Baltimore Orioles News

Hall of Famers endorse Tejada at third
Comment
February 8
MLB.com
 
"After 13 years as one of the Major Leagues' best offensive shortstops, Miguel Tejada -- a little older, a little slower -- will attempt to make the potentially difficult transition to third base upon his return to Baltimore for the 2010 season. Agreeing that adjusting to the hot corner will take some time, two of the Orioles' best third basemen also think Tejada will do just fine. In fact, when asked by The Baltimore Sun whether he thought Tejada could succeed as a third baseman, Hall of Famer Cal Ripken Jr. said, "There's no doubt about it.""
Ripken, Robinson say Tejada will thrive at third base
Comment
February 7
Baltimore Sun
 
"As Miguel Tejada attempts to make the switch to third base in 2010 after playing shortstop his entire major league career, he can look to Orioles history for guidance. Thirteen years ago, another proud and aging superstar made the short but potentially treacherous trip from shortstop to third base at Camden Yards, and did so without difficulty. It just took time, patience and repetition, said Hall of Famer Cal Ripken Jr. "I think the hardest part is reworking the thinking about the position," said Ripken, who was the Orioles' everyday shortstop from 1983 to 1996, before moving at age 36 to make room for shortstop Mike Bordick. "As a shortstop, you have learned it, you have learned all the ..."
Bedard weighed O's offer before re-signing with Mariners
Comment
February 7
Baltimore Sun
 
"As Erik Bedard passed his physical and finalized an incentive-laden, one-year deal with the Seattle Mariners on Saturday, his agent confirmed that the left-handed pitcher gave plenty of thought about a reunion with the Orioles. "He was seriously considering it," Mark Pieper said. "Baltimore is one of the teams that we went pretty far in our discussions with. They were one of the finalists." Bedard, who had left shoulder surgery in August and won't be ready for the start of the season, agreed to a one-year deal worth $1.5 million with an $8 million mutual option for 2011. His contract includes roster bonuses and other incentives based on innings pitched and games started that could increase ..."
Orioles minor league pitcher suspended 50 games
Comment
February 5
Baltimore Sun
 
"Orioles minor league pitcher Brian Parker has been suspended 50 games by Major League Baseball for testing positive for the second time, a violation of the Minor League Drug Prevention and Treatment Program. Major League Baseball and its teams do not announce what specific drug was found in violators' systems. Parker, 24, a right-handed reliever, was 4-3 with a 4.31 ERA in 35 games at Single-A Frederick last year before pitching two games (0-0, 3.60 ERA) at Double-A Bowie. He is listed on the Bowie roster, and therefore his suspension will begin April 8 and be lifted in June. He likely will go to the organization's minor league facility in Sarasota, Fla., when the suspension ends and then ..."
O's sign Joel Guzman to minor league deal
Comment
February 5
Baltimore Sun
 
"The Orioles have signed corner infielder/outfielder Joel Guzman, once one of baseball's top prospects, to a minor league deal. He will not receive an invite to major league camp. The former Los Angeles Dodgers' ballyhooed prospect was dealt to Tampa Bay Devil Rays in 2006 as part of the Julio Lugo, trade-deadline deal."
Reliever Sarfate clears waivers
Comment
February 4
Baltimore Sun
 
"Reliever Dennis Sarfate, who was designated for assignment last week when the Orioles re-signed Miguel Tejada, cleared waivers and was sent outright to Triple-A Norfolk. The 28-year-old right-hander received a spring training invitation but will not be on the 40-man roster for the first time since coming to Baltimore in December 2007 as part of the Tejada trade with the Houston Astros. "I guess you are a little disappointed every time you clear waivers, but I wanted to stay in Baltimore," said Sarfate, who was 0-1 with a 5.09 ERA in 20 games last year after going 4-3 with a 4.74 ERA in 2008. "I like the city, and I think the opportunity is still there. I think I can still show them that I ..."
Mora deserves good memories from O's fans
Comment
February 3
Baltimore Sun
 columnist Peter Schmuck
"In the final year of a fairly distinguished decade in Baltimore, Melvin Mora struggled to the worst offensive numbers of his career. He morphed from good soldier into unhappy camper. He complained about the way he was being used by manager Dave Trembley. He seemed tired of being an Oriole, and a lot of people - both inside the organization and in the stands - seemed tired of him, too. Sad but true. So, when his contract expired, it was pretty clear that the team would make no effort to retain him. The Orioles signed Garrett Atkins and Miguel Tejada to fill openings at the two corner infield positions, and Mora recently agreed to terms on a one-year deal to be a utility player for the ..."
Miller wins Frick Award
Comment
February 2
Baltimore Sun
 
"Jon Miller, who called the final out of the Orioles' last World Series title in 1983, has been named the 2010 winner of the Ford C. Frick Award for major contributions in baseball broadcasting. He will be honored in Cooperstown, N.Y., during this year's National Baseball Hall of Fame ceremony July 25 along with the 2010 Hall inductees: outfielder Andre Dawson, manager Whitey Herzog and umpire Doug Harvey. Bill Madden of the New York Daily News will receive the J.G. Taylor Spink Award for baseball writing. A list of 10 Frick finalists was whittled to three last month by a group of 15 former winners and five historians/columnists. "I am obviously very excited to be the one," Miller said in a ..."
Official farewell for O's Mora
Comment
February 1
Baltimore Sun
 
"Although it had been anticipated for months, Melvin Mora's career with the Orioles officially ended Sunday when he agreed to a one-year, $1.3 million deal to be a utility player with the Colorado Rockies. The contract is pending a physical examination this week. "I do have to get a physical, but I think they'll give me more money because I am stronger than ever before," Mora said jokingly in a phone conversation from Venezuela. Mora, who turns 38 next Sunday, knew toward the end of last year that he wouldn't be returning to Camden Yards for his 11th season but said it still is not an easy thing to accept. "What can I say? The fans know my heart is with them and with the organization and ..."
Rockies sign utilityman Melvin Mora
Comment
February 1
Denver Post
 
"The Rockies continued to add depth Sunday, agreeing to a one-year, $1.3 million deal with Melvin Mora to serve as a utilityman and a right-handed pinch hitter. Mora's agent, Eric Goldschmidt, confirmed the deal, saying it is pending a physical. Rockies manager Jim Tracy was looking for a specific type of player after the club brought back Jason Giambi, who delivered several big hits for the Rockies but plays only first base. "Versatility is the key term," Tracy said last week. "We needed a guy who can play a couple of spots." The Rockies believe that aptly describes Mora, who turns 38 on Tuesday. He is primarily a third baseman and can be used to spell Ian Stewart if he again struggles ..."
Four O's prospects in ESPN.com's Top 100
Comment
January 29
Baltimore Sun
 
"Orioles left-handed pitcher Brian Matusz received recognition from a national list for the second time this week when ESPN.com's Keith Law honored him as the No. 11 prospect in the major leagues Thursday. On Wednesday night, MLB.com listed Matusz at No. 5. While Matusz wasn't as high in Law's rankings, he was joined by three other Orioles players in ESPN.com's third annual list of the Top 100 prospects in baseball. Left-handed pitcher Zach Britton (No. 25), third baseman Josh Bell (No. 61) and right-handed pitcher Jake Arrieta were also included. Matusz posted an 11-2 record with a 1.91 ERA in 19 starts between the Single-A Frederick Keys and Double-A Bowie Baysox before being promoted to ..."
Fantasy Baseball Profile: Adam Jones
Comment
January 29
Lester's Legends
 
"Adam Jones had it going on last year. He was hitting .303 with 55 runs, 12 HRs, 47 RBIs, and 6 SBs before the All-Star Break. He started off red hot hitting .344 with 40 runs, 11 HRs, and 36 RBIs in the season's first two months. Jones struggled in June hitting a dismal .229 with 10 runs, 1 HR, and 8 RBIs, but rebounded with a .270, 15 run, 5 HR, 15 RBI July. He sunk to .211 in August, but managed 18 runs and 11 RBIs. Then Jones shut it down in September with an ankle injury. Talk about a tale of two seasons. When you look at the aggregate you see a player who improved dramatically in 2009. 2008: 477 ABs, .270, 61 runs, 9 HRs, 57 RBIs, 10 SBs, .711 OPS 2009: 473 ABs, .277, 83 runs, 19 ..."
O's limiting number of instructors
Comment
January 29
Baltimore Sun
 
"Because the Orioles are in their first year at Ed Smith Stadium in Sarasota and will be adjusting to new facilities, president of baseball operations Andy MacPhail said he's not just limiting the number of players in camp but also the number of instructors. This spring, he said, the club will not ask any former Orioles who aren't full-time employees of the organization to come in and act as spring instructors as it has done in the past."
With Tejada back, Sarfate is Orioles' odd man out
Comment
January 28
Baltimore Sun
 
"Reliever Dennis Sarfate joined the Orioles before the 2008 season as part of the Miguel Tejada trade with the Houston Astros, and now he looks to be the odd man out as Tejada returns to the club. To make room on the 40-man roster for Tejada, who was signed to a one-year deal Tuesday to play third base, the Orioles on Wednesday designated Sarfate for assignment, meaning the club has 10 days to trade him, release him or put him on waivers. "I'm a little hurt, not really hurt, but disappointed," said Sarfate, who was 0-1 with a 5.09 ERA in 20 games for the Orioles last season. "I really liked Baltimore, my daughter was born there, my wife loved it. I liked the way the team was going. I wish ..."
Orioles, reliever Hendrickson agree to terms
Comment
January 28
Baltimore Sun
 
"The Orioles shored up their bullpen and likely put the final touch on their 40-man roster before they head to spring training by agreeing to terms Wednesday with reliever Mark Hendrickson. In a long awaited move, the 35-year left-hander agreed to a one-year, $1.2 million deal with a $1.2 million team option for 2011 that includes a $200,000 buyout, according to an industry source. The signing is pending a physical, which has not yet been scheduled. Hendrickson, who served various roles for the Orioles last year but is targeted for relief in 2010, would earn an additional $100,000 each year in escalating bonuses for starts made ($25,000 each for his 10th start, 12th start, 14th start and ..."
'It's not about me,' Tejada says as Orioles announce signing
Comment
January 27
Baltimore Sun
 
"When Miguel Tejada was first introduced to the Baltimore media a little more than six years ago at a Camden Yards news conference, he had received the franchise's richest contract and was trumpeted as a top-echelon shortstop and potential team savior only one year removed from being voted the American League's Most Valuable Player. On Tuesday, Tejada again sat at a dais in the B&O Warehouse at an introductory news conference, but this time it was as a 35-year-old veteran in the latter stages of his career who had just signed a one-year, $6 million deal to be the club's stopgap third baseman. Wearing his new Orioles cap and smiling broadly, Tejada said he feels he doesn't have to be the ..."
Orioles a long shot to crack .500 mark this season
Comment
January 27
Baltimore Sun
 columnist Peter Schmuck
"If you're willing to let bygones be bygones, it'll be fun to see Miguel Tejada back in an Orioles uniform this spring. It'll also be fun to see Nolan Reimold walking without a limp and Nick Markakis clean-shaven again and all of them working out in a spring training facility that wasn't built when their parents were still in short pants. It'll be fun because it's always fun in February and March, when the losses don't hurt that much and it's still possible to at least imagine a scenario in which the Orioles can end their ugly string of 12 straight losing seasons. Let's not get carried away. In a perfect world, this O's team could be the surprise team of the American League, as a few ..."
Cardinals sign former Cub pitcher Rich Hill
Comment
January 27
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 
"The Cardinals may have made themselves a little bit deeper on Tuesday. Betting no more than $575,000, the Cardinals signed ex-Chicago Cubs lefthander Rich Hill to a minor-league contract that includes an invitation to major-league camp. Hill will headline a group of 17 non-roster invitees that includes eight pitchers and four catchers due to report on Feb. 17. Hill, who turns 30 in March, will receive an opportunity to compete with reliever Kyle McClellan and rookie lefthander Jaime Garcia, among others, for the fifth starter role. The Cardinals insist Hill is healthy after requiring surgery in August to repair a tear in his shoulder cartilage. It is thought that Hill walks into camp with ..."
Melvin Mora top target in Rockies' search for utility player
Comment
January 27
Denver Post
 
"The Rockies' front office met early this offseason and identified the players it would like in a bench role. The executives calculated that a handful of players could fall into their laps if they exercised patience. One of those is still sitting on the market — Melvin Mora. He likes the Rockies. Wants to play on a contender. There could be a match here. Melvin has long been on the Rockies' radar, but makes more sense now that the Rockies have limited some of their bench flexibility by bringing back Jason Giambi. "Melvin likes it there. He's definitely interested," said agent Eric Goldschmidt, who has roughly five teams interested in his client. Giambi is a Rockie again because of the ..."
Guthrie: Addition of Millwood won't change his approach
Comment
January 26
Baltimore Sun
 
"When the Orioles traded for veteran Kevin Millwood in December, the conventional wisdom was that the move most benefited Jeremy Guthrie, who no longer had to shoulder the responsibilities of a No. 1 starting pitcher. Having a proven pitcher such as Millwood at the top of the rotation would take the pressure off Guthrie, who is entering just his fourth full season in the big leagues and struggled to 17 losses last season as the Orioles' ace. Guthrie thinks adding Millwood makes the Orioles much better. But he doesn't think it makes his job easier or gives him a better chance at success in 2010. "It doesn't mean a whole bunch to me. It means more to the team, for the Orioles," Guthrie said. ..."
Pondering Tejada and looking ahead
Comment
January 25
Baltimore Sun
 
"The Miguel Tejada deal will not be official until he successfully completes a physical tomorrow and signs his new one-year contract. Presumably, the O's will hold some kind of media conference so we can hear more from Miggy about his return to Baltimore and his upcoming switch to third base. His arrival certainly alters the chemistry of the offensive attack, depending on whether Dave Trembley bats him second or fourth. That probably will depend on whether Garrett Atkins can get things figured out at the plate this spring. Either way, last year's National League leader in doubles (Tejada) will have a big impact."
Tejada redux a smart gamble by O's
Comment
January 25
Baltimore Sun
 columnist Peter Schmuck
"When Andy MacPhail acquired 10 players for a scandal-scarred Miguel Tejada and an injury-prone Erik Bedard, there was national sentiment that he had all but fleeced the Houston Astros and Seattle Mariners. So what are people going to say if he ends up getting both Tejada and Bedard back this winter at bargain prices? Don't laugh. MacPhail is halfway there. Tejada has agreed to terms on a one-year deal - pending a physical - and will move from shortstop to third base to complete the position portion of MacPhail's winter renovation project. Bedard is still out there and the Orioles have not hidden their interest, so it wouldn't come as a complete surprise if those two big deals from two ..."
Stopping short: Tejada set to transition to third
Comment
January 25
Baltimore Sun
 
"For 13 big league seasons, Miguel Tejada held steadfast to the belief that he was a shortstop. He shrugged off criticism about his diminishing range and faulty footwork, and ignored the suggestions that a move to third base was long overdue. In agreeing to terms on a one-year, $6 million deal Saturday to return to Baltimore, the immensely proud Tejada finally gave in to the idea Orioles president of baseball operations Andy MacPhail presented him with more than two years earlier. Tejada's willingness to play third base, however, is only the first step in what the Orioles expect to be a challenging transition for the six-time All-Star and one-time American League Most Valuable Player. "I ..."
Markakis: Another Miggy testimonial
Comment
January 24
Baltimore Sun
 
"Nick Markakis just passed through the VIP area at FanFest and joined in the positive reaction to the news that Miguel Tejada has agreed to terms with the Orioles. Technically, the deal is not official, but even Andy MacPhail all but announced it from the stage during his second fan forum a few minutes ago. "If there's anybody in baseball you want on your team, it's him,'' said Markakis. "He's a high-energy guy who wants to be out there every day, and you want a guy like that on your team.""
Orioles to bring back Tejada
Comment
January 24
Baltimore Sun
 
"More than two years after Miguel Tejada was traded to the Houston Astros for five players to start a massive rebuilding project, he will return to the Orioles with a lot less fanfare and at a different position. In a somewhat surprising move that goes against several of Andy MacPhail's tendencies, the Orioles agreed to terms Saturday on a one-year, $6 million deal with Tejada to be the team's regular third baseman, a role that he's never filled in his 13-year big league career. The deal won't be complete until Tejada passes a physical, which is scheduled for Tuesday. MacPhail, the Orioles' president of baseball operations, didn't deny an agreement had been reached when he was asked about ..."
O's: Closing in on Tejada
Comment
January 23
Baltimore Sun
 
"Frankly, we've given Andy MacPhail every possible opportunity to steer us away from Miguel Tejada today, and he has done nothing but leave us with a greater impression that the club is very close to agreeing to terms with the former O's shortstop -- if they don't already have a deal in place. Stay tuned."
Ex-Oriole Motton dies at 69
Comment
January 23
Baltimore Sun
 
"Curt Motton's timing when it came to hitting some of the American League's top pitchers was under his control. When he played, and how much, was not. Motton, who died Thursday at age 69 after a year-long battle with stomach cancer, had the good fortune of playing with the Orioles when they were the league's most dominant team. It was also his misfortune, considering that Motton could never break into an outfield that featured Paul Blair, Frank Robinson and Don Buford. "[Orioles manager] Earl Weaver loved guys like Curt Motton because he knew what he was going to get," Hall of Fame pitcher Jim Palmer recalled Friday. "Guys like Curt made us more of a complete team." Like many who knew ..."
Orioles' right-hander Bergesen on the mend
Comment
January 21
Baltimore Sun
 
"Orioles right-hander Brad Bergesen has been throwing pain-free off flat ground for several weeks and hopes to have at least 10 extended mound sessions before spring training starts. "It's just a normal offseason for me at this point," said Bergesen, who suffered a left shin contusion when he was hit with a line drive by Kansas City's Billy Butler on July 30. "It took forever just to get that thing back to 100 percent. It is now, but it was pretty frustrating to deal with. It finally feels good not to have to worry about it in the back of your mind. I have been full bore for a long time. It's to the point where it's back to where it was before it ever happened." Bergesen is convinced he had ..."
Objecting to Orioles' higher prices
Comment
January 21
Baltimore Sun
 columnist Kevin Cowherd
"When it comes to fan relations, the Orioles sometimes have the touch of a blacksmith. Take their two latest moves: raising the price of tickets bought the day of the game and charging more for 19 "premium games," which include Opening Day and all Yankees and Red Sox games. Here is Cowherd's Primary Theory of Sports Commerce: If your team stinks and you're having trouble attracting fans, jacking up ticket prices is generally not a good PR move. I would say 12 straight losing seasons and another Titanic-like finish last year qualifies as "stinks," wouldn't you? Or are we being too harsh here? Nevertheless, if it's a great night for baseball and you decide on a whim to head over to Camden ..."
O's Scott wants to play the field
Comment
January 21
Baltimore Sun
 
"Despite a new $4 million contract and a spot as the Orioles' primary designated hitter, Luke Scott is heading into the spring with a familiar mind-set. He's working out feverishly, he wants to play every day - and he'd still prefer not to be a full-time DH. "Absolutely, I want to be able to play defense," said Scott, who avoided arbitration Tuesday by agreeing to a one-year, $4.05 million deal with the Orioles. "If it were up to me, I'd DH two or three times a week and play in the field wherever they needed me. That would be optimal. I'd be off my feet some and stay fresher longer. I'd play left field and first base and DH. That'd be great." But with the emergence of left fielders Nolan ..."
Scott agrees to 1-year deal; Guthrie files for arbitration
Comment
January 20
Baltimore Sun
 
"The Orioles agreed to a contract with one of their arbitration-eligible players Tuesday and exchanged numbers with the other. Outfielder-designated hitter Luke Scott, in his second year of arbitration eligibility, agreed to a one-year, $4.05 million contract after making $2.4 million in 2009. Right-handed starter Jeremy Guthrie and the Orioles did not agree to terms and therefore exchanged numbers. Guthrie, who made $650,000 in 2009, filed for $3.625 million. The Orioles countered with $2.3 million. If the two sides cannot reach a settlement before a hearing in February, an arbitrator will choose one figure or the other. The Orioles have gone to arbitration nine times since 1994 and are ..."
Focused on 3rd base, O's might sign Crede or bring back Tejada
Comment
January 19
Baltimore Sun
 
"Despite the glut of first basemen still on the free-agent market, Orioles president of baseball operations Andy MacPhail remains more focused on adding another third baseman to the team's corner infield mix, increasing the likelihood that he could sign either Joe Crede or have a reunion with Miguel Tejada. The Orioles signed Garrett Atkins last month partially because of his ability to play either third or first, but MacPhail reiterated Monday that the organization's plans for Atkins haven't changed. "We've made no secret over the fact that it's our preference to have Atkins go to first," MacPhail said. If that's the case, the Orioles have very few options to fill their third base vacancy ..."
O's: Kouzman-OFF
Comment
January 17
Baltimore Sun
 
"Billy Beane has reportedly stolen Kevin Kouzmanoff from the San Diego Padres for outfielders Scott Hairston and Aaron Cunningham, which has some posters buzzing about another opportunity missed by the Orioles for no apparent reason. Can't disagree, though we'll have to wait and see what Andy MacPhail has to say about the situation. I predicted at the Winter Meetings that Kouzmanoff would be the starting third baseman for the Orioles on Opening Day, and I don't have a clue why he won't be after seeing what the A's gave up to get him. Maybe the Padres were holding out for one of the Orioles top prospects, or maybe Andy is so completely sold on Josh Bell that he didn't to muddy up the third ..."
O's sign ex-Pirate Salazar to minor league deal
Comment
January 16
Baltimore Sun
 
"Looking to add to their minor league outfield depth, the Orioles have signed former Pittsburgh Pirate Jeff Salazar to a minor league deal with an invitation to big league spring training. Salazar, 29, appeared in 21 games for the Pittsburgh Pirates last year, going 1-for-23 (.046) with an RBI. With experience at all three outfield spots, Salazar is expected to start the season at Triple-A Norfolk. The Orioles have plenty of outfield depth at the major league level with Adam Jones, Nick Markakis, Lou Montanez, Felix Pie, Nolan Reimold and Luke Scott. Salazar has appeared in 168 big league games for three different organizations, and has a career batting average of .232. He was an ..."
O's to charge extra for tickets purchased on game day
Comment
January 16
Baltimore Sun
 
"If you don't plan ahead to see a game at Camden Yards this season, or you want to watch the Boston Red Sox or New York Yankees play there, then expect to pay more than you did in 2009. For the first time, the Orioles are charging a game-day ticketing fee of between $1 and $5, depending on the original price of the seat, for every home game this year - if that ticket is purchased after 12:01 a.m. on game day. In other words, walk up to the window to buy tickets on game day and you'll pay extra. The new policy, which will average an additional $2 per game-day-purchased ticket, is becoming more common in major league baseball, according to Greg Bader, the Orioles' director of communications. ..."
Hill appears headed elsewhere
Comment
January 13
Baltimore Sun
 
"While the Orioles have re-signed a couple of their players from last year to minor league deals, it does not appear that Rich Hill will be one of them. Earlier this offseason, the Orioles offered the left-handed starter a minor league pact with an invite to spring training, but it looks like Hill is poised to accept another offer. There has been very little talk between the two sides in recent days and Hill has other minor league offers that are available to him. It should come as no surprise that Hill likely won't return. It probably will benefit him to get out of the American League East and return to the National League. His chances of making the Orioles' Opening Day rotation were slim ..."
Former Orioles Huff, Mora still looking for jobs
Comment
January 8
Baltimore Sun
 
"This time last year, Aubrey Huff and Melvin Mora were heading into their contract years with significant momentum. Huff was the 2008 Most Valuable Oriole and the American League Silver Slugger Award winner at designated hitter after batting .304 with 32 homers and 108 RBIs. Mora hit 23 homers and tied his career best with 104 RBIs while batting .376 in the second half of 2008. One disappointing season later, however, both Huff and Mora are without jobs as spring training approaches. The Orioles have shown no interest in retaining either player. Neither says he is concerned -- yet. "I'm not worried about it. I did the same thing with the Orioles" as a free agent in 2007, Huff said. "It ..."
Orioles appear out of Chapman derby
Comment
January 8
Baltimore Sun
 
"Several major league teams have dropped out of contention to sign Cuban defector Aroldis Chapman, and the Orioles appear to be among them, though there has been no official announcement to that effect. Orioles beat reporter Jeff Zrebiec tells me that agents Alan and Randy Hendricks have not gotten back to Andy MacPhail since the Orioles apprised them of how the organization valued the hard-throwing left-hander. Club officials view that as a sign that the Hendricks brothers already have offers that far surpass the level of the Orioles interest. Sounds like a pretty good assumption when you're competing with the Red Sox and Angels. It's possible that could change before Chapman signs, but ..."
Hall snub leaves Alomar in good company
Comment
January 7
Toronto Star
 columnist Dave Perkins
"There are 19 second basemen enshrined in the Baseball Hall of Fame and Roberto Alomar will be the 20th a year from now. Guaranteed. Three of those 19 were elected in their first year of eligibility. That club, consisting of Jackie Robinson (1962), Joe Morgan (1990) and Rod Carew (1991), was almost cracked by Alomar. The former Blue Jay, among others, missed by a mere eight votes among the 539 cast. Andre Dawson got the required total in his ninth year on the ballot, safely at 420 (78 per cent) and at the risk of offending those who think only statistically, Dawson and his weak on-base percentage got this vote on the basis of my actually having watched him play. He was a terrific ..."
Alomar falls just short on Hall vote; Dawson elected
Comment
January 6
Baltimore Sun
 
"Roberto Alomar, whose tenure in Baltimore included three trips to the All-Star Game, two shots at the American League Championship Series and one infamous spitting incident, fell just short of the necessary votes for admission to the Baseball Hall of Fame on a day that saw Andre Dawson elected and Bert Blyleven also narrowly missed out. Alomar, who was on the ballot for the first time, received 397 out of 539 votes -- or 73.7 percent -- from the eligible members of the Baseball Writers Association of America, it was announced Wednesday afternoon. He needed 75 percent of the vote to gain induction. "I feel disappointed, but next year hopefully I make it in," Alomar said at his home in New ..."
Hirschbeck backs Alomar for Hall of Fame
Comment
January 6
Baltimore Sun
 columnist Peter Schmuck
"Former Oriole Roberto Alomar will find out on Wednesday whether his stellar career as one of the best second basemen in the history of baseball will outweigh one ugly moment in 1996 that has scarred his reputation ever since. Alomar's name appeared on the Hall of Fame ballot for the first time in November, and he is considered the strongest candidate to gain induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame when the results of the balloting are is announced by the Hall and the Baseball Writers Association of America. If he comes up just short of the 75 percent requirement for election, it won't be hard to make the case that the night he spit in the face of umpire John Hirschbeck was a deciding ..."
Three teams talking to Mora
Comment
January 5
Baltimore Sun
 
"Melvin Mora's 10-season stint with the Orioles is over, but it's still not known what is next for the 37-year-old third baseman. Mora's agent, Eric Goldschmidt, said Monday that "three teams have a fair amount of interest in Melvin. It's a matter of balancing playing time with the competitive nature of the club and salary." Goldschmidt wouldn't specify the teams involved, but two are in the National League and one in the AL. The Colorado Rockies reportedly were interested in December. None of the teams that have expressed interested is in the AL East or NL East, which is where Mora originally had hoped to land so he could stay close to his wife and kids in Bel Air. Goldschmidt said region ..."
The best team realistic money can buy, all for $80 million
Comment
January 2
USA Today
 columnist Paul White
"This team building is getting expensive.We've managed to assemble a formidable roster for Team 2009, USA TODAY Sports Weekly's annual exercise of creating a 25-man roster of the best players in their actual roles. But sticking to a realistic and responsible payroll was more difficult than it has been in several years. This is not an All-Star team, but a selection by USA TODAY baseball editors and reporters of a realistic roster, including 2009's best No. 1 starting pitcher, No. 2 starter, No. 3 starter, etc.; a bullpen with each role covered; a starting lineup; and a complete bench. Then, we pick a manger, hitting coach and pitching coach. To keep our choices as realistic as possible, we ..."
Baez lands on his feet
Comment
January 2
Baltimore Sun
 
"I'm sure there are a lot of Orioles fans who are surprised to hear that reliever Danys Baez reportedly has signed a two-year deal with the two-time defending National League champion Philadelphia Phillies. Baez got a lot of money from the Orioles three years ago and delivered just one decent season in middle relief. But he obviously showed enough promise during his comeback season last year to convince the Phillies he can be a top-flight setup guy for them in 2010. That wouldn't surprise me. The guy has good stuff and he'll be another year removed from the serious arm injury that cost him the 2008 season. He was hard to watch here, but it'll be even more galling to watch him help the ..."
Pryce set to meet an old "friend"
Comment
January 2
Baltimore Sun
 
"As a former Denver Bronco, defensive end Trevor Pryce is well aware of the mystique surrouding the Oakland Raiders, who happen to be the Ravens' opponents this Sunday. Pryce equated returning to Oakland to visiting a longtime acquaintance -- with a twist. "It’s like seeing that friend that stabbed you in the back," he said with a chuckle. "It’s like seeing a friend that took your ball or your bike and seeing him at your 20-year reunion." Raiders fans are renowned nationally for their fierce loyalty to their team, and visitors are well aware of the vitriol they can expect if they have the unfortunate citcumstance of getting too close to "The Black Hole." But Pryce said he doesn't plan ..."
The plan at a crossroads
Comment
December 30
Baltimore Sun
 
"Though I wish I had some Orioles news to report, this is a traditionally dead time for Major League Baseball, so I just popped back in to compliment everyone for the way you've kept the debate going in this information vacuum. The last time I looked, my most recent Orioles entry of any substance (and that's arguable) has garnered nearly 300 reader comments. In short, you've kept the same conversation alive right through the Christmas holiday and well into the final week of the year. If I were Andy MacPhail, I think I'd jump on the idea from the blogger known as Not Brooks and reward you with the surprise signing of Matt Holliday. Of course, I'm not Andy (I'm much taller because of what ..."
Orioles make strides in signing international amateurs
Comment
December 27
Baltimore Sun
 
"When Andy MacPhail became the Orioles' president of baseball operations in June 2007, he inherited an excess of deficiencies, perhaps none more glaring than the organization's woeful record in international development, perhaps the worst in baseball. In the past two-plus years under MacPhail, the Orioles have established an international scouting department, moved into a new Dominican Republic facility and signed their first Japanese professional player, Koji Uehara. And they have significantly upgraded their financial investment. The club has also increased its investment in international amateurs in 2009, signing 36 for about $1.5 million, light-years ahead of 2007, when they signed a ..."
Orioles agree to deal with Australian left-hander
Comment
December 23
Baltimore Sun
 
"The Orioles agreed to a minor league contract earlier this week with Australian left-hander Chris Lamb, according to Jake Dew of the Gold Coast (Queensland, Australia) Bulletin. The 19-year-old pitcher is currently playing for the Queensland Rams in the Claxton Shield Baseball Championship in Australia. In nine appearances, Lamb is 0-2 with a 7.00 ERA. Lamb's biography on the Queensland Rams' Web Site lists him at 186 centimeters tall and weighing 78 kilograms. Although my metric-to-standard conversion skills are a little bit rusty, I believe Lamb is approximately 6-foot-1, 172 pounds."