Back in the clubhouse
Another workout is behind us, and it ended with Mike Costanzo, Scott Moore and Chris Heintz taking extra ground balls at the corners. Heintz is listed as a catcher, but he's played third base in the minors.
Costanzo usually is the last guy off the field.
"Costanzo can't get enough, can he?" manager Dave Trembley said. "He loves it. He's here early every day. You don't think these guys know there's a spot open with Gibbons' 15-day (suspension)?"
Trembley said there's a "big upgrade" at catcher over last spring.
He's not sure how long he'll keep Matt Wieters in camp. There are benefits to having him here, but Trembley also wants Wieters to get acclimated to catching guys like Chorye Spoone, Jake Arrieta and Brandon Erbe at the minor league facility.
B.J. Surhoff worked with the catchers today, but he'll move around to different areas.
"I just want him to lend himself toward helping out in any way he can," Trembley said.
"He epitomizes the way the Orioles played baseball. We'd like to get back to that. Having guys like him around is a step in the right direction for all of us and for our players."
Brian Roberts is expected to return tomorrow. He's feeling better, according to Trembley.
Trembley said he doesn't see Jay Gibbons getting time at first base this spring. It's strictly left field and designated hitter.
Trembley invited Earl Weaver to return to camp and speak with the players.
The Orioles will play intrasquad games on Feb. 26 and 27.
Comments
Gotta love this Costanzo Kid and his work ethic....I hope he keeps it up and makes this team. He seems to be playing everywhere...
The O's need players just like him. He's setting the standard for the young guys so kudos to him!
Posted by: Reggie | February 20, 2008 3:14 PM
Roch,
Is it typical for former Orioles to assist during Spring Training? Keep up the good work!
Posted by: Jim Carter | February 20, 2008 3:33 PM
Why not use Gibbons at first once in awhile? Millar should sit against tough righties and that could be where Gibbons fits in. I'm presuming he wasn't a total disaster defensively at first and I see Huff as the full-time DH.
Who else are we going to play at 1st as Millar is going to need a break. Personally, I feel we need a big bopper there sooner than later but I guess time will tell.
Posted by: TerryP | February 20, 2008 3:33 PM
I love seeing Costanzo working hard. If he could be an emergency catcher (maybe backup C one day) that would be great. I am tired of the Bako types the O's keep having.
Love that Surhoff and Weaver are around and helping out.
Posted by: Jason | February 20, 2008 3:35 PM
Just what the Orioles need, another left handed hitting left fielder.
Sounds like there was a lot of partying going on last night and Roberts is hurting today. He was probably the craziest guy at the party because he was drinking away the uncertainty that surrounds him. Stomach bug, sure. Sounds about as accurate as that whole "I only did it one time" story.
Posted by: Almost Former | February 20, 2008 3:36 PM
Gibbons at Left field!!!! Horrible, most horrible. Expect a lot of balls hit to left.
Posted by: Jon | February 20, 2008 3:51 PM
Gibbons won't see LF , he is 3rd in line there. That leaves DH. Huff is there & bats lefty too. He starts out cooling his heels the first 15 days. I say, by day 18 of the season ,we have a Gibbons pout on our hands....
Posted by: Brian | February 20, 2008 3:57 PM
When Gibbons is in the outfield Trembley will have to train Hernandez to get out quickly and play the carom.
I still say he should give back the money and play for free this year.
Posted by: Gil Jr | February 20, 2008 4:01 PM
Roch:
If Angelos is such a "stickler" for players getting physicals, then WHY did the O's obtain PAtton KNOWING he had a bad shoulder? How does that make sense? Didn't they know about his injury? Inquiring minds want to know!!!
Thanks,
V. McMAhon
Posted by: V. McMahon | February 20, 2008 4:33 PM
So, Patton has a possible tear in his labrum, huh? That figures. Are the O's cursed or what?
Posted by: Tom C | February 20, 2008 4:34 PM
Gibbons should never, ever play the field. Presuming he is not a total disaster defensively is a mistake. Frankly, he shouldn't crack the lineup at DH either. Scott in LF, Millar at 1B, Huff at DH with Payton the first guy to replace any of them. But Gibbons will be suspended, then ineffective, then injured, so we really don't have to worry about him.
Posted by: Kevin | February 20, 2008 4:54 PM
You mean the carom off some part of Gibbons or his glove right Gil?
Posted by: Brian | February 20, 2008 5:24 PM
Gil, you do know that, even in the extreme unlikelyhood that Gibbons would want to do such a think that:
1- The players union would not allow it
2- It would just go back into King Peter's pocket anyway.
I think the O's should just cut him, whats the worst that could happen? The Rays sign him and he comes back to haunt us by helping the Rays finish fourth?
Posted by: Jeff V. | February 20, 2008 5:28 PM
Millar is not a platoon candidate - he has always hit righties better than lefties, opposite of what you'd expect. With Gibbons, Huff, and young lefty-hitting 3B's Moore and Constanzo we have too many redundant parts.
Posted by: sheets | February 20, 2008 7:24 PM
Play Moore at first when Milar sits. Let's give the kid a chance to see what he can do. Mora also shouldn't play everyday, so move Moore over to third when Mora sits or pulls his hamstring as he usually does. The kid has hit with power every place he has played. I'much rather see he get some AB's rather than Gibbons.
Posted by: Deke | February 20, 2008 7:58 PM
I dont see why Gibbons cant fit in at first. That is suspose to be the position where your worse fielders go, not left field. In my mind DH is the most valuable position. That is where you put your good players when they need a day off from the field. Why DH Jay often unless he gets hot.
Posted by: ryan | February 20, 2008 8:00 PM
I agree Gibby should be left....left out.
Posted by: tomnit | February 20, 2008 10:18 PM