The Roundup; Spring Training, Sutcliffe, & Oriole-land Blogs...

We are a little more past the halfway point of spring training, and it looks like the 2008 roster is starting to take shape. The Orioles made a few more cuts as youngster Hayden Penn was optioned to Triple-A Norfolk, along with Fredy Deza and Bob McCrory, according to Rock Kubatko. As well, Non-roster catcher Zach Dillon was reassigned to the minor league camp in Sarasota, Fla.

The competition for the fifth starter is heating up, and Garrett Olson, who struggled in 2007, looked real good today throwing 3 scoreless innings in the Orioles' win against Minnesota. As well, Matt Albers is looking good.

Peter Schmuck, a few days ago, pretty much wrote a piece that didn't put Daniel Cabrera in the best of light as his inconsistency and control problems have popped up once again. Yes, we all know that Daniel has impressive physical attributes and has the potential to be good -- but, he has not been able to put it together. Obviously, the team is hoping that he can put it all together, sooner or later.

However, the big righty has been focused and all business this spring training.

Also, Luis Hernandez had also received a bit of attention, also for the wrong reasons. He's done well with the bat; however, in the field, the slick fielding youngster has made plenty errors and he might lose the starting shortstop spot in he doesn't pick it. Whether, it is because of jitters, stress or getting the kinks worked out, he might want to improve before someone steals his spot, like a Brandon Fahey, or the Oriole acquire someone else. Despite, the rough fielding, Hernandez is confident about getting the job.

Also former #1 pick, Ben Davis (who is nothing but huge) is looking to catch onto Baltimore; Luke Scott is on the mend from illness and ready to play; & Jay Payton has returned.

Sadly, Adam Loewen will miss a start this week; however, he says it's not big deal, despite he coming back from a serious injury; it looks like George Sherill will become the closer officially in 2008; Guthrie is looking good.

Meanwhile, Brian Roberts, who has seemingly always been a health nut (or looks like one) has gone on a organic diet (sounds yummy - um, not really). Of course, despite the rumors, he's still an Oriole.

Dave Nichols of Bottom Feeder Baseball has his 2008 Baltimore Orioles Preview up; James Baker has his thoughts from Spring Training; SC of Camden Chat does not think highly of Terry Crowley (based on the numbers, SC has a point); Oriole Central has news on Lohse and Loretta; The Loss Column has news on Spring Training; the Wayward previews the American League; & Dempsey's Army pleads with Luis Hernandez to be better...

Meanwhile, WNST's Nestor Aparicio wants to love the Orioles, but can't this season, and Drew Forrester has seemingly had it with the organization and the way they have treated their station.

Amber Theoharis, notes that the Orioles and other clubs have not only tightened their media access, but also to the clubhouse to the steroid scandal and other stuff in the game. Allen McCallum reports that Patton, despite his injury would be a year away from making an impact, & Jim Henneman wonders if the team needs a closer, anyway...

News on an Old Friend: Sad news about former Oriole, Rick Sutcliffe. The big man has been has colon cancer and will undergo chemotherapy and surgery. However, it looks like the cancer has been caught early and will take a few months to recover.