Sports News and Trade Rumors: Pro Sports Daily

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October 31

Baltimore Sun

"Orioles international scouting director John Stockstill met Friday with free-agent Cuban left-hander Aroldis Chapman and his agent Edwin Mejia in New York. Stockstill, who watched the highly coveted 21-year-old pitch in the World Baseball Classic in March, said he was impressed by Chapman. "He's willing and interested to come and visit Baltimore," Stockstill said. While the Orioles maintain interest, it's highly doubtful they will be serious bidders if Chapman's reported asking price -- between $40 million and $60 million in a long-term deal -- is accurate."

Hendrickson hopes O's won't wait

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October 31

Baltimore Sun

"When the World Series ends, the Orioles' exclusive 15-day negotiating window with would-be free-agent pitcher Mark Hendrickson will begin. And while that period usually comes and goes for most free agents without any serious negotiations, Hendrickson's agent is hopeful that his client's experience with the Orioles will be different. "We won't wait just for the purpose of waiting," said Joe Urbon of CAA Sports. "They have an exclusive window to talk and try to get something done, and I would hope that they'd use it because I know that's what Mark would like. "There have been indications and a vibe that there is an interest in the Orioles in having him back, and Mark has made it clear that ..."

Orioles decline Mora's 2010 option

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October 30

Baltimore Sun

"The Orioles announced Thursday that they won't exercise third baseman Melvin Mora's $8 million option for the 2010 season, an expected move that will likely end the tenure of one of their most productive and popular players over the past decade. The team could try to re-sign him for less, but that appears unlikely with Mora coming off one of the worst offensive seasons of his career and both sides seemingly ready to head in different directions. "We'll see how the offseason unfolds," president of baseball operations Andy MacPhail said. "There are a lot of twists and turns. You never say never." In a series of roster moves Thursday, the Orioles also declined the $850,000 option on catcher ..."

Tigers join Chapman sweepstakes

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October 27

SI.com

"The Tigers have joined the host of teams expressing interest in Cuban left-hander Aroldis Chapman, a source tells SI.com. The team has contacted Chapman's camp in attempts to schedule a meeting later this week or early next week, the source said. Chapman, a 21-year-old who has hit 102 mph on radar guns, has garnered substantial interest from major league teams since he defected July 1. His zipping fastball, youth, projectable frame (6-foot-4 and lean) and a shallow free-agent pitching pool are expected to make Chapman one of the most expensive players on the market this offseason. Several industry sources expect Chapman will command more than the $32 million the Yankees paid Cuban ..."

O's keeping Trembley

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October 3

Baltimore Sun

"On the final weekend of one of the worst seasons in team history, Orioles president of baseball operations Andy MacPhail announced Friday that manager Dave Trembley will return for the 2010 season, ending rampant speculation that Trembley's tenure was nearing an end. The announcement that the Orioles had exercised Trembley's option came less than 24 hours after they broke a 13-game losing streak, the third-longest in club history, and hours before they defeated the Toronto Blue Jays to begin the season's final series. They still need to win one of two remaining games to avoid the third 100-loss season in team history. Terms of Trembley's deal were not announced. "I always felt that Dave ..."

O's Keeping Trembley

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October 3

Baltimore Sun

"Moments after Andy MacPhail announced that embattled Orioles manager Dave Trembley would return for 2010, several of the players echoed the thoughts of their president of baseball operations. Trembley did the best he could in this disaster of a season. And next year's team has to be better, for his sake and theirs. "I like it. He has been put in a tough situation with injuries," right fielder Nick Markakis said of the decision to pick up Trembley's option. "This is the most young guys we have had come up at one time in a while. He has managed them well. Protected them well. Did his job. And next year, we will try to make the team better and go from there." Trembley will return for his ..."

Tejada denies he tipped pitches

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August 30

MLB.com

"All-Star shortstop Miguel Tejada said on Sunday that he never tipped pitches to his Dominican contemporaries on opposing teams, not as a member of the A's, Orioles or Astros, his current employer. "I've never tipped pitches," Tejada told MLB.com before he was given a rare off-day from the starting lineup on Sunday as the Astros closed their three-game series at Chase Field. "I love this game and that's not the way I play it. I'm a proud player. I would never do such a thing. It's tough to get a hit. And for me to tip pitches to anybody, that's crazy. I play for my team." Tejada's comments came in response to an article published in the New York Times on Sunday stating that some teammates ..."

Rumors from Ravens training camp

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August 20

Baltimore Sun

"It's juicy rumor time, because this is the time in preseason when you hear all the good stuff. In the last week, I've heard about the Ravens being serious players for Michael Vick, but the Ravens said no. I've also heard the Ravens are interested in trading for Denver receiver Brandon Marshall. Two names mentioned as possible trades from Baltimore are quarterback Troy Smith and/or receiver Demetrius Williams, and/or possibly a second round pick. A lot of the speculation stems from the Ravens having five quarterbacks in training camp and that could mean a possible trade."

Tigers acquire Aubrey Huff from Orioles

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August 17

Detroit Free Press

"The Detroit Tigers today acquired infielder/outfielder Aubrey Huff from the Baltimore Orioles in exchange for right-handed pitcher Brett Jacobson. Huff hit .253 with 24 doubles, a triple, 13 home runs and 72 RBIs in 110 games with the Orioles this season. He has batted .324 with runners in scoring position. "Huff is a quality major league hitter, who adds a left-handed bat to our lineup and brings versatility to our club with his ability to play numerous positions," Tigers general manager David Dombrowski said. In 10 seasons with Tampa Bay (2000-06), Houston (2006) and Baltimore (2007-09), Huff has compiled a .284 batting average, 201 home runs and 739 RBIs in 1,282 games."

MacPhail: Trembley's job safe through season

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August 15

Baltimore Sun

"Even if the Orioles' second-half swoon continues, president of baseball operations Andy MacPhail said Friday, manager Dave Trembley's job is secure through the end of the 2009 season. "I have no intention of making any changes in-season," MacPhail said. "We'll address the option when the year ends." Trembley, whose club is 155-212 since he took the helm of the Orioles on an interim basis in June 2007, has a club option for 2010. MacPhail said a decision probably won't be made for six or seven weeks on whether to exercise it. "It's like I said months ago, whatever we decide, it will be toward the end of the year," MacPhail said. "Whether we pick up the option or not, it probably won't be ..."

O's Huff, Mora, Baez clear waivers

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August 10

Baltimore Sun

"Aubrey Huff, Melvin Mora and Danys Baez, three veterans in the final guaranteed years of their contracts, have cleared waivers, according to league sources, meaning they can be traded to any club if the Orioles find a suitor. The two infielders and the reliever clearing waivers isn't at all surprising as the Orioles didn't find much interest in any of the veterans before last month's nonwaiver trade deadline. All three have struggled at times this season and are still owed a decent chunk of money for the rest of the season. Mora, who is hitting .254 with three homers and 29 RBIs, is still owed about $2.7 million. Huff (.255 average 12 homers, 68 RBIs) is due approximately $2.4 million ..."

Orioles: Waiver news

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August 10

Baltimore Sun

"Jeff Zrebiec has been beating the bushes and he ascertained today that Aubrey Huff, Melvin Mora and Danys Baez have cleared waivers, which makes them available for trade in August if anybody is interested. Check out his notebook here, because there are a few other interesting news items to go along with the waiver stuff. Don't really know if getting those players through waivers will change anything. If the Orioles could have moved them before the July 31 waiver deadline to any benefit for the club, you'd have to think Andy MacPhail would have done that. But there's always the possibility that a contending team will have an emergency need and come calling with a prospect or two. Huff is ..."

Sources: Tigers may not be done yet

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July 31

Foxsports.com

"The Tigers have remained in contact with the Orioles about outfielder Luke Scott, major-league sources told FOXSports.com. Detroit still has a decent inventory of prospects, even after sending left-handed pitchers Luke French and Mauricio Robles to Seattle this morning for Jarrod Washburn. When the season began, neither French nor Robles were thought to be among the top 10 prospects in the organization. The Tigers still have a need for offense, but Scott, primarily a designated hitter in Baltimore, would probably need to play left field in order to fit into the everyday lineup. Scott is a left-handed batter, and Carlos Guillen, still unable to play left field because of a shoulder injury, ..."

Orioles opt to not move another pitcher

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July 31

Foxsports.com

"The Orioles will not trade left-hander Mark Hendrickson to the Rockies, according to a major-league source. The teams exchanged names, but could not find reach agreement. The Orioles then pulled back on Hendrickson after trading closer George Sherrill to the Dodgers on Thursday. Hendrickson, 35, is 4-0 with a 3.28 ERA as a reliever this season, holding opponents to a .685 opponents' on-base/slugging percentage. The Orioles want to keep him to help protect their younger pitchers, sources said. Also, Orioles right-hander Brad Bergesen was struck in the left shin by a line drive on Thursday night, and Hendrickson could replace him in the rotation temporarily."

Sources: Dodgers acquire Sherrill from Orioles

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July 30

Foxsports.com

"The Dodgers have acquired George Sherrill from the Orioles, major league sources have confirmed to FOXSports.com. According to MLB.com, Class AA third baseman Josh Bell and Class AA right-hander Steve Johnson will head to Baltimore in the deal. Bell is a highly-touted prospect, but the Dodgers have enough left in their farm system to make a competitive offer to the Blue Jays for Roy Halladay. It's not clear, though, if they're going to be willing to do that."

Rangers long shots for Halladay, Washburn

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July 30

Foxsports.com

"The Rangers remain interested in Roy Halladay and Jarrod Washburn but regard them as long shots, one major-league source with knowledge of their plans said this afternoon. The source added that Texas isn't involved in talks about relievers Heath Bell, George Sherrill or Matt Capps."

Dodgers after Halladay, Sherrill

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July 30

Foxsports.com

"A little more than 24 hours before the non-waiver trade deadline, the Dodgers are pursuing a marquee starter, Toronto's Roy Halladay, and a marquee reliever, Baltimore's George Sherrill. It might be difficult for Los Angeles to acquire both pitchers. One major-league source said some of the same prospects are believed to have been discussed in both deals. But the source added, "I wouldn't put it past Ned," in reference to Dodgers general manager Ned Colletti. The Blue Jays, who lost leverage Wednesday when Cliff Lee was traded to Philadelphia, have given the Dodgers some flexibility in constructing their offer. Toronto officials have given Colletti a number of alternatives: smaller ..."

Orioles receiving interest in Guthrie

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July 30

Foxsports.com

"One major league source said the Orioles have received several inquiries on right-hander Jeremy Guthrie but cautioned that the team remains "unlikely" to move him. Guthrie is 7-9 with a 5.21 ERA this year — a regression after two seasons with a sub-4.00 ERA."

ChiSox interested in Orioles' Sherrill

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July 30

Foxsports.com

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"The White Sox have some degree of interest in Orioles lefty George Sherrill, major league sources indicated Wednesday, but it's unclear if the sides have had any serious talks. Baltimore prefers to get a third baseman in return for Sherrill, and Chicago may have enough infield depth that general manager Kenny Williams could include Josh Fields in the deal. Fields, once a highly-regarded prospect, came up through the minors as a third baseman but was replaced there by Gordon Beckham last month. Fields, batting .220, has since become a part-time player."

Several teams pursuing Sherrill

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July 29

Foxsports.com

"As many as eight teams are pursuing Orioles closer George Sherrill, and two or three are "actively engaged" with Baltimore in discussions, according to a major-league source. The Orioles expect that the number of teams serious about Sherrill actually might grow once the big-name starting pitchers get traded — or not. The Dodgers have maintained interest in Sherrill, and a number of their prospects appeal to the Orioles. The Angels, too, are among the interested teams. The Phillies are unlikely to act on Sherrill now that they are preparing to trade four prospects for Indians left-hander Cliff Lee."

Without Qualls and Wuertz, relief market would be worst ever

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July 29

SI.com

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"The Jays didn't make their deadline. But they are telling some teams that they want to focus on the Halladay situation before considering trades for their coveted relievers, including Scott Downs and Jason Frasor. In a weak relief market, their relievers are becoming very popular. The Orioles' portly closer George Sherrill is another viable reliever, but one executive said that will be an "overpay." The Dodgers and Angels are among teams looking at Sherrill, with the Dodgers pressing hard. The Diamondbacks appear to be leaning toward keeping Chad Qualls, while the A's are saying the same about Michael Wuertz. Normally, that wouldn't be a big deal. But in this barren market, it seems like ..."

Phillies interested in more than Halladay

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July 27

Foxsports.com

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"The Phillies continue to be active on numerous fronts besides Roy Halladay, talking to the Indians about left-hander Cliff Lee, searching for bullpen help and continuing their endless quest for a right-handed hitter. "All balls in the air," one club official says. "Focusing on many opportunities." Still, rival clubs say the Phillies' involvement in the Halladay sweepstakes are putting other conversations on hold. The Nationals, for example, might want to further engage the Phillies on outfielder Josh Willingham and left-handed reliever Joe Beimel. George Sherrill, the Orioles' left-handed closer, is another reliever in whom the Phillies are interested."

Huff will be tough for O's to deal

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July 27

Foxsports.com

"If the Orioles want to trade first baseman Aubrey Huff, they will need to convince prospective suitors that his July slump is a mirage. Huff, a potential free agent, has had a brutal month, batting .147 and producing only a .447 combined on-base/slugging percentage. His overall numbers also are down from last season, when Huff had a .912 OPS and led the American League with 82 extra-base hits. This season, he has a .716 OPS and 32 extra-base hits."

Source: Tigers still hunting for a hitter

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July 27

Foxsports.com

"Detroit designated hitter Carlos Guillen returned from the disabled list over the weekend and batted .417 in three games against the White Sox, all Tigers victories. But Guillen is still limited physically, in the respect that his right shoulder won't permit him to bat right-handed and play in the outfield. So Guillen will be limited to DH duty for the time being. That doesn't bode well for the team's trade pursuits, since a number of the hitters that interest the Tigers (Baltimore's Luke Scott and Washington's Adam Dunn, for example) profile as DHs. But that won't stop the team from trying to upgrade. One major league source said Monday that Tigers president/general manager Dave ..."

The Relief Market

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July 26

Yahoo! Sports

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"The Los Angeles Angels, New York Yankees, Los Angeles Dodgers and Minnesota Twins are among the clubs who need a lot of help in their bullpens. The asking price has been so high that Bell might as well be unavailable, but just how many wins is Bell going to be asked to protect over the next couple seasons? It's a question general manager Kevin Towers will weigh against whatever arises over the next six days. As one baseball personnel man said Saturday, "There are about eight good arms available out there and 20 teams looking." As the deadline nears, they'll be climbing over one other for the likes of the Baltimore Orioles' George Sherrill, Oakland Athletics' Michael Wuertz, Toronto Blue ..."

Angels focusing on acquiring pitching

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July 23

Foxsports.com

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"The Angels, after inquiring on Halladay and Diamondbacks right-hander Dan Haren, are focused almost entirely on adding bullpen help. Orioles closer George Sherrill and Indians right-hander Rafael Betancourt are among the Angels' options. Another Orioles reliever who could be in play, though not necessarily for the Angels: Left-hander Mark Hendrickson, who has a 2.53 ERA and .633 opponents' OPS in 21 relief appearances. The Rockies, badly in need of bullpen help, are among the teams talking with the Orioles about right-hander Danys Baez."

Rockies, Dodgers and Angels looking for relief

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July 21

SI.com

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"The red-hot Rockies, now leading the NL Wild Card race, are looking for relief. They called about Betancourt (one of many Indians up for grabs) and also have talked about Chad Qualls, George Sherrill, Danys Baez and Takashi Saito. •Sherrill would be a "real overpay," one GM said, and you can't blame Baltimore for that in this barren relief market. Both the Angels and Dodgers make sense for him. •Some believe the Diamondbacks will hold onto Qualls now that Tony Pena is gone."

Sherrill: 'I want to be here'

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July 21

Baltimore Sun

"George Sherrill wants to be part of the nucleus that leads the Orioles back into contention, not a trade chip that brings a couple of more pieces to accelerate that process. But Sherrill, whose name has factored prominently in trade rumors both before and after the Orioles acquired him from the Seattle Mariners in February 2008 in the Erik Bedard deal, knows he has no say in the matter. "For sure, I want to be here," said Sherrill, who entered Monday's series opener against the New York Yankees with 20 saves and a 2.35 ERA. "The Mariners are starting to have a little bit of success. Do I wish I was still there? Not really. I'm an Oriole now for as long as it lasts. It would be a little ..."

Dodgers in on Halladay and Relievers

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July 20

MLB.com

"Dodgers assistant general manager Logan White and special assistant Vance Lovelace scouted Toronto starter Roy Halladay's victory over Boston Sunday. The need for Halladay is clear in a rotation that lacks a clear ace and the club has enough prospects that it probably could put an enticing package together. The biggest obstacle is whether ownership is willing to take on the salary Halladay will command when all the negotiating over no-trade clauses and contract extensions is done. The team payroll dropped by $30 million this year, even with the money (some deferred) committed to Manny Ramirez. The Ramirez exception aside, this is a franchise committed to developing from within and ..."

How inclined are O's to trade closer Sherrill?

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July 20

Foxsports.com

"The Orioles' acquisition of Padres right-hander Cla Meredith on Sunday is not necessarily a precursor to a trade of left-handed closer George Sherrill. The team already is deep in right-handed relievers, and Meredith, whose ERA since June 2 is 6.06, does not exactly qualify as late-inning "insurance." While a trade of Sherrill looks inevitable — "They will move him; they know he's the best available closer out there," one rival executive says — it is not yet imminent. One general manager interested in Sherrill says the Orioles are "playing the 'don't-have-to-move-him-so-make-us' card" — a characterization the O's do not dispute. "If it's something meaningful coming back, something we don't ..."

Wheels still spinning: Pads add Latos, deal Meredith

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July 20

San Diego Union-Tribune

"In another sign of the club's transitory times, the Padres welcomed an exciting newcomer Sunday while bidding farewell to a staple of the past 3½ seasons. Mat Latos showed hints of brilliance as he hit 98 mph with his fastball and struck out four of the first seven major league hitters he faced before coming up short in a showdown with major league wins leader Jason Marquis. Shortly after the Padres dropped a 6-1 decision to the Rockies, reliever Cla Meredith was traded to the Baltimore Orioles for 31-year-old utility infielder Oscar Salazar."

Sherrill hunt

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July 19

Los Angeles Times

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"The Angels have expressed interest in Baltimore closer George Sherrill, and the Orioles had a scout at Saturday's game, but the teams do not appear close to a deal. The Orioles so far are asking for two top prospects for Sherrill. The Angels would like Sherrill to pitch the eighth inning for them, but not at the price of, say, Brandon Wood and Trevor Reckling. Sherrill, 32, has converted 20 saves in 23 opportunities, with a 2.35 earned-run average. He would earn $915,000 for the final two months this season and would not be eligible for free agency until after the 2011 season. The Orioles have told teams that Sherrill, reliever Danys Baez and infielders Aubrey Huff and Melvin Mora are ..."

Working the sell phones

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July 1

MLB.com

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"Indians GM Mark Shapiro has seen this movie before and might be directing it again. The struggling Tribe already shipped out useful vet DeRosa and rumors abound that Shapiro might say goodbye to pitchers Carl Pavano and Kerry Wood and possibly even slugging catcher Victor Martinez if the price is right. The Orioles could dangle Aubrey Huff, Ty Wigginton or Luke Scott, the Pirates and Nationals already have shown a willingness to part with a good portion of their players, the Royals could make available a host of position players and pitchers, the Padres might offer a little hitting (Scott Hairston) while the D-backs could deal pitching (Doug Davis, Jon Garland, Chad Qualls) to the right ..."

Olsen May Rejoin the Rotation Next Week

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June 27

Washington Post

"Although there is no firm timetable for his return, Scott Olsen is likely to rejoin the starting rotation when the Washington Nationals travel to face the Florida Marlins for a three-game series early next week. "It hasn't been finalized yet," Manager Manny Acta said before the Nationals' game against the Baltimore Orioles on Friday, "but that's the thought process now." Olsen, who was acquired from the Marlins in a trade this offseason, has pitched three rehabilitation assignments with Class AAA Syracuse. He threw 12 2/3 innings for Syracuse, finishing with a 5.68 ERA. In his last start with the team, Olsen allowed two runs on six hits over eight innings. Olsen (1-4) made eight starts ..."

Fixing Florida

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June 25

ESPN.com

"The Florida Marlins' bullpen is in tatters, in the aftermath of word that Matt Lindstrom may not pitch for many weeks, to go along with injuries to Leo Nunez and Kiko Calero. Sources say that right now, Florida's top priority is to add a proven reliever, and given that most of the bodies lost by the Marlins this season have been right-handers, adding someone like a LaTroy Hawkins or Danys Baez would make some sense. They also will consider Luis Ayala, whom the Twins cut loose and is reportedly being considered by the Pirates. The Marlins' need is acute, and the timing is right: Ricky Nolasco is on a roll right now, and the Marlins moved above .500 for the first time in more than six weeks ..."

10 most likely to be traded - Infielders

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June 25

NBC Sports

"Mark DeRosa (Indians) - With Grady Sizemore back, the Indians aren't likely to sell just yet. Still, at least as big of a problem as being 10 games behind is that they have four teams ahead of them in the AL Central. DeRosa has been talked about as trade bait for close to two months now, and the Indians have soured on him as a third baseman after originally acquiring him to play the position. Given that he's on pace for about 30 homers and 110 RBI, it shouldn't be a problem getting more for him in trade than they would by letting him walk for draft picks at season's end. Garrett Atkins (Rockies) - It certainly doesn't bode well for Atkins' future in Colorado that he's been given a total of ..."

Deals that might work for the Mets

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June 16

ESPN.com

"The Mets have been blasted by an injury tsunami during the past month, and players seemingly have dropped by the hour, from Carlos Delgado to Jose Reyes, J.J. Putz to John Maine. Their 15-0 loss to the Yankees on Sunday had some Mets fans calling into talk radio shows in New York, seemingly trying to decide whether to vault off the Whitestone Bridge or the Throgs Neck Bridge. Tough choice. But club executives are a little more circumspect. Although the Phillies look like the better team right now, the Mets theoretically remain one good week from making up a four-game deficit in the National League East, and they figure to be right in the thick of the wild-card race. So although the Mets ..."

O's getting serious about 16-year-old shortstop

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June 14

Baltimore Sun

"The Orioles will attend a three-day workout for top Dominican shortstop prospect Miguel Angel Sano this month, another sign that the organization is considering making a serious run at signing the coveted international free agent. Sano, a 6-foot-2, 190-pound 16-year-old who has drawn comparisons to Florida Marlins star shortstop Hanley Ramirez, worked out for the Orioles at their Dominican baseball academy June 5. Orioles director of player development David Stockstill said he was very impressed but the club wants to get a more extended look at the player who is reportedly seeking a signing bonus of about $5 million or $6 million. International free agents cannot sign with clubs until July ..."

Hobgood expected to sign contract soon

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June 13

Baltimore Sun

"Matt Hobgood, the Orioles' first-round pick in Tuesday's amateur draft, expects to take a physical in Baltimore in two weeks, and barring any unforeseen developments, he will sign a contract June 27. "That's the plan. We've pretty much got [the contract] set," said Hobgood, a 6-foot-4, 245-pound right-handed pitcher from Norco High in suburban Los Angeles. "Nothing is final, but [the Orioles] presented us a deal and we'll work something out. I'll for sure sign on that Saturday." Hobgood, the fifth overall pick in the draft, presumably will be introduced to the Camden Yards crowd June 27 during a game against the regional rival Washington Nationals. "We don't have anything finalized yet. ..."

Hobgood says he'll sign with O's in two weeks

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June 12

Baltimore Sun

"Matt Hobgood, the Orioles' first-round pick in Tuesday's amateur draft, expects to take a physical exam in Baltimore in two weeks, and barring any unforeseen developments, will sign a contract on June 27. "That's the plan. We've pretty much got [the contract] set," said Hobgood, a 6-foot-4, 245-pound right-handed pitcher from Norco High School in suburban Los Angeles. "Nothing is final, but they [the Orioles] presented us a deal and we'll work something out. I'll for sure sign on that Saturday." Hobgood presumably will be introduced to the Camden Yards crowd on the 27th during a game against regional rival, the Washington Nationals. "We don't have anything finalized yet. We're going to ..."

O's take pitcher Hobgood in first round

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June 10

Baltimore Sun

"In three consecutive days, Matt Hobgood won a national baseball award, attended his high school's spring sports banquet and was selected fifth overall by the Orioles in Tuesday's amateur draft. "If you'd sit me down and asked how to plan out the week, I don't think you could plan it out any better than that," said Hobgood, a hard-throwing right-hander from Southern California who became just the second high school pitcher in two decades to be selected by the Orioles with their first pick. Hobgood, a 6-foot-4, 245-pounder who can reach 95 mph with his fastball and commands three other pitches, went 11-1 with a 0.92 ERA at Norco High School in suburban Los Angeles. He struck out 101 and ..."

Orioles release reliever Walker

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June 5

Baltimore Sun

"Feeling that they could no longer count on Jamie Walker to get left-handed hitters out, the Orioles released the struggling reliever today despite still owing him approximately $3 million. To take his place on the roster, the Orioles selected the contract of left-handed reliever Alberto Castillo, who has a 3.09 ERA in 24 appearances with Triple-A Norfolk this season, holding left-handed hitters to a .209 average. Castillo, 33, pitched in 28 games for the Orioles last year, compiling a 3.81 ERA. Left-handed hitters batted .256 against him with two home runs in 39 at-bats. The move is not all that surprising considering manager Dave Trembley's comments on Wednesday when he was asked if he ..."

Walker's days with Orioles may be numbered

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June 4

Baltimore Sun

"A day after Jamie Walker gave up two more home runs to left-handed hitters Tuesday night, Orioles manager Dave Trembley said the struggling left-hander's status with the club will be evaluated during the team's day off today. Asked whether there still is a role for Walker in the Orioles' bullpen, Trembley said: "That's a very good question, and it deserves considerable consideration on the off day. ... Obviously, I'd like things to be better; I'd like to see him be more effective against left-handed hitters. I'm aware of what's going on. Hopefully, it gets better." In the Orioles' 8-2 loss to the Seattle Mariners, Walker allowed a two-run homer to Russell Branyan and a solo shot to Ken ..."

Draft options abound for Orioles

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June 3

Baltimore Sun

"Orioles director of amateur scouting Joe Jordan said Tuesday that the club is still considering "seven to nine players" for selection with the fifth overall pick in the first-year player draft on June 9. Jordan acknowledged that the Orioles' draft plan has been complicated by the uncertainly about what three of the teams ahead of them will do after the Washington Nationals' expected selection of San Diego State pitching phenom Stephen Strasburg at No. 1 overall. The Seattle Mariners pick second, followed by the San Diego Padres, Pittsburgh Pirates and then the Orioles. "I don't know what's going to happen with the four picks above us in the first round, but we're going to get a good player ..."

'It's time': Wieters arrives Friday

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May 27

Baltimore Sun

"The Matt Wieters era in Baltimore will begin Friday at Camden Yards. Orioles president of baseball operations Andy MacPhail announced during Tuesday's game telecast on MASN that the switch-hitting catcher and the organization's top prospect will make his debut Friday against the Detroit Tigers. "He's ready," MacPhail told MASN. "It's time." Wieters, 23, entered Tuesday night's game hitting .285 with five home runs and 26 RBIs with Triple-A Norfolk."

Change, Wieters coming to Orioles

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May 27

Baltimore Sun

"The new wave already was rolling in, so Orioles president of baseball operations Andy MacPhail probably figured there was no sense trying to hold back the tide - or top prospect Matt Wieters - any longer. "It's time," he said. MacPhail surprised just about everyone with his announcement during the second inning of Tuesday night's MASN telecast, telling broadcasters Gary Thorne and Buck Martinez that Wieters will be coming up Friday to make his major league debut against the Detroit Tigers at Camden Yards. Those were the words that Orioles fans have been waiting to hear since Wieters became one of the most prized draft picks in club history in 2007. The waiting for Wieters became almost ..."

O's Uehara questionable for Thursday start

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May 25

Baltimore Sun

"The Orioles won't know if Koji Uehara will make his next start until Tuesday, when the right-hander is scheduled to throw a bullpen session at Camden Yards. Uehara, who has been the Orioles' most effective starter, left Saturday's start versus the Washington Nationals after three innings due to a sore left hamstring. Uehara, who has a history of hamstring issues and was sidelined for two weeks with a similar injury this spring, is tentatively scheduled to start Thursday at home against the Detroit Tigers. "If he can't throw his bullpen and his sideline on Tuesday, obviously he won't be able to make his next start on Thursday," said Orioles manager Dave Trembley, who said that the club is ..."

Shoulder injury lands Scott on 15-day DL

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May 17

Baltimore Sun

"Luke Scott stood in the visitors' clubhouse Saturday afternoon with an ice pack wrapped around his left shoulder and a scowl on his usually jovial face. "I am not in agreement with it," said Scott, who was informed earlier Saturday that he was being placed on the 15-day disabled list with a strained left shoulder. "I don't like it. But I'll just do my job, work hard and try to get back." Scott injured the shoulder while diving back to first on a pickoff play May 10. He has been hitting off a tee for the past several days and Friday did strengthening exercises for his rotator cuff. Before Friday's game he said he thought his shoulder was "75 to 80 percent" and a DL trip was "out of the ..."

O's to call up hot-hitting Reimold

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May 15

Baltimore Sun

"The Orioles optioned reliever Bob McCrory back to Triple-A Norfolk and will recall outfielder Nolan Reimold in the wake of injuries to outfielder Adam Jones and designated hitter Luke Scott. Reimold, who is batting .394 with nine homers and 27 RBIs in 31 games, will join the Orioles in Kansas City on Thursday. Manager Dave Trembley said after the Orioles' 8-6 loss to the Tampa Bay Rays on Wednesday night that he had not had time to consider just how Reimold will be used. "I haven't thought that far ahead," Trembley said. "It depends on the status of Jones and Scott. If neither one of them are able to play, he'll be in the starting lineup. I'll know more about that [Thursday]." The club ..."

O's to call up hot-hitting Reimold

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May 14

Baltimore Sun

"The Orioles optioned reliever Bob McCrory back to Triple-A Norfolk and will recall outfielder Nolan Reimold in the wake of injuries to outfielder Adam Jones and designated hitter Luke Scott. Reimold, who is batting .394 with nine homers and 27 RBIs in 31 games, will join the Orioles in Kansas City Thursday. Manager Dave Trembley said after the Orioles' 8-6 loss to the Tampa Bay Rays that he had not had time to consider just how Reimold will be used. "I haven't thought that far ahead,'' Trembley said. "It depends on the status of Jones and Scott. If neither one of them are able to play, he'll be in the starting lineup. I'll know more about that tomorrow." The club reacted to necessity. ..."

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