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Baltimore Orioles News

Report: Manny Ramirez to decide between A's, Orioles, Blue Jays
February 4
Oakland Tribune
 
"Free-agent Manny Ramirez is trying to decide whether he'll sign with the the A's, Orioles or Blue Jays, a source told ESPNDePortesLosAngeles.com on Friday. Once Ramirez chooses a team, his agents will then begin contract negotiations with that team. The A's have been the most vocal among the three teams in their support for adding the 39-year-old Ramirez. Co-owner Lew Wolff, along with assistant general manager David Forst, both said within the past two weeks that the A's are very open to the idea of adding the embattled slugger."
Ex-big league pitcher Fossum signed to minor league deal
February 2
Baltimore Sun
 
"The Orioles have agreed to a minor league deal with former major league left-hander Casey Fossum, according to an industry source. It's unclear whether he will receive a spring invitation to big league camp. Fossum, 34, last pitched in the majors in 2009, when he appeared in three games and posted a 2.25 ERA as a reliever for the New York Mets. He pitched in nine games with the Mets' Triple-A affiliate in Buffalo last season and spent 2010 pitching in Japan. A veteran of nine major league seasons, he is 40-53 with a 5.45 ERA in 237 career games."
Sources: Playoff expansion has issues
February 1
ESPN.com
 
"Baseball commissioner Bud Selig continues to talk confidently about expanding the baseball playoff field in 2012. But sources tell ESPN.com efforts to make that happen remain bogged down, all because of one thorny little complication: the details. Wednesday was supposed to be the day the commissioner's office finished a proposed schedule for the 2012 postseason and shipped it to the players' association for consideration. But sources told ESPN.com that deadline wasn't going to be met -- not because talks have broken down, but because fitting two extra wild-card pieces into the postseason puzzle has proven to be more involved than the commissioner has been willing to acknowledge. The new"
Orioles' signing of 17-year-old pitcher draws criticism in Korea
February 1
Baltimore Sun
 
"The Orioles' signing of a 17-year-old high school sophomore from South Korea has drawn the ire of the Korean Baseball Organization, which is threatening to petition Major League Baseball for what it deems the fleecing of its young talent. The Orioles announced the signing of Kim Seong-min, South Korea's top left-handed high school pitching prospect, to a minor league contract Monday. While signing players out of South Korea -- including ones in high school -- is customary, Kim is just the second high school sophomore to be signed by a major league club and the first since 1997, Yonhap News Agency reported. The KBO is reportedly planning to file an official complaint to MLB."
Edwin Jackson likely to land one-year deal; hurts Orioles chances in sweepstakes
February 1
Baltimore Sun
 
"Right-handed pitcher Edwin Jackson, the best free agent remaining on the market, is much more likely to accept a one-year deal and test free agency again after the 2012 season than to ink a multiyear contract, according to an industry source. And that almost certainly would take Jackson out of the running to come to Baltimore since free-agent pitchers coveting one-year, value-improving deals don't usually seek out last-place American League East teams or hitter-friendly environments. Jackson, 28, reportedly has several multiyear offers on the table -- one is believed to be from the Orioles -- but he and his agent, Scott Boras, are more motivated to land a one-year deal and have him"
Which Orioles prospects could be trade bait? Not a lot of options
February 1
Baltimore Sun
 
"I've gotten several emails in the past few days about the Orioles and their trade possibilities. I've been asked why they haven't made a deal already for St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Kyle McClellan or the Texas Rangers' Koji Uehara or another fill-in-the-blank name. The reason is pretty simple. If the Orioles are going to get a big leaguer in return -- even in a potential salary dump -- they are probably going to have to give up a prospect. And, frankly, the Orioles don't have much to offer that they are willing to part with and that other teams covet. We've been saying that for a while, so I decided to take a closer look at the club's top 10 prospects -- as ranked by Baseball America --"
Six teams eye Cespedes
February 1
CSN Philly
 
"Yoenis Cespedes will finally be able to sign with an MLB team and there is considerable interest in the Cuban slugger. At least six are bidding on Cespedes, tweeted Jim Bowden of ESPN (Yahoo! Sports has the story). The former Cuban citizen (current citizen of the Dominican Republic), has plans to visit the United States to meet with clubs. Only five of the six "seriously negotiating" with Cespedes are known: The Miami Marlins, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Baltimore Orioles and Detroit Tigers."
Orioles announce minor league deals with Galarraga, Neshek, Paulino
January 31
Baltimore Sun
 
"The Orioles announced several minor league signings Monday, including making official a deal with right-hander Armando Galarraga. The club also announced that it agreed to minor league deals with catcher Ronny Paulino and reliever Pat Neshek. All three will receive invitations to spring training camp. Galarraga, 30, was 3-4 with a 5.91 ERA in eight starts with the Arizona Diamondbacks last year. Originally signed as an amateur out of Venezuela in 1998 by Fred Ferreira, the Orioles' current executive director of international recruiting, Galarraga is best known for coming one out – and one blown call – from pitching a perfect game in 2010 as a Detroit Tiger."
Brooks Robinson resting in hospital, said to be 'doing OK'
January 31
Baltimore Sun
 
"Brooks Robinson remains in a south Florida hospital, recovering from a broken shoulder that he suffered in a fall during a banquet Friday night. Henry Rosenberg, primary financier of a statue of Robinson that was erected near Camden Yards last year, said the Orioles' Hall of Famer was recuperating from the accident. "He's in a hospital and he's doing OK," Rosenberg said Monday. A floor nurse at Memorial Regional Hospital, in Hollywood, said Robinson, 74, was "resting comfortably, and sleeping" in a semi-private room there."
Trade demands currently too high for Orioles
January 31
Baltimore Sun
 
"While the Orioles have been in trade talks with the Cardinals and Rangers in continuing efforts to upgrade their pitching, discussions seem to have stalled. In both cases, their trade partners' demands are, at this point, too steep for the Orioles, according to an industry source. The Orioles were in discussions with the Cardinals, who were shopping right-hander Kyle McClellan so St. Louis can sign veteran free-agent pitcher Roy Oswalt. Also, the Rangers and Orioles have been in discussions about reliever Koji Uehara's possible return to Baltimore. For both the Cardinals and Rangers, unloading payroll is key."
Potential arbitration hearings nearing for Orioles
January 31
Baltimore Sun
 
"The Orioles have not gone before an arbitration panel with a player since prior to the 2006 season, but with potential hearing dates approaching, it's becoming more likely that that trend will be broken. According to multiple sources, the Orioles have tentative hearings scheduled with right-handed starter Jeremy Guthrie a week from today (Tuesday, Feb. 6), with swingman Brad Bergesen on Thursday, Feb. 8, and with center fielder Adam Jones on Friday, Feb. 17. All are scheduled for mornings at the Renaissance Vinoy Resort and Golf Club in St. Petersburg, Fla. Guthrie is the first on the slate for the Orioles, and seemingly is the most likely to go before the three-person arbitration panel."
Yoenis Cespedes signing before spring training
January 31
Yahoo! Sports
 
"Cuban defector Yoenis Cespedes is now free to sign with any team he would like and his agent, Adam Katz, told Fox Sports Monday that his client is expected to do just that before spring training camps open in a few weeks. "We are aware of the (spring-training) dates," Katz told Fox. "We expect him to be in camp with one of the clubs." Of course, Katz may have a lot of sifting to do before then. The word has been that pretty much everybody who has seen Cespedes pick up a bat has some interest in signing the 26-year-old. Katz termed the market for Cespedes as "meaningful and aggressive" to Fox."
Report: Orioles in trade talks with Cardinals involving RHP Kyle McClellan
January 30
Baltimore Sun
 
"The Orioles are reportedly involved in trade talks with the St. Louis involving Cardinals right-handed pitcher Kyle McClellan. According to a report from Joe Strauss of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, the Cardinals are shopping McClellan in order to alleviate payroll costs so that St. Louis can sign free-agent veteran right-hander Roy Oswalt. McClellan will make $2.5 million this season in his second season of arbitration eligibility. Strauss reports that the Cardinals have reached out to several teams, but the Orioles "have emerged as one of the more promising trade partners for McClellan.""
It looks like O's are ready to make some moves
January 30
Baltimore Sun
 
"So apparently Orioles executive vice president of baseball operations Dan Duquette is a pretty popular guy these days. Over the weekend, several rumors gained steam that the Orioles were willing trade partners in at least two possible deals. From the look of things, it appears that not only are the Orioles trying to land Rangers closer Koji Uehara and Cardinals right-hander Kyle McClellan, but they're also interested in obtaining Peyton Manning, trying to trade for Chris Paul and pushing to get Landon Donovan on loan. But after playing a quiet role in the trade market this offseason, the Orioles are definitely looking to make a move with less than three weeks to go before pitchers and"
Orioles reliever Kevin Gregg hopes for turnaround season in 2012
January 30
Baltimore Sun
 
"Orioles reliever Kevin Gregg has been a major league closer long enough to know the formula for long-term, late-inning success. The key ingredient: a short memory. This time last year, Gregg was coming off arguably his best major league season, setting a career high with 37 saves with the Blue Jays. The Orioles rewarded him with a two-year, $10 million contract with a third-year option. A year later, he enters spring training as an enigma. His seven blown saves last year opened the door for Jim Johnson to take over save chances late in the season. And Johnson's success in that role -- he converted all seven save opportunities in September -- makes him, not Gregg, the favorite to close"
Could Kotchman become an Oriole?
January 29
MASNsports.com
 
"It's hard to know what executive vice president Dan Duquette has hidden up his sleeve, and there's no point in ordering a strip search. This isn't the security checkpoint at BWI Airport. No one knew that Wilson Betemit was tucked up that sleeve, but he'll be introduced to the Camden Yards crowd on opening day. Taylor Teagarden's name didn't come up among backup catching options until the day that the trade with the Rangers was finalized. The lobby buzz at the Winter Meetings never included Dana Eveland, the left-hander who came to the Orioles on the final day in a trade with the Dodgers. Duquette wants to add another late-inning reliever and interest remains in starter Edwin Jackson, but"
Hall of Famer Brooks Robinson falls at charity event
January 29
Baltimore Sun
 
"Orioles Hall of Famer Brooks Robinson broke two bones in his rear shoulder area, including his clavicle, when he fell backward at least 6 feet from an elevated stage during a charity event Friday night in Hollywood, Fla., the Palm Beach Post reported. Robinson, 74, was sitting at the top of a three-tiered stage as part of pre-game dinner festivities before Saturday's annual Joe DiMaggio Legends Game in Fort Lauderdale. Robinson apparently attempted to get up from his chair at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino and leaned back against a curtain that had no railing or wall behind it. "After all the interviews were done, he leaned back, thinking there was a wall behind the curtain, but"
Selig expects two one-game playoffs for this fall
January 28
Chicago Tribune
 
"Baseball appears ready for an extra round of wild-card playoffs by this fall, according to commissioner Bud Selig. "I really believe we'll have the (extra) wild card for this year," Selig said Friday at SoxFest. "Clubs really want it. I don't think I've ever seen an issue that the clubs want more than to have the extra wild card." The extra round would be one-game elimination in both the National and American Leagues to the teams who would have missed the playoffs as they are set up now. Some have argued for a best-of-three, but that appears impossible with the scheduled all but set for 2012."
Orioles may find fit with players represented by agent Scott Boras
January 27
Baltimore Sun
 
"So the Prince Fielder truck rolled along I-95 without ever stopping on the interstate. Well, that doesn't mean the Orioles can't get on the Scott Boras Free Agent Bandwagon before spring training starts. Right-hander Edwin Jackson, the pitcher with the highest upside remaining on the market, is still available. And so is DH/outfielder Johnny Damon, and some other Boras' clients. Jackson is the prize here. And the Orioles would love to have him. In fact, I've been told the club would consider a four-year deal for Jackson (something the Orioles and/or EVP Dan Duquette wouldn't usually do for free agent pitchers) given the fact he is only 28. So, yes, they have interest in Jackson. What it"
Orioles announce minor league coaching staffs
January 27
Baltimore Sun
 
"The Orioles announced their minor league coaching staffs for the 2012 season, most notably making official the hiring of longtime minor league manager Ron Johnson as manager of Triple-A Norfolk. Johnson was the first base coach for the Boston Red Sox the past two seasons. Also of note, the team announced that former Orioles player Mike Bordick, who this month joined MASN as a color analyst, will remain with the organization as special assignment instructor. Ex-Orioles pitcher Scott McGregor, formerly the pitching coach at short-season Single-A Aberdeen, will be the minor league rehabilitation coordinator working out of Sarasota, Fla. Former Orioles pitcher Alan Mills will take over"
Orioles remain interested in Cespedes
January 27
Baltimore Sun
 
"The Orioles remain interested in signing free-agent outfielder Yoenis Cespedes, according to an industry source. Cespedes, the highly-touted Cuban defector, received free-agent status from MLB on Wednesday and can now begin negotiating with clubs. MLB said he still must obtain an unblocking license from the U.S. Office of Foreign Assests Control before he can actually sign with a major league club, so any negotiations are in their infancy. The Orioles liked what they saw of Cespedes, 26, in a private workout last month that was attended by manager Buck Showalter, director of international recruiting Fred Ferreira and international operations director David Stockstill. And the club hasn't"
Cespedes granted free agency by MLB
January 26
Baltimore Sun
 
"The bidding war for outfielder Yoenis Cespedes is about to begin. The 26-year-old Cuban defector was granted free agency Wednesday by Major League Baseball, meaning teams can begin contract negotiations. This week, Cespedes established Dominican residency, which was the major hurdle for him to become a free agent. The Orioles are one of six teams -- along with the Marlins, Cubs, White Sox, Tigers, and Indians -- that Cespedes recently said have shown the most interest in him. Baltimore is indeed interested. The organization has seen him at least twice, and one trip to the Dominican that included manager Buck Showalter, new executive director of international recruiting Fred Ferreira and"
Orioles agree to terms with Robert Andino
January 26
Baltimore Sun
 
"The Orioles have agreed to terms on a one-year deal with infielder Robert Andino, avoiding arbitration, the team announced Wednesday. The deal is worth $1.3 million, according to an industry source, the midpoint of the figures that were exchanged between Andino ($1.6 million) and the Orioles ($1 million)."
Orioles may find fit with players represented by agent Scott Boras
January 26
Baltimore Sun
 
"So the Prince Fielder truck rolled along I-95 without ever stopping on the interstate. Well, that doesn't mean the Orioles can't get on the Scott Boras Free Agent Bandwagon before spring training starts. Right-hander Edwin Jackson, the pitcher with the highest upside remaining on the market, is still available. And so is DH/outfielder Johnny Damon, and some other Boras' clients. Jackson is the prize here. And the Orioles would love to have him. In fact, I've been told the club would consider a four-year deal for Jackson (something the Orioles and/or EVP Dan Duquette wouldn't usually do for free agent pitchers) given the fact he is only 28. So, yes, they have interest in Jackson. What it"
Cespedes is a free agent, and bidding can begin
January 25
CBSSports.com
 
"The bidding for Yoenis Cespedes can finally begin. The 26-year-old Cuban outfielder has established residency in the Dominican Republic, and Major League Baseball told teams on Wednesday that he is now officially a free agent. But where will he go, how much will he cost, and how fast could he make an impact? First, the where: Cespedes himself told reporters in the Dominican that the Cubs have shown the most interest in him, with the Marlins, Tigers, White Sox and Orioles also involved. The Nationals have also shown interest in Cespedes, and the Yankees, Red Sox and Phillies scouted him, although it's believed that none of the three will be among the top bidders. The Marlins have made no"
Signing Betemit further shows Orioles' commitment to improving on-base percentage
January 25
Baltimore Sun
 
"The main void Orioles executive vice president of baseball operations Dan Duquette saw in his team's batting order was its on-base percentage. The lineup had plenty of power last season but not enough men on base to capitalize on that strength in the American League East. And the acquisition of 30-year-old infielder Wilson Betemit fits that mold well. Betemit signed a two-year deal worth roughly $3 million guaranteed with a 2014 vesting option based on performance incentives that could raise the total value to $6 million, according to an industry source. Betemit made $1 million last season in his final year of arbitration eligibility. To make room for Betemit on the 40-man roster, the club"
MLB allows retired Tony La Russa to manage in All-Star game against Ron Washington
January 25
Dallas Morning News
 
"Tony La Russa will come out of retirement to manage the National League team for the July 10 All-Star Game at Kansas City. La Russa will go against Texas Rangers manager Ron Washington, who will handle the American League team for the second consecutive season. La Russa retired shortly after St. Louis defeated the Rangers in the seven-game World Series."
Cespedes gains residency in the DR
January 24
MLB.com
 
"The bidding is about to begin. Cuban outfield prospect Yoenis Cespedes has established residency in the Dominican Republic and is now waiting on approval from Major League Baseball to be declared a free agent, his representative Edgar Mercedes said. Cespedes, who just finished a stint with Aguilas Cibaenas in the Dominican Winter League, recently said the Marlins, Cubs, White Sox, Orioles, Tigers, and Indians have expressed the most interest in signing him. He is expected to command a contract greater than the one received by Cuban left-handed pitcher Aroldis Chapman, who signed a six-year, $30.25 million deal with the Reds in January 2010."
Orioles grant outfielder Kyle Hudson his release
January 24
Baltimore Sun
 
"Outfielder Kyle Hudson has been given his release and can become a free agent. The speedy, 25-year-old outfielder was designated for assignment when the club officially inked pitcher Wei-Yin Chen to a big league deal. The Orioles could re-sign Hudson to a minor league deal, but due to league rules (when he was placed on the 25-man roster) they cannot sign him to a major league deal until May 15."
The latest on Prince Fielder and the Orioles
January 24
Baltimore Sun
 
"I promised not to write about Prince Fielder until the super-sized slugger signs somewhere. Well, I am writing about Fielder and he hasn't signed yet. Hey, it's not like I took a vow in church or anything. Besides, it's you people that have done this to me. You are the ones that have flooded my email box and Twitter account with questions about Fielder now that a few national writers have mentioned that the Orioles are interested in him. Get the Baltimore Football app for iPhone and Android The Orioles are more interested in signing Fielder than they were, say, three weeks ago. And the reason is because it's three weeks later than it was three weeks ago. The club's stance on Fielder hasn't"
Why Wilson Betemit makes sense for the Orioles
January 24
Baltimore Sun
 
"Orioles fans received a free-agent acquisition – albeit not the one they were likely waiting for – on Monday evening. The Orioles agreed to terms with 30-year-old utility man Wilson Betemit on a two-year deal (with an option for a third year), pending a physical, The Sun first reported on Monday. While the acquisition of Betemit isn't the flashiest, and it's obviously not Prince Fielder, it fills several key needs for the Orioles. The 6-foot-2, 220-pound Betemit, a native of the Dominican Republic, is a generally underrated player, even though he's never been an everyday guy and hasn't played in more than 97 games since 2007."
Orioles agree to terms with utility man Betemit
January 24
Baltimore Sun
 
"The Orioles have agreed to terms on a two-year deal with infielder Wilson Betemit, according to an industry source. The deal, which includes an option for a third year, is pending a physical. The 30-year-old switch hitter batted .285 with a .343 on-base percentage in 97 games with the Kansas City Royals and Detroit Tigers last year."
Reynolds returning to the hot corner
January 22
Baltimore Sun
 
"Mark Reynolds made 26 errors in 114 games at third base last year and played impressively after moving to first, but manager Buck Showalter said Saturday that Reynolds -- who has slimmed down over this offseason -- will be back at the hot corner this spring. "Yeah, Buck called me in the offseason and talked about it a little bit to kind of see where I was at,'' Reynolds said. "I wanted to see where he was at with it. I told him I preferred third, and he was cool with it. And I've really been working my butt off to come in in good shape and be a better defender than I was last year.""
Johnson believes he's staying in bullpen
January 22
Baltimore Sun
 
"Orioles pitcher Jim Johnson, who shined in his late-season role as the team's closer, said he has a feeling he will open spring training in the bullpen. "I'm pretty sure about that," Johnson said at Saturday's Orioles FanFest. "We'll figure that out in the team in the spring. The organization has considered the idea of making Johnson a starter, even as recently as this offseason. But with the Orioles' offseason starting pitching additions -- Wei-Yin Chen, Tsuyoshi Wada and Dana Eveland -- the bullpen appears to be his best fit."
Pitchers welcome competition for rotation spots
January 22
Baltimore Sun
 
"The returning Orioles pitchers welcome the unspoken message to them. Executive vice president of baseball operations Dan Duquette spent the offseason focusing on starting pitching, acquiring left-handers Wei-Yin Chen, Tsuyoshi Wada and Dana Eveland. That makes for a crowded staff. As of now, the Orioles' list of starting rotation candidates is in double digits, which will create intense competition come spring training. "I think they know it's time to you-know-what or get off the pot," Orioles manager Buck Showalter said at Saturday's FanFest at the Baltimore Convention Center. Righty Jeremy Guthrie goes into the spring as the team's unquestioned ace, but how the rotation spots fall after"
Jones indicates he's open to talking about extension
January 22
Baltimore Sun
 
"Orioles center fielder Adam Jones, who has been the subject of trade rumors throughout the season, seems open to the idea of contract-extension negotiations. "That's up to [the Orioles]. The ball is in their court, right?" Jones said at Saturday's FanFest. "Nothing is up to me. I'm under team control for two years, so nothing is up to me."
Markakis: I will be ready for Opening Day
January 22
Baltimore Sun
 
"Orioles outfielder Nick Markakis proclaimed at Saturday's FanFest that he would be ready for Opening Day after having offseason abdominal surgery, but it appears he could be limited for the first few weeks of spring training. Markakis said he's on schedule with his seven-week rehabilitation from surgery to repair a torn abdominal muscle Jan. 6. He has been doing rehab work in a swimming pool "to strengthen to lower half of my core" as well as starting to lightly jog. "It's not being able to do certain things I want to do," Markakis said. "It seems like a long recovery, but I know it's going to be over before I know it. Then we'll be rolling.""
Duquette tells Orioles fans that reaching .500 is just starting point
January 22
Baltimore Sun
 
"Saturday was Dan Duquette's official welcome to Baltimore baseball fans. Amid the hoopla and carnival atmosphere that filled the Baltimore Convention Center for the team's annual FanFest event, it was the executive vice president of baseball operation's introduction to Orioles fans. Orange balloons were everywhere. Fans brought backpacks of memorabilia, posters, bats and jerseys for their favorite players to sign. Approximately 9,000 fans — about 1,000 fewer than last year — braved the aftereffects of the season's first snowstorm to attend the team's official season-kickoff event. "That just shows that this city is loyal," Orioles center fielder Adam Jones said. "If we were to win, I think"
As FanFest arrives, Orioles fans' optimism more muted than last year
January 21
Baltimore Sun
 
"Orioles manager Buck Showalter will take part in his second FanFest on Saturday, and he will be one of the first to say there's not as much buzz around the team's expectations as there was a year ago heading into the unofficial kickoff to the season. This time last year, the Orioles were coming off a 34-23 finish under Showalter. The team made moves that, while not flashy, were substantial, strengthening its lineup with the offseason acquisitions of shortstop J.J. Hardyand third baseman Mark Reynolds, and there was excitement to see how the club's stable of young, unproven pitchers would test in the American League East. The Orioles were also beginning to toy with the idea of adding"
Orioles make pitch to host 2016 All-Star Game
January 21
Baltimore Sun
 
"The Orioles have approached Major League Baseball about the potential of hosting the 2016 All-Star Game at Camden Yards, a club spokesman confirmed. There is no formal application process, but club owner Peter Angelos did send a letter to baseball commissioner Bud Selig requesting that Baltimore host the 2016 event. Although teams can present their interest to the league office at any time, MLB usually officially awards its next All-Star Game roughly a year before the event. And, traditionally — although not always — the Midsummer Classic alternates between American League and National League hosts, meaning the game would likely come to Baltimore only in an even-numbered year."
Anderson's focus will be on player development and conditioning
January 20
Baltimore Sun
 
"In former Orioles outfielder Brady Anderson's new role as special assistant to executive vice president of baseball operations Dan Duquette, his duties will include mostly player development and conditioning tasks. Duquette said on a conference call Thursday that Anderson's role with the team will be different from former Phillies general manager Lee Thomas, who shares the same title but handles more of an assistant general manager role under Duquette. The Orioles announced their hiring of Anderson, an Orioles Hall of Famer, on Thursday afternoon. "He can help us in the areas he's really passionate about," Duquette said of Anderson, "and those areas are player development and fitness."
Orioles hire Brady Anderson as special assistant to Duquette
January 20
Baltimore Sun
 
"The Orioles announced several changes to the front office staff Thursday, including the hiring of long-time Orioles outfielder Brady Anderson as a special assistant to executive vice president Dan Duquette. Anderson, 48, was a three-time all-star in his 15-season career as a big-league outfielder, which included 14 years with the Orioles. Anderson worked the past two years in an informal, ad hoc capacity helping with the conditioning and development of players such as Nolan Reimold and Brian Matusz. Now, he is listed among the club's top lieutenants, sharing a "special assistant" title with former Phillies general manager and long-time Duquette confidant Lee Thomas."
Orioles tap New Zealand for 17-year-old prospect
January 19
Baltimore Sun
 
"There's never been a major league baseball player to come out of New Zealand. And despite reports from the country that 17-year-old first baseman Pita Rona has signed a seven-year "major league" contract with the Orioles, it's actually far from that. The Orioles have signed the 6-foot-5, 175-pound Rona to a minor-league deal and he will report to Major League Baseball's developmental academy in Australia. Rona, who has played for the New Zealand men's national softball team (commonly referred to as the Black Sox), shifted his focus to baseball last year. His father, Brad, is also a prominent softball player in New Zealand and together they were the first father-son duo to play for the"
What are the Orioles getting in Armando Galarraga?
January 19
Baltimore Sun
 
"About 17 months ago, right-hander Armando Galarraga's name transcended baseball. He was more than the subject of water-cooler talk. He was thrown into the middle of an unrivaled controversy -- and he emerged the recipient of mass public sympathy. For maybe a week, he might have been the biggest name in the game. And now the Orioles have reportedly signed Galarraga to a minor league deal with a spring training invitation. Of course, Galarraga is best known as the former Tigers hurler who had a perfect game taken away from him June 2, 2010, on umpire Jim Joyce's missed call with two outs in the bottom of the ninth against Cleveland. Joyce tearfully admitted his mistake, apologized, and"
Orioles exchange salary numbers with arbitration candidates, sign Galarraga
January 18
Baltimore Sun
 
"The Orioles exchanged salary numbers with four of their seven arbitration-eligible players Tuesday, meaning that if they can't reach common ground within the next few weeks, an independent arbitrator will choose one figure or the other. The club could not reach agreement with outfielder Adam Jones, infielder Robert Andino and pitchers Jeremy Guthrie and Brad Bergesen. They did settle, however, with three pitchers: Jim Johnson ($2.625 million), Darren O'Day ($1.35 million) and Dana Eveland ($750,000). Guthrie, in his third and final year of arbitration, submitted a salary of $10.25 million, and the Orioles countered with $7.25 million. Guthrie, 32, was 9-17 with a 4.33 ERA in 34 games last"
Tigers should mope for a day, then sign Vladimir Guerrero
January 18
Detroit Free Press
 columnist Drew Sharp
"Dave Dombrowski called the news "a sock in the gut." It was more like a kick to the teeth. The anticipated season-long loss of the Tigers' designated hitter and emotional bonder Victor Martinez because of a freakish knee injury might serve the death blow to any World Series hopes a month before pitchers and catchers report to Lakeland for spring training. Yes, Martinez is THAT important to this team."
Orioles officially hire pitching guru Rick Peterson
January 17
Baltimore Sun
 
"After weeks of discussion and three separate meetings, the Orioles and pitching guru Rick Peterson have agreed to a much-anticipated deal Monday that will put Peterson in charge of developing pitching throughout the organization, an industry source confirmed. In essence, Peterson will be minor league pitching coordinator – a spot vacant since Alan Dunn left during the 2011 season – with some additional responsibilities and a new title, director of pitching development. Peterson, 57, is a renowned former big-league pitching coach (Oakland A's, New York Mets and Milwaukee Brewers) who has been nicknamed "The Professor" for his merging of psychological philosophies with biomedical research"
Orioles have some interest in Francisco Cordero
January 17
Baltimore Sun
 
"The Orioles have expressed some interest in the lone viable free-agent closer, Francisco Cordero, according to an industry source. Although discussions are not considered far along, the Orioles have inquired about the 36-year-old right-hander, who has more saves than any other active pitcher besides Mariano Rivera. Cordero spent the past four seasons with the Cincinnati Reds, saving 150 games in 174 chances. In each of his past five years, he's saved 34 or more including going 37 of 43 in 2011. Cordero's first season as a full-time closer was in 2004 with the Texas Rangers, who were managed by current Orioles' skipper Buck Showalter."
Six teams eye Yoenis Cespedes
January 14
ESPN.com
 
"Yoenis Cespedes' much-awaited debut in professional baseball didn't go as expected, but the Cuban prospect remains optimistic about his future as he revealed the six teams which have expressed interest in his services. Cespedes, who is awaiting word from Major League Baseball on his status as a free agent after defecting to the Dominican Republic, has worked out for most teams, but he said the most interest has come from the Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Baltimore Orioles, Cleveland Indians, Detroit Tigers and Miami Marlins. It has been speculated that Cespedes could command a signing bonus similar to the $30 million fellow Cuban defector Aroldis Chapman received from the Cincinnati"