Andruw Jones didn't exactly dial it up in his free-agent year, but at least he didn't pull a Mike Cameron.

Cameron, who will hit the open market after finishing the 2007 season with the San Diego Padres, has been suspended 25 games for testing positive for a banned stimulant.

Any team that signs Cameron will have to wait 25 games before writing his name in the lineup.

Meanwhile, I contacted the Orioles about their 2008 schedule and was told it will be released "soon."

Sorry I can't narrow it down more than that.

Posted by Roch Kubatko at 2:20 PM | Permalink | Comments (27)
                    

Many thanks to those of you who have better memories than mine, or more of an inclination to do the research. John Shelby made his throw in Milwaukee, before the final weekend series. But I know it came against the Brewers, he ended up flying forward after releasing the ball, Rick Dempsey applied the tag and I jumped off my couch and almost hit my head on the ceiling.

I still feel the disappointment of that loss in the last game. Don Sutton beating Jim Palmer. Robin Yount hitting two home runs in his first two at-bats. Ben Oglivie making a ridiculously impossible catch in the left-field corner – please tell me I’m right about that one – that killed a rally.

Andy MacPhail is turning to the Orioles' family, and his own.

His hiring of John Shelby as first base coach should warm a few hearts, since Shelby is so closely associated with the 1983 World Series team. I'll remember T-Bone more for his throw to the plate that nailed a Milwaukee runner -- OK, so I don't remember which Brewer -- during that final weekend series in '82. Rick Dempsey applied the tag as Shelby watched from his stomach after his momentum from the throw sent him flying forward.

Shelby also will work with the outfielders, and he can assist in baserunning drills. And maybe flash that World Series ring to remind everyone why they're gathering each morning and being subjected to a litany of monotonous drills at Fort Lauderdale Stadium.

It's hard to believe that Shelby spent 14 seasons in the Dodgers' system.

MacPhail also hired his nephew, Lee IV, as a special assistant. We'll find out more about his duties later. But I bet they'll be special.

I'm most excited to have Brian Graham back in the system, this time as a special assignment coach for the minor leagues.

The poor guy never gets a normal title here. In 2000, he was "offensive and defensive coordinator coach." Maybe he should be calling plays for the Ravens instead of Brian Billick. His red-zone efficiency has to be better. And just wait until you see his blitz package.

The Orioles referred to Graham as an "eye in the sky" in 2000. Manager Mike Hargrove would have preferred "first base coach," Graham's title in Cleveland for two seasons, but that job already was taken. Graham lasted one year because he had no interest in watching the games from the press box in his street clothes. His talents were wasted.

Graham has a wonderful sense of humor. That's not essential to winning, but it's a nice quality. He's the kind of guy you want to hang out with after games and swap stories. His will always be more entertaining. And he always struck me as a keen judge of talent and a quality instructor. I'm not sure how you'd grade his work with the Pirates, who removed him as their director of player development after six seasons, but I think the Orioles are lucky to have him. Great hire.

I campaigned for his return in a recent blog entry. I'm not saying anyone was listening, but it's nice to be right once in a while.

Posted by Roch Kubatko at 5:45 PM | Permalink | Comments (43)
                    

Checking the Arizona Fall League, fifth-round pick Jacob Arrieta has strung together 10 consecutive scoreless innings. Bob McCrory leads the league with four saves. Nolan Reimold is batting .232 with three homers and seven RBIs.

The Twins picked up Joe Nathan's $6 million option for 2008, so if you were picturing him in an Orioles uniform next season, don't torture yourself.

I'd take him over Mariano Rivera right now, but the Orioles won't get either guy. And as we've discussed previously, spending a lot of money on a closer isn't necessarily the way to go.

The Twins will try to re-sign Carlos Silva, who could be this winter's Gil Meche in a very thin pitching market. He went 13-14 with a 4.19 ERA in 202 innings this season, and is 55-46 with a 4.19 ERA lifetime. By today's standards, that might be a No. 2 starter.

I'm just saying...

Posted by Roch Kubatko at 3:43 PM | Permalink | Comments (10)
                    

As I watch the last few minutes of Road House, I have to wonder: Were there any cops in that town?

Oh wait, I think a few just showed up. They must have heard the noise from the last of the 4,000 brawls and shootings.

Posted by Roch Kubatko at 10:57 AM | Permalink | Comments (41)
                    

So you think Kyle Brady gets as many women as Tom?

OK, I’ll move on to another topic…

It appears that the Orioles are more likely to announce a new first base coach and bench coach before revealing their choice for a new front office position. And as long as we’re throwing out candidates for first base coach, we need to remember Moe Hill, who joined the major league staff in September after completing his second season at Double-A Bowie, and his fifth in the organization.

Hill, who spent three years at Single-A Frederick, is a former outfielder who also happened to work with the outfielders at Bowie. That’s one advantage for him, since he’d be replacing a guy – Sam Mejias – who worked with the outfielders. He also has close ties to manager Dave Trembley, who brought him aboard last month.

Chris Hoiles’ name also has been discussed, and he’d be able to work with the catchers, as Rick Dempsey and Tom Trebelhorn once did. But between those two, it sounds like Hill has the edge.

That doesn’t mean he’ll get the job, but he’s a strong candidate. Sorry I can’t give you more.

Now that Joe Girardi is set to become Yankees’ manager, it will be interesting to see if Mazzone will be named pitching coach.

Rick Kranitz isn’t going to back out of his deal with the Orioles and join Girardi’s staff. You have a better chance of seeing Mo Hill date a supermodel.

Posted by Roch Kubatko at 3:42 PM | Permalink | Comments (35)
                    

I’ve spent most of my day trying to find a flaw in Tom Brady. I've become consumed by it.

Good looks, enormous talent, dates supermodels…

I hate the guy.

At least he has a dimple in his chin roughly the size of a child’s wading pool. That must be quite a burden to carry around every day.

If I’m lucky, federal authorities will find proof of dog fighting on his property. Or his name will appear in the Mitchell Report. Or one of his supermodel girlfriends won’t share the same political views.

The guy could throw for 400 yards and six touchdowns while playing underwater, with a cement block tied to his ankle and sharks circling him. But it also helps when your offensive line gives you so much protection, you can do your taxes while waiting for Donte Stallworth to break open.

Typical thought process for Brady: “OK, I’m going to Moss. But wait, Stallworth has his guy beat deep. But Welker hasn’t caught a ball yet. And Kyle Brady had a solid week of practice, so maybe I should chuck one his way. Sort of a reward. Hey, Stallworth is all alone in the end zone, waving his arms, but Moss only has three guys hanging on his back, so I like my chances with him. And Brady did have that great week. Yeah, yeah, I see you, Wes. Stop begging. And glaring at me isn’t going to get you the ball any faster. I’d rather throw it to Vrabel.  The heck with it, I’ll just let fate decide. Rock-paper-scissors!”

Meanwhile, Kyle Boller counts to one and has a defensive lineman’s helmet embedded in his chest.

Boller’s thought process: “OK, I’m going to…ouch.”

So about those Orioles…

Still need a bench coach and a first base coach. Still need a right-hand man for Andy MacPhail. Still need a petition to get out of the AL East.

The bench coach should have previous managing experience in the majors, since Dave Trembley’s is limited. Someone who knows the rules front and back. Someone who’s liked by the players and the rest of the coaching staff.

OK, I just described Tom Trebelhorn, but he’s not in the running.

As for the debate about whether the Orioles should/would trade Miguel Tejada – they definitely would if the right offer is there. I’m still on the fence about whether they should. Depends on what they’re getting in return. No way I’m moving this guy just for the sake of moving him. But he stopped being untouchable a long time ago. A big bat needs to come their way.

I’m not sure they can get a No. 1 or 2 starter for him. And the free agent market is pretty bare. I see another Trachsel-like signing.  

Posted by Roch Kubatko at 2:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (18)
                    

I don’t care how many people disagree, I really think the long layoff is going to hurt the Colorado Rockies.

Red Sox in four.

The World Series ended just in time. I don’t think Hideki Okajima had another pitch left in his arm. Manager Terry Francona milked that sucker dry.

Next, he’ll have Okajima painting his house.

Did you catch reliever LaTroy Hawkins’ comments about the Orioles in Dan Connolly’s article in today’s Sun? It took until Oct. 28, but he got in a few digs.

I’m not sure any of us could contradict them.

Asked about the negativity in the Orioles’ clubhouse last season, Hawkins said, “Yeah, it was bad. I don’t want to knock the Orioles, but it was just bad. Bad.”

In other words, it was bad.

Of course, so was Hawkins’ ERA with the Orioles – 4.48, compared to 3.42 this season with the Rockies. I guess the thin air agreed with him. And a winning environment that Orioles manager Dave Trembley is trying to instill in his clubhouse.

What is this world coming to when a person walks away from $72 million in guaranteed salary?

That sound you hear is Rangers owner Thomas Hicks high-fiving himself. He’s no longer on the hook for the $21.3 million he still owed Alex Rodriguez, who opted to become a free agent rather than stay with the Yankees.

No matter how I try to work the equation, I don’t see Rodriguez’s new-found freedom equaling the Orioles. They’re not in a position to sink that much money into one player, even the best player on the planet. And Rodriguez will want to go someplace where he can win. Immediately.

Besides, he’ll want to wait and see what the Orioles plan to do with Freddie Bynum and Paul Bako before making a commitment.

The Angels and Cubs are the leading contenders for his services. The Orioles should settle for being glad he’s out of their division.

As for the next Yankees manager, word out of New York is that the Steinbrenners want Don Mattingly, but other front-office personnel want Joe Girardi.  

Posted by Roch Kubatko at 8:01 AM | Permalink | Comments (36)
                    

All discussions about and references to Brandon Snyder's shoulder surgery need to include one important fact: It was his left shoulder.

The Bill James Handbook 2008, to be published Nov. 1, includes a section called "Young Talent Inventory." And in it, he rates Nick Markakis No. 16 among players under 29.

James defines "young talent" as players under 29 in 2007 and uses "runs created" for position players and "runs allowed" for pitchers as a basis for comparison.

Here's what he writes about Markakis:

"A beautiful left-handed stroke, sort of in the mold of Paul O'Neill, Mike Greenwell or Garrett Anderson as a hitter, possibly even Billy Williams."

He also refers to Markakis as "a decent right fielder," which I say is a gross understatement.

James rates the Orioles as having the 22nd-best overall young talent in the majors, which isn't very encouraging. He places them just below the Dodgers and Rangers, and just above the Reds and White Sox. He cites Erik Bedard, Daniel Cabrera and Jeremy Guthrie as the only additional young talent on the team.

"Bedard is great," he writes, "but not a Grade-A young player because he is 28."

Posted by Roch Kubatko at 5:06 PM | Permalink | Comments (33)
                    

David Stockstill, director of minor league operations, is back home from his trip to the Dominican Republic, where the Orioles are interested in signing some players, and a month-long stay in Sarasota, Fla., to monitor all the happenings in the instructional league. The man must never unpack his suitcase.

Stockstill mentioned how good fifth-round pick Jacob Arrieta looked before relocating to the Arizona Fall League, where he’s also been impressive. Third baseman Billy Rowell, the Orioles’ top pick in 2006, sprained his wrist while diving for a ball on the first day and missed almost two weeks, but he “made a lot of progress” once he was healthy, according to Stockstill.

Also worth noting: Outfielder Kieron Pope, a fourth-rounder from the 2005 draft, looked good since recovering from a shoulder injury. Zach Britton (third round, 2006) worked on his slider and made “great progress.” Brandon Erbe (third round, 2005), who had a rough season at Single-A Frederick, smoothed out his delivery and remains an intriguing prospect. You don’t give up on a 19-year-old kid who’s pitching in high Class A.

Moving to the Arizona Fall League, outfield prospect Nolan Reimold is swinging the bat better after a slow start. He homered a few days ago. And most important right now, “Everything’s fine with his health,” Stockstill said.

In Hawaii, former first-rounder Brandon Snyder recently was leading the league in hitting. He’s playing first and third base because the Orioles want to evaluate his footwork and arm strength. He played 10 games at third base with Bluefield when he began his professional career in 2005, so the position isn’t completely new to him.

The Orioles aren’t ready to determine his position for next season, but catcher doesn’t seem to be in the mix. Stockstill said it’s on the “back burner” and the Orioles don’t see it as being a priority. So it’s first or third, along with some starts as the designated hitter. “We’ll let him make the decision by how he plays,” Stockstill said. “His best tool is his bat and we want it in the lineup every day.”

The Hawaii Winter League is different than the AFL because the rosters are larger, which causes teams to rotate players. If Snyder’s name doesn’t appear in a boxscore for a few days, it wasn’t his turn to play. Don’t assume an injury.

The league is mostly comprised of low and high Single-A players, and players from Japan and Korea.

Stockstill also said he wasn’t ready to discuss the reasons behind Andy Etchebarren’s firing because he still hadn’t spoken with the former catcher. He was hoping to reach him today.

“Andy and I have been very close for a long time,” Stockstill said.

Posted by Roch Kubatko at 7:45 PM | Permalink | Comments (37)
                    

Yes, it's time to dust off that title. Here are the lineups for Game 2 of the World Series:

Colorado Rockies:

Willy Taveras - CF

Kazuo Matsui - 2B

Matt Holliday - LF

Todd Helton - 1B

Garrett Atkins - 3B

Brad Hawpe - RF

Troy Tulowitzki - SS

Yorvit Torrealba - C

Ryan Spilborghs - DH

Ubaldo Jimenez - P

If I have a son, I'm naming him Yorvit or Ubaldo. But I digress...

Boston Red Sox:

Dustin Pedroia - 2B

Kevin Youkilis - 1B

David Ortiz - DH

Manny Ramirez - LF

Mike Lowell - 3B

J.D. Drew - RF

Jason Varitek - C

Jacoby Ellsbury - CF

Julio Lugo - SS

Curt Schilling - P

Posted by Roch Kubatko at 4:23 PM | Permalink | Comments (6)
                    

Quick trivia question: What pitcher stopped Hall of Famer Paul Molitor’s 39-game hitting streak in 1987. Answer to follow.

The Ravens re-signed kicker Rhys Lloyd and running back Cory Ross. Or they released both of them. Or maybe they signed them again, and then released them. Or maybe they brought them back after re-signing them and releasing them again.

Does it even matter?

For the record, the Ravens re-signed both players, who will arrive at the Owings Mills complex after taking the Kurt Birkins shuttle.

The Washington Nationals retained their entire coaching staff. That includes hitting coach Lenny Harris, who replaced Mitchell Page in May after Page took a leave of absence. The Nationals batted .227 and averaged 2.9 runs per game under Page, and batted .264 and averaged 4.5 runs per game under Harris.

I wasn’t surprised that the Orioles dismissed Aberdeen manager Andy Etchebarren (more whispers that can’t be reported until confirmed). I’d just like an explanation.

It sounds like Etchebarren would, as well, judging by Jeff Zrebiec’s item in today’s Sun. Asked if he was given a reason, Etchebarren said, “Not really.”

“Etch” – another one of those clever baseball nicknames – spent 11 ½ of his 15 playing seasons with the Orioles and was part of four pennant-winning teams. He managed at every level of the farm system and served as a roving catching instructor – duties that carried him to the start of Aberdeen’s season. The guy was pulling double duty.

Told to do something, he did it. No job was beneath him. And I kept hearing him praised throughout the organization for being such a good teacher, someone who was better suited – and seemed to prefer – working with the younger players. A Triple-A job wasn’t as appealing as wearing a Bluefield or Aberdeen uniform.

Davey Johnson – wasn’t he just Dave before managing the Mets? – thought enough of Etchebarren to keep him around as bench coach. But the Orioles have decided that he’s no longer needed. And that’s their prerogative. They’re definitely in “massive change” mode. The old ways sure haven’t been working. I just never associated Etchebarren with being part of the problem.

So, I’ll ask again: Should he be inducted into the Orioles’ Hall of Fame, given his lengthy tenure in the organization as a player, coach, manager and instructor? Just about everyone else from the 1970 team is in there. Who’s left? Etchebarren and Merv Rettenmund?

Trivia answer: Current Boston Red Sox pitching coach John Farrell, who’s expected to interview soon for the Pittsburgh Pirates’ managing job.

Posted by Roch Kubatko at 12:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (37)
                    

In case you missed Kevin Millar today on The Anita Marks Show, he did most of the talking. And he was quite good, whether you agreed with him or not.

Millar noted that it was a "classy gesture" by owner Peter Angelos and team president Andy MacPhail to give their approval for him to throw out the first pitch before Game 7 of the ALCS, and he wished more fans saw it that way. And he stressed again that his appearance at Fenway had "nothing to do with being a Red Sox fan, nothing to do with being a traitor," and that he checked with MacPhail and discussed it with his wife before agreeing.

He also refused to wear a Red Sox jersey because that would have "crossed the line."

Millar reminded viewers and listeners that he's friends with Chris Gomez and Trot Nixon from the Indians, and he went to Boston to watch the game because he's such a big fan of the sport. He also said he would do the same thing over again, even if he knew ahead of time that there would be such a tremendous backlash. He sees no reason to apologize.

The show on MASN is replayed at 1 a.m. if you happen to be awake. I only provided a few quick hits.

I'm sure many of you still disagree with Millar's actions, and with the team giving its approval. But I'm also sure that another controversy will come along soon to distract us.

Maybe Ray Lewis will say something about his coach and a former teammate.

Posted by Roch Kubatko at 9:50 PM | Permalink | Comments (45)
                    

Don Mattingly, who interviewed for the Yankees' job yesterday, said he's been making managerial moves in his head for years. I wonder if he ever imagined himself getting fired, because he won't last more than 1 1/2 seasons if he's hired.

Joe Torre was given a lot of rope. I can't see Mattingly getting that kind of slack.

Joe Jordan, the Orioles' director of scouting, recently watched fifth-round draft pick Jacob Arrieta pitch in the Arizona Fall League.

"We've seen a good curveball, slider, changeup. We've seen him really pitch," Jordan told me last night.

"He's got a workhorse body, an Andy Benes type of guy. I was really encouraged by what I saw. It was similar to what I saw his sophomore year at TCU. Delivery-wise, it looks like he's got some things ironed out. He's very confident. Facing wooden bats, he's a different guy. He really attacks with the fastball. He commands the fastball on both sides of the plate really well - 93, 94 mph."

Arrieta's stock dropped a little after his junior season, though he went 9-3 with a 3.01 ERA and 93 strikeouts in 98 2/3 innings. That didn't quite compare to the previous year, when he was 14-4 with a 2.35 ERA and 111 strikeouts in 111 innings, and was named Mountain West Conference Pitcher of the Year. But he hardly was a bust.

Signability issues also caused him to tumble to the fifth round. The Orioles regarded him as a first-round talent in the spring. They were going to grab him in the fourth, but didn't want to risk losing pitcher Timothy Bascom. They ended up with both of them.

Factor in catcher Matt Wieters in the first round, and the 2007 draft could turn out to be very productive for the Orioles. The reports on Bascom in the instructional league also have been encouraging.