The Rotation: A Source of Consternation

Right now, the Orioles starting rotation is in serious flux. With the struggles of Guthrie, Eaton, Penn and whoever else you want to sent in this sentence (with the exception of Koji Uehara), the lack of viable arms who can perform consistently is causing a lot of consternation amongst fans and those on sports talk radio.

Aside from Uehara, and the number one starter, Guthrie, everything else in the rotation is up in the air.

I guess the team really needs to see what they in Hayden Penn (out of options) and whose career has been marred by bad luck and immaturity -- however, he may earn a starting rotation spot; Alfredo Simon, who has emerged as a hard-throwing option worth a look, and Adam Eaton along with Mark Hendrickson are the remaining candidates for the last three spots. Rich Hill, from the looks of it, will start the season on the disabled list.

Whatever takes place, the pitching situation is probably the top story line going into April. While there are still guys like Pedro available, right now, it looks like the Orioles may have enough options down on the farm to insert guys into spots if the chosen starters falter.

Let's just hope that the rotation surprises a ton.

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Simon Impresses, but O's Lose; AL East Thoughts into '09

Although the Orioles lost 2-1 to the Mets last night, they got a nice little surprise from Alfredo Simon, who started the game last night for Baltimore. I guess it is safe to assume -- at least from what I have seen -- that Simon will make the rotation, presumably as the fifth starter.

Simon -- who is actively looking to make the rotation out of Spring Training -- was impressive as he only allowed one run in six innings of work. He gave up a home run to Daniel Murphy in the fourth inning, but other than that, he was golden. I have no idea if Simon can keep up his success in Florida and translate it into the regular season, but then again, we've got another arm and one who has been solid.

Adam Jones continued his hot streak as he desposited a home run over into field field off Oliver Perez in the third inning.

Well, since the season starts next week, I might as well make some predictions -- starting off with the American League East.

Here's what I think the standings will be once the season ends in about a little more then six months...

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Opening Day is Upon Us; O's Down Mets, 5-1

Opening Day is next week and while everyone in Birdland is wondering about the pitching, I am happy to see baseball back. It feels like Spring Training has gone on for three months rather than only seven week or so, but at this time on April 6th, the Yankees will take on the Orioles at the Yard which will televised on ESPN.

I don't know if I am so excited to see the Orioles, or hope the team exceeds expectations; however, the games start to count next week.

On the other hand, the Baltimore offense once again stayed hot as they downed the Mets, 5-1. Although both teams suffered through a lengty rain delay -- Koji Uehara, who started for Baltimore, only lasted an inning and Mike Pelfrey for the Mets only lasted a 1/3 of an inning -- the Oriole bullpen did their job and kept the Mets off the board for the most part.

Chris Ray, Jamie Walker, George Sherrill and Danys Baez all threw scoreless innings in relief, and Radhames Liz gave up Baltimore's only run in the top of the sixth inning.

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Eaton Struggles; O's Offense Bails Him Out...

The Orioles won 10-6 today against the Cardinals in Jupiter; however, a recurring theme once again haunted Baltimore -- obviously, the pitching. Well, the offense bailed starting pitcher AdamEaton out as the Orioles scored twice in the fourth inning, and four times in the fifth. Adam Jones hit a long two run homer to start the rally; thereafter, in the fifth inning, Nick Markakis had a two-run double and then scored on a wild pitch. Aubrey Huff drove in a run in the fifth, Oscar Salazar drove had an RBI in the sixth, and to cap it off, Melvin Mora hit a homer in the eighth inning.

Meanwhile, the story of the day was Eaton. He's trying to make the rotation out of Spring Training, but the results have not looked good so far, and if you need to know how bad he's been, read this from the Orioles.com:

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Wieters Sent Down to Norfolk

First off, a big move was made yesterday -- well, it was very much expected; nevertheless, it is still very much noteworthy...

From the Baltimore Sun: The Orioles told top prospect Matt Wieters on Thursday that he will be reassigned to the Triple-A Norfolk roster effective Monday.

Manager Dave Trembley met with Wieters following Thursday's exhibition loss to the Florida Marlins and informed him of the club's plans, but the assignment is not yet official. Wieters will remain with the team over the weekend and is scheduled to accompany the Orioles to Jupiter for Friday's Grapefruit League game against the Florida Marlins.

-- and --

The move is both strategic and economic. The club wants to give Wieters the chance to excel at the Triple-A level the same way he did at Single-A Frederick and Double-A Bowie. Team officials also want to hold him back for at least a few weeks to preserve a seventh year under club reserve, a strategy employed by the Tampa Bay Rays with Evan Longoria that led to him signing a long-term contract at favorable terms for the team.

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Guthrie Struggles, O's Win Thanks to Late Rally

The Orioles downed the Marlins, 9-7, thanks to a late rally and two home runs from Luke Scott, a homer from Ryan Freel along with a three-run home run from Ty Wigginton. Aside from the come-from-behind win, the huge story of the day was Jeremy Guthrie.

In his second spring training start after the World Baseball Classic, Guthrie struggled badly again in the first frame, but bounced back. He gave up six runs -- all earned -- on four hits with two walks in the opening inning; however, he setlled down and finally finished his day's work in the 5th inning.

Here's what he told MASN's Roch Kubatko after the game:

"I felt really good," he said. "I know I've said that a couple times, but I just made a poor changeup to Ramirez. I don't know if it was the right selection. It definitely wasn't the right execution of the pitch and he hit it.

"I was frustrated. I felt like I wasted a pitch. I tried to throw a changeup for no real reason. I wasn't committed to it and I gave up a two-run homer. It's frustrating. The guy (Emilio Bonifacio) got a nice bunt hit, then a two-run homer, and it's just like the last game. I've thrown six, seven pitches and it's 2-0."

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A Few Moves Made...

The Orioles had a day off of Grapefruit League action; however, there was work to be done as there was an intrasquad game played to make up for the rainouts and get guys on the field. Well, the news of the day came about due to some roster moves announced, and one pitcher who was told he will be in the bullpen rather than start games for the team in 2009 (at least for now).

The Baltimore Sun: The Orioles have sent out eight players today. Pitchers Bob McCrory, Kam Mickolio and Chris Waters were optioned to Triple-A Norfolk. Non-roster players Justin Turner, Justin Christian, John Parrish, Brad Hennessey and Donnie Murphy were reassigned to the minor league facility in Sarasota, Fla.

The only guy who really left an impression on when I saw him play was Turner, and I'm sure if he keeps up his play in camp on the other side of Florida, he'll find work. Um, the rest of the guys above didn't leave much of an impression at all -- then again, we also didn't see much of Parrish or Hennessey (injuries).

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Nationals Gets the Best of the O's; Quick Hits...

The Orioles lost 3-1 to the Nationals yesterday in Fort Lauderdale; however, Koji Uehara looked good -- real good. The Japanense hurler, coming back from a strained hamstring, did give up a run, but struck out seven out of the eleven hitters he faced. His counterpart on the mound for Washington, young Sharion Martis pitched six shutout innings and only gave up three hits, while fanning four.

Alfredo Simon -- a candidate for the rotation -- got plenty of work in as he pitched four innings, and gave up two runs; however, he struck out one. His ERA is a paltry 0.90.

Baltimore's only run came off a Chris Gomez sacrifice fly in the 7th inning.

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Can A-Rod For The Love of God Stay Out of the News...

It's a new week, and another item about Alex Rodriguez. This isn't concerning his recovering from injury or anything baseball related -- it's about his extra-circular activities off the field.

I really don't care what people do in their free time; however, this is man is really, really making my skin crawl. If this is true, then he's ever a bigger creep than I thought and that's not saying much...

From New York Newsday: A high-priced former madam who used to provide hookers for former New York Gov. Elliot Spitzer provided the same services for injured Yankees slugger Alex Rodriguez and dated him, the Daily News reported yesterday.

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Curt Schilling Calls it a Career in Baseball...

This morning, Curt Schilling announced his retirement on his blog, 38 Pitches. No matter what you thought of him as a pitcher, or much less a personality, he was one of the best ever to step on the mound -- especially in the postseason (most notably in 2004 and the "Bloody Sock" game...)

Though some debate his numbers for the Hall of Fame, Schilling is one in my eyes in how he dominated on the mound, and his exceptional playoff record.

Lest we O's fans forget, we traded him in the early 90's to Houston along with Steve Finley and Pete Harnisch for slugger Glenn Davis.

Boy, we know how that all worked out. Sheesh.

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Buster Olney's Take On The Orioles...

Buster Olney has a real long piece about the Baltimore Orioles in his blog this morning. As you can probably gather with the little bit I have below, the team is making strides; however, it may be a while -- as we all probably have fathomed -- before (and that's an if) the Orioles contend in the American League East.

It's going to be tough this season; maybe even in 2010, but things are looking up.

It has been more than a decade now since the Orioles made the playoffs, and almost that long since they've been truly relevant in the AL East race. Their goal this year, he says, is to play meaningful games in September.

They are making strides; Trembley sees it, and he feels it. The club's culture has changed, a tone rooted in the words that MacPhail spoke to the team on the first day of camp. "Do you know how fortunate we are to be doing what we're doing?" MacPhail asked the Orioles. "People are going to be making sacrifices to come out and see you this year. There should be no excuse for a lack of energy and enthusiasm as you do your work."

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Hill to Start Season on DL; O's Lose to Cardinals

If things with the Baltimore Orioles pitching rotation were not shaky, they are now even more so. The news out of camp today concerning Rich Hill may be precautionary, but it's a step back for the hurler, and the coaching staff...

Rich Hill, who was acquired this offseason with the hope that he would be the Orioles' third starter, was officially ruled out for the Opening Day rotation today by pitching coach Rick Kranitz.

Hill has been dealing with elbow soreness and hasn't pitched in a game all spring. He did throw a 25-pitch batting practice session today, facing hitters for the first time since late February, and is expected to throw an inning in Wednesday's intrasquad game. Though the batting practice session went well and Hill reported no discomfort, Kranitz said there's simply not enough time for the left-hander to get ready for the season with Opening Day now only two weeks away.

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Photos: World Baseball Classic, Game Six -- United States vs. Venezuela

World Baseball Classic, Game Six -- United States vs. Venezuela

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Photos: World Baseball Classic, Game Six -- United States vs. Venezuela

World Baseball Classic, Game Six -- United States vs. Venezuela

O's Lose to Mets; Baez Hit Hard -- Photos and More...

The Baltimore Orioles were shutout by the Mets, 4-0, this afternoon down in Fort Lauderdale. Well, Danys Baez started the game for Baltimore and got hit -- real hard -- by the Mets team full of bench and minor league players. Seeing him closely from the stands, his stuff on the mound looked flat and it showed by how solid the hits were off of him.

He gave up all four runs on the afternoon -- on seven hits -- and gave up both two runs in the third and fifth innings. Matt Albers cleaned Baez's mess by throwing a inning of relief; thereafter, Chris Ray came in and tossed 1 1/3 innings of scoreless relief.

Could this be the end of Baez's days as a starter? Probably not with the lack of starting options, he'll get every opportunity to start -- IMO -- unless he implodes and finds himself in the bullpen, or worse.

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A Tale of Two Men in the WBC - Brian Roberts and Sidney Ponson

As the World Baseball Classic heads into the semi-finals at Dodger Stadium, I want to look at two men with a relationship with the Baltimore organization -- one past, and one present -- the first being Brian Roberts, the other being Sidney Ponson.

Brian Roberts -- our starting second baseman -- has all been nothing short of impressive at the plate during the second round of the WBC. Obviously, we all know that he was a replacement for Boston's Dustin Pedroia due to his injury, but Roberts has served as a catalyst for Team USA. He's 4-for-7 at the plate, and finished a home run short of the cycle in the first game.

Here's the excitement Roberts proclaimed to the Sun's Jeff Zrebiec about being in the World Baseball Classic:

"I've never experienced anything like that," said Roberts, who stopped by Fort Lauderdale Stadium yesterday before heading to Dolphin Stadium to join Team USA in its game last night against Venezuela, which mattered for seeding purposes only. "We all got in the clubhouse and said, 'Dude, it's only March 18, what are we doing?' But that's the emotion when you put USA on your chests. You can't help but feel that way. We haven't even won it all yet. We know we have work to do, but the circumstances and situation just warranted that kind of energy.

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Bergesen Sent Down

There were two more cuts with the Orioles and there was one that surprised me...

From Peter Schmuck's blog: The Orioles coaching staff has been giving every indication for quite some time that pitching prospect Brad Bergesen was a strong contender to be in the major league starting rotation when the club breaks camp in a couple of weeks. In fact, there were allusions to that this morning, just a few hours before the announcement that Bergesen has been optioned to Triple-A Norfolk.

Bergesen has been one of the steadiest pitchers in camp, and it is possible that he could still join the major league rotation early in the season, but it's still a curious about-face by the club.

The only way to make sense of it is figure that the innings crunch has gotten so bad that the club had to send somebody out to stretch out. The squeeze got worse with today's rainout, which forced manager Dave Trembley to move Mark Hendrickson into tomorrow's start in Jupiter and, most likely, pitch Hayden Penn later in the game against the St. Louis Cardinals.

Guess it'll all shake out soon enough, but the Orioles certainly caught a lot of us by surprise with this move.

Pitcher Andy Mitchell also was reassigned to the minor league camp in Sarasota.

I'm sure that Bergesen will be seen in Baltimore at some point; however...

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Photos -- Orioles vs. Nationals -- Yesterday in Viera

Baltimore Orioles vs. Washington Nationals; March 19th, 2009, Viera, FL

Here are photos of yesterday's game between the Orioles and Nationals up in Viera, Florida.

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O's Lose to Nats Late, Simon Sharp; Quick Hits

The Baltimore Orioles lost up north on I-95 to the Washington Nationals in the bottom of the ninth inning by a score of 5-4. Wilfredo Perez -- who has been lights out all throughout the Grapefuit League season -- gave up the tying and winning run in the final frame.

Justin Turner's huge error allowed the winning run to score as he overthrew a ground ball to first base -- that was wide. Washington's Anderson Anderson -- who plated the tying run with a triple -- crossed home plate to end the game.

Hayden Penn -- who may be released or summoned to the 'pen in 2009 -- allowed two runs in the bottom of the eighth as Josh Willingham hit a long two run homer to left to bring Washington within one, 4-3.

Alfredo Simon -- who started the game and was a victim of visa issues earlier in Spring Training -- threw four scoreless innings and gave only one a hit (a double to Elijah Dukes). Right-hander Dennis Sarfate went two innings and was not on as he allowed one run on two hits.

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Erik Bedard is Too Sexy For His Own Good...

Ah, man, do I ever miss the oft-injured Erik Bedard in the black and the orange. Andy MacPhail has looked like a genius time-and-time again for the trade of our former southpaw ace, and he's been giving the gift of glib to the Seattle press.

Well, now, we have may a classic quote from the Canadian God of the mound...

PEORIA, Ariz. — It wouldn't be entirely accurate to say Erik Bedard hopes his injury woes are fully behind him.

That's exactly where the Mariners pitcher has felt the most pain this past week — in his behind. Bedard hadn't pitched in a Cactus League game since March 5 after his gluteus maximus muscle tightened up on him and made it difficult for the left-hander to throw.

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Guthrie Struggling, Pull Him from the WBC

Much has been made of the World Baseball Classic -- positives and negatives -- and the Baltimore Orioles currently have four players in the huge event (Brian Roberts, Jeremy Guthrie, Cesar and Melvin Mora). While the team has all four players in the semi-finals out at Dodger Stadium, the one who I have the most concern about is Jeremy Guthrie.

If you have been out there live or have seen it on the small screen, it's needless to say that Jeremy Guthrie has not looked good at all, and the Orioles -- for very good reason -- want him back in camp.

I know one of the complaints of the World Baseball Classic is that players have not had ample time to prepare for the games, much less go full force in competitive fashion; therefore, there have been injuries and in Guthrie's case he's been plain bad. Guthrie is not hurt, but obviously, he's not ready for the season and should probably be back with the team in order to work with our ace.

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World Baseball Classic, Game Four -- Venezuela vs. Puerto Rico -- Photos and Pictures

World Baseball Classic, Game Four -- Venezuela vs. Puerto Rico

The World Baseball Classic is not on the radar of many fans as the NCAA Tournament starts up this week, and hockey and basketball season are winding down; however, if you're in South Florida, and if you love baseball this is a must see. I was there with good friends Cheryl and Dave, huge Nationals fans who also run the Nationals News Network, and they shared my same thoughts.

Well, last night, I had no vested interest in last night's game as the Puerto Rico played Venezuela; however, as a fan in the stands, I watched a very good and perhaps partook in one of the best experiences I have ever had as an observer.

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Can't Alex Rodriguez Stay Out of the News? Speaks with Details Magazine...

What in the world? Can this man just lay low for a week and stay out of the news? Well, Alex Rodriguez -- the former patron saint of of the Yankees decided to give a tell-all interview along with some provocative pictures to Details Magazine for it's April 2009 edition.

I have no idea what to think anymore.

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O's Lose to Twins; Johnson Ailing, Liz to the 'Pen, Quick Hits...

The Baltimore Orioles lost to the Minnesota Twins across Alligator Alley, 5-3, on Monday. Despite two home runs by Aubrey Huff and two hits by Carlos Rojas, they were not enough to counter shaky pitching.

The Orioles' newest acquisition, Mark Hendrickson started the game and went three innings, allowing two runs on five hits; however, much of the damage was done against David Pauley who went 1 2/3 innings while allowing two runs on four hits and striking out one.

Before Pauley came into the game, Dennis Sarfate pitched the fourth inning and gave up a run on two hits. Alberto Castillo and Bob McCrory closed out the game by throwing a scoreless inning each.

The Twins jumped on the Orioles early. Joe Crede slammed a two-run homer in third inning and was perfect at the plate with three hits.. Mike Redmond added an RBI double to center in the fourth. Denard Span had two hits including a triple.

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The Birds Down the Sox Again, 6-2 -- Photo Report

Not going to do a review, but the Orioles downed the Red Sox again in Ft. Myers, 6-2.

Baltimore Orioles vs. Boston Red Sox -- March 15th, 2008

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An International Incident Averted: World Baseball Classic Game Three -- Photos & Reflections

I got tickets in the outfield, and figured that I'd move around since the stadium was practically empty; however, I stayed in my area since I enjoyed the company was with and saw the United States defeat the upstart Netherlands squad, 9-3.

They avoided a potentially embrassing situation as Jimmy Rollins hit a homer and drove in four; Brian Roberts went 3-for-3 with two walks, runs, and RBI's. Adam Dunn homered to center field, and Roy Oswalt threw four scoreless innings to earn the easy win.

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Ravens and Orioles Team Up for Double-Header

Greg Bader -- the Communications Director of the Baltimore Orioles -- sent this to me via email, and if you're going to a weekend game in April, love baseball, or the Ravens, you might be interested in this offer!

***

Baltimore’s two biggest sports franchises have teamed up to offer fans a unique double-header. The Baltimore Ravens and the Baltimore Orioles have packaged together the Ravens’ Spring Football Festival with an Orioles’ home game against the Texas Rangers to offer fans two great events for one ticket.

On Saturday, April 25, the Ravens will hold their 12th annual Spring Football Festival, presented by Verizon Wireless, at M&T Bank Stadium from 3-7 p.m. The family-friendly event consists of various elements in which fans can participate, including interactive on-field activities, a locker room tour, player autograph sessions, Poe’s Mascot Game and watching the 2009 NFL Draft live on SmartVision and TVs throughout the stadium.

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Brian Roberts Headed to the World Baseball Classic

Well, because Boston's Dustin Pedroia is hurting, guess who's in the World Baseball Classic? Our own Brian Roberts.

MIAMI -- Brian Roberts is joining Team USA. Roberts, the Orioles' veteran second baseman, is replacing Dustin Pedroia on the United States squad.

The move was made before Team USA faced Puerto Rico on Saturday night at Dolphin Stadium in Round 2 of the World Baseball Classic.

Pedroia has a left oblique strain. The Red Sox All-Star returned to Fort Myers, Fla., on Saturday night to be examined by team doctors.

Pedroia is now officially out of the Classic. He can't return if Team USA advances to the semifinals.

The Orioles have Spring Training in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., so Roberts has a short distance to travel to be with Team USA.

Through eight Grapefruit League games, Roberts was 5-for-23 (.217) for the Orioles.

Roberts was in the lineup for Baltimore on Saturday against Boston at Fort Lauderdale Stadium.

Go get 'em Brian!

Seeing the World Baseball Classic Game Two; The US Was Whipped, Tarred, and Made to Look Silly...

I was there live and in living color; the collection of players on the United States team in the World Baseball Classic was just pathetic.

Really.

I’m sure you’re read and saw what happened to the United States on Saturday versus Puerto Rico. I don’t know how to articulate what I witnessed, but this is a squad that had no business being a victim to a mercy rule. They played this like this was some run-of-the-mill Spring Training exhibition game – not a competition, and they got their arses wiped by a team ready to play.

They looked lethargic, and really didn’t seem to give as much as an effort than their Puerto Rican counterparts with an offense to dismantle their opponents and as well an incredible performance by Javier Vasquez who in his career has been seen as nothing less than *soft*.

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World Baseball Classic Game Two -- Photos

World Baseball Classic, Game Two -- U.S. vs Puerto Rico

Between having to get up every five minutes for people walking through the row, fans in your face when you're trying to see what is going, there was only so much I could do in terms of photography.

Hope you all enjoy! I'm off to Game Three of the WBC, and if the United States loses to the Netherlands, I'll truly be without words.

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Pedro Martinez in the Black and Orange?

There's been a lot of talk about Pedro Martinez due to his showing in the World Baseball Classic. The interest in the pitcher has not been very high right now; however, one would think that more teams would give him a closer look.

The Orioles need more veteran arms on the staff, and one must wonder has the organizations had discussion about him. Well, last week Peter Schmuck reported that Andy MacPhail and his staff have talked about the hurler; however, the Orioles don't think they will need him.

From the Baltimore Sun: President of baseball operations Andy MacPhail said today that there have been internal discussions about free agent pitcher Pedro Martinez, who pitched for the Dominican Republic team in the WBC exhibition against the Orioles, but he is not a likely option for the Orioles and they have made no attempt to contact his agent.

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Florida Awaits

I'm on my way to Florida to catch some Orioles baseball, as well as the World Baseball Classic, and a cruise to finish my two-week sabbatical off. I took off yesterday because my youngest sister came home, needed to pack up, as well get arrangements for someone to care my my dog, and tie up some loose ends at work.

The weather sucks right now, as I'm travelling, but I hope it's better down South!

O's Defeated by Twins; Quick Hits

The Minnesota Twins downed the Baltimore Orioles this afternoon in Grapefruit League action, 4-3, in Fort Lauderdale this afternoon. Ty Wigginton had three hits, and drove in a run, Gregg Zaun had two hits, and Luke Scott drove in a run; however, Matt Albers gave up two runs in the seventh inning off a Matt Macri two-run double that made the difference on Wednesday.

David Pauley -- who might have now lost his shot at the rotation -- went three innings and gave up two runs on eight hits. Minnesota's Michael Cuddyer plated two runs -- both Denard Span and Alexi Casilla got on base and scored -- with a double in the first inning.

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O's Victorious Against Red Sox; Koji Uehara Ailing...

Once again, the pitching stood out for Baltimore as they beat their division rival, the Boston Red Sox, in Grapefruit League action, 5-1. The Orioles snapped a two-game losing streak, and a standout performance by Radhames Liz -- who pitched out of the bullpen on Tuesday -- tossed three innings of shut-out ball, along with a big seventh inning led them to victory.

The offense for the Orioles came from Scott Moore -- perhaps besides Matt Wieters, the hottest bat on the team -- hit a two run homer in the eighth inning, along with a two-run double by Justin Turner and a sacrifice fly by Oscar Salazar in the seventh inning off reliever Kris Johnson gave them all they needed.

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The O's Lose to the Twinkies, Er, I Mean the Twins; Quick Hits...

There was not much to say about the Orioles game on Sunday, as the Minnesota Twins soundly defeated the Baltimore Orioles, 2-0. Amazingly, Minnesota had a no hitter going until the ninth inning when our golden boy -- Matt Wieters -- broke it with with a single. Folks, Matt is batting well over .400 and seemingly is locked in at the plate; furthermore, I don't see anyone fooling him so far at the plate. Aside from Wieters' hit, the Orioles were quieted at the plate.

The other story on Sunday involves Danys Baez -- who is on the comeback trail after injury and missing the 2008 season -- actually looked very good. Baez pitched four innings and definitely left a great impression as he's trying to make it as a starter. He struck out two and walked four.

His counterpart on the mound, Francisco Liriano -- who himself has made a incredible comeback from injury -- put on a pitching clinic as he threw four no-hit innings and struck out five batter.

I still think Baez winds up in the bullpen; however, he may have just have been trying to get some work in during his past few starts, and now may be feeling very comfortable on the mound.

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Mets Down O's, 9-8; Bullpen Nothing Short of Horrible The Final Two Innings...

Koji Uehara struggled on Monday, and the Baltimore Orioles bullpen allowed the Mets to stage a comeback win, 9-8, in the latter innings of the game. With the score tied at eight in the ninth inning, Rene Rivera hit a solo home run off reliever Alberto Castillo to send New York to victory.

Unlike his past few appearances this Spring Training, Uehara seemingly struggled on the mound and was lifted in the third inning. In total, he only lasted two innings, gave up three earned runs on four hits.

Scott Chiasson came into the game in the third inning and pitched a scoreless inning; however, George Sherill came into the game in the fourth and gave up a run in his inning of work. Jamie Walker, Chris Ray, and Dennis Sarfate each came in a pitched a scoreless inning; however, the Orioles ran into trouble in the eighth inning.

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What to Do With Matt Wieters

It's no secret that everyone has had their eyes on Oriole standout prospect Matt Wieters, and the now the debate that many are having is this: should Matt Wieters start the season in Baltimore or Triple-A Norfolk?

A lot of people in the local and national media have had their say, and so far it looks as if the Baltimore Orioles will indeed have Wieters start off in Norfolk.

ESPN's Buster Olney looks at the situation with Wieters and gives his analysis:

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O's Lose to Florida in Extra Frames; The Future is Looking Bright...

This afternoon, the Baltimore Orioles lost to the Florida Marlins, 3-2, in ten innings thanks a solo-game winning home run by Robert Andino in the tenth inning off reliever Ross Wolf.

Brad Bergesen started the game for Baltimore and went four innings, and gave up two runs. Andino and Jay Gibbons drove both of Florida's runs in the second inning. The Oriole relief corps would keep the team into the game until they tied it in the ninth inning. Brian Bass, Wilfredo Perez, Kam Mickolio, Bob McCrory and Alberto Castillo each threw a scoreless inning.

Baltimore scored in the first inning as Florida's Cameron Maybin misplayed a Lou Montanez flyball that plated Scott Moore -- who reached a via a double.

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The Orioles Get The Best of Former Teammate, Daniel Cabrera...

The Baltimore Orioles today faced an old friend down in Fort Lauderdale today, and like the old cliches goes -- the more things change, the more they stay the same. In the end, the Orioles downed the Washington Nationals, 6-2, as they beat their former compadre and had a little fun with him too on the bases.

Cabrera -- a frustrating presence to Oriole fans over the years -- went two inning and gave up a run. He looked shaky on the mound as he walked two and struck out two; furthermore, the Orioles -- who may know him better than anyone else, perhaps better than himself -- stole four bases against him. Like it has been said over and over, Cabrera has the physical skills to pitch; however, he's not learned the game at all, and it's now up to the Nationals to get him to be the pitcher that he can be.

Uehara Dazzles; O's Beat Dominicans

It was another impressive showing by Koji Uehara as the the Baltimore Orioles beat a formidable Dominican Republic team tuning up for the World Baseball Classic, 6-1.

Once again, Koji Uehara was golden on the mound as he threw three consecutive innings to lead the Orioles to victory. His only real mistake came about as he hit Willy Taveras with a pitch; however, he was efficient -- only needing 36 pitches to go through his afternoon.

So far, I more I reead about Uehara -- the more like him. He may not throw hard, but his control seems to be impeccable, and at this point as long as he throws strikes, has movement on his pitches, and gets guys out, he'll go a long way in being a small part in making the Orioles respectable again.

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Adam Jones & John 'T-Bone" Shelby Take About the State of Baseball in the African-American Community...

As time has gone on, many have commented on the status of the "black player" in baseball and it's been sobering to hear. There have been quite a litany of players who have spoke on the topic including Gary Sheffield, Torii Hunter and most notably C.C. Sabathia who has called the situation, "a crisis".

African-Americans have had a prominent and honorable role in the sport since the early 1900's -- up to and after the introduction of Jackie Robinson into in the Majors in 1947 -- however, it seems that the numbers are shrinking for them, and the sport is dying.

As an African-American myself, I see it not only of the field, but in the stands, in some front offices, and in management. As much as sports is the great eqaualizer in a lot of cases -- it mirrors American life, literally.

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The Orioles Giving Out Free Tickets For Your Birthday...

When Ian from Sox and Dawgs, and a cast of others emailed me this afternoon working about the Orioles giving out free birthday tickets, I thought it was a joke. However, after seeing it on pretty much every sports website, MASN Sports, and the Baltimore Sun, I guess I was reading the truth.

From the Baltimore Sun: The Orioles today announced a ticket promotion that will give fans a chance to celebrate their birthdays with a free ticket to a game at Camden Yards, according to a news release.

Fans who register at orioles.com/birthdays will receive a voucher for one complimentary upper-reserve ticket to any non-prime game in their birthday month. Fans with birthdays from January through March will receive a voucher to an April game, and those with October through December birthdays will be eligible to attend a complimentary game in September.

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Murphy's Late Blast Pulls O's Ahead of Rival Red Sox; Bergesen Impresses...

This afternoon in Fort Lauderdale, the Baltimore Orioles downed the Boston Red Sox, 5-3, thanks to Donnie Murphy's two-run homer in the eighth inning to break a 3-3 tie in Grapefruit League Action.

Once again, a young pitcher caught the eye of O's fans and team personnel, as today the honor belonged to Brad Bergesen. The pitcher who had an amazing season in Bowie in 2008, threw three shut-out innings in which he gave up four hits, struck out three, and walked none..

Hearing the radio broadcast while telecommuting at home, Bergesen did one thing really well -- throw strikes. One might think that he'll be sent to Norfolk to start out the season; however, with the way he's looked this spring, it may be hard for Dave Trembley to deny Bergesen a sport on the roster.

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Adam Eaton Signs with Baltimore

The Baltimore Orioles have a new addition to their team as veteran Adam Eaton -- who was released from the Phillies a few days ago -- has signed a minor league with Baltimore. Unless Eaton is just plain awful in Spring Training, I would surmise that he will have a spot on the squad and perhaps be slotted as a starter.

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Wieters Homers; Pauley Bounces Back; O's Beat Nationals, 7-5

The Baltimore Orioles improved their Grapefruit exhibition record to 3-2 as they downed the Washington Nationals by a score of 7-5.

Well, the highlight of the day was Matt Wieters and he showed why all of baseball is enamored by his ability at the plate, as he hit a two-run home run off Washington reliever Garrett Mock in the sixth inning. On the day, Wieters was 2-for-3, and Justin Turner -- a non-roster second baseman -- hit a two-run home run in the third inning off Tyler Clippard. Baltimore's other runs were batted in by Luke Scott -- who was a perfect 3-for-3 and drove in two runs -- and Adam Donachie.

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Is the National Disaster Over?

It looks like the Washington Nationals are finally moving on and trying to get back to the business of baseball on the field; not off of it.

According to the AP, Jim Bowden resigned Sunday after four seasons as the team's general manager, due to the impact of a federal investigation into the skimming of signing bonuses given to Latin American prospects.

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