tag:www.masnsports.com,2010-04-02:/school_of_roch//3 2013-05-23T09:57:32Z Roch Kubatko on the Orioles Movable Type Pro 5.12 tag:www.masnsports.com,2013:/school_of_roch//3.28183 2013-05-23T09:55:53Z 2013-05-23T09:57:32Z

Kevin Gausman will garner most of the attention tonight in his major league debut in Toronto, but keep an eye on the man behind the mask. Not the plate umpire, though would it surprise anyone if he ended up in the middle of a controversy? I'm referring to catcher Matt...

Roch Kubatko http://www.masnsports.com/school_of_roch Kevin Gausman will garner most of the attention tonight in his major league debut in Toronto, but keep an eye on the man behind the mask. Not the plate umpire, though would it surprise anyone if he ended up in the middle of a controversy? I'm referring to catcher Matt ... Read More tag:www.masnsports.com,2013:/school_of_roch//3.28181 2013-05-23T02:48:06Z 2013-05-23T03:10:43Z

Orioles manager Buck Showalter finally confirmed that Kevin Gausman will start Thursday night's game in Toronto. The corresponding move won't be announced until earlier in the day. "They're deciding who they're going to pitch second day in. I'd kind of like to see who that's going to be between a...

Roch Kubatko http://www.masnsports.com/school_of_roch Orioles manager Buck Showalter finally confirmed that Kevin Gausman will start Thursday night's game in Toronto. The corresponding move won't be announced until earlier in the day. "They're deciding who they're going to pitch second day in. I'd kind of like to see who that's going to be between a ... Read More tag:www.masnsports.com,2013:/school_of_roch//3.28179 2013-05-23T01:14:02Z 2013-05-23T03:26:14Z

Hammel goes 6 2/3 innings in quality start'; Orioles earn 6-3 win over the Yankees

Roch Kubatko http://www.masnsports.com/school_of_roch Orioles starter Jason Hammel kept the rotation on its recent roll tonight. Hammel labored early, but he became the fourth consecutive Orioles pitcher to complete six innings. And he kept going, striking out Reid Brignac and Austin Romine in the seventh before manager Buck Showalter signaled for left-hander Brian Matusz. ... Read More tag:www.masnsports.com,2013:/school_of_roch//3.28177 2013-05-22T23:30:51Z 2013-05-23T02:52:23Z

Markakis, Davis and Wieters homer to give Hammel cushion in series finale

Roch Kubatko http://www.masnsports.com/school_of_roch Hiroki Kuroda shut out the Orioles on five hits in his first start against them on April 14 in New York. Tonight, the Orioles strung together four hits with two outs in the first inning and took a 3-0 lead. I'm pretty sure that's Kuroda on the mound, but he ... Read More tag:www.masnsports.com,2013:/school_of_roch//3.28174 2013-05-22T22:23:26Z 2013-05-22T23:51:29Z

Jones expected to return to center in Toronto after DHing in tonight's game

Roch Kubatko http://www.masnsports.com/school_of_roch Orioles manager Buck Showalter passed along a lot of credit today to the LSU coaching staff for preparing Kevin Gausman for the professional level. The staff includes former Orioles bullpen coach Alan Dunn, who's now the Tigers' pitching coach. "They did a great job with him at LSU, Alan Dunn," ... Read More tag:www.masnsports.com,2013:/school_of_roch//3.28173 2013-05-22T20:58:38Z 2013-05-22T22:54:58Z

Showalter on Gausman: "We're trying to win, and we think he can help us"

Roch Kubatko http://www.masnsports.com/school_of_roch Orioles manager Buck Showalter still won't confirm Kevin Gausman as Thursday night's starter against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre. However, Gausman is on the taxi squad today, he's flying with the team to Toronto later tonight and he's going to start the series opener. The Orioles will just ... Read More tag:www.masnsports.com,2013:/school_of_roch//3.28170 2013-05-22T20:38:29Z 2013-05-22T21:51:05Z

Orioles facing a tough opponent for series finale in Yankees' Hiroki Kuroda

Roch Kubatko http://www.masnsports.com/school_of_roch Adam Jones is bothered by soreness in his groin, and Orioles manager Buck Showalter elected to use him as the designated hitter again tonight in the series finale against the New York Yankees. Jones could play center field, which is his preference, but Showalter is being careful with him. The ... Read More tag:www.masnsports.com,2013:/school_of_roch//3.28168 2013-05-22T19:09:47Z 2013-05-22T21:01:01Z

Jones serving as Birds' DH for second consecutive game against Yankees

Roch Kubatko http://www.masnsports.com/school_of_roch The Orioles lineup for tonight's series finale against the New York Yankees includes Adam Jones serving as the designated hitter for the second consecutive game. Jones was bothered by a sore right leg late in Monday night's game. Chris Dickerson again will start in center field. Alexi Casilla will start ... Read More tag:www.masnsports.com,2013:/school_of_roch//3.28167 2013-05-22T18:47:41Z 2013-05-22T20:31:23Z

Orioles acquire minor league infielder Josh Horton from A's for PTBNL or cash

Roch Kubatko http://www.masnsports.com/school_of_roch The Orioles swung a minor league deal this afternoon to improve their infield depth, acquiring Josh Horton from the Oakland Athletics for a player to be named later or cash. Horton, 27, is hitting .224/.246/.373 this season in 16 games at Triple-A Sacramento. He's a career .274/.349/.369 hitter in seven ... Read More tag:www.masnsports.com,2013:/school_of_roch//3.28156 2013-05-22T10:59:48Z 2013-05-22T19:06:09Z

Thoughts on last night's game, Gausman's arrival, lineup for finale vs. Yanks

Roch Kubatko http://www.masnsports.com/school_of_roch Remember that stat I passed along last night about the Yankees being 19-0 when they score first? Well ... That was quite a dramatic mood shift at Camden Yards last night. The Orioles win in 10 innings on Nate McLouth's walk-off home run, and news breaks that last year's top ... Read More tag:www.masnsports.com,2013:/school_of_roch//3.28155 2013-05-22T03:46:50Z 2013-05-22T12:07:21Z

On Thursday, Gausman will become O's 11th starter in his major league debut

Roch Kubatko http://www.masnsports.com/school_of_roch After talking to manager Buck Showalter about the two candidates for Thursday's start that he passed along earlier today, I wondered whether he had just talked himself out of both of them. Jake Arrieta's career numbers in Toronto were a concern. T.J. McFarland's lack of experience and the possible repercussions ... Read More tag:www.masnsports.com,2013:/school_of_roch//3.28152 2013-05-22T02:40:26Z 2013-05-22T04:19:31Z

Showalter considered pinch-hitting for McLouth in 10th, but glad he did not

Roch Kubatko http://www.masnsports.com/school_of_roch With tonight's game heading to the bottom of the 10th inning and the Yankees bringing in left-hander Vidal Nuno, did Orioles manager Buck Showalter consider pinch-hitting for Nate Mclouth, who was leading off? "I thought he would hit a home run," Showalter said, grinning. McLouth did exactly that, of course, ... Read More tag:www.masnsports.com,2013:/school_of_roch//3.28148 2013-05-22T00:50:34Z 2013-05-22T03:18:33Z

Jim Johnson pitches perfect 10th, earns the win in O's first victory in seven games

Roch Kubatko http://www.masnsports.com/school_of_roch Center fielder Chris Dickerson isn't the only Oriole going deep tonight. Miguel Gonzalez has become the third consecutive Orioles starter to complete six innings. He's held the Yankees to two runs and four hits, with no walks and five strikeouts. Gonzalez has thrown 80 pitches, 54 for strikes. No one ... Read More tag:www.masnsports.com,2013:/school_of_roch//3.28146 2013-05-21T23:10:05Z 2013-05-22T00:33:20Z

The Yankees are 19-0 when they score first, the only team in the majors that remains undefeated. A win tonight would tie them with the 1990 Cincinnati Reds for the longest streak since 1900, according to Elias. Orioles starter Miguel Gonzalez allowed a run in the first inning tonight, but...

Roch Kubatko http://www.masnsports.com/school_of_roch The Yankees are 19-0 when they score first, the only team in the majors that remains undefeated. A win tonight would tie them with the 1990 Cincinnati Reds for the longest streak since 1900, according to Elias. Orioles starter Miguel Gonzalez allowed a run in the first inning tonight, but ... Read More tag:www.masnsports.com,2013:/school_of_roch//3.28142 2013-05-21T22:00:43Z 2013-05-21T22:24:40Z

Jones serving as DH due to sore right leg; Jurrjens disappointed to be optioned

Roch Kubatko http://www.masnsports.com/school_of_roch Adam Jones is serving as the Orioles' designated hitter tonight, with Chris Dickerson starting in center field for the second time this season. Jones' right leg was sore last night, but he could have played center tonight. That's his preference, but manager Buck Showalter took the more cautious route. "He ... Read More tag:www.masnsports.com,2013:/school_of_roch//3.28138 2013-05-21T20:43:36Z 2013-05-21T21:23:10Z

Orioles manager Buck Showalter named Jake Arrieta and T.J. McFarland as the primary candidates to start Thursday night against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre. It's an interesting and complicated decision. Arrieta hasn't pitched since May 7 at Triple-A Norfolk, and he missed his last scheduled start because of...

Roch Kubatko http://www.masnsports.com/school_of_roch Orioles manager Buck Showalter named Jake Arrieta and T.J. McFarland as the primary candidates to start Thursday night against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre. It's an interesting and complicated decision. Arrieta hasn't pitched since May 7 at Triple-A Norfolk, and he missed his last scheduled start because of ... Read More tag:www.masnsports.com,2013:/school_of_roch//3.28137 2013-05-21T19:52:49Z 2013-05-21T21:25:02Z

O's activate Gonzalez to start against Yankees, option Jurrjens to Triple-A Norfolk

Roch Kubatko http://www.masnsports.com/school_of_roch Miguel Gonzalez is back from the disabled list, and Jair Jurrjens is one and done - for now. The Orioles announced this afternoon that they have reinstated Gonzalez, who had been dealing with a blister on his right thumb, from the 15-day DL. To clear a spot on the 25-man ... Read More tag:www.masnsports.com,2013:/school_of_roch//3.28135 2013-05-21T19:15:36Z 2013-05-21T20:30:49Z

Navarro at second base, Dickerson in center, Jones at DH for O's vs. Yankees

Roch Kubatko http://www.masnsports.com/school_of_roch Yamaico Navarro is back at second base as the Orioles face the Yankees in the middle game of their three-game set. Chris Dickerson will play center field tonight, with Adam Jones serving as the designated hitter. For the Yankees Brett Gardner CF Robinson Cano 2B Vernon Wells LF Travis Hafner ... Read More tag:www.masnsports.com,2013:/school_of_roch//3.28133 2013-05-21T15:30:28Z 2013-05-21T19:22:33Z

Since four-hit game vs. Padres, Manny Machado's average has fallen to .319

Roch Kubatko http://www.masnsports.com/school_of_roch Orioles manager Buck Showalter has another decision to make tonight regarding his starter at second base. Yamaico Navarro started three straight games before stepping aside last night for Alexi Casilla, who made two dazzling plays in the field and also singled and scored from first base on Nick Markakis' double. ... Read More tag:www.masnsports.com,2013:/school_of_roch//3.28127 2013-05-21T09:46:49Z 2013-05-22T00:45:24Z

Asked and answered: O's have no current plans to move Gausman from Bowie

Roch Kubatko http://www.masnsports.com/school_of_roch The Orioles will activate Miguel Gonzalez from the 15-day disabled list this afternoon and hand him the ball tonight at Camden Yards. Nobody is asking me about Gonzalez, but I'm getting plenty of inquires about other players. And I keep getting them. The same ones. On this blog and via ... Read More tag:www.masnsports.com,2013:/school_of_roch//3.28125 2013-05-21T03:15:41Z 2013-05-21T12:46:02Z

Contending Johnson "was one pitch away," Showalter is sticking with his closer

Roch Kubatko http://www.masnsports.com/school_of_roch Orioles manager Buck Showalter isn't ready to change closers after Jim Johnson's third consecutive blown save. Asked if there was any doubt that he would go right back to Johnson tonight in another save opportunity, Showalter replied, "Come back tomorrow and watch it again." "He was one pitch away," Showalter ... Read More tag:www.masnsports.com,2013:/school_of_roch//3.28121 2013-05-21T01:57:30Z 2013-05-21T03:49:21Z

Johnson's struggles continue as bullpen coughs up lead in top of the ninth

Roch Kubatko http://www.masnsports.com/school_of_roch It happened again. Closer Jim Johnson blew his third consecutive save opportunity, serving up a solo home run to Travis Hafner with one out in the top of the ninth to tie the game 4-4. Robinson Cano grounded out with the count full, but Hafner drove a 3-1 pitch into ... Read More tag:www.masnsports.com,2013:/school_of_roch//3.28120 2013-05-21T00:50:46Z 2013-05-21T01:56:54Z

We're no longer tied. Troy Patton entered the game in the top of the seventh, and the first batter he faced, first baseman Lyle Overbay, belted a home run to give the Yankees a 3-2 lead. The Yankees have four hits tonight. Three are home runs. Meanwhile, Alexi Casilla is...

Roch Kubatko http://www.masnsports.com/school_of_roch We're no longer tied. Troy Patton entered the game in the top of the seventh, and the first batter he faced, first baseman Lyle Overbay, belted a home run to give the Yankees a 3-2 lead. The Yankees have four hits tonight. Three are home runs. Meanwhile, Alexi Casilla is ... Read More tag:www.masnsports.com,2013:/school_of_roch//3.28118 2013-05-20T23:16:58Z 2013-05-21T00:48:15Z

The Yankees have seven left-handed hitters in tonight's lineup against Orioles right-hander Freddy Garcia. Somebody has been reading the splits. Left-handers were batting .333 against Garcia heading into the game. Right-handers were batting .156. Yankees second baseman Robinson Cano wasn't going to dispute the numbers. He homered to the opposite...

Roch Kubatko http://www.masnsports.com/school_of_roch The Yankees have seven left-handed hitters in tonight's lineup against Orioles right-hander Freddy Garcia. Somebody has been reading the splits. Left-handers were batting .333 against Garcia heading into the game. Right-handers were batting .156. Yankees second baseman Robinson Cano wasn't going to dispute the numbers. He homered to the opposite ... Read More tag:www.masnsports.com,2013:/school_of_roch//3.28113 2013-05-20T20:38:47Z 2013-05-20T21:24:26Z

Birds still searching for swagger inside Camden Yards as Yankees arrive

Roch Kubatko http://www.masnsports.com/school_of_roch Home hasn't been sweet to the Orioles, who are 9-11 at Camden Yards this season. They also began the 2011 season with a 9-11 home record. The Orioles have dropped six straight at home for the first time since April 9-14, 2010. The last time they lost seven straight at ... Read More tag:www.masnsports.com,2013:/school_of_roch//3.28111 2013-05-20T19:10:44Z 2013-05-20T21:26:21Z

With success against ace Sabathia, Hardy moves up to third in Orioles' lineup

Roch Kubatko http://www.masnsports.com/school_of_roch Orioles manager Buck Showalter has moved J.J. Hardy to third in the lineup tonight against Yankees left-hander CC Sabathia. Hardy has batted sixth in 13 games this season and seventh in 30. Alexi Casilla, who's 14-for-24 against Sabathia, is starting at second base. For the Yankees Brett Gardner CF Robinson ... Read More tag:www.masnsports.com,2013:/school_of_roch//3.28105 2013-05-20T09:00:26Z 2013-05-20T19:28:35Z

Sunday's rainout gives Yankees a chance to pitch Sabathia at Camden Yards

Roch Kubatko http://www.masnsports.com/school_of_roch CC what I did there? So how exactly did CC Sabathia end up on the mound tonight for the Yankees? Why is this man making another start at Camden Yards? The Yankees-Blue Jays game was postponed yesterday because of rain, which Orioles manager Buck Showalter referenced following a 3-1 loss ... Read More tag:www.masnsports.com,2013:/school_of_roch//3.28101 2013-05-19T20:50:24Z 2013-05-20T16:40:55Z

Reviewing call on Joyce's foul pole homer, Showalter says umpires "got it right"

Roch Kubatko http://www.masnsports.com/school_of_roch Upon further review, Orioles manager Buck Showalter agreed with the umpires' decision to award a home run to Tampa Bay's Matt Joyce in the top of the sixth inning. Joyce initially was given a double, and he remained on the bag during a lengthy delay that ultimately included a review. ... Read More tag:www.masnsports.com,2013:/school_of_roch//3.28098 2013-05-19T19:01:20Z 2013-05-19T20:51:57Z

An Orioles starter has exceeded five innings for the second time in the last eight games. It's Chris Tillman again today. Tillman has allowed three runs and five hits over six innings, with one walk, four strikeouts and two home runs. He's thrown 111 pitches, 71 for strikes. The Rays...

Roch Kubatko http://www.masnsports.com/school_of_roch An Orioles starter has exceeded five innings for the second time in the last eight games. It's Chris Tillman again today. Tillman has allowed three runs and five hits over six innings, with one walk, four strikeouts and two home runs. He's thrown 111 pitches, 71 for strikes. The Rays ... Read More tag:www.masnsports.com,2013:/school_of_roch//3.28097 2013-05-19T18:15:21Z 2013-05-19T19:04:33Z

Chris Tillman retired the first eight Tampa Bay Rays this afternoon before walking No. 9 hitter Yunel Escobar. You can guess what happened next. Desmond Jennings ran the count full and doubled to left, giving the Rays a 1-0 lead at Camden Yards. Tillman retired the side in order in...

Roch Kubatko http://www.masnsports.com/school_of_roch Chris Tillman retired the first eight Tampa Bay Rays this afternoon before walking No. 9 hitter Yunel Escobar. You can guess what happened next. Desmond Jennings ran the count full and doubled to left, giving the Rays a 1-0 lead at Camden Yards. Tillman retired the side in order in ... Read More