This Afternoon; Wada and Hammel

This afternoon, the Baltimore Orioles and Atlanta Braves played to a 2-2, 10-inning tie in Buena Vista, FL.

The positive news on the afternoon involved Tsuyoshi Wada, who made his first appearance of Spring Training, and gave up one run in two innings of work. He also struck out three batters.

Wada does not throw particularly hard; however, his location was spot on when he pitched.

Also, pitcher Jason Hammel – who started the game for Baltimore – threw well, as he went 4 2/3 innings and gave up only a run. He struck out five on the afternoon and walked one. So far, Hammel has a 1.86 ERA this spring.

Right now, Hammel has pitched relatively well. You can not read too much into Spring Training stats, but things do look promising with the pitcher. He has pitched in the American League East before, as a former member of the Tampa organization, so we as fans should know what he can do. It will be interesting where he ends up in the rotation, and if he can have better luck than Jeremy Guthrie did in the ‘veteran’s role’.

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About This Afternoon; The Starting Rotation...

This afternoon, the Orioles played two games against the Red Sox, as they lost one on the road; meanwhile, at their Spring Training home in Sarasota, they tied at 3 after a ten-inning contest.

Pitcher Wei-Yin Chen tossed five innings, and pitched fairly well overall; however, he gave up three runs in the fifth inning after a Nate Spears’ homer. Chen also picked off two runners and the Baltimore bullpen did well after he left the game, keeping Boston scoreless.

Nick Markakis had two hits on the afternoon as did Adam Jones. The Orioles tied the game, down 3-2, in the ninth inning off a Steve Tolleson RBI-single.

In the other game played in Fort Myers, the Orioles faced Boston’s A-lineup and their pitching struggled. Armando Galaragga, who is vying for a starting job in the Baltimore rotation, gave up four runs in four innings on the mound. He started off well; however, a three-run fourth inning did him in, and he said in interviews that he tired.

After Galaragga left, Brad Bergesen came into the game and gave up three runs in two innings of work – off a Lars Anderson two-run single, and a Cody Ross homer.

One of Baltimore’s top prospects, Manny Machado, made his first start of Spring Training and managed two walks.

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Tillman Does Well on Friday; Robert Andino

After a losing stretch during this week, the Orioles got into the win column again, this time defeating the Minnesota Twins, 3-1, in Fort Myers, FL.

Pitcher Chris Tillman was the story of the game. His performance was a bit uneven, but he threw well as he went 3 1/3 innings, allowed a run in the fourth innings, walked two, struck out one and allowed four hits. He still allowed way too many base runners, but avoided a big inning.

At this point, I’d say Tillman is still in the running for a starting spot; however, his inconsistency on the mound is hurting him. He has got so much potential, and has obviously been working in camp. Then again, if Tillman does make the Opening Day roster, he will need to become more efficient and carry it over from start to start.

Dana Eveland – who is also battling for a spot on the roster – threw three scoreless innings. The Oriole bullpen – Robert Hinton, Troy Patton and Oscar Villarreal – did not give up run during their respective outings.

Robert Andino homered in the sixth inning, and Scott Beerer plated in two during the eighth inning to break a 1-1 tie.

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Andy Pettitte Rejoins Yankees

I guess Andy Pettitte didn't find retirement all that appealing as he re-signed with the Yankees this morning...

From the Yankees.com: Andy Pettitte is coming back to the Yankees. The 240-game winner signed a Minor League contract on Friday and will slip his old No. 46 back on in an attempt to restart his career.

The contract is worth $2.5 million, YES Network's Jack Curry reported.

Pettitte, 39, did not pitch in 2011 and had already made two visits to the Yankees' Spring Training camp this year as a guest instructor, throwing batting practice and saying that he was keeping his left arm in shape by tossing to his children.

Speaking at George M. Steinbrenner Field on Feb. 27, Pettitte said that he was content with his decision to retire but believed he could make a comeback if he so desired.

"I'm sure I could," Pettitte said that day. "You start training, working out and getting yourself into shape, I'd imagine you could. I retired, I felt, after one of my better years. I felt like I was at the point where I just kind of knew what I was doing mechanically out there on the mound. I retired to go home and be with my family."

If Pettitte still has something left in the tank, well, he could make the Yankees even that much formidable.

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Tigers Defeat Orioles; Improved Matusz Faces off Against Justin Verlander

It was a tough year for Brian Matusz in 2011; however, if his Spring Training is an indication of the road that is to come, things are 180 degrees from what they were last season.

Yes, the Baltimore Orioles lost to the Detroit Tigers, 4-2, in Grapefruit League action, but the story of the day was Matusz. He continued his strong showing from his last start into Thursday, going four innings, only allowing two hits and striking out seven – considering he was facing Detroit’s A-lineup.

I did not see the game available on either TV or radio, but results as-is for Matusz was encouraging. I’m trying to not read a lot into things this spring; however, I’m intrigued by the young southpaw now. If the Orioles are to begin their climb out of the American League basement, they need guys like Matusz to step up and deliver on the mound.

I’m not sure how hard Matusz was throwing, but from what I’ve read, his velocity is up. If Matusz can control his location, mix up his pitches and get his velocity a bit higher, he will be a force.

If Matusz was good, the guy he was facing off with on the mound was that much better. Reigning MVP and Cy Young Award winner Justin Verlander faced the Orioles, and let’s just say he is one of the best in the business.

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Bryce Harper. Wow. Oh My Lord.

If you get a chance, read Will Leitch's interview with Bryce Harper on the GQ Magazine website. Some of it is not-safe-for-work, but what Leitch got out of Harper is gold. I'm saddened the the piece didn't go five or ten pages, rather than on a single one.

I will say, I've always appreciate athletes who speak their mind -- whether I agree with them or not. It's almost like he's been developed by a WWE writer, or a UFC official than fitting the profile of your typical genteel ballplayer.

From what I can see, Bryce Harper will not disappoint. He's not going to be Derek Jeter, who says everything, but nothing.

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Baseball America Predicts Orioles to Finish Last in Division

Good morning all out there. Hope everyone is enjoying a warm, wonderful Thursday in the Mid-Atlantic region, specifically around Baltimore.

Well, Baseball America recently posted their predictions where all 30 teams should finish in 2012.

Sadly, they – much like pretty much every other newspaper, news station, media outlet, blog and whatever else – picked the Baltimore Orioles to finish last in the American League East.

Shocked? No.

Of course, the Yankees and Rays are favorites in the division. The Red Sox are predicted to finish third, and the Jays, fourth.

Here’s what they had to say about the Black and Orange…

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The Pitching

As it is every year, to win, you need to have pitching. I am not sure the Orioles have an abundance of it right now -- at least arms that are very good. In fact, I don’t know what to think. One question I have on my mind is this: who in the world starts on Opening Day?

If I were a betting man, it would be Tommy Hunter; however, he's been dealing with some issues, but seems to be working down in Sarasota. Perhaps it might be Jake Arrieta, who saw some action during Opening Day last year.

There are a lot of pitchers who are in Sarasota right now. Like every year, you’ve got to wonder what will happen in the season ahead with the pitchers on in camp. So far, the pitching has been somewhat decent, but as we all, Spring Training results don't necessarily translate into the regular season.

It's not that any of the Oriole pitchers will win one of the baseball awards or trophies, awards, plaques and medals of the like for their effort, like the Cy Young; however, let's hope the youngsters and the veterans do better in 2012 than they have done previously.

Last year, the young arms faltered and once that happened, the Orioles were doomed. Depending on pitchers who lack major league experience is risky; however, when the vast majority of them suffer, the results are disastrous.

Jake Arrieta was hurt, but had his own issues; Brian Matusz – well, we all know what went on; Zach Britton had his ups and downs, Brad Bergesen was just bad & Chris Tillman could not pitch with any consistency. As well, Hunter started off a bit shaky, but steadily improved towards the end of the season. However, so far, Arrieta is healthy, Matusz looks reborn, Tillman had a good outing this weekend; meanwhile, Britton and Hunter are working their way back from their ailments.

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Pirates Thump on Orioles; Arrieta, Johnson and Markakis

This afternoon in Sarasota, the Baltimore Orioles got shelled by the Pittsburgh Pirates, 11-5.

It was a poor showing by Baltimore both on the pitching mound and on the field, where they made two critical errors en route to a loss.

After a solid outing, last week, Oriole starter Jake Arrieta got hammered as he gave up four runs in 2 2/3 innings. Arrieta gave up one run in the first, and three more during the second inning. According to the Sun’s Eduardo Encina, the results were not the essential thing for Arrieta – it was working on his delivery.

I’m not sure we should worry about him – yet.

The results certainly were not significant, but as long as Arrieta made it out healthy, it is a good thing.

Baltimore’s Jim Johnson also made his Spring Training debut, albeit; it was not a good one. Like Arrieta, he was working on stuff and it was simply beneficial for him to make it through his outing healthy, plus eat up an inning of work. Overall, he gave up three runs on four hits – all in the fifth inning.

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Brian Roberts doing better, but…

Over the past few weeks, Brian Roberts has been down in camp; however, he has not played in a game – yet.

From what we’ve all been reading, he’s not been working with his teammates much, but has been on back fields working.

It's just a sad situation to see one of better second baseman and leadoff men in the sport go through all of that.

However, a small sign of progress with Roberts came yesterday…

From the Orioles.com: Brian Roberts took another step forward in his progression on Tuesday afternoon, taking pregame batting practice and participating in infield drills with the team prior to the 1:05 p.m. ET matchup against the Rays.

Though it's a small step on paper, the fact that Roberts was around his teammates and enjoying the atmosphere -- with loud music blaring in the stadium -- is notable for the second baseman, who avoided January's FanFest at his doctors' advice because of the noise and crowds.

"It's good to see him with the team. I know it means a lot to him," manager Buck Showalter said of Roberts, who has been taking batting practice (off the coaches) and doing infield work on the back fields.

-snip-

Roberts, who has been sidelined since May with a concussion, has maintained throughout his recovery that there is no timetable for his return. He is taking every day as prescribed, and there wasn't any difference in that stance following Tuesday's activities.

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Over the past few weeks, Brian Roberts has been down in camp; however, he has not played in a game – yet.

From what we’ve all been reading, he’s not been working with his teammates much, but has been on back fields working.

It's just a sad situation to see one of better second baseman and leadoff men in the sport go through all of that.

However, a small sign of progress with Roberts came yesterday…

From the Orioles.com: Brian Roberts took another step forward in his progression on Tuesday afternoon, taking pregame batting practice and participating in infield drills with the team prior to the 1:05 p.m. ET matchup against the Rays.

Though it's a small step on paper, the fact that Roberts was around his teammates and enjoying the atmosphere -- with loud music blaring in the stadium -- is notable for the second baseman, who avoided January's FanFest at his doctors' advice because of the noise and crowds.

"It's good to see him with the team. I know it means a lot to him," manager Buck Showalter said of Roberts, who has been taking batting practice (off the coaches) and doing infield work on the back fields.

-snip-

Roberts, who has been sidelined since May with a concussion, has maintained throughout his recovery that there is no timetable for his return. He is taking every day as prescribed, and there wasn't any difference in that stance following Tuesday's activities.

It’s nice to see him taking baby steps to try to get back on the field; however, it looks like there’s no exact timeframe when Roberts will suit up for the Orioles.

Robert Andino will probably be the second baseman on Opening Day, and you might see Ryan Flaherty or Matt Antonelli on the team serving in a backup role. Right now, the Orioles are conducting business as if Roberts isn't expected to suit up anytime soon.

At this point, if Roberts were to come back, who knows what the Orioles will be getting?

O's and Rays Tie, Hammel and Wondering About Nick Markakis

This afternoon, the Orioles and Tampa Bay Rays played to a 7-7 tie in Sarasota, FL.

Baltimore’s offense this spring has been fairly anemic; however, they came through on Tuesday. They trounced Rays’ starter David Price – who went 3 2/3 innings and gave up four runs – in his outing for some early action.

They scored four times in the second innings as Ronny Paulino plated in a run, and Jai Miller hit a three-run homer.

Jason Hammel, in his second outing of the spring, pitched well. He gave up a solo homer to Matt Joyce; however, went three innings and only allowed a hit, plus a walk.

Brad Bergesen also was solid on the afternoon, going three scoreless innings; however, the bullpen got into a mess during the latter portion of the game.

Leading 5-2 in the ninth inning with the game in hand, Baltimore allowed the Tampa Bay to score five times in the frame due to some poor pitching and errors; however, they scored twice in the bottom of the ninth.

Well, the Orioles play the Pirates on Wednesday, and it will feature the return of Nick Markakis. For many fans, including myself, seeing Markakis on the field would be a welcome thing. It doesn’t look like Markakis will be playing the field, but will serve as a designated hitter until the team believes he is ready.

Markakis did win a Gold Glove last season, and has always been the steady type when it comes to fielding; however, his work at the plate has left a lot of questions.

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Not too Flattering Piece on Dan Duquette & the Orioles...

Well, as Oriole fans, we know that the team has not been very good for the better part of a decade and a half. Tim Brown from Yahoo Sports recently wrote an article on Duquette, and let's just say, it was not very flattering about him -- or the team (especially).

In fact, Brown doesn't sound too positive that the organization can climb out of it's losing hole.

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O's Lose to Jays, Chen, Galaragga, Adams and Reimold

The Baltimore Orioles this afternoon lost to their division rivals, the Toronto Blue Jays, 4-1, on the road in Grapefruit League action.

Pitcher Wei-Yin Chen for the Orioles had a solid outing on Tuesday; however, he gave a run in three innings of work. So far, he’s thrown very well and has only given up one walk during the spring.

As James mentioned on Saturday, Chen might be a good find for the Orioles. He does not throw hard; however, he hits his spots, exercises some great control and doesn’t allow guys on base via a walk.

I would think right now that Chen might have a spot in the rotation locked up. Overall, the starts over the spring have been fairly good.

That’s a good thing, considering the problems that the Orioles have had with base runners over the past few years. At this point, let’s hope Chen stays durable and transitions well to the American style of baseball.

Armando Galarraga got hit around on the afternoon as he gave up three runs in two innings. The Jays jumped on him in a shaky fourth inning. Overall, he allowed two hits, three walks, but struck out two.

Galarraga is a pitcher who really intrigued me when I read that he was signed to a minor league deal with the Orioles. I thought that Galarraga had an outside shot to make the 25-man roster; however, things are not looking too good for him right now.

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O's Lose to Red Sox, Eveland, TIllman, Cuts & Frank Robinson Hospitalized

This afternoon, the Orioles lost to the Boston Red Sox, 6-1, in Sarasota, FL.

For some pitcher, Spring Training simply serves as a warm-up for the regular season; however, for a journeyman like Dana Eveland, that is not the case. He is trying to make the Opening Day roster as a starting pitcher – or a bullpen guy. Sadly, his outing on Sunday did not help out his case.

Eveland took the loss for Baltimore and gave up three runs – only one earned – in two innings of work. Watching the game on MASN up here, I would not say he was awful, but he was extremely hittable. He perhaps may have had the shakiest outing of any Oriole pitcher so far this spring.

On the other hand, another pitcher whose status is in limbo for the Baltimore Orioles, Chris Tillman was much better in his outing. Tillman was shaky in a previous outing this spring; however, he threw three scoreless innings on the mound.

Who knows if Tillman can possibly make the Opening Day roster at this point; however, his Sunday helps out his cause immensely.

Baltimore pitchers Zach Phillips, Pedro Strop and Oliver Drake each pitched scoreless frames. Veteran reliever Luis Ayala allowed two runs – one earned.

Adam Jones drove in the Orioles only run in the first inning.

Jon Lester, who started the game for Boston, threw four innings. He walked four, struck out and still continued his dominance over Baltimore – ok, so this game does not. It is scary to think about, but Lester is 14-0 in the regular season against the Orioles.

The Red Sox brought a few of their regulars in the starting lineup, and they did some damage off Oriole pitching. Dustin Pedroia had two hits and drove in; meanwhile, Cody Ross drove in two runs and also had two hits.

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Joins us on Facebook & Twitter...

We've now got a home on Facebook!

For now, it's a simple page, but we hope over the weeks and months, it will become something more.

Everyone seems to have one, so we've joined in on the fun.

It's just been up since Thursday afternoon, so take a minute, shoot us a like, leave a comment and take a look at some of the pretty pictures taken of the Orioles throughout the season.

A special thanks to James for getting our new Facebook page setup and we'll do out best to engage you all, plus make it interactive.

Click here to view/join our Facebook page.

And yes, we're on Twitter too...

Our Twitter home: The Oriole Post (main) & James Baker

Dan Duquette and Thoughts...

Recently, Orioles executive VP of Baseball Operations Dan Duquette appeared on the MLB Network and discussed the club's offseason with Clubhouse Confidential host Brian Kenny.

Here's the video. Not sure fans have seen it, but here it is.

Anyhow, with Spring Training now in full swing, what do you think of the moves made to improve the team?

So far, the pitching has been solid. Then again, you can't take much from exhibition starts, especially when the pitchers are so far ahead of the hitters.

I'm not sure what to think. I'll need to see how the team progresses over the next few weeks to come up with an opinion before Opening Day. I do see the Orioles still in the basement of the American League East -- especially with the improved Blue Jays, and we all know the Yankees, Rays and Red Sox are contenders.

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Brian Matusz Shines on Saturday & Chris Davis

This afternoon, the Orioles defeated the Philadelphia Phillies in Clearwater, Fla, 1-0.

Once again, the pitching came through strong for Baltimore as they shut out a Philadelphia team with several of their everyday players in the lineup.

Brian Matusz was stellar on Saturday, throwing four shutout innings. Obviously, one cannot take a lot from a Spring Training start – especially in the second week; however, consider the hellish year that Matusz had in 2011, his outing raised eyebrows in a good way. He struck out four, allowed three hits and walked none.

Matusz is not a lock to make the 25-man roster right now, but his strong showing on Saturday undoubtedly improves his stock. I still believe unless Matusz becomes Bob Gibson re-incarnated, he may probably start the season off in Norfolk (Triple-A), and go from there.
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As well, pitcher Alfredo Simon – whose role on the Orioles might be in question the closer Opening Day approaches – hurled three scoreless innings. Luis Villarreal and Miguel Socolovich – who got the save – each tossed a scoreless frame.

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The Relentless March

This is March in Baltimore. Sixty degrees one day, thirty the next for no apparent reason. Being in education we are in the long period of uninterrupted time between President's Day and Spring Break that just makes the kids antsy and uncooperative. Daylight Savings time means we all start getting up in the darkness again, just as soon as we were all enjoying the sunshine but March does bring us one glorious thing - Spring Training baseball.

The Orioles opened up camp earlier this month and games are under way. Early impressions:

-Chen Wei-Yin is going to be a very good pitcher for us. He has only pitched two innings but his bullpen sessions have brought nothing but good news and he is starting to turn some heads. SI's Jon Heyman tweeted after Chen's start that he could be a "sleeper". I contend that Chen would not be such a "sleeper" if he were picked up by another team, but I digress.

-Brian Roberts is done. Stacey Long over at Camden Chat posted these pictures from the 2012 photo day sessions and I agree that Roberts looks so sad. He looks like a shell of his former self. His small frame is usually balanced out with an athletic physique but no more. A Summer and a half of limited work outs he just looks small. He looks so small that I just don't see how we will possibly see Brian Roberts start in a major league game this year. I honestly predict a contract buyout before Opening Day.

-Brian Matusz isn't "back" yet, but he is rounding the corner and about to pull into "back's" driveway. Yes, he gave up three runs in his first Spring Training start but the most important thing is his velocity. Matusz' velocity was back up in the low 90's consistently throughout his two innings. Matusz' inexplicable drop in velocity last season led to his horrendous nightmare of a Summer. There is no way that Brian Matusz is a 10 ERA pitcher and getting the zip on his pitches back is step one to getting back.

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Orioles Sign 18 to Contracts; Yoenis Cespedes' Huge Day

Yesterday, the Orioles signed quite a number of players - seventeen in total - to contracts for the 2012. It's no big thing, just some housekeeping and business to get out of the way.

From the Baltimore Sun: The Orioles renewed the contract of star catcher Matt Wieters on Saturday and announced they have agreed to terms with 17 other players who are under club reserve and were not eligible for salary arbitration. That completes the team's 2012 contract signings.

-- snip --

The list of players who recently agreed to terms includes: Ryan Adams, Jake Arrieta, Josh Bell, Jason Berken, Zach Britton, Chris Davis, Oliver Drake, Ryan Flaherty, Tommy Hunter, Joe Mahoney, Troy Patton, Zach Phillips, Nolan Reimold, Alfredo Simon, Pedro Strop, Taylor Teagarden and Chris Tillman.

Wieters, who is one of the club's cornerstone players, is represented by super agent Scott Boras. No terms were released. He earned $452,500 in 2011.

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Finally, Yoenis Cespedes - who the Orioles were looking at to sign - played his first Spring Training game for the Oakland Athletics. Although the stats don't won't go into Cespedes' record, he left quite an impression.

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