It was exactly one year and one day since Kansas City Royals first baseman Billy Butler ended Brad Bergesen's season and run at the A.L. Rookie of the Year award by hitting the Orioles starter with a scorching liner off the left shin.

Butler cost Bergesen the final two months of the 2009 season. Tonight, he cost him a shot at his first victory since May 12. Butler hit a go-ahead, two-run homer off David Hernandez in the eighth inning as the Royals came back to beat the Orioles for a second straight night, this one by a 4-3 score.

“Last year it was a little more painful night for me personally,” said Bergesen who gave up just two earned runs over seven innings in one of his best starts all year. “But you know, I’ve tried to get that out of the back of my mind. You still have those thoughts when he comes up to bat and you see his big old swing coming right at you.”

The previous night, Alfredo Simon, asked to protect a one-run lead in the ninth, served up a game-ending, three-run homer to Alex Gordon.

This one was just as bitter as the Orioles had a chance to deal reigning A.L. Cy Young winner Zack Greinke his 11th loss, and help Bergesen break a seven-decision losing streak.

Hernandez and Bergesen are very close friends so this one hurt Hernandez more than any other loss in a season full of them.

"That’s definitely the worst part,” Hernandez said. “He’s not had the season that he would like to have and he definitely pitched very well tonight. He deserved to win. Me getting the loss, yeah that’s hard, but he deserved to win.”

The good news is that Bergesen now has a strong start to build on, and he won't have to face Butler again until next season. He got the better of him last night as Butler went 0-for-3 and found the matchup with Hernandez much more favorable.

"His ball was moving even better than it usually does,” said Butler. “He throws a hard sinker. Today, I thought he was throwing a little bit harder than he usually does. Our scouting report said he’s throwing 89 to 91, but he was throwing mostly 92 to 94. He was a little amped up. … He had his way with me.”

The same can't be said for Hernandez.

"I was actually trying to hit the ball the other way," Butler said. "I just caught it out front. I was just trying to hit a line drive, but when a guy is throwing 97 and you get a pitch out front, it might go a long way. He supplied the power."

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 10:37 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
        

Rick VandenHurk, the 25-year-old right-hander the Orioles received earlier today in the Will Ohman trade to the Florida Marlins, is pretty psyched about joining his new organization.

He responded to an email I sent to him -- and he even used an exclamation point to demonstrate his excitement.

Here are his comments:

"I think it's great! I'm very excited to come to the Orioles organization. I've worked with Kranny before and he knows me and knows what I've got, and that's important. And I'm excited for this opportunity."

If you wonder why anyone would be so happy to come to the Orioles, think about this: He has been up and down in the minors and majors in four different seasons with the Marlins. He has to see this as a chance to stick in the majors. And, let's face it, if he pitches well, he'll have a spot here.

Vandy, as he is known around the game, played for Orioles pitching coach Rick Kranitz in 2007 when Kranitz was the Marlins' pitching coach.

So there will be familiarity there. He also has a reputation of being a hard worker and good guy. If the Orioles can get him to exhibit more command, they may have gotten a mid-20s future major leaguer for a lefty specialist.

Posted by Dan Connolly at 8:20 PM | Permalink | Comments (11)
        

Troy Patton, who will join the team tomorrow in Kansas City, will be used out of the bullpen as a long reliever. Patton will Mark Hendrickson's spot and Hendrickson will be pushed back to later in the game as a lefty specialist, taking the role occupied by the traded Will Ohman. Michael Gonzalez will obviously see his share of left-handed hitters late in the game as well.

“To have too many guys in that bullpen that are just one inning or fraction of an inning guys really wasn’t a good match given the fact that we have a lot of our starters turning the ball over in the fifth or sixth inning and in some cases, earlier,” Orioles president of baseball operations Andy MacPhail said. “This is sort of an easy first move for us. Troy’s on the 40-man [and] we want to get a look at hit in the bullpen. He can act as a long guy. That will give us a little more time to evaluate what our other options might be.”

MacPhail also said that the current plan is for Buck Showalter to give each of the struggling young starters - Brad Bergesen, Jake Arrieta and Brian Matusz - at least one more shot with Showalter at the helm before rotation changes are made.

“I’m going to talk to Buck about it, but my inclination at this point would be to ideally … go through the rotation one time with Buck there, one more time and give him and I [an opportunity] to meet with [pitching coach Rick Kranitz] and [bullpen coach] Alan Dunn and try to determine what might make the most sense,” MacPhail said. “I really don’t have much interest in really throwing a young kid up here and exposing him to that, if we don’t think he’s ready. So I think at this point, we are leaning toward one round of auditions for those three kids for Buck.”

Single-A Delmarva pitcher Matt Hobgood, the Orioles' top pick in last year's draft, was removed from his start today after nine pitches because of back spasms.

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 7:41 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)
        

President of baseball operations Andy MacPhail said having a chance at a young potential starter was the impetus for dealing lefty Will Ohman at the non-waiver trade deadline for Florida Marlins' 25-year-old right-hander Rick VandenHurk.

“Will certainly did do everything he could have,” MacPhail said. “Part of the rationale on making the trade was we are obviously not in the race and the Marlins are a lot closer than we are and they don’t have a lefty in the bullpen. Based on how we are going with our bullpen, a short-inning lefty or lefty specialist was really a luxury for us.”

MacPhail said the Orioles had been interested in VandenHurk for a while and had been rebuffed by the Marlins. But they called back moments before Saturday’s 4 p.m. deadline.

“We had asked for him and they had said, ‘No,’ ” MacPhail said. “Five minutes before the deadline. We had sort of put him out of our head.”

VandenHurk will be sent to Triple-A Norfolk to start in the Tides’ rotation. He will be out of options next season, so must make the Orioles’ 25-man roster heading out of spring.

“We see him as a long guy or a potential starter,” MacPhail said. “We’ll put him in the mix and he’ll give us another option for a starter in the rest of the 2010 season.”

The Orioles made just one minor deal, but MacPhail said overall it was a very busy day.

“We had more conversations than I had expected about a greater variety of subjects than I had expected going into the morning,” he said. “How close we came (to other deals) I don’t know. Whether we’ll do something later as the result of the talks we have had, that’s possible as well.”

Posted by Dan Connolly at 5:04 PM | Permalink | Comments (7)
        

The Orioles have traded left-handed reliever Will Ohman to the Florida Marlins for right-handed pitcher Rick VandenHurk.

VandenHurk, 25, has pitched in two games for the Marlins this season, allowing three hits and one earned run in 1 1/3 innings. He has pitched for Florida since 2007, compiling an 8-9 record and a 5.96 ERA.

The Orioles plan to move VandenHurk into the starting rotation at Triple-A Norfolk. VandenHurk worked with Orioles pitching coach Rick Kranitz during the 2007 MLB season with the Marlins.

Josh Bell has been recalled from the Tides, and Troy Patton could be brought up to Baltimore to take Ohman's spot Sunday. Patton would give the club another left-hander in the bullpen.

Ohman appeared in 51 games for the Orioles this season, allowing 30 hits and 11 earned runs in 30 innings. He struck out 29 batters and had an ERA of 3.30.

This is the second deal the Orioles have made in the past three days. On Thursday, the club dealt third baseman Miguel Tejada to the San Diego Padres for right-handed pitcher Wynn Pelzer.

Posted by Baltimore Sun sports at 4:10 PM | Permalink | Comments (10)
        

For what it is worth, Luke Scott and Ty Wigginton are both in tonight’s starting lineup versus the Kansas City Royals.

The lineup could be altered by 4 p.m., of course, but that’s what is up now.

Josh Bell is playing third base and batting eighth.

Here is the lineup: Roberts, 4, Markakis 9, Wigginton 3, Scott 4, Jones 8, Pie 7, Wieters 2, Bell 5, Lugo 6. Bergesen P

Posted by Dan Connolly at 3:44 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)
        

Don’t have much of an update, but thought you deserved some update.

We’ve been making calls through the day and what we are hearing is that the Orioles are making calls and listening, etc.

One exec termed it “pretty quiet,” another believes it could go either way, that a Ty Wigginton or Will Ohman trade is still possible.

The sense right now is that Wigginton will play in tonight’s game against Kansas City, that there really is nothing being offered that’s worth dealing Wigginton. The same probably can be said for Ohman.

Again, we know things can change right up to 4 p.m. And execs wouldn't tell us something was "close." Because that would send us into a frenzy. So really it's just hurry up and wait as usual. Which is even more unnerving for the players than the media and fans.

In 2004, Wigginton watched the stadium clock at the trade deadline while he was on the field taking batting practice. And when it clicked past the deadline, he pumped his fist. Only to be told moments later that he was needed in the team office. And he was immediately informed that he was traded to the Pittsburgh Pirates.

So what we know now may not hold true in two-plus hours.

Hope that was helpful. And stay tuned.

Posted by Dan Connolly at 1:56 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)
        

Juan Samuel has only two more games left in his Orioles' managerial tenure, but he let his players know before Thursday's series opener how important it was for him to go out on a good note. Samuel lived for several years in the Kansas City area and has had one of his daughters at the first two games of the series.

Perhaps, that's why he he took last night's 7-5 loss to the Kansas City Royals very hard. The Orioles have lost 32 games under Samuel and I've seen him this annoyed only once or twice.

Closer Alfredo Simon was handed a one-run lead in the ninth inning. He got two quick outs and then got two quick strikes on Rick Ankiel. He then walked him, allowed a single to Wilson Betemit and a three-run, game-ending homer to Alex Gordon.

“There’s no excuse,” said Samuel. "“We have to win the games that we were supposed to win and that was one of those.”

It was Simon's third blown save in 18 chances. He acknowledged that he struggled to grip the baseball on a rainy night at Kauffman Stadium, but as Samuel said, there are no excuses.

"“It’s a lot of frustration,” said Simon. “They played all eight innings and they give me the last inning just to make three outs. But this happened in the game and I hope I do better next time.”

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 12:57 AM | Permalink | Comments (6)
        

I'll say this about Jake Arrieta. He was pretty good tonight at controlling the damage. After allowing three runs in a 35-pitch first inning against the Kansas City Royals, Arrieta didn't allow another run over the next 3 1/3 despite having aat least one baserunner on in every inning.

Arrieta allowed three runs on six hits and a career-high five walks in 4 1/3, but he will get a no decisions as the Orioles just tied the game in the top of the sixth on Luke Scott's sacrifice fly.

Center fielder Adam Jones made a diving catch in the second inning to save Arrieta a run. The Orioles had the bases loaded and one out in the third and Arrieta struck out Alex Gordon and retired Yuniesky Betancourt on a comebacker. In the fourth, Arrieta fanned Billy Butler with a man in scoring position.

He then exited the game in the fifth with runners on the corners and one out. Jason Berken, who hadn't pitched in six games, then got Gordon to hit into an inning-ending double play, sparing Arrieta's ERA more damage.

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 10:07 PM | Permalink | Comments (8)
        

Rookie right-hander Jake Arrieta just gave up three runs in a 35-pitch bottom of the first inning against the Kansas City Royals.

Royals leadoff man Chris Getz set the tone of the inning without even reaching base. In fact, he struck out but it was on the 13th pitch of the at-bat. Arrieta then walked Jason Kendall on four pitches and gave up a line single to Billy Butler. He fell behind 3-0 to Jose Guillen before getting him to fly out to the left-field warning track for the second out.

Rick Ankiel then hit an RBI double and Wilson Betemit a two-run single to give the Royals a 3-0 lead. It was the seventh straight game the Orioles have given up three runs or more in an inning and the 11th time in their past 13 games.

Just as troublesome was Arrieta's elevated pitch count. The Orioles' bullpen isn't exactly well rested after Brian Matusz's early exit on Thursday. Arrieta is going to have to settle down and get some outs, preferably early in counts.

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 8:38 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)
        

Newly named Orioles manager Buck Showalter spoke to The Sun today and confirmed that he will be keeping the current Orioles’ coaching staff through the end of the season.

“We are going to leave it as is. If someone chooses to leave on their own, that’s up to them,” said Showalter, who will arrive in Baltimore on Sunday and be formally announced as the club’s 17th full-time manager at a noon news conference Monday.

“We’ll see where we are at the end of the season,” Showalter said. “I think the players have had enough in dealing with this sort of change. We’ll see what happens at the end of the year. We all will have a better grip on the situation by then.”

Showalter said he would like to retain Juan Samuel as his third base coach and he told Samuel that during a telephone conversation Friday afternoon. Samuel has been the club’s interim manager since June 4 and has hinted it might be uncomfortable for him and Showalter if he returned to the coaching box. It seems as if he is leaning toward stepping down.

“I would not be uncomfortable with him,” Showalter said. “I don’t know Juan, but his reputation is very good. He is well-respected in baseball. … I would make it as comfortable as I can for him. I try to surround myself with the best baseball people I can.”

Samuel is expected to mull his decision through the weekend, and likely will meet with Andy MacPhail, the club’s president of baseball operations, at some point after the team returns home from its road trip Sunday night.

Showalter would also like to meet with Samuel face-to-face before he makes his decision. If Samuel chooses to step down, then the Orioles could retain Gary Allenson, who is targeted to return to Triple-A Norfolk to manage the Tides, as third base coach.

Showalter said he has not thought about his 2011 coaching staff yet, even though there is speculation he could tab some of his former coaches to fill any vacant roles. He also said he would be open to bringing in former Orioles linked to the club’s glory days.

“I have a lot of respect for history and tradition -- that’s one of the attractive things about this job – and everywhere but in Arizona (a new franchise) I tried to embrace that,” Showalter said. “I like the idea of trying to embrace that as much as possible, especially if they are willing to work and impart their knowledge.”

Showalter isn’t offering names, but former Orioles Brady Anderson and B.J. Surhoff have been more visible at Camden Yards recently and Mike Bordick is currently a member of the minor-league staff and has helped out with the big leaguers. Former Oriole and Ranger Billy Ripken has also been floated as a potential coaching fit.

Overall, Showalter said he is excited to manage for the first time since he was with Texas in 2006. And he may be the least pumped member of the Showalter clan about the opportunity. He said his wife, 22-year-old daughter and 18-year-old son are especially psyched. His son, Nathan, has already purchased two Orioles’ hats from a Dallas store – one with the bird and the other with the ‘O.’

“These two kids have grown up in baseball and with this past situation (as an ESPN analyst) it’s been great being around them a lot more,” he said. “But I realized how much they had missed not having [Major League Baseball] in their lives and how genuinely excited they are about it. And I am too, obviously.”

Posted by Dan Connolly at 5:26 PM | Permalink | Comments (8)
        

With all of the news surrounding the Orioles on Thursday, one major happening may have gotten lost.

The Florida Marlins dealt third baseman Jorge Cantu to the Texas Rangers for two minor leaguers. It wasn’t exactly a headline-grabber outside of Miami and Dallas, but it will be felt in Baltimore.

With Cantu, a right-handed power bat going to Texas to play first base, the Rangers no longer are pursuing Wigginton.

That’s significant, because the Orioles’ brass has long viewed Texas as the best fit for a Wigginton trade. The Rangers have one of the best farm systems in baseball, have three highly regarded minor league shortstops (and one young one in the majors) and were the most aggressive involving Wigginton.

There are some others who have showed interest in Wigginton, but no one willing to meet the Orioles’ current price. That could change – by one side or the other – before Saturday’s 4 p.m. deadline, but Wigginton is no longer a slam-dunk to be moved.

One of the reasons the Orioles were more comfortable in dealing Miguel Tejada (to the San Diego Padres for a minor league pitcher) than Wigginton is that the organization has an obvious fill-in for Tejada at third in Josh Bell, whom the club wants to evaluate in the second half.

Brandon Snyder, the club’s projected first baseman of the future, has struggled at Triple-A and isn’t deemed ready for the majors. The Orioles could move Luke Scott or Jake Fox to first base for the remainder of the season or call up a guy like Michael Aubrey or Rhyne Hughes if Wigginton were dealt. But there is no pressing need to open first base for any of those players like there was with Bell.

Plus, the Orioles like Wigginton’s hard-charging attitude and the way he instructs the young guys and he isn’t making much – in industry standards – so there’s little point of a salary dump.

Andy MacPhail wouldn’t go into specifics, but he said Thursday that dealing Tejada didn’t affect whether the club would trade Wigginton.

“I think we are still going to be guided by what is in our best long-term interest,” MacPhail said. “I don’t think the two are related.”

If I had to handicap which Orioles players still may be moved by the deadline, my order would be this: Wigginton, lefty Will Ohman, Scott. But I don’t anticipate anything, honestly.

I have been told that a Jeremy Guthrie trade is now a near impossibility based on the way he has pitched recently and on how poorly the rest of the rotation has fared. Throw in the fact that Guthrie is under club control for two more seasons after this one, and the Orioles would have to be blown away to deal Guthrie. And it’s highly unlikely that a contending team would go to such lengths to land the right-hander.

The Orioles continue to talk with other clubs about Wigginton and Ohman, who will be free agents, and to a lesser extent Scott. But my guess – and it’s an educated guess, but not much more – is that Tejada may be the only non-waiver trade deadline casualty.

Here’s what MacPhail said when asked Thursday evening about the likelihood of more trades:

“I don’t really have anything that is close at the present time. It would have to be something that would be a relatively new discussion,” MacPhail said. “We have no shortage of discussions, but at the present time, the only thing that came to fruition was Tejada.”

That, as we have been reminded by MacPhail many times in the past, can always change with one phone call.

Posted by Dan Connolly at 1:53 PM | Permalink | Comments (12)
        

Catcher Matt Wieters hasn’t seen Wynn Pelzer throw in several years, but what he does remember about the pitcher, who was acquired from the San Diego Padres on Thursday in the Miguel Tejada deal, is enough for him to conclude that the right-hander could help the Orioles down the road.

Wieters and Pelzer both went to high school in South Carolina and were teammates in a couple of All-Star games. They also faced each other once and Wieters didn’t get the better of the clash.

“In high school, he was a low to mid 90’s guy with a good slider,” Wieters said. “I faced him on a field that had like four lights per pole. I couldn’t even see the ball so that’s what I remember.”

Wieters also described Pelzer as a good guy and a well-liked teammate.

In other Orioles news, they have agreed to terms with their eighth-round pick, Wynston Sawyer, a catcher from Scripps Ranch High School (Calif.). He is the third top 10 pick to agree to terms and the 31st overall.

Reliever Jim Johnson (right elbow inflammation) said that he felt a little rusty but had no problems with his arm during his one inning of work in a simulated game on Thursday in Sarasota, Fla. Johnson will throw another bullpen session on Saturday and then is scheduled to pitch in a Gulf Coast League game on Monday.

Triple-A Norfolk’s Chris Tillman was knocked around for five runs (four earned) on seven hits and two walks in just 4 1/3 innings on Thursday against Scranton Wilkes-Barre. In two starts since his demotion, Tillman has allowed nine earned runs, 15 hits and five walks in eight innings.

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 12:54 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

The Orioles have very much adopted a 'Win one for Juan' mantra in Samuel's final series as interim manager before Buck Showalter takes over on Tuesday.

However, one player who clearly wasn't in the spirit was rookie pitcher Brian Matusz, who was removed from last night's game in the fourth inning after he squandered a 3-0 lead and allowed all six hitters that he faced in the frame to either reach base or drive in a run.

Matusz stared incredulously toward the Orioles' dugout as Samuel made the slow walk to the mound.

“I was little bit shocked because it was so soon, and my first few innings I was so effective,” Matusz said. “Things were going so well. I still felt pretty good at that point. I was a little upset. Obviously nobody likes coming out of the game, especially when you have good stuff and that’s how I felt. Juan obviously felt that it was a game that we had, we had the lead at the time, and I wasn’t capable of finishing the job, so that was the move he decided to make and obviously I wanted to stay in there and keep going. But if I don’t like it I need to stop walking guys and pitch better.”

The 23-year-old walked three of the first four batters that he faced in the Royals’ five-run fifth. He also surrendered a double to Billy Butler, a sacrifice fly to Mike Aviles and a bloop single to Rich Ankiel and it was Ankiel’s hit that prompted Samuel to come to the mound..

Samuel said after the game that Matusz has become a “major concern,” though he still expects the lefty to make his next start.

“My mindset with these guys is I just didn’t want to put them in position where they could lose the ball game and you end up overexposing these guys,” Samuel said. “We’ve seen it so many times where some young guys come up and they can’t find the plate. Like I said, if I can remove these guys earlier than late, I’m going to do it just so I can protect them. He was throwing the ball so good. We just think he lost focus there for one minute and we didn’t want to leave him out there any longer.”

In three starts since the All-Star break, Matusz has a 12.60 ERA and has pitched just 10 total innings. He has just one win in his past 18 starts and after working at least five innings in 15 of his first 17 starts, Matusz has failed to complete four innings in three of his last four outings.

The disappointing thing about last night was that he was pitching so well, throwing 28 of his 41 pitches for strikes. However, in walking three of the first four batters in the fourth, he threw only four total strikes.

“I don’t think it’s mechanics, because I felt good, I felt locked in from the get-go,” he said. “It was just a matter of being too fine. I was too fine with some of those pitches, and then the 3-2 pitch when I walked in a runner, I was too fine and I missed by a couple inches. And that’s the difference between staying in a game, pulling it around and getting pulled. I feel good right now, I feel like I have good stuff, my velocity was good today. Curveball was the best it’s ever been, changeup was a little bit inconsistent, but overall I was attacking the zone and throwing a lot of strikes up until that fourth inning where I was too fine and didn’t get the job done.”

Asked how difficult the recent stretch has been, Matusz said, “Absolutely frustrating. Not happy right now at all.”

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 1:21 AM | Permalink | Comments (15)
        

The game between Single-A Frederick and Potomac was postponed tonight. It will be made up as part of a doubleheader tomorrow. The first game will begin at 5 p.m. and both are scheduled for seven innings.

Also, a quick note, I'll be on vacation from tomorrow until Aug. 9. My computer access will be limited during this time period, so I probably won't be able to post game recaps.

If you'd like to follow the teams while I'm gone, head over to MiLB.com.

Norfolk Tides (AAA)

Score: Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees 7, Norfolk Tides 1 (Box score)

Recap: Starting pitcher Chris Tillman (8-6) was charged with five runs (four earned) and seven hits in 4 1/3 innings as the Tides lost, 7-1, to Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.

Tillman struck out three batters and issued two walks, throwing 53 of 92 pitches for strikes.

Norfolk second baseman Paco Figueroa was 3-for-4 with an RBI, while left fielder Nolan Reimold added a double, stolen base and one run scored.

Bowie Baysox (AA)

Score: Bowie Baysox 8, New Britain Rock Cats 7 (Box score)

Recap: The Baysox scored four runs in the bottom of the ninth to escape with an 8-7 victory over New Britain at Prince George's Stadium.

Bowie's top six hitters each collected two hits in the win.

Baysox designated hitter Joel Guzman hit a two-run home run -- his 23rd of the season -- in his return to the team, while shortstop Greg Miclat added two hits, including a triple, and a run scored.

Left fielder Joe Mahoney was 2-for-3 with a double and a run scored for Bowie.

Starting pitcher Eddie Gamboa held the Rock Cats to one run and five hits in five innings for the Baysox, and relief pitcher Sean Gleason (1-0) tossed a scoreless frame.

Delmarva Shorebirds (A)

Score: Lexington Legends 4, Delmarva Shorebirds 1 (Box score)

Recap: Designated hitter Kieron Pope was 2-for-4 with a double and an RBI in the Shorebirds' 4-1 loss on the road against Lexington.

Delmarva starting pitcher Patrick Kantakevich (0-4) gave up three runs and seven hits in 5 2/3 innings. He collected four strikeouts, issued two walks and hit one batter.

Shorebirds shortstop Garabez Rosa committed his 34th error of the season.

Aberdeen IronBirds (A)

Score: Brooklyn Cyclones 4, Aberdeen IronBirds 2 (Box score)

Recap: After Brandon Erbe was scratched from his scheduled rehab start, Aberdeen starting pitcher Bruno Sanchez filled in nicely.

Sanchez allowed one run and four hits in six innings as the IronBirds suffered a 4-2 loss to Brooklyn at Ripken Stadium. He collected three strikeouts and hit two batters.

Aberdeen relief pitcher T.R. Keating (2-3) was roughed up for two runs and four hits in the ninth.

IronBirds center fielder Trent Mummey and left fielder Kipp Schutz each contributed two hits.

Bluefield Orioles (Rookie)

Score: Burlington Royals 11, Bluefield Orioles 2 (Box score)

Recap: Starting pitcher Angel Cespedes (2-2) gave up five runs (four earned) and nine hits in five innings as the Orioles were pounded, 11-2, by Burlington.

Bluefield managed only five hits and committed four errors in the loss.

Orioles catcher Michael Ohlman was 1-for-4 with an RBI.

GCL Orioles (Rookie)

Score: GCL Red Sox 7, GCL Orioles 2 (Box score)

Recap: Center fielder Martin Serrata was 3-for-5 in the GCL Orioles' 7-2 loss to the GCL Red Sox, and right fielder Jaynnertt Melenciano added two hits.

Orioles starting pitcher Yancorix Adrian (2-2) gave up five runs (three earned), three hits and four walks in four innings. He collected four strikeouts and hit two batters.

Red Sox center fielder Jacoby Ellsbury was 0-for-3 with a walk and two runs scored during an injury rehabilitation assignment for the team's Rookie-level affiliate.

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 11:36 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)
        

There are a whole lot of ripples to be felt from the Orioles hiring of manager Buck Showalter that was announced Thursday.

Here are two worth mentioning:

Showalter gets a three-year deal that technically is three-plus years since it will cover through the 2013 season.

President of baseball operations Andy MacPhail’s contract expires after the 2011 season. So MacPhail has one year left and the guy he hired, whom by job description is his subordinate, has two years after that.

It creates what we can call an interesting situation – the manager has more job security than the GM (at least technically, since the last three O’s managers have been fired in-season).

So what’s MacPhail’s take on this?

“It really doesn’t matter to me. I couldn’t care less,” MacPhail said. “What matters to me is getting this franchise to where it belongs, to make the proper steps to get back. (My contract) is the least of my concern.”

As for interim manager Juan Samuel, he’s been offered back his third base coaching job. He’s mulling it, but his quotes, courtesy of Jeff Zrebiec, don’t sound like he’s leaning toward staying.

“I have not met Buck at all. But, you know we have four more games here, whether the decision for me is to stay or leave, I’m going to have to think about it and see what I’m going to do,” Samuel said Thursday in Kansas City. “I don’t want (Showalter) to feel uncomfortable, I don’t want to feel uncomfortable myself, so I’m going to think about it in the next few days. And it’s a decision I’m going to make at the end of this weekend.”

MacPhail said he wants Samuel to stay. In fact, MacPhail praised Samuel, saying he has been a rare bright spot in 2010.

“One of the few joys in an otherwise dismal season is the opportunity to getting to know Juan a little more,” MacPhail said. “The players gave the effort to him, that’s not the issue. I am delighted to have him as part of our organization.”

Posted by Dan Connolly at 9:53 PM | Permalink | Comments (6)
        

Miguel Tejada just came onto the field to say goodbye to his teammates before packing up his locker. Here are some comments from the new San Diego Padre:

On his reactions on trade: “I know this game is a business. I wish the team could do better with me here. I’m just sorry because I think we can do much better than we’re doing now. I got to accept whatever they do. It’s a great honor that a first-place team wants me. I wish it could be here and we were fighting for first place. That don’t happen and I got to go do my job.”

On whether this surprised him: “It hit me hard. It’s not because I get traded, but one thing I never want to do is leave this team. I love being here. I feel bad because I left a lot of good guys behind. I always say that I love the city and I love this team. It hit me hard, but I got to go play and help those guys to win a championship.”

On how he’ll be used in San Diego: “I’m probably going to be used as a third base or a shortstop, the two positions that I play. I just want to go up there and help them. I love winning and there’s an opportunity there to be a winner.”

On whether his time is running out to get a ring?: “You see what happened here and now I go into a situation where I can get a ring. It’s not easy to get a ring. It’s a lot of hard work. Now, I’m going to have an opportunity. I’m just going to move forward and keep working hard and hopefully I’ll have an opportunity.”

On whether he’d consider another return to Baltimore: “I always say that I love this city, I love this team, I love the guys that they have in here. I would love to never leave here. I’ll always be interested in coming back here. I already told the team that the only team that I can be coaching when I retire is here. I love it here. In my heart, I’m one of the Orioles. I feel like this is the team that gave to my family. I think that everywhere I go, people are going to look at me as one of the Orioles. Hopefully now, they’ll look at me like a Hall of Famer like Jim Palmer or Brooks Robinson because those guys did so much for baseball and the Orioles. But I think I’m getting there because I love the Orioles and I played for them a long time. I think my heart belongs to the Orioles.”

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 6:38 PM | Permalink | Comments (22)
        

Here’s what we know about Wynn Pelzer, whom the Orioles received in a deal with the San Diego Padres minutes ago, pending league approval.

Pelzer, 24, was the seventh-rated prospect in the Padres system by Baseball America. He was the former closer at the University of South Carolina and was taken in the ninth round in 2007, getting an above-slot bonus of $190,000.

The right-hander was 6-9 with a 4.20 ERA in 22 games (18 starts) for San Antonio, the Padres' Double-A affiliate. He’s 6-foot-1 and 205 pounds and can throw in the mid 90s, though his velocity dropped some this year.

He is mainly a starter but was switched back to relief recently. One scout that has seen him calls him raw and said he needs work on his delivery and command. But he has a strong live arm and closer’s mentality. There's definitely an upside there.

Posted by Dan Connolly at 6:20 PM | Permalink | Comments (18)
        

Miguel Tejada has been scratched from tonight’s game and, according to an industry source, has been traded to the San Diego Padres, pending league approval.

It is believed the Orioles will receive 24-year-old right-hander Wynn Pelzer. Pelzer was 6-9 with a 4.20 ERA in 22 games (18 starts) for San Antonio, the Padres' Double-A affiliate. A ninth round pick in 2007, he was ranked as the seventh-best prospect in San Diego's system by Baseball America.

When asked about the roster move, president of baseball operations Andy MacPhail declined comment.

Trades need approval only when a significant amount of money is part of the deal, so the Orioles are likely picking up a chunk of the remaining $2.3 million from Tejada's $6 million deal.

Triple-A Norfolk third baseman Josh Bell is on his way to the majors, a source said.

Posted by Dan Connolly at 5:23 PM | Permalink | Comments (8)
        

Today is going to be pretty much all Buck Showalter all the time, but just a quick non-manager note. The Orioles have agreed to terms with their 10th-round pick, Clayton Schrader, a right-handed pitcher out of San Jacinto Junior College in Texas.

Schrader is the 30th pick the Orioles have signed, but only the second within the top 10.

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 2:20 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)
        

The Orioles are planning on holding a news conference on Monday at Camden Yards to announce that they have hired Buck Showalter as their next manager.

Showalter will sign a three-year deal that will start after the season, according to team sources. The Orioles reached agreement with him this morning, and the agreement was first reported by ESPN. Showalter will be in the dugout on Tuesday when the Orioles start their next homestand against the Los Angeles Angels.

The coaching staff is expected to stay around until at least the end of the season.

Interim manager Juan Samuel will return to coaching third base and current third base coach Gary Allenson will return to managing Triple-A Norfolk.

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 1:39 PM | Permalink | Comments (16)
        

Orioles minor league right-hander Brandon Erbe's forgettable season keeps getting worse.

Erbe was scratched from tonight's scheduled injury rehab start for Single-A Aberdeen due to tenderness in his throwing arm, the team announced earlier today.

The 22-year-old was 0-10 with a 5.73 ERA in 14 starts with Triple-A Norfolk before going on the disabled list with shoulder soreness in June. Erbe gave up two runs, two walks and one hit in three innings during his first rehab appearance with the IronBirds against Hudson Valley last Saturday at Ripken Stadium.

Right-hander Bruno Sanchez will start in Erbe's place for Aberdeen.

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 1:15 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)
        

For the past 49 years, it was believed that former Orioles first baseman Jim Gentile's RBI total in 1961 was just short of earning a place in history.

Gentile finished the season with 141 RBIs, good enough for second in the American League behind New York Yankees outfielder Roger Maris, who hit a then-record 61 home runs and ended with 142 RBIs.

Or so it was thought until researcher Ron Rakowski discovered that Maris was incorrectly credited with an extra RBI during the year. Thanks to Rakowski's work, baseball records were officially changed to show that Gentile tied for the RBI lead during the 1961 season.

Both players are now listed with 141 RBIs.

Fanhouse columnist Greg Couch recently spoke to Gentile about the change.

Couch talks about Gentile's contract situation with the Orioles, who were headed by Hall of Fame general manager Lee MacPhail at the time. MacPhail, as many of you know, is the father of current Orioles president of baseball operations Andy MacPhail.

After that, he negotiated a new deal with Baltimore general manager Lee MacPhail, doubling his salary to $30,000.

"We argued over the contract," Gentile said. "I remember MacPhail, at the time I signed the contract, said that if I had led the league in RBIs, it would have been worth $5,000 more."

In the article, Couch writes that the Orioles should honor Gentile -- and perhaps give him the $5,000.

What do you think?

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 11:19 AM | Permalink | Comments (17)
        

2010 Orioles: 31-70 (.307)

Notable win-loss records through 102 games (win percentage in parentheses):

1916 Philadelphia Athletics: 20-81-1 (.201)
1954 Orioles: 36-66 (.353)
1962 New York Mets: 26-76 (.255)
1988 Orioles: 32-70 (.314)
2003 Detroit Tigers: 28-74 (.275)

How each team fared in their 102nd game:

1916 Athletics: 10-4 loss to the Detroit Tigers

A day after ending their season-worst 20-game losing streak, the Athletics went back to their losing ways in a defeat against Detroit at Navin Field.

1954 Orioles: 8-6 loss to the New York Yankees

Yankees left fielder Gene Woodling contributed a home run and three RBIs as New York held off the Orioles in front of an announced 28,643 fans in the first game of a doubleheader at Memorial Stadium. Catcher Yogi Berra was 4-for-5 with two doubles, two RBIs and two runs scored for the Yankees.

1962 Mets: 5-1 loss to the St. Louis Cardinals

New York outfielder Richie Ashburn was 3-for-3, but the Cardinals scored four runs in the bottom of the seventh to win the second game of a doubleheader at Busch Stadium. St. Louis center fielder Curt Flood and second baseman Julian Javier each added two RBIs, while the Cardinals' Bill White hit a solo homer.

1988 Orioles: 8-7 loss to the Kansas City Royals

Shortstop Cal Ripken Jr. hit a two-run home run in the bottom of the ninth, but the Orioles' rally came up one run short in a loss to Kansas City in front of an announced 38,540 fans at Memorial Stadium. Ripken collected three RBIs, and Orioles designated hitter Eddie Murray was 2-for-4 with a homer and three RBIs.

2003 Tigers: 5-1 win over the Kansas City Royals

Tigers starting pitcher Jeremy Bonderman held the Royals to one run and three hits in eight innings as Detroit won the second game of the series at Comerica Park. Shortstop Ramon Santiago contributed two RBIs for the Tigers, while right fielder Bobby Higginson was 2-for-3 with a sacrifice fly.

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 10:32 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

I've lost count of how many times a hitter this season has said that you have to "tip your cap" to the opposing pitcher who just shut the Orioles down. So it was mildly refreshing tonight not to hear the Orioles lavish praise on Blue Jays soft-tossing lefty Brad Mills, who gave up just two hits in seven innings of Toronto's sweep-securing 5-0 victory.

Instead, the Orioles admitted that they had plenty of pitches to hit and they just missed them.

“We just beat ourselves,” Luke Scott said. "“If he was painting [the corners], I’d understand. We just didn’t make the adjustment. We had pitches to hit. I can understand if we are getting carved up as far as not [getting] much out over the plate. We had some pitches to hit, we just missed them.”

Corey Patterson agreed with Scott's opinion that the Orioles had only themselves to blame. In fact, Patterson looked up at Mills' radar readings on the stadium scoreboard and concluded that the Orioles were going to have a big day offensively.

“We should have done a little bit better job of getting guys on and scoring runs,” said Patterson. “The radar gun probably went from 84 to 87 [miles an hour]. He didn’t really have anything that could blow it by you, or a big change of speed. Offensively, we just didn’t get the job done tonight. He pitched well, but I think it was more a matter of us not executing.”

We all know by now that the Blue Jays are 12-0 against the Orioles this season, but this you may not know. In the 12 games, the Orioles have scored 23 total runs, been shutout three times and held to two runners or fewer 10 times.

“It’s something that again, we’ve been through all season long,” said interim manager Juan Samuel. “These guys have to make the adjustments. They have to do it. They know what [Mills'] bread-and-butter was and we just didn’t get it done.”

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 11:41 PM | Permalink | Comments (9)
        

Tonight's game between Double-A Bowie and Akron was suspended in the top of the second inning. It will be made up as part of a doubleheader when the Aeros travel to Prince George's Stadium to play the Baysox for a three-game series from Aug. 23-25.

Norfolk Tides (AAA)

Score: Norfolk Tides 8, Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees 6 (Box score)

Recap: Third baseman Josh Bell and designated hitter Nolan Reimold hit back-to-back homers in the third inning in the Tides' 8-6 victory over Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.

Bell finished with three hits, three RBIs and two runs scored, while Reimold was 2-for-3 with two walks, a double, two RBIs and two runs scored.

First baseman Brandon Snyder added two hits and two RBIs for Norfolk.

Tides starting pitcher Troy Patton (7-9) was charged with four runs and eight hits in 5 2/3 innings, while closer Dennis Sarfate earned his 13th save of the season despite giving up one run in 1 1/3 innings.

Catcher Craig Tatum was 0-for-5 in his first game with the Tides.

Frederick Keys (A)

Score: Frederick Keys 8, Lynchburg Hillcats 7 (Box score)

Recap: After blowing a three-run lead in the ninth and giving up two runs in the top of the 10th, the Keys rallied for an 8-7 win over Lynchburg at Harry Grove Stadium.

After third baseman Billy Rowell stole second base and moved to third on an error, second baseman Miguel Abreu delivered with an RBI single to win the game.

Frederick center fielder Xavier Avery and was 3-for-5 with a double and three runs scored, while left fielder Kyle Hudson added three hits, including a double, and two runs scored.

Keys starting pitcher Oliver Drake allowed two runs and three hits in six innings, and relief pitcher Josh Dowdy (1-0) picked up the victory despite giving up five runs and five hits in two innings.

First baseman Buck Britton contributed two RBIs for Frederick.

Aberdeen IronBirds (A)

Score: Brooklyn Cyclones 7, Aberdeen IronBirds 2 (Box score)

Recap: Starting pitcher Tim Adleman (1-2) gave up four runs and eight hits in five innings as the IronBirds fell, 7-2, to Brooklyn at Ripken Stadium.

Relief pitcher Kam Mickolio tossed a perfect inning during his latest injury rehab appearance for Aberdeen. He struck out two batters in the outing.

IronBirds third baseman Adam Gaylord was 2-for-4 with a double and a run scored, while left fielder Kipp Schutz and first baseman David Anderson each added two hits.

Bluefield Orioles (Rookie)

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

Recap: Center fielder Brenden Webb scored the go-ahead run by stealing home plate in the bottom of the eighth as the Orioles topped Pulaski, 5-4, at Bowen Field.

Bluefield second baseman Moises Ciriaco hit a two-run home run in the first inning, while right fielder Luis Ramirez was 1-for-3 with two RBIs.

Orioles starting pitcher Jarret Martin gave up four runs, four hits and six walks in four innings, while relief pitcher Sam Taveras tossed two scoreless frames for the win.

GCL Orioles (Rookie)

Score: GCL Orioles 4, GCL Red Sox 2 (Box score)

Recap: Left fielder Jaynnertt Melenciano was 3-for-4 with a double, two stolen bases and an RBI in the GCL Orioles' 4-2 win over the GCL Red Sox.

Orioles right fielder Grolmann Gonzalez and first baseman Gino Moranci each hit a double, while shortstop Vincent Zazueta and catcher Rolando Petit each added an RBI.

Starting pitcher Douglas Ferguson (3-2) held the Red Sox to two runs (one earned) and three hits in seven innings for the Orioles, while closer Jose Mota tossed a scoreless frame for his fifth save of the season.

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 11:05 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
        

Nobody in the Orioles' lineup has ever faced Toronto lefty Brad Mills, and they're apparently not much interested in seeing what he's got. Three of the seven hitters to bat in the first two innings hacked at the first pitch and all three of the swings resulted in outs.

Miguel Tejada hit into a double play after Brian Roberts' leadoff single. Luke Scott made the first out of the second by popping out, and Jake Fox made the final out of the inning by fouling out.

The good news is Corey Patterson just swung at the first pitch in the top of the third and then made it an out on the second pitch. Mills has thrown only 23 pitches through three innings. Why make it hard on the youngster?

It was also Patterson's error in fielding Adam Lind's single in the bottom of the second that led to an unearned run scoring on Jeremy Guthrie.

I doubt anyone wonders at this point why the Orioles are 31-69, but if you were, you have your proof watching this one.

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 7:31 PM | Permalink | Comments (17)
        

Interim manager Juan Samuel said today that struggling right-hander Brad Bergesen will make his next start Saturday in Kansas City and the Orioles will go one more time through the rotation before any changes are made. Samuel said the club just doesn't have a lot of options to make mass changes in the rotation.

It remains pretty quiet on the trade front. There is interest in Orioles infielders Miguel Tejada and Ty Wigginton, but right now, they appear to be fallback options for several teams. If the Orioles wanted to gain some salary relief and get a couple of low-level prospects back, they could have moved Wigginton and Tejada by now. However, most teams aren't offering much of anything and the Orioles haven't lowered their asking price. They are hoping things pick up before Saturday's trade deadline as teams get a little more desperate.

Infielder Scott Moore, who was designated when Brian Roberts returned, cleared waivers and has accepted his assignment to Triple-A Norfolk.

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 5:16 PM | Permalink | Comments (8)
        

Orioles pitching coach Rick Kranitz has remained patient with the organization’s struggling young starters, but he acknowledged that it is understandable for people to start getting a little restless.

“It’s frustrating because these guys should be taking more steps forward and they’re not, they haven’t been,” he said. “I’ve seen some little signs, but they have to go all the way through. They have to keep going forward. That’s a tough balancing act because you still have to stay positive, but the reality is you have to get the job done. They can’t control the wins and losses, but you can control where you throw the baseball and be competitive on a nightly basis. That shouldn’t be in doubt.”

It has been in doubt on many nights recently. Since the All-Star break, second-year right-hander Brad Bergesen is 0-3 with a 9.37 ERA in three starts. Rookie lefty Brian Matusz is 0-2 with a 12.15 ERA in two outings. Rookie right-hander Jake Arrieta is 0-1 with a 9.64 ERA in two starts. Second-year right-hander Chris Tillman was 0-1 with a 27.00 ERA before he was sent back to Triple-A Norfolk.

“Obviously, you don’t want to see all those guys struggling at the same time, but they have to step up,” Kranitz said. “Yeah, they are young, but they still have to get the job done. We can’t continue to go day in and day out and have guys not give us innings. You can’t do that. They all have enough stuff, and they need to start earning their keep here. You certainly don’t like to see young kids struggle, but you also need to earn your way here. To stay here, you have to pitch well. It has been tough, and it has been real tough on the bullpen as well.”

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 2:19 PM | Permalink | Comments (27)
        

Toronto Blue Jays third base and infield coach Brian Butterfield worked on Buck Showalter’s staffs with the New York Yankees from 1994 to 1995 and with the Arizona Diamondbacks from 1998 to 2000, and he remains a close friend of the Orioles’ leading managerial candidate. Butterfield acknowledged that he’s surprised Showalter has been out of the managerial game since after the 2006 season, but he has sensed recently that his former boss is eager to get back into it.

“I think he has had the itch [to manage] ever since that he’s gotten out, and I don’t think he’ll ever lose that,” Butterfield said. “He keeps everything pretty close to the vest, but I assume over the last three years since he’s been out, he’s wanted to get back in somewhere. I hope he does. … He has so many redeeming qualities that it’s a little bit of a surprise to me why he hasn’t been in the league for a while. But you know what, speaking to him a couple of times recently, he says he feels good physically. The managing and the coaching sometimes can take a toll on you, but I think he’s in a way where he’s itching to get back. I think if it were to happen in Baltimore, I think he would be a tremendous fit.”

Several of Showalter’s former players and coaches have talked about how well the current ESPN analyst deals with young players, which is one of the reasons he jumped to the top of the Orioles’ wish list in their quest to find a long-term replacement for Dave Trembley.

“I think he would be a good fit anywhere. I think he’s a fit with young players, I think he’s a fit with older players. He’s one of the best baseball people who I’ve ever been around. He’s prepared, he’s detailed, he does things the right way. He’s demanding. He’s demanding of his coaches as well as his players,” Butterfield said. “I think good baseball people are going to fit in any type of situation. I think regardless of what type of ballclub he’s going to take over, whether it’s a team with running speed, a team that hits home runs or a pitch/defense team, he’s such a good baseball man that he can adjust to the personnel that he is.

“Whether they are young or they are old, he’s patient. I think with the way he carries himself, there is a sense in that clubhouse that they build their own confidence. The one thing that he always stressed to me is when you have a clubhouse that polices itself, that is the ideal clubhouse to have. Wherever he goes and at whatever point, I think that’s the first thing he’ll try to gauge, what type of veteran players he has and are they going to be the guys that you need to police themselves. He just has so many good qualities. I think he could manage any team. I think he can take a football team and be successful.”

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 11:47 AM | Permalink | Comments (21)
        

2010 Orioles: 31-69 (.310)

Notable win-loss records through 101 games (win percentage in parentheses):

1916 Philadelphia Athletics: 20-80-1 (.203)
1954 Orioles: 36-65 (.356)
1962 New York Mets: 26-75 (.257)
1988 Orioles: 32-69 (.317)
2003 Detroit Tigers: 27-74 (.267)

How each team fared in their 101st game:

1916 Athletics: 7-1 win over the Detroit Tigers

Finally, after losing 20 straight games, the Athletics were able to pick up their 20th victory of the season by beating Detroit at Navin Field. Philadelphia won eight games in August, which was the second-most by the team in a month during the 1916 season. They were 11-14 in May.

1954 Orioles: 6-5 loss to the New York Yankees

Shortstop Billy Hunter hit a two-run home run as the Orioles scored three times in the bottom of the ninth before coming up short against the Yankees in front of an announced 12,557 fans at Memorial Stadium. The Orioles' Bob Kennedy also hit a two-run shot, while first baseman Eddie Waitkus added an RBI.

1962 Mets: 6-5 loss to the St. Louis Cardinals

Cardinals second baseman Julian Javier scored four times as St. Louis held off a late comeback by the Mets in the first game of a doubleheader at Busch Stadium. New York third baseman Felix Mantilla was 2-for-5 with three RBIs, while second baseman Rod Kanehl was 2-for-4 with a double and an RBI.

1988 Orioles: 6-2 loss to the Kansas City Royals

Shortstop Cal Ripken Jr. hit his 16th home run of the season in the first inning, but the Orioles lost the series opener to Kansas City in front of an announced 24,795 fans at Memorial Stadium. Left fielder Bo Jackson and first baseman George Brett each homered to carry the Royals, while starting pitcher Bret Saberhagen earned his 11th win.

2003 Tigers: 8-3 loss to the Kansas City Royals

Royals right fielder Aaron Guiel was 2-for-5 with a three-run home run as Kansas City beat the Tigers in the series opener at Comerica Park. Detroit right fielder Bobby Higginson was 3-for-5 with two runs scored, and designated hitter Kevin Witt added a solo home run. Tigers first baseman Carlos Pena added two hits.

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

Norfolk Tides (AAA)

Score: Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees 4, Norfolk Tides 2 (Box score)

Recap: Starting pitcher Zach Britton allowed two runs and six hits in 5 2/3 innings as the Tides fell, 4-2, on the road against Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.

Britton struck out three batters and issued three walks, throwing 57 of his 100 pitches for strikes. He also threw two wild pitches in the outing.

Norfolk shortstop Robert Andino and third baseman Josh Bell each hit their 12th home run of the season, while right fielder Rhyne Hughes added two hits.

Relief pitcher Cla Meredith (1-1) suffered the loss for the Tides after giving up two runs and two hits in 2 1/3 innings. He collected two strikeouts and walked one hitter.

Bowie Baysox (AA)

Score: Akron Aeros 4, Bowie Baysox 0 (Box score)

Recap: In a major league rehab start, Indians starting pitcher Anthony Reyes held the Baysox to one hit in three innings as Akron cruised to a 4-0 victory.

Bowie left fielder Tyler Henson collected two of the team's five hits, including a double, while designated hitter L.J. Hoes was 0-for-4 in his second Double-A appearance.

Baysox starting pitcher Rick Zagone (1-3) recovered from a four-run first inning to toss seven frames in the loss. He struck out one batter and allowed seven hits.

First baseman Joe Mahoney was 0-for-3 with a walk for Bowie.

Frederick Keys (A)

Score: Lynchburg Hillcats 9, Frederick Keys 3 (Box score)

Recap: Third baseman Billy Rowell was 2-for-4 with a double, an RBI and two runs scored in the Keys' 9-3 loss to Lynchburg at Harry Grove Stadium.

Frederick first baseman Buck Britton was 1-for-2 with two RBIs, while left fielder Xavier Avery added two hits and a run scored.

Keys starting pitcher Ryan Berry (2-2) was charged with eight runs (seven earned) and nine hits in four-plus innings. He collected two strikeouts, issued two walks and hit two batters.

Infielder Bobby Stevens tossed a scoreless frame in relief for Frederick. He allowed one hit, issued one walk and struck out two batters.

First baseman Tyler Townsend was a late scratch, according to the Keys, after tweaking his hamstring while stretching before the game. No word on the severity at this time.

Delmarva Shorebirds (A)

Score: Lakewood BlueClaws 9, Delmarva Shorebirds 0 (Box score)

Recap: Third baseman Tyler Kelly was 2-for-3, but the Shorebirds were blanked, 9-0, by Lakewood at Arthur W. Perdue Stadium.

Delmarva starting pitcher Kenny Moreland (6-4) allowed five runs (three earned) and 10 hits in six innings, while relief pitcher Nicholas Haughian was charged with four runs and four hits in two-thirds of an inning.

Shortstop Garabez Rosa was 0-for-3 with two strikeouts and his 33rd error of the season for the Shorebirds. In 45 games since June 1, Rosa is batting .192 with one home run and 13 RBIs.

Shorebirds center fielder Steve Bumbry was 0-for-4 with three strikeouts in the loss.

While he is batting a respectable .272 with three home runs, 23 doubles and 31 RBIs this season, Bumbry is second in the South Atlantic League with 120 strikeouts.

Bluefield Orioles (Rookie)

Score: Pulaski Mariners 9, Bluefield Orioles 1 (Box score)

Recap: First baseman Joe Velleggia, a Calvert Hall graduate, hit his first professional home run in the bottom of the ninth to help the Orioles avoid a shutout in a 9-1 loss to Pulaski at Bowen Field.

Bluefield shortstop Jonathan Schoop, an 18-year-old infielder from Curacao, hit a double. However, he also committed his eighth error in 10 games since being called up from the GCL Orioles.

Orioles starting pitcher Jacob Petitt (2-3) was charged with six runs (three earned) and nine hits in five-plus innings. He struck out 11 batters and didn't walk anyone.

Infielder Javier Santana tossed a scoreless frame in relief for Bluefield.

GCL Orioles (Rookie)

Score: GCL Orioles 5, GCL Twins 3 (Box score)

Recap: Catcher Xavier Lopez was 3-for-4 with an RBI, a stolen base and a run scored as the GCL Orioles won, 5-3, over the GCL Twins.

Orioles third baseman Michael Mosby was 2-for-3 with a double and a run scored, while first baseman Preston Hale added a double, an RBI and a run scored.

Relief pitcher Cory Ast (1-0) tossed 3 1/3 scoreless innings to pick up his first professional victory for the Orioles, while closer Jose Mota earned his fourth save of the season.

In 21 innings this year, Mota has only allowed 10 hits and no runs.

Orioles starting pitcher Enrico Jimenez gave up three runs and seven hits in 4 2/3 innings. He struck out six batters and issued two walks.

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 11:21 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)
        

At this point, I see no point in recapping every Orioles' loss because they are all pretty much the same. Starter puts team in the hole early, offense does nothing until scoring a couple of runs late and Orioles lose again. Just substitute the names.

So I'll include just this one statistic after the 8-2 loss, the Orioles' 11th straight against the Toronto Blue Jays to start the season:

The Orioles are now 20 ½ games behind the Blue Jays for fourth place in the American League East. Only two other teams in baseball – the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Arizona Diamondbacks – entered yesterday more than 20 games out of first place.

That's sad, very sad.

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 9:42 PM | Permalink | Comments (16)
        

The Orioles went down on a total of eight pitches in the top of the first inning as Blue Jays left-hander Ricky Romero retired Julio Lugo on a strikeout and then Miguel Tejada and Nick Markakis on groundouts. Tejada swung at the first pitch.

Kevin Millwood then took the mound in the bottom of the first and served up a three-run homer to Jose Bautista, the major league home run leader with 29. Fred Lewis led off the game with a single that Tejada should have probably fielded at third, and then Yunel Escobar hit a line single to left field. Bautista then deposited a 1-0 belt-high fastball into the left-field seats.

Millwood has allowed at least two runs in the first inning in 10 of his 11 starts and a total of 31 first-inning runs during that span.

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 7:21 PM | Permalink | Comments (8)
        

If young left-hander Zach Britton is removed early from Triple-A Norfolk's game tonight, it's going to either be because he's injured or ineffective. The Orioles are placing no restrictions on his start, meaning he's unlikely to come up Saturday and make his major league debut in place of struggling Brad Bergesen.

You can't rule it out, but right now, the club is leaning toward giving Bergesen another start. If Britton goes deep into the game tonight and throws a lot of pitches, it's highly unlikely the Orioles would bring him back Saturday on three days' rest and have him make his big league debut.

"We need to discuss what we are going to do," interim manager Juan Samuel said when asked about Bergesen. "Right now, he is [going to start Saturday]. But again, it’s something that we really need to discuss and figure out if it’s the best thing for him and for our ballclub and if he’s going to be the guy we are going to be counting on. That’s something we really need to look into."

Britton, 22, considered the Orioles' top pitching prospect yet to have reached the majors, has done well since his promotion to Triple-A, and the Orioles are planning to call him up to get his feet wet in the majors before the season ends. However, that might not happen until August.

Asked specifically whether Britton is an option to start for the Orioles on Saturday in Kansas City, Samuel said: "We had a little bit of discussion on that this morning, and I was informed that he’s not on the [40-man] roster. We’d probably need a spot if that’s what it is, but I haven’t been informed that as we speak now."

Instead, pitching coach Rick Kranitz will work with Bergesen tomorrow during a bullpen session, and the two will try to correct the pitcher's faulty sinker.

"First things first, he’s got to get his sinker back. That’s making it very tough for him," Kranitz said. "Without that pitch, he’s done OK as far as giving us some innings. But that’s what he is, a sinkerball pitcher, and he just hasn’t been consistent at all. He’s just been in and out of his delivery. He hasn’t really repeated it much. You’ll see a good sinker, and it’s about every third or fourth pitch you’ll see one. Last year, he pounded it in to the right-handers, and it’s just not getting there. That’s not good when you are throwing 88, 89 miles an hour."

Asked about Bergesen making his next start, Kranitz said: "That’s not my decision. We’re in Canada. My phone doesn’t work. I haven’t talked to [president of baseball operations Andy MacPhail] about it. We’re going to go tomorrow and what we’re going to do is take a lot more time with the sinker and try to get it back to going to the arm side of the plate. That should be an easy enough pitch for him to throw. We got to get it back. That’s very important for him."

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 6:01 PM | Permalink | Comments (8)
        

The Blue Jays' 10 straight wins against the Orioles to start a season are a franchise first. Toronto's club record for consecutive victories against any opponent is 13 against the Orioles (1999-2000) and Cleveland Indians (1991-1992). And as you'll see below, the 10 victories this season haven't been particularly close, either.

Wins

Blue Jays: 10
Orioles: 0

Runs

Blue Jays: 57
Orioles: 21

Hits

Blue Jays: 100
Orioles: 77

Extra-base hits

Blue Jays: 52
Orioles: 16

Homers

Blue Jays: 21
Orioles: 4

Team ERA

Blue Jays: 1.90
Orioles: 5.55

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 1:49 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)
        

2010 Orioles: 31-68 (.313)

Notable win-loss records through 100 games (win percentage in parentheses):

1916 Philadelphia Athletics: 19-80-1 (.195)
1954 Orioles: 36-64 (.360)
1962 New York Mets: 26-74 (.260)
1988 Orioles: 32-68 (.320)
2003 Detroit Tigers: 27-73 (.270)

How each team fared in their 100th game:

1916 Athletics: 9-0 loss to the Detroit Tigers

The Athletics suffered their 20th consecutive defeat -- and 80th overall -- as they failed to score against Detroit at Navin Field. Philadelphia's longest losing streak of the season ended after this loss, while their longest winning streak of the season was two games.

1954 Orioles: 10-0 win over the New York Yankees

Orioles starting pitcher Don Larsen improved his record to 3-13 on the season by blanking the Yankees in a complete-game victory in front of an announced 27,385 fans at Memorial Stadium. The Orioles' Bob Kennedy was 3-for-3 with a grand slam and six RBIs, while catcher Clint Courtney added two RBIs.

1962 Mets: 9-8 win over the St. Louis Cardinals

The Mets collected 16 hits and took advantage of five errors by St. Louis to edge the Cardinals at Busch Stadium. Pinch hitter Gene Woodling hit a two-run home run in the top of the fifth, while center fielder Richie Ashburn was 4-for-5 with an RBI and two stolen bases. The Cardinals' Curt Flood also hit a two-run homer.

1988 Orioles: 5-2 win over the Cleveland Indians

Shortstop Cal Ripken Jr. and first baseman Eddie Murray each hit a solo home run as the Orioles topped the Indians at Cleveland Stadium. Orioles catcher Mickey Tettleton was 3-for-3 with a walk and a run scored, while starting pitcher Oswaldo Peraza held Cleveland to two runs and seven hits in 8 1/3 innings.

2003 Tigers: 7-4 win over the Cleveland Indians

Designated hitter Craig Monroe hit a two-run home run for Detroit as the Tigers handed Cleveland starting pitcher CC Sabathia his sixth loss of the season. Tigers left fielder Ben Petrick was 3-for-5 with a double and two RBIs, while starting pitcher Nate Cornejo earned the victory at Jacobs Field.

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 1:40 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)
        

Top pitching prospect Zach Britton will start tonight for Triple-A Norfolk, and what happens in that game could go a long way in determining whether struggling Brad Bergesen makes his next start. If Britton, who will likely be on an innings limit and shut down before season’s end, is scratched or has an abbreviated outing, I think that’s a good sign that he’ll be pitching Saturday in Kansas City opposite Zack Greinke. Chris Tillman, another option, is scheduled to pitch Thursday for the Tides, but he did not have a good last outing for Norfolk, and you would think the Orioles have played this game long enough with yanking him back and forth from the minors to the majors. An internal option is to give Mark Hendrickson or Matt Albers a spot start, but with the starters going so short in games, it’s hard to imagine the Orioles being able to hold one of those guys out to use in the rotation. Either way, I’d be surprised at this point if Bergesen makes his next start. In three outings since the All-Star break, he has allowed 19 earned runs, 29 hits and six walks in 16 1/3 innings. Ouch.

In their past two games, the Orioles have allowed 19 runs, 22 hits and 14 extra-base hits. I don’t have much to add to that.

We keep hearing from team officials that things are still relatively quiet on the trade front with the deadline now about five days away. The Phillies and White Sox were among the teams that had scouts at last night’s game, but neither should be too surprising. The Phillies, who were represented by former Orioles scout Dave Hollins, have been at pretty much every Orioles game since the All-Star break, and the White Sox have two series against the Orioles over the next five weeks, so their guy is probably doing some advance work. The last I heard was that talks between the Orioles and Phillies regarding Miguel Tejada and Ty Wigginton were dormant, but that could obviously change as we get closer to the deadline and the Orioles’ asking price drops. There has been speculation that the Phillies have at least tepid interest in Jeremy Guthrie, too, and they have been represented at his past two starts. Orioles president of baseball operations Andy MacPhail is very tight-lipped about the trade stuff, as are his lieutenants. But if I were to guess, I’d predict the O’s make two small moves, one being Wigginton and the other being Will Ohman. I still think they are in position to trade Kevin Millwood after the deadline because he still has a lot of money on his contract, and that coupled by his struggles makes you think that he’d clear waivers.

Tejada has had his ups and downs at third base, which I pretty much expected in his first year at the position. He hasn’t hit with much power, which I also expected as his power numbers have declined over the past couple of years. But if there’s one area I’ve been disappointed with Tejada in, it’s his performance with runners in scoring position. He’s hitting just .223 in such situations and made two big outs last night. It’s harder to overlook Tejada’s free-swinging and first-pitch-hacking ways with numbers like those.

In case you missed it from my notebook, Jim Johnson threw a 25-pitch live bullpen session yesterday in Sarasota. He said he felt fine and was able to knock off some rust. He’s scheduled to throw one inning in a simulated game Thursday, and then a rehab assignment won’t be far away. Look, it is really, really hard to come up with positive things to say about this team in any facet, but it would be nice if Johnson got and stayed healthy. With him, Alfredo Simon and David Hernandez, plus Jason Berken in a middle-relief capacity, that is the start of a decent 'pen.

I’m sure the only way to keep hope or your sanity as an Orioles fan is to try and find one thing to feel good about from each game. Last night was a no-brainer. Those were the best four consecutive plate appearances I’ve seen from Matt Wieters since he has been up here. It was nice to see him turn on that first one and send it into the second deck in right field, but I liked the patience that resulted in walks in his first two trips to the plate. When you have Buster Posey doing what he is doing in San Francisco and Carlos Santana holding his own in Cleveland, it’s very hard to keep excusing Wieters for some of his poor numbers because he plays a tough position that can swallow up a prospect. But a few more games like last night's and there will be no need.

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 1:46 AM | Permalink | Comments (24)
        

Norfolk Tides (AAA)

Score: Norfolk Tides 6, Lehigh Valley IronPigs 3, 15 innings (Box score)

Recap: The Tides scored three times in the top of the 15th for a 6-3 win over Lehigh Valley.

Norfolk shortstop Robert Andino contributed a stolen base and two RBIs, and first baseman Brandon Snyder was 2-for-5 with two doubles and two runs scored.

Tides starting pitcher Tim Bascom gave up three runs and five hits in five innings, while relief pitcher Jim Hoey (2-0) retired all six batters he faced -- including four by strikeout -- to earn the victory.

Third baseman Josh Bell was 0-for-7, while right fielder Rhyne Hughes was hitless in six at-bats.

Bowie Baysox (AA)

Score: Bowie Baysox 10, Akron Aeros 5 (Box score)

Recap: Designated hitter L.J. Hoes was 2-for-5 with an RBI and a run scored in his Double-A debut as the Baysox grabbed a 10-5 win over Akron.

Every Bowie starter had at least one hit as the team pounded out 17 in the game.

Baysox outfielder Jonathan Tucker was 3-for-4 with a double and three RBIs, and third baseman Ryan Adams added a pair of doubles and two RBIs.

Starting pitcher Chorye Spoone gave up four runs and seven hits in 4 2/3 innings for the Baysox, while relief pitcher Ryohei Tanaka (5-11) allowed one run and three hits in 1 1/3 innings.

Frederick Keys (A)

Score: Lynchburg Hillcats 7, Frederick Keys 4 (Box score)

Recap: The Keys allowed five runs in the top of the first and never recovered in a 7-4 loss to Lynchburg in the series opener at Harry Grove Stadium.

Frederick starting pitcher Nathan Moreau (3-1) was touched up for seven runs and seven hits in 3 2/3 innings. He struck out five batters and gave up four home runs.

Keys center fielder Kyle Hudson was 2-for-5 with a double, two RBIs and a run scored, while left fielder Xavier Avery added two hits, including a double, and an RBI.

Shortstop Bobby Stevens hit a double and scored two runs for Frederick.

Delmarva Shorebirds (A)

Game 1 score: Lakewood BlueClaws 4, Delmarva Shorebirds 3, 10 innings (Box score)

Game 1 recap: Shortstop Garabez Rosa was 3-for-5 with a double and a run scored as the Shorebirds were edged, 4-3, by Lakewood during the first game of a doubleheader at Arthur W. Perdue Stadium.

Delmarva first baseman Mike Flacco was 1-for-1 with four walks and a run scored, while right fielder Brian Conley added two hits and a run scored.

Shorebirds starting pitcher Brent Allar gave up three runs and five hits in five innings, and relief pitcher James Brandhorst (1-6) suffered the loss after allowing one run and one hit in 2 1/3 innings.

Game 2 score: Lakewood BlueClaws 5, Delmarva Shorebirds 0, 7 innings (Box score)

Game 2 recap: Flacco was 1-for-3 with a double and two strikeouts as the Shorebirds were blanked, 5-0, in the second half of the doubleheader against Lakewood.

In his first three games with Delmarva this season, Flacco is 5-for-7 with an RBI and five walks.

Shorebirds starting pitcher Cole McCurry (0-1) allowed three runs (two earned) and two hits in 1 2/3 innings. He struck out four batters and issued three walks.

Outfielder T.J. Baxter tossed a scoreless inning of relief for Delmarva.

Aberdeen IronBirds (A)

Score: Aberdeen IronBirds 5, Hudson Valley Renegades 3 (Box score)

Recap: Second baseman Austin Knight was 4-for-5 with an RBI as the IronBirds earned a 5-3 victory on the road against Hudson Valley.

Aberdeen first baseman David Anderson added two hits, including a solo home run, and two runs scored, while center fielder Trent Mummey contributed a double, two RBIs and a run scored.

IronBirds starting pitcher Tyler Sexton gave up two runs and six hits in six innings, while relief pitcher Kam Mickolio (1-0) tossed a scoreless frame to pick up the win in his latest injury rehab appearance.

Closer Steven Mazur gave up one run, two hits and one walk in one inning, but he earned his third save since joining the IronBirds. Mazur struck out two batters.

Bluefield Orioles (Rookie)

Score: Bluefield Orioles 11, Pulaski Mariners 1 (Box score)

Recap: The Orioles scored seven runs in the bottom of the eighth to break open a close game and cruise to an 11-1 win over Pulaski at Bowen Field.

Bluefield right fielder Luis Ramirez was 3-for-5 with two doubles, a triple, two RBIs and two runs scored, while second baseman Moises Ciriaco added three hits and two RBIs.

Orioles starting pitcher Cameron Roth (1-2) picked up his first professional victory after giving up one unearned run and no hits in five innings.

Roth, who the Orioles selected in the 29th round of this year's MLB draft, struck out eight batters and issued three walks, lowering his ERA to 5.18 in six starts this season.

Designated hitter Riley Hornback was 2-for-5 with two RBIs, two runs scored and his first professional stolen base in the victory for Bluefield.

GCL Orioles (Rookie)

Score: GCL Twins 2, GCL Orioles 1 (Box score)

Recap: Right fielder Grolmann Gonzalez was 2-for-3, but the GCL Orioles couldn't get much offense going in a 2-1 loss to the GCL Twins.

Orioles starting pitcher Luiyi Batista (1-3) allowed two runs and four hits in six innings. Batista walked four batters and collected one strikeout.

Left fielder Jaynnertt Melenciano hit a double for the Orioles.

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 11:12 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)
        

Ty Wigginton's suspension, handed down by Major League Baseball after the Orioles infielder was ejected for arguing with umpire Gary Darling during Thursday's loss to the Minnesota Twins, appears has been reduced from three games to two games.

Wigginton will start serving the two-game suspension tonight and will not be available tonight or tomorrow for the Orioles' games in Toronto.

Wigginton, who originally appealed the suspension, apparently did not have an official hearing, but he agreed to drop the appeal in exchange for the suspension being reduced by a game.

"To be totally honest with you, I just know that I got a phone call saying it could be reduced to two games and would I be willing to do that. I said, 'Yeah,'" Wigginton said. "I’m just glad to put the whole thing behind me. The sooner I could get back on the field, the better."

Jake Fox will start at first base tonight. The Orioles will have just a two-man bench with outfielder Corey Patterson and infielder Julio Lugo.

Posted by Baltimore Sun sports at 5:05 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)
        

Orioles designated hitter Luke Scott was named the American League Player of the Week for the period ending July 25. It was the third time that he's won the weekly honor, the last coming on June 1, 2009.

Scott, who was activated from the disabled list on July 19, hit .481 (13-for-27) with four home runs, three doubles, six runs and eight RBIs. He hit safely in each of the seven games (five of those were multi-hit contests) during the period and posted a 1.037 slugging percentage.

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 3:11 PM | Permalink | Comments (7)
        

The Orioles will continue without a permanent manager until at least after the non-waiver trade deadline passes on Saturday, no matter how the team fares on its current road trip.

Orioles president of baseball operations Andy MacPhail reiterated today that he does not have a set timeline for hiring someone to replace interim manager Juan Samuel, who has managed the club to a 16-28 record since Dave Trembley was fired June 9.

A managerial announcement will not come until at least August, MacPhail confirmed, as he concentrates on the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline.

Whether a change will be made in August, September, at the end of the season or at all has not yet been determined.

Buck Showalter, the leading candidate for the post, said he’s not discouraged by the protracted situation and said he is currently focused on his job as an ESPN baseball analyst. He’s had several talks with MacPhail and says he remains interested in the position.

“I’m OK with the process and am respectful of what Juan is doing and with what Andy is trying to do with this organization,” Showalter told The Baltimore Sun today.

He would not comment on the specific nature of the talks with MacPhail or how advanced they had become.

Posted by Dan Connolly at 3:04 PM | Permalink | Comments (52)
        

Here’s a refreshing development in a season – organization-wide – that’s been devoid of flowers and rainbows.

L.J. Hoes, the Bowie native and St. John’s (D.C.) product whom the Orioles selected in the third round in 2008, has been promoted to Double-A Bowie for a little homecoming

Hoes, 20, hit .289 with a .391 on-base percentage for High-A Frederick. He has hit .310 with a .390 OBP this month. Hoes also had a rehab stint at Short-A Aberdeen this season, batting .464 in eight games.

The second baseman dropped from 14th to 21st in 2010’s Baseball America rankings of Orioles’ prospects, but his star seems to be rising again this season. He still has plenty of work to do, but scouts love his attitude and work ethic.

The move is expected to be temporary at this time, but plans can always change if Hoes performs well in his few games with the Baysox.

Posted by Dan Connolly at 12:39 PM | Permalink | Comments (12)
        

2010 Orioles: 31-67 (.316)

Notable win-loss records through 99 games (win percentage in parentheses):

1916 Philadelphia Athletics: 19-79-1 (.197)
1954 Orioles: 35-64 (.354)
1962 New York Mets: 25-74 (.253)
1988 Orioles: 31-68 (.313)
2003 Detroit Tigers: 26-73 (.263)

How each team fared in their 99th game:

1916 Athletics: 4-2 loss to the Detroit Tigers

During the series opener against the Tigers at Navin Field, Philadelphia's offense struggled once again in their 19th consecutive loss. The Athletics were 4-18 against Detroit during the 1916 season, and they were outscored, 137-61, during those contests.

1954 Orioles: 6-0 loss to the Washington Senators

The Orioles were blanked in the series finale by the Senators in front of an announced 5,385 fans at Memorial Stadium. Orioles starting pitcher Billy O'Dell only lasted one-third of an inning in his first major league start. He was charged with four runs and three hits in the loss. Senators first baseman Mickey Vernon was 3-for-4 with an RBI, while starting pitcher Chuck Stobbs scattered five hits in a complete game for the win.

1962 Mets: 6-5 loss to the St. Louis Cardinals

The Cardinals scored three runs in the bottom of the eighth on right fielder Charlie James' home run to pull out a one-run victory over the Mets at Busch Stadium. James was 2-for-4 with four RBIs, while center fielder Curt Flood added three hits and three runs scored. New York second baseman Rod Kanehl was 3-for-5 with an RBI, while left fielder Gene Woodling and center fielder Richie Ashburn each added two hits.

1988 Orioles: 12-2 loss to the Cleveland Indians

Knuckleballer Tom Candiotti stymied the Orioles, tossing a complete game as the Indians were victorious at Cleveland Stadium. Orioles right fielder Joe Orsulak was 3-for-4, but the team managed only eight hits total. Designated hitter Jim Traber hit a two-run home run for the Orioles, while first baseman Eddie Murray added a single and a run scored. Second baseman Julio Franco contributed three doubles and five RBIs for Cleveland.

2003 Tigers: 4-1 loss to the Cleveland Indians

Designated hitter Travis Hafner hit a two-run home run in the bottom of the second to lead the Indians over Detroit at Jacobs Field. Tigers right fielder Craig Monroe collected two of the team's five hits in the loss. Cleveland left fielder Coco Crisp and second baseman John McDonald each added two hits, while starting pitcher Brian Anderson tossed seven strong innings for the victory. Closer Danys Baez earned his 22nd save for the Indians.

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 9:14 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
        

After Jake Arrieta’s rough outing Sunday, the Orioles’ starters have put together a pretty inauspicious beginning to the second half.

Take out Jeremy Guthrie’s two quality starts, and the Orioles’ rotation has posted a 10.10 ERA in the other eight games on their recent 2-8 homestand.

Really, no one besides Guthrie has been immune to this recent skid -- Arrieta, Brian Matusz, Brad Bergesen, Chris Tillman and Kevin Millwood all contributed to that mark.

Tillman is back in the minors and some of you -- depending on the day -- believe Matusz, Arrieta and Bergesen should join him.

The bloom came off Millwood’s rose for many of you around here by early June. And I know some of you want Guthrie traded for prospects while he is pitching well.

The reality is you need five starters in a major league rotation. That includes the Orioles.

There are plenty of choices, especially if you throw in the most recent young gun, Triple-A Norfolk’s Zach Britton, and the current relief duo of David Hernandez and Jason Berken -- both of whom I think should stay where they are, but, to be fair, were previously starters.

The question is: Are there five choices that you could live with? Five Orioles pitchers you want to see start games -- in good times and bad times, in sickness and in health, until October does you part?

Let’s not play fantasy baseball -- though this is, technically, a fantasy bar. Don’t bring in Roy Oswalt via trade or Pedro Martinez via free agency. I want to know whom you would name to your starting rotation for the final two months of the season given what the Orioles currently have in their organization.

Pick five starters for the end of the year. And tell me why this is the group you want to see in the majors.

Daily Think Special: What’s your realistic Orioles rotation for the rest of 2010? Why?

Posted by Dan Connolly at 10:10 PM | Permalink | Comments (51)
Categories: Connolly's Corner Sports Bar
        

Before Sunday’s game, Orioles president of baseball operations Andy MacPhail was asked if he had had the opportunity to clear roster space via trade before making the decision to demote reserve catcher Craig Tatum Triple-A Norfolk.

The underlying meaning was clear. We wanted to know where MacPhail was on the trade-talk front. He has a few pieces to move, such as corner infielders and pending free agents Ty Wigginton and Miguel Tejada.

Teams could use both of those guys, but they are not headliners in this market, not when pitchers Dan Haren and Roy Oswalt were rumored to be available for contenders. This is what MacPhail said before Sunday’s game:

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“It’s kind of a slow-developing market at this point,” MacPhail said. “My own impression is that we have some of these big-target starting pitchers out there who probably have a lot of teams focused on whether they are in or out of that picture or not before they move on to other targets. I think that might be slowing down our market a little.”

Well, one has moved, with the Los Angeles Angels reportedly getting Haren from the Arizona Diamondbacks for a package that included Joe Saunders. Oswalt is still out there for now, but there are complications involving his contract wishes.

So one can make the argument that the market just freed itself up a little. If that means anything for the Orioles – and I am not so sure it does – only time will tell. You have less than a week before Saturday's non-waiver trade deadline.

Posted by Dan Connolly at 7:37 PM | Permalink | Comments (33)
        

At least something stopped the Minnesota Twins offense on Sunday afternoon.

A good-old fashioned Balmer rainstorm. We're stuck in the bottom of the seventh. The seventh-inning stretch ended and so did this game, for now.

So the Twins had to take a break from bloodying the Orioles' pitching.

It's a Twins' offense, mind you, without injured first baseman Justin Morneau and without Denard Span and Joe Mauer, who both received the game off.

It's 9-1 as we wait breathlessly for the game to resume.

Posted by Dan Connolly at 3:42 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

Rookie Jake Arrieta has now turned in two straight rough performances.

He lasted just four innings Sunday, giving up five earned runs on seven hits and four walks. He hit a batter and surrendered a grand slam to Jason Kubel in the third inning.

Arrieta had a streak of three consecutive quality starts broken on Tuesday when he gave up five runs in 5 1/3.

This one was even shakier. He threw 87 pitches -- 51 strikes -- in four innings and could never find a rhythm. He allowed two runners to get on base in every inning, but it was in the four-run third in which he couldn't escape damage.

Lefty Mark Hendrickson has replaced him and gave up one run in the fifth. It's 6-1 Twins going into the bottom of the fifth.

Posted by Dan Connolly at 2:54 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)
        

The Orioles did the difficult and expected move Sunday morning, optioning backup catcher Craig Tatum to the Triple-A Norfolk to make room for starting catcher Matt Wieters from the disabled list.

In the transactions, it looks like a clean swap: One catcher for another. In reality, it was a little more complicated. Because the bullpen has been taxed, the club couldn’t afford to lose a reliever. And with a short bench they needed as much flexibility as possible.

So Jake Fox, who can catch and play other positions and would have had to clear waivers before being demoted, was kept. And Tatum, who batted .271 and filled in admirably for Wieters, was sent down since he had an option remaining.

“You carry 13 pitchers, so I am the guy that gets to take the fall,” a visibly disappointed Tatum said. “It sucks, but what can you do? I understand why I’ve got to go down, but at the same time, you don’t understand.”

Tatum likely will be back as soon as a roster spot opens, and that could be this week if the Orioles make a trade. But president of baseball operations Andy MacPhail said he couldn’t take that into consideration when making a move.

“You just can’t make promises, though, because you don’t know how these things are going to unfold,” MacPhail said. “But clearly, we made it clear to him that we really felt like he certainly played to the level that showed he was capable of handling the job that we asked him to handle.”

Unless there is an injury, Tatum must be down in Norfolk at least 10 days.

It certainly wasn’t a popular move in the clubhouse. The pitchers liked throwing to Tatum and his easygoing attitude quickly meshed with young players and veterans alike.

“He has done everything plus more. He has done everything expected to stay here and be here and that’s why it is tough,” said starter Brian Matusz. “I think everyone’s going to feel this one. It’s really unfortunate because he deserves to stay here.”

Said veteran Kevin Millwood: “It sucks. It sucks bad, because he made the team out of spring and I don’t think anyone expected him to make the team. And he has done nothing but overachieve since Day 1. He is probably the one guy on this team that has done more than what is expected of him. For him to be the guy to go down, it’s sad.”

Posted by Dan Connolly at 12:33 PM | Permalink | Comments (26)
        

2010 Orioles: 31-66 (.320)

Notable win-loss records through 98 games (win percentage in parentheses):

1916 Philadelphia Athletics: 19-78-1 (.199)
1954 Orioles: 35-63 (.357)
1962 New York Mets: 25-73 (.255)
1988 Orioles: 31-67 (.316)
2003 Detroit Tigers: 26-72 (.265)

How each team fared in their 98th game:

1916 Athletics: 5-2 loss to the Cleveland Indians

The Indians completed a four-game sweep on Aug. 6, 1916, over Philadelphia at League Park, sending the Athletics to their 18th consecutive loss. The Athletics' losing streak started on July 21 with a 7-2 loss to the Indians at Shibe Park in Philadelphia.

1954 Orioles: 2-1 win over the Washington Senators

Pinch hitter Bobby Young hit an RBI single in the bottom of the seventh as the Orioles edged Washington in front of an announced 11,091 fans at Memorial Stadium. Orioles catcher Clint Courtney was 2-for-3 with an RBI, while starting pitcher Joe Coleman picked up his 10th victory of the season after tossing a complete game. Senators third baseman Eddie Yost hit a double and scored a run.

1962 Mets: 1-0 win over the St. Louis Cardinals

Mets starting pitcher Al Jackson outdueled the Cardinals' Bob Gibson as New York pulled out a one-run victory in the first game of a doubleheader at Busch Stadium. Jackson tossed a complete game for the Mets, allowing nine hits, while Gibson gave up one unearned run and seven hits in eight innings for St. Louis. New York catcher Choo Choo Coleman scored the game's only run, while left fielder Bobby Smith had two doubles for the Cardinals.

1988 Orioles: 7-3 loss to the Cleveland Indians

Left fielder Larry Sheets was 2-for-3 with two RBIs, but the Orioles were handed a loss in the series opener against the Indians at Cleveland Stadium. Orioles second baseman Billy Ripken was 2-for-5 with a double and an RBI, while right fielder Joe Orsulak and catcher Terry Kennedy also added two hits each. Designated hitter Terry Francona was 3-for-5 with an RBI for the Indians, while right fielder Cory Snyder hit a solo home run.

2003 Tigers: 7-4 loss to the Boston Red Sox

First baseman Carlos Pena was a single shy of the cycle, but the Tigers were swept in a two-game series by the Red Sox at Fenway Park. Detroit left fielder Dmitri Young and third baseman Eric Munson also homered in the loss. Boston first baseman Kevin Millar and catcher Jason Varitek hit back-to-back home runs against Tigers starting pitcher Mike Maroth in the bottom of the fourth. Maroth's record dropped to 5-14 on the season.

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 11:10 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

It's unbelievably hot, but pretty quiet here at Camden Yards as the Orioles prepare for game three of their series with the Minnesota Twins. Much of the pregame talk was on the pending roster decision with catcher Matt Wieters expected to come off the disabled list tomorrow.

At this point, it appears that the Orioles are leaning toward optioning catcher Craig Tatum, who has started nine of 11 games in Wieters' absence, to Triple-A Norfolk. Tatum is the top candidate because he has options remaining, unlike utility man Jake Fox. The Orioles also feel like that Fox's versatility will really come in handy, especially when/if they trade Ty Wigginton.

Interim manager Juan Samuel said the current feeling is the club needs to keep an extra pitcher in the bullpen with the inconsistency of so many of the starters. Orioles president of baseball operations Andy MacPhail is also involved in ongoing trade talks, but nothing is expected to get done before tomorrow afternoon. So that pretty much leaves the decision between Fox and Tatum.

"This is going to be a tough one. Whatever guy is going to go, I’m sure both guys have been thinking about it," said Samuel. "Those guys have been doing a good job for us.”

My take: The decision to option Tatum would be wildly unpopular in the Orioles' clubhouse. It's funny how quickly things have changed. When Tatum beat out Chad Moeller for the backup job this spring, the majority of the Orioles were furious, not because they didn't like Tatum, but because they viewed Moeller as a great teammate and valued his leadership to the young staff and Wieters. But Tatum has really won them over with his preparation, work ethic and even his production offensively. I don't think it's an exaggeration to suggest that he's emerged as one of the most popular guys in the clubhouse.

I think it would be a bad message to send down Tatum because he's done everything the Orioles have asked, been productive and worked his butt off. But I also understand where the Orioles are coming from. If you trade Wigginton and I think it's more a matter of when and not if, you need a guy like Fox to play first and serve in a platoon with the left-handed hitting Luke Scott or possibly Michael Aubrey if he keeps hitting at Triple-A Norfolk. That's why if you keep Tatum down at Norfolk for the 10 days that he is required to be down there, I could accept that. But he's proven that he belongs on this club and could be a solid backup catcher.

A couple of other things: Reliever Jim Johnson (right elbow inflammation) will throw live batting practice soon, the final step before he starts making some rehab appearances. Outfielder Lou Montanez (left oblique strain) has started baseball activities. …. Second baseman Brian Roberts started for a second straight night, but Samuel said he’ll likely hold him out of the starting lineup on Sunday …. After giving right fielder Nick Markakis the night off on Friday, Samuel said that he will likely do the same with center fielder Adam Jones in the next couple of days.

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 5:49 PM | Permalink | Comments (8)
        

There are very few questions that Jeremy Guthrie will tiptoe around more than those about his velocity. But in his last two starts, Guthrie is throwing harder on a more consistent basis than we’ve seen from him in a couple of seasons. In holding the Minnesota Twins to two runs over seven strong innings last night, Guthrie’s velocity was consistently clocked in the mid 90’s on the stadium radar gun and he even hit 97 miles per hour on a couple of occasions. This comes on the heels of his first start after the All-Star break when Guthrie was clocked a couple of times at 98 miles an hour.

Twins first baseman Michael Cuddyer certainly noticed the difference last night.

"It was the hardest I've seen him throw since I faced him in the minors," said Cuddyer, who remembered facing Guthrie in 2003 when the current Twin was at Triple-A Rochester.

According to the web site www.fangraphs.com, Guthrie’s fastball this season has average 92.3 miles per hour. That’s almost exactly what it averaged last season. In 2007 and 2008, Guthrie’s first two seasons with the Orioles, his fastball averaged 93.4 and 93.2 miles per hour respectively.

Guthrie dealt with some mechanical issues last year that may have kept his velocity down at times, but it’s not like we haven’t seen him throw hard before because we have. If you recall, that pitch he threw to Alex Rodriguez last year that the Yankees slugger knocked out of the ballpark in his first at-bat since returning from the disabled list was clocked at 98 miles an hour on the stadium gun.

However, in his last two starts, Guthrie’s increased fastball velocity has been a constant, a sign that perhaps the right-hander is in a good place with his mechanics and confidence, and the four-day All-Star break came at a good time for him.

Just don’t ask him to explain why he has been throwing harder because not much light is going to be shed.

“A wise pitching coach once told me, ‘If we can throw the same quality of pitch that we’re throwing but faster, that can be more effective,’” Guthrie said.

There you have it.

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 12:23 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)
        

2010 Orioles: 31-65 (.323)

Notable win-loss records through 97 games (win percentage in parentheses):

1916 Philadelphia Athletics: 19-77-1 (.201)
1954 Orioles: 34-63 (.351)
1962 New York Mets: 24-73 (.247)
1988 Orioles: 31-66 (.320)
2003 Detroit Tigers: 26-71 (.268)

How each team fared in their 97th game:

1916 Athletics: 12-3 loss to the Cleveland Indians

Cleveland handed the Athletics their 17th straight loss in a lopsided game at League Park. On their 25-game road trip from July 25 to Aug. 15, 1916, the Athletics only scored more than three runs in a contest five times. They were 3-22 during that span.

1954 Orioles: 7-5 win over the Washington Senators

Center fielder Chuck Diering was 2-for-4 with two RBIs and shortstop Billy Hunter added three hits, including a triple, as the Orioles built an early lead and held on for a win over Washington in front of an announced 13,787 fans at Memorial Stadium. Senators first baseman Mickey Vernon contributed a home run and three RBIs, while second baseman Johnny Pesky and center fielder Jim Busby each collected three hits.

1962 Mets: 6-1 loss to the Milwaukee Braves

Starting pitcher Warren Spahn tossed a complete game and hit a solo home run to lead the Braves over the Mets at County Stadium. Spahn held New York to one run and eight hits. Milwaukee right fielder Hank Aaron added his 27th home run of the season, and catcher Joe Torre was 2-for-4 with an RBI. Mets first baseman Marv Throneberry was 2-for-4 with an RBI, while right fielder Jim Hickman added two hits and a run scored.

1988 Orioles: 6-1 loss to the Minnesota Twins

Right fielder Randy Bush hit a three-run home run against Orioles relief pitcher Don Aase as the Twins grabbed a series victory at the Metrodome. Orioles starting pitcher Mike Boddicker was handed his 12th loss of the season after being charged with five runs (four earned) and 10 hits in 7 1/3 innings. Shortstop Cal Ripken Jr. and catcher Mickey Tettleton each collected two hits in the losing effort for the Orioles.

2003 Tigers: 14-5 loss to the Boston Red Sox

Left fielder Manny Ramirez was 4-for-4 with a home run and three RBIs as the Red Sox jumped out to a 12-run lead and cruised to an easy victory over Detroit with 18 hits at Fenway Park. Boston second baseman Todd Walker added three RBIs. Tigers left fielder Dmitri Young hit his 20th home run of the season, and first baseman Carlos Pena was 3-for-5 with two RBIs. Starting pitcher Jeremy Bonderman's record fell to 3-14 for the Tigers.

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 11:09 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

One of the best quotes of the season came from Kevin Millwood a few months ago when he said Luke Scott hits “the happiest” home runs.

It’s true. No one is more excited about going deep than Scott.

Exhibit A: With one out in the sixth on Friday, Scott crushed a fastball from Anthony Slama and a-slama’d it to left. The 396-foot, two-run homer gave the Orioles a 3-2 lead.

And, after Scott crossed home plate and pointed to the sky, he ran to the on-deck circle and hugged Adam Jones. Yes, he hugged Jones. Hilarious.

When Scott is hot, the world is his playground. And the big DH is 9-for-19 with three homers and six RBIs since coming off the disabled list.

It's still 3-2 at the seventh-inning stretch.

Posted by Dan Connolly at 8:48 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)
        

Thursday’s tirades by Orioles’ first baseman Ty Wigginton and interim manager Juan Samuel were still the talk at the Yards on Friday.

Count Twins manager Ron Gardenhire, who knows a little bit about getting tossed by umps, as someone impressed by Samuel’s antics. He especially liked Samuel’s cap-flinging across the diamond, which followed Wigginton’s toss of the game ball into the stands a few minutes earlier.

“It should have went into the stands,’’ Gardenhire said of Samuel’s hat. “That was really high. It was a good toss. The ball went one way, the hat the other.’’

Gardenhire, whose comments were passed on by terrific Star Tribune Twins’ writer La Velle E. Neal III, said he has been fined separately in the past for throwing and kicking his hat. After one outburst, Gardenhire sent Bob Watson, MLB’s czar of discipline, a souvenir.

“I signed my hat and sent it to Bob Watson,’’ Gardenhire said. ``I said if this is going to cost me $500 I think you should have it. That’s a true story.’’

If Gardenhire had any criticism of Samuel, it’s that his show didn’t last long enough.

“He didn't spend enough time on the field, as much as it is going to cost him.”

Posted by Dan Connolly at 8:12 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

Ty Wigginton has been suspended three games and fined $2,500 for his actions Thursday night in the Orioles' 5-0 loss to the Minnesota Twins.

"Shocked, surprised," Wigginton said when learning of disciplinary action.

Wigginton will appeal the suspension, allowing him to play tonight against the Twins. He's batting third in the lineup and will play first base.

"I've never been suspended and it's only my second ejection that I can remember," Wigginton said. "The other one I just got a little fine and it was over with. This is the first time there's been anything else. We'll figure out how it works."

On Thursday, Wigginton ran screaming at first base umpire Gary Darling over a blown call at first and was face-to-face, chest-to-chest before Orioles manager Juan Samuel could intervene.

Darling said after the game that he had been bumped and that information would be in his report to the league office. Wigginton did not think he bumped Darling during the altercation.

"It wasn't like a definite bump. I feel like if I bump someone, they're going to move back," Wigginton said. "I know my jersey, I know I got as close as I could, I know you that can't bump an umpire. If I did and didn't realize it, my bad. But I think it was more of a brush if anything."

The official announcement of Wigginton's suspension should come at 5:30. The Orioles expect Samuel, who was also ejected last night, to be fined but not suspended.

Samuel said he reviewed the questionable play -- which clearly showed Wigginton tagging J.J. Hardy at first base -- but he didn't watch replays of the arguments.

"I tried not to," Samuel said. "I went home and started watching ESPN and when they brought it up, I changed channels."

Posted by Baltimore Sun sports at 3:43 PM | Permalink | Comments (18)
        

It's official.

No surprises here. At least at the top.

The Orioles lineup for Friday against the Twins and lefty Brian Duensing is out and Brian Roberts is atop the lineup and playing second base.

The other interesting thing about the lineup: No Nick Markakis. He's played in 94 of the team's 95 games. The only game he missed is when his wife had the couple's second child in May.

Corey Patterson is starting in right field.

Here is the lineup for the O's: Roberts 4, Tejada 5, Wigginton 3, Scott DH, Jones 8, Pie 7, Tatum 2, Patterson 9, Izturis 6. Guthrie, pitching

Posted by Dan Connolly at 3:21 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)
        

This probably shouldn't come as a surprise, but the Orioles have reinstated second baseman Brian Roberts from the 60-day disabled list and he'll be batting leadoff and playing second base tonight against the Minnesota Twins.

A final decision was made earlier today. Roberts certainly has been pushing to return tonight, and now he's gotten his wish.

Roberts' addition prompted the team to designate infielder Scott Moore for assignment. That opened up both a 25-man and 40-man space for Roberts.

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 12:52 PM | Permalink | Comments (10)
        

2010 Orioles: 30-65 (.316)

Notable win-loss records through 96 games (win percentage in parentheses):

1916 Philadelphia Athletics: 19-76-1 (.203)
1954 Orioles: 33-63 (.344)
1962 New York Mets: 24-72 (.250)
1988 Orioles: 31-65 (.323)
2003 Detroit Tigers: 26-70 (.271)

How each team fared in their 96th game:

1916 Athletics: 5-2 loss to the Cleveland Indians

Philadelphia's offense struggled again in the team's 16th consecutive loss. For the fifth straight game, the Athletics failed to score more than two runs as Cleveland won at League Park.

1954 Orioles: 6-4 loss to the Philadelphia Athletics

Starting pitcher Don Larsen hit a solo home run, but his record dropped to 2-13 on the season as the Orioles lost to Philadelphia in the second game of a doubleheader at Connie Mack Stadium. Orioles third baseman Vern Stephens was 3-for-4 with an RBI, while catcher Clint Courtney and right fielder Cal Abrams each added two hits.

1962 Mets: 11-5 loss to the Milwaukee Braves

New York left fielder Frank Thomas hit a three-run home run in the top of the ninth -- his 19th of the season -- but the damage had already been done as the Braves cruised to an easy win at County Stadium. Mets starting pitcher Roger Craig allowed three home runs in five innings, including two to Milwaukee's Eddie Mathews -- as his record dropped to 5-16.

1988 Orioles: 11-8 win over the Minnesota Twins

First baseman Eddie Murray was 3-for-3 with two home runs and five RBIs as the Orioles pounded out 16 hits in a victory over Minnesota at the Metrodome. Orioles right fielder Jim Traber added a two-run shot, and third baseman Rick Schu contributed three hits. Orioles relief pitcher Mike Morgan tossed four scoreless innings for his only win of the year.

2003 Tigers: 10-1 loss to the Chicago White Sox

White Sox designated hitter Frank Thomas was 3-for-4 with two home runs and three RBIs as Chicago pounded the Tigers at U.S. Cellular Field. Right fielder Magglio Ordonez and first baseman Paul Konerko each added three hits and two RBIs for the White Sox. Third baseman Eric Munson knocked in the Tigers' only run with a solo home run.

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 8:35 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

This is probably wrong of me to say.

After all, I am a dad. I have been a Little League manager. I've tried to set the proper example when I am around kids.

As a journalist, I try to act professionally even in difficult, challenging times.

But I am a passionate guy and I have lost my cool from time to time.

So I love it when professional baseball players and managers lose it, too.

Yes, it is sophomoric. Yes, the guys look like petulant children when they throw their hats and stomp on the ground and scream and yell at umpires even though they know it will do no good.

And, yeah, I love it. Sue me.

I grew up in Baltimore when Earl Weaver ruled. A Weaver tantrum was about as good as it got for a fan.

So when Orioles first baseman Ty Wigginton lost it in the seventh inning Thursday after first base umpire Gary Darling blew a call, I had to chuckle.

When Wigginton tossed the game ball into the stands as he walked to the dugout, I laughed more. And two batters later, when Orioles manager Juan Samuel stormed out of the dugout toward home plate umpire Bill Hohn and kicked and screamed and whipped his cap, Frisbee-style, into the infield, I smiled hard again.

Samuel and Wigginton are mild-mannered jovial fellows who love to laugh. They’re the kind of guys you’d love to have a beer with. But they’re both intense competitors who -- and I’ll put this mildly for a family website -- can get their dander up on occasion.

I am sure some of you thought their antics were ridiculous. One person has already emailed me with such sentiment.

But me? I enjoyed it. It showed passion, it shows they still care. It shows they are human like the rest of us.

I am glad, however, that my occasional blowups over the years have never made it to Sports Center.

Daily Think Special: What’s your take on baseball tantrums?

Buy Orioles Gear

Posted by Dan Connolly at 1:54 AM | Permalink | Comments (46)
        

Norfolk Tides (AAA)

Score: Norfolk Tides 7, Syracuse Chiefs 6 (Box score)

Recap: First baseman Nolan Reimold was 3-for-4 with an RBI as the Tides edged Syracuse, 7-6, during an afternoon game at Harbor Park.

Norfolk shortstop Robert Andino and right fielder Rhyne Hughes each contributed two RBIs, while left fielder Jonathan Tucker added a pair of doubles.

Tides starting pitcher Zach Britton allowed four runs (two earned) six hits and three walks in four-plus innings, and relief pitcher Dennis Sarfate (2-1) tossed 1 1/3 scoreless frames for the win.

Designated hitter Michael Aubrey was 2-for-3 with a double, an RBI and two runs scored in the victory for the Tides, while center fielder Matt Angle collected two hits.

Bowie Baysox (AA)

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

Recap: Starting pitcher Rick Zagone (1-2) held Richmond to two runs (one earned) and three hits in six innings, but the Baysox were beaten, 3-2, at Prince George's Stadium.

Bowie first baseman Joe Mahoney was 3-for-4 in the loss, while shortstop Greg Miclat and right fielder Joel Guzman each contributed an RBI.

Baysox center fielder Danny Figueroa and third baseman Ryan Adams each scored one run, while Figueroa added a stolen base.

Frederick Keys (A)

Score: Myrtle Beach Pelicans 4, Frederick Keys 1 (Box score)

Recap: The Keys committed as many errors as they had hits (four) in a 4-1 defeat to Myrtle Beach at Harry Grove Stadium.

Frederick third baseman Billy Rowell made his 23rd and 24th defensive miscues of the season, while first baseman Buck Britton and shortstop Pedro Florimon Jr. each commited one error.

Keys starting pitcher Oliver Drake held the Pelicans to one run and six hits in six innings, and relief pitcher John Mariotti (3-4) suffered the loss after giving up one run and two hits in two frames.

Right fielder Ronnie Welty was 2-for-4 for Frederick.

Delmarva Shorebirds (A)

Score: Hickory Crawdads 7, Delmarva Shorebirds 5 (Box score)

Recap: First baseman Tyler Townsend was 2-for-4 with a triple and a two-run home run, but the Shorebirds dropped a 7-5 decision to Hickory.

Delmarva right fielder Brian Conley added a two-run shot, while left fielder Kieron Pope hit a sacrifice fly in the defeat.

Shorebirds starting pitcher Jesse Beal was touched up for five runs and eight hits in four innings, and relief pitcher Brian Parker (1-1) was charged with two runs and two hits in 3 2/3 innings.

Aberdeen IronBirds (A)

Score: Aberdeen IronBirds 3, Tri-City ValleyCats 0 (Box score)

Recap: Starting pitcher Tim Adleman (1-1) picked up his first professional victory as the IronBirds blanked Tri-City, 3-0, at Ripken Stadium.

Adleman struck out seven batters and allowed two hits in 5 1/3 innings.

Aberdeen third baseman Adam Gaylord hit a solo home run, and center fielder Trent Mummey was 2-for-4 with an RBI and a run scored.

First baseman Brandon Snyder was 1-for-4 with an RBI for the IronBirds, while shortstop Sammie Starr added two hits in his professional debut.

Relief pitcher T.R. Keating tossed a scoreless frame for his second save of the season for Aberdeen.

Bluefield Orioles (Rookie)

Score: Bluefield Orioles 2, Kingsport Mets 1 (Box score)

Recap: Center fielder Brenden Webb was 3-for-3 with two triples and an RBI as the Orioles grabbed a 2-1 victory over Kingsport on the road.

Bluefield right fielder Luis Ramirez was 2-for-4 with an RBI and a run scored, while second baseman Moises Ciriaco added a stolen base and a run scored.

Orioles starting pitcher Jacob Petitt (2-2) held the Mets to one run and three hits in six innings, and relief pitcher Andrew Huebner retired all three batters he faced for his first save of the season.

GCL Orioles (Rookie)

Score: GCL Red Sox 4, GCL Orioles 1 (Box score)

Recap: Starting pitcher Douglas Ferguson (2-2) struck out eight batters in 5 2/3 innings as the GCL Orioles lost, 4-1, to the GCL Red Sox.

Ferguson allowed one run, nine hits and one walk in the defeat.

Orioles first baseman Preston Hale was 2-for-3 with a double and a run scored, while left fielder Jaynnertt Melenciano and catcher Janensis Guerrero each struck out three times.

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 11:15 PM | Permalink | Comments (8)
        

Ty Wigginton's days in Baltimore may be numbered, but the veteran first baseman isn't going out without a fight.

With the O's trailing 4-0 in the top of the seventh inning, Wigginton was ejected after crew chief Gary Darling appeared to have missed a call at first base.

Twins shortstop J.J. Hardy was attempting a steal and tried to get back to first base. Cesar Izturis' throw from second was in plenty of time, and the replay showed he was indeed out.

Wigginton went off in an in-your-face argument with Darling that would have made Earl Weaver proud. After being thrown out of the game, Wiggy threw the ball into the stands as the fans cheered on his intensity.

It was the first time he has been thrown out of a game this season, and he's the third Oriole to be ejected. After the next batter, he was joined by pitching coach Rick Kranitz and interim manager Juan Samuel, who both were ejected by plate umpire Bill Hohn.

Kranitz apparently was screaming from the dugout, and Hohn thumbed him after Hardy scored. That brought out Samuel, who screamed, yelled, kicked and slammed his hat down. He then flung it onto the field. It was the second ejection of the season for both Kranitz and Samuel.

Posted by Dan Connolly at 9:02 PM | Permalink | Comments (8)
        

Brian Roberts' return to the lineup can't come soon enough.

One thing's for sure: He'll make a pitcher work some at the leadoff spot.

Through four innings tonight, Carl Pavano has thrown 42 pitches, allowing two hits.

Only two O's hitters have had at-bats of five pitches. None has seen more than five pitches in an at-bat against Pavano.

Of the 14 at-bats, six were either one pitch or two.

Michael Cuddyer hit a 434-foot solo shot to left in the fourth to give the Twins a 4-0 lead.

In case you couldn't tell by the estimated distance, Cuddyer got all of it.

It was Cuddyer's 10th of the season and the 21st allowed by Kevin Millwood.

Millwood is one behind James Shields for the league lead in homers allowed.

Posted by Dan Connolly at 8:10 PM | Permalink | Comments (7)
        

Nothing new early at Camden Yards, where veteran pitcher Kevin Millwood once again struggled in the first inning.

In his first start since he lasted just one inning July 5 in Detroit, Millwood threw 34 pitches and surrendered three runs to the visiting Minnesota Twins, with Delmon Young providing the big hit.

On a 3-2 count, Millwood hung a 85 mph slider that Young ripped to the gap in left-center field for a three-run double.

Millwood has allowed two runs in the first inning in nine of his past 10 starts for the Birds.

Down 3-0, the Orioles hitters responded by making three outs on five pitches against Carl Pavano. So after his nightmare first, Millwood is right back on the mound.

Posted by Dan Connolly at 7:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

Brian Roberts was in the Orioles clubhouse before Thursday’s game, and make no mistake, he wants to re-join the Orioles ASAP. He might soon carry campaign placards expressing his interest.

“If it were my decision, I would have played Monday,” Roberts said, laughing. “That’s where you see how much decision-making [power] I have.”

Because of a herniated disk in his back, Roberts last played for the Orioles in the club’s home opener April 9. He is in the midst of a rehab assignment at Double-A Bowie, where he has six hits in 14 at-bats over three games.

He was given the day off Thursday and originally was expected to return to Bowie for two more games, but it now appears the Orioles may be leaning toward activating him Friday.

“Yes, he’s anxious to come off and join the club,” Orioles interim manager Juan Samuel said. “He is swinging the bat very well. Like he stated, he’s ready to go. We just have to make that spot available for him.”

The guess is Roberts will be activated Friday. Don't see a reason to send him back to Bowie, where he feels like he has accomplished everything. But, again, it has a lot to do with roster management.

“There’s nothing I don’t think I can do at this point. Sure, there are things I haven’t done necessarily, but that’s not necessarily all that [important],” Roberts said. “Sometimes in spring training, I don’t dive headfirst before I leave camp. I don’t foresee it being an issue.”

There has been some hesitation on Samuel’s part to have Roberts play his first few games on the turf at Toronto’s Rogers Centre, where the Orioles will be from Monday to Wednesday. But Roberts said he’s not worried about that either.

“I think there is more made of turf than there really is to it,” Roberts said. “You ask me, I think it is softer than that dirt out there [in the Camden Yards infield].”

Posted by Dan Connolly at 5:45 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)
        

The Orioles have gotten Luke Scott, Michael Gonzalez and Kevin Millwood back.

Second baseman Brian Roberts will return soon, possibly by Friday, surely by the end of the weekend (barring another setback).

Catcher Matt Wieters can be activated Sunday, and looks like he will be. So the Orioles will have to trim at least two more players from their current roster.

The easy response is, 'Why should it matter?' They are baseball's worst team, after all. But that doesn't make the potential moves less intriguing.

To make room for Roberts, the likely scenario is that Scott Moore or Julio Lugo is removed from the roster. Since Lugo is older with less upside, he'd be an obvious candidate. But the reason the Orioles got him in March was so they could have a backup at shortstop to Cesar Izturis.

With Lugo gone, the roster would be void of another SS type, making it hard to pinch hit for Izturis or give him a rest.

Moore won't play much shortstop but has shown flashes of an upside, and he is only 26. Removing him from the roster means the organization might lose him to waivers. That'd be a calculated risk.

Honestly, the middle-infield situation, to me anyway, isn't as perplexing as what the club should do when Wieters comes back. Jake Fox could be the odd man out, but his power bat is welcomed. And he likely would get claimed on waivers.

Keep in mind, backup catcher Craig Tatum still has options. He could be demoted to Triple-A Norfolk without losing him. But Tatum has played well in Wieters' absence -- better than most of us thought he would when the Orioles chose him over Chad Moeller.

A Tatum demotion likely would be temporary -- especially if the club clears room on the 25-man roster at the trade deadline -- but it's a bad message to send to the other young players. "Play your guts out like Tatum did, but you are going down anyway. This worst team in the league can't make room for you."

Another possibility would be removing a reliever, but the bullpen is already taxed. And the perennial roster bubble guy, Matt Albers, has been the club's best reliever in July.

As Juan Samuel likes to say, these decisions often work themselves out. Trades or injuries could make the conversation moot. Still, it's fun knocking it around now.

Yeah, it might be rearranging Titanic deck chairs, but who should get the boot when Roberts and Wieters are ready to play? And why?

Posted by Dan Connolly at 11:36 AM | Permalink | Comments (32)
        

2010 Orioles: 30-64 (.319)

Notable win-loss records through 95 games (win percentage in parentheses):

1916 Philadelphia Athletics: 19-75-1 (.205)
1954 Orioles: 33-62 (.347)
1962 New York Mets: 24-71 (.253)
1988 Orioles: 30-65 (.316)
2003 Detroit Tigers: 26-69 (.274)

How each team fared in their 95th game:

1916 Athletics: 3-1 loss to the Cleveland Indians

The Athletics dropped their 15th consecutive game in a loss to Cleveland at League Park. It was Philadelphia's third straight defeat to begin August, but they would finish 8-23 overall in the month.

1954 Orioles: 9-4 loss to the Philadelphia Athletics

Philadelphia scored seven runs in the bottom of the eighth inning to surge past the Orioles in the first game of a doubleheader at Connie Mack Stadium. Orioles shortstop Billy Hunter was 2-for-3 with his first home run of the season, a two-run shot in the third against Athletics starting pitcher Arnie Portocarrero.

1962 Mets: 5-4 loss to the Milwaukee Braves

The Mets hit three home runs, but it was Milwaukee catcher Del Crandall's walkoff shot to start the bottom of the 12th at County Stadium that sent New York to its ninth straight loss. First baseman Joe Adcock added three hits and two RBIs for the Braves, while third baseman Felix Mantilla had two RBIs for the Mets.

1988 Orioles: 6-1 loss to the Minnesota Twins

Right fielder Larry Sheets was 2-for-3 with a solo home run in the top of the ninth inning as the Orioles avoided a shutout against Minnesota at the Metrodome. Twins center fielder Kirby Puckett contributed three hits, including a two-run home run, and starting pitcher Frank Viola improved his record to 16-2.

2003 Tigers: 6-2 loss to the Chicago White Sox

Pinch hitter Tony Graffanino hit a three-run home run as the White Sox scored five times in the seventh to come back against Detroit at U.S. Cellular Field. Left fielder Dmitri Young was 2-for-4 for the Tigers, while third baseman Eric Munson hit a two-run home run. Starting pitcher Jon Garland earned the win for Chicago.

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 8:48 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

Norfolk Tides (AAA)

Score: Norfolk Tides 10, Syracuse Chiefs 7 (Box score)

Recap: Designated hitter Michael Aubrey hit a grand slam and a two-run home run as the Tides picked up a 10-7 victory over Syracuse at Harbor Park.

Norfolk shortstop Robert Andino was 3-for-5 with a home run, two RBIs and two runs scored, while left fielder Joey Gathright and third baseman Jonathan Tucker each added two hits.

Starting pitcher Armando Gabino (6-0) held the Chiefs to one run and two hits in six innings as he remained unbeaten since joining the Tides. He struck out seven batters and issued two walks.

Bowie Baysox (AA)

Score: Bowie Baysox 6, Binghamton Mets 5 (Box score)

Recap: Left fielder Brandon Waring was 3-for-3 with three doubles, two RBIs and two runs scored as the Baysox beat Binghamton, 6-5, at Prince George's Stadium.

Waring also picked up an outfield assist in the game.

Bowie designated hitter Greg Miclat was 2-for-3 with a triple, two RBIs and a run scored, while right fielder Joel Guzman contributed two hits and a run scored.

Baysox starting pitcher Chorye Spoone (7-5) gave up three runs and six hits in seven innings, and relief pitcher Pedro Beato recorded the final two outs for his ninth save of the season.

Frederick Keys (A)

Score: Frederick Keys 10, Lynchburg Hillcats 7 (Box score)

Recap: The Keys scored seven runs in the top of the ninth to come from behind and pick up a 10-7 victory on the road against Lynchburg.

Frederick shortstop Pedro Florimon contributed a home run and four RBIs, while center fielder Kyle Hudson was 2-for-3 with a double and two runs scored.

Keys starting pitcher Ryan Berry gave up three runs and four hits in five innings, and relief pitcher Cole McCurry (4-3) allowed two unearned runs and four hits in three innings.

Second baseman Miguel Abreu and third baseman Bobby Stevens each added two hits for the Keys.

Delmarva Shorebirds (A)

Score: Delmarva Shorebirds 10, Hickory Crawdads 6 (Box score)

Recap: First baseman Tyler Townsend was 3-for-5 with a home run and six RBIs as the Shorebirds grabbed a 10-6 victory over Hickory.

Delmarva center fielder Michael Planeta contributed three hits, an RBI and two runs scored, while third baseman Tyler Kelly added two RBIs.

Shorebirds starting pitcher Kenny Moreland (6-3) gave up three runs and nine hits in six innings, and closer David Walters recorded the final out to pick up his second save since being promoted to Delmarva.

Aberdeen IronBirds (A)

Score: Tri-City ValleyCats 6, Aberdeen IronBirds 2 (Box score)

Recap: First baseman David Anderson hit a triple and scored a run in the IronBirds' 6-2 loss to Tri-City at Ripken Stadium.

Designated hitter Brandon Snyder was 0-for-4 with an RBI in his second injury rehab appearance for Aberdeen, while catcher Austin Rauch added a sacrifice fly.

IronBirds starting pitcher Tyler Sexton (1-3) was touched up for five runs and seven hits in five innings. He collected five strikeouts, issued one walk and hit two batters.

Bluefield Orioles (Rookie)

Score: Kingsport Mets 7, Bluefield Orioles 6, 13 innings (Box score)

Recap: Designated hitter Riley Hornback was 4-for-6 with a double, triple and three RBIs, but the Orioles were edged, 7-6, by Kingsport in 13 innings.

Bluefield first baseman Joe Velleggia contributed three hits, including a double, while third baseman Dudley Leonora added two singles, an RBI and two runs scored.

Orioles starting pitcher Zachary Petersime gave up three runs and six hits in three innings, and relief pitcher Chris Petrini suffered the loss after surrendering an unearned run and one hit.

GCL Orioles (Rookie)

Score: GCL Orioles 9, GCL Red Sox 5 (Box score)

Recap: Right fielder Grolmann Gonzalez was 2-for-3 with a two-run home run as the GCL Orioles earned a 9-5 win over the GCL Red Sox.

Orioles left fielder David Rivera was 2-for-4 with a triple and three RBIs, and first baseman Preston Hale was 2-for-4 with a double, an RBI and two runs scored.

Starting pitcher Enrico Jimenez was charged with five runs (one earned) and four hits in 5 1/3 innings for the Orioles, while relief pitcher Jesse Rasner (1-0) tossed one scoreless frame for the win.

Third baseman Michael Mosby added two RBIs for the Orioles.

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 11:33 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
        

There was clearly a difference in opinion on one of the key plays in the Orioles’ 5-4 loss to the Tampa Bay Rays today at Camden Yards.

With the bases loaded and one out in the top of the sixth inning and reliever Jason Berken trying to keep the score tied at 4, Jason Bartlett hit a hard one-hopper at slightly pulled-in third baseman Miguel Tejada, who fielded it and then fired home to make sure he cut down the lead runner. However, catcher Jake Fox’s throw to first base to try to complete the inning-ending double play was too late to get the speedy Bartlett.

Berken then walked the next batter, Evan Longoria, to force in the go-ahead run. Orioles interim manager Juan Samuel said after the game that Tejada should have first thrown to second to start the more conventional 5-4-3 double play.

“I think probably Tejada should have gone to second base there, so it was unfortunate. Jason came in and gave us a ground ball, so that’s what we were asking for,” Samuel said. “He said he was set up mentally to go home with it, and we’ll always let those guys know, if the ball’s hit hard you go to second base, and if you don’t think you have a chance to turn the double play, we need to come home with it. He knows he should have gone to second base.”

Tejada, however, maintained that he made the right decision and was slightly annoyed and surprised when it was suggested otherwise.

“It was a great decision,” Tejada said. “You know why it’s a great decision? They’ve been killing us because we haven’t been turning double plays from second. They’ve been killing everybody because we haven’t been turning the double play. Now they said we lose the game because I didn’t throw to second? Who said it was going to be a double play? It doesn’t really matter. I’m the one that made the decision. I’m the one out there. I have to have confidence in my pitchers.

“In this game, you don’t guess. Whatever you decide, you have to go. You have to believe in the pitcher out there. I think when you play against Tampa Bay, they are a great hitting team, and the less runs we can let them score, that would be great. And that wasn’t a slow runner going to first.”

Fox said either decision Tejada made would have been fine, but the Orioles needed to be a little quicker in making the decision.

“You either got to go home or go to second base, and either way is the right way,” he said. “You just have to make the decision. I think it was a little bit of indecision that made us a hair slow in getting it to first base, but either way, he made a good play and made a good throw. “

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 8:17 PM | Permalink | Comments (33)
        

While the Orioles and Tampa Bay Rays were playing Wednesday afternoon, injured second baseman Brian Roberts briefly stopped into the home clubhouse and dropped off a shipment of bats.

He had been at Double-A Bowie, which had a morning game. Roberts had an RBI single in four at-bats Wednesday and is 6-for-14 (.429 average) in three games with the Baysox.

Will he play any more games there?

Well, the fact that he dropped off some bats of his is an indication he might not. He also said this week that he thought he would be ready after about 15 at-bats. He has had 14.

Roberts was supposed to have Thursday off and then play Friday and Saturday at Bowie. But, knowing Roberts, he wants to be back playing in the big leagues and will push toward that goal.

One thing we know for sure is that he won't be activated Thursday.

But it is possible he could be activated Friday.

When asked about that speculation, one Orioles official said it was “premature.”

Posted by Dan Connolly at 5:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (15)
        

Less than 24 hours after left-hander Troy Patton was called up from Triple-A Norfolk, he has been sent back down to the Tides, the Orioles announced today.

Patton was summoned to Baltimore last night at around 11 p.m. after the Tides' game against the Syracuse Chiefs. He caught a 5:30 a.m. flight to Baltimore for today's game against the Tampa Bay Rays.

Patton, who did not pitch against Tampa Bay today, is 6-9 with a 4.91 ERA in 18 starts for Norfolk this season.

Posted by Baltimore Sun sports at 4:58 PM | Permalink | Comments (6)
        

Things weren't looking too good until the Orioles just struck for three runs off Rays starter James Shields in the bottom of the fourth. Luke Scott, who continues to swing a hot bat, started the rally with a single to right and then Ty Wigginton followed by knocking a 1-2 breaking ball into the left-field seats to cut the Rays' lead to 4-2.

Adam Jones then singled and Jake Fox drove him in with double down the left-field line.

Brad Bergesen just pitched his first 1-2-3 inning in the top of the fifth to keep the Orioles' deficit at 4-3.

Down at Double-A Bowie, rehabbing second baseman Brian Roberts went 1-for-4 with an RBI in the Baysox's victory. Roberts is expected to take tomorrow off and then it wouldn't shock me if he's in an Orioles' uniform come Friday night. That is not the Orioles' plans but it wouldn't shock me if those plans changed. Let me be clear - that's just my guess and not based on the opinion of any team official.

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 1:59 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

Here are some comments from reliever Michael Gonzalez who was reinstated from the 60-day disabled list this morning.

On how he feels: "I’m feeling very good, man. It feels like it’s been about two years since I’ve been in the clubhouse, but it’s finally good to be back."

On where his velocity is at: "Every outing got a little better, man. My breaking ball got a little bit more crisp every outing. My fastball got a little more velocity. But I guess the biggest thing for me was I saw more command. Obviously, I didn’t have that early on and it felt really good to go out there and throw strikes."

On how frustrating this season has been: "Overall, it was the worst. First of all, you never want to go out the way I went out. Second of all, right after that, you get injured and you’re feeling that pain and having to go through that whole process. It seriously feels like it’s been years before I get back to the big league clubhouse. It was hard physically but mentally, it was very draining. You’re talking about three months rehabbing, going back and forth. Obviously, down there, the guys are great and all but that’s not where you want to be. Just overall, you need to get back and do what you’re capable of doing."

On his long-term prognosis with shoulder injury: "Both doctors assured me there is obviously play in everyone’s shoulder and you go in any pitcher, there is some play. I had some stuff going on there and obviously, I needed to strengthen the shoulder and if I keep the shoulder strong, it should be good. Obviously,. I’m going off of that – two good-reputation doctors that I feel comfortable with. I’m just going to go out there and keep doing it."

On being eased backed in closer role: "You know what, whatever they want to do, that’s fine. My goal was to get back up here to the big leagues. That’s definitely where I need to be. I think everything is going to even itself out once I’m up here and show I’m healthy. It’s just going out there and showing you’re healthy. You obviously can’t say much from their standpoint when they haven’t seen me pitch in three months, just going by word of mouth. I’m just going to go out there and do what I do and show that I’m healthy and I think everything will even itself out."

On whether shoulder injury was pre-existing before signing two-year contract with Orioles: "Obviously, you try to figure everything out. You brainstorm and you try to do this and that. But I think overall, as soon as spring training started, I started out with the back spasms. They hurt a little bit and I backed up about a week and a half or two weeks. Then, all of a sudden I tried to play catchup and I tried to play fast forward, thinking it was that easy. I started seeing myself and a couple of pitching coaches on the way up started showing me some video that I was prior to, maybe a couple of things in spring training and obviously Opening Day. That just wasn’t me. Arm angle wasn’t there. Obviously, you don’t feel it when you’re out there doing it. But when you go back and look at the video, you’re like, ‘wow, I don’t know how I got to that point.’ It could just be so many things. It was more of a chain thing to myself where it started in my back and ended up over in my shoulder and it definitely started giving up more stress to my shoulder."

On whether he has time to salvage contract: "You have to remember, every time I go out there, I'm trying to give my best performance. Numbers don’t lie. My last six years have been successful years and I know what I’m capable of doing. That was the most frustrating part, coming out here and not being able to do what I’m able to do. I definitely don’t feel I’m going to be blowing guys away like it used to be, but I definitely feel I’m competitive enough to get to that situation."

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 10:36 AM | Permalink | Comments (4)
        

Seeking to bolster their taxed bullpen, the Orioles have reinstated Michael Gonzalez from the 60-disabled list before today's game and they've also summoned Troy Patton to the big leagues.

The Orioles had one 25-man roster spot open with Chris TIllman's demotion yesterday. The other roster casuality was third baseman Josh Bell, who needs to go back to Triple-A Norfolk and play everyday. Reliever Jim Johnson was transferred to the 60-day disabled list.

Patton, who was scheduled to pitch today for Triple-A Norfolk, acknowledged that he was told he's only an insurance policy and he may only be around for a couple of days. It may only be until tomorrow because Kevin Millwood needs to be activated in time to start the series opener versus the Minnesota Twins.

"It’s crazy," said Patton who got a call at 11 p.m. last night telling him that he'd be promoted. He had to catch a 5:30 a.m, flight today out of Norfolk. "I’ve been with this organization and I’ve never even seen this [clubhouse] down here. It’s kind of cool to actually get to see what I’m playing for. I’m excited.

Patton was 6-9 with a 4.91 ERA in 18 starts for the Tides. He was knocked around in his last start on July 16, allowing seven runs (five earned) on 10 hits and three walks in 4 2/3 innings. He pitched in three games, including two starts for the Houston Astros in 2007, but he's not seen action for the Orioles since they acquired in December 2007 in the Miguel Tejada deal.

"It’s been a rollercoaster," he said. "It’s been up and down. I’ve been making progress and at the same time, I still have setback outings, outings where things don’t go right. I’m figuring a lot out every time I’m out. I’ve been competitive pretty much every single start. I’ve been working on it. It’s been getting better."

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Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 9:59 AM | Permalink | Comments (13)
        

2010 Orioles: 30-63 (.323)

Notable win-loss records through 94 games (win percentage in parentheses):

1916 Philadelphia Athletics: 19-74-1 (.207)
1954 Orioles: 33-61 (.351)
1962 New York Mets: 24-70 (.255)
1988 Orioles: 30-64 (.319)
2003 Detroit Tigers: 26-68 (.277)

How each team fared in their 94th game:

1916 Athletics: 8-2 loss to the Chicago White Sox

The White Sox completed an eight-game sweep of Philadelphia with a convincing victory at Comiskey Park. In the series, the Athletics were outscored, 47-13, by Chicago.

1954 Orioles: 6-5 loss to the Philadelphia Athletics

First baseman Eddie Waitkus was 3-for-5 with an RBI double, but the Orioles' late comeback fell short against Philadelphia at Connie Mack Stadium. Orioles starting pitcher Joe Coleman was charged with four runs and five hits in one-plus inning. Right fielder Cal Abrams added two hits and two RBIs for the Orioles.

1962 Mets: 4-3 loss to the Cincinnati Reds

Cincinnati pinch hitter Marty Keough hit a solo home run to lead off the bottom of the ninth as the Reds swept a doubleheader at Crosley Field. Mets center fielder Jim Hickman was 3-for-3 with three RBIs, while right fielder Richie Ashburn added two hits and two runs scored. Reds center fielder Vada Pinson was 2-for-4 with a three-run shot.

1988 Orioles: 2-0 loss to the Chicago White Sox

The Orioles managed only four hits in the second game of a doubleheader in front of an announced 17,610 fans at Memorial Stadium. Orioles starting pitcher Jay Tibbs held the White Sox to two runs (one earned) and six hits in 8 1/3 innings during the loss. Chicago designated hitter Harold Baines was 3-for-4 with a solo home run.

2003 Tigers: 7-5 loss to the Chicago White Sox

Left fielder Carlos Lee was 2-for-4 with a double and three RBIs as the White Sox topped Detroit at U.S. Cellular Field. Tigers center fielder Alex Sanchez was 3-for-5 with two RBIs, while first baseman Carlos Pena hit a solo home run in the ninth. Chicago first baseman Paul Konerko was 2-for-4 with a home run and two RBIs.

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 8:45 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
        

It was an uplifting win for the Orioles who were in danger of seeing a four-homer night, including three straight homers in one inning for the first time since 1995, go to waste. It didn't because of Miguel Tejada's game-tying double off All-Star closer Rafael Soriano in the ninth, Scott Moore's game-tying sacrifice fly in the 12th and Julio Lugo's game-winning single in the 12th.

It came at quite a cost as the Orioles were forced to use every one of their available relievers - Mark Hendrickson and Matt Albers were not available because they had pitched and 4 1/3 innings and 3 1/3 innings on Sunday and Monday respectively - and several were pushed further than normal.

Koji Uehara, who hasn't been throwing back-to-back days or multiple innings, was forced to do both and he was rewarded for his 1 1/3 inning outing with his first victory this season. Closer Alfredo Simon was used for a season-high 2 2/3 innings. Will Ohman only was in for 2/3 of an inning but he threw 18 pitches, David Hernandez pitched two innings after tossing one on Monday. Jason Berken also threw 25 pitches spanning an inning plus.

The Orioles were so stretched that Jeremy Guthrie went out to the bullpen and started throwing during the bottom of the 13th inning. The Orioles have an open 25-man spot after optioning Chris Tillman to Triple-A Norfolk earlier in the day. Michael Gonzalez could be activated to take that spot and be ready to pitch in tomorrow's game. But even with him, they're still going to be pretty short for the 12:35 start.

Anyway, no quotes got into my newspaper game story because it lasted four hours and 38 minutes. But here's some postgame reaction from the Orioles:

Julio Lugo on his game-winning hit off former Oriole Lance Cormier: "I can’t remember if I’ve faced him. I just wanted to go up there and hack at a pitch that I liked and hit it somewhere. It felt great. It felt great to get a win."

Juan Samuel on victory: “It tells me that these guys are resilient, they don’t give up. We’ve won so many games here of late coming back. Guys are not quitting. We’re getting good pitching when we’re giving up the lead to keep us in the game and give us a chance to score a run here and there, and it was an example of that tonight. These guys continue to fight. We’d like to see this on a more consistent basis but there’s talent in that room. We’ve just got to play at a higher level every night.”

Luke Scott, who hit two homers and drove in another run with a single, on the big offensive night: "Anything positive is going to be a confidence builder. The way things have gone with the adversity that we faced, it’s refreshing to have days like this."

Jake Arrieta on his outing: "I was pretty erratic tonight. I felt a little too strong, but I did my best to make quality pitches. At times I did, at times I wasn’t able to. But I expected to feel like that tonight. I just had to harness it as best I could. Moving forward, I’ll be more under control and better prepared for the next one."

Ty Wigginton on the victory: "I think that’s kind of what this team has been about here lately. I think a lot of the credit has to go to Juan Samuel and the way he’s handled all of us and the way he goes about his business. I think everybody was excited. When your team battles back and you come from behind, you’re excited because you found a way to get a W against a very, very good team."

Wigginton on Carl Crawford getting nailed in the groin by Arrieta's pickoff attempt in the first inning: "When he was throwing over, I just reached for the ball and I wasn’t sure what it hit. But I had a pretty good idea when he didn’t move because I know one thing, Carl Crawford is one of the toughest guys I’ve ever played with. He’s a true gamer and if that guy don’t bounce up, it’s not good.’"

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 12:31 AM | Permalink | Comments (8)
        

With a single in the 13th.

Izturis, who walked, scores the winning run. 11-10 Orioles

A tidy 4 hours and 38 minutes.

That's about when we have to arrive for Wednesday's game.

Posted by Dan Connolly at 11:49 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
        

And beyond?

We're headed to the 13th here. Scott Moore's sac fly tied the game at 10-10 after the Rays scored in top of 12th.

Alfredo Simon pitched a season-high 2 2/3 innings. Koji Uehara is in for his second inning.

We have to be back here for a 12:30 start.

I am planning a sleepover in the press box.

So far I have no takers for who gets to bunk with Pete Schmuck.

Posted by Dan Connolly at 11:37 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

Down by two in the bottom of the ninth against Tampa Bay’s Rafael Soriano, the Orioles stormed back.

Cesar Izturis led off with a single to right. Felix Pie hit a double to left center that nearly went out. Miguel Tejada followed with a double down the left field line to tie the game at 9-9.

It was Soriano’s second blown save in 25 attempts.

Soriano then struck out Nick Markakis and – in an interesting move by Rays’ manager Joe Maddon – intentionally walked Corey Patterson to set up the double play with Ty Wigginton up.

Wigginton popped to third on the first pitch.

With two outs, Adam Jones grounded into a force.

And we have free baseball at the Yards.

Posted by Dan Connolly at 10:34 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

The Orioles were down four runs in the bottom of the seventh.

And they’ve roared back. Well, sort of. Now, they are down two.

The Orioles scored three runs in the seventh, two on a double by Miguel Tejada that bounced off the glove of a jumping Ben Zobrist in right field. Luke Scott added a RBI single, his third RBI of the game. They got it to 8-7.

Now it is 9-7 in the top of the eighth, after Reid Brignac just crushed a pitch from David Hernandez for his fifth homer on the season.

It was the 7th homer on the night. Love humid Baltimore in July.

For the record, the Orioles have four homers against the Rays’ starting pitcher Matt Garza, who was tagged for seven runs in 6 1/3 innings.

And he is still in line right now to get the win.

Posted by Dan Connolly at 9:57 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

The top of the sixth inning was a rough one for the Orioles and starter Jake Arrieta, and not just because it started to pour at Camden Yards.

Leading 4-2 heading into the inning – all six runs were on solo homers including two by Luke Scott and a back-to-back-back sequence with Scott, Ty Wigginton and Adam Jones – Arrieta and the Orioles coughed up four runs.

Arrieta let the first run of the inning score on a wild pitch. He then left with runners on first and second and no outs.

Jason Berken came in – on Berken T-shirt night – and Willy Aybar hit a bouncer to the right-side hole that Ty Wigginton snagged on a dive. But Wigginton attempted to throw to second for the force and threw the ball away, allowing the tying run to score. John Jaso followed with a two-run single, and the Rays took the lead 6-4.

Arrieta is now on the hook for the loss. He lasted 5 1/3 innings, allowing four hits, four walks and five earned runs, two coming off homers.

The good news: The rain stopped/

Posted by Dan Connolly at 9:11 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
        

The entire pressbox just let out a collective gasp when replays of Carl Crawford getting hit in the groin on Jake Arrieta's pickoff attempt were played on the televisions.

Arrieta's throw was offline and it got Crawford in about the most painful of spots, and the Tampa Bay Rays speedster toppled to the ground. Orioles first baseman Ty Wigginton then picked up the ball and tagged him out, adding insult to injury.

Crawford stayed on the ground for an extended period before walking slowly off the field. He did not come back in the game for the bottom of the first.

The Orioles just took a 3-0 lead in the bottom of the second on back-to-back-to-back homers by Luke Scott, Ty Wigginton and Adam Jones, all off Rays starter Matt Garza, who is unbeaten in six career starts at Camden Yards.

Scott's blast went 352 feet and landed on the flag court in right field. Wigginton's shot traveled 382 feet into the left-field seats and Jones' blast went an estimated 408 feet, also to left field.

The Orioles hadn't hit three straight homers since Jeff Manto, Mark Smith and Brady Anderson did it on Sept 5, 1995 against the California Angels at Camden Yards. That day was otherwise known for being Cal Ripken Jr.'s 2,130 consecutive game, tying Lou Gehrig.

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 7:17 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

The Orioles just announced Chris Tillman, who has a 1-4 record and a 7.92 ERA, has been optioned to Triple-A Norfolk.

A corresponding move will be announced Wednesday. That will be the activation of either left-hander Michael Gonzalez or right-hander Kevin Millwood. Both will be activated by Thursday, so another move will have to be made then.

The guess is that third baseman Josh Bell will then be sent down.

Tillman was the one activated when Millwood was placed on the DL on July 6. He had two starts: a gem in Texas in which he allowed two hits and one unearned run in 7 1/3 innings and Monday's disaster, when he allowed eight earned runs in 2 2/3 innings versus Tampa.

This means Brad Bergesen stays in the rotation.

Posted by Dan Connolly at 5:28 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)
        

Lots of little stuff from interim manager Juan Samuel today.

Here's what we've got:

As we had reported earlier today, Kevin Millwood comes off the DL and pitches Thursday against the Minnesota Twins. That means Brad Bergesen definitely gets his start Wednesday against the Tampa Bay Rays. It's important to make it a good one, but Samuel said the way Bergesen pitches Wednesday isn't the main factor in who gets demoted to make room for Millwood. The team is likely leaning toward sending Chris Tillman back to the minors, but that has not officially been determined. Tillman isn't scheduled to start until Sunday.

"We're not really putting [the decision on Bergesen's performance]," Samuel said. "Obviously if those guys do the job, it makes it easy for us to make a decision. But we're not really waiting to see if he will perform well or how he does. Hopefully, he will do a good job for us. We need our starters to go longer. Hopefully, he will give us that."

At this point, the rotation will be pushed back a day. So Bergesen pitches Wednesday, Millwood on Thursday, Guthrie on Friday, Matusz on Saturday and Tillman on Sunday. Samuel said there has been no discussion of a six-man rotation, so someone will get bumped. He also said he has not been informed of any pending trades that would give him roster relief.

Reliever Michael Gonzalez (shoulder) will be activated from the DL either after Wednesday's game or before Thursday's. He will be eased back into the bullpen, being used in nonpressure situations. His velocity is better, but he needs to better locate his other pitches. Samuel thinks that will happen as the level of competition, and therefore his concentration, increases.

"We're still trying to make the decision which way we're going to go, whether it's going to be a pitcher or a position player when all these guys come back," Samuel said. "I think [president of baseball operations Andy MacPhail has] got his hands full trying to figure out which way we're going to go."

The Brian Roberts (herniated disk) situation is also fluid. Samuel said the team would prefer not to return him to the majors on the turf in Toronto. So, if he is deemed OK after his rehab assignment in Bowie, he might join the team for the Toronto series, but could be used as a pinch hitter and not play the field. Then he would return to the field in the Kansas City series, which starts next Thursday.

"For me, the ideal place for him is Kansas City. I don't know if we want him coming back from his rehab with the kind of injury he had on Astroturf," Samuel said. "We have to be smart. We do not want to see him have a major setback. I'm sure he's going to push his way into playing in Toronto, so we have to be smart with this."

Samuel added that Matt Wieters (hamstring) looks like he could return when he is eligible Sunday. Samuel doesn't expect Wieters to need a rehab assignment.

One last thing: Corey Patterson (heel) isn't in the lineup but could be used as a pinch hitter or defensive replacement. He could start Wednesday.

Posted by Dan Connolly at 4:13 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)
        

Injured righty Kevin Millwood (right forearm strain) threw a bullpen today and felt good. He's eligible to come off the DL on Wednesday but instead will be activated to make his start Thursday against the Minnesota Twins.

That means Brad Bergesen will pitch Wednesday against the Tampa Bay Rays as scheduled.

Interim manager Juan Samuel said he's not sure exactly what the Orioles will do to make room for Millwood. But he's definitely getting the start against Minnesota. That's Jeremy Guthrie's scheduled start, but he most likely will be moved back one day.

Who comes off the roster to make room for Millwood may be determined by how Bergesen pitches Wednesday. Chris Tillman is another candidate to be sent down.

It's all a work in progress, but for now we know Millwood will start Thursday. You can guess at the rest.

Posted by Dan Connolly at 3:44 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)
        

I don't recall seeing the Orioles get five guys back from the disabled list within a week's span, but that very easily could happen this week. That will make for some interesting roster juggling. Let's review while also looking ahead:

Designated hitter Luke Scott came back yesterday, and reliever Frank Mata was optioned to Triple-A Norfolk. No-brainer with Mata unavailable for a couple of days anyway after his extensive outing Sunday.

Reliever Michael Gonzalez is expected to be reinstated from the 60-day disabled list tomorrow, and third baseman Josh Bell will likely be optioned to Triple-A Norfolk so he can play regularly. The Orioles will then also have to open a 40-man spot to Gonzalez on the roster, and the easiest move would probably be to transfer reliever Jim Johnson from the 15-day DL to the 60-day DL. That would leave Johnson ineligible to come off until July 28. He just started throwing from the mound again yesterday and that DL date is only about a week away, so Johnson wasn't going to come back that quickly anyway. Now the tougher decisions:

Kevin Millwood will be eligible to come off the DL tomorrow, and he has said he'll be ready to pitch right away. The Orioles could opt to hold him off a couple of days, but his return is inevitable. After the Gonzalez-for-Bell swap, the Orioles will have only a three-man bench, so they obviously are going to have to jettison a pitcher when Millwood is ready. Brad Bergesen, who is expected to pitch tomorrow on the same day Millwood is due off the DL, could be the most likely candidate, but the Orioles' bullpen is taxed, so it's also possible that they move Bergesen there for the time being and designate Matt Albers for assignment. The issue there is that Albers is out of options and would have to clear waivers, and he has pitched very well for the Orioles over the past month. I'm guessing that doesn't matter to many of you who have been calling for Albers' jobs for months, but I'm just pointing it out. My guess would be Bergesen is the call, but that could change if he has a strong start Wednesday if in fact they allow him to start that game.

Catcher Matt Wieters is due off the DL on Sunday, and he too feels like he'll be ready right away. This will be a tough call, but I guess it's not impossible that the Orioles send down Craig Tatum, who does have one option remaining, and go with Wieters and Jake Fox as the catching tandem. Or they can opt to designate Fox or Scott Moore, who are both out of options.

Second baseman Brian Roberts' rehab stint with Double-A Bowie is tentatively scheduled to end Saturday. The Orioles haven't said yet whether they plan to activate him Sunday, Monday or perhaps give him a few more rehab games and avoid having to play him on the turf in Toronto. But barring a setback, a decision will have to be made soon, and I'm guessing Moore is probably in the most jeopardy. A lot of people have been calling to dump Julio Lugo, but team officials have been pretty adamant about the need for someone on the roster other than Cesar Izturis to play shortstop, and Lugo really is the only one with extensive experience there besides third baseman Miguel Tejada. Team officials have shot down repeatedly the idea of moving Tejada back to short. Designating Fox or Moore for assignment would also open up a 40-man spot for Roberts, who is currently on the 60-day DL. And there are other ways to open up 40-man spots with the likes of Mata, Pedro Viola and Pedro Florimon Jr. still on the roster.

Of course, with the trade deadline just a week and a half away, it's also possible -- probable, in fact -- the Orioles will move at least one or two veterans (Ty Wigginton, Tejada and Will Ohman are probably the most likely to go) and they'll have plenty of roster room at their disposal.

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 2:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (5)
        

2010 Orioles: 29-63 (.315)

Notable win-loss records through 93 games (win percentage in parentheses):

1916 Philadelphia Athletics: 19-73-1 (.210)
1954 Orioles: 33-60 (.355)
1962 New York Mets: 24-69 (.258)
1988 Orioles: 30-63 (.323)
2003 Detroit Tigers: 26-67 (.280)

How each team fared in their 93rd game:

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

The Athletics came close to winning in the second game of a doubleheader against the White Sox at Comiskey Park, but still suffered their 13th consecutive loss.

1954 Orioles: 7-5 win over the Philadelphia Athletics

Third baseman Vern Stephens was 3-for-5 with an RBI as the Orioles beat Philadelphia with only 1,791 fans in attendance at Connie Mack Stadium. Orioles center fielder Chuck Diering and left fielder Jim Fridley each added two hits and two RBIs, while starting pitcher Duane Pillette tossed a complete game.

1962 Mets: 11-4 loss to the Cincinnati Reds

The Mets outhit Cincinnati, 12-11, but they couldn't take advantage of their opportunities in a lopsided rout at Crosley Field. New York second baseman Felix Mantilla was 2-for-5 with a solo home run, while Reds right fielder Frank Robinson contributed two hits, an RBI and two runs scored.

1988 Orioles: 6-4 win over the Chicago White Sox

First baseman Jim Traber hit a three-run home run as the Orioles topped the White Sox in the first game of a doubleheader in front of an announced 17,610 fans at Memorial Stadium. Orioles catcher Mickey Tettleton added a two-run shot, while starting pitcher Mike Boddicker threw 7 2/3 innings in the win.

2003 Tigers: 10-9 win over the Chicago White Sox

The White Sox scored four runs in the bottom of the ninth, but Detroit was able to hold on for the win at U.S. Cellular Field. Chicago outfielders Carlos Lee and Carl Everett hit back-to-back home runs, but first baseman Paul Konerko flied out to end the game. Tigers designated hitter Kevin Witt was 4-for-4 in the loss.

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 10:16 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
        

Chris Tillman, 22, lasted into the third inning Monday before the Tampa Bay Rays chased him with a seven-run third.

Brian Matusz, 23, couldn’t get out of the second Sunday, giving up six runs in that inning.

Brad Bergesen, 24, last year’s brightest spot, is 3-7 with a 6.37 ERA and is in jeopardy of losing his rotation spot with Kevin Millwood on his way back from the DL.

Jake Arrieta, 24, has the best numbers so far of the so-called cavalry; he’s 3-2 with a 4.38 ERA. But he has made just seven starts.

These are four young, inexperienced and talented pitchers. You know they are going to get their bumps and bruises. But, frankly, more was expected from them as a unit.

And perhaps that was unfair.

Here’s Luke Scott’s thought on the matter after Monday night’s 8-1 loss to the Rays:

“They have proven everything they can prove in the minors. They don’t belong there. They do have to make adjustments here and get better, just like the rest of us. But I think from the start of the year, there has been so much hype on them because they had success last year. It puts that kind of pressure on them instead of just letting them develop. It’s a tough situation for them.”

Here’s my question: Were these guys overhyped? Are they not as good as advertised?

Or is it simply a matter of their being young and having less than a year of starts under their collective belts and things will change as they get more experience?

Daily Think Special: The Cavalry: Overhyped or temporarily overmatched?

Posted by Dan Connolly at 12:20 AM | Permalink | Comments (61)
Categories: Connolly's Corner Sports Bar
        

Single-A Delmarva placed infielder Mike Mooney on the disabled list today.

Norfolk Tides (AAA)

Score: Norfolk Tides 4, Syracuse Chiefs 0 (Box score)

Recap: First baseman Nolan Reimold hit a two-run home run and designated hitter Michael Aubrey added a solo shot as the Tides blanked Syracuse, 4-0, at Harbor Park.

Orioles relief pitcher Michael Gonzalez tossed a scoreless inning to start the game, while Norfolk's Chris George (5-4) turned in six shutout frames to earn the victory.

Tides right fielder Rhyne Hughes was 2-for-4 in the win.

Bowie Baysox (AA)

Score: Bowie Baysox 6, Binghamton Mets 2 (Box score)

Recap: Third baseman Ryan Adams was 3-for-3 with a two-run home run and a double as the Baysox topped Binghamton, 6-2, at Prince George's Stadium.

As Jeff Zrebiec noted earlier, Orioles second baseman Brian Roberts was 2-for-5 with a double, an RBI and two runs scored in his first game with the Baysox.

Bowie left fielder Tyler Henson was 2-for-4 with an RBI before he was ejected from the game, while center fielder Danny Figueroa added an RBI.

Baysox starting pitcher Eddie Gamboa was charged with one run and two hits in four innings, while relief pitcher Raul Rivero (1-0) tossed two scoreless frames for the victory.

Frederick Keys (A)

Score: Frederick Keys 6, Lynchburg Hillcats 3 (Box score)

Recap: Left fielder Xavier Avery was a triple shy of the cycle as the Keys grabbed a 6-3 victory on the road over Lynchburg.

Avery was 3-for-5 with a two-run home run and two runs scored.

Frederick right fielder Ronnie Welty was 2-for-4 with a triple and two RBIs, while center fielder Kyle Hudson added two hits, two stolen bases and two runs scored.

Keys starting pitcher Luis Noel (2-0) held the Hillcats to three runs (two earned) and seven hits while striking out eight batters in five innings.

Third baseman Billy Rowell was 0-for-4 with three strikeouts and his 22nd error of the season for the Keys. He is batting .247 with eight home runs and 37 RBIs in 75 games this year.

Relief pitcher Josh Dowdy recorded the final two outs of the game to pick up his first save since being promoted to the Keys from Delmarva.

Aberdeen IronBirds (A)

Score: Aberdeen IronBirds 8, Lowell Spinners 7 (Box score)

Recap: Left fielder Kipp Schutz hit a solo home run as the IronBirds scored three runs in the top of the ninth to take an 8-7 victory over Lowell.

Schutz contributed two RBIs in the win, while designated hitter Joel Polanco was 3-for-5 with a solo shot and two RBIs for the IronBirds.

Aberdeen center fielder Trent Mummey was a triple shy of the cycle. He was 3-for-6 with a home run to lead off the game and three runs scored.

IronBirds relief pitcher Blake Mechaw (1-0) recorded his first win of the season after recording the final two outs in the eighth, while relief pitcher T.R. Keating notched his first save of the year despite giving up a run in the ninth.

Starting pitcher Justin Anderson allowed five runs (three earned) and six hits in four innings for Aberdeen.

Bluefield Orioles (Rookie)

Score: Greenville Drive 7, Bluefield Orioles 6 (Box score)

Recap: Relief pitcher Andrew Huebner (0-1) was charged with two runs without recording an out in the ninth as the Orioles blew a late lead in a 7-6 loss to Greenville.

Bluefield shortstop Jonathan Schoop was 2-for-3 with an RBI, a stolen base and a run scored, while third baseman Brad Decater and third baseman Dudley Leonora added two hits each.

Starting pitcher Daurin Tavarez gave up four runs and five hits in 5 2/3 innings for the Orioles. He struck out five batters and issued two walks.

GCL Orioles (Rookie)

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

Recap: Starting pitcher Orlando Alfonso (3-0) held the GCL Twins to one run and seven hits in five innings as the GCL Orioles picked up a 5-1 victory.

Orioles designated hitter Preston Hale was 2-for-4 with two RBIs, while second baseman Pedro Rodriguez was 3-for-4 with a double and two runs scored.

Left fielder Rojean Cleofa was 3-for-4 with an RBI and a run scored for the Orioles.

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 11:42 PM | Permalink | Comments (5)
        

Orioles second baseman Brian Roberts went 2-for-5 with a double and an RBI single in the Baysox's 6-2 victory over Binghamton tonight at Prince George's Stadium. He doubled in his first at-bat, hit an RBI single in his second one, grounded out to first in his third, lined out to the right-field warning track in his fourth and struck out looking in his fifth.

The last at-bat was the only one as a right-handed hitter. Roberts also handled four chances flawlessly in the field. Here are his postgame thoughts:

On how it felt to get out there: "Good. It felt good to get in a game with lights and fans. I had a little bit of adrenaline so it’s nice to get out there. The body felt good."

On sliding feet first into second on first-inning double: "I have made slides feet first. I just haven’t gone head first yet. That was fine."

On whether he had thought of going head first: "I wasn’t going to steer away from it if there was an opportunity, but that was kind of one where I usually go feet first because I know I was probably going to be safe. I didn’t really have too many opportunities today."

On comfort level with his swing: "I’ve only had three at-bats right-handed. I haven’t probably gotten fully comfortable there but that happens in spring training sometimes. You get 35 AB’s and you get only five right-handed. There have been times where I have gone a long time in spring training before I hit right-handed. It will come just after I get some at-bats. But left-handed, I feel good. It feels comfortable. I feel way more comfortable than I thought I would at this point."

On whether the results matter: "Results are always good. I don’t care if you are in rehab games or you’re in the big leagues. Results are always good because they help build your confidence and confidence is a big part of this game. You always want to get results. You don’t ever want to go 0-for-5. That’s not the most important thing, but certainly if you’re getting results, it’s a good indication of where you are."

On whether he felt more adrenaline tonight: "I felt more than Gulf Coast definitely. There’s nobody in the stands, you’re playing at noon. You’re just trying to wake up at that point. It was nice to play a night game and kind of get back in the normal routine of the season. I think that was good for me. The fans were fun and it was good to just get out here."

On whether he took active leadership role tonight: "No, not too much. I had [Greg Miclat] ask me if we could sit down and talk base stealing at some point and things like that. The guys are swinging the bat great. It looks like they put together a pretty good team. I’m always willing to help but I’m not going to force it down somebody’s throat."

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 11:06 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)
        

The brave, masochistic fans in the sweltering heat at Camden Yards weren’t the only ones to watch Monday’s veritable joy ride against the Tampa Bay Rays.

Former O’s All-Stars Brady Anderson and B.J. Surhoff took in the game – one in which the Rays scored seven times in the third inning against Chris Tillman.

Anderson and Surhoff watched the rocky performance from a third-level radio suite with the organization’s director of player development, John Stockstill.

Stockstill has been a big champion of bringing back some of the club’s former players to help out. Anderson, who is a part-time MASN broadcaster, has already gone to Triple-A Norfolk to work with struggling outfielder Nolan Reimold.

And the club has talked to Surhoff about working with several players in a developmental role. This is at least the second time Surhoff, who lives in Baltimore, has watched a game from the radio suite this homestand.

Anderson and Surhoff were two of the hardest-working players I’ve covered. Their attention to detail, intensity and knowledge of the game are second to none – OK maybe one, and that guy said he wants to assume a role in the future here, too.

Posted by Dan Connolly at 9:19 PM | Permalink | Comments (16)
        

The third was a terrible inning for Chris Tillman, who is now out of the game.

He threw 38 pitches in the inning, only 18 for strikes, and faced nine batters before being yanked by interim manager Juan Samuel.

The Rays nearly had a run-scoring cycle against Tillman. He gave up a RBI walk, a two-run single, a RBI double and a RBI triple.

Down 1-0 heading into the top of the third, Tillman failed to retire the first six batters he faced. He didn’t get an out until Sean Rodriguez dropped a safety squeeze bunt that plated B.J. Upton with the Rays’ fifth run of the inning.

Overall, Tillman threw 76 pitches (41 strikes) in 2 2/3 and gave up seven earned runs before Matt Albers entered with Carl Crawford on third and two outs.

Albers yielded a RBI single to Evan Longoria and Tillman's line is officially over: 2 2/3 IP, 7H, 8 ER, 4BBs, 2Ks, 1 HB.

Posted by Dan Connolly at 8:32 PM | Permalink | Comments (8)
        

So far, so good for second baseman Brian Roberts. In his first rehab game with Double-A Bowie, Roberts doubled to lead off the bottom of the first inning.

Batting left-handed, Roberts drove the second pitch from Binghamton starter Chris Schwinden down the left-field line and slid in (feet first not head first) safely at second. He moved to third on Ryan Adams' single and then scored on Tyler Henson's RBI single.

In the second, he drove Schwinden's first pitch up the middle for an RBI single, and then scored on Ryan Adams' opposite-field two-run homer.

It's 5-1 Bowie. Certainly nice to see some offense here.

Roberts just grounded out to first in his third at-bat.

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 7:45 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
        

Injured Orioles second baseman Brian Roberts is batting leadoff and playing second base for Double-A Bowie tonight. He's expected to play all nine innings. He then will serve as the Baysox's designated hitter tomorrow night and play second base again Wednesday. At this point, the Orioles are planning on his playing six games for the Baysox before they consider activating him.

Here are some quotes from Roberts:

On how he is feeling: "We’ve tried to stay as low-profile as possible the last month or two just because there was so much going on and you have expectations, people have expectations, and we just got to the point where we needed to go as slow as possible and not have to answer those questions all the time. Things are good; things are way better than they were at the beginning of the year. I really never got to the point at the beginning of the year where I felt how I do now. It’s a positive sign, and I’m excited to get back out and start playing."

On how many at-bats he needs: "It’s hard to say just because you can get 50 at-bats in the minor leagues and go up there [to the majors] and go 0-for-20. You never know. Or you can get 10 or go 10-for-20. The way I feel just physically, yeah, I think I’ll be fine. I think it’s just a matter of getting in the box a little more. I don’t think I need a lot. Even in spring training, I think I got somewhere around 50-ish. So if I got 30 or 35, to me, that’s plenty to go out and play. But it’s up to the powers higher than me to make the final decision."

On what he considers final test: "I haven’t slid yet. Well, I’ve slid feet first. I haven’t tried to steal a base. I haven’t had to make a diving play in the field or anything. I’m looking forward to maybe being able to do that at some point, whether it be tonight, and start to play more the way I like to play in a game situation. Down there, it’s kind of cautious and you just get your at-bats and get the feel of the game. I think once I get here and get in a real atmosphere of a game situation, that will be a good test."

On sliding being his biggest test: "The way my body feels at this point, I don’t feel like it’s going to be an issue. At the beginning of the year, I didn’t feel like anything like I do now. I think it was probably more of a concern to me then than it is now. I just haven’t had a chance to do it. When you haven’t done it, it is something that is in the back of your mind. I think I just need to get out there and do it once and move on."

On what feels different now from a month ago: "It doesn’t hurt. Really, if anybody has ever had a back problem, you know that it just comes, and when it’s there, you don’t feel good all day long. And when it’s not there, you feel great. I feel very good right now. January 25 or whenever it was when I hurt my back in Arizona, I never felt that way. I always had some discomfort, and I always had some restrictions of things that I was doing that just didn’t feel good. Finally, I’m to the point where I don’t really have those."

On whether this will affect him his whole career: "No. They said really the most important thing is once you get calmed down, you do what you are supposed to [and] you shouldn’t have any problems. Obviously, you are playing a professional sport. You are doing things that take a toll on your body. It doesn’t matter if its me or Nick [Markakis] or somebody else, tomorrow you could come up with an injury, but when it comes to just specific issues that I had, I don’t think it will be a problem."

On whether he thought his career could be over: "No. I talked to enough people and did enough research, talked to some doctors as well as some players who have had back problems to know that, sure, there is an issue and can be issues in your back that can be career-ending. But this wasn’t one of them. It’s just something that it did set me back a couple months, but going forward, hopefully there won’t be those problems."

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 5:40 PM | Permalink | Comments (10)
        

Orioles outfielder-designated hitter Luke Scott has been reinstated from the 15-day disabled list, the club announced today.

Scott suffered a strained left hamstring and was placed on the disabled list July 1. He was hitting .274 (61-223) with 12 homers and 30 RBIs in 66 games for the O's.

To make room for Scott on the roster, the Orioles optioned reliever Frank Mata to Triple-A Norfolk. Mata had a 7.79 ERA (17 1/3 innings, 15 earned runs) in 15 appearances for the Orioles. He made his major league debut with the club May 26.

Posted by Baltimore Sun sports at 3:19 PM | Permalink | Comments (7)
        

Some sad news out of York, Pa.

Marlyn “Curly” Holtzapple died Friday and will be buried tomorrow. He was 77.

Curly was a local legend in York County, where he managed the Central League’s Stoverstown town ball team for years upon years. A scrappy infielder, Holtzapple was signed by the St. Louis Browns and played in the minor leagues.

His claim to fame, in baseball circles, was that he was the York White Roses shortstop in 1955 when the Roses brought in a young rube from Arkansas to play second base. The kid’s name was Brooks Robinson.

Curly, whom I got to know while he was York County’s Clerk of Courts and I was a young news reporter for the York Dispatch, was an incredibly nice man with a scratchy voice and good sense of humor. With a name like Curly Holtzapple, he had to be both an old-school ballplayer and a good-natured soul.

Curly liked to joke that he had a major part in shaping the Orioles’ organization -- and that’s why it is appropriate to post this here.

According to Curly, if it weren’t for him, the Orioles might never have been a juggernaut in the late 1960s/early 1970s.

He used to say that he and Robinson were such a terrible double-play combination that the Orioles were forced to move Brooks to third to save the kid's career. And the rest is history.

Although they played together for one season, Robinson and Holtzapple remained friends through the years. Robinson seemingly never spoke in York without fondly mentioning Curly’s name. Says a lot about the character of both men.

Rest in peace, Curly.

Posted by Dan Connolly at 12:50 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)
        

There will be plenty of attention on Double-A Bowie tonight as second baseman Brian Roberts takes one more step in his rehab assignment that could land him back with the Orioles on Sunday or Monday.

Roberts, who hasn't played with the Orioles since April 9 because of the herniated disk in his back, is scheduled to be with Bowie through Saturday. I don't know if that means he'll be activated and play Sunday morning in the series finale versus the Minnesota Twins or the Orioles will hold him until Monday's series opener at Toronto. I'm sure that will depend a lot on how he feels.

Roberts played two games for Bowie in 2006 as part of a brief rehab assignment resulted from a strained left groin. He hasn't played for the Baysox regularly since 2001 when he hit .296 in 22 games for Bowie before he was promoted to Triple-A Rochester.

Orioles reliever JIm Johnson (right elbow inflammation) said he felt good today after throwing his first bullpen session from off the mound since late June. Johnson, who is stationed at the club's spring training complex in Sarasota, threw 25 pitches, all fastballs, and said he experienced no discomfort. He'll throw another bullpen session on Wednesday.

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Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 11:50 AM | Permalink | Comments (5)
        

2010 Orioles: 29-62 (.319)

Notable win-loss records through 92 games (win percentage in parentheses):

1916 Philadelphia Athletics: 19-72-1 (.212)
1954 Orioles: 32-60 (.348)
1962 New York Mets: 24-68 (.261)
1988 Orioles: 29-63 (.315)
2003 Detroit Tigers: 25-67 (.272)

How each team fared in their 92nd game:

1916 Athletics: 3-0 loss to the Chicago White Sox

The Athletics were blanked by the White Sox at Comiskey Park for the second time in three days during the first game of a doubleheader. It was Philadelphia's 12th consecutive loss, including six against Chicago.

1954 Orioles: 3-2 loss to the Washington Senators

Washington first baseman Mickey Vernon hit an RBI single with one out in the bottom of the ninth to give the Senators a walk-off victory over the Orioles at Griffith Stadium. Third baseman Eddie Yost was 3-for-4 with two RBIs for the Senators, while Orioles center fielder Chuck Diering contributed two hits and an RBI.

1962 Mets: 5-3 loss to the Cincinnati Reds

Cincinnati starting pitcher Bob Purkey tossed a complete game for his 15th victory as the Reds beat the Mets at Crosley Field. New York left fielder Frank Thomas and first baseman Marv Throneberry each hit a solo home run, while right fielder Gene Woodling added a sacrifice fly.

1988 Orioles: 7-2 loss to the Minnesota Twins

Shortstop Cal Ripken Jr. was 3-for-3 with an RBI, but the Orioles dropped their fourth straight decision to the Twins in front of an announced 22,248 fans at Memorial Stadium. Orioles starting pitcher J.J. Bautista was charged with the loss after giving up three runs and four hits in 2 1/3 innings, while the Twins' Frank Viola improved to 15-2 on the season. Viola finished 24-7 and won the American League Cy Young Award.

2003 Tigers: 3-0 win over the Boston Red Sox

Detroit starting pitcher Wil Ledezma tossed seven shutout innings to lift the Tigers to a win over the Red Sox at Comerica Park. Left fielder Dmitri Young hit a solo home run for the Tigers, while Boston shortstop Nomar Garciaparra collected three hits in a losing effort. Detroit center fielder Alex Sanchez stole two bases.

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 9:22 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

The Orioles will have to make a roster move tomorrow to accommodate Luke Scott, and you would think the prudent thing to do would be to option reliever Frank Mata, who wouldn’t be available for Monday’s series opener against the Tampa Bay Rays anyway after he pitched three innings today. Third baseman Josh Bell is the other option, and if he’s not getting regular at-bats up here, he should be getting them at Triple-A. However, if they send him down tomorrow and Corey Patterson is still unavailable because of his bruised left heel, the Orioles will again have only a three-man bench tomorrow night. It seems like a no-brainer to option Mata tomorrow and then option Bell back to Triple-A on Wednesday or Thursday when Michael Gonzalez is activated.

I never, ever thought I’d say this but Luke Scott, right now, maybe the Orioles’ best defensive option in left field. Again, I never thought I would say that. But with the way Felix Pie played in left this weekend and the way Patterson navigated the position before him, not to mention Nolan Reimold’s trials out there earlier in the year, I’m not sure Scott could do any worse. Look, I like Pie and he needs to play. I understand that he’s a natural center fielder and he is rusty reading balls off the bat after missing so much time. But there were at least four or five catchable balls from the Jays that he took bad routes to or just got a bad jump altogether. Most scouts will tell you that Scott is a below-average defensive left fielder. He doesn’t have the arm that Pie has or the speed that Pie and Patterson have. Scott also looks uncomfortable at times tracking balls, but in most cases, he gets to the balls that he should catch. That hasn’t always been the case this year with the Orioles’ other left fielders.

This stat was brought to my attention by the Carroll County Times’ Rich Dubroff, and if nothing else, it is kind of interesting: In Dave Trembley’s 54 games this season as Orioles manager, the team allowed 10 runs just once -- on May 20, when they were beaten, 13-7, by the Texas Rangers. In 37 games since with Juan Samuel at the helm, the Orioles have allowed 10 runs or more seven times. Not sure whether there is any conclusion to be drawn other than the fact that the pitching has regressed as the season has gone on, but you probably knew that already.

By now, you probably know that the Orioles are 0-9 this season against the Blue Jays and have been outscored 48-16 in the process. But this you might not know: The Orioles have held a lead after a full inning only 12 times in those nine games spanning 79 1/2 innings. And seven of those times came in the 5-2 loss April 11. That’s pretty appalling.

In case you missed it, San Diego Padres All-Star closer Heath Bell in a San Diego Union-Tribune story included Orioles third baseman Miguel Tejada on his personal wish list of guys he would like his team to acquire for the stretch run. The only team I know of that expressed interest in Tejada was the Philadelphia Phillies, and they’ve since told the Orioles that they are moving on. However, a couple of sources said there are a few teams in on Tejada and the Orioles’ asking price for the third baseman is lower than it is for infielder Ty Wigginton. Perhaps the Padres are one of them. For what it’s worth, Tejada has said repeatedly that he would like to stay in Baltimore and not just for the rest of this season.

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 10:48 PM | Permalink | Comments (17)
        

Brian Matusz was given a 1-0 lead on Adam Jones' single in the bottom of the first, and he couldn't even get a second out before giving it up.

Heck, he couldn't even get out of the second inning. It was another discouraging start for the rookie left-hander, who was bounced from the game in the second after giving up six runs on five hits, two walks and a hit batsman. He lasted just 1 2/3 innings, the shortest start of his young career.

The big blow in the second inning was Yunel Escobar's grand slam on a 1-0 fastball that was clocked at just 88 mph on the radar gun.

In two career starts against the Toronto Blue Jays, Matusz has allowed 11 earned runs in 4 1/3 innings.

Matusz now has a 5.21 ERA, and with the Orioles trailing 6-1, it appears that he'll fall to 3-10. Not exactly the numbers of a pitcher most pundits predicted would be in the thick of the American League Rookie of the Year race.

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 2:13 PM | Permalink | Comments (9)
        

Corey Patterson was originally in the starting lineup today, batting first and playing left field. However, he told interim manager Juan Samuel he could use the day off after he bruised his left heel trying to beat out a bunt attempt in the fourth inning last night. Patterson expects he'll miss two or three games. That means Samuel today has only a two-man bench at his disposal -- utility infielder Julio Lugo and catcher Craig Tatum. Jake Fox is making his first start behind the plate, while rookie Josh Bell is getting the call at third base with Miguel Tejada serving as the designated hitter. Scott Moore is starting at second.

Matt Wieters, who was put on the disabled list with a strained right hamstring Thursday, ran and hit this morning and said he felt no pain. He expects to be ready to play when he is eligible to come off the disabled list next Sunday.

Kevin Millwood (right forearm strain) threw a bullpen session this morning, and he said he feels like he'll be ready to pitch when he is eligible to come off the DL on Wednesday. Samuel said that the club hasn't decided who will be yanked from the rotation to make room for Millwood, but he did say that he doesn't expect to go with a six-man rotation. Brad Bergesen is scheduled to pitch on the day Millwood is due off the DL, so that probably doesn't bode well for him.

Reliever Jim Johnson (right elbow inflammation) will throw a bullpen session off the mound tomorrow in Sarasota, Fla. He had to cut short his last one because of elbow discomfort.

Samuel said Luke Scott (left hamstring strain) will join the club tomorrow and could be activated in time to start the series opener against the Tampa Bay Rays. I would think that means that Bell will be returned to Triple-A, but that's not official yet.

There's a huge group of scouts already at Camden Yards. The Reds, Dodgers, Rangers, Marlins, Astros, Tigers, Phillies, Mets, Cardinals and Rays are all represented.

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 12:09 PM | Permalink | Comments (12)
        

2010 Orioles: 29-61 (.322)

Notable win-loss records through 91 games (win percentage in parentheses):

1916 Philadelphia Athletics: 19-71-1 (.214)
1954 Orioles: 32-59 (.352)
1962 New York Mets: 24-67 (.264)
1988 Orioles: 29-62 (.319)
2003 Detroit Tigers: 24-67 (.264)

How each team fared in their 91st game:

1916 Athletics: 4-3 loss to the Chicago White Sox

The Athletics were edged by the White Sox at Comiskey Park. It was Philadelphia's 11th consecutive loss, and they would lose nine more times before picking up another victory on Aug. 9, 1916, against the Detroit Tigers.

1954 Orioles: 6-5 loss to the Washington Senators

Relief pitcher Don Larsen was 3-for-4 with two triples, but the Orioles were edged by Washington in front of an announced 2,607 fans at Griffith Stadium. Orioles third baseman Bob Kennedy contributed two hits and three RBIs, while right fielder Sam Mele was 2-for-4 with an RBI. Shorstop Pete Runnels was 1-for-1 with two RBIs for the Senators.

1962 Mets: 3-1 loss to the Cincinnati Reds

Left fielder Frank Thomas hit a solo home run in the top of the sixth inning to account for the Mets' only run in a loss to the Reds at Crosley Field. Cincinnati first baseman Gordy Coleman hit a two-run shot against New York starting pitcher Roger Craig in the bottom of the second. Craig tossed a complete game, suffering his 14th loss of the season.

1988 Orioles: 4-3 loss to the Minnesota Twins

Center fielder Kirby Puckett hit a two-run home run for the Twins, while shortstop Greg Gagne and third baseman Gary Gaetti each added a solo shot as Minnesota held on to beat the Orioles in front of an announced 28,938 fans at Memorial Stadium. Orioles center fielder Ken Gerhart and catcher Mickey Tettleton each hit a solo home run.

2003 Tigers: 4-2 loss to the Boston Red Sox

Boston scored two runs in the top of the 11th inning to beat the Tigers for the second consecutive game at Comerica Park. Red Sox center fielder Johnny Damon was 3-for-4 with a home run and two RBIs. Detroit first baseman Carlos Pena tied the game, 2-2, with an RBI double in the bottom of the eighth before the Red Sox pulled away in extra innings.

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

You don’t get much more of an inauspicious beginning than serving up a homer on your first pitch of the game like Jeremy Guthrie did Saturday night to Toronto’s Fred Lewis.

But the Orioles will take that every time if it means the only run he allows all night is to the leadoff hitter.

Guthrie exited in the seventh leading 2-1. Will Ohman made that stick by striking out the lone batter he faced.

Guthrie, however, will get a no decision. Jason Berken gave up a two-run, 422-foot bomb to Jose Bautista -- the former Oriole's 25th homer of the season -- to give the Jays a 3-2 lead in the eighth.

Guthrie’s line; 6 2/3 innings, 7 hits, 1 ER, 1 BB, 6 Ks. He threw 102 pitches and 66 for strikes.

Guthrie allowed baserunners in five of the seven innings he pitched, but he never gave up any more runs. The fourth was particularly challenging, allowing a double and a single to the first two Jays’ batters before getting a strikeout and double play to end the threat.

He also was throwing as hard as he has all season. His fastball was clocked at 98 on the stadium radar gun. And he consistently hit 96 mph.

Posted by Dan Connolly at 9:10 PM | Permalink | Comments (5)
        

Jeremy Guthrie serves up a homer to Fred Lewis on the first pitch of Saturday night’s game.

Not how you want to start your day at the office, but it happens.

Perhaps what was more disturbing was the bottom half of the first.

Corey Patterson walked on five pitches against Brandon Morrow, who has walked 47 batters in 100 innings heading into the game.

Miguel Tejada swung at the next pitch, hitting a fly ball to right for out one.

Then Patterson got picked off first base. Two outs.

Nick Markakis followed by striking out. Three outs.

Morrow threw 11 pitches, seven strikes. Four balls, all to Patterson.

Posted by Dan Connolly at 7:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (8)
        

Orioles interim manager Juan Samuel said that second baseman Brian Roberts could rejoin the club by late next week.

Roberts, who hasn't played since April 9 because of a herniated disk in his back, told Samuel that he needs only 15 more at-bats and joked that he was going to try to talk his way into Monday's Oriole lineup. Samuel, of couse, isn't going to allow that but Roberts will report to Double-A Bowie for four or five games next week. If all goes well, he could rejoin the club on Friday or Saturday.

Roberts went 1-for-4 today for the Gulf Coast Orioles, leaving him 9-for-19 in six games.

Samuel also said that Luke Scott, who went 1-for-3 for the Gulf Coast Orioles today, could also start a rehab assignment for Bowie on Monday or Tuesday and be activated a couple of days later.

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

The Orioles will have an interesting decision to make next week on the status of rehabbing reliever Michael Gonzalez, who was hammered for two runs and three hits in 2/3 of an inning for Triple-A Norfolk last night. Gonzalez, who hasn’t pitched in the big leagues since blowing a save in the Orioles’ home opener on April 9, has now allowed six runs, 13 hits and two walks in 11 2/3 innings spanning 11 rehab outings. Because his rehab assignment can only last 30 days per league rules, he’ll only have two or three more outings remaining before his minor league tour comes to an end on Wednesday. Do the Orioles ignore his problems getting minor league hitters out and just call him up then? Or do they do something similar than what they did for Dennis Sarfate last year and keep Gonzalez on the DL, send him back to Sarasota to throw some bullpens and buy them some time before making a decision? My guess is they’ll just activate him in time for the Minnesota Twins series next week, but it’s certainly not a given if he struggles in his final two or three rehab outings.

Speaking of pitchers named Gonzalez, I wrote about 10 days ago that the Orioles were getting closer to an agreement with their 11th round pick, Alexander Gonzalez, a right-handed pitcher from Boca Raton High School in Fla. Well, in the days since, they’ve lost a lot of ground there and it’s now nowhere near a formality. The Orioles have agreed to terms with just one of their top-10 selections (4th-rounder Trent Mummey) although they aren’t particularly concerned because they’ve made progress on several of them.

At this point, talks between the Orioles and Philadelphia Phillies about infielders Miguel Tejada and Ty Wigginton are dead, according to one source. The Phillies apparently are content to leave Placido Polanco at third base and use Wilson Valdez at second until Chase Utley is ready to return. With two weeks remaining before the trade deadline, things could change, especially if the Orioles’ asking price for Wigginton drops. But as of right now, there isn’t much going on between the two teams.

This is more opinion than anything, but it certainly appears that the Texas Rangers, who could use a right-handed bat, are the best fit for Wigginton. The Rangers have already shown their aggressiveness by acquiring catcher Bengie Molina and ace Cliff Lee, and they are currently scouting Wigginton. Their highly-touted farm system also has several young shortstops. Baseball America ranks three shortstops – Jurickson Profar (5), Luis Sardinas (13) and Leury Garcia (15) – among the Rangers’ top 15 prospects. I don’t claim to have inside knowledge on the Rangers’ system, but I wouldn’t think a guy like Profar, a 17-year-old and former Little League hero for Curacao, would be in play for Wigginton. He's considered a little more than a mid-level prospect. However, Sardinas and Garcia could be possibilities, and the Rangers also have a 25-year-old utility man Joaquin Arias, who has shortstop experience, on their roster.

Orioles president of baseball operations Andy MacPhail said on Thursday that the Orioles are in position to potentially claim a player who another team puts on waivers to potentially shed a big contract. That happened last year when the Chicago White Sox claimed talented Blue Jays outfielder Alex Rios, a gutsy move that has paid off with Rios regaining his All-Star form. We all know how many problems the Orioles have in attracting proven free agents so it could be a way for the team to get a solid, albeit well-compensated player without giving up any young talent. “A claim would be something that would definitely be attractive," MacPhail said. "The trade for a big-time player, if it’s going to subtract from the core guys you are trying to build around, that becomes more problematic. It’s something you obviously would have to look at.”

The Tampa Bay Rays will be in town next week, and they’ll certainly see a different Orioles’ team than the one they opened the season against on April 6. Of the 14 players (nine hitters, five position players) to see action on Opening Day, only seven of them are currently on the Orioles’ 25-man roster. Brian Roberts, Luke Scott, Matt Wieters, Kevin Millwood, Jim Johnson and Gonzalez are all on the disabled list while Garrett Atkins was released.

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 1:05 PM | Permalink | Comments (23)
        

2010 Orioles: 29-60 (.326)

Notable win-loss records through 90 games (win percentage in parentheses):

1916 Philadelphia Athletics: 19-70-1 (.217)
1954 Orioles: 32-58 (.356)
1962 New York Mets: 24-66 (.267)
1988 Orioles: 29-61 (.322)
2003 Detroit Tigers: 24-66 (.267)

How each team fared in their 90th game:

1916 Athletics: 7-0 loss to the Chicago White Sox

The Athletics dropped their 10th straight decision in a shutout loss to Chicago in the second game of a doubleheader at Comiskey Park. In the two games on July 30, 1916, Philadelphia was outscored 17-1 by the White Sox.

1954 Orioles: 9-2 loss to the Washington Senators

Orioles catcher Les Moss was 3-for-3 with a run scored, but the rest of the team couldn't get much going offensively in a defeat against Washington in front of an announced 4,390 fans at Griffith Stadium. Third baseman Eddie Yost contributed a triple and three RBIs for the Senators, while second baseman Johnny Pesky knocked in two runs.

1962 Mets: 7-6 loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates

Pittsburgh left fielder Bob Skinner hit a solo home run to lift the Pirates over the Mets in 10 innings during the second game of a doubleheader at the Polo Grounds. New York starting pitcher Jay Hook tossed all 10 innings in the defeat, allowing seven runs (six earned) and eight hits while striking out 10 batters.

1988 Orioles: 4-2 loss to the Minnesota Twins

Starting pitcher Jeff Ballard threw a complete game for the Orioles, allowing four runs and six hits in a loss to Minnesota in front of an announced 26,775 fans at Memorial Stadium. Orioles third baseman Rick Schu hit a solo home run in the seventh inning, while designated hitter Eddie Murray and center fielder Ken Gerhart each added two hits.

2003 Tigers: 5-3 loss to the Boston Red Sox

Red Sox catcher Jason Varitek was 2-for-4 with his 16th home run of the season as Boston snapped the Tigers' three-game winning streak at Comerica Park. Detroit starting pitcher Mike Maroth picked up his 13th loss of the season after giving up four runs and 10 hits in 5 2/3 innings. Center fielder Alex Sanchez added two RBIs for the Tigers.

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 11:30 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

Brad Bergesen was one of the most refreshing surprises of 2009.

The 2008 winner of the organization’s Jim Palmer Prize for best minor league pitcher, he was fantastic in his rookie year, going 7-5 with a 3.43 ERA in 19 starts. His last seven were quality starts before a liner off his left leg on July 30 ended his season.

Then there was his nightmarish offseason, when Bergesen injured his shoulder while filming an Orioles’ promotional TV commercial. He missed some time in spring training, and really hasn’t recaptured the form that made him and his sinker so good in 2009.

After allowing four runs and nine hits in six innings on Friday, Bergesen is now 3-7 with a 6.37 ERA in 16 games (14 starts). He has twice been demoted and has had one quality start in his past seven outings at the major-league level.

Interim manager Juan Samuel was asked about his confidence in Bergesen after the game. True to form, Samuel stayed positive.

“We have seen what he is capable of doing, so you have got to continue to throw him out there,” Samuel said. “And, again, these are young guys that are still learning how to pitch, and that’s probably why we see a little inconsistency. I think that comes with being young.”

Bergesen is just 24. He is a hard worker and, genuinely, one of the nicest pro ballplayers you’ll meet.

The Orioles still hold out hope that this is just a rough season for Bergesen and that he will turn it around and become the pitcher he was in 2009. Those who know him are rooting for the same outcome.

But I want to know what you think. Which is the real Brad Bergesen, the sinker specialist and groundball machine we saw last year or the guy who gives up bunches of hits in 2010? Maybe his future results reside somewhere in between?

Daily Think Special: Which is the real Brad Bergesen?

Posted by Dan Connolly at 10:44 PM | Permalink | Comments (23)
Categories: Connolly's Corner Sports Bar
        

The Orioles are down two runs in the ninth, 4-2.

A month ago, this would have been way over. But after the Orioles rallied twice consecutively on their last road trip, down in the eighth and ninth respectively, you have to wonder if they have another one in them.

Kevin Gregg isn’t exactly Mariano Rivera. Although the Blue Jays’ closer has 20 saves this year – 19 more than Michael Gonzalez, whom the Orioles chose over Gregg this offseason.

We will know soon enough

Updated: Umm, Gregg looked better than Mariano. Seven pitches. Three outs. One strikeout.

Gregg gets his 21st save. Orioles get their 60th loss of the season and first of the second half. Toronto is now 7-0 against the Orioles this season.

Posted by Dan Connolly at 9:47 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)
        

The last time I mentioned that a pitcher hadn’t allowed a baserunner through a chunk of the game, it was last Saturday.

And Chris Tillman, promptly gave up a hit in the next inning. Some of you yelled at me for it.

I am not in the jinxing business. And it’s early, only through four full innings. And it’s a Blue Jay that’s in the groove, so I am not sure you guys will yell at me as loudly.

But you should know: Ricky Romero has faced 12 batters. 12 outs.

You do the math.

And I did it again. The very next batter after this was posted, Ty Wigginton, singled to left center and reached second on an error.

Moral of this story: Don't cross me. I can make bad things happen.

Posted by Dan Connolly at 8:12 PM | Permalink | Comments (5)
        

Two weeks before the July 31 trade deadline, it is clear that infielders Ty Wigginton and Miguel Tejada have emerged as the Orioles' two biggest trade chips.

There are multiple teams in on Wigginton, including the Philadelphia Phillies, Texas Rangers and New York Yankees. The Orioles and Phillies have been discussing Wigginton for several weeks, but Philadelphia also has interest in Tejada. Placido Polanco is getting ready to come off the disabled list and he could go back to second base in place of the injured Chase Utley. The Phillies then could acquire Tejada or Wigginton to play third.

The Rangers' interest in Wigginton is also legit, and they have a scout at Camden Yards tonight. I'm guessing that with Justin Smoak being traded in the Cliff Lee deal, the Rangers could use Wigginton in a first-base platoon with the left-handed hitting Chris Davis.

Either way, I'd be shocked if Wigginton is still an Oriole come Aug. 1. There is a lot of interest out there. I think the Orioles would do well to get two mid-level prospects back for him.

Tejada, I'm not as sure about. But I know there are teams that think Tejada would really elevate his game in a pennant race.

The Yankees, Rays, Astros, Dodgers and Mets are among the teams that have scouts at tonight's game.

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 5:52 PM | Permalink | Comments (37)
        

Orioles president of baseball operations Andy MacPhail knows he has a reputation for being deliberate, and rarely does he fight that label. However, on Thursday he did vehemently dispute the assertion that his managerial search is dragging out.

It was six weeks ago when MacPhail fired Dave Trembley and replaced him on an interim basis with Juan Samuel, who is 14-20 and has guided his team to a four-game winning streak heading into Friday night’s second-half opener versus Toronto.

The Orioles have zeroed in on Buck Showalter as their next manager, with MacPhail meeting with him last week in Dallas, where the current ESPN analyst lives. It was the third extensive talk between the two sides, but they’ve yet to hammer out all the details that would allow Showalter to move into the manager’s office at Camden Yards.

“It’s not dragging,” said MacPhail, almost incredulous that the process is being questioned by fans and reporters. “Again, there is no timetable here. It’s not like the barn is on fire right now. The players are doing a nice job for Juan. I just think that kind of [talk] is just wrong.”

MacPhail again denied reports that a new manager could be in place as early as this weekend, though he wouldn’t comment further on the timing of the decision. One source familiar with MacPhail’s thinking said it’s possible that Samuel will remain at the helm of the club until the first week of August, though obviously the decision could be accelerated if the team plays poorly on the current 10-game homestand.

The Orioles president of baseball operations did acknowledge that his current focus is more on the coming trade deadline than the managerial situation because of the “finite July 31 deadline” to make nonwaiver deals. He also said there are no current interviews scheduled with other candidates, “but I don’t know if that door has been closed yet.”

MacPhail and other team officials have interviewed Showalter, Bobby Valentine, Eric Wedge and Rick Dempsey, and Showalter has emerged as the clear favorite among external candidates. The Orioles also consider Samuel a legitimate candidate, and that would satisfy commissioner Bud Selig’s directive to consider minority candidates.

“There are nice options available to us that are along the lines of what we’re looking for,” MacPhail said. “It’s about where we would expect the process to be. Those people that think the process is slow or dragging, I don’t think that’s the case here.”

Team officials feel there are several benefits to waiting a little while before naming Showalter, or anybody else for that matter, as their manager. With Brian Roberts, Luke Scott, Matt Wieters, Kevin Millwood and Michael Gonzalez all expected to return within the next 2 1/2 weeks, the Orioles could be close to full strength for the first time since early April. That would give the new manager the best chance to have an immediate impact as there is some concern that the continued losing would tarnish the potential impact of a new manager.

Also, the delay would allow Showalter, an intense planner, more time to study the organization and its players and formulate a plan on how to turn things around.

MacPhail wouldn’t comment on the reasons for the delay, but he did say that his own contract situation does not factor into the decision. MacPhail’s contract expires after the 2011 season. Meanwhile, a high-profile managerial candidate, such as Showalter, will presumably ask for a three- or four-year deal.

“I don’t really worry about my own contract to be honest with you. I’ve worked for so long without contracts. I don’t think that should influence my thinking one iota,” he said. “You just try to do the best thing you can for the franchise and let the rest of it happen. I can’t be any less concerned about that.”

Asked also about the perception that he might not want a controlling type of personality in the manager’s office – one Showalter is known to have – MacPhail said: “As I’ve often said when it comes to the manager’s job, it really is a custom fit for your time and circumstances and what your team needs. That’s not really an issue for me. You’re just trying to bring somebody in who you think it’s going to be the most effective manager you can get given the composition of the squad.”

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Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 12:12 PM | Permalink | Comments (59)
        

2010 Orioles: 29-59 (.330)

Notable win-loss records through 89 games (win percentage in parentheses):

1916 Philadelphia Athletics: 19-69-1 (.219)
1954 Orioles: 32-57 (.360)
1962 New York Mets: 24-65 (.270)
1988 Orioles: 29-60 (.326)
2003 Detroit Tigers: 24-65 (.270)

How each team fared in their 89th game:

1916 Athletics: 10-1 loss to the Chicago White Sox

Philadelphia suffered another loss to the White Sox in the first game of a doubleheader at Comiskey Park. The Athletics finished 4-18 against Chicago in 1916 and were outscored by 50 runs (106-56).

1954 Orioles: 8-5 loss to the Boston Red Sox

Orioles starting pitcher Don Larsen allowed five home runs, including two to Red Sox center fielder Jackie Jensen, in 3 1/3 innings against Boston at Fenway Park. Center fielder Chuck Diering was 2-for-4 with three RBIs and a run scored for the Orioles, while catcher Les Moss and shortstop Billy Hunter each had two hits.

1962 Mets: 5-1 loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates

First baseman Dick Stuart was 3-for-4 with a home run and three RBIs for the Pirates in the first game of a doubleheader at the Polo Grounds. Pittsburgh second baseman Bill Mazeroski added three hits, including a solo home run, and center fielder Bill Virdon contributed a sacrifice fly.

1988 Orioles: 8-2 loss to the Minnesota Twins

Catcher Mickey Tettleton hit a solo home run for the Orioles, but the Twins scored six runs in the fifth inning and cruised to an easy victory in front of an announced 29,578 fans in the second game of a doubleheader at Memorial Stadium. Orioles starter Jay Tibbs was charged with seven runs and nine hits in 4 2/3 innings.

2003 Tigers: 1-0 win over the Chicago White Sox

Starting pitcher Nate Cornejo tossed eight shutout innings as Detroit completed a three-game sweep over the White Sox at Comerica Park. Tigers designated hitter Kevin Witt knocked in the only run of the contest with an RBI single in the bottom of the first inning. Chicago starter Esteban Loaiza threw a complete game.

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

The Orioles today recalled third baseman Josh Bell to take the roster spot of catcher Matt Wieters, who was placed on the 15-day disabled list Thursday.

Bell, 23, made his major league debut for the Orioles on July 1, and batted .200 (3-for-15) in five games before being sent to Norfolk.

He was batting .266 (76-for-286) with 10 home runs and 44 RBIs in 74 games for the Tides.

Wieters, who is dealing with a right strained hamstring, is eligible to return July 25. Craig Tatum will assume the starting role at catcher with Jake Fox backing him up.

Posted by Ron Fritz at 10:35 AM | Permalink | Comments (18)
        

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

Relief pitcher Jim Hoey was promoted to Triple-A Norfolk from Double-A Bowie, while relief pitcher Andy Mitchell was transferred from the Tides to short-season Single-A Aberdeen's roster.

Pitchers Sean Gleason and Raul Rivero were promoted from Single-A Frederick to Bowie. Starting pitcher Nathan Nery was sent back to the Keys after making four starts for the Baysox.

Also, relief pitcher Josh Dowdy was sent from Single-A Delmarva to the Keys, and relief pitcher David Walters heads from Aberdeen to the Shorebirds.

Finally, outfielder Blair Dunlap and relief pitcher Steven Mazur were added to Aberdeen's roster, while infielder Auburn Donaldson was sent to the Rookie-level GCL Orioles.

As a public service announcement, I'm telling you to go to tomorrow night's game at Harbor Park between the Tides and Columbus Clippers. The game starts at 8 p.m., but the real action is at 6 p.m. when a special Baha Men concert is scheduled to begin.

Tell me who lets the dogs out. Please.

Norfolk Tides (AAA)

Score: Columbus Clippers 6, Norfolk Tides 1 (Box score)

Recap: Center fielder Matt Angle was 2-for-4 with a stolen base and a run scored in the Tides' 6-1 loss to Columbus at Harbor Park.

Norfolk right fielder Rhyne Hughes had the team's only other hit, while designated hitter Michael Aubrey added a sacrifice fly.

Starting pitcher Tim Bascom (2-4) allowed three runs and four hits in three innings for the Tides. He threw 74 pitches -- 47 strikes -- in the defeat, striking out one batter and issuing two walks.

Bowie Baysox (AA)

Score: Bowie Baysox 8, Richmond Flying Squirrels 6 (Box score)

Recap: After giving up four runs in the bottom of the eighth inning, the Baysox scored four runs in the top of the ninth for an 8-6 victory over Richmond.

Bowie third baseman Brandon Waring was 2-for-4 with his 15th home run of the season and three RBIs, while right fielder Tyler Henson and left fielder Joe Mahoney each added two hits and two RBIs.

Baysox closer Pedro Beato (4-0) picked up the victory after suffering a blown save when he allowed two inherited runners to score in the eighth.

Second baseman Ryan Adams was 2-for-5 with two runs scored for Bowie, while starting pitcher Steve Johnson gave up one run and four hits in five innings.

Frederick Keys (A)

Game 1 score: Wilmington Blue Rocks 10, Frederick Keys 1, 7 innings (Box score)

Game 1 recap: Starting pitcher Ryan O'Shea (5-5) allowed six runs (four earned) and five hits in two innings as the Keys lost, 10-1, to Wilmington in the first game of the doubleheader.

Frederick second baseman L.J. Hoes was 2-for-3 in the defeat, while right fielder Ronnie Welty added an RBI triple.

Left fielder Kyle Hudson scored the only run for the Keys.

Game 2 score: Wilmington Blue Rocks 2, Frederick Keys 0, 7 innings (Box score)

Game 2 recap: The Keys managed only one hit -- a double by shortstop Pedro Florimon -- in a 2-0 loss on the road to Wilmington during the nightcap of the doubleheader.

Florimon's double came after Blue Rocks starting pitcher John Lamb struck out the first three batters in the top of the second, but one of them reached base in the inning.

Frederick catcher Phillip Britton went to first base on a wild pitch, but Lamb picked up his fourth strikeout of the inning by punching out third baseman Bobby Stevens to end the frame.

Keys starting pitcher Ryan Berry (2-1) allowed two runs and three hits in five innings. Berry collected five strikeouts, issued three walks and hit two batters.

Delmarva Shorebirds (A)

Score: Delmarva Shorebirds 3, West Virginia Power 0 (Box score)

Recap: Starting pitcher Jesse Beal (7-5) tossed seven scoreless innings in the Shorebirds' 3-0 win over West Virginia at Arthur W. Perdue Stadium.

Delmarva right fielder Brian Conley was 1-for-3 with a stolen base and two RBIs, while first baseman Tyler Townsend hit his first home run of the season.

Shorebirds relief pitcher Brian Parker retired all six batters he faced to pick up his first save of the season. Parker struck out two batters in the appearance.

Catcher Justin Dalles was 2-for-4 with a run scored for the Shorebirds, and shortstop Garabez Rosa added a double and a run scored.

Aberdeen IronBirds (A)

Score: Vermont Lake Monsters 7, Aberdeen IronBirds 6 (Box score)

Recap: Relief pitcher T.R. Keating (1-2) gave up one unearned run and one hit without recording an out as the IronBirds lost, 7-6, to Vermont.

Aberdeen infielder Omar Casamayor was 2-for-5 with a double and a run scored, while shortstop Michael Rooney added two RBIs.

IronBirds center fielder Trent Mummey contributed a double and an RBI, while catcher Austin Rauch and right fielder Jeremy Nowak each added an RBI.

Starting pitcher Justin Moore was charged with two runs, seven hits and four walks in 3 2/3 innings for the IronBirds. He didn't strike out anyone.

Bluefield Orioles (Rookie)

Score: Kingsport Mets 7, Bluefield Orioles 3 (Box score)

Recap: Starting pitcher Daurin Tavarez (0-4) allowed four runs and eight hits in four innings as the Orioles lost, 7-3, to Kingsport at Bowen Field.

Bluefield catcher Dennis Perez was 2-for-4, while first baseman Corey Thomas and shortstop Javier Santana each added an RBI.

Orioles right fielder Jeremy Shelby was 0-for-3 with three strikeouts and two walks.

GCL Orioles (Rookie)

Score: GCL Orioles 5, GCL Twins 4, 16 innings (Box score)

Recap: Catcher Xavier Lopez hit an RBI single with two outs in the bottom of the 16th as the GCL Orioles picked up a 5-4 win over the GCL Twins.

Orioles second baseman Brian Roberts was 2-for-3 before being replaced in his latest injury rehabilitation assignment. Roberts is 7-for-9 in three games with the GCL Orioles.

In his first injury rehab appearance with the GCL Orioles, designated hitter Luke Scott was 1-for-3 with two RBIs before he was taken out of the game.

Relief pitcher Chris Lamb (1-0) tossed a scoreless inning for the Orioles.

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 10:18 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)
        

The Orioles will place catcher Matt Wieters on the 15-day disabled list with a strained right hamstring. Wieters hasn't played since July 9.

He'll be able to eligible to return from the DL on July 25.

The Orioles haven't announced a corresponding move but it's expected that they'll start Craig Tatum at catcher, use Jake Fox as his primary backup and then call up a position player. Third baseman Josh Bell is one of the top candidates.

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 4:19 PM | Permalink | Comments (9)
        

The Orioles have a workout later today at Camden Yards that is closed to both fans and the media. At that point, they should get a better idea on whether catcher Matt Wieters (right hamstring strain) needs to go on the disabled list. I have heard that Wieters' condition has steadily improved, but it's up to team officials to decide if he can be ready to go within the next couple of days.

Wieters hasn't played since July 9, so if he goes on the disabled list, he wouldn't be eligible to return until July 25.

I think it's likely if the club loses Wieters to the DL that the Orioles would just go with Craig Tatum as the starter and Jake Fox as his backup and call up a position player, like Josh Bell, to take the roster spot.

Brian Roberts went 2-for-3 for the Gulf Coast Orioles today and is now 7-for-9 over three games. He started at second base. He'll probably play one or two more games for the Gulf Coast O's before joining Double-A Bowie next week.

Luke Scott also played his first rehab game today and went 1-for-3 with a two-run single for the Gulf Coast O's. He served as the designated hitter. Technically, he'd be eligible to come off the DL tomorrow, but he's still probably a week away.

Orioles president of baseball operations Andy MacPhail also said today that starter Kevin Millwood and outfielder Lou Montanez are progressing, and remain on schedule.

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 2:19 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)
        

There has been a lot of talk recently about whether the Orioles need to interview a minority candidate before the expected hiring of Buck Showalter to be the team’s long-term manager.

The short answer is no. Commissioner Bud Selig’s directive, issued in 1999, doesn’t specifically say major league teams must interview minority candidates. It, however, does require that minority candidates are considered when there are job openings at certain positions, like field manager, general manager and other executive posts.

Selig also mandates that there be open dialog between the Orioles, or whatever team is searching for a manager, and the commissioner’s office during the hiring process. That allows the commissioner to make sure clubs are considering minority candidates before making their final decisions.

Either way, the Orioles' naming of Juan Samuel, who was born in Dominican Republic, as the interim manager and giving him an extended opportunity at the helm of the team would certainly appear to satisfy the directive. Orioles president of baseball operations Andy MacPhail has said several times that Samuel is being considered and evaluated for the long-term job, and you’d think Selig would take him at his word.

And that’s not to mention that MacPhail speaks regularly to Samuel about the club and roster decisions, and asks for input. So Samuel’s interview is ongoing.

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Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 7:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (18)
        

Tonight's matchup between Single-A Frederick and Wilmington was postponed due to rain. The two teams will play a doubleheader beginning at 5:05 p.m. Thursday night.

Earlier today, relief pitcher David Walters was promoted from short-season Single-A Aberdeen to Single-A Delmarva. Walters was 2-0 with three saves in nine appearances. He didn't allow any earned runs in 10 innings for the IronBirds.

Triple-A Norfolk left fielder Jeff Salazar was 0-for-1 with a groundout after entering as a defensive replacement in the sixth inning for the International League All-Stars during their 2-1 victory over the Pacific Coast League All-Stars in the Triple-A All-Star Game.

In the Eastern League All-Star Game, Double-A Bowie right fielder Tyler Henson was 2-for-4 with a pair of doubles and a run scored as the West All-Stars cruised to a 10-3 win over the East All-Stars. Baysox relief pitcher Pedro Beato recorded the final out to preserve the victory.

Delmarva Shorebirds (A)

Score: Delmarva Shorebirds 8, West Virginia Power 1 (Box score)

Recap: Three different Shorebirds players hit their third home run of the season in Delmarva's 8-1 victory over West Virginia at Arthur W. Perdue Stadium.

Shorebirds right fielder Brian Conley, center fielder Steve Bumbry and designated hitter Levi Carolus each hit a solo home run. Bumbry and Carolus each collected two RBIs in the win.

Delmarva first baseman Tyler Townsend was 3-for-4 with a double, triple, two RBIs and three runs scored, while third baseman Tyler Kelly and catcher Luis Bernardo each added two hits.

Starting pitcher Kenny Moreland (5-3) gave up one run and four hits in 6 2/3 innings for the Shorebirds. He struck out eight batters and didn't walk anyone.

Walters tossed a scoreless inning in his debut for Delmarva.

Aberdeen IronBirds (A)

Score: Vermont Lake Monsters 6, Aberdeen IronBirds 1 (Box score)

Recap: Starting pitcher Scott Copeland (0-3) struggled with his command for the IronBirds in a 6-1 loss on the road against Vermont.

Copeland collected seven strikeouts, but he issued five walks, hit one batter and threw three wild pitches. He allowed two runs and two hits in five innings.

Aberdeen center fielder Trent Mummey was 2-for-4 with a double, while left fielder Kipp Schutz added a sacrifice fly in the defeat.

Bluefield Orioles (Rookie)

Score: Kingsport Mets 8, Bluefield Orioles 3 (Box score)

Recap: Starting pitcher David Baker (0-2) was charged with four runs (three earned), three hits and three walks in 1 1/3 innings as the Orioles lost, 8-3, to the Mets at Bowen Field.

Bluefield catcher Riley Hornback was 2-for-3 with a double, while shortstop Javier Santana added two singles and a run scored.

Orioles left fielder Jeremy Shelby contributed a single, two RBIs, a run scored and a stolen base, and center fielder Brenden Webb was 2-for-4 with an RBI.

GCL Orioles (Rookie)

Score: GCL Orioles 9, GCL Twins 4 (Box score)

Recap: Right fielder Jose Nivar was 2-for-4 with a triple, three RBIs and three runs scored in the GCL Orioles' 9-4 win over the GCL Twins.

Orioles second baseman Xavier Lopez contributed a single and two RBIs, while catcher Janensis Guerrero and center fielder Martin Serrata each added two singles.

Starting pitcher Luiyi Batista (1-1) gave up four runs (two earned) and six hits in six innings for the Orioles, while relief pitcher Chris Petrini tossed three scoreless frames for his second save of the season.

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 10:03 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

Ed Price of AOL FanHouse is reporting this evening that the Los Angeles Dodgers have put former Orioles' closer George Sherrill on outright waivers with the hope that he clears and can be sent down to the minors.

If a team claims the 33-year-old, they'll be on the hook for what remains of his $4.5 million salary this season.

Sherrill, who the Orioles traded to the Dodgers last July for prospects Josh Bell and Steve Johnson, has a 7.32 ERA and has walked 16 in 19 2/3 innings this year.

Before you ask if the Orioles are interested, I know the Orioles love Sherrill, so it wouldn't surprise me, It, however, would take me by surprise if they claimed him and ate the money, especially since they already have one left-hander in Michael Gonzalez making a lot of money and struggling to get back.

Either way, I know several people from the organization who have watched Sherrill either on person or on TV this season and been surprised with how much his mechanics have changed since his Orioles' days. It sounds like getting Sherrill back to form would be a nice project for Orioles pitching coach Rick Kranitz, who has long admired the pitcher's guts and competitiveness. However, that he's still due $2 million certainly will enter into the equation.

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 6:14 PM | Permalink | Comments (20)
        

Reliever Jim Johnson, who had been shut down after experiencing some recurring discomfort in his right elbow, threw from flat ground yesterday and will do so again tomorrow. Johnson still isn't sure when he'll start throwing again from the mound.

Reliever Michael Gonzalez, who gave up a run in 1 2/3 innings for short-season Single-A Aberdeen last night, will likely continue his rehab assignment at Triple-A Norfolk on Friday night. That decision is not final, but it appears the Orioles will wait until next week before activating him.

Second baseman Brian Roberts, who went 5-for-6 in two rehab games for the Gulf Coast Orioles, took today off as planned. If there are no setbacks, Roberts could join Double-A Bowie to continue his rehab assignment when the Baysox return home early next week.

Designated hitter Luke Scott is expected to start his rehab assignment tomorrow for the Gulf Coast Orioles.

Triple-A first baseman Brandon Snyder, who hasn't played since June 17 because of a shoulder injury, will be evaluated tomorrow. If he is cleared to resume playing, he'll likely start a five-day rehab assignment at Aberdeen before rejoining the Tides.

Triple-A pitcher Brandon Erbe, who has been shelved with shoulder issues since he last pitched on June 20, is also close to returning to the mound.

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 3:07 PM | Permalink | Comments (6)
        

I’m not much into the self-promotion thing, like my buddy Peter Schmuck, but I wanted to provide a link for my All-Star break report card for the Orioles.

I’ve never graded individual front office officials or managers or coaches, but obviously if I was grading the organization as a whole, the Orioles would get an F for the first half. I would think no explanation is needed, not with the team sporting a league-worst 29-59 record at the break.

However, if you’re not convinced, consider the fact that most of the top young players at the major league level have regressed or at least not shown much improvement so far. Consider that the two major free agent acquisitions (Garrett Atkins and Michael Gonzalez) have been huge busts, and Miguel Tejada has been OK, but certainly not a difference maker.

The blame for those signings obviously rests on the shoulders of president of baseball operations Andy MacPhail, but also on the professional scouting department that recommended that the team targets those players. The amateur scouting department and player development officials also have not had a banner first half as very few of the top minor league prospects – Zach Britton and Jake Arrieta would obviously be exceptions – have taken steps forward either. Any way you look at it, the first half has been a thorough, organizational-wide failure, and everybody should be held accountable.

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Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 10:23 AM | Permalink | Comments (40)
        

Aberdeen IronBirds (A)

Score: Aberdeen IronBirds 8, Auburn Doubledays 7 (Box score)

Recap: Third baseman Adam Gaylord was 5-for-5 as the IronBirds came back from a five-run deficit to beat Auburn, 8-7, at Ripken Stadium.

Gaylord had a double, two RBIs and two runs scored in the victory for the IronBirds.

Aberdeen scored all eight runs -- six in the eighth and two in the ninth -- in the final two innings.

IronBirds first baseman Mike Flacco, who was 2-for-4 in the game, hit an RBI double to score Gaylord for the winning run with one out in the bottom of the ninth.

Starting pitcher Justin Anderson didn't factor in the decision after allowing four runs (two earned) and five hits in 4 1/3 innings for Aberdeen, while relief pitcher T.R. Keating (1-1) earned the win despite giving up two runs in one inning.

Orioles relief pitcher Michael Gonzalez was charged with one run and two hits -- including a solo home run to Doubledays second baseman Oliver Dominguez -- during his latest injury rehab appearance.

Second baseman Omar Casamayor was 3-for-5 with two runs scored for Aberdeen.

GCL Orioles (Rookie)

Score: GCL Orioles 4, GCL Rays 1 (Box score)

Recap: In his latest rehab appearance, Brian Roberts was 2-for-3 with a double and a run scored in the GCL Orioles' 4-1 win over the GCL Rays.

Roberts served as the designated hitter for the Orioles.

Orioles third baseman Dudley Leonora was 3-for-3 with an RBI, while first baseman Preston Hale added a single and two RBIs in the victory.

Starting pitcher Orlando Alfonso (2-0) gave up one run and three hits in five innings for the Orioles, and relief pitcher Jose Mota picked up his second save of the season after throwing two scoreless frames.

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

There has been so much read and said about the Orioles’ managerial situation recently that it is probably hard for you to separate the facts from the speculation. We do this for a living and it’s not easy for us to sift through everything and understand exactly what’s going on.

So here’s what we have on the managerial search. It has been separated into fact and speculation. The fact is stuff I know is true and would stake my journalistic reputation on it (that and $2.50 gets you a small coffee, no cream or sugar).

The speculation part is my take on it. It is not just my opinion, however. It is what Jeff Zrebiec and I have heard from those in the know. I’d be willing to bet that when the dust settles, we are right on the speculation, too (because it is based on reporting, not guessing). But we’re not going to pass one off as the other.

Here’s what we have:

Fact: Buck Showalter is the leading candidate to become the next Orioles’ manager.

Speculation: It will almost certainly happen. Showalter, his legendary preparation and attention to detail, perfectly fits with an organization that is broken in many aspects. The only way I see it crumbling is if Showalter wants more say in certain areas than the Orioles are willing to give. Or if Showalter feels like he will never get that say and walks away on his own.

Fact: Andy MacPhail and Showalter have talked several times but no offer has been made.

Speculation: MacPhail and Showalter have talked a lot of specifics. Showalter – again, he’s the king of preparation – has a plan as to what can fix this mess and it has been shared with MacPhail and owner Peter Angelos.

Fact: Buck Showalter will not be named manager this weekend.

Speculation: We wrote in Monday’s paper that Juan Samuel will manage this team on Friday, when the Orioles come back from the all-star break. So now there’s been national speculation that Showalter will take over Saturday or Sunday. Not the case. Trust us. There are several issues that have to be worked out before an offer -- and a decision -- is made. One has to do with hiring protocol and whether the Orioles have to formally interview a minority candidate to comply with the commissioner’s directive or if Samuel’s extended tryout as interim is enough. That’s not the only thing that needs to be hashed out. There’s staffing and contract issues and delineation of responsibilities. In other words, it may be close. But it is not just dotting the Is and crossing the Ts at this point.

Fact: Showalter wants some assurances and security before accepting the job.

Speculation: What coveted managerial candidate wouldn’t? Showalter would be a fool – and he is not -- without knowing exactly what he can and can’t do and what is and isn’t expected of him. Also, there’s no way he would come here without a three- or four-year deal. This is a rebuilding effort. And Showalter understands that. His name carries cache and he has leverage, since he is currently employed by ESPN. A three-year or four-year deal would be standard for a guy like him. The last time the Orioles hired an unemployed manager with a track record was when they tabbed Mike Hargrove. He got a four-year deal.

Fact: The team has played better as of late and Samuel is 14-20 as interim manager.

Speculation: The Orioles’ recent surge, including a four-game sweep in Texas, has improved Samuel’s chances of getting this job. It certainly may have delayed an announcement involving Showalter. Still, we don’t expect Samuel to be the permanent manager. This team is not good, and eventually it’ll go into another long funk. But Samuel has been impressive in this role, showing the proper optimism and acumen. He was a wonderful choice to be interim and hopefully this run helps his chances of getting a big-league managerial job somewhere else someday. I still think that the Orioles would like to separate themselves from previous regimes, and want someone with prior big-league experience, and that hurts Samuel’s chances. Still, his performance has made it easier for the Orioles to take their time and properly evaluate him.

Fact: Andy MacPhail will take his time with this decision.

Speculation: I guess the above qualifies as opinion, unless you know MacPhail. He doesn’t rush into anything. This is a serious matter for him – with one year left on his contract, you could even call it crucial. And so he was never going to adhere to some artificial deadline like the all-star break. When he is comfortable with a decision, it will be rendered. And not until then. The only way that changes is if Angelos intervenes and demands a quick ending to the matter. That can’t be ruled out. But MacPhail has been primarily in charge of the process so far.

Fact: Ultimately, Angelos will make the call.

Speculation: To think otherwise is foolish. Angelos signs the checks. He is ultimately in charge. And he could push MacPhail into a decision if he wants to. He is the owner. Remember, he hired MacPhail without his baseball operations staff knowing. There has been speculation that Angelos is more intrigued by Showalter than, say, Eric Wedge, who was high on MacPhail’s list. I can believe that. But I don’t think this is a Ray Miller situation in 1998, when Angelos was adamant that the pitching coach should become manager. I think the hiring of the manager will be much more of a mutual decision this time around.

Hope that helps. Or maybe it’s muddied your thoughts. That’s for you to speculate.



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Posted by Dan Connolly at 3:14 PM | Permalink | Comments (28)
        

From an Orioles news release:

"The Orioles are saddened to learn of the passing of George Steinbrenner," Angelos said. "As an active participant in the organizational direction and operations of the New York Yankees, his name is as synonymous with that franchise as any of the legendary athletes who have played in pinstripes. On behalf of the Orioles organization, I extend my deepest condolences to his wife, Joan, and the members of his family."

Posted by Baltimore Sun sports at 11:36 AM | Permalink | Comments (30)
        

Second baseman Brian Roberts, who played just four games this season before aggravating his back injury, has played in a game.

He had three singles in three at-bats while leading off for the Gulf Coast League Orioles today.

It’s his first minor league rehab game, and so we are talking baby steps here. But Sunday in Texas, Orioles manager Juan Samuel said Roberts was still just hitting against coaches, so today’s development is certainly a positive one.

The Orioles aren’t going to rush Roberts, and he has had setbacks before when attempting to return this season.

This likely will be a slow and steady process, but his goal, according to what he told a local radio station awhile back, is Aug. 1. The Orioles certainly would love to have him back by then.

Posted by Dan Connolly at 5:31 PM | Permalink | Comments (10)
        

On ESPN Radio's "Mike and Mike in the Morning," Buster Olney, sitting in for Mike Golic, discussed Buck Showalter and the Orioles this morning. Dan Connolly wrote in today's Baltimore Sun that Showalter and the Orioles met over the weekend.

Olney said Showalter and the Orioles are talking about a three- or four-year deal. Connolly, in his story, said that Juan Samuel, who is 14-20 since taking over for Dave Trembley, would start the second half of the season as the O's manager.

Mike Greenberg, co-host of the show, then piped in and asked Olney to tell Showalter, an ESPN baseball analyst and former Yankees and Diamondbacks manager, not to take the Orioles job. Greenberg said the American League East is "unwinnable" for the Orioles and that if Showalter waits a much better job will come along.

Olney, who covered the Orioles for the Baltimore Sun, said two things make the job attractive: a passionate fan base starved for a winner and an owner who is willing to spend money.

Greenberg wasn't buying it, saying Showalter could easily get a better job and that the O's can't compete with the Yankees, Red Sox or even the Rays.

Maybe the O's, who have won four straight, should just listen to Crash Davis, famous baseball philosopher, who told Annie Savoy in "Bull Durham" that you "never [mess] with a winning streak."

Posted by Ron Fritz at 7:15 AM | Permalink | Comments (52)
        

It’s uncertain how long the Orioles will go with interim Juan Samuel as the club’s manager. But he will begin the second half leading the team.

There’s been speculation that the Orioles could name a replacement during the all-star break, which starts Sunday. But a source with knowledge of the situation said Samuel will manage the team Friday, when the second half begins against the Toronto Blue Jays at Camden Yards.

How long into the second half Samuel remains in the post is uncertain. ESPN analyst Buck Showalter is the club’s leading candidate, but he has not been offered the job as of Sunday. It's expected that Showalter will be offered the position in the near future, but no exact timetable has been determined.

Heading into the first half finale in Texas, the Orioles are 13-20 since Samuel took over from the fired Dave Trembley on June 4.

Posted by Dan Connolly at 4:14 PM | Permalink | Comments (20)
        

2010 Orioles: 28-59 (.322)

Notable win-loss records through 88 games (win percentage in parentheses):

1916 Philadelphia Athletics: 19-68-1 (.222)
1954 Orioles: 32-56 (.364)
1962 New York Mets: 24-64 (.273)
1988 Orioles: 29-59 (.330)
2003 Detroit Tigers: 23-65 (.261)

How each team fared in their 88th game:

1916 Athletics: 6-4 loss to the Chicago White Sox

The Athletics lost again to the White Sox at Comiskey Park. In the eight-game series -- all losses for Philadelphia -- Chicago outscored the Athletics, 47-13, including two shutouts.

1954 Orioles: 9-7 loss to the Boston Red Sox

Catcher Mickey Owen, who entered the game as a pinch runner in the bottom of the eighth, hit a grand slam with two outs in the ninth to complete a six-run inning in Boston's win over the Orioles at Fenway Park. Red Sox left fielder Ted Williams added a three-run home run in the game.

1962 Mets: 3-2 loss to the San Francisco Giants

The Mets scored one run in the bottom of the ninth, but their rally ended with runners on the corners in a one-run loss to San Francisco at the Polo Grounds. New York right fielder Richie Ashburn and shortstop Elio Chacon each contributed an RBI in the defeat. Giants third baseman Jim Davenport was 2-for-4 with an RBI.

1988 Orioles: 7-1 win over the Minnesota Twins

In the first game of a doubleheader, the Orioles cruised to a win over Minnesota in front of an announced 29,578 fans at Memorial Stadium. Center fielder Fred Lynn and designated hitter Eddie Murray each smacked two home runs for the Orioles. Lynn finished with four RBIs, while Murray added two.

2003 Tigers: 4-2 win over the Chicago White Sox

Tigers starting pitcher Jeremy Bonderman improved his record to 3-13 on the season by holding Chicago to two runs and three hits in 6 1/3 innings at Comerica Park. Detroit second baseman Warren Morris was 3-for-4 with an RBI double, while catcher A.J. Hinch added a pair of doubles in the victory.

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 10:17 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
        

Chris Tillman didn’t mention names. Maybe he didn’t even have names.

But when he was sent to Triple-A Norfolk on June 22, he said he left the Orioles’ clubhouse with an uneasy feeling.

“I didn’t feel like I belonged and I got (that) vibe from my teammates, from everyone,” Tillman said. “I wanted to go down and prove that I belong … I went down and worked on what I needed to work on.”

So many times reporters ask athletes if they felt like they needed to make a statement with a certain performance. Invariably, the athlete shrugs that sentiment aside, even if it is true.

After Saturday’s 6-1 Orioles win against the Texas Rangers in which Tillman carried a no-hitter into the seventh inning and a shutout into the eighth, the 21-year-old right-hander acknowledged that he wanted to "make a statement” without even being asked.

“When I went down last time, I felt like I had the feeling from my team that I didn’t belong. I wanted to come up here and make a statement and prove to them I did.”

Catcher Craig Tatum, who was behind the plate for Tillman’s gem (7 1/3 innings, 2 hits, 1 unearned run, 1 walk, 3 strikeouts) said he has never questioned the kid’s immense talent.

“I thought he belonged here the whole time, I just think he had to trust his stuff,” Tatum said.

When Tillman was demoted after a disastrous stretch of four starts in which he was 0-3 with an 8.40 ERA, he said he had a focus. He had to work on his fastball command and he had to continue to develop his cut-fastball.

He excelled at Triple-A again, going 3-0 with a 1.66 ERA in three starts since the demotion. During that span, his cut-fastball was electric. However, he had never thrown it on the major-league level.

“I told myself on the plane ride coming over here that I’ve got to throw my cutter,” Tillman said. “It’s been one of my best pitches and I’ve got to throw it this time.”

He established it in the first inning Saturday. He said he threw 15 or 20 on the night, and it helped complement his changeup, curve and a fastball that hit 94 on the radar gun, several ticks higher than what he threw earlier this season.

“That’s the best I have seen him, he had a good fastball. His velocity was up,” interim manager Juan Samuel said. “He threw some good breaking balls against an outstanding team, a good lineup.”

From the beginning, Tatum was impressed.

“The first pitch in the bullpen I was like, ‘Whoa.’ He had a different fastball.”

Center fielder Adam Jones said everything about Tillman was refreshing this time around.

“He looked just totally different. He looked poised. He looked like he was a lot more comfortable and that’s how you have to be,” Jones said. “Don’t put any added pressure on himself and he definitely didn’t do that today.”

So, if there were a statement to make with his performance Saturday, did Tillman effectively do it?

“How could he not?” Jones said. “He came out and dealt.”

Posted by Dan Connolly at 12:32 AM | Permalink | Comments (14)
        

The Orioles and Rangers have completed 5 1/2 innings and one of the lineups has yet to hit its way on.

Wrong guess, people.

The Rangers reached base safely just once so far against Chris Tillman, who was promoted Saturday to take the injured Kevin Millwood’s spot in the rotation. T

Texas has a walk by Elvis Andrus in the fourth. Nothing else.

Andrus didn’t make it past second, getting caught in a rundown – his second in two plays – on his way to third on a comebacker to Tillman.

Tillman, who threw a no-hitter in Norfolk earlier this year, has thrown 68 pitches, 43 for strikes. He has faced 16 batters through five, one over the minimum.

Meanwhile, Cliff Lee, in his first start with the Rangers, has allowed six hits, including solo homers to Nick Markakis and Cesar Izturis, who hadn’t homered since last August, and a two-run shot to Adam Jones in the fifth for a 5-0 lead.

Lee hadn't allowed three homers in a game this season. He had allowed two only once.

Posted by Dan Connolly at 9:42 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

Catcher Matt Wieters and outfielder Felix Pie likely will not play for the remainder of the series in Texas, which ends Sunday, but both could re-join the lineup when the Orioles resume play Friday , interim manager Juan Samuel said.

Wieters sat out the Texas opener on Thursday with tightness in his right hamstring, but played Friday. He left in the fifth after straining the hamstring while rounding second base. He limped off the field and, at the time, a DL stint looked fairly certain.

“When I did it, I thought that might be a possibility,” Wieters said Saturday afternoon. “But it actually felt a lot better, both yesterday after the game and today, than I thought it was going to. Hopefully we can get it to improve with treatment and we won’t have to worry about (going to the DL). And hopefully once we get back from the break we’ll be good to go.”

That decision will be made after Thursday’s workout at Camden Yards. Wieters had previously planned to stay in Baltimore during the break, so the injury doesn't alter his plans.

“We didn’t feel at this point that it was a DL situation. It’s not as bad as it appeared,” interim manager Juan Samuel said. “We will see how he feels at that point. If he still needs some time, then we will have to make a decision and get some help here.”

Backup Craig Tatum will handle starting catching duties Saturday and possibly Sunday, Samuel said. If Saturday night’s game is a long one, Jake Fox could catch Sunday.

Pie, who left the game in the sixth, said his strained left quad was fine before Saturday’s game, and that he could play each of the two days if needed.

“I am ready to play, ready to go, but they want to give me a day off, so I will take it easy,” Pie said. “I can run. I don’t feel it at all.”

Samuel is taking no chances with Pie, who returned Tuesday from the disabled list, where he had been since April 16 with a torn muscle in his back.

“If I can, I am going to keep him out from Sunday,” Samuel said. “With four days off, I don’t think one day is going to hurt him. If we need to get him another day off, that’s what we will do.”

Corey Patterson started in left field in place of Pie on Saturday with Ty Wigginton as the designated hitter and Jake Fox at first base.

Posted by Dan Connolly at 7:52 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)
        

David Stockstill, the Orioles director of international scouting, confirmed that the organization officially agreed to a contract Friday with 16-year-old Dominican third baseman Hector Veloz that includes a franchise record signing bonus for a Dominican amateur.

Veloz reportedly received $300,000. Stockstill said the figure wasn’t exact, but “it is in the ballpark.” Veloz is a 6-foot-2, 195-pound right-handed hitter that the Orioles have been following for two and a half years. He recently visited the club’s Dominican academy, Stockstill said.

“He is an outstanding young man. He is well-educated, smart, well-spoken,” Stockstill said. “He has a good arm, good hands and shows very good power from gap to gap. We are very proud he chose us over the competition.”

Veloz was a highly regarded amateur, but according to Baseball America he tested positive for the steroid stanozolol during a May drug test required by Major League Baseball for the Top 40 Dominican amateurs.

Stockstill would not confirm the steroid report. He also declined comment about any other potential international signings.

Posted by Dan Connolly at 3:02 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)
        

If this move surprises you, well, you really haven't been paying attention to me or anyone else who covers the team lately.

The Orioles made the obvious official this afternoon, sending third baseman Josh Bell to Triple-A Norfolk and recalling Chris Tillman from the Tides.

Tillman will pitch tonight and has a pretty easy assignment. He just has to face the angry bats of the Texas Rangers while his counterpart on the mound is world-beater Cliff Lee, making his first start with Texas after Friday's blockbuster trade with Seattle.

No pressure on the kid. The good news is that Tillman was splendid after being optioned to Norfolk on June 22, going 3-0 with a 1.66 ERA in three starts. He had been 0-3 with an 8.40 ERA in four starts with the Orioles previously this season.

It's basically a promising prospect for promising prospect swap.

Bell got the surprise call-up on July 1, but played sparingly. He went 3-for-15 in five games, including striking out as a pinch-hitter on Friday right before Corey Patterson's dramatic grand slam.

Some may think that the Orioles shouldn't have promoted Bell if he weren't going to play every day. But I talked to him yesterday and he said just being in the clubhouse, talking and watching the major leaguers, was invaluable.

“It is a good situation for me, regardless,” Bell said. “Because if I am not playing, then I am watching and learning. And if I am playing, well, that’s a great experience.”

Posted by Dan Connolly at 12:57 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)
        

2010 Orioles: 27-59 (.314)

Notable win-loss records through 87 games (win percentage in parentheses):

1916 Philadelphia Athletics: 19-67-1 (.224)
1954 Orioles: 32-55 (.368)
1962 New York Mets: 24-63 (.276)
1988 Orioles: 28-59 (.322)
2003 Detroit Tigers: 22-65 (.253)

How each team fared in their 87th game:

1916 Athletics: 6-1 loss to the Chicago White Sox

Philadelphia lost the first matchup in an eight-game series against the White Sox at Comiskey Park. The Athletics lost all eight games in the series, and they were 4-18 against Chicago during that season.

1954 Orioles: 4-1 win over the Boston Red Sox

Orioles starting pitcher Duane Pillette tossed a complete game, holding the Red Sox to one run and five hits, in the second game of a doubleheader at Fenway Park. Boston left fielder Ted Williams hit a solo home run in the fourth for the team's only run. Orioles shortstop Billy Hunter had a double, an RBI and a stolen base.

1962 Mets: 9-8 loss to the San Francisco Giants

Although they scored six runs in the bottom of the eighth, the Mets' rally came up short against San Francisco at the Polo Grounds. Giants first baseman Orlando Cepeda and right fielder Harvey Kuenn each hit a two-run home run in the game, while left fielder Frank Thomas and pinch hitter Chris Cannizzaro each contributed two RBIs for the Mets.

1988 Orioles: 2-1 win over the Texas Rangers

Starting pitcher J.J. Bautista was charged with one run and six hits in 7 2/3 innings as the Orioles won their second straight game over the Rangers in front of an announced 25,023 fans at Memorial Stadium. Orioles right fielder Larry Sheets hit a triple, while catcher Mickey Tettleton and center fielder Ken Gerhart each added an RBI.

2003 Tigers: 2-1 win over the Chicago White Sox

After the White Sox tied the game with a run in the top of the seventh, Tigers first baseman Carlos Pena hit a solo home run against Chicago starting pitcher Jon Garland in the bottom of the frame to put Detroit back in the lead at Comerica Park. Second baseman Warren Morris was 3-for-4 with an RBI double for the Tigers.

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 11:09 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

Felix Pie became the second Oriole to hurt himself on the basepaths in consecutive innings.

His injury is being classified as a left quad strain and he also will be re-evaluated Saturday.

Pie grounded out to first to end the top of the sixth inning, and when he turned back to the Orioles dugout, he began limping noticeably. He was met by assistant athletic trainer Brian Ebel at home plate, before Pie walked slowly to the dugout.

He was replaced in the bottom of the sixth by Jake Fox in left.

In the Orioles' fifth, Matt Wieters left the game after he fell running from second to third.

The official word is that Wieters has a right hamstring strain and will be re-evaluated tomorrow. It's the same hamstring that was "tight" this week and forced him to miss Thursday's game.

Posted by Dan Connolly at 12:26 AM | Permalink | Comments (6)
        

Not good news for the Orioles.

Scott Moore doubled to center with Matt Wieters on first in the fifth inning. Rounding second base, Wieters hit the bag awkwardly with his right foot and fell.

He then limped to third base. And, once the play was over, hobbled to the dugout.

The easy guess here is that he re-aggravated the right hamstring that has been bothering him. We’ll update it when we can. But I’d be surprised if he plays the remaining two games of the first half.

Posted by Dan Connolly at 12:10 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)
        

The Orioles and Rangers just completed a scoreless first inning.

Just the fact they completed any inning makes me happy.

I was just about to curl up under a press box table when the Rangers took the field for the first at 9:34 p.m. in Texas.

For those of you who care about me -- and my wife and mom are certainly asleep by now, so we are talking a really short list -- the rain delay was 2 hours and 29 minutes. That's basically the length of a crisp National League game or three innings between the Orioles and Tigers.

Posted by Dan Connolly at 10:52 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
        

There were a few transactions announced in the Orioles' minor league system today.

Right-handed pitcher Jose Duran and first baseman Joe Mahoney were promoted from Single-A Frederick to Double-A Bowie.

In order to make room for Duran and Mahoney on their roster, the Baysox placed right-hander Josh Perrault on the disabled list -- retroactive to July 7 -- and sent left-hander Chris George back to Triple-A Norfolk.

Catcher Kyle Moore was added to the Keys from the Rookie-level GCL Orioles.

Also, Single-A Aberdeen placed left-hander Brandon Holloway on the disabled list.

Norfolk Tides (AAA)

Score: Durham Bulls 7, Norfolk Tides 2 (Box score)

Recap: Second baseman Paco Figueroa and third baseman Blake Davis hit back-to-back home runs in the top of the ninth to help the Tides avoid a shutout in a 7-2 loss to Durham.

Norfolk starting pitcher Tim Bascom (2-3) was touched up for five runs (four earned) and seven hits in 4 1/3 innings. He struck out three batters and issued one walk.

Tides first baseman Nolan Reimold was 2-for-3, while designated hitter Jeff Salazar and right fielder Jonathan Tucker each added two hits.

Bowie Baysox (AA)

Score: Bowie Baysox 6, Trenton Thunder 3 (Box score)

Recap: Mahoney was 3-for-3 with a solo home run and three runs scored in his Double-A debut as the Baysox scored four runs in the eighth to top Trenton, 6-3, at Prince George's Stadium.

Bowie third baseman Brandon Waring contributed a double and two RBIs, while right fielder Joel Guzman added a double and an RBI.

Baysox starting pitcher Chorye Spoone allowed three runs and seven hits, while Orioles relief pitcher Michael Gonzalez (1-0) earned the win in his latest injury rehab after tossing a scoreless inning.

Designated hitter Greg Miclat was 2-for-4 for Bowie.

Relief pitcher Pedro Beato struck out two batters in one scoreless inning for the Baysox to pick up his eighth save of the season.

Frederick Keys (A)

Score: Potomac Nationals 3, Frederick Keys 2 (Box score)

Recap: First baseman Jacob Julius hit a two-run home run in the first inning, but the Keys couldn't manage any more offense in a 3-2 loss to Potomac at Harry Grove Stadium.

Frederick starting pitcher Ryan Berry held the Nationals to two runs and three hits in five innings, while relief pitcher Jose Duran (4-2) suffered the loss after giving up one run and two hits in 2 2/3 innings.

Keys second baseman L.J. Hoes and right fielder Ronnie Welty each hit a double.

Delmarva Shorebirds (A)

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

Recap: Third baseman Tyler Kelly hit a solo home run, but the Shorebirds blew a late lead in a 4-3 loss to Lakewood.

Delmarva starting pitcher Patrick Kantakevich struck out six batters in four scoreless innings. He allowed three hits and issued two walks in the no-decision.

Relief pitcher Thomas Phelps (2-1) picked up the loss after giving up two runs (one earned) and one hit in 1 2/3 innings for the Shorebirds.

Aberdeen IronBirds (A)

Score: Williamsport Crosscutters 4, Aberdeen IronBirds 3 (Box score)

Recap: First baseman David Anderson was 2-for-3 with a home run and three RBIs in the IronBirds' 4-3 defeat on the road against Williamsport.

Aberdeen starting pitcher Justin Moore gave up three runs and nine hits in 4 1/3 innings, while relief pitcher Jason Gurka (1-2) allowed one run and three hits in 2 2/3 innings.

Right fielder Austin Knight was 1-for-4 with a stolen base for the IronBirds.

Bluefield Orioles (Rookie)

Score: Johnson City Cardinals 7, Bluefield Orioles 1, six innings (Box score)

Recap: The Orioles committed five errors in a rain-shortened 7-1 loss to Johnson City that was called after 5 1/2 innings at Bowen Field.

Bluefield right fielder Luis Ramirez committed two errors, while shortstop Vincent Zazueta made three defensive miscues in the defeat.

Catcher Riley Hornback also had two passed balls for Bluefield.

Ramirez hit a double and scored a run for the Orioles, while designated hitter Joe Velleggia added an RBI.

Orioles starting pitcher Jacob Petitt (0-2) allowed three runs (two earned) and four hits in three innings. He collected four strikeouts, issued one walk and hit a batter.

GCL Orioles (Rookie)

Score: GCL Rays 4, GCL Orioles 3, 12 innings (Box score)

Recap: First baseman Preston Hale was 2-for-4 with a triple and an RBI in the GCL Orioles' 4-2 loss to the GCL Rays in 12 innings.

Orioles second baseman Pedro Rodriguez added two hits, an RBI, a stolen base and two runs scored, while shortstop Jonathan Schoop collected an RBI.

Starting pitcher Luiyi Batista was charged with two runs and seven hits in six-plus innings for the Orioles, while relief pitcher Chris Hervey (0-2) allowed one run and two hits in one inning.

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 10:03 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

The powers that be want to play this game in Arlington, Texas. They wanted Cliff Lee, and they got their way. So why not be 2-for-2 today.

It is still raining steadily, but not nearly as hard as before.

So this game has not been canceled yet.

In fact, barring any unexpected change in the intensity of the rain, the Rangers are expecting first pitch at 9:30 here, That's 10:30 for you.

Hey, it's a Friday night. Stay up late with us.

Posted by Dan Connolly at 9:23 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

The Orioles were milling about in the clubhouse this afternoon when someone pointed to the big screen TV in the back of the room.

The ticker on ESPN said Cliff Lee has been traded to the Texas Rangers in a multi-player deal.

That news was met with typical surprise and then at least one player made the connection, “Does that mean he’ll make his Rangers’ debut against us?”

Looks like it, Lee was scheduled to pitch for the Mariners on Friday. So pencil in Lee to start against the Orioles on Saturday opposite Chris Tillman. I’m guessing Tillman’s return to the Orioles may get overshadowed nationally.

This isn’t a new phenomenon, though. Teams often seem to make news against the Orioles. Let’s see: The Marlins fired manager Fredi Gonzalez earlier this year in Baltimore. Alex Rodriguez came back from injury/personal problems in Baltimore last season.

CC Sabathia made his Yankees’ debut against the Orioles. He also made his big-league debut, while with the Cleveland Indians, at Jacobs Field against the Orioles (he started opposite Chuck McElroy. Do I get points for remembering that?)

When Sammy Sosa returned from his suspension for a corked bat, before he came to the Orioles in a trade, he came to Camden Yards with a huge media contingent and picked up a legal bat.

So, yeah, you had to assume Lee was getting traded to the Rangers. Their four-game series against the Orioles was set months ago.

Posted by Dan Connolly at 5:47 PM | Permalink | Comments (6)
        

The Orioles might be the worst team in baseball, but they still play in a stadium that makes them must-see, according to a travel website.

Cheapflights.com has ranked the Top 10 cities to catch a baseball game and Baltimore comes in at No. 2. Here's what it says about Camden Yards:

One of the most highly praised ballparks in the nation, Camden Yards has a retro design that hails back to the days of the Great Bambino. It's "good old days" feel stems from more than just decor — the park is a mere two blocks from Ruth's birthplace, and the site of his father's old cafe is now better known as center field of Oriole Park.

Boston, home of Fenway Park, is No. 1. New York is No. 3 with Citi Field and Yankee Stadium. The rest of the cities:

4. Toronto: Rogers Centre
5. San Francisco: AT&T Park
6. Arlington, Texas: Rangers Ballpark
7. Chicago: U.S. Cellular Field and Wrigley Field
8. Denver: Coors Field
9. Washington, D.C.: Nationals Park
10. Los Angeles: Dodgers Stadium

I would disagree with some of these. I think Pittsburgh has an amazing stadium and the view of the city is jaw-dropping. Plus, you can't beat the pierogies in Pittsburgh. Here's a Reuters story I found on MSNBC.com about the poll, with photo galleries of each city.

Posted by Ron Fritz at 1:56 PM | Permalink | Comments (5)
        

It looks like the Orioles are taking a dive into the Dominican Republic talent pool.

According to Baseball America's Ben Badler, the Orioles have signed 16-year-old Dominican third baseman Hector Veloz for $300,000. Badler cites Veloz's trainer, Victor Baez, for the information.

Here is more information from the Baseball America report:

The bonus is a franchise record for an amateur player signed out of the Dominican Republic and is believed to be a franchise record for all of Latin America. A club official did not return calls seeking comment.

The deal is not official yet, as Veloz still has to clear his age and identity check and pass a drug test, which in his case could get interesting. Veloz has also already tested positive for the anabolic steroid Stanozolol when he took a drug test in mid-May as part of Major League Baseball's new registration program for 40 of the top Dominican prospects in this year's international signing class.

As it mentions in the article, Veloz tested positive for steroids in May.

Last month, Baez told Baseball America that the steroid use was unintentional because the drug came from an over-the-counter supplement that did not list it as one of the ingredients.

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 12:20 PM | Permalink | Comments (23)
        

2010 Orioles: 26-59 (.306)

Notable win-loss records through 86 games (win percentage in parentheses):

1916 Philadelphia Athletics: 19-66-1 (.227)
1954 Orioles: 31-55 (.360)
1962 New York Mets: 24-62 (.279)
1988 Orioles: 27-59 (.314)
2003 Detroit Tigers: 21-65 (.244)

How each team fared in their 86th game:

1916 Athletics: 8-6 loss to the St. Louis Browns

St. Louis completed the five-game sweep over the Athletics at Sportsman's Park. The loss was Philadelphia's eighth straight against the Browns, who finished in fifth place in the American League (79-75) during the 1916 season.

1954 Orioles: 4-0 loss to the Boston Red Sox

The Orioles only managed one hit in the first game of a doubleheader against Boston at Fenway Park. Red Sox starting pitcher Russ Kemmerer walked five batters and collected four strikeouts while picking up his first major league victory. Orioles starter Bob Turley fell to 7-10 on the season after giving up four runs and eight hits in seven innings.

1962 Mets: 5-3 win over the San Francisco Giants

The Mets scored five runs in the bottom of the fourth to take a commanding lead over San Francisco at the Polo Grounds. New York first baseman Frank Thomas was 3-for-4 with a pair of doubles and one run scored, while shortstop Elio Chacon added two RBIs and a stolen base.

1988 Orioles: 4-1 win over the Texas Rangers

Orioles first baseman Jim Traber and center fielder Ken Gerhart hit back-to-back home runs against Rangers knuckleballer Charlie Hough in front of an announced 21,661 fans at Memorial Stadium. Shortstop Cal Ripken Jr. was 2-for-4 with a double and an RBI for the Orioles, and right fielder Fred Lynn added a sacrifice fly.

2003 Tigers: 5-3 loss to the Kansas City Royals

Third baseman Desi Relaford was 3-for-3 with two RBIs, two stolen bases and two runs scored to lead Kansas City over the Tigers in the series finale at Kauffman Stadium. Detroit third baseman Eric Munson contributed a solo home run, two RBIs and three walks in the defeat.

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 9:42 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

The Orioles' 6-4 come-from-behind victory Tuesday over the Texas Rangers might have been the most rewarding win of this dismal season for various reasons.

Let me count the ways.

First, it was against the Rangers in Arlington, Texas, where the Orioles seemingly always struggle (they already lost two here earlier this season).

And it came after they were down 4-0 in the top of the fifth, 4-1 in the top of the seventh and 4-3 in the top of the eighth. Consider this: The Orioles were 0-28 on the road when they were trailing after seven innings before Thursday night. They were 3-48 in those situations overall before the comeback.

They got key contributions from some less-heralded offensive players like Scott Moore, who homered; Craig Tatum, who got a big RBI walk; and Julio Lugo, who had a flare that fell in for an RBI single.

They did it with a short bench. Matt Wieters is experiencing “tightness” and was unavailable. We don’t know where the discomfort is or how long it will linger, but he couldn’t be used as a pinch hitter Thursday.

Felix Pie continues to be a spark, homering in the seventh and getting hit by a pitch in a key spot in the eighth. And after the game, he didn’t seem to be in too much pain.

There was another tremendous performance from the bullpen, which combined to pitch 4 1/3 innings and didn’t allow a run. Mark Hendrickson came into a jam in the fifth and got a key out, and David Hernandez, Jason Berken and Alfredo Simon were rock-solid again.

Hernandez got the win, his fourth of the season. That means the club won’t have the indignity of being the only one in history without at least four wins from a pitcher at the All-Star break.

Furthermore, Jeremy Guthrie didn’t get saddled with his 11th loss, which would have been the most in the major leagues heading into the break.

Speaking of breaks, the Orioles won this one the way they usually lose them. With crazy things like a late error, a couple of errant pitches and a flare single actually going in their favor.

I think I made my point. A satisfying win for the players in a season with too few victories.

Posted by Dan Connolly at 12:52 AM | Permalink | Comments (12)
        

If you were wondering why interim manager Juan Samuel didn’t pinch hit with Matt Wieters in the seventh or eighth inning for either Craig Tatum or Julio Lugo, here’s your answer, and it has nothing to do with a lack of confidence in the prized catcher:

Wieters was unavailable to play Thursday night because of “tightness.”

It’s a partial answer, because we’re not exactly sure where the tightness is. Wieters wasn’t in the clubhouse immediately after the game – the East Coast reporters had to scramble in and out because of the hour’s time difference.

And Samuel didn’t have specifics when we cornered him:

“Wieters, we wanted to give him the day off. He was feeling a little tight yesterday in Detroit, and we did not want to take a chance with him today,” Samuel said. “He was not going to see action today. We are taking it easy with him. We’ll see how he feels here tomorrow. With four days coming up, we want to be cautious with him.”

Whatever he tweaked, it’s believed he might have done it when he legged out a triple – the second of his career – in Detroit.

We’ll get more for you on that tomorrow.

Two other quick updates: Felix Pie’s right hand is still sore after getting hit by a Darren Oliver pitch. But he said he is fine. He had a pretty good quote about it:

“When the ball hit me, I was scared a little bit, there was a little pain. I was like, ‘Oh, my God.’ But when they said I was fine, I was like, ‘Thank you, God,’ because it was a good opportunity and the run came in.”

Adam Jones took one in the ribs right before Pie’s plunking. It was still smarting after the game, but his sense of humor seemed perfectly healthy. He chastised me, questioning whether I could have taken a hard-thrown pitch in the ribs like that and jogged to first (The easy answer is, "No way." I would have pulled out my cell phone in the batter’s box and called 911. That’s why I write).

But Jones said he should be fine, and that Pie’s hand shot probably hurt more.

Posted by Dan Connolly at 12:30 AM | Permalink | Comments (8)
        

Single-A Delmarva activated outfielder T.J. Baxter from the disabled list.

In order to make room on the roster for Baxter, the Shorebirds placed outfielder Michael Planeta on the disabled list, retroactive to July 6.

Norfolk Tides (AAA)

Score: Durham Bulls 11, Norfolk Tides 3 (Box score)

Recap: Starting pitcher Zach Clark (0-4) was touched up for six runs and 10 hits in 3 2/3 innings as the Tides were pounded, 11-3, on the road against Durham.

Norfolk third baseman Blake Davis and right fielder Jonathan Tucker each contributed two hits, including a double, and an RBI, while left fielder Michael Aubrey added a double and an outfield assist.

Center fielder Matt Angle hit a sacrifice fly for the Tides.

Bowie Baysox (AA)

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

Recap: Left fielder Caleb Joseph hit a solo home run in the top of the seventh inning to account for Bowie's only run in a 9-1 loss to Erie.

Baysox starting pitcher Steve Johnson (3-6) was charged with seven runs and 10 hits in 2 2/3 innings. He walked two batters and only had one strikeout.

Bowie outfielder Tyler Henson and designated hitter Brandon Waring each contributed a double.

Frederick Keys (A)

Score: Potomac Nationals 7, Frederick Keys 4 (Box score)

Recap: In his second rehab start after undergoing Tommy John surgery, Nationals starting pitcher Jordan Zimmermann tossed three scoreless innings in Potomac's 7-4 win over Frederick at Harry Grove Stadium.

Zimmermann struck out five Keys batters and allowed one hit before being replaced by the Nationals' Adrian Alaniz, who tossed five no-hit frames with eight strikeouts.

Frederick starting pitcher Ryan O'Shea (5-4) suffered the loss after giving up six runs (five earned), seven hits and six walks in five innings. He collected two strikeouts.

Keys catcher Phil Britton contributed two RBIs in the defeat.

Delmarva Shorebirds (A)

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

Recap: Starting pitcher Jesse Beal (6-5) held the BlueClaws to one run and seven hits in seven innings as the Shorebirds won, 5-1, over Lakewood.

Delmarva shortstop Garabez Rosa hit a two-run home run in the ninth, while left fielder Kieron Pope and center fielder Steve Bumbry each added an RBI.

Shorebirds second baseman Michael Mooney was 2-for-4 with a run scored.

Aberdeen IronBirds (A)

Score: Williamsport Crosscutters 4, Aberdeen IronBirds 2 (Box score)

Recap: Second baseman Omar Casamayor was 1-for-4 with two runs scored in the IronBirds' 4-2 defeat to Williamsport.

Aberdeen designated hitter David Anderson contributed a double, while third baseman Adam Gaylord and first baseman Mike Flacco each added an RBI.

IronBirds starting pitcher Scott Copeland (0-2) allowed three runs and three hits in five innings. He collected four strikeouts, issued one walk and hit one batter.

Bluefield Orioles (Rookie)

Score: Johnson City Cardinals 9, Bluefield Orioles 6 (Box score)

Recap: Center fielder Brenden Webb was 1-for-3 with two RBIs in the Orioles' 9-6 loss to Johnson City at Bowen Field.

Bluefield first baseman Corey Thomas contributed two hits and a run scored, while shortstop Vincent Zazueta was 3-for-4 with two runs scored.

Orioles starting pitcher Cameron Roth struck out six batters in four innings, but he didn't factor in the decision. He allowed one unearned run and three hits.

Designated hitter Brad Decater collected a double and an RBI for Bluefield, but he also struck out four times in the defeat.

Relief pitcher Jairo De La Cruz (0-1) was charged with the loss after surrendering five runs (four earned), three hits and three walks in one-plus inning for the Orioles.

GCL Orioles (Rookie)

Game 1 score: GCL Orioles 7, GCL Twins 1 (Box score)

Game 1 recap: Center fielder Rojean Cleofa hit a three-run home run as part of a six-run first inning to power the GCL Orioles to a 7-1 win over the GCL Twins.

Orioles first baseman Preston Hale was 2-for-3 with an RBI and a run scored, while third baseman Dudley Leonora and left fielder David Rivera each added a sacrifice fly.

Starting pitcher Yancorix Adrian (2-0) gave up one run and two hits in five innings to pick up the victory for the Orioles. He struck out two batters and issued one walk.

Game 2 score: GCL Orioles 3, GCL Twins 0 (Box score)

Game 2 recap: Starting pitcher Orlando Alfonso only gave up four hits in five scoreless innings as the GCL Orioles blanked the GCL Twins, 3-0, to sweep the doubleheader.

Hale contributed two doubles, an RBI and a run scored, while right fielder Jose Nivar was 2-for-4 with a double and an RBI.

Relief pitcher Douglas Ferguson tossed the final two innings to record his first save of the season for the Orioles. He struck out two batters and allowed three hits.

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 11:21 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)
        

The Orioles still aren’t making it official, but Chris Tillman will be promoted to pitch Saturday against the Texas Rangers and third baseman Josh Bell likely will be sent back to Norfolk to play every day.

Interim manager Juan Samuel said the club considered having reliever Mark Hendrickson make the start, but with the bullpen getting a lot of use recently, and four straight games against the heavy-hitting Rangers, the decision has been made to promote someone from the minors.

“We will probably make the change tomorrow. We feel like we needed to bring somebody up to start that game,” Samuel said.

Really, Tillman, who has been great in his three starts with the Tides since his last demotion, is the most logical guy, whether it is officially announced or not. He would e on regular rest.

Also, because of the concern about the bullpen, Samuel acknowledged that the corresponding move would be a position player. The most likely candidate for demotion is Bell, the club’s top hitting prospect, who has made just two starts at third base and two starts at designated hitter since he was recalled on July 1. He has three hits, all singles, in 14 at-bats.

“If he is one of our future (regulars) he definitely needs to play and we are trying to find ways to get him another game here, maybe Friday,” Samuel said.

Posted by Dan Connolly at 6:38 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
        

2010 Orioles: 25-59 (.298)

Notable win-loss records through 85 games (win percentage in parentheses):

1916 Philadelphia Athletics: 19-65-1 (.229)
1954 Orioles: 31-54 (.365)
1962 New York Mets: 23-62 (.271)
1988 Orioles: 26-59 (.306)
2003 Detroit Tigers: 21-64 (.247)

How each team fared in their 85th game:

1916 Athletics: 3-2 loss to the St. Louis Browns

The Athletics were edged by St. Louis at Sportsman's Park. It was Philadelphia's fifth consecutive loss in a season-long streak that would eventually reach 20 straight games.

1954 Orioles: 9-3 loss to the New York Yankees

Yankees catcher Yogi Berra was 3-for-4 with an RBI and two runs scored as New York completed the three-game sweep over the Orioles at Yankee Stadium. All three Yankees outfielders -- Mickey Mantle, Irv Noren and Gene Woodling -- each added two RBIs, while Orioles shortstop Billy Hunter was 3-for-4.

1962 Mets: 17-3 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers

Center fielder Willie Davis and catcher John Roseboro each contributed three RBIs as the Dodgers routed New York to complete the three-game sweep at the Polo Grounds. Mets right fielder Richie Ashburn was 2-for-4 with a two-run home run in the losing effort.

1988 Orioles: 8-5 loss to the Texas Rangers

Designated hitter Eddie Murray and catcher Terry Kennedy both homered in the loss for the Orioles against Texas in front of an announced 22,612 fans at Memorial Stadium. Orioles starting pitcher Jeff Ballard was charged with four runs and seven hits 3 1/3 innings.

2003 Tigers: 9-5 win over the Kansas City Royals

Starting pitcher Mike Maroth held Kansas City to four runs and eight hits in 7 2/3 innings as he earned his second consecutive victory in the Tigers' win at Kauffman Stadium. Detroit center fielder Alex Sanchez hit a three-run home run, while designated hitter Kevin Witt and left fielder Dmitri Young each added a solo shot.

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 12:50 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

Jay Leno opened "The Tonight Show" on NBC last night with a joke about the Orioles to lead his monologue. Check out the video here:

Posted by Baltimore Sun sports at 8:22 AM | Permalink | Comments (26)
        

Since it is July, and the Orioles have nothing to play for, discussion this time of year turns to the trade market.

The truth is the Orioles don’t have a whole lot of trade chips right now. That happens when you have the worst record in baseball.

Kevin Millwood looked like a potential hot commodity in early May, but a terrible June and now a stint on the disabled list has sapped any value there. Since he’d probably pass through trade waivers, he could be dealt in August for something if he pitches well.

Ty Wigginton probably has the most value, but Orioles fans have to be realistic in what they can expect for him. Wigginton might only be able to bring back a fringe prospect or two, so the club may consider holding onto him.

Miguel Tejada would have to be the right fit for a team to give up anything for him. Lefty Will Ohman also has some value for a team looking for a lefty specialist.

All the above are pending free agents at season’s end. The Orioles have other potential trade chips in Jeremy Guthrie and the injured Luke Scott, but both are under team control next season.

Really, the players with the most value are the ones that this team is counting on for the future, guys such as Adam Jones, Matt Wieters, Brian Matusz, Nick Markakis, Jake Arrieta, Chris Tillman.

Heading into this year, I’d say the players in the above group were untouchables. But given this disastrous season, I am not sure anyone in the organization should be untouchable in a trade now.

Certainly, some of those above would require an impressive package in return for the Orioles to deal them. But is any Oriole untouchable in your mind these days?

Daily Think Special: Should the Orioles have any “untouchable” players in trade talks?

Posted by Dan Connolly at 1:20 AM | Permalink | Comments (58)
Categories: Connolly's Corner Sports Bar
        

The short-season Single-A Aberdeen IronBirds were idle, while the matchup between the Rookie-level GCL Orioles and GCL Twins was postponed in Florida.

Norfolk Tides (AAA)

Score: Norfolk Tides 10, Gwinnett Braves 2 (Box score)

Recap: First baseman Nolan Reimold hit a two-run home run as the Tides scored six runs in the seventh inning for a 10-2 victory over Gwinnett.

Norfolk shortstop Robert Andino paced the offense with two hits and four RBIs, while left fielder Jonathan Tucker was 3-for-4 with a double, a stolen base and three runs scored.

Catcher Adam Donachie was 3-for-3 with a double, an RBI and a run scored for the Tides, while center fielder Matt Angle contributed three hits, a stolen base and a run scored.

Tides starting pitcher Troy Patton (6-9) held the Braves to two runs and four hits in seven innings. Patton threw 61 of his 92 pitches for strikes in the win.

Every Tides player in the starting lineup collected at least one hit in the 17-hit attack.

Bowie Baysox (AA)

Score: Erie SeaWolves 12, Bowie Baysox 3 (Box score)

Recap: Starting pitcher Nathan Nery (0-4) was roughed up for 11 runs (nine earned) and 11 hits in 3 2/3 innings as the Baysox were pounded, 12-3, by Erie.

In four Double-A starts, Nery has given up 30 runs (22 earned) and 43 hits in 19 1/3 innings. Opponents are batting .413 against the 24-year-old left-hander since his promotion to Bowie.

Baysox left fielder Tyler Henson provided the team's only offense with a three-run home run in the top of the fourth, but he also committed a fielding error in the game.

Bowie second baseman Ryan Adams also made two defensive miscues in the defeat, while center fielder Danny Figueroa committed one.

Frederick Keys (A)

Score: Potomac Nationals 7, Frederick Keys 4 (Box score)

Recap: Right fielder Ronnie Welty was 2-for-4 with a solo home run and two RBIs in the Keys' 7-4 loss to Potomac at Harry Grove Stadium.

Frederick shortstop Pedro Florimon Jr. was 2-for-4 with a double, an RBI and a stolen base, while center fielder Xavier Avery added two hits and an RBI.

Keys starting pitcher Cole McCurry (3-3) was charged with five runs, four hits and four walks in 2 2/3 innings. McCurry struck out three batters in the defeat.

Third baseman Billy Rowell was 1-for-4 with a double for Frederick.

Delmarva Shorebirds (A)

Score: Delmarva Shorebirds 2, Hickory Crawdads 1 (Box score)

Recap: Starting pitcher Kenny Moreland shined again for the Shorebirds, but he didn't factor in the decision in the Shorebirds' 2-1 win over Hickory at Arthur W. Perdue Stadium.

Moreland gave up one unearned run and five hits in seven innings for Delmarva. He was 4-0 with a 1.01 ERA in June before struggling in his first start this month.

Shorebirds center fielder Steve Bumbry was 2-for-3 with a double, a stolen base and an RBI, while designated hitter Kieron Pope added an RBI on a bases-loaded walk.

Delmarva relief pitcher Thomas Phelps (2-0) tossed a scoreless inning to pick up the victory, while closer Josh Dowdy escaped a jam for his 14th save of the season.

Shortstop Garabez Rosa committed his 28th error of the season for Delmarva.

Bluefield Orioles (Rookie)

Score: Johnson City Cardinals 5, Bluefield Orioles 4 (Box score)

Recap: First baseman Corey Thomas helped the Orioles threaten with a solo home run in the ninth, but their rally fell short in a 5-4 loss to Johnson City at Bowen Field.

Bluefield shortstop Javier Santana also hit a solo shot in the defeat, while designated hitter Michael Ohlman was 2-for-4 with a double and two RBIs.

Orioles starting pitcher Daurin Tavarez (0-3) was charged with five runs, six hits and four walks in 4 2/3 innings. He also struck out three batters.

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 11:04 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

I will have more on this in our notebook, but the Orioles are on the precipice of some baseball history.

And baseball, well, has been around for a long time. So there is some significance here.

No Orioles pitcher has more than three wins this season. Five pitchers – Brad Bergesen, Jeremy Guthrie, Brian Matusz, David Hernandez and Matt Albers – have three each.

If none of the above five picks up a win by Sunday evening, these 2010 Orioles will become the first team in baseball history not to have at least a four-game winner at the All-Star break.

That is according to the Elias Sports Bureau.

Amazing, huh?

By the way, the last team to have a four-game winner as its club leader at the All-Star break as the 2003 Detroit Tigers. They lost 119 games that season.

Posted by Dan Connolly at 8:27 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)
        

2010 Orioles: 25-58 (.301)

Notable win-loss records through 84 games (win percentage in parentheses):

1916 Philadelphia Athletics: 19-64-1 (.232)
1954 Orioles: 31-53 (.369)
1962 New York Mets: 23-61 (.274)
1988 Orioles: 26-58 (.310)
2003 Detroit Tigers: 20-64 (.238)

How each team fared in their 84th game:

1916 Athletics: 5-1 loss to the St. Louis Browns

The Athletics dropped the second game of a doubleheader to St. Louis at Sportsman's Park. In the two games, Philadelphia was outscored, 10-1, by the Browns.

1954 Orioles: 3-2 loss to the New York Yankees

Yankees right fielder Irv Noren was 4-for-4 with a walk-off home run and two RBIs in New York's victory over the Orioles at Yankee Stadium. Orioles third baseman Bob Kennedy contributed two RBIs, while center fielder Chuck Diering was 2-for-4 with a run scored in the loss.

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

Mets third baseman Felix Mantilla hit a three-run home run in the first inning against Los Angeles starting pitcher Don Drysdale, but New York blew the early lead at the Polo Grounds. Drysdale tossed a complete game, allowing four runs and seven hits, to improve to 16-4 on the season.

1988 Orioles: 6-0 win over the Texas Rangers

Starting pitcher Oswaldo Peraza blanked the Rangers for seven innings, allowing six hits and one walk, in the Orioles' victory in front of an announced 22,255 fans at Memorial Stadium. Orioles shortstop Cal Ripken Jr., catcher Mickey Tettleton and center fielder Ken Gerhart each hit a home run in the win.

2003 Tigers: 9-8 loss to the Kansas City Royals

Left fielder Craig Monroe and third baseman Eric Munson hit back-to-back home runs with two outs in the ninth inning, but the Tigers' rally came up short against Kansas City at Kauffman Stadium. Monroe was 2-for-4 with four RBIs, while first baseman Shane Halter and designated hitter Dmitri Young each added a solo shot for Detroit.

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 3:44 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

After waiting patiently for UCLA's season to end in the College World Series, the Orioles have agreed to terms with two Bruins they drafted last month, though neither is third-round pick Dan Klein, UCLA's closer.

While they continue to negotiate with Klein and have met with his representatives, the Orioles have agreed to terms with UCLA left-handed pitcher Matthew Drummond, their 20th-round pick, and UCLA outfielder Blair Dunlap, their 43rd-round pick. Both are expected to begin their professional careers in Aberdeen.

The Orioles have now agreed to terms with 29 of their 50 picks, and that number could grow in the next couple of days as the team is close to an agreement with 11th-round pick Alexander Gonzalez, a right-handed pitcher from Boca Raton High in Florida.

Despite agreeing to terms with only one of their top 10 selections and five of their top 15, the Orioles are still confident that they'll agree with most, if not all, of their top 10 selections.

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 2:05 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)
        

By request after the Orioles' abysmal 3-for-17 performance with runners in scoring position in Tuesday night's 7-5, 11-inning loss to the Detroit Tigers, let's break down a factor that has repeatedly doomed the Orioles this season. Here's an individual look at the RISP averages for the mainstays in the Orioles' lineup this season (from highest to lowest):

Nick Markakis, RF: .338
Corey Patterson, LF: .323
Adam Jones, CF: .253
Julio Lugo, 2B: .250
Craig Tatum, C: .250
Cesar Izturis, SS: .245
Ty Wigginton, 1B: .235
Miguel Tejada, 3B: .235
Scott Moore, IF: .231
Matt Wieters, C: .227
Luke Scott, DH: .133

It should come as no surprise that, Markakis and Patterson aside, it's hard to look at the RISP averages for any of these players and consider them respectable. And it's difficult to imagine that any of those hitters strikes fear into an opposing pitcher's heart when he comes to the plate with men on second and/or third.

Even more concerning are the RISP averages for some of the players who play the conventional "power" positions: .235 for Tejada at third base; .235 for Wigginton, the Orioles' All-Star representative, at first base; and a mind-boggling .133 for their usual DH, Scott. (Scott's average dips to .038 with runners in scoring position and two outs, by the way.)

As a team, the Orioles are last in the majors with a RISP average of .232, five points lower than the Toronto Blue Jays'. By contrast, the Cincinnati Reds lead the majors with a RISP average of .288, 56 points higher than the Orioles' number. The median team RISP average is .263, more than 30 points higher than the Orioles'.

So, as Dan Connolly pointed out in an earlier post, while there is bound to be plenty of vitriol reserved for the Orioles' bullpen and perhaps interim manager Juan Samuel's late-game decisions regarding his relievers, the Orioles' most telling -- and damning -- shortcoming this season certainly appears to be their continued failure to knock in runs with men in scoring position.

Posted by Steve Gould at 7:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (14)
        

If interim Orioles manager Juan Samuel didn’t know it before Tuesday, he’s certainly well aware of it by now.

No manager’s decision gets criticized more than who should pitch in the late innings. That’s the nature of the managerial beast.

And since the Orioles were leading 4-1 heading into the eighth inning of an eventual 7-5, 11-inning loss to the Detroit Tigers, Samuel is going to get his share of second-guessing on this one.

Really, there was one move that could be questioned. With one out and a runner on third in the eighth, Samuel had both David Hernandez and Alfredo Simon warming and he chose Simon to get the difficult, five-out save.

It surprised me when he made that decision. Even in retrospect, I am not going to say it was the wrong one. I understand his reasoning. But it was surprising.

Here’s Samuel’s thinking:

“These wins are not coming in bunches. So we will do that when we have a chance to win the game; we have to go for it. So we thought Simon would be able to get us five outs.”

More Samuel on the decision: “There was no doubt [Simon] was the guy to go back out there [in the ninth], he just unfortunately hung a split-finger pitch to [Miguel] Cabrera.”

Simon got the last two outs of the eighth without incident. But in the ninth, he failed to hold a two-run lead, serving up Cabrera’s two-run homer that sent the game into extra innings.

Conventional wisdom – and I am sure the Wednesday-morning critics – would say that Samuel should have gone to Hernandez, the setup man, in the eighth. After all, he had allowed just three hits, no runs and struck out 11 in 5 2/3 innings over his past five appearances.

But Hernandez had faced eight batters and threw 33 pitches in the sweltering heat Monday. Simon, in contrast, didn’t pitch Monday and had tossed just nine pitches in July to that point. Samuel went with the rested arm. It didn’t work out, but I get that.

The other question was whether Hernandez should have been out there in the 11th after throwing a perfect 10th. Hernandez allowed a single to Austin Jackson, and then Johnny Damon ended it with a two-run homer to right.

But who else did Samuel have?

Frank Mata was the only available reliever left who did not pitch in Monday’s game. Mata has allowed nine runs in his past two outings. I don’t think Samuel had a choice there.

Here’s what Hernandez had to say about whether he was overextended in the 11th:

“I definitely wasn’t sharp. It’s going to happen. I mean, I am not going to say, ‘No,’ if they want me to pitch. I am going to go in there regardless if I have my best stuff or not.”

This was a tough loss to take, and the bullpen and Samuel surely will wear it. But, keep in mind, the Orioles’ offense stranded a season-high 17 base runners and was 3-for-17 with runners in scoring position. That was the real difference in the game.

One more thing about Samuel: He had no problem answering why he did what he did in the late innings. He also gave a vote of confidence to all three of his relievers – including Jason Berken in the eighth – who allowed two key runs during their second inning on the mound Tuesday. And that’s really what you want a manager, interim or otherwise, to do.

“You have to count on those guys, and they’ve been doing the job for us all year,” Samuel said. “And we are going to continue to throw them in those situations.”

Posted by Dan Connolly at 12:34 AM | Permalink | Comments (22)
        

Today's contest between the Rookie-level GCL Orioles and GCL Red Sox was postponed, while the Single-A Frederick Keys were idle.

After tossing a no-hitter in his Carolina League debut last week, Frederick starting pitcher Nathan Moreau was selected as the league's Pitcher of the Week.

Norfolk Tides (AAA)

Score: Gwinnett Braves 9, Norfolk Tides 4 (Box score)

Recap: Center fielder Matt Angle was 3-for-4 with two stolen bases and an RBI in the Tides' 9-4 defeat on the road against Gwinnett.

Norfolk starting pitcher Zach Britton (0-1) was charged with four runs (three earned) and seven hits in 4 2/3 innings. He struck out four batters and issued two walks.

Tides right fielder Rhyne Hughes was 2-for-5 with a double and a run scored, while shortstop Robert Andino hit his 22nd double of the season.

Andino, however, also committed his 17th error of the year for Norfolk.

Bowie Baysox (AA)

Score: Erie SeaWolves 8, Bowie Baysox 3 (Box score)

Recap: Catcher Caleb Joseph was 2-for-4 with a double and a two-run home run, but the Baysox suffered an 8-3 loss on the road against Erie.

Bowie starting pitcher Ryohei Tanaka (4-9) was touched up for seven runs and seven hits, including two home runs, in six innings. Tanaka surrendered a grand slam to SeaWolves left fielder Deik Scram in the fourth inning.

Baysox left fielder Tyler Henson was 1-for-4 with an RBI, while shortstop Carlos Rojas and third baseman Brandon Waring each added a double.

Delmarva Shorebirds (A)

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

Recap: Starting pitcher Luis Noel (4-2) struck out 10 batters in eight innings as the Shorebirds topped Hickory, 3-1, at Arthur W. Perdue Stadium.

Noel allowed one run and five hits while winning his fourth consecutive decision for Delmarva.

Shorebirds left fielder Kieron Pope hit a two-run home run -- his fifth of the season -- in the fourth, while first baseman Tyler Townsend was 2-for-3 with an RBI.

Relief pitcher Josh Dowdy recorded the final three outs for his 13th save of the season for the Shorebirds. He collected two strikeouts and allowed one hit.

Aberdeen IronBirds (A)

Score: Aberdeen IronBirds 6, Lowell Spinners 2 (Box score)

Recap: Orioles relief pitcher Michael Gonzalez tossed a perfect inning during his latest injury rehab assignment as the IronBirds beat Lowell, 6-2, at Ripken Stadium.

Gonzalez struck out one batter in the outing. I'm told his fastball was in the low 90s, for what it's worth, but I wasn't actually in attendance so I don't know how accurate the radar gun was.

Aberdeen starting pitcher Justin Anderson (2-1) threw five scoreless innings to earn his second victory of the season. Anderson collected four strikeouts, issued two walks and hit one batter.

IronBirds first baseman David Anderson hit a solo home run, while third baseman Adam Gaylord and catcher Joe Oliveira each collected two hits.

Designated hitter Mike Flacco added an RBI triple for Aberdeen.

Bluefield Orioles (Rookie)

Score: Princeton Rays 4, Bluefield Orioles 3 (Box score)

Recap: Third baseman Brad Decater was 3-for-5 with a pair of doubles and a run scored, but the Orioles were edged, 4-3, by Princeton.

Bluefield first baseman Corey Thomas was 2-for-5 with an RBI and a stolen base, while left fielder Kyle Hoppy and center fielder Jeremy Shelby each added two singles.

Orioles starting pitcher David Baker only allowed one hit in five innings, but he didn't factor in the decision as the bullpen relinquished a late lead. Baker struck out eight batters and issued three walks.

Relief pitcher Dustin Carder was charged with three runs (two earned), two hits and one walk in two-thirds of an inning for the Orioles. He suffered the loss.

Catcher Michael Ohlman added an RBI double for Bluefield.

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 10:21 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)
        

The Orioles announced today that first baseman Garrett Atkins cleared waivers and was given his unconditional release.

He is free to sign with another team, and he said previously that he would consider a minor league deal. But not with the Orioles.

Atkins had one homer and nine RBIs in 140 at-bats with the Orioles this season. He was signed in the offseason to a one-year $4.5 million deal.

The Orioles must pay the remainder of that, although if he plays in the majors with another club this year, that team would be responsible to pay him a prorated portion of the $400,000 minimum salary.

Posted by Dan Connolly at 7:13 PM | Permalink | Comments (36)
        

Make no mistake: Kevin Millwood did not want to go on the disabled list today with a strained forearm – technically called a flexor mass.

When asked, if it were up to him, whether he would have made his next start scheduled for Saturday, the soft-spoken Millwood said, “Yeah.”

But it wasn’t up to him.

“It is frustrating. You want to be able to go out and try to help your team, and not being able to do that is frustrating,” said Millwood, who is 2-8 with a 5.77 ERA in 18 starts. “The way things were going, I wasn’t helping much anyway. So hopefully I can help get it back on track a little bit.”

After Millwood allowed five runs and threw 45 pitches in one inning Monday – the third-shortest start of his 14-season career – and his fastball velocity was dipped into the mid-80s, it became obvious to the Orioles that something wasn’t physically right with Millwood.

He was checked out by doctors, and the strained forearm was diagnosed. Millwood will see team orthopedist Dr. John Wilckens in Texas this week for another examination.

In the meantime, interim manager Juan Samuel said the decision was made to place Millwood on the 15-day DL and activate outfielder Felix Pie. No 40-man roster move was needed.

Samuel said it wasn’t an easy conversation with Millwood when the decision was conveyed.

“It’s tough when you present a situation to somebody like Kevin, who likes the ball,” Samuel said. “We were in there for a long time. It definitely was not something that he wanted to do. We have to make that decision. And, unfortunately, he has to go along with it. But we were just looking out for the best interests of everybody.”

Talking about his forearm, Millwood said: “Probably over the last week or so, it’s been a little sore. Pitching in the game doesn’t bother it as much. Trying to do work in between that was the big problem. After the game yesterday it was pretty sore, and, like I said, they just decided to give it a break.”

Millwood said he doesn’t blame his recent ineffectiveness on the injury but it does buy him some time to figure things out. He said it is the first time he has had such an injury.

“I think I have been sore in every spot there is, but this is one I haven’t encountered,” he said. “But it is also something I don’t think that is going to linger on beyond this either.”

Samuel didn’t mention names but said it was likely the Orioles would call up someone from the minors to make Millwood’s scheduled start Saturday, two games before the All-Star break. Chris Tillman, who is pitching exceptionally well at Triple-A Norfolk, would be on regular rest and is the most likely candidate to get the call.

Posted by Dan Connolly at 5:28 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)
        

The Orioles today placed pitcher Kevin Millwood on the 15-day disabled list with a strained right forearm, and activated outfielder Felix Pie to take his place on the active roster.

Millwood, who gave up five earned runs and four hits in one inning against the Detroit Tigers on Monday, is 2-8 this season with a 5.77 ERA. He has made a team-high 19 starts for the Orioles.

Pie has been on the disabled list since April 16 after suffering a torn back muscle. Pie went 8-for-22 (.364) in six rehab games -- two with Single-A Frederick and four for Double-A Bowie.

Posted by Baltimore Sun sports at 3:51 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)
        

2010 Orioles: 25-57 (.305)

Notable win-loss records through 83 games (win percentage in parentheses):

1916 Philadelphia Athletics: 19-63-1 (.235)
1954 Orioles: 31-52 (.373)
1962 New York Mets: 23-60 (.277)
1988 Orioles: 25-58 (.301)
2003 Detroit Tigers: 20-63 (.241)

How each team fared in their 83rd game:

1916 Athletics: 5-0 loss to the St. Louis Browns

The Athletics failed to score while suffering another loss to the Browns in the second contest of a five-game series at Sportsman's Park. Philadelphia was 5-17 against St. Louis during that season.

1954 Orioles: 3-1 loss to the New York Yankees

Don Larsen threw a complete game for the Orioles, giving up three runs (one earned), six hits and five walks to New York in eight innings at Yankee Stadium. Yankees right fielder Irv Noren was 2-for-4 with a solo home run, while Orioles shortstop Billy Hunter was 2-for-4 with a double and an RBI.

1962 Mets: 3-0 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers

Los Angeles starting pitcher Sandy Koufax held the Mets scoreless for the second time in less than a month in the Dodgers' victory at the Polo Grounds. After tossing his first career no-hitter against New York in June, Koufax gave up three hits and three walks in seven innings on July 12. Mets starter Roger Craig threw a complete game in the loss.

1988 Orioles: 4-1 loss to the Chicago White Sox

Orioles center fielder Fred Lynn ruined White Sox starting pitcher Jack McDowell's shutout attempt by hitting a solo home run in the ninth inning at Comiskey Park. McDowell held the Orioles to one run and four hits in 8 1/3 innings. Orioles starter Mike Boddicker's record dropped to 4-11 on the season after he was charged with four runs and seven hits in 7 1/3 innings.

2003 Tigers: 3-2 loss to the Kansas City Royals

Starting pitcher Jeremy Bonderman pitched well for Detroit, but his record fell to 2-13 on the season in the Tigers' loss to Kansas City at Kauffman Stadium. Bonderman struck out seven batters while holding the Royals to three runs, six hits and two walks in 6 1/3 innings. Detroit left fielder Craig Monroe was 2-for-4 with a solo home run.

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 12:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
        

The Orioles have spoken again with Buck Showalter about the managerial position, and although he is very interested and considered the favorite, the team has still has not offered him the job.

“I have not been offered anything, that’s for sure,” Showalter said tonight, refusing further comment.

It’s believed that the Orioles are getting closer to a decision and could have a new manager in place as early as the start of the second half.

Principal owner Peter Angelos and president of baseball operations Andy MacPhail did not return calls seeking comment, but multiple sources have been saying for the past couple of weeks that Showalter had emerged as the favorite over Eric Wedge, who has interviewed for the position twice, and former Orioles player and coach and current broadcaster Rick Dempsey.

The only other candidate to be interviewed was former New York Mets and Texas Rangers manager Bobby Valentine and he pulled his name out of consideration.

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 9:17 PM | Permalink | Comments (15)
        

Orioles pitching prospect Chris Tillman pitched a no-hitter for Triple-A Norfolk earlier this season, but a case could be made that he was just as dominant today. In the Tides' 2-0 victory over Charlotte, Tillman pitched a complete-game, one-hit shutout.

He allowed just two baserunners in the 99-pitch masterpiece and both were Jordan Danks who singled and then walked. That was the extent of the Knights' offense. Tillman struck out five in the game.

In three starts since his demotion, Tillman is 3-0 with a 1.66 ERA and has allowed just 10 hits and five walks while striking out 13 in 21 2/3 innings.

I'm told Tillman did throw some cutters and two-seam fastballs, two pitches he's been working on, and his cutter was pretty good.

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 4:34 PM | Permalink | Comments (24)
        

Monday’s start against the Detroit Tigers in which Kevin Millwood allowed five earned runs and lasted just one inning was the third shortest start of his 14-season career.

It was the second shortest start in which he wasn’t forced out because of injury.

You’ve got to go back to June 12, 2000 when Millwood was with the Atlanta Braves to find one of those: Against the Pittsburgh Pirates he lasted one-third of an inning, gave up five earned runs on four hits and two walks. He threw 32 pitches in that one.

On Monday, he gave up five runs on four hits and two walks, but he lasted an inning and threw 45 pitches.

His second shortest start came on May 10, 2008 while he was with the Texas Rangers. He recorded the first two outs against the Oakland A’s before he left in the middle of pitching to the third batter due to a strained right groin that landed him on the disabled list.

Millwood has now allowed 24 earned runs in the first inning of his last nine games – eight of which he has given up two runs or more in the first. That’s a first-inning ERA in the past nine games of 24.00

Posted by Dan Connolly at 3:32 PM | Permalink | Comments (9)
        

Kevin Millwood who has had serious trouble this season in the first inning, had a nightmare in Monday’s first at Comerica Park.

He retired the first batters, and then allowed the next six to get on. He walked two and gave up two RBI doubles, including a colossal hit to the deepest part of the park by Miguel Cabrera.

When the dust settled, Millwood had allowed five runs in the first and thrown 45 pitches. He has given up two runs or more in the first inning in eight of his last nine starts – 25 runs in the first in that span.

Posted by Dan Connolly at 1:45 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)
        

Here are just some quick things from Juan Samuel’s pre-game conference:

Felix Pie is expected to fly into Detroit tonight and be ready to play Tuesday against the Tigers. A corresponding move will have to be made – on both the 25-man and 40-man roster to activate Pie from the 60-day disabled lit.

Samuel said the 25-man roster spot hasn’t been decided yet, but so long as the club doesn’t have a pitching disaster today, expect reliever Frank Mata to be sent back to Triple-A Norfolk.

The other option is sending third baseman Josh Bell back to Norfolk, but Bell, who left Sunday’s game with right leg cramps, could stay with the big-league club for a little while longer.

Bell said he was fine this morning, and Samuel said Bell could pinch hit or play in the field if needed. He wasn’t in the starting lineup.

Ty Wigginton is in a 1-for-31 slump heading into Monday, and he is in the starting lineup as the club’s designated hitter. It’s Wigginton’s fourth start at DH and Samuel said he put him there to allow him to just concentrate hitting for a day.

Koji Uehara did not pitch in the Boston series, but Samuel said he just went with other relief options. Uehara is available to pitch an inning Monday in Detroit.

Posted by Dan Connolly at 12:33 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)
        

2010 Orioles: 25-56 (.309)

Notable win-loss records through 82 games (win percentage in parentheses):

1916 Philadelphia Athletics: 19-62-1 (.238)
1954 Orioles: 31-51 (.378)
1962 New York Mets: 23-59 (.280)
1988 Orioles: 25-57 (.305)
2003 Detroit Tigers: 20-62 (.244)

How each team fared in their 82nd game:

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

After a three-day break, the Athletics returned to the field with a loss to the Browns in the first matchup of a five-game series at Sportsman's Park. Philadelphia won only once in 11 chances in St. Louis that year.

1954 Orioles: 2-1 loss to the Detroit Tigers

Left fielder Jim Fridley hit a solo home run as the Orioles were edged by Detroit for the second consecutive day at Briggs Stadium. Tigers second baseman Reno Bertoia hit his first career home run, and Detroit center fielder Bill Tuttle also contributed an RBI in the game.

1962 Mets: 15-1 loss to the St. Louis Cardinals

The Cardinals hit six home runs, including three by left fielder Stan Musial, as they rocked New York on a Sunday afternoon at the Polo Grounds. St. Louis starting pitcher Bob Gibson tossed a complete game for his 10th win of the season. He was also 3-for-5 with a home run, two RBIs and three runs scored.

1988 Orioles: 5-1 win over the Chicago White Sox

Starting pitcher Jose Bautista tossed a complete game, holding the White Sox to one run and five hits, as the Orioles won the second game of the series at Comiskey Park. Cal Ripken Jr. was 3-for-4 with a two-run home run and three RBIs, while Bill Ripken added two hits and an RBI in the victory.

2003 Tigers: 8-2 loss to the Toronto Blue Jays

The Tigers failed in the attempt for their second series sweep of the season as Roy Halladay improved to 12-2 for Toronto on his way to 22 wins and a Cy Young Award. Detroit's first sweep of the season occurred from May 5-7 over the Orioles at Camden Yards. First baseman Carlos Delgado hit two home runs and center fielder Vernon Wells added a home run and four RBIs for the Blue Jays at Comerica Park.

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 11:55 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

The Orioles will have to make an official move with first baseman Garrett Atkins by Wednesday, after designating him for assignment on June 27 when Koji Uehara came off the disabled list.

But by Tuesday he’ll officially be an ex-Oriole. Barring a shocker, Atkins is expected to clear waivers on Tuesday and then would be given his outright release. The Orioles would be on the hook for the remainder of his contract – roughly half of what’s left from the $4.5 million deal he signed in the offseason.

He’ll be free to sign with another organization, and if he ends up on another major league team, they’ll only be responsible for the major-league minimum of $400,000, which the Orioles wouldn’t have to pay.

Atkins had one homer and nine RBIs in 140 at-bats with the Orioles this season.

Posted by Dan Connolly at 2:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
        

I think most people would agree that rookie left-hander Brian Matusz has pitched much better than a 3-9 record and a 4.56 ERA would suggest.

But if you're not convinced, consider the following: Matusz has made eight of his 17 starts against either the Boston Red Sox (three times), the New York Yankees (three) or the Tampa Bay Rays (twice) and in those games, he has a 2.90 ERA and has allowed 41 hits in 49 2/3 innings.

That's not to mention that 12 of his 17 overall starts are quality starts, and he's done it while getting very little run support and while pitching in front of a dreadful defense.

The Red Sox were certainly impressed with him today after he tossed seven shutout innings and tied a career-high with eight strikeouts in the Orioles' 6-1 win.

"He’s a good pitcher," said Boston first baseman Kevin Youkilis. "A lot of times, these day games, lefties tend to do well at Fenway Park. He threw the ball well and when we did hit the ball hard, which wasn’t as much as we liked to, it was at somebody and that’s what it takes, a lot of times, to get this team out."

David Ortiz and J.D. Drew, who couldn't seem to make an out against Orioles' pitching before today, went a combined 0-6 against Matusz with five strikeouts.

"[Coming] into the game, statistically, he had actually had a harder, tougher time versus lefties and he was so tough on David and J.D. today," said Red Sox manager Terry Francona. "He threw David fastballs in his first at-bat and then he threw a lot of breaking balls and really gave them a tough time. Some of our righties squared up some balls but we certainly didn’t sustain anything or get much going. Billy [Hall] got a ball to hit and hit it good to center but we just didn’t have much to show for it. He pitched really well."

In three starts against Boston this year, Matusz is 1-0 with a 2.41 ERA, and he’s surrendered 12 hits and 10 walks while striking out 19 in 18 2/3 innings. In three starts against the New York Yankees, he is 0-3, but he has a 2.41 ERA and three quality starts. Against the Tampa Bay Rays, he is 1-0 in two starts with a 4.38 ERA.

“Sure, it’s real big,” said Matusz. “Those are the guys I’m going to be facing a bunch. I take a lot of pride out of throwing good games against the East. It feels good. I haven’t faced the Blue Jays yet this year, but my other starts against the Rays, Yankees and Red Sox, I’ve felt like I’ve been able to put a lot of focus in those games and kind of bear down to throw well.”

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 6:41 PM | Permalink | Comments (9)
        

Ty Wigginton spent spring training wondering about whether he even had role with the Orioles’ and those questions only increased when the infielder didn’t start the team’s first four games.

But in second baseman Brian Roberts’ absence, Wigginton emerged as one of the team’s top hitters and today he was recognized by being selected to the American League All-Star team. Wigginton was the only Oriole selected for the fifth straight year and the ninth time over the last 10 years.

“I was just shocked actually,” said Wigginton who was given the news after he arrived at Fenway Park this morning. “I feel like at this point, there are some guys having better years than me, both on the team and around the league. But obviously, we know somebody has to go from here and it feels good that it’s me.”

Wigginton, a 34-year-old playing with his fifth big-league club, is hitting .251 but he leads the Orioles with 14 homers and 42 RBIs. He has struggled lately, hitting just one homer in his last 34 games, and taking a 1-for-23 slump into today’s series finale against the Boston Red Sox.

But Wigginton’s versatility and his ability to play multiple positions, including second base, figured prominently in the decision, according to Orioles’ interim manager Juan Samuel.

New York Yankees’ second baseman Robinson Cano will start for the American League, but several other A.L. top second basemen are either dealing with injuries (Roberts, Dustin Pedroia) or are having down years (Aaron Hill).

Wigginton said the honor still hadn’t sunk in, but he suspected the All-Star game, which will played next week in Anaheim, Calif., will be one of the highlights of his career.

“I haven’t thought about it that much, I guess,” said Wigginton who had planned to go home to North Carolina during the All-Star break and spend the time off on his boat and with his family. “The ultimate highlight is getting to put a jersey on each and every day. I take a lot of pride in just getting that opportunity. I’m sure when I have time to let it all soak in and look back, it will definitely be one of my career highlights.”

Several of Wigginton’s teammates applauded the choice, including outfielder Nick Markakis who most people suspected would represent the Orioles because of his team-leading .302 average and because he is top 10 in the A.L. in doubles, on-base percentage and walks. But Markakis’ sagging power numbers (four homers and 26 RBIs) plus a crowded A.L. outfield factored against him.

“I’m not disappointed at all,” Markakis said. “I’m happy for Wiggy. I told him to ‘go have fun.’ He was picked for a reason. He deserves it. I’m still young. I’ll have opportunities to be in that position. He’s been in the league for eight, nine years now.”

Samuel, who made three All-Star teams during his 16-year big league career, said that Wigginton was deserving of an opportunity.

“It’s nice to see them pick Wiggy,” he said. “As we all know in spring training, we didn’t even know if Wiggy was going to be on the club. That’s why you have to be patient, stay in shape and be positive and things will work out. Just look what happened. Brian got hurt and he got a chance to play. If you could imagione us without Wiggy’s numbers the first few months of the season, where would we have been? He was the guy carrying the club. It was really nice to see. He deserves it. He’s been a model guy for us.”

Wigginton admitted that it would have been impossible to foresee making an All-Star team, especially with how the season began.

"Me and [backup catcher Craig Tatum], I remember the first week of the season, we were drawing straws to see who was going to get to play first," Wigginton said. "It was the furthest thing from my mind. I didn’t really think about it at any point. I'm just blown away."

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 12:20 PM | Permalink | Comments (9)
        

The original plan was for rehabbing outfielder Felix Pie to head to Detroit today and be waiting for the rest of his teammates, who will arrive in the Motor City tonight following the Orioles' series finale today in Boston.

However, Pie wants to play one more rehab game today for Double-A Bowie, meaning he won't be activated until Tuesday.

That give either third baseman Josh Bell or reliever Frank Mata one more day of service time.

Orioles interim manager Juan Samuel said the plan is to start Felix Pie in left field and use Corey Patterson primarily as the designated hitter. Samuel said that Patterson has earned the right to remain in the lineup for now.

Samuel also said that Pie won't hit leadoff right away. He'll probably start near the bottom of the order with Patterson continuing to hit in the top spot.

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

2010 Orioles: 24-56 (.300)

Notable win-loss records through 81 games (win percentage in parentheses):

1916 Philadelphia Athletics: 19-61-1 (.241)
1954 Orioles: 31-50 (.383)
1962 New York Mets: 23-58 (.284)
1988 Orioles: 24-57 (.296)
2003 Detroit Tigers: 20-61 (.247)

How each team fared in their 81st game:

1916 Athletics: 7-2 loss to the Cleveland Indians

The Athletics started their longest losing streak of the season -- 20 games -- by dropping the final game of their homestand at Shibe Park against Cleveland. During the 23-game homestand, Philadelphia went 2-21. The Athletics' home record in 1916 was 23-53 and they were outscored 399-231 during those contests.

1954 Orioles: 2-1 loss to the Detroit Tigers

Third baseman Ray Boone was 2-for-3 with a double and two RBIs for the Tigers as they topped the Orioles at Briggs Stadium. Orioles right fielder Cal Abrams was 2-for-4 in the loss, while catcher Clint Courtney hit a solo home run with two outs in the ninth to erase the shutout.

1962 Mets: 3-2 loss to the St. Louis Cardinals

The Mets' modest two-game winning streak ended as they were edged by St. Louis at the Polo Grounds. Cardinals left fielder Stan Musial broke a tie by hitting a solo home run with two outs in the top of the eighth. First baseman Marv Throneberry and catcher Sammy Taylor each hit a solo shot for the Mets in the loss.

1988 Orioles: 5-1 loss to the Chicago White Sox

Catcher Mark Salas was 3-for-3 with a solo home run and two runs scored to lead the White Sox over the Orioles in the series opener on the Fourth of July at Comiskey Park. Orioles first baseman Eddie Murray was 2-for-4 with an RBI, while right fielder Joe Orsulak scored the team's only run.

2003 Tigers: 5-0 win over the Toronto Blue Jays

Starting pitcher Matt Roney only allowed one hit in seven shutout innings as the Tigers blanked Toronto at Comerica Park. The back-to-back wins were Detroit's first since June 3-4 over the San Diego Padres -- almost a month. Tigers relief pitcher Jamie Walker recorded the final four outs for his second career save.

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 11:45 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

Don’t be fooled by his wide smile and hearty laugh. Orioles interim manager Juan Samuel can get quite hot at times, and last night was one of those times.

Samuel lit into home plate umpire Mike Everitt in the eighth inning after his first career ejection as manager. Samuel, miffed at Everitt’s strike zone and frustrated with the play of his own team, yelled at the umpire from the top of step of the dugout after Frank Mata didn’t get a call with David Ortiz at the plate. Everitt motioned for him to get back in the dugout and when Samuel yelled back, he was ejected.

Once that happened, Samuel sprinted from the dugout and went chest-to-chest with Everitt, yelling and gesticulating wildly. Crew chief Tim McClelland separated the two.

“Well I thought some calls could have gone our way and they were not going our way. So we kind of were a little vocal about it, and at the time, it probably was not right but you got to fight for your players,” Samuel said. “To start, I did not say a whole lot to get thrown out. Once I got thrown out, you got to go out there and say something, but we just thought some calls were not going our way.”

Once the rest of the team joined the manager in the clubhouse following the 9-3 loss to the Boston Red Sox, Samuel gave them a stern lecture about their sloppy play, which continued into last night’s game with two more errors and several other plays that should have been made.

“We definitely need to get better,” said Samuel whose team has made 14 errors in the last 12 games and has four straight multi-error games. “Even though last week we won some games, we did not play good defense. We have to pick it up. We need to do all those little things if we’re going to compete in this division and win some ball games.”

Asked if he has been happy with the team’s effort, Samuel said, “Not tonight at all. It’s been good, don’t get me wrong, but we need to show up every day and play a professional ball game.”

Both Nick Markakis and Adam Jones said that the team deserved the lecture.

“We didn’t play defensively like a big league team today,” Markakis said. “We made bonehead plays.”

Said Jones: “He played the game one way and when he sees the game not being played the way he played it or the way it should be played, I think he gets frustrated – as he should. I think everybody else on the field gets frustrated.”

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 12:15 AM | Permalink | Comments (11)
        

Miguel Tejada first started dealing with the trade rumors while he was Oriole during the 2005 season and they never stopped until the former shortstop was dealt to the Houston Astros in December 2007.

Not all that long into his tenure with the Astros, he was hearing that he could be on the move again although that’s where he stayed until he signed with the Orioles for a second stint in January. With the Orioles carrying the league-worst record, Tejada signed to just a one-year deal and the organization’s projected future third baseman Josh Bell already on the Major League roster, there is again speculation that Tejada could be traded before the July 31 deadline.

“I’ve already gotten use to that [trade talk],” said Tejada who entered tonight hitting .283 with six homers and 32 RBs. “The last two years in Houston was always the same thing. There were always rumors that I was about to get traded. But one thing I’ve always done is I don’t pay attention to what can happen. I just take it one day at a time I love this game and I don’t let anything distract me or take me out of my game.”

The Minnesota Twins and Philadelphia Phillies are among the teams looking for help at third base though the Phillies’ need is more immediate with injuries to both third baseman Placido Polanco and second baseman Chase Utley. Both Tejada and teammate Ty Wigginton have been mentioned repeatedly as fits for Philadelphia.

However, Tejada said that if he got his way, he’d stay in Baltimore, not just for the rest of the season, but for the next couple of years.

“I’d like to stay here,” Tejada said. “I love being around this group of young guys. It’s the best group of young guys that I’ve been around. They listen a lot and they love playing – [Adam] Jones, [Nick] Markakis, [Matt] Wieters. You can really see it, and I love that. Even though we’re not winning, they’re always upbeat. If they want me to be here, I’m staying here. I definitely like it. I live in Florida, but I’ve always said, Baltimore is like my home. I signed my big contract here and the fans really have treated me this time like they did last time. I love playing at Camden Yards. But there’s nothing I can do. It’s out of my hands.”

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 5:46 PM | Permalink | Comments (12)
        

Reliever Jim Johnson, who is on the disabled list with right elbow inflammation, cut short his throwing session today at the team’s spring training complex in Sarasota, Fla. after he was still experiencing some minor discomfort in his right elbow.

Johnson was throwing from 120 feet when he felt some discomfort and decided to shut it down for now after consulting with the training staff.

“We’re going to give it a little more time. We’re going to treat it and exhaust all the avenues that we can. I think we’re on the right path,” said Johnson, who hasn’t pitched in a game since throwing one inning for Triple-A Norfolk on May 4. “I’m dealing with just the flare ups. Our team doctor and our medical coordinator don’t think it’s the ligament right now. They think it’s more related to the muscles around the elbow, and the soft tissue.”

Johnson had been shut down for four days after he started feeling some discomfort while throwing his fourth bullpen session earlier last week. He had gone the whole throwing program, two bullpen sessions and a live batting practice session without feeling any discomfort.

Johnson said that he doesn’t consider today’s news a significant setback and he’s still optimistic that he’ll avoid Tommy John ligament-reconstruction surgery.

“It’s less [pain] definitely than what it was,” he said. “With the four days off, it’s remarkably better, but there’s still a little bit going on. They want me totally pain free to really gauge it. It’s a timing thing. It sucks because you can’t make time speed up. The next week to 10 days, we’re just going to be doing treatment, exercises and some rigorous stretching to just really give it time to go away. I’m taking some medicine to help. We’re doing everything we can to get this thing taken care of.

“Deep down, I really don’t think I need surgery. It just needs to get better and I don’t think surgery is the answer. We’re not really thinking the ligament is the main issue at this point.”

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 1:42 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)
        

Red Sox leadoff man Marco Scutaro's eighth-inning double last night off Brad Bergesen put a man in scoring position with two outs in a 2-2 game.

The double was on Bergesen's 100th pitch and it brought left-handed hitter Eric Patterson to the plate and a more fearsome left-handed hitter, David Ortiz, to the on-deck circle.

Interim manager Juan Samuel and everyone else in the stadium knew that if the Orioles brought lefty specialist Will Ohman into the game, Red Sox manager Terry Francona would undoubtedly lift Patterson for a right-handed hitter.

However, Samuel was fine with that reality and summoned Ohman into the game. Francona, in turn, yanked Patterson and sent up rookie Daniel Nava.

Did what happened next prove Samuel made the wrong move?

Nava made light contact with a decent 2-1 pitch by Ohman and blooped a single between three Orioles' defenders and into right field. Scutaro scored easily and the Orioles lost again.

I said before Samuel had even come out of the dugout - so this clearly isn't a second guess - that I would take my chances with Bergesen versus Patterson, Corey's younger brother who entered the night hitting .208 and who had just gotten designated for assignment by the Oakland Athletics late last month.

I didn't think it was a terrible decision as Patterson twice in the game made good contact on Bergesen and drove center fielder Adam Jones back near the wall. It's just not one I would have made.

Bergesen had retired 10 straight before Scutaro's double and I would have allowed him to see if he could make it 11 of 12 against Patterson. Then, I would have obviously brought in Ohman to face Ortiz, whether that was for the final out of the eighth or the first of the ninth.

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 11:14 AM | Permalink | Comments (8)
        

2010 Orioles: 24-55 (.304)

Notable win-loss records through 80 games (win percentage in parentheses):

1916 Philadelphia Athletics: 19-60-1 (.244)
1954 Orioles: 31-49 (.388)
1962 New York Mets: 23-57 (.288)
1988 Orioles: 24-56 (.300)
2003 Detroit Tigers: 19-61 (.238)

How each team fared in their 80th game:

1916 Athletics: 2-0 win over the Cleveland Indians

The Athletics picked up their second -- and final -- victory in July during the second game of a doubleheader against Cleveland on July 20 at Shibe Park. They wouldn't see the win column again until Aug. 9 against the Detroit Tigers.

1954 Orioles: 7-5 win over the Detroit Tigers

The Orioles scored five times in the top of the sixth and survived three late runs by Detroit in the series opener at Briggs Stadium. Orioles right fielder Cal Abrams hit three doubles, while starting pitcher Duane Pillette tossed a complete game for the victory.

1962 Mets: 5-4 win over the St. Louis Cardinals

After giving up a run in the top of the ninth, the Mets scored two times in the bottom of the frame on pinch-hitter Marv Throneberry's home run to earn a walk-off victory over St. Louis at the Polo Grounds. Catcher Sammy Taylor added a solo shot for New York.

1988 Orioles: 13-1 loss to the Texas Rangers

After winning the first two games of the series, left fielder Joe Orsulak's solo home run in the eighth inning was the Orioles' only run as they were routed by Texas at Arlington Stadium. Orioles starting pitcher Jeff Ballard was chased from the game after giving up five runs (four earned) and six hits in 1 1/3 innings.

2003 Tigers: 6-2 win over the Toronto Blue Jays

Tigers starting pitcher Mike Maroth won for the second time in three starts. Detroit catcher A.J. Hinch hit a two-run home run as the Tigers scored five runs in the fifth inning to snap a nine-game losing streak in the series opener at Comerica Park.

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 10:54 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

The IronBirds placed utility player Tyler Kolodny on the disabled list, retroactive to July 1. No corresponding move was immediately announced.

Norfolk Tides (AAA)

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

Recap: Second baseman Paco Figueroa hit two doubles in the Tides' 2-1 loss to Charlotte at Harbor Park.

Norfolk starting pitcher Zach Clark (0-3) allowed two runs and four hits in six innings. He struck out four batters and issued three walks, throwing 54 of his 89 pitches for strikes.

Right fielder Rhyne Hughes contributed a double and a run scored for the Tides, while third baseman Blake Davis was 1-for-4 with an RBI.

Bowie Baysox (AA)

Score: Akron Aeros 9, Bowie Baysox 4 (Box score)

Recap: Shortstop Greg Miclat hit his second professional home run, a line drive down the left-field line that just disappeared over the wall in the second inning as the Baysox were beaten, 9-4, by Akron at Prince George's Stadium.

"It was a fastball middle-in, and I was just trying to score the run," Miclat said. "I got the bat head out, and -- it didn't go over by much -- but it went over."

As I mentioned earlier, it wasn't a great night for the two Orioles players on injury rehabilitation assignments -- Felix Pie and Michael Gonzalez -- with the Baysox.

Bowie first baseman Brandon Waring was 2-for-3 with a double and a run scored, while center fielder Danny Figueroa and right fielder Tyler Henson each added a triple and a run scored.

Baysox starting pitcher Nathan Nery (0-3) was roughed up for seven runs and 12 hits in 4 2/3 innings. He struck out three batters and surrendered two home runs.

Nery threw 50 of his 79 pitches for strikes. He allowed five consecutive hits before being chased from the game in the fifth inning.

Frederick Keys (A)

Score: Frederick Keys 5, Salem Red Sox 2 (Box score)

Recap: Right fielder Ronnie Welty was 3-for-5 with two runs scored as the Keys rallied late for a 5-2 victory on the road over Salem.

Frederick third baseman Billy Rowell contributed a double and two RBIs, and catcher Phillip Britton was 2-for-4 with a double.

Keys relief pitcher Jose Duran (4-1) tossed 1 1/3 scoreless innings for the victory, and closer Jose Diaz recorded the final three outs for his 12th save of the season.

Starting pitcher Ryan O'Shea gave up two runs and seven hits in 5 2/3 innings for the Keys. He walked four batters and collected three strikeouts.

Delmarva Shorebirds (A)

Score: West Virginia Power 5, Delmarva Shorebirds 1 (Box score)

Recap: Designated hitter Kieron Pope was 2-for-4 with a pair of doubles and an RBI, but the Shorebirds were beaten, 5-1, by West Virginia.

Delmarva first baseman Tyler Townsend was 2-for-4 with a double and a run scored, and right fielder Brian Conley contributed a single and a stolen base.

Shorebirds starting pitcher Jesse Beal (5-5) gave up four runs and seven hits in six innings. He struck out four batters, issued two walks and allowed two home runs.

Shortstop Garabez Rosa committed his 27th error of the season for Delmarva.

Aberdeen IronBirds (A)

Score: Aberdeen IronBirds 5, Hudson Valley Renegades 0 (Box score)

Recap: One hit cost the IronBirds from giving the Orioles' minor league system the second no-hitter of the week in the team's 5-0 win over Hudson Valley.

Renegades third baseman Elias Otero hit a double to lead off the eighth inning to break up the no-hit bid. He was stranded at second base.

Aberdeen starting pitcher Justin Moore (2-0) recorded six innings without allowing a hit before he was removed from the game. He issued three walks and collected two strikeouts.

IronBirds third baseman Adam Gaylord hit a three-run home run, while designated hitter Zach Moore added a two-run shot.

Second baseman Omar Casamayor was 3-for-4 for the IronBirds.

Bluefield Orioles (Rookie)

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

Recap: Center fielder Brenden Webb collected a double and an RBI in the Orioles' 7-2 defeat on the road against Burlington.

Bluefield right fielder Jeremy Shelby was 2-for-4 with a double, while catcher Michael Ohlman also contributed a double in the loss.

Orioles starting pitcher Cameron Roth two runs and two hits in three innings, but he didn't factor in the decision. He struck out five batters and issued three walks.

Despite striking out eight hitters in four innings, Bluefield relief pitcher Billy Gross (0-1) suffered the loss after giving up two runs and two hits.

GCL Orioles (Rookie)

Score: GCL Rays 3, GCL Orioles 2 (Box score)

Recap: Shortstop Jonathan Schoop was 2-for-4 with a run scored as the GCL Orioles were edged, 3-2, by the GCL Rays.

Orioles catcher Xavier Lopez contributed a double and two RBIs, and first baseman Preston Hale was 1-for-4 with a run scored.

Starting pitcher Luiyi Batista didn't factor in the decision for the Orioles after giving up one unearned run and one hit in five innings, while relief pitcher David Richardson (0-2) walked three batters and allowed an unearned run in one-third of an inning.

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 11:05 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)
        

With Orioles players Felix Pie and Michael Gonzalez participating in injury rehabilitation assignments with Double-A Bowie, there was an extra level of excitement from fans to kick off the holiday weekend at Prince George's Stadium.

Pie, Gonzalez and the rest of the Baysox didn't give the crowd much reason to celebrate, however, as Akron cruised to a 9-4 victory in the second game of the series.

In his first at-bat, Pie showed some solid plate discipline as he walked on six pitches.

Pie struck out in each of his next two at-bats, however. In the fifth, he was punched out on four pitches.

Akron second baseman Jason Kipnis robbed Pie of a single up the middle in the seventh as he ranged well to his right and threw out the Orioles outfielder by a step at first base.

With one run already scored in the bottom of the ninth, Pie tripled into the left-center field gap in his last at-bat to finish 1-for-4 with a walk. He was stranded at third base as third baseman Ryan Adams flied out to end the game.

Gonzalez entered with two outs in the fifth inning after Baysox starting pitcher Nathan Nery allowed five consecutive hits -- a home run, two doubles and two singles.

With a runner on second base, Gonzalez forced Akron shortstop Cristo Arnal to fly out to deep center field to end the threat in the fifth.

In the sixth, Gonzalez retired the first two batters before ending his night on a bad note.

Aeros third baseman Lonnie Chisenhall hit a long home run over the first layer of signs in right-center field. Chisenhall fouled off four consecutive pitches before unleashing the bomb against Gonzalez.

According to the radar gun at the ballpark -- which isn't always accurate, by the way -- Gonzalez was in the upper 80s for the most part with his fastball. He touched 91.

Another radar gun had Gonzalez between 90-93 during the outing.

Overall, Gonzalez threw 15 of his 20 pitches for strikes.

I thought Gonzalez looked OK, for what it's worth, but he looks far from the dominating closer that the Orioles envisioned when they signed him as a free agent in the offseason.

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 9:58 PM | Permalink | Comments (8)
        

The Red Sox don't have Jacoby Ellsbury, Dustin Pedroia, Mike Lowell, Jeremy Hermida, Jason Varitek or Victor Martinez, but they do have J.D. Drew and that's the worst news of all for the Orioles.

Drew has connected off Brad Bergesen for two solo homers tonight, one going to center field and the other going to left. It is the 17th multi-homer game of his career and the second one this season, both coming against the Orioles. And the scary part is he may have two at-bats left.

Against the Orioles this season, Drew is 12-for-30 with five of his 10 homers, 10 runs scored, 11 of his 39 RBIs, three doubles and two walks.

It is 2-2 after six innings as Bergesen has pitched well, aside from Drew's two at-bats.

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 8:20 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

Orioles interim manager Juan Samuel and third base and outfield coach John Shelby spoke with Adam Jones today about his defense after the Oakland Athletics twice had baserunners go first and third on the center fielder last night.

"That’s some of the conversation that we had with Jonesy today," Samuel said. "We’re trying to get him to charge the ball and not assume that guys are not going to take the extra-base on him. We’re trying to have him get behind flyballs and not assume that guys aren’t going to tag up. We also made him aware that, ‘Hey, we can go into a slump at home plate, but we cannot afford to go in a slump on defense.’"

Samuel also asked Jones to play a little deeper in center field to cut down on the number of extra-base hits going over his head. Jones was on the field about four hours before tonight's scheduled first pitch working with both Samuel and Shelby.

Pitching coach Rick Kranitz acknowledged that pitching prospect Zach Britton, who pitched six shutout innings in his Triple-A debut last night, has got the attention of key decision makers.

Asked if Britton is close to a promotion, Kranitz said, "I would think so. It seems like he’s right on target. I would assume that he’s got to be close. He’s dominated his league so you need to look at him."

Felix Pie had some leg tightness during his rehab game for Double-A Bowie last night, but it isn't serious and he's expected to play for the Baysox again tonight.

Jim Johnson (slight tear in right elbow) will throw a bullpen session tomorrow after being shutdown for a couple of days with elbow discomfort.

Rookie Josh Bell is in the lineup again tonight, this time at designated hitter. Tim Wakefield is starting for Boston and in case you're wondering, Bell has faced a knuckleballer before. He faced Wakefield in spring training and R.A. Dickey in the minors this year.

Infielder Ty Wigginton has left agent Dan Lozano and hired the New York-based Levinson Brothers to represent him.

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 5:43 PM | Permalink | Comments (6)
        

The Bowie Baysox announced Friday that LHP Michael Gonzalez has been assigned to their roster from Short-A Aberdeen. He'll probably pitch there for a few games.

He is joining Felix Pie who is also on a rehab assignment in Bowie.

While Pie is expected to join the Orioles on Monday in Detroit, Gonzalez (left shoulder) might be a little further behind. The Orioles want to see him have more command of his breaking ball before he gets activated from the DL.

He is expected to pitch Friday in relief for the Baysox. Pie will play left and bat leadoff Friday night.

Gonzalez, who signed a $12-million, two-year deal with the O's in the offseason, pitched just three games with the Orioles before getting hurt. He was 1-for-3 in save chances.

When he returns, he'll be eased back into the bullpen while Alfredo Simon holds down the closer's role for now.

Posted by Dan Connolly at 5:02 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)
        

2010 Orioles: 24-54 (.308)

Notable win-loss records through 79 games (win percentage in parentheses):

1916 Philadelphia Athletics: 18-60-1 (.234)
1954 Orioles: 30-49 (.380)
1962 New York Mets: 22-57 (.278)
1988 Orioles: 24-55 (.304)
2003 Detroit Tigers: 18-61 (.229)

How each team fared in their 79th game:

1916 Athletics: 4-2 loss to the Cleveland Indians

The Athletics dropped the first game of a doubleheader to Cleveland at Shibe Park. It was Philadelphia's ninth straight defeat. In 39 games from June 3 to this loss on July 20, the Athletics posted a 3-36 record. And it only got worse from there. They were only a day away from a 20-game losing streak.

1954 Orioles: 4-1 loss to the Cleveland Indians

Cleveland starting pitcher Bob Feller tossed a complete game at Cleveland Stadium, holding the Orioles to one run and seven hits. Feller also went 1-for-3 with an RBI in the game. Orioles shortstop Jim Brideweser collected two hits in the defeat, and second baseman Bobby Young added a sacrifice fly.

1962 Mets: 10-3 win over the St. Louis Cardinals

After a 2-9 road trip, the Mets erupted for 10 runs in their return to the Polo Grounds during a rout of the Cardinals. After entering the game as a defensive replacement, New York left fielder Rod Kanehl belted a grand slam in the bottom of the eighth. Third baseman Felix Mantilla was 4-for-4 with an RBI for the Mets, and second baseman Charlie Neal added a solo shot.

1988 Orioles: 7-4 win over the Texas Rangers

Third baseman Rick Schu hit a grand slam during the Orioles' six-run outburst in the fourth inning at Arlington Stadium. Orioles center fielder Ken Gerhart added two RBIs. Relief pitcher John Habyan tossed 1 1/3 scoreless innings to pick up his only victory of the season for the Orioles.

2003 Tigers: 5-3 loss to the Arizona Diamondbacks

Arizona third baseman Robby Hammock was 3-for-5 with a go-ahead two-run home run in the top of the 10th at Comerica Park as the Tigers lost for the ninth consecutive game. Detroit first baseman Kevin Witt hit a two-run home run and left fielder Dmitri Young added three hits in the losing effort. Ex-Orioles outfielder Steve Finley connected on a solo shot for the Diamondbacks.

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 9:52 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

As colleague Dan Connolly wrote in today’s O’s notebook, Charley Kerfeld, a special assistant to Philadelphia Phillies General Manager Ruben Amaro Jr., was at Camden Yards the last two nights. This comes on the heels of Jim Salisbury, a reporter for www.csnphilly.com, reporting that the Orioles have been scouting the Phillies’ minor league system and Major League roster. While the names of starters Jeremy Guthrie and Kevin Millwood have been connected to the Phillies, infielder Ty Wigginton probably makes the most sense, especially with the injuries to second baseman Chase Utley and third baseman Placido Polanco. Philadelphia has inquired about Wigginton before and they know him well. Howie Freiling, a special assignment scout for the Phillies who has scouted the Orioles several times this year, was Wigginton’s first professional manager with St. Lucie in the Florida State League in 1999. Another one of the Phillies’ scouts, Dave Hollins, worked with the Orioles the previous four seasons.

About four hours before nearly every game, Adam Jones can be found on the field, either getting his running in or tracking balls in center field hit or thrown by first base coach John Shelby. I say this to point out that Jones’ perceived regression defensively after he won a Gold Glove last year is not because of a lack of hard work. Jones works his butt off, making it hard to fathom how much he has struggled this season. Sure, he has misplayed some balls and allowed plenty of them to be hit over his head, spurring more debate about whether he plays too shallow. Just as troublesome to me, he still looks indecisive at times. In the third inning last night, Kurt Suzuki went from first to third on Ryan Sweeney’s single up the middle and didn’t even draw a throw from Jones. Suzuki runs well for a catcher but he was only one or two step past second base when Jones fielded the ball. It looked like he was dead to rites, yet no throw came. Four innings later, Kevin Kouzmanoff, also not exactly a burner, went from first to third on a Sweeney single up the middle. Jones did throw it this time, but not before he double clutched and then fired high and wide, giving third baseman Josh Bell no chance to tag the runner.

I think it would be a neat story if Jason Berken was the Orioles’ representative for the All-Star game, but let’s be honest, it is nearly impossible for a middle reliever from a last-place team to make the squad even if he is the most deserving candidate. So with that being said and with the knowledge the Orioles absolutely have to be represented, I can’t see picking anybody but Nick Markakis. I understand his three home runs and 25 RBIs aren’t All-Star worthy, but he has been far and away, the team’s best and most consistent player. He entered last night tied for first in the A.L. in doubles, fifth in walks, sixth in on-base percentage and 16th in average. Those numbers should count for something as should the fact that Markakis is one of the better corner outfielders in the A.L. Wigginton and Jones’ power numbers are obviously much sexier, but they haven’t been consistent offensively and they’ve struggled defensively.

Lefty Zach Britton’s six scoreless innings in his Triple-A debut on Thursday make him 5-0 with an 0.85 ERA over his last eight minor league starts. ESPN.com’s Keith Law recently named Britton the 16th best prospect in baseball and commented, “I haven’t found a scout who’s seen him without really liking him.” I can second that. But what I like most about Britton is that he uses his sinkerball to get a ton of groundballs. Aside from Brad Bergesen, whose sinker hasn’t been right all year, the other Orioles’ young starters are largely flyball pitchers. That’s a recipe for disaster in this ballpark and in this division.

It’s not a given that rookie third baseman Josh Bell is sent down on Monday when the club is expected to activate Felix Pie. The Orioles easily could keep him and jettison Frank Mata to Triple-A Norfolk. I’m sure interim manager Juan Samuel wants to make sure the team is covered in the bullpen with the starting rotation in the middle of a rough patch and 10 straight games against solid offensive teams in Boston (at least before the injuries, Detroit and Texas. But Mata isn’t exactly getting people out these days so he could be making the team’s decision to go to a seven-man bullpen easy. Either way, Bell will probably be in the lineup as the designated hitter tonight against knuckleballer Tim Wakefield, but I don’t expect to see him tomorrow night against ace lefty Jon Lester.

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 7:10 AM | Permalink | Comments (20)
        

Left-handed pitcher Chad Thall returns to Bowie from Aberdeen, while right-hander Andy Mitchell was assigned to the IronBirds from Norfolk.

Mitchell's roster spot with the Tides was taken by Zach Britton, who was promoted from Bowie.

Also, IronBirds first baseman David Anderson was placed on the temporary inactive list.

Norfolk Tides (AAA)

Score: Charlotte Knights 7, Norfolk Tides 5 (Box score)

Recap: Britton tossed six scoreless innings in his Triple-A debut, but Norfolk's bullpen imploded in a 7-5 loss to Charlotte at Harbor Park.

Britton struck out four batters, throwing 45 of his 70 pitches for strikes.

Tides relief pitcher Armando Gabino was charged with four runs (two earned) and two hits in two-thirds of an inning, while closer Dennis Sarfate (0-1) surrendered three runs, two hits and two walks in one inning.

Norfolk left fielder Jeff Salazar was 2-for-4 with a home run and two RBIs, and right fielder Rhyne Hughes added a solo shot in the defeat.

Bowie Baysox (AA)

Score: Akron Aeros 5, Bowie Baysox 0 (Box score)

Recap: Left fielder Felix Pie was 0-for-4 in the leadoff spot as the Baysox were blanked, 5-0, by Akron at Prince George's Stadium.

Bowie third baseman Tyler Henson was 2-for-4 with a double, and center fielder Danny Figueroa contributed a single and a stolen base.

Baysox starting pitcher Ryohei Tanaka (4-8) allowed five runs and eight hits, including three home runs to Aeros first baseman Matt McBride, in six innings.

Frederick Keys (A)

Score: Frederick Keys 6, Salem Red Sox 4 (Box score)

Recap: Right fielder Ronnie Welty was 2-for-4 with a double and four RBIs as the Keys rallied for a 6-4 win over Salem.

Frederick center fielder Xavier Avery was 3-for-4 with a double, triple, an RBI and three runs scored, while catcher Brian Ward walked twice and scored a run.

Keys relief pitcher Brett Jacobson (5-0) tossed three no-hit innings to pick up the victory, while closer Jose Diaz pitched one scoreless frame for his 11th save of the season.

Starting pitcher Cole McCurry gave up four runs and six hits in five innings for Frederick.

Delmarva Shorebirds (A)

Score: West Virginia Power 8, Delmarva Shorebirds 3 (Box score)

Recap: Starting pitcher Kenny Moreland (4-3) gave up five runs and eight hits in six innings during the Shorebirds' 8-3 loss to West Virginia.

Delmarva third baseman Tyler Kelly and first baseman Tyler Townsend each contributed a double and an RBI, while catcher Justin Dalles was 1-for-3 with an RBI.

Shorebirds right fielder Steve Bumbry hit a double, and left fielder Levi Carolus and second baseman Michael Mooney each added a double and a run scored.

Aberdeen IronBirds (A)

Score: Hudson Valley Renegades 3, Aberdeen IronBirds 2 (Box score)

Recap: Left fielder Kipp Schutz was 2-for-4 with a double, an RBI and a run scored in the IronBirds' 3-2 loss on the road against Hudson Valley.

Norfolk second baseman Omar Casamayor added two hits, including a triple, while third baseman Adam Gaylord was 2-for-4 with a double.

Starting pitcher Scott Copeland struck out six batters while giving up two runs and three hits in six-plus innings during the no-decision for Aberdeen.

Copeland also hit two batters, issued one walk and made two throwing errors.

Bluefield Orioles (Rookie)

Score: Burlington Royals 14, Bluefield Orioles 2 (Box score)

Recap: Burlington scored eight runs in the top of the ninth to cruise, 14-2, over Bluefield at Bowen Field.

Orioles center fielder Jeremy Shelby was 2-for-4 in the losing effort, while right fielder Luis Ramirez added a triple and a stolen base.

Bluefield starting pitcher Daurin Tavarez (0-2) gave up five runs (three earned) and seven hits in five innings. He struck out four batters and issued two walks.

GCL Orioles (Rookie)

Game 1 score: GCL Red Sox 3, GCL Orioles 0 (Box score)

Game 1 recap: First baseman Preston Hale was 3-for-3 as the GCL Orioles failed to score in a 3-0 loss to the GCL Red Sox.

Orioles starting pitcher Derek Hanks (0-1) allowed two runs and eight hits in 3 2/3 innings. Hanks collected one strikeout and walked one batter.

Catcher Tanner Murphy and third baseman Dudley Leonora each hit a single for the Orioles.

Game 2 score: GCL Red Sox 7, GCL Orioles 6 (Box score)

Game 2 recap: Hale was 1-for-3 with two RBIs in the Orioles' 7-6 loss to the Red Sox in the second game.

Orioles catcher Rolando Petit was 2-for-3 with a throwing error, and left fielder David Rivera added a single and two runs scored.

Starting pitcher Orlando Alfonso was charged with two runs and four hits in 2 1/3 innings for the Orioles, and relief pitcher Andy Deain (0-1) allowed two runs and two hits in one inning.

Orioles second baseman Pedro Rodriguez was 1-for-3 with an RBI and two runs scored.

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 11:38 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
        

It started early when left fielder Corey Patterson misplayed Cliff Pennington's flyball into a two-run double, and then it continued throughout the game.

For all the talk about the punchless offense, the leaky back end of the bullpen and the recent run of poor starting pitching, the Orioles' defense could be the team's weakest area and that is saying something.

The outfielders, other than Nick Markakis, don't take good routes on balls or make consistently accurate throws. The infield defense is brutal, which shouldn't surprise anybody when you essentially got three guys playing out of position on a nightly basis. The Orioles don't complete routine double plays, they don't get to many balls and they struggle to make the plays even when they do. It's awful to watch on a nightly basis.

A couple of other notes: Philadelphia Phillies Special Assistant to the General Manager Charley Kerfeld has been scouting the Orioles the past couple of days. With Chase Utley and Placido Polanco out, the Phillies obviousy need an infielder (Ty Wigginton?, Miguel Tejada?), and they also have been mentioned in connection with Kevin Millwood and Jeremy Guthrie.

U.S. World Cup soccer coach Bob Bradley out the first pitch tonight and while it sailed a little high, it certainly was a respectable effort. I guess that shouldn't come as a surprise as Bradley's brother is former Seattle Mariner Scott Bradley. "I'm from a baseball family," Bob Bradley said. "They were teasing me today, saying 'Make sure you don't short hop it.' So I think they were watching. I can still throw a little bit."

As for soccer, Bradley predicted that Brazil would win the World Cup, admitting that he wasn't totally going out on a limb.

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 9:15 PM | Permalink | Comments (8)
        

As expected, Orioles representatives met with Eric Wedge and Rick Dempsey at Peter Angelos’ downtown law offices Thursday to talk about the club’s managerial post.

Dempsey, the Mid-Atlantic Sports Network broadcaster who previously played with and coached the Orioles, met this afternoon with president of baseball operations Andy MacPhail and the team’s general counsel, H. Russell Smouse.

Angelos was not present for the two-hour meeting with Dempsey, who has interviewed for the position on three previous occasions.

“Everything went great, I am very happy with it. It was definitely a legitimate interview. I felt it went better than any other interview I have ever had,” Dempsey said. “Even if I don’t get the job, I think they listened to a lot of things I had to say about the ballclub and getting it back on track. Whoever they pick, hopefully will use that information to help the team get better.”

Dempsey said he wasn’t given an indication of when a replacement for Dave Trembley will be named.

“There is no timetable on this thing. They have some more people to go yet,” Dempsey said. “They will keep me informed.”

Wedge, the former Cleveland Indians manager, met with Orioles representatives Thursday morning. It was his second interview; the first was with just president of baseball operations Andy MacPhail in Cleveland on June 9.

The purpose of this one, in part, was for Wedge to meet Angelos.

Wedge could not be reached for comment.

MacPhail, who as a matter of policy will not discuss specifics of the meetings, said: “We had two interviews. As always, they are informative and insightful. It's an interesting process, not one you want to go through on a regular basis. It's an interesting process. That's about the extent of it.”

Posted by Dan Connolly at 5:31 PM | Permalink | Comments (7)
        

Both Orioles president of baseball operations Andy MacPhail and interim manager Juan Samuel said prospect Josh Bell's stay in the majors could be a short one. Outfielder Felix Pie is expected to be activated from the disabled list Monday in Detroit, and Bell will be one of the candidates to go down to the minors at that point.

"We told him to not buy an apartment here, just to keep your options open," MacPhail said. "Certainly, [that's] one of the possibilities, obviously, depending on what happens on the field."

That's just fine to Bell, who got the news of his promotion last night and acknowledged he was surprised.

"It’s a blessing, I guess. I’m ready," Bell said. "Hopefully I’ll be able to contribute for right now, and we’ll see what happens."

MacPhail and Samuel said they still want Felix Pie to play a couple of games in the outfield before he rejoins the club. When they scanned the rest of their options, Bell stood out because he has been swinging the bat well.

"The more you looked at it and the position you had to potentially fill, the clearer the picture became," MacPhail said.

MacPhail said he has nothing on the immediate horizon on the trade front, so you can put that theory on Bell's call-up to bed for a couple of days. He also said the club has had zero talk about moving Miguel Tejada to shortstop full time, sending Cesar Izturis to the bench and playing Bell regularly at third base.

So for now, Bell will try to take advantage of the opportunities that he gets, even though there might only be a few.

"I definitely feel that I’m doing better, but I still know that there are things that I need to work on," he said. " I’m not exactly where I wanted to be, but I feel good and I’m ready. "

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 5:04 PM | Permalink | Comments (8)
        

Single-A Frederick's Nathan Moreau pitched the second no-hitter of the season for an Orioles minor leaguer in the Keys' 7-0 win over Salem on Wednesday, following Chris Tillman's gem for Norfolk on April 28.

Moreau, 23, was the organization's Pitcher of the Month in May. He was 2-3 with a 2.98 ERA in 16 games (seven starts) for Single-A Delmarva before being promoted to Frederick on the day of the no-hitter.

"I started thinking about it in the fourth [inning]," Moreau said. "There had been a few times this year at Delmarva where I had gone four no-hit innings, and somehow I always messed it up.

"It kind of just got into my head then to take it one inning at a time," he added.

Moreau's accomplishment, which was the first no-hitter for the Keys since Brandon Erbe and two relievers combined to complete the feat in August 2008, happened after an active 24 hours for the young left-hander.

"I found out [Tuesday] after our game [with Single-A Delmarva at West Virginia] that I was coming up," Moreau said. "I got to Salem about 2 o'clock in the afternoon [Wednesday], stopped at the hotel briefly, got my baseball gear and headed to the field."

Moreau credited the Keys' defense, especially the three outfielders, for preserving the no-hitter.

"Kyle Hudson made two great catches in the outfield early in the game," Moreau said. "Ronnie Welty made a catch jumping at the wall in right field, and Xavier Avery tracked down a really good ball right at the wall."

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 4:33 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

Prospect Josh Bell has been recalled from Triple-A Norfolk to take Luke Scott's roster spot. Scott was placed on the disabled list with a strained left hamstring.

It was expected that the Orioles would activate outfielder Felix Pie from the disabled list rather than have him play two more rehab games for Double-A Bowie. But the club didn't want Scott's injury to dictate how quickly Pie returned.

Bell, a 23-year-old third baseman, was hitting .266 for Norfolk with 10 homers and 44 RBIs in 74 games this season. He has hit .268 with two homers and 11 RBIs in the past 10 games, and that includes a two-home run and six-RBI effort versus Charlotte on Tuesday.

He is in the Orioles' lineup for tonight, batting seventh and playing third base. Miguel Tejada will hit second and DH.

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 3:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (34)
        

2010 Orioles: 24-53 (.312)

Notable win-loss records through 78 games (win percentage in parentheses):

1916 Philadelphia Athletics: 18-59-1 (.237)
1954 Orioles: 30-48 (.385)
1962 New York Mets: 21-57 (.269)
1988 Orioles: 23-55 (.295)
2003 Detroit Tigers: 18-60 (.231)

How each team fared in their 78th game:

1916 Athletics: 12-5 loss to the Cleveland Indians

The Athletics dropped the series opener to Cleveland at Shibe Park for their eighth consecutive loss overall. Philadelphia was 4-18 against the Indians in 1916. In the 22 games, the Athletics were outscored, 144-70.

1954 Orioles: 6-1 loss to the Cleveland Indians

Right fielder Cal Abrams was 4-for-4 with a run scored, but the Orioles couldn't get anything else going offensively at Cleveland Stadium. The rest of the team managed only two hits. Orioles starting pitcher Bob Turley was roughed up by the Indians for six runs, three hits and five walks in one-plus inning.

1962 Mets: 10-3 loss to the San Francisco Giants

San Francisco center fielder Willie Mays celebrated the Fourth of July with two home runs and five RBIs as the Giants routed the Mets at Candlestick Park. First baseman Orlando Cepeda and shortstop Jose Pagan each added two RBIs for San Francisco, while third baseman Jim Davenport was 3-for-4 with three runs.

1988 Orioles: 7-1 win over the Texas Rangers

Starting pitcher Mike Boddicker scattered one run and 10 hits in a complete-game victory for the Orioles over Texas at Arlington Stadium. Boddicker struck out seven batters and issued one walk, throwing 88 of his 130 pitches for strikes. Orioles center fielder Fred Lynn hit a solo home run in the first inning.

2003 Tigers: 7-0 loss to the Arizona Diamondbacks

Starting pitcher Brandon Webb tossed a shutout at Comerica Park, allowing seven hits and walking one batter as the Diamondbacks handed the Tigers their 60th loss of the season before the calendar turned to July. Detroit starter Jeremy Bonderman's record dropped to 2-12 after he gave up five runs (three earned) and seven hits in six innings.

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 11:02 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)