O's still talking to A's about Fox; Can he execute a rundown?
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.
A Baltimore native, 
Comments
fos/ atkins = tit for tat.
i've had it. this is too much to stomach.
signed - a fan of 45 years.
Posted by: the artist formerly known as jack in hebron | June 19, 2010 11:27 PM
Instead of trading for utility players trying trading for players that actually are going to help win games. There is a reason why they are utility players, thats because they have no other value. HHmm.... ever thought of it that way. McPhail needs to ht the road along with the poor ownership
Posted by: Steve | June 20, 2010 6:11 AM
Can you imagine what Markekis is thinking while the play is going on.
Did you see Millwoods body language with Itzuris on the 3rd out that inning.
This winter Mcphail is going to rip this infierld apart.
Posted by: Ed So Pa Fan | June 20, 2010 8:44 AM
well, to execute that play correctly would require a certain amoutn of awareness about the game situation. That seems to be beyond the ability of most of the players right now, on both sides of the ball, so to speak.Maybe itzy was Coloroado Dreaming about his personal situation...
Posted by: jim66 | June 20, 2010 8:53 AM
Izzie's a heck of a ball player.....does not understand a rundown play, or rules of the batter's box.
Posted by: John from Kensington | June 20, 2010 11:21 AM
Jeff my take is the Fox thing is going to happen it is just a matter of when, Would you agree?? He has the stats to make a decent bench player.. Have you heard any rumors from the warehouse about a Davey Johnson interview or would he even consider it??
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Jeff Z's reply: That's my impression too Grant, but it is taking longer than the O's had hoped. It's obvious that the A's are shopping around to see if they can get a better offer for him. As for Davey, his name has been discussed and hasn't been eliminated from conversation. But it is a longshot. I'd say several others would have to turn down the job for it to get to Davey and I don't know if he's even interested.
Posted by: GRANT | June 20, 2010 5:52 PM
ANOTHER former Cubs project?
Posted by: Sam | June 20, 2010 6:58 PM
Little League...Orioles, same thing. Fire Samuel. Fire McFail. Bring back Dave.
Posted by: jack | June 21, 2010 3:25 PM
Any idea, other than being in AA ball that Gunman isn't getting any considerations? He is leading the EL in HR's, and our guys at first are still 0 for the season.
Posted by: thom | June 21, 2010 4:49 PM