. He made three appearances during the spring, giving up seven runs and eight hits in three innings.

Here is a link to The Baltimore Sun's photo gallery of Cabrera.

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 11:35 AM | Permalink | Comments (7)
        

Norfolk Tides (AAA)

Record: (27-35)

Opponent

Gwinnett Braves (7:15 p.m.)

Probable pitchers

Norfolk: Chris George (1-1, 3.71 ERA)
Gwinnett: Jo-Jo Reyes (0-3, 5.94 ERA)

Bowie Baysox (AA)

Record: (30-30)

Opponent

at Harrisburg Senators (7 p.m.)

Probable pitchers

Bowie: Zach Britton (5-3, 2.96 ERA)
Harrisburg: Aaron Thompson (3-8, 6.46 ERA at two levels in 2010)

Frederick Keys (A)

Record: (37-24)

Opponent

Salem Red Sox (7 p.m.)

Probable pitchers

Frederick: Oliver Drake (1-2, 4.31 ERA)
Salem: Miguel Gonzalez (0-0, 7.20 ERA)

Delmarva Shorebirds (A)

Record: (26-35)

Opponent

at Lexington Legends (7:05 p.m.)

Probable pitchers

Delmarva: Matt Hobgood (3-5, 4.40 ERA)
Lexington: Luis Cruz (1-0, 4.73 ERA)

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 10:42 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)
        

The last member of the Orioles’ Big Three -- or so-called cavalry -- has arrived.

You now have seen Jake Arrieta pitch in the majors. You’ve seen him pitch against the New York Yankees. And hold his own, allowing three runs in six innings while pitching out of a tough, bases-loaded jam.

I was impressed. Honestly, I didn’t expect such a performance. Not because I don’t think the kid has talent. But because facing the league’s best-hitting and most patient team is never easy.

It’s ridiculously tough if it is your first big-league start.

So I give Arrieta major credit. It wasn’t Strasburg-esque. But four hits, four walks and six strikeouts in six innings against the Yankees works for me.

Here’s what catcher Matt Wieters had to say about Arrieta: “It was an impressive debut, not as far as the line, but how calm he was out there. He took his time. It was like he was making just another start. I'm sure he had some butterflies going inside, but you couldn't tell on the outside."

More Wieters: "I think it was good for him that he had to pitch, he couldn't just go out there and throw it by those guys. They're too good of hitters. He was able to pitch and get in some sort of rhythm. … It's a good start to sort of go home and relax on. He's got the first one out of the way and now he can go back to what he's always done in the minor leagues."

Now, I want to know what you think.

Daily Think Special: Were you impressed by Jake Arrieta?

Posted by Dan Connolly at 12:14 AM | Permalink | Comments (44)
Categories: Connolly's Corner Sports Bar
        

The Triple-A Norfolk Tides struggled in a loss to the Gwinnett Braves, and the Double-A Bowie Baysox lost both games of a doubleheader to the Binghamton Mets.

The Single-A Frederick Keys beat the Salem Red Sox, while the Single-A Delmarva Shorebirds fell in heartbreaking fashion to the Lexington Legends.

The Keys announced that shortstop Greg Miclat and right fielder Ronnie Welty will represent the team in the 2010 Carolina/California League All-Star Game on June 22 at BB&T Coastal Field in Myrtle Beach, S.C.

Norfolk Tides (AAA)

Score: Gwinnett Braves 4, Norfolk Tides 0 (Box score)

Recap: Starting pitcher Tim Bascom (0-1) pitched well in his Triple-A debut, but the Tides only collected one hit and lost, 4-0, to Gwinnett.

Bascom struck out six batters and issued one walk in seven-plus innings. He was charged with three runs and six hits, throwing 68 of his 92 pitches for strikes in the loss.

Gwinnett starting pitcher Chris Resop (5-2) faced the minimum 27 batters as Tides designated hitter Rhyne Hughes was doubled up after hitting a single in the second inning.

Resop collected eight strikeouts, throwing 80 of his 105 pitches for strikes in the complete game.

Bowie Baysox (AA)

Game 1 score: Binghamton Mets 3, Bowie Baysox 1, 7 innings (Box score)

Game 1 recap: Third baseman Brandon Waring hit a solo home run, but the Baysox couldn't get much going in a 3-1 loss to Binghamton during the first game of the doubleheader.

Waring also committed his seventh error of the season.

Bowie starting pitcher Ryohei Tanaka (3-6) allowed three runs and seven hits in five innings. He hit one batter, gave up two home runs and struck out one.

Second baseman Ryan Adams was 2-for-3 for Bowie.

Game 2 score: Binghamton Mets 2, Bowie Baysox 0, 7 innings (Box score)

Game 2 recap: RIght fielder Joel Guzman collected two hits as the Baysox were blanked, 2-0, by Binghamton in the second game.

Bowie starting pitcher Zach Clark (1-1) gave up two runs and five hits in three innings. He struck out one batter and issued one walk.

Baysox center fielder Jonathan Tucker added a double.

Frederick Keys (A)

Score: Frederick Keys 4, Salem Red Sox 3 (Box score)

Recap: Second baseman Miguel Abreu was 2-for-3 with a triple, two RBIs and a run scored as the Keys edged Salem, 4-3, at Harry Grove Stadium.

Frederick designated hitter Jacob Julius hit a solo home run and scored twice, while third baseman Billy Rowell was 2-for-3 with a run scored.

Keys starting pitcher Nathan Nery (5-5) gave up two runs (one earned) and six hits in 5 1/3 innings. Nery collected six strikeouts and issued two walks.

Relief pitcher Jose Diaz recorded the final four outs to pick up his ninth save of the season for Frederick.

Delmarva Shorebirds (A)

Score: Lexington Legends 7, Delmarva Shorebirds 6, 12 innings (Box score)

Recap: After the Shorebirds took a one-run lead in the top of the 12th inning, right fielder Brian Conley's error in the bottom half of the frame led to two unearned runs as Lexington pulled out a 7-6 victory.

Delmarva third baseman Tyler Stampone was 3-for-6 with two RBIs, and center fielder Steve Bumbry remained hot with two hits, including a double, an RBI and two runs scored.

Shorebirds first baseman T.J. Baxter added a home run and two RBIs.

The bullpen ruined a great start by Delmarva left-hander Nathan Moreau.

He held the Legends to one run and four hits in seven innings, but three relievers -- Brent Allar, James Brandhorst and Patrick Kantakevich -- combined to allow six runs (four earned) in 4 2/3 innings.

Kantakevich (0-1) gave up two unearned runs and three hits in 2 2/3 innings.

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 11:03 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
        

Jake Arrieta completed six innings, throwing 106 pitches, and is done for the night.

His line: 6 IP, 4H, 3 ER, 4 BB (two intentional), 6 Ks.

Reliever Frank Mata is in and will try to preserve the 4-3 lead, which would give Arrieta a win in his big-league debut.

Regardless, he has to be pleased with his performance against the New York Yankees.

Arrieta, 24, allowed just four hits – all for extra bases. At one point he retired nine of 10 Yankees. He threw 61 for strikes and 45 balls – but eight of those came in the sixth as part of intentional walks.

The kid pitched his guts out. And no sequence was gutsier than his last batter in the sixth, Marcus Thames. With the bases loaded and two outs, Arrieta got Thames into a 1-2 count and then threw an 84-mph slider past him, one that had the veteran hitter flailing at strike three.

The Orioles took the lead in the bottom of the sixth on a double by Adam Jones to score Luke Scott, who had tripled (he might have had an inside-the-park homer, but he threw his bat and didn’t run hard out of the box and then had to pick up his speed when Nick Swisher misplayed the fly at the right-field wall).

Posted by Dan Connolly at 9:05 PM | Permalink | Comments (6)
        

In his major-league debut, Jake Arrieta is holding his own against the Yankees. He has made it through four innings, allowing just three hits and one walk.

But he’s been touched up for three runs, because the hits he has allowed have been two doubles and a triple.

Overall he has thrown 62 pitches, 37 for strikes. He threw just 10 pitches total in the fourth inning, retiring the side in order.

He has hit 97 mph on the stadium radar gun once and 96 at least one other time. That’s better velocity than I was told he had.

Overall, it’s been a decent outing so far. There is plenty of game left, of course. He's warming up for the fifth right now.

Posted by Dan Connolly at 8:17 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)
        

The Orioles will interview ESPN analyst Bobby Valentine for their open manager’s job on Friday, according to an industry source.

Andy MacPhail, the club’s President of Baseball Operations, is expected to conduct the meeting in Baltimore.

MacPhail has just started the interviewing process after firing Dave Trembley last Thursday and appointing third base coach Juan Samuel as the interim manager.

Valentine is believed to be the second candidate to interview, an industry source said. MacPhail did not immediately return phone calls, but it’s his policy to refrain from commenting on specific interviews. Valentine could not be reached for comment.

The Sun reported earlier this week that former Cleveland Indians manager Eric Wedge will be interviewed, but that timetable has not been revealed.

Valentine, who is in the first season of a four-year deal with ESPN, took the New York Mets to the World Series in 2000 and won a Japan Series title with the Chiba Lotte Marines in 2005.

Valentine, 60, hasn’t managed in the majors since he was fired by the Mets after the 2002 season. He left for Japan in 2004 and led the Marines until last season. Known as a fiery character and intent student of the game, Valentine managed 15 seasons in the big leagues for the Texas Rangers and Mets, compiling a 1,117-1072 record (.510 winning percentage).

He was the fifth overall pick by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 1968 amateur draft and spent 10 seasons in the majors for five different teams. A career .260 hitter, he played at least one game at every field position in the majors.

Posted by Dan Connolly at 5:15 PM | Permalink | Comments (11)
        

The Orioles have designated reliever Alberto Castillo for assignment, the club announced today.

Castillo, 34, is 1-0 with a 10.13 ERA in 14 games for the Orioles this season. He has allowed 12 earned runs in 10 2/3 innings.

Taking Castillo's place on the Orioles' roster, as expected, is right-handed pitcher Jake Arrieta, who will start tonight against the New York Yankees.

Arrieta, 24, was 6-2 with a 1.85 ERA in 12 appearances for the Tides. He has the best ERA in the International League and ranks second in innings pitched, tied for third in wins and sixth in strikeouts.

Posted by Baltimore Sun sports at 2:57 PM | Permalink | Comments (12)
        

To paraphrase a line from “Stripes,” I wanna go to Vegas with you people. Crazy. Wild men.

I asked in the last entry for you to predict what Washington Nationals’ phenom Stephen Strasburg’s line would be on Tuesday night in his big-league debut against the Pittsburgh Pirates.

And so many of you were in the ballpark (metaphorically speaking, we know you weren’t at Camden Yards unless you are wearing pinstripes or yelling “Remmdawwg”) that I’m buying everyone in the place a free drink.

It’s easy to do that when the beer, vodka and whiskey are made of air.

Strasburg’s line was 7 innings pitched, 4 hits allowed, 2 ER, one homer, no walks and 14 strikeouts and the win. No one predicted that kind of dominance – except one smarty pants, who said 9 IP, 27 Ks – but many of you weren’t that far off.

We’re going to give out two free bar tabs for the week to Ben S (7 IP, 4H, 1R, 2BB, 10 K) and AZChuck (8 IP, 4H, 1R, 2BB and 12K).

Also, two free Dos Equis are sliding down the bar to Connolly’s regular Rob K, who predicted 7 IP, 4H, 7Ks and O BB and ER.

Nice job to all, especially Strasburg, who was absolutely amazing. Here’s a stat you may not have heard, and it comes courtesy my friend Adam Kilgore, Nats writer for the Post. Never before in baseball history has someone struck out 14 or more batters in 94 pitches or fewer.

The kid had an 11-pitch inning in which he struck out the side. Incredible.

Anyway, while at Nationals Park on Tuesday, I was pleasantly surprised about how electric the scene was. The fans were on their feet off and on throughout the game; they even gave Strasburg a standing ovation when he walked in from the bullpen after his warmups.

That’s great for Washington to have something to be so excited about. And it got me wondering. Now that they have Strasburg up and have drafted potential slugger Bryce Harper on Monday, I want to know if you would trade the Orioles’ organization straight up for the Nationals’ organization.

You get everything they have, the 25-man roster, the farm system, GM Mike Rizzo and manager Jim Riggleman, Ryan Zimmerman and Drew Storen, the Lerner family and the Harper negotiations. You’d have to give up Andy MacPhail and the managerial search, Nick Markakis, Adam Jones and Brian Matusz, the Machado negotiations and, yes, Orioles current ownership.

The only things you get to keep are the American League East, the name, colors and logo and Camden Yards. Those are bittersweet remnants.

I am still not sure I’d do it. I think the Orioles’ young talent base is deeper. Perhaps not as talented, but deeper.

Would you?

Daily Think Special: Would you swap the Orioles’ roster and organization for the Nationals’ right now?

Posted by Dan Connolly at 11:18 AM | Permalink | Comments (127)
Categories: Connolly's Corner Sports Bar
        

Note: The Double-A Bowie Baysox transferred relief pitcher Ryan Ouellette to the short-season Single-A Aberdeen IronBirds and activated right-hander Zach Clark. This move is necessary for Clark to start the second game of today's doubleheader.

Norfolk Tides (AAA)

Record: (27-34)

Opponent

Gwinnett Braves (7:15 p.m.)

Probable pitchers

Norfolk: Tim Bascom (3-4, 3.43 ERA with Double-A Bowie Baysox in 2010)
Gwinnett: Chris Resop (4-2, 2.10 ERA)

Bowie Baysox (AA)

Record: (30-28)

Opponent

Doubleheader at Binghamton Mets (10:45 a.m.)

Game 1: Probable pitchers

Bowie: Ryohei Tanaka (3-5, 4.00 ERA)
Binghamton: Mike Antonini (3-4, 4.33 ERA)

Game 2: Probable pitchers

Bowie: Zach Clark (1-1, 2.60 ERA at three levels in 2010)
Binghamton: Josh Stinson (2-1, 3.12 ERA)

Frederick Keys (A)

Record: (36-24)

Opponent

Salem Red Sox (7 p.m.)

Probable pitchers

Frederick: Nathan Nery (4-5, 3.53 ERA)
Salem: Stolmy Pimentel (4-3, 3.88 ERA)

Delmarva Shorebirds (A)

Record: (26-34)

Opponent

at Lexington Legends (7:05 p.m.)

Probable pitchers

Delmarva: Nathan Moreau (1-2, 3.70 ERA)
Lexington: Jose Cisnero (3-3, 4.35 ERA)

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 8:48 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

As you know by now, the Orioles selected Florida high school shortstop Manny Machado with the third overall pick in the 2010 MLB draft.

Here is The Baltimore Sun story about the selection, courtesy of Jeff Zrebiec and Dan Connolly in today's newspaper. Connolly also posted thoughts and quotes about Machado on Orioles Insider.

Now, let's see what everyone else is saying about the Orioles' decision to take Machado at No. 3, as well as the rest of their selections. I'll be updating this post over the next two days with any news and articles that I can find about the players who the Orioles draft.

Please continue to check back for updates over the next few days. I'll add the players in the order that they're drafted at the bottom of the entry along with any links and information I can find on them.

First round: Manny Machado, SS, Brito Miami Private (Fla.) School

• Here is the MLB.com scouting report and video of Machado.

Summary: Machado entered the season as the top high school position player and has done nothing to diminish that evaluation. Big and athletic, he can do just about everything on the baseball field, with the ability to hit for plenty of average and some power as he matures. He's got more than enough arm to play shortstop and is fine there for now, though there is some concern he'll outgrow the position. Even if he does, he'd be just fine at third, both in terms of handling the position defensively and providing the kind of offense teams look for at the hot corner. Regardless of his position, Machado is primed to be one of the earliest names taken off the board in June.

• Watch video and read a brief scouting report from BaseballBeginnings.com's John Klima about Machado.

• While most people have been drawing comparisons between Machado and New York Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez, The Miami Herald's Manny Navarro makes another interesting connection.

Manny Machado grew up idolizing Alex Rodriguez. Now, he will try and follow in the footsteps of Cal Ripken Jr. and become the star shortstop in Baltimore.

He celebrated the moment at home with more than two dozen family members and friends, who piled up next to him as he was interviewed by the MLB Network for a few moments before his phone cut off.

• Jonathan Mayo of MLB.com discusses how Machado's family helped to turn him into a mature player who can handle the comparions to Rodriguez.

Those values come from having a strong family, though it was one without a father in the house. Machado grew up with three women -- his mother, grandmother and older sister -- and they deserve much of the credit for raising him to have such strong character.

"He's basically my dad," Machado said. "That's basically my second home. I used to get home and go to the park. It was always me, him and my cousin."

• The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette's Chuck Finder talks about Machado's alternatives. It's not a given that he'll agree to terms before the Aug. 16 deadline.

He maintains that, if this draft business doesn't work out, he could always settle into shortstop for Florida International University, whose scholarship offer he accepted last fall.

"Maybe twice if I go to FIU."

• Sports Illustrated's Joe Lemire writes about Machado's current workout routine.

Machado admitted that he has only dabbled in some basic weight-training to date, though that'll change in a professional organization (or, if he somehow doesn't agree to a contract, at Florida International, where he has signed a scholarship). He has also reportedly been working out with Tony Valdez, a Miami trainer who has been previously employed by Manny Ramirez, Jose Valverde and Edgar Renteria.

Third round: Daniel Klein, RHP, UCLA

• Here is the MLB.com scouting report and video of Klein.

Summary: After missing all of 2009 because of shoulder surgery, Klein wasn't really on radar screens. That changed in a hurry as he emerged as one of the better college closers in the country. He can throw four pitches for strikes, leading some to think he should get a chance to start at the next level. Even if that doesn't pan out, teams know they will have a competitive pitcher who can excel in a relief role and move quickly through a system. If teams feel he's fully healthy -- and he appears to be -- that's the type of arm that usually gets drafted fairly early.

Fourth round: Trent Mummey, CF, Auburn

• The Birmingham News' Charles Goldberg talks about Mummey's rebound from injury issues earlier this season to lead the Tigers into the NCAA tournament.

Mummey, the former Pinson Valley High School standout, waited patiently for this day, usually in the front of the dugout while waiting for his ankle to heal.

Mummey is hitting .371 with 47 RBIs, and he has made his homers count.

• Andrew Gribble of the Opelika-Auburn News also discusses Mummey's recovery.

Center fielder Trent Mummey hated it at the time, but now calls the sprained ankle he suffered one week before the season a “blessing in disguise.”

“I had a lot of expectations for the year, so I was definitely worried when it happened,” Mummey said. “I came back really hot and it worked out.”

Fifth round: Connor Narron, SS, C.B. Aycock (N.C.) H.S.

• While addressing 10 questions in his draft preview, Baseball America's John Manuel mentions that Narron -- who is former Orioles coach Jerry Narron's son, by the way -- is more likely to play college baseball than sign a pro contract.

North Carolina prep Connor Narron, son of Jerry, is expected to bypass pro ball and play in college for the home-state Tar Heels.

Sixth round: Dixon Anderson, RHP, California

• The Tulsa World's Guerin Emig writes about a walk-off home run that Anderson allowed to Oral Roberts' Tyler Garewal on Saturday, which eliminated California from the NCAA tournament.

Now, Cal reliever Dixon Anderson had just retired Joey Winiecki to begin the bottom of the ninth. His first pitch to Garewal?

"I got under it a little bit, and I figured it would carry in this wind."

Seventh round: Matt Bywater, LHP, Pepperdine

• In late May, Bywater broke the school record for most shutouts in a season, writes Rhiannon Potkey of the Ventura County Star.

Around the diamond: Junior pitcher Matt Bywater (Thousand Oaks) broke the Pepperdine single-season record for shutouts in a 5-0 victory over San Diego. Bywater’s fourth shutout broke a nine-way tie for first place on the all-time list. Bywater lowered his ERA to 2.29 with his fifth complete game of the season.

• In a separate article, Potkey talks about Bywater's 2010 statistics.

Pepperdine junior pitcher Matt Bywater (Thousand Oaks) earned a win in his last game to finish the regular season with a career-low ERA of 2.40. Bywater established season highs in strikeouts (83), innings pitched (9723), an NCAA-best four shutouts and five complete games. Bywater was a unanimous first-team All-West Coast Conference selection.

Eighth round: Wynston Sawyer, C, Scripps Ranch (Calif.) H.S.

• In The San Diego Union-Tribune, Rick Davis writes about Sawyer's hard work, which helped him to be noticed by major-league scouts.

Sawyer’s draft stock has risen dramatically this spring because he has added about 20 pounds through weight training. He has emerged as a power hitter and has improved his catching skills, said Scripps Ranch coach Ryan Thompson, whose Falcons won the Eastern League title and ended the season 24-8.

Thompson said scouts fancied Sawyer last season but noted deficiencies in blocking pitches in the dirt and other catching duties.

Ninth round: Parker Bridwell, RHP, Hereford (Texas) H.S.

• The Amarillo (Texas) Globe-News' Lance Lahnert offers some background on Bridwell.

Bridwell graduated from Hereford High last month, completing a stellar athletic career for the Whitefaces during which he starred in football, basketball and as a baseball pitcher. Bridwell has signed to play baseball at Texas Tech.

"Everything has gone well and I think I will be drafted," said Bridwell, who went 7-2 and recorded 106 strikeouts in 65 innings.

• George Watson of the Lubbock (Texas) Avalanche-Journal ponders whether Bridwell will give up his scholarship to Texas Tech to sign with the Orioles.

It will be interesting to see what he does. Can Tech do with him like they did with Bettis three years ago and convince him to skip the money now for potentially bigger money in three years?

We'll see.

10th round: Clayton Schrader, RHP, San Jacinto (Texas) College North

11th round: Alexander Gonzalez, RHP, Boca Raton Community (Fla.) H.S.

• The South Florida Sun Sentinel's Christy Cabrera Chirinos talks about Gonzalez's connection to another 2010 draft pick of the Orioles.

Gonzalez went 4-6 with a 2.48 ERA this season. But he struck out 69 batters in 65 innings pitched and performed well during summer ball, earning the attention of Orioles scouts who came to watch one of his teammates -- highly touted Miami Brito shortstop and FIU signee Manny Machado.

"The Orioles had their whole staff come to watch him and I pitched that game and they saw me," Gonzalez said. "I'm happy and I knew something good was going to come out of the draft."

• Cristina Ledra of The Palm Beach Post discusses Gonzalez's expected timetable for a decision on whether to sign with the Orioles or play in college at Oral Roberts.

Gonzalez said the Orioles called him before the 10th round but ended up taking him in the 11th, which is about where he was hoping to go. He added that he would take the summer to weigh his options before making a decision on whether to sign or go to college.

12th round: Riley Hornback, OF, San Jacinto (Texas) College North

• Quick note: MLB.com originally listed Ryan Hornback as the Orioles' selection here, but the Orioles confirmed to me that they actually selected Riley Hornback, his brother and teammate at San Jacinto College North.

• In this article from May, The (Grand Junction, Texas) Daily Sentinel's Patrick Bahr writes about Hornback and his brother, Ryan, who combined to lead San Jacinto this season.

Balancing out a strong pitching staff is an equally dangerous offense. San Jac has a .316 batting average, led by the Hornback brothers, Riley and Ryan. Riley is a sophomore who hit .313 in last year’s World Series and who’s hitting .358 with 53 RBI this spring. Ryan, a freshman, is hitting .341 with 13 doubles.

13th round: Jeremy Nowak, OF, Mount Olive (N.C.) College

• WITN-TV in Washington, N.C., posted this article about Nowak's selection.

A current St. Louis Cardinal phenom provides Nowak with some inspiration: three-time National League Most Valuable Player Albert Pujols was also a 13th-round selection, back in 1999.

Nowak added, “This has been my goal since I first started playing baseball. I’m going to give all of my effort and just work my hardest. If it doesn’t work out and I don’t make the majors, it won’t be because I didn’t work hard enough.”

14th round: Michael Mosby, 3B, Wabash Valley (Ill.) College

15th round: Joe Oliveira, C, Pacific

• The (Stockton, Calif.) Record's Jagdip Dhillon profiled Oliveira last month, including his somewhat long journey to professional baseball.

Oliveira arrived from San Diego in 2006 after being a standout in baseball and basketball at University City High School. The 6-foot, 205-pounder was intrigued by Ed Sprague's rebuilding plan, and the coach knew he was adding a foundational piece. Oliveira said after meeting Sprague he knew this is where he wanted to be, and he's never had to second-guess the decision since.

Oliveira has also had to make decisions on whether to leave school for professional baseball after his junior year in 2008 and if it made sense to come back for a fifth season after losing much of last year to a broken right hand.

16th round: Brandon King, OF, Fresno (Calif.) City College

17th round: David Richardson, LF, Hillsborough (Fla.) Community College

18th round: Sebastian Vader, RHP, San Marcos (Calif.) H.S.

19th round: Kenneth Wise, RHP, Santa Fe (Fla.) College

• The Gainesville (Ga.) Times shares Wise's 2010 statistics in this article.

Then in the 19th round, the Baltimore Orioles selected Ken Wise, a 2008 East Hall High graduate, with the 568th overall selection. This season, Wise was tied for the team high in wins with a 5-2 record and a 4.20 ERA at Santa Fe College in Gainesville, Fla.

20th round: Matt Drummond, LHP, UCLA

21st round: Scott Copeland, RHP, Southern Miss

22nd round: Tanner Murphy, C, Mountain Ridge (Ariz.) H.S.

23rd round: Christopher Clinton, CF, Eckerd (Fla.)

24th round: Timothy Adleman, RHP, Georgetown

25th round: Vincent Zazueta, SS, Arizona Western College

26th round: Austin Goolsby, C, Embry-Riddle

27th round: Austin Urban, RHP, Richland (Pa.) H.S.

28th round: Jaime Esquivel, RHP, South Houston (Texas) H.S.

• Houston Chronicle correspondent Jason McDaniel discusses Esquivel's commitment to play baseball in college at Rice, which could make a signing with the Orioles unlikely.

“He plans to go to Rice unless a team drafts him and offers him a substantial signing bonus,” Elliot said. “He would have to consider that, but as or right now he’s pretty set on going to play for Rice.”

If they think he’ll sign, he could go from the fifth to 10th round. If not -- and they’re likely to be skeptical since he’s already signed with a premiere program -- he could go late, from the 15th to 25th round.

29th round: Cameron Roth, LHP, UNC Wilmington

30th round: Michael Rooney, SS, UNC Wilmington

• Chuck Carree of the (Wilmington, N.C.) Star-News discusses Rooney's defensive skills, which earned him an award from the Colonial Athletic Association this season.

UNC-Wilmington senior shortstop Mike Rooney made only nine errors during the 2010 season; three in the last 36 games.

“Personally it is a great accomplishment,’’ he said. “I pride myself on being a good defensive player and to be recognized as the top defensive player in the conference is definitely an honor. It is one of those things where you are kind of speechless.’’

31st round: Adam Gaylord, 3B, Stanford

32nd round: Joe Robinson, RHP, College of Southern Nevada

• The Las Vegas Sun's Ray Brewer predicted that Robinson would be picked much earlier.

Pitcher Joe Robinson, who went 9-1 with a 2.62 ERA this spring, will also likely be a top-10 round pick.

33rd round: Steven Mazur, RHP, Notre Dame

34th round: Samuel Starr, SS, British Columbia

• Lyndon Little of the Vancouver Sun writes about Starr, including this quote from his coach.

"In 2007 we needed to recruit a middle infielder and I remember sending [assistant coach] Shawn Corness to scout the Canada Cup where Sammie was playing second base for Team Ontario," recalls McKaig. "He called me right away and said he had found our guy. With Sammie it's always been about his size [5-9, 179 pounds]. But he's been just a great clutch hitter for us. And Mark's last four starts this year were as good a stretch on the mound as perhaps we've ever had for UBC."

35th round: Joseph Donaldson, UTIL, Southeastern

36th round: Brad Decater, SS, Cal-State Northridge

37th round: Austin Knight, 2B, Palm Beach (Fla.) State College

38th round: Jeremy Shelby, CF, Grambling State

• NewOrleans.com's Ken Trahan gives some background information on Shelby, including the outfielder's connection to the Orioles before they drafted him.

In the 38th round, the Baltimore Orioles chose center fielder Jeremy Shelby of Grambling State with pick #1,138. The 6’3, 180 pound senior helped lead the Tigers to the SWAC tournament title and an NCAA berth in 2010. Shelby hit .354 with 6 home runs and 39 RBI while stealing 20 bases. Shelby is the son of former Baltimore Orioles, Dodgers and Tigers center fielder John Shelby.

• MLB.com's Noah Rosenstein describes the younger Shelby's reaction to the selection.

"He was just hollering and screaming, and couldn't believe it," John said. "The whole family, we're all excited."

"They had asked me about him and I told them, gave them a little bit of information on his season. They said his name is on the board and they said, 'We're going to take him,'" John said. "So I called him and let him know. I thought he would know, but he didn't know."

39th round: Travis Strong, RHP, No school

40th round: Joe Velleggia, C, Old Dominion

41st round: David Blanchard, SS, Cherokee County (Ala.) H.S.

42nd round: Jacob Pettit, LHP, Western Oregon State

43rd round: Blair Dunlap, OF, UCLA

44th round: Preston Hale, OF, North Florida

• The Florida Times-Union's Hays Carlyon discusses Hale's college statistics, as well as the Orioles' reported plans for him.

Hale was an offensive force for UNF this past season. The senior batted .391 with 12 homers and 63 RBI in 58 games. The Lakeland native played in the outfield for UNF, but he will be moved to first base with the Orioles.

"Preston is one of the top five hitters we've ever had at UNF," former UNF coach Dusty Rhodes said. "Physically, he's well put together. He's very muscular and works hard in the weight room. He's more of a contact hitter, but he does have power."

45th round: Nathan Williams, RHP, Scripps Ranch (Calif.) H.S.

46th round: Daniel Torres, C, Countryside (Fla.) H.S.

47th round: Cody Young, RF, Anderson (Ind.)

• Thomas St. Myer of The (Muncie, Ind.) Star Press gives an interesting tidbit about Young.

Young grew up a Minnesota Twins fan, but he has a soft spot in his heart for the Orioles.

When Young battled cancer as a 10-year-old, Orioles Hall of Fame shortstop Cal Ripken sent him autographed merchandise.

• In a separate article, St. Myer talks about Young's fight against cancer.

At the age of 9, Young asked the doctor, "Am I going to die?"

The doctor tried to soften the blow by replying, "We're all going to die sometime."

• The (Anderson, Ind.) Herald Bulletin's George Bremer writes about Young's 2010 season.

He hit .482 with 13 homers and 43 RBIs despite missing most of the non-conference season with a dislocated patella.

Even though the Orioles were one of two teams he’d gone through a predraft workout with, Young was surprised by the selection. Baltimore already had selected eight outfielders before choosing him.

48th round: Alex Schmarzo, RHP, St. Mary's (Calif.)

49th round: Hayden Jordan, RHP, Whitewater (Ga.) H.S.

50th round: Philip Walby, RHP, Scripps Ranch (Calif.) H.S.

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

The Triple-A Norfolk Tides topped the Gwinnett Braves, and the Single-A Frederick Keys edged the Potomac Nationals. The Single-A Delmarva Shorebirds were idle, while the matchup between the Double-A Bowie Baysox and Binghamton Mets was postponed due to rain.

The Baysox will play a doubleheader Thursday against Binghamton. Both games are scheduled for seven innings. The first contest is expected to start at 10:35 a.m.

Prior to today's game, right-handed pitcher Zach Clark was transferred to the short-season Single-A Aberdeen IronBirds roster, and right-hander Andy Mitchell replaced him with the Tides.

Norfolk Tides (AAA)

Score: Norfolk Tides 3, Gwinnett Braves 1 (Box score)

Recap: Designated hitter Rhyne Hughes was 2-for-4 with a triple, a solo home run and two runs scored in the Tides' 3-1 win over Gwinnett at Harbor Park.

Norfolk first baseman Michael Aubrey and second baseman Robert Andino each added an RBI, while shortstop Blake Davis scored a run.

Tides starting pitcher Armando Gabino (3-0) held the Braves to one run and five hits in 5 2/3 innings. He compiled six strikeouts and hit two batters.

Relief pitcher Dennis Sarfate earned his sixth save for Norfolk.

Frederick Keys (A)

Score: Frederick Keys 4, Potomac Nationals 3 (Box score)

Recap: In his 172nd game since his professional career started, shortstop Greg Miclat hit his first home run to lead the Keys to a 4-3 victory over Potomac.

Miclat was 2-for-5 with two RBIs and two runs scored in the win. Not only was it his first home run in the organization, but the 22-year-old infielder also didn't hit any home runs during three seasons in college at Virginia.

Frederick second baseman Miguel Abreu was 2-for-5 with two RBIs, and right fielder Ronnie Welty added two hits and a run scored.

Keys starting pitcher Ryan O'Shea (4-3) tossed six scoreless innings, walking four batters and giving up three hits. He also had two strikeouts.

Third baseman Billy Rowell was 0-for-2 with two walks for the Keys. Rowell, who is now batting .236 this season, also committed his 10th error of the season.

Relief pitcher Sean Gleason tossed a scoreless frame to pick up his third save of the season for Frederick. He gave up one hit and struck out one batter.

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 11:25 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)
        

Through three innings, the Orioles have taken a very good approach with Yankees ace CC Sabathia, who is being forced to work a little bit, something the Orioles haven't always made the opposing starter do.

Sabathia threw 63 pitches in the first three innings, allowing an RBI single to Garrett Atkins in the second inning, and an RBI single to Adam Jones in the third.

Orioles starter Chris TIllman is still struggling to command his fastball. He's escaped some jams and allowed one run on Curtis Granderson's sacrifice fly in the top of the fourth. However, his pitch count is also elevated.

It's raining hard here and the grounds crew is stationed behind the tarp.

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 8:24 PM | Permalink | Comments (6)
        

Here's Director of Amateur Scouting Joe Jordan's general thoughts on the Orioles 49-player haul in the just concluded draft.

"Like every year, you love your draft before they’ve gone out and played," Jordan said. "We did some good things. We got some shortstops. We got some catchers. We got some arms that we like. We’ll see. Tonight and tomorrow, I’ll have a chance to sit down and really look at it. But on the surface, it looks like a good deal. I like our draft."

Jordan said that the team is already close to signing Auburn University outfielder Trent Mummey, the team's fourth-round pick, and has several other picks ready to sign. First-rounder Manny Machado is not one of them.

"I don’t think it’s going to happen any time soon," Jordan said. "I’ll call Manny tomorrow. I told him when I spoke to him that I was going to give it a couple of days to calm down and I’ll get back to him. It will be more to make sure he has my phone number. It’s going to take some time. There’s no way around that. That’s the way it is. He’s one of the better players in the draft so we’re going to have to wait. It won’t be any different than any other time."

Asked how many players he expects to sign, Jordan said, "We may have taken some guys down in the draft that the likelihood of signing is small. Really for the most part, the guys that we took in the meaningful part of the draft, I feel like I have the budget to go sign them all."

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 7:21 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)
        

Injured reliever Jim Johnson (right elbow inflammation) started his throwing program on Monday. He took yesterday off and he played catch again today. He right now is on the same schedule as injured outfielder Felix Pie. Both remain a ways away.

The Orioles drafted infielder Austin Knight in the 37th round on Day Three of the amateur draft. Knight prepped at Boys Latin before moving on to Palm Beach Community College.

In the next round, the Orioles selected Grambling State outfielder Jeremy Shelby. He is the son of Orioles' first-base coach John "T-Bone" Shelby.

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 1:34 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

It was widely assumed that if Triple-A Norfolk right-hander Jake Arrieta made his big-league debut on this homestand, it would be on Saturday night against the Mets as the Orioles still haven't announced a starter for that outing after pushing the struggling Brad Bergesen to the bullpen.

However, I'm hearing from multiple sources that Arrieta will instead make his debut tomorrow night against the New York Yankees. Jeremy Guthrie is scheduled to start that game, but he'd be pushed back to Friday with Brian Matusz filling the starter void on Saturday.

We've been told on numerous occasions that the Orioles are just keeping the options open and they haven't made a definitive decision yet, but this appears to be the direction they are headed.

If it's tomorrow night against the Yankees, that would give Guthrie one more day between starts. Guthrie has been dealing with some soreness in the side\oblique area, along with some other general soreness.

I guess the Orioles could skip Guthrie's turn and allow Bergesen to start on Saturday, but that doesn't seem likely at this point, especially since the team's bullpen is running on fumes and Bergesen will likely be needed to pitch in relief at some point over the next couple of days.

Arrieta is 6-2 with a 1.85 ERA for the Tides. He last pitched in relief on June 5, allowing one run in two innings. He's on schedule to start on Thursday for Norfolk so perhaps team officials want to keep him on regular rest for his debut and that's why they are planning to start him in Baltimore that night.

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 9:01 AM | Permalink | Comments (29)
        

The Triple-A Norfolk Tides edged the Gwinnett Braves, while the Double-A Bowie Baysox split a doubleheader with the Binghamton Mets. The Single-A Frederick Keys fell to the Potomac Nationals, while the Single-A Delmarva Shorebirds escaped with a win over the Hagerstown Suns.

The Baysox made a few roster moves today, including one that could foreshadow Jake Arrieta's pending jump to the major leagues.

Right-handed pitcher Tim Bascom was temporarily assigned to the short-season Aberdeen IronBirds, but he is reportedly expected to be added to the Tides soon.

Also, catcher Zach Booker and right-hander Josh Perrault were added to the Baysox roster. Perrault was activated from the disabled list in order to start the second game of tonight's doubleheader.

Norfolk Tides (AAA)

Score: Norfolk Tides 10, Gwinnett Braves 9 (Box score)

Recap: Shortstop Robert Andino was 3-for-4 with a double, a home run and five RBIs in the Tides' 10-9 win over Gwinnett at Harbor Park.

Norfolk first baseman Brandon Snyder contributed two hits, including a double, and an RBI, while second baseman Paco Figueroa was 2-for-3 with a double and two runs scored.

Tides relief pitcher Kam Mickolio (2-2) picked up the victory despite allowing both inherited runners to score, and closer Dennis Sarfate struck out the side in the ninth for his fifth save of the season.

Starting pitcher Brandon Erbe remains winless for the Tides this season after giving up five runs (four earned) and eight hits in five innings.

Third baseman Josh Bell was 2-for-3 with an RBI for Norfolk.

Bowie Baysox (AA)

Game 1 score: Bowie Baysox 5, Binghamton Mets 0, 7 innings (Box score)

Game 1 recap: Starting pitcher Chorye Spoone (5-5) tossed six scoreless innings to lead the Baysox to a 5-0 victory over Binghamton in the first game of the doubleheader.

Spoone allowed four hits, collected five strikeouts and walked five batters.

Bowie left fielder Tyler Henson hit a pair of doubles and scored a run, while catcher Caleb Joseph was 1-for-3 with two RBIs in the win.

Third baseman Brandon Waring added a double and two runs scored for Bowie.

Game 2 score: Binghamton Mets 6, Bowie Baysox 3, 7 innings (Box score)

Game 2 recap: Henson was 2-for-4 with an RBI, but the Baysox were unable to complete the doubleheader sweep in a 6-3 loss to Binghamton during the nightcap.

Perrault (0-1) gave up three runs (two earned) and two hits in his 2010 debut. He also hit two batters, issued one walk and collected two strikeouts for the Baysox.

Center fielder Jonathan Tucker was 2-for-3 with a run scored for Bowie.

Frederick Keys (A)

Score: Potomac Nationals 8, Frederick Keys 7 (Box score)

Recap: The Keys were unable to keep a four-run lead as Potomac rallied to win, 8-7.

Frederick left fielder Jacob Julius was 2-for-5 with a home run and four RBIs, while first baseman Joe Mahoney was 3-for-3 with a double, two RBIs and a run scored.

Keys center fielder Xavier Avery collected three hits, including two doubles, two runs scored and an RBI, while Kyle Hudson picked up his 17th stolen base of the season.

Starting pitcher Ryan Berry was charged with four runs (two earned) and four hits in five innings for Frederick, and relief pitcher Jose Duran (3-1) was touched up for four runs (three earned) and six hits in 2 1/3 innings.

Delmarva Shorebirds (A)

Score: Delmarva Shorebirds 4, Hagerstown Suns 3 (Box score)

Recap: Right fielder Brian Conley was 3-for-4 with a triple, two RBIs, a stolen base and a run scored in the Shorebirds' 4-3 victory over Hagerstown at Arthur W. Perdue Stadium.

Delmarva left fielder Kieron Pope added a two-run home run and a double, while third baseman Tyler Kelly was 1-for-4 with a double and a run scored.

Shorebirds relief pitcher Nicholas Haughian (4-1) retired all three batters he faced to earn the win, and closer Josh Dowdy tossed a scoreless ninth for his eighth save of the season.

Despite holding the Suns to three runs (two earned) and eight hits in seven innings, Shorebirds starting pitcher Luis Noel didn't factor in the decision.

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 10:40 PM | Permalink | Comments (6)
        

Here are a couple of comments from Orioles director of scouting Joe Jordan after the team's 28 selections in Day Two of baseball's amateur draft. The Orioles drafted five catchers and two more shortstops after selection Florida high school shortstop Manny Machado with the third overall pick last night.

On the day in general: "It was a good day. We got a lot of guys that we targeted and that’s what you try to do. We had a couple of guys that fell to us that we’re very happy about. It started with Dan Klein, our first pick today. He was a kid that we drafted out of high school and UCLA. It was a good day. It was long, grueling. You try and stay focused. I need a little time to go through it and see how much money I’m spending."

On Klein, the right-handed pitcher out of UCLA who was the club's third-round pick: "We had him evaluated in high school exactly where we have him now. It was just a situation at that time, the money was pretty significant. We followed him all summer and just couldn’t come up with the money. As it turns out, he had a really good freshman year. This year, he was just dominant. We don’t see him particularly as a closer. We like him as a starter. He’s 6-4. He’s got size. His stuff got better and everything improved like we hoped he would when we took him in high school."

On fifth-round pick Connor Narron, a high school third baseman from North Carolina: "He’s a kid that is going to take maybe a little bit of time to get it done, but we feel good about what it’s going to cost, his desire to play. It’s just a matter of doing it the right way. He’ll be playing. He’ll be playing this summer."

On fourth-round pick Trent Mummey, an outfielder out of Auburn University: "He had a broken fibula the first part of the season. We basically had to wait for him to get healthy and start playing. I think over the last few months … he hit 18 home runs. He’s a Lenny Dysktra type of guy as far as stature and his build. He’s very competitive. I talked to someone else a couple of days ago about the type of player that we’re looking for as far as makeup and he fits it to a tee. We really got a guy in the fourth round that we wanted in a lot of ways."

On sixth-round pick Dixon Anderson, a right-handed pitcher from U.C. Berkeley: "He fell because he didn’t have a good year and he wants some money. But some of my best scouts on my staff saw some good days and had good numbers on him. We have some work to do on the delivery, but it’s a power sinker. The guy can really sink the ball and we try to focus on the type of fastball that he’s got."

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 8:33 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
        

Pitching prospect Jake Arrieta is getting closer to making his major league debut.

The Orioles still haven't announced a starter for Saturday but Arrieta, who is 6-2 with a 1.85 ERA for Triple-A Norfolk, is one of the frontrunners to make that start. Brad Bergesen, who was sent to the bullpen, also could get the call.

A lot will depend on whether Bergesen is used in the bullpen the next two nights. If so, it would make it highly likely that Arrieta will make his big-league debut on Saturday against the New York Mets. Arrieta is tentatively scheduled to start for Triple-A Norfolk on Thursday, but it looks more and more like his next start will be in Baltimore.

There are other scenarios where he could be called up as well but as interim manager Juan Samuel told the media today, 'Let's cross that bridge when we get there."

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 6:45 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

Injured second baseman Brian Roberts (herniated disk) will undergo more testing on his back over the next couple of days before the club determines the severity of his latest setback. Until then, he'll be shut down from baseball activities.

Orioles president of baseball operations Andy MacPhail wanted to wait until the further testing gets done before commenting on how big of a setback this is, but he did acknowledge that the "additional testing is not a good sign."

He also said the team believes that Roberts' latest back problem isn't related to the injury that has kept him out since April.

Asked if season-ending surgery is becoming more of an option, MacPhail said, "No one has uttered that word to me."

Injured closer Michael Gonzalez (left shoulder strain) allowed one hit over one scoreless inning in an extended spring training game today. His velocity was clocked in the mid 80's. MacPhail said that he'll throw to hitters at least once more down in Sarasota before going on a rehab assignment.

Alfredo Simon (left hamstring strain) could return to the club before the end of this home stand. MacPhail said that Simon will not need a rehab assignment at one of the club's affiliates.

Corey Patterson (tweaked groin) is out of the lineup again today, but he's hoping to return by Wednesday or Thursday. I have my money on Thursday with lefty CC Sabathia pitching for the Yankees tomorrow.

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 4:17 PM | Permalink | Comments (7)
        

The Orioles selected right-handed pitcher Dan Klein out of UCLA with the 85th pick in the third round of the amateur draft,

Klein, 21, is 6-foot-3, 190 pounds, and was the Bruins' closer this season after missing all of last year with shoulder surgery. He is 5-0 with a 2.33 ERA and nine saves in 35 appearances, all in relief. In 44 1/3 innings this year for UNCLA, he has allowed 35 hits and eight walks while striking out 48.

The scouting reports say his fastball sits between 91 and 93 miles per hour and he has a good sinker and chengeup. His curveball is described as average.

With three decent pitches, there are some questions as to whether Klein will be a starter or reliever at the next level. We'll have to ask Orioles scouting director Joe Jordan when he meets the media later, but we all know this team's needs at the back end of the bullpen. Most scouting reporters say that he's very poised and he'll move through the system quickly.

The Orioles then used their fourth-round pick on Trent Mummey, a left-handed hitting outfielder from Auburn University. Mummey, a 21-year-old who is 5-foot-10 and 185 pounds, is hitting .366 with 17 homers, 54 RBIs and eight steals this season.

Mummey won a 2009 ABCA/Rawlings NCAA Division I Gold Glove last year after posting a .995 fielding percentage with seven outfield assists and just one error while playing center field for Auburn.

The Orioles did not have a second-round pick after signing Type A free agent Michael Gonzalez this past offseason.

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 12:48 PM | Permalink | Comments (13)
        

Norfolk Tides (AAA)

Record: (25-34)

Opponent

Gwinnett Braves (7:15 p.m.)

Probable pitchers

Norfolk: Brandon Erbe (0-9, 6.14 ERA)
Gwinnett: Jose Ortegano (4-5, 4.26 ERA at two levels in 2010)

Bowie Baysox (AA)

Record: (29-27)

Opponent

Doubleheader at Binghamton Mets (5:35 p.m.)

Game 1: Probable pitchers

Bowie: Chorye Spoone (4-5, 4.27 ERA)
Binghamton: Scott Shaw (4-4, 7.33 ERA)

Game 2: Probable pitchers

Bowie: TBA
Binghamton: Brad Holt (1-4, 9.38 ERA)

Frederick Keys (A)

Record: (35-23)

Opponent

at Potomac Nationals (7:03 p.m.)

Probable pitchers

Frederick: Ryan Berry (1-3, 3.13 ERA at two levels in 2010)
Potomac: Jesse Estrada (1-1, 3.31 ERA)

Delmarva Shorebirds (A)

Record: (25-34)

Opponent

Hagerstown Suns (7:05 p.m.)

Probable pitchers

Delmarva: Luis Noel (1-2, 3.14 ERA)
Hagerstown: Mitchell Clegg (7-0, 3.38 ERA)

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 9:15 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

Prediction Tuesday has no real ring to it, but I don’t care.

We need to do some good old fashioned prognosticating in the bar today.

For those of you who are new to Connolly’s since the location switched to Orioles Insider and didn’t participate in our Prediction Friday during the Ravens’ season, here’s the deal.

If your prediction is closest to the mark, you’ll receive an open bar tab at Connolly’s all week. If you are pretty darn close, you’ll get a free drink chip tossed your way. If you stink, you’ll get nothing and like it. And all the prizes have the same retail value: nada (that’s Spanish for zilch).

But if you get close, you will be recognized by your humble bartender and be the envy of your fellow patrons, and what’s better than that?

Stephen Strasburg, the 21-year-old phenom and 2009 No. 1 pick, is making his major league debut tonight at Nationals Park against the Pittsburgh Pirates. You probably know that by now.

I’ll be there in the press box, just another sweaty cog in Strasburg’s hype machine. I’ve talked to friends out of the business who hope Strasburg struggles, just because he’s been anointed without ever throwing a major league pitch.

I’ve also talked to friends in the business who believe every fawning word is justified, that this kid is a once-in-a-generation talent. I’m curious to see this spectacle myself.

And I am also curious to hear how you think he will do in his debut tonight. I think it is going to be good, but not stunning. Here’s my prediction: 5 2/3 IP, 4 H, 2 ER, 3BB, 5K. No-decision.

Now it is your turn.

Daily Think Special: Predict Steven Strasburg’s line tonight

Posted by Dan Connolly at 7:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (33)
Categories: Connolly's Corner Sports Bar
        

The Orioles' top pick and the third overall on Monday, Miami-area high school shortstop Manny Machado, was asked about comparisons to Alex Rodriguez during a teleconference with the Baltimore media Monday night.

"It’s a great honor to be compared to A-Rod, one of greatest players of all time. It’s just a great feeling to be compared to A-Rod. It’s delightful."

Strangely, it's the exact same thing I said when I was coming out of Calvert Hall and someone asked me about the obvious similarities between me and Hemingway (in the waist anyway).

Nothing like a little pressure on a 17-year-old, though he, too, is a top prospect and a lanky shortstop from South Florida (like A-Rod, not Hemingway).

This was my favorite Machado quote, which came when he was asked if he patterned himself after any big leaguer.

“I’m Manny Machado,” he said. “You can’t be like anybody else. You’ve got to be yourself.”

A little maturity and confidence in that statement, but not obnoxious at all. I like it. I also like the name Manny Machado. That's a ballplayer's name.

Scouting director Joe Jordan addressed questions that Machado may eventually fill out his 6-foot-2, 180-pound frame and be pushed to third base: "We feel he is going to play on the left side of the infield at the shortstop position and we think there is bat and power. I think all the ingredients that you look for in a shortstop, and in a shortstop that’s hopefully going to impact a game offensively, and we feel like he is going to be able to contribute to a game every night in some way."

This news conference had two "delightful" quotes. Jordan had the other, and it sums up his feelings on Machado.

"I have had my interaction with Manny Machado this spring and it’s been very delightful and enjoyable to watch how he plays the game and the energy, and nothing is made up here. He likes being on the field and you can tell that before you watch him (play)."

There's no plan for where Machado will play in 2010 -- assuming he signs, of course -- but Jordan said he'd likely start out in the Gulf Coast League in Florida and then progress from there.

One last quote for you on Machado. We had it online earlier, but I couldn't get it into the main story. I think it's interesting to include, though.

“If Machado stays at shortstop, you have a potential all-star offensively who is no worse than average with the glove,” said Keith Law, a writer for ESPN.com and the lead baseball analyst for Scouts Inc. “He needs some work, but there’s no physical reason he can’t play the position. He has an unbelievable arm. He has great bat speed, does it every very easy. And I think he is going to grow into more power. ... It’s not like it’s a consolation prize. I have him as the second best guy in the draft.”

Posted by Dan Connolly at 10:49 PM | Permalink | Comments (7)
        

The Triple-A Norfolk Tides blanked the Buffalo Bisons, and the Single-A Frederick Keys won against the Potomac Nationals. The Single-A Delmarva Shorebirds edged the Hagerstown Suns, while the Double-A Bowie Baysox were idle.

A few transactions were reported in the organization today.

Catcher Phillip Britton was transferred from Bowie to Frederick, and catcher Luis Bernardo heads from Frederick to Delmarva. And, to round out the moves, catcher Michael Ohlman goes from Delmarva to the Rookie-level Bluefield Orioles.

Also, earlier today, the South Atlantic League announced that three Shorebirds players were selected for the All-Star Game on June 22. Starting pitcher Jesse Beal, outfielder Brian Conley and shortstop Garabez Rosa were all picked to play in the contest. Conley will start in right field.

Norfolk Tides (AAA)

Score: Norfolk Tides 6, Buffalo Bisons 0 (Box score)

Recap: Starting pitcher Troy Patton (4-7) held Buffalo to three hits in seven scoreless innings as the Tides cruised to a 6-0 win at Harbor Park.

Norfolk catcher Adam Donachie was 3-for-3 with a double and a run scored, while left fielder Jeff Salazar added a home run and two RBIs.

Tides right fielder Rhyne Hughes was 2-for-4 with a solo home run, and designated hitter Josh Bell contributed two hits and an RBI in his return to the lineup after missing two games.

Relief pitchers Ross Wolf and Mike Hinckley each tossed a scoreless frame in the victory for the Tides.

Frederick Keys (A)

Score: Frederick Keys 3, Potomac Nationals 1 (Box score)

Recap: Starting pitcher Rick Zagone (3-5) allowed one run and two hits in six innings as the Keys topped Potomac, 3-1, on the road.

Frederick third baseman Buck Britton was 2-for-4 with an RBI, while second baseman Miguel Abreu and center fielder Xavier Avery each added two hits.

Keys first baseman Joe Mahoney contributed a sacrifice fly, and left fielder Kyle Hudson collected an RBI single.

Relief pitcher Jose Diaz struck out the side in the ninth inning to pick up his eighth save of the season for the Keys.

Washington Nationals catcher Ivan Rodriguez was 0-for-3 with a strikeout as part of his injury rehabilitation assignment with Potomac.

Delmarva Shorebirds (A)

Score: Delmarva Shorebirds 7, Hagerstown Suns 6 (Box score)

Recap: The Shorebirds withstood Hagerstown's comeback in the final two innings to post a 7-6 victory at Arthur W. Perdue Stadium.

Delmarva first baseman T.J. Baxter was 2-for-4 with an RBI, four stolen bases and two runs scored, and center fielder Steve Bumbry was 2-for-4 with a triple, an RBI and a run scored.

Conley added two hits, a stolen base and two runs scored, but he also committed an error.

Shorebirds starting pitcher Bobby Bundy (1-3) held the Suns to one run and four hits in seven innings to pick up his first win of the season.

Relief pitcher Brent Allar tossed the final 1 1/3 innings, allowing one run and one hit, to earn his first save of the year for the Shorebirds.

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 10:21 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
        

Orioles injured second baseman Brian Roberts (herniated disk) did not play in an extended spring training game again today.

Orioles president of baseball operations Andy MacPhail said that Roberts will see a doctor tomorrow in Florida about his ailing back.

"We're just being careful," MacPhail said in a text message.

Obviously, this isn't good news as Roberts can't seem to get back on the field in game situations.

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 7:15 PM | Permalink | Comments (19)
        

It is official.

The Orioles have selected Manny Machado with the third overall pick of the 2010 amateur draft.

Machado is a 6-foot-2, 180-pound shortstop who hit .639 with 12 homers and 68 RBIs in 29 games for the Brito School in Miami.

Washington took catcher Bryce Harper first and the Pirates selected high school right-hander Jameson Taillon -- someone the Orioles also coveted -- with the second pick.

Machado is projected to be a solid defensive shortstop who can hit for average and power – though if he adds muscle to his lanky frame he could be switched to third base.

He is only 17, so he won't be up in September or the next several Septembers.

But he has a huge ceiling,

And the Orioles have him, assuming an agreement can be reached with Machado and his agent, Scott Boras.

That's a worry in August. For now, they have their shortstop of the future.

Posted by Dan Connolly at 6:59 PM | Permalink | Comments (21)
        

There are multiple reports out that the Pirates have settled on Texas high school pitcher Jameson Taillon with the second overall pick in the draft after the Washington Nationals snag Bryce Harper with the No. 1 overall selection tonight.

That would leave the Orioles with Florida high school shortstop Manny Machado at No. 3. I was under the impression that the Orioles would have preferred Taillon, but no one from the club has said that definitively.

Either way, I just got a message from a team official, who told me there remains a strong likelihood that the Orioles take Machado. I know there are some rumors out there that suggest they are leaning in a different direction, but as of now, Machado is the pick. That could always change in the final four hours before the pick, but if it does, it would be a huge surprise to me, and people who have spent way more time covering the draft than I have.

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 3:17 PM | Permalink | Comments (18)
        

The 2010 Major League Baseball amateur draft begins tonight at 7 p.m.

As Jeff Zrebiec wrote in today's newspaper, the Orioles are expected to choose between Texas high school right-handed pitcher Jameson Taillon or Florida high school shortstop Manny Machado at No. 3.

Also, Dan Connolly wants to know who you, the Orioles fans, would choose with that selection.

Below, I've listed a quick recap of the Orioles' first-round selections since 2001. They've selected 13 players during that period, including six who've made it to the major leagues.

While we're at it, here's a photo gallery of assorted first-round picks in the team's history.

2009 (fifth overall): Matt Hobgood, RHP, Norco (Calif.) H.S.

Hobgood made his professional debut for the Rookie-level Bluefield Orioles last season, going 1-2 with a 4.72 ERA in eight starts. So far in 2010, he is 3-5 with a 4.40 ERA in 11 starts for the Single-A Delmarva Shorebirds. He has struck out 39 batters, issued 26 walks and thrown 15 wild pitches in 59 1/3 innings.

2008 (fourth overall): Brian Matusz. LHP, San Diego

Matusz rapidly climbed through the Orioles' minor league system during the 2009 season, beginning the year with the Single-A Frederick Keys and ascending to the major leagues in August. He was 11-2 with a 1.91 ERA in 19 starts while splitting time between Frederick and the Double-A Bowie Baysox before his major-league debut. In the big leagues, Matusz was 5-2 with a 4.63 ERA in eight starts in 2009. This year, he is 2-6 with a 5.10 ERA in 12 games.

2007 (fifth overall): Matt Wieters, C, Georgia Tech

Like Matusz, Wieters paved a quick path through the minor leagues before encountering some adversity in the majors. Wieters batted .355 with 27 home runs and 91 RBIs while splitting the 2008 season between Frederick and Bowie. He received several awards for his performance, including being selected as Baseball America Minor League Player of the Year. He hit .305 with five home runs and 30 RBIs in 39 games for the Triple-A Norfolk Tides in 2009 before making his major-league debut in May. Wieters batted .288 with nine home runs and 43 RBIs in 96 games for the Orioles last season, but he is struggling so far in 2010.

2006 (ninth overall): Billy Rowell, 3B, Bishop Eustace (N.J.) H.S.

Before the Orioles picked college players Wieters and Matusz in back-to-back years, they took a power-hitting high school infielder in Rowell. He is currently in his third consecutive season with Frederick, batting .244 with five home runs and 25 RBIs in 46 games. Last season, Rowell hit .225 with nine home runs and 39 RBIs in 120 games while attempting to transition to the outfield. The move failed, however, and he's back to third base in 2010. Rowell's career batting average is .257 in five years and he hasn't hit more than nine home runs in a season.

*2006 (32nd overall): Pedro Beato, RHP, St. Petersburg (Fla.) College

After spending the first four years of his professional career as a starting pitcher, Beato has thrived after switching to the bullpen for Bowie this season. He is 3-0 with a 1.61 ERA and three saves in 17 appearances for the Baysox. Prior to this year, Beato was 20-30 with a career ERA over 4.00. At this point, his potential future contributions to the Orioles appear to be in the bullpen.

2005 (13th overall): Brandon Snyder, C, Westfield (Va.) H.S.

Snyder battled injuries while playing as a catcher during his first two professional seasons in the organization. A switch to the infield at Delmarva in 2007 seemed to power his prospect status to a new level. Snyder batted .315 with 13 home runs and 80 RBIs in 116 games for Frederick in 2008. He hit .343 with 10 home runs and 45 RBIs in 58 games for the Baysox last season before struggling a bit after a promotion to Norfolk. In 55 games for Norfolk this season, Snyder is batting .243 with four home runs and 25 RBIs.

*2005 (48th overall): Garrett Olson, LHP, Cal Poly

The Orioles selected Olson with a compensation pick, which they received for their inability to agree to terms with 2004 first-round pick Wade Townsend. Olson spent parts of two seasons with the Orioles, going 1-3 with a 7.79 ERA in seven starts in 2007 and 9-10 with a 6.65 ERA in 26 starts in 2008. He was traded to the Chicago Cubs in the deal that brought outfielder Felix Pie to the Orioles in January 2009. Later that month, the Cubs shipped Olson to the Seattle Mariners in a deal for Aaron Heilman. Olson has split the 2010 season between Seattle and their Triple-A affiliate, the Tacoma Rainiers. He is 0-1 with a 7.36 ERA in four appearances with the Mariners.

2004 (eighth overall): Wade Townsend, RHP, Rice

As noted above, the Orioles were unable to sign Townsend after selecting him. He entered the draft again in 2005 and was picked eighth overall by the Tampa Bay Rays. In four injury-riddled seasons in the Rays' minor league system, Townsend compiled a 7-21 record with a 5.58 ERA in 64 games (43 starts). He signed briefly with the independent Grand Prairie AirHogs of the American Association earlier this season.

2003 (seventh overall): Nick Markakis, OF, Young Harris (Ga.) College

Since Matusz and Wieters aren't fully established yet, in my opinion, Markakis represents the Orioles' last homegrown talent who transformed from a first-round pick into a significant contributor in the major leagues. Markakis has recorded at least 100 RBIs twice in four full seasons with the Orioles, including a career-high 112 in 2007. He also established career highs in home runs (23) and stolen bases (18) that season. Through 56 games in 2010, Markakis is batting .288 with three home runs and 18 RBIs.

2002 (fourth overall): Adam Loewen, LHP, Fraser Valley Christian (B.C.) H.S.

In parts of three seasons with the Orioles, Loewen was 8-8 with a 5.38 ERA in 35 games (29 starts) after making his major-league debut in 2006. He was 0-2 with an 8.02 ERA in seven games (four starts) for the Orioles in 2008 before a stress fracture in his throwing elbow caused the left-hander to officially abandon hopes of pitching again in July. He signed with the Toronto Blue Jays before the 2009 season and began a comeback as a position player. Loewen batted .236 with four home runs and 31 RBIs in 103 games for the Single-A Dunedin Blue Jays last year, and he's performing well so far in 2010. In 53 games for the Double-A New Hampshire Fisher Cats, Loewen is hitting .298 with seven home runs and 30 RBIs.

2001 (seventh overall): Chris Smith, LHP, Cumberland (Tenn.) University

Local players Gavin Floyd (Philadelphia, fourth overall) and Mark Teixeira (Texas, fifth overall) were already selected when the Orioles grabbed Smith at No. 7, but the choice turned out to be a horrible one. Bothered by arm troubles from the very beginning of his professional career, Smith only pitched in 24 games (nine starts) in parts of four seasons in the organization. He also missed the entire 2003 season due to injury.

2001 (19th overall): Mike Fontenot, 2B, Louisiana State

Fontenot batted .325 with 12 home runs, 66 RBIs and 16 stolen bases in 126 games for Bowie in 2003, and he hit .279 with 30 doubles in 136 games for the Triple-A Ottawa Lynx during the 2004 season. The Orioles traded him, along with Jerry Hairston and minor-league right-handed pitcher Dave Crouthers, to the Cubs in February 2005 for outfielder Sammy Sosa. In parts of five seasons in Chicago, Fontenot has a .272 career batting average with 22 home runs and 127 RBIs in 390 major-league games. He is hitting .310 in 43 games so far this season.

*2001 (31st overall): Bryan Bass, SS, Seminole (Fla.) H.S.

In seven seasons in the Orioles' minor league system, Bass never made it beyond Double-A. He batted .227 with 11 home runs and 36 RBIs in 107 games for Bowie during his final season in the organization in 2007. Bass' career batting average was .228, and he committed 201 errors in his career, including 52 in 2003.

* = Supplemental pick

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 12:33 PM | Permalink | Comments (19)
        

Norfolk Tides (AAA)

Record: (24-34)

Opponent

Buffalo Bisons (12:15 p.m.)

Probable pitchers

Norfolk: Troy Patton (3-7, 5.73 ERA)
Buffalo: Bobby Livingston (2-5, 4.18 ERA)

Frederick Keys (A)

Record: (34-23)

Opponent

at Potomac Nationals (7:03 p.m.)

Probable pitchers

Frederick: Rick Zagone (2-5, 3.55 ERA)
Potomac: Brad Peacock (1-6, 4.68 ERA)

Delmarva Shorebirds (A)

Record: (24-34)

Opponent

Hagerstown Suns (7:05 p.m.)

Probable pitchers

Delmarva: Bobby Bundy (0-3, 5.02 ERA)
Hagerstown: Josh Smoker (0-5, 6.63 ERA)

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 10:07 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
        

Major League Baseball’s amateur draft starts Monday night and the Orioles pick third, their highest selection since 1989 when they took LSU’s Ben McDonald first overall.

Since the Washington Nationals almost certainly will take slugging catcher Bryce Harper with the first pick, the Orioles likely will choose between two prospects that intrigue scouting director Joe Jordan.

There is Jameson Taillon, the 6-foot-6, 225-pound right-hander who was 8-1 with a 1.79 ERA and struck out 114 batters in 62 2/3 innings for Houston-area The Woodlands High. He reportedly has reached 99 mph with his fastball.

And there is 6-foot-2, 180-pound shortstop Manny Machado, who hit .639 with 12 homers and 68 RBIs in 29 games for the Brito School in Miami. He is projected to be a solid defensive shortstop who can hit for average and power – though if he adds muscle to his lanky frame could be switched to third base.

Both are young, so they won’t be helping out real soon. Both are legitimately considered top-five picks – so there won’t be any reaching this year.

A lot has to do with the Pittsburgh Pirates, who pick second and are often unpredictable. Some of it also may have to do with money and representation. Machado is represented by super agent Scott Boras, whom the Orioles have dealt with more recently than in previous years.

And Taillon is represented by the shrewd Hendricks brothers, who seemingly have represented all excellent Texas pitchers, including Roger Clemens, Andy Pettitte and Orioles prospect Zach Britton.

It’s always difficult to make a call about baseball draft picks, especially high schoolers. But one of the above will be available, maybe both. And the Orioles organization certainly could use either: A high ceiling shortstop prospect and a flamethrowing pitcher.

Given the organizational needs, I want to know if you have a preference.

Daily Think Special: Do you draft the high school pitcher or shortstop?

Posted by Dan Connolly at 10:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (32)
Categories: Connolly's Corner Sports Bar
        

It didn’t look good to start, not after Victor Martinez hit a two-run homer against Brian Matusz in the second inning. But that’s all the Red Sox scored and the Orioles clawed back.

And, with a Scott Moore double in the eighth, the Orioles took a 3-2 lead, which Will Ohman couldn’t hold in the ninth.

But the Orioles prevailed, snapping a season-high 10-game losing streak when Nick Markakis singled home Cesar Izturis in the 11th.

And Juan Samuel officially has a win as a major league manager after losing his first two.

Posted by Dan Connolly at 5:59 PM | Permalink | Comments (8)
        

What could be better?

How about the Orioles keeping the rare lead and finishing this thing off in the ninth for Juan Samuel’s first managerial win?

Didn’t happen.

Will Ohman, who received the club’s first save opportunity since before Alfredo Simon got hurt (May 23), couldn’t hold the one-run lead.

He allowed a couple singles and a sacrifice fly to Dustin Pedroia in the top of the ninth. Then the Orioles couldn’t score on Jonathan Papelbon in the bottom of the inning. But they nearly did. Lou Montanez crushed a ball to center but Mike Cameron made a nice, behind-the-back running catch to end the threat.

So we go to extras, where the Orioles are 4-2 this season and 3-1 at home.

The 27,774 fans had already gotten their money’s worth since the first nine innings took roughly 17 hours to complete (and only 6 runs were scored).

Where’s Joe West when you need him?

Posted by Dan Connolly at 5:20 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
        

The 2010 draft will get underway a little more than 24 hours from now with the Orioles picking third overall. Unlike last season, when the Orioles surprised some by selecting high school pitcher Matt Hobgood, who was expected to go later in the first round, with the fifth overall pick, I don't think there will be much drama this year.

Catching phenom Bryce Harper will go first overall to the Washington Nationals. At No. 2, the Pittsburgh Pirates will likely take either Texas high school pitcher Jameson Taillon or Florida high school shortstop Manny Machado. The Orioles will then pick the guy the Pirates pass over, whether it's Taillon or Machado.

"It’s not 100 percent, but there’s a strong likelihood that’s going to happen," said Joe Jordan, the Orioles director of scouting who will preside over his sixth draft.

Most draft pundits believe that the Orioles would prefer Taillon over Machado, who is represented by Scott Boras. Jordan, however, said: "There isn't a consolation prize here. We're going to have a good option."

There will be a draft preview story on The Sun's Web site later today.

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 3:34 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)
        

Juan Samuel talked to the media this morning and here’s what he said on various topics.

*On Alfredo Simon’s recovery from a hamstring strain: “He is doing everything, he is progressing,” Samuel said. “That is very encouraging there. We just have to see what’s going to happen in the next couple days.”

Simon is eligible to return from the DL on Wednesday, and Samuel said he’s not sure whether that will happen or whether Simon will need to go on a minor league rehab assignment first. When he gets back, he will retain his closer’s role and Will Ohman, who has been the temporary closer but has not had a save opportunity, will go back to setting up.

“We are hoping Simon will get up here soon. That will stabilize the bullpen,” Samuel said. “You will have a more set scenario out in the 'pen, which always helps.”

*Samuel moved around his lineup Sunday, giving Matt Wieters the day off – though he could come in to pinch hit – giving Scott Moore his first start at third base this season and putting Miguel Tejada at DH for the first time this year.

“We have Tejada as a DH, thought we’d give him a blow, get him off the field. Scott Moore in there against a sinkerballer going today, a left-handed bat. [Craig] Tatum is catching, giving Matt Wieters a little break. Wieters is not starting, but that doesn’t mean it is an off day. So he could always come in if we needed him. Just trying different things, giving guys a break here and there. Hopefully, they will freshen up and we’ll see these guys digging themselves out of what we’ve gotten into.”

Samuel has had Tejada batting second each of the past two days. The veteran had success there last year with the Houston Astros, and Samuel said he wants to see whether Tejada can get going at No. 2.

*Samuel also said Jake Arrieta could be promoted and put in the bullpen if they need the top prospect there. But, assuming Jeremy Guthrie feels good and can make his start this week, Arrieta might remain in the minors.

Arrieta was scratched from his start with Norfolk on Saturday because the club thought they might need him if the bullpen became taxed if Guthrie couldn’t pitch late into the game. Guthrie did, and Arrieta pitched two innings in relief Saturday for the Tides.

“We are going to deal with that as we get into next week, see how Guthrie is feeling, if he needs an extra day then we will reconsider and look at our options,” Samuel said. “[Arrieta] was definitely one if Guthrie couldn’t go as long we wanted him. We have that option going. Hopefully, we won’t need him here soon, but if we do, again, we need to use all of our options, keep them open and go forward."

Posted by Dan Connolly at 1:01 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

It took until one out in Saturday’s ninth inning, but the Orioles snapped their scoreless streak at 20 innings (if you count the two outs in the seventh on Thursday and one out in the ninth Saturday).

Yes, the Orioles hadn't scored since Thursday’s seventh inning.

Scott Moore came up with the two-run single in the ninth to spoil the shutout and give Juan Samuel the first two runs of his managerial career.

The Orioles avoided being shut out for the second consecutive night by the Boston Red Sox. The last time the Orioles were shut out in consecutive games was in 2005 – by Boston.

Only once in their history – July 29-31 1957 – have the Orioles been shut out three straight times (Chicago and Cleveland).

The bottom line, of course, is the Orioles lost again – their 10th straight, the longest such skid of this disastrous season.

In those 10 games, the Orioles have been outscored 66-16

In Samuel’s two games, they have been outscored 19-2.

Right-hander Jake Arrieta, who has been great at Triple-A Norfolk, has been scratched from tonight’s start for the Tides.

When I asked an Orioles official why, I was told, “just keeping our options open.”

Today, the club removed Brad Bergesen from the rotation temporarily, presumably because they needed bullpen help and could skip his start this week due to Monday’s off day. That put next Saturday’s starter against the New York Mets as to be announced.

But now you have to expect that Arrieta, who is 6-2 with a 1.77 ERA in 11 starts at Triple-A, will be on his way up soon.

If and when we get more, we’ll let you know.

Posted by Dan Connolly at 10:22 PM | Permalink | Comments (6)
        

You could smell this one from the press box (or that might have been Schmuck’s cologne).

Jeremy Guthrie pitched exceptionally well. He allowed just one run in his first seven innings pitched – a homer to Kevin Youkilis to lead off the seventh – but the Orioles couldn’t score.

And they had their chance. Jon Lester, who kills the Orioles, walked three consecutive batters with one out in the bottom of the seventh. Flame-throwing Daniel Bard entered to face pinch-hitter Luke Scott and Corey Patterson.

Scott hit a pop up to center that was too shallow to score Adam Jones from third base. Then Patterson hit a foul pop to third to end the inning. No productive outs. No runs scored.

And that looks to be that.

The Red Sox scored another run in eighth, have chased Guthrie and now the Orioles have just one chance left to make a comeback here.

Heading into the top of the 9th, the Orioles haven’t scored in 19 innings.

By the way, Guthrie’s line was: 7 1/3 IP, 5H, 2ER, 1BB, 4Ks. And he’ll likely get the loss – that’s too bad for someone who shut down such a good offense.

A second by the way: Jake Arrieta has pitched two innings in relief at Norfolk. So he is not starting in Baltimore in the next couple days, one can assume.

Posted by Dan Connolly at 9:31 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)
        

Right-hander Jake Arrieta, who has been great at Triple-A Norfolk, has been scratched from tonight’s start for the Tides.

When I asked an Orioles official why, I was told, “just keeping our options open.”

We are now being told that the Orioles thought they might have to shuffle their pitching staff around today and that's why Arrieta was scratched. But no moves had to be made so Arrieta's not imminently bound for Baltimore. In fact, it's possible he pitches in relief in the Tides' game tonight, we've been told.

Timing sure is curious, though.

Today, the club removed Brad Bergesen from the rotation temporarily, presumably because they needed bullpen help and could skip his start this week due to Monday’s off day. That put next Saturday’s starter against the New York Mets as to be announced.

But now you have to expect that Arrieta, who is 6-2 with a 1.77 ERA in 11 starts at Triple-A, will be on his way up sooner than later.

Posted by Dan Connolly at 7:51 PM | Permalink | Comments (8)
        

Brad Bergesen, who lasted just 2 1/3 innings in his last start against the New York Yankees, has been sent to the bullpen and will miss at least one start.

Whether the new assignment lasts beyond that has not been determined, but Orioles interim manager Juan Samuel said there are no immediate plans to call up another pitcher to take Bergesen’s spot in the rotation. So the Jake Arrieta to the majors rumors can cool -- for a day anyway.

“We don’t know how long he is going to be down there (in the bullpen),” Samuel said. “We don’t need a starter right now and I think he could help us more in the bullpen at this point.”

The Orioles have an off day on Monday, meaning Bergesen’s turn can be skipped and the remainder of the rotation can stay on four days’ rest until Saturday, June 12 against the New York Mets.

It’s possible Bergesen will move back into his slot then. Or Arrieta, one of the organization’s top pitching prospects who is 6-2 with a 1.77 ERA in 11 starts at Triple-A Norfolk could be called up to make his big-league debut. He starts Saturday night for the Tides.

For now, Bergesen, who is 3-4 with a 6.75 ERA in 10 starts, said he’ll just pitch wherever he is needed.

“I’m just going to go about it just how I normally would do. It’s obviously a different job, but I’ve been out of the pen a couple of times in the minor leagues,” Bergesen said. “I think the biggest thing is just to be able to get an extra arm out there in the bullpen. Other than that, who knows whether it’s just one time through the rotation or what. They don’t know as of right now.”

Samuel said he believes Bergesen’s struggles last week were mechanical in nature – his arm slot is dropping – and said it shouldn’t be hard to fix.

“The number one thing is he recognized it and it is easy to fix when those guys know that,” Samuel said.

Bergesen could be used as a long reliever or in shorter situations, according to Samuel. He is available for Saturday’s game against the Boston Red Sox if needed.

Posted by Dan Connolly at 5:18 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
        

Norfolk Tides (AAA)

Record: (24-32)

Opponent

Buffalo Bisons (7:15 p.m.)

Probable pitchers

Norfolk: Jake Arrieta (6-2, 1.77 ERA)
Buffalo: Dylan Owen (3-2, 3.42 ERA at two levels in 2010)

Bowie Baysox (AA)

Record: (28-27)

Opponent

Erie SeaWolves (6:35 p.m.)

Probable pitchers

Bowie: Zach Britton (4-3, 3.32 ERA)
Erie: Jon Kibler (4-3, 4.88 ERA)

Frederick Keys (A)

Record: (32-23)

Opponent

Lynchburg Hillcats (6 p.m.)

Probable pitchers

Frederick: Nathan Nery (3-5, 3.86 ERA)
Lynchburg: Mark Serrano (2-2, 3.38 ERA)

Delmarva Shorebirds (A)

Record: (23-33)

Opponent

Hagerstown Suns (7:05 p.m.)

Probable pitchers

Delmarva: Jesse Beal (4-2, 3.30 ERA)
Hagerstown: Paul Demny (3-1, 3.08 ERA)

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 11:08 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
        

The Triple-A Norfolk Tides were beaten by the Buffalo Bisons, and the Double-A Bowie Baysox came up short against the Erie SeaWolves. The Single-A Frederick Keys topped the Lynchburg Hillcats, while the Single-A Delmarva Shorebirds fell to the Greensboro Grasshoppers.

Earlier today, relief pitchers Mike Hinckley and Pedro Viola swapped places in the organization. Hinckley was promoted to Norfolk, while Viola was sent back to the Baysox.

Norfolk Tides (AAA)

Score: Buffalo Bisons 11, Norfolk Tides 6 (Box score)

Recap: Center fielder Matt Angle was 4-for-5 with an RBI and a run scored in the Tides' 11-6 loss to Buffalo at Harbor Park.

Norfolk first baseman Brandon Snyder hit a solo home run, and left fielder Jeff Salazar added three hits, a stolen base and an RBI.

Starting pitcher Armando Gabino was charged with six runs (four earned) and six hits in three-plus innings for the Tides, while Hinckley (0-1) suffered the defeat after allowing four runs, two hits and two walks without recording an out.

Former Orioles minor leaguer Justin Turner was 3-for-4 with an RBI and two runs scored for Buffalo. The 25-year-old infielder is batting .393 with four RBIs in six games since joining the Bisons. He has hit successfully in each contest.

Bowie Baysox (AA)

Score: Erie SeaWolves 6, Bowie Baysox 3 (Box score)

Recap: Right fielder Joel Guzman was 2-for-4 with a solo home run, but the Baysox fell short, 6-3, to Erie at Prince George's Stadium.

Bowie designated hitter Caleb Joseph and third baseman Tyler Henson each added a solo home run, while catcher Steven Lerud was 1-for-2 with two walks.

Baysox starting pitcher Tim Bascom (3-4) allowed four runs, seven hits and two walks in five innings. He struck out one batter and gave up two home runs.

Relief pitcher Pedro Beato surrendered two runs in one inning for Bowie.

Frederick Keys (A)

Score: Frederick Keys 5, Lynchburg Hillcats 1 (Box score)

Recap: Shortstop Greg Miclat was 4-for-5 with a double, a stolen base, two RBIs and two runs scored in the Keys' 5-1 win over Lynchburg at Harry Grove Stadium.

Frederick second baseman Buck Britton and first baseman Jacob Julius each contributed two hits, including a double, and center fielder Kyle Hudson added two hits, two runs scored and a stolen base.

Keys relief pitcher Brett Jacobson (4-0) earned the victory after tossing three scoreless innings, while starting pitcher Ryan O'Shea gave up one run and four hits in four innings.

Delmarva Shorebirds (A)

Score: Greensboro Grasshoppers 4, Delmarva Shorebirds 1 (Box score)

Recap: Center fielder Steve Bumbry was 4-for-4 with a double, but he committed one of the Shorebirds' three errors in a 4-1 loss to Greensboro.

Delmarva starting pitcher Matt Hobgood and third baseman Tyler Stampone each committed a defensive miscue in the defeat.

Hobgood (3-5) turned in an average outing on the mound, holding the Grasshoppers to four runs (two earned) and eight hits in seven innings. He struck out seven hitters, issued one walk and hit a batter. Hobgood also threw two wild pitches in the game.

Catcher Jason Stifler was 1-for-3 with a run scored for Delmarva.

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 11:06 PM | Permalink | Comments (9)
        

By now, I am sure people have had their fill of reaction on Dave Trembley's firing, but I thought Jeremy Guthrie's comments on the situation needed to be shared. Guthrie met Trembley for the first time when he was pitching for Akron, the Cleveland Indians' Double-A affiliate, and Trembley was managing Double-A Bowie.

Trembley was instrumental in suggesting that the Orioles claim the right-hander when the Indians put him on waivers.

I'm sure they butted heads at times while they were both Orioles, but Guthrie stood up for Trembley today, answering every question and coming out in support of his former manager.

"You look back and your realize that he gave everything he had to this job," Guthrie said. "He did everything he could for each one of us as players as well as the organization. It’s a sad day ... that he has to step down like that and have Juan take his place. Utlimately, I wish the best for him and his family and I personally can say that he fought for me every five days. He gave me an opportunity to pitch and he showed the utmost confidence in me even in times where I didn’t earn it.

"He gave me an opportunity to pitch here in Baltimore. It was him and another scout who made the recommendation that I’d be claimed off waivers. If not for Dave Trembley, I’m not here right now. I can speak on an individual level on what he meant to me and I think you’ll see a number of players speak to what he meant to us individually."

Guthrie also became the latest Oriole to say that the accountability lies with the players.

"As you look at it, it really becomes a time of personal reflection as well," he said. "In these circumstances, the record is terrible, we’ve played poorly. One person takes the fall for that and unfortunately, it’s a guy that has never been out there in one of those games. He hasn’t thrown a single pitch or taken a single swing or made a bad throw all year, but he’s the guy.

"Ultimately, what that means is there are 25 guys who have to take a look at themselves and say what can I do better so that someone else doesn’t have to suffer for our shortcomings. That’s ultimately what happened to Dave. Twenty five guys came up short on the field. The wins and losses aren’t there and that’s what he was being measured by this year, according to Mr. MacPhail, and a change was made."

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 9:26 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
        

If you're watching tonight's game and are wondering why John Shelby isn't down the first-base line, it's not because he has been fired by the organization.

While he is not in his usual spot as Orioles first-base coach, Shelby wasn't sent packing with manager Dave Trembley. He's attending his daughter's graduation.

Shelby is expected to return to his post tomorrow.

Orioles bench coach Jeff Datz is filling in for him tonight.

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 7:35 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)
        

When Juan Samuel was introduced as Orioles manager before the game against the Boston Red Sox at Camden Yards on Friday night, the change in the dugout elicited a mildly positive response from the crowd.

Samuel was officially announced during pregame introductions at 6:57 p.m., and he flashed a smile when he was shown on the video board prior to presenting the lineup card at 7:01 p.m.

While the reaction from the stands wasn't unusually vocal, several Orioles fans shared their opinion on the team's decision to replace Dave Trembley with Samuel before the homestand.

“I was a little shocked [at the move], to be honest with you,” Jerry Dorsey said. “I didn’t think it was going to happen the way it did, coming back home from a [road trip] and into a Boston series.”

“Check with me in about three weeks,” Jeff Bowers said with a laugh. “He’s going to have the same lineup as Trembley, so I can’t see what would make a big difference.”

Samuel emphasized the importance of working on fundamentals in the news conference before the game, which was greeted with advice from some of the Orioles faithful in attendance.

“The Orioles need to learn how to bunt, learn how to steal, hit-and-run,” Kevin Brown, 22, said. “They need to do the things that other teams do to beat us.”

“They need to get smarter players,” Bowers said bluntly. “At this level, they should not have to teach them the fundamentals.”

Orioles fans are mostly divided on which candidate is the right fit to be the long-term solution, but former major league managers Buck Showalter and Bobby Valentine were popular choices at the ballpark.

“I don’t think it matters right now who the [manager] is,” Brown said. “The players aren’t there for the team to win, so Trembley was kind of the scapegoat … They need someone who has major-league experience and has a background of winning.”

Overall, fans seem to agree that it was necessary to replace Trembley in order to move on from the disastrous start to the season. Their expectations for the rest of the year, however, are modest.

“I just expect to have a team that goes out on the field and gives 110%,” John Irvin said. “Not running out groundballs is unacceptable.”

“[The Orioles] are about 25 games under .500, so it’d be nice to see [them] win five games in a row at least once,” Brown said.

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 7:06 PM | Permalink | Comments (7)
        

Brian Roberts was expected to play his first extended spring training game today since he went on the disabled list with the herniated disk in his back.

However, Roberts experienced what interim manager Juan Samuel described as a "small setback" and was unable to play.

Orioles president of baseball operations Andy MacPhail said that Roberts was experiencing some back pain

"He came in today with some unrelated back pain," MacPhail said. "It should just delay his introduction for baseball activity for a day or so. Nothing on my radar screen yet suggests it's a [big setback]. Hopefully that doesn’t change."

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 4:17 PM | Permalink | Comments (14)
        

Single-A Delmarva shortstop Mychal Givens, the team's second-round pick in last year's MLB draft, is expected to miss "at least 4-6 weeks" with a sprained left thumb, according to Orioles assistant director of player development Tripp Norton.

Givens injured the thumb in the Shorebirds' 8-4 loss to Greensboro on Tuesday, and he was placed on the disabled list Thursday. In seven games since joining Delmarva last month, the 20-year-old infielder is batting .222 (4-for-18) with four RBIs.

Norton also provided health updates on several other Orioles minor leaguers.

Single-A Frederick second baseman L.J. Hoes, who has been out of action since May 15, is recovering from mononucleosis and has started participating in light baseball activities.

Delmarva first baseman Tyler Townsend and catcher Justin Dalles are both rehabbing in Sarasota, Fla., and are expected to return to action later this month.

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 4:10 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

During the news conference, Orioles interim manager Juan Samuel emphasized his intention to stress fundamentals and basics when he meets with the players.

"Those are some of the things I'm going to address at the players meeting," Samuel said. "What I expect from those guys ... but those guys know me by now and what I'm all about."

The Orioles repeatedly made mistakes on the basepaths under Dave Trembley's watch. They're also 28th in the major leagues with 180 runs scored this season.

Samuel hopes the team's discipline improves under his watch.

"Change comes in all kinds of different ways," Samuel said. "Sometimes the players will relate better to one guy than the other."

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 4:06 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)
        

One of the most intriguing parts of the news conference with Orioles interim manager Juan Samuel and president of baseball operations Andy MacPhail came near the end.

While discussing the team's efforts to put the best team on the field to help the manager succeed, MacPhail hinted that several roster moves have been discussed, including one "that might be in the offing."

"We still have a few moves in us," MacPhail explained. "Not as many as I perhaps would like, and I've already talked to Juan about one. ... We're not exhausted as it relates to player moves."

It's hard to speculate on possible transactions coming this weekend, but Samuel and MacPhail are certainly talking about the options available to improve the lineup and bullpen.

Stay tuned in the next few days to see if anything happens.

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 3:45 PM | Permalink | Comments (13)
        

In today's news conference to introduce interim manager Juan Samuel, Orioles president of baseball operations Andy MacPhail said there is no timetable to hire a permanent replacement for Dave Trembley.

"You really don't have a timetable because there are so many variables that you can't possibly know yet," MacPhail said. "We really haven't started the serious vetting process yet."

MacPhail didn't rule out the possibility of eventually removing the interim tag from Samuel's title, much like the Orioles did with Trembley in 2007 when he replaced Sam Perlozzo as manager and also when MacPhail was with the Twins.

"When we were looking for a full-time manager in Minnesota, Tom Kelly was the interim guy," MacPhail said. "I didn't think Tom was going to be the candidate, but you watched what happened on the field, the energy level went up ... and we made a certain conclusion."

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

Hey everyone, I'm sitting in the press box at Camden Yards. We're preparing to go down to meet with new Orioles interim manager Juan Samuel at 2:30 p.m.

I'll be providing live updates from the news conference on the @BaltSunSports account on Twitter. Also, any Twitter posts mentioning #orioles are listed below.

Posted by Baltimore Sun sports at 1:14 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

Say what you want about Dave Trembley's tenure as Orioles manager, he doesn't have the lowest winning percentage in franchise history -- only the second worst.

Of course, the man who holds the unwelcome distinction of having the worst win rate as Orioles manager is Jimmy Dykes, who managed the team for just one season, 1954 -- the club's first in Baltimore.

Here's a look at the five Orioles managers with the worst winning percentages:

Pct. / Manager / Year(s) / Record
.351 / Jimmy Dykes / '54 / 54-100
.398 / Dave Trembley / '07-'10 / 187-283
.402 / Cal Ripken Sr. / '87-'88 / 68-101
.425 / Mike Hargrove / '00-'03 / 275-372
.427 / Sam Perlozzo / '05-'07 / 122-164

And here's the winning percentage for every Orioles manager in team history:

Year(s) / Manager / Record / Pct.
’10 / Juan Samuel
'07-’10 / Dave Trembley / 187-283 / .398
'05-’07 / Sam Perlozzo / 122-164 / .427
'04-’05 / Lee Mazzilli / 129-140 / .480
'00-’03 / Mike Hargrove / 275-372 / .425
'98-’99 / Ray Miller / 157-167 / .485
'96-’97 / Davey Johnson / 186-138 / .574
'95 / Phil Regan / 71-73 / .493
'91-’94 / Johnny Oates / 291-270 / .519
'88-’91 / Frank Robinson / 230-285 / .447
'87-’88 / Cal Ripken Sr. / 68-101 / .402
'83-’85 / Joe Altobelli / 212-167 / .559
'85-’86 / Earl Weaver / 1,480-1,060 / .583
'68-’82 / Earl Weaver
'64-’68 / Hank Bauer / 407-318 / .561
'62-’63 / Billy Hitchcock / 163-161 / .503
'61 / Luman Harris / 17-10 / .630
'55-’61 / Paul Richards / 517-539 / .490
'54 / Jimmy Dykes / 54-100 / .351

Posted by Steve Gould at 12:53 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)
        

One of the aspects of the Orioles' decision to fire manager Dave Trembley that shouldn't be overlooked is the fact that all coaches are remaining with the team.

Yes, Orioles fans, that means hitting coach Terry Crowley is still going to be in the dugout at Camden Yards. And so is pitching coach Rick Kranitz. And bench coach Jeff Datz, first-base coach John Shelby and bullpen coach Alan Dunn aren't going anywhere.

Other than Juan Samuel taking over as interim manager of the Orioles and Triple-A Norfolk manager Gary Allenson becoming the team's interim third-base coach, there doesn't seem to be any pending moves with the coaches on the team.

Of course, when a permanent successor is named, this could all change.

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 11:38 AM | Permalink | Comments (10)