Sports News and Trade Rumors: Pro Sports Daily

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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. ..."

Chicago Cubs acquire Ryan Freel

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May 9

Chicago Tribune

"Ryan Freel was acquired Friday from Baltimore to be a supersub in the infield and outfield. But after Aramis Ramirez went down in the third inning of Friday's game with a dislocated left shoulder, Freel may go right into the starting lineup Saturday night at third base. The Cubs acquired Freel from the Orioles for outfielder Joey Gathright and cash considerations, giving manager Lou Piniella the reserve infielder he has been asking for since Ramirez injured his calf two weeks ago in St. Louis. Freel is expected to back up in all the outfield spots and at second and third base. "Plus, when we play our right-handed lineup, when he's not in there, we'll have a right-hand bat sitting on our ..."

Orioles activate Mora, option Albers

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April 29

Baltimore Sun

"The Orioles announced today that they have activated third baseman Melvin Mora (strained left hamstring) from the 15-day disabled list and optioned reliever Matt Albers to Triple-A Norfolk. Mora, who went on the disabled list April 13, had been expected to test his hamstring in a Tuesday rehab assignment at Norfolk. Manager Dave Trembley said Monday that if Mora passed the test, he would be activated for Friday's game against the Toronto Blue Jays. Mora hit .313 with seven RBIs in five games before injuring his hamstring."

First rehab start pleases Orioles' Hill

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April 26

Baltimore Sun

"Left-hander Rich Hill called his first rehabilitation start a "really good performance" and said he'll be ready to pitch again Wednesday as he slowly builds to his debut with the Orioles. Hill was in uniform and playing catch at Camden Yards on Saturday, a day after he threw three innings for Single-A Frederick. Hill allowed one run, struck out three and walked none against the Potomac Nationals. He was particularly pleased to throw first-pitch strikes to 11 of the 12 hitters he faced. When asked about Hill's outing, Orioles manager Dave Trembley said he "threw strikes. He seems to be progressing fine." Hill will throw a bullpen session with pitching coach Rick Kranitz on Sunday and will ..."

Brad Bergesen to get Tuesday start

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April 19

Baltimore Sun

"The Orioles are planning to recall Brad Bergesen to start Tuesday's series opener against the Chicago White Sox at Camden Yards. The club, which also considered recalling Triple-A left-hander Chris Waters, will likely hold off on making the announcement until Monday, when it will also have to make a roster move to accommodate Bergesen. However, multiple team sources confirmed that the plan is to give Bergesen an extended look in the rotation in place of injured right-hander Alfredo Simon, who is out at least a month, if not much longer, with elbow problems. It will be the major league debut for Bergesen, a 23-year-old right-hander who was the organization's Minor League Pitcher of the Year ..."

Roberts still in the trade zone

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February 22

Baltimore Sun

"When Brian Roberts signed the four-year, $40million contract extension that ties him to the Orioles through the 2013 season, he did so without getting significant no-trade protection for the first couple years of the deal. Roberts had a very limited no-trade clause for the final year of his previous contract, allowing him to designate four teams to which he could not be traded. That was carried forward when the final year of the old deal was rolled into what essentially is a new five-year contract."

Orioles' Roberts confirms extension

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February 19

Baltimore Sun

"Orioles second baseman Brian Roberts confirmed this morning that he is on the verge of signing a four-year, $40 million contract extension that will tie him to the team through the 2013 season. "Obviously, it's fairly close to done,'' he said. "I think we're all excited about the possibility it is where it is. It's a long process, but in the end both sides are happy." Team sources said today that details of the contract are finalized and Roberts just has to take a physical to complete the deal. The club is expected to hold a news conference tomorrow to make the official announcement"

Roberts nearly done deal

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February 19

Baltimore Sun

"For much of the past two years, Brian Roberts' future seemed to be somewhere besides Baltimore. But now the second baseman is about to be locked up as an Oriole for five years. According to team sources, the Orioles are finalizing a four-year, $40 million contract extension with Roberts, a homegrown talent who has developed into a two-time All-Star, one of the game's best leadoff men and one of the city's most beloved athletes. Roberts will make $8million in 2009, and the four-year extension would start in 2010, meaning he would be under contractual control of the Orioles through 2013. The terms of the deal have been agreed to, but contract language and other details still need to be ..."

O's closing in on extension with Roberts

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February 18

Baltimore Sun

"The Orioles and second baseman Brian Roberts are close to completing a four-year contract extension that could be announced as early as tomorrow, according to several team sources. Terms of the deal aren't known at this point, but one source familiar with the negotiations said that the two sides are "close." Some details still have to be worked out, the source said, and Roberts will have to pass a team physical, which could take place tomorrow before the first workout of position players. The Orioles will hold a news conference after the physical to announce the deal with Roberts, a homegrown talent who has developed into a two-time All-Star and one of the game's better leadoff men, is ..."

Wigginton on hold

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February 9

Baltimore Sun

"The Orioles are bringing free agent infielder Ty Wigginton back for further examination this week, which probably means that they want to take a second look at something that turned up on his physical Thursday. Everybody thought his two-year contract would become official on Friday. When it didn't, some antennae went up, but no one is saying there is a serious issue that could lead the Orioles to back out of the deal. Still, this is one of those situations where the cautionary baseball GM adage "It isn't done until it's done" suddenly seems like more than a cliche, but we'll just have to wait until later in the week to find out for certain"

Jays nearing deal with Millar

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February 5

MLB.com

"The Blue Jays are close to reaching an agreement on a Minor League contract with free-agent first baseman Kevin Millar, according to a report in the New York Post. The deal would include an invitation to attend Spring Training with the big league club. Due to financial limitations, the bulk of the Blue Jays' acquisitions this offseason have come via Minor League deals. In fact, Toronto is the only club in baseball that has not added a free agent with a Major League contract this winter. That doesn't mean that the Jays aren't still looking for help, especially on offense. "We're looking every day to try to bring someone here who can help us," Blue Jays general manager J.P. Ricciardi said ..."

Left-hander John Parrish likely headed to Baltimore, not Detroit

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February 4

Detroit Free Press

"Left-hander John Parrish, whom the Tigers had pursued as a free agent this off-season, is likely to sign a minor-league contract with Baltimore within the next several days.

The Tigers had been interested in signing Parrish to a minor-league deal with an invitation to big-league camp. Parrish, 31, could have joined the competition to become the second left-hander in Detroit's bullpen, behind Bobby Seay. Tigers officials have seemed less concerned about adding relief help since signing potential closer Brandon Lyon to a one-year, $4.25-million deal last month."

Millar drawing interest from Blue Jays

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February 2

MLB.com

"As this strange offseason of economic uncertainty nears its close and pitchers and catchers prepare to travel to Arizona and Florida for Spring Training's rapidly approaching reporting dates, a significant number of players continue to search for big league jobs. For the Blue Jays, it's an opportunity to keep rummaging through baseball's bargain bin. One veteran still up for grabs is Kevin Millar, and multiple reports have indicated that Toronto has offered the first baseman a Minor League contract with an invitation to Spring Training. Due to financial limitations, the bulk of the Blue Jays' acquisitions this offseason have come via Minor League deals. In fact, Toronto is the only club in ..."

Rich Hill may be an Oriole sooner, not later

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February 2

Baltimore Sun

"I don't have a lot of inside info on this -- other than what I steal daily from Orioles beat writer Jeff Zrebiec -- but I've got to believe the Orioles nail down the deal for pitching reclamation project Rich Hill in the next day or two if they're going to do it at all. The Orioles seem to have the inside track on all the surplus Cubs prospects, but now that everyone knows Hill is available, you've got to believe some other teams will try to get involved if the O's don't finalize the thing soon. We've heard the Mariners also have been sniffing around and maybe the Royals. And why not? The guy had some pretty impressive stats a couple of years ago. It's possible that Andy MacPhail is ..."

Trade talks center on Cubs' Hill

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January 31

Baltimore Sun

"The Orioles and Chicago Cubs are again involved in trade talks, this time about Cubs left-handed starting pitcher Rich Hill. According to industry sources, the teams have had talks about Hill, a one-time top prospect who is struggling to regain his command. One industry source said it's a "strong possibility" that Hill will wind up with the Orioles, perhaps as early as next week. The Orioles will likely give up a player to be named, who could be contingent on Hill's success in Baltimore."

Paul Bako signs to be Chicago Cubs backup catcher

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January 31

Chicago Tribune

"A couple of old friends are helping the Cubs make final roster adjustments about two weeks before spring training opens in Mesa, Ariz. Not only did the Cubs sign backup catcher Paul Bako for a second tour of duty, they apparently are working on another deal with former Chief Executive Officer Andy MacPhail, this one to send pitcher Rich Hill to Baltimore. Hill, a once-promising left-hander, is out of options, so he would have to make the Cubs' roster coming out of spring training or become a free agent. The Cubs just traded infielder Ronny Cedeno, who was also out of options, to the Mariners in a deal that brought pitcher Aaron Heilman. According to the Baltimore Sun, the Cubs and Orioles ..."

Sources: O's, Cubs talking deal for Hill

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January 30

Baltimore Sun

"The Orioles and Chicago Cubs are again involved in trade talks, this time about the Cubs' left-handed starter Rich Hill. According to industry sources, the two teams have had ongoing talks about Hill, a one-time top pitching prospect who is struggling to regain his command. One industry source said it's a "strong possibility" that Hill will wind up with the Orioles, perhaps as early as next week. The Orioles will likely give up a player to be named who could be contingent on Hill's success in Baltimore. "We are talking to them," Orioles club president Andy MacPhail said about the Cubs. "We are talking to a lot of teams about a lot of players." The Cubs have spoken to several teams about ..."

O's talking with pitcher Looper's agent

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January 29

Baltimore Sun

"Still seeking an innings-eater for the middle of their rotation, the Orioles continue to have talks with the representative of free-agent pitcher Braden Looper, according to industry sources. Looper, a 34-year-old right-hander who has been a starter for only two seasons, went 12-14 with a 4.16ERA in 33 starts and a career-high 199 innings for the St.Louis Cardinals last year. Orioles president Andy MacPhail wouldn't comment last night on the team's interest in any specific player, but he has said repeatedly that the club is monitoring the free-agent pitching market."

O's working on extension for Roberts

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January 23

MLB.com

"Brian Roberts may not have been at the news conference to announce the Orioles' six-year contract extension for Nick Markakis on Thursday, but he was there in spirit. Immediately, questions turned to whether the club will also reach an extension with its second baseman, whose contract runs out after the 2009 season. Andy MacPhail, Baltimore's president of baseball operations, fielded some of those questions and said he doesn't feel that Roberts is "an expiring asset." The Orioles have reportedly made a three-year offer worth $30 million to retain the two-time All-Star, but a slow free-agent market and the team's recent history may be standing in the way. "We've made no secret of the fact ..."

Zaun wants to play for time

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January 21

Baltimore Sun

"Veteran catcher Gregg Zaun understands he is being viewed as a teacher in shinguards, a big-league mentor to his eventual replacement, top prospect Matt Wieters. Yet Zaun is hoping he provides the Orioles with a reason to give Wieters as much minor league seasoning as possible. "I know going in, no matter how well I play, I could see a significant less amount of playing time when [Wieters] gets here, and I understand that," said Zaun, moments before leaving Baltimore yesterday after completing his club physical. "But I am also hoping I play well enough to make that decision hard for them. I don't think they'd want me if I didn't feel that way." Barring an unforeseen complication with the ..."

O's, Markakis near deal

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January 18

Baltimore Sun

"The Orioles and Nick Markakis are close to a six-year deal worth between $64million and $66 million in guaranteed money, a baseball source said. Markakis and the Orioles have made "real progress" in their contract-extension negotiations in recent days, according to club president Andy MacPhail. "We're close," MacPhail said, without revealing specifics. "But we're not there yet." The source said that once some minor details are worked out, a deal could be announced this week, assuming the right fielder passes a routine physical in Baltimore. The goal is for the agreement to be reached officially by Tuesday, when agents and ballclubs must report arbitration figures to the commissioner's ..."

Markakis, Orioles may be near deal

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January 18

MLB.com

"Right fielder Nick Markakis and the Orioles may be approaching agreement on a six-year contract extension worth between $64-66 million, a source told The Baltimore Sun. Team president Andy MacPhail told The Sun the sides had made "real progress" in talks recently, but he added, "We're not there yet." Ideally, a deal would be reached by Tuesday, when players eligible for salary arbitration -- such as Markakis -- and their teams exchange proposed salary figures. A six-year contract would keep Markakis with Baltimore through the 2014 season and stave off free agency, for which he becomes eligible after 2011."

Former Orioles find new organizations

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January 16

Baltimore Sun

"Several former Orioles players in the major leagues, as well as the minors have recently signed minor league contracts with other organizations, according to Baseball America. Shortstop Juan Castro, who hit .205 with two home runs and 16 RBIs in 54 games for the Orioles last season, agreed to terms with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Omir Santos, who batted .269 with one home run and 36 RBIs in 84 games for the Triple-A Norfolk Tides in 2008, signed with the New York Mets. The 27-year-old catcher also appeared in 11 games with the Orioles. Josh Towers, a right-handed pitcher who was 8-13 with a 5.05 ERA in 29 games (23 starts) for the Orioles during the 2001 and 2002 seasons, agreed to terms ..."

Source: Zaun to sign with O's

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January 14

Sportsnet.ca

"Blue Jays free-agent catcher Gregg Zaun appears to have found a new home. Sources told Rogers Sportsnet that Zaun is close to returning to the Baltimore Orioles. The 37-year-old Blue Jay was drafted by the Orioles in 1989. Zaun recently completed his fifth season in Toronto and was limited to 86 games serving as a back-up to Rod Barajas most of the year. He hit .237 with six home runs and 30 RBI."

Braves taking aim at Lowe, Kawakami

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January 10

MLB.com

"The Braves are expected to make an offer to Derek Lowe early next week, but by that time, they may have already added Kenshin Kawakami to their starting rotation. Multiple Major League sources confirmed on Friday night that the Braves are nearing completion of a deal that would bring Kawakami to Atlanta to strengthen the middle of a rebuilt rotation. Kawakami, who has spent the past 11 seasons as one of the top pitchers in Japan's Central League, is expected to arrive in the U.S. on Sunday. At that time, the 33-year-old right-hander and his agent, Dan Evans, are expected to move closer to finalizing their decision. If negotiations continue to progress at their current pace, Kawakami could ..."

Sources: O's, Uehara agree on two-year deal

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January 6

Baltimore Sun

"The Orioles appear to have filled one vacant spot in their wide-open rotation while at the same time officially opening the door to the Far East. Two industry sources have confirmed that the Orioles have agreed in principle on a two-year deal with Japanese right-hander Koji Uehara. The deal is pending specific contract language and a physical, which is expected to occur possibly later this week, though an appointment in Baltimore has not been scheduled. Uehara, who turns 34 in April, will become the first Japan native to play for the Orioles in their big league history. The club made an orchestrated effort to boost its international presence last year, moving pro scouting director John ..."

White Sox not ready to deal for Brian Roberts

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January 6

Chicago Tribune

"While the White Sox made their major off-season moves early—trading Javier Vazquez and Nick Swisher—they may not be done retooling in hopes of going deeper than four games into the playoffs, as they did last season. But even though one source said things "were quiet" for the time being, the rumor mill hasn't stop churning. The most interesting gossip is a supposed trade of pitcher Gavin Floyd to his hometown Orioles for second baseman Brian Roberts. A trade for Roberts makes plenty of sense, given that second base is the Sox's most inexperienced position, but general manager Ken Williams said Monday, through a spokesman, he hasn't spoken to the Orioles since November. Plus, Williams has ..."

Two Chicago Suitors for Brian Roberts

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January 5

Washington Post

"The Cubs have long coveted Orioles second baseman Brian Roberts, but Baltimore -- to this point -- has been hesitant to move the former All-Star infielder. Well, now the Cubs may have company from the other side of the Windy City, and the Orioles might just been a bit more receptive to a deal this time around. According to Roch Kubatko of MASN, the White Sox are making a move to try and add Roberts, and they're offering young starting pitcher Gavin Floyd, fresh off a 17-win season. It sounds like the Orioles want more than just Floyd for Roberts, so it'll be interesting to see if White Sox GM Ken Williams sweetens the pot with any kind of a second significant piece, but Williams has other ..."

Yankees Land Teixeira

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December 23

New York Times

"The Yankees agreed to terms with the free agent first baseman Mark Teixeira on a long-term contract, according to a person in baseball familiar with the matter. The move deals a major blow to the Boston Red Sox, who had made the signing of Teixeira the main objective of the off-season. Late last week Red Sox executives even traveled to Texas to meet with the 28-year-old Teixeira and his agent, Scott Boras, and were clearly hoping to emerge from that meeting with a deal. Instead it ended with Boston’s owner, John Henry, stating the Red Sox were no longer in the bidding for Teixeira, although that was wildly interpreted as a negotiating ploy to call Boras’s bluff. As has happened with other ..."

Sources: Teixeira, Yanks agree to 8-year deal

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December 23

ESPN.com

"Free agent first baseman Mark Teixeira has reached agreement with the New York Yankees on an eight-year contract worth more than $170 million, two sources involved in the negotiations tells ESPN The Magazine's Buster Olney. The Yankees swooped in on Teixeira on Tuesday when it was believed the Boston Red Sox or the Washington Nationals were the likeliest to be his future employer. The Red Sox's offer was believed to be in the range of $170 million, and the Nationals reached out with an offer perhaps greater than that of Boston. Teixeira finished last season with the Los Angeles Angels following a trade from Atlanta. The Angels withdrew from negotiations on Sunday night, in a very public ..."

O's hopes fading for Teixeira

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December 23

Baltimore Sun

"When he made his first offer to Mark Teixeira two weeks ago, club president Andy MacPhail told Scott Boras, the representative for the prized free agent, that the Orioles were flexible and more than willing to engage in further negotiations. Not wanting to get into a bidding war they knew they wouldn't win, the Orioles' hope all along was that Teixeira, who grew up in Severna Park, wanted to come home and become the face of a franchise that he grew up cheering for. If that indeed was the case ? and Teixeira had stated an interest in playing for the Orioles several times ? team officials expected Boras to get back to them with an idea of what it was going to take to make it happen. Boras ..."

Teixeira Announcement Today

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December 23

Washington Times

"A major league baseball source has told The Washington Times' Thom Loverro that there will be an announcement today regarding the future of free agent first baseman Mark Teixeira. While the source declined to discuss specifics, there are strong indications that the Red Sox will announce that they have landed the highly-coveted slugger, who has been courted this off-season by several major league clubs, including the Angels, Orioles and Nationals. The Red Sox have been considered one of the lead contenders in the Teixeira sweepstakes, but it was unclear whether the team would be able to meet the asking price from agent Scott Boras, who had hoped to land a contract for as much as $200 ..."

Race for Teixeira heats up with reports that Nats raise offer

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December 23

Washington Examiner

"The Nationals made a decisive move on Monday in their bid to sign free-agent first baseman Mark Teixeira, according to industry sources. The Examiner's Jim Williams has learned that the Nats have offered Teixeira, 28, an eight-year contract believed to be worth between $178 and $183 million. That would be the highest known bid for the Severna Park, Md. native, who is also entertaining offers from his hometown Orioles and - reportedly still - the Boston Red Sox. Previously, the Nats' best offer was a reported eight-year, $160 million deal and sources have pegged Baltimore's offer at seven years, $140 million. Officials with the Los Angeles Angels said publicly on Sunday night that they are ..."

Orioles Trade Rumors