Roch Kubatko
Roch Kubatko

Orioles still searching for a starter

Orioles still searching for a starter
I'll start with some alumni news: Former Orioles outfielder Lou Montanez signed a minor league deal with the Chicago Cubs, according to this tweet from Baseball America's Matt Eddy. The Cubs made Montanez the third overall pick in the 2000 draft. First baseman Adrian Gonzalez was taken first by the Florida Marlins. The Minnesota Twins used the second pick on right-hander Adam Johnson. You must remember that the Orioles used the 14th pick on University of Texas pitcher Beau Hale. See how...
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Roch Kubatko

O's exchange salary arbitration numbers with Guthrie, Scott

O's exchange salary arbitration numbers with Guthrie, Scott
The Orioles announced that they exchanged salary figures with their two remaining arbitration-eligible players today: pitcher Jeremy Guthrie and designated hitter/outfielder Luke Scott. According to an industry source, Guthrie is seeking $6.5 million and the Orioles countered at $5 million. He earned $3 million last season. Scott is seeking $6.85 million and the Orioles countered at $5.7 million. He earned $4.05 million last season. Hearings will be scheduled, most likely next month, if...
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Is Armando Galarraga worth considering? (updated)

Is Armando Galarraga worth considering? (updated)
While examining possible trade options for a starting pitcher, it's been noted that Detroit's Armando Galarraga could be made available. Well, he's really available now because the Tigers designated him for assignment earlier today. Galarraga agreed to a one-year, $2.3 million deal a day earlier, but he wasn't really off the board. The Tigers needed to make room for Brad Penny, and Galarraga apparently is the odd man out. Galarraga came within a blown call by first base umpire Jim Joyce...
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Roch Kubatko

Noteworthy day (updated twice)

Noteworthy day (updated twice)
Today is the date that players and teams exchange arbitration figures, a process that makes my eyes glaze over. These players aren't going anywhere. They can't become free agents. They just need to have their contracts finalized. Here's the drill: The players' agents will submit a figure, the Orioles will make a counter offer and they'll end up settling near the middle. I would care a lot more if half of it was being deposited in my checking account. Otherwise, they can make $500,000...
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The bottom of the order

The bottom of the order
While discussing Derrek Lee's placement in the lineup and which players might fit into other slots, manager Buck Showalter mentioned how you can get a pretty good read on a team by looking at its 7-8-9 hitters. Signing Lee and trading for Mark Reynolds and J.J. Hardy has left the Orioles with a potentially deeper lineup than past seasons. Showalter seems inclined, at least a month before spring training, to bat Nick Markakis second and Lee third. He wants to keep Adam Jones lower in the...
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Roch Kubatko

The Showalter influence

The Showalter influence
I'm sure plenty of you are still recovering from the Ravens' loss yesterday. One friend of mine is inconsolable. She sent me a profanity-filled text message late in the fourth quarter because she couldn't curse at home in front of her kids. That's what I'm here for. I guess the countdown to spring training intensifies. There's one less distraction. Not long after the Orioles confirmed that they'd hired Buck Showalter as their third manager of 2010, I was asked whether free agents...
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The 'pen is mightier

The 'pen is mightier
I feel as though I've written this before and it doesn't pan out, but the Orioles' bullpen, at least on paper, appears to be the real strength of this club. We don't know which left-hander will be signed, but the backend of the 'pen is daunting. Kevin Gregg's experience closing in the American League East is a huge benefit, and Koji Uehara is more than capable, as he proved over the second half of last season. Jim Johnson says that his elbow is a non-issue. If it stays that way and...
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A complete lineup of FanFest autograph stations

A complete lineup of FanFest autograph stations
As you've heard, the Orioles have introduced a new autograph policy for their annual FanFest on Jan. 29 at the Baltimore Convention Center, which is designed to support youth charitable endeavors through OriolesREACH and shorten wait times. Children ages 4-14 will have a specially designated Kids Only player autograph station that is free of charge and will operate continuously throughout the day. All other stations will require the advance purchase of autograph vouchers exclusively at...
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More from new O's reliever Kevin Gregg

More from new O's reliever Kevin Gregg
Kevin Gregg, talking to reporters earlier today on a conference call, discussed the negotiating process that eventually brought him to Baltimore. "It was one of those things where it's nice to see interest early, know what's going on," he said. "Fortunately for me, I had a lot of interest all over board. They see you as closer, they see you as setup guy. A lot of different angles and contracts to be presented, and I think that time frame was just going through stuff and trying to find the...
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Gregg on Gregg

Gregg on Gregg
New Orioles reliever Kevin Gregg hears some pitchers talk about how they want no part of the American League East. Gregg can't relate to it. He closed for the Blue Jays last season and will gladly take the ball - preferably in the ninth inning. "The American League East is considered the best division in baseball. I'm not scared of it," Gregg said during today's conference call with reporters. "I didn't want to back away or run from it. I'm up to the challenge. I like it. I'm...
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Kevin Gregg finally official

Kevin Gregg finally official
The results of Kevin Gregg's physical are back, and he passed. They're now hanging on Andy MacPhail's refrigerator. I made up the last part, but I needed a laugh. Gregg has signed his contract, a two-year deal for $10 million that includes a vesting option for 2013. He's expected to get first crack at the closers job in spring training after recording 121 saves over the last four seasons. Gregg's signing leaves the Orioles with 39 players on their 40-man roster. I interviewed former...
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Frank Robinson hospitalized (updated)

Frank Robinson hospitalized (updated)
In case you haven't heard, Hall of Famer Frank Robinson was taken to Scottsdale Memorial Hospital this morning because of dizziness and an irregular heartbeat. I don't have any updates, but I wanted to alert you. Here's the MLB.com story. Robinson, 75, is a senior vice president of Major League operations. He's also one of the greatest players in baseball history and a cherished member of the Orioles family. You can't overstate what he meant to the franchise. He might not be the...
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VandenHurk not worried about roster spot

VandenHurk not worried about roster spot
Rick VandenHurk hasn't been obsessing over every pitcher that the Orioles add to their camp roster, though each move could impact his future in the organization. If it's me, I'm keeping a chart and pacing the floor. I might be up to two packs a day. VandenHurk is out of minor league options and would have to be exposed to waivers and outrighted to Triple-A Norfolk if he doesn't make the club in spring training. The Orioles want to add a veteran starter and one more reliever, but that...
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Nothing official with Gregg

Nothing official with Gregg
Sorry to leave you hanging, but I won't be passing along quotes today from reliever Kevin Gregg. I hope that you didn't plan your entire day around it - like I did. I'm sure you're smarter. The Orioles are still waiting to receive the results from his physical. The weather might have played a factor in the delay. No reason to fret. We'll probably get the announcement tomorrow morning and it will be business as usual. Gregg agreed to a two-year, $10 million contract with a vesting...
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Jim Johnson says he's "focused and ready for the season"

Jim Johnson says he's "focused and ready for the season"
One of the things that manager Buck Showalter likes about his roster is it includes players who have a chip on their shoulders. (As opposed to Sidney Ponson, who had potato chip crumbs on his chest. Not the same.) Showalter wants guys who find extra motivation in the idea that they have something to prove - and you can include Mark Reynolds, J.J. Hardy and Derrek Lee in that group. Does Jim Johnson belong in it? Johnson emerged as a dominant setup man in 2008, using his heavy sinker to post...
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Jim Johnson says elbow "a non-issue"

Jim Johnson says elbow "a non-issue"
I just got off the phone with Orioles reliever Jim Johnson, who had plenty to say about his right elbow, his motivation for the 2011 season and all the changes that have been made to the roster. Johnson lives in Sarasota during the winter, so he basked in 70-degree weather today while many of us braced for more snow. His in-laws live in Annapolis, so he's fully aware that we're not working on our tans. Johnson played catch again today at Ed Smith Stadium. He's been throwing for the last...
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Closing argument (and spring training note)

Closing argument (and spring training note)
The snow is coming, the snow is coming. Still love the changing of the seasons? Still think this is better than 75 and sunny? Listen closely and you'll hear my eyes rolling. The forecast is calling for two to four inches here, which probably means a foot. Fortunately, Santa brought me gloves. Reliever Kevin Gregg is scheduled to take his physical today. He might want to limit the small talk and get back to the airport before the storm hits. Gregg probably will be made available to the...
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20 years ago today ...

20 years ago today ...
A reader was kind enough to remind me that today is the 20-year anniversary of arguably the worst trade in Orioles history (if anyone is still arguing it). I won't rush out to Greetings & Readings. The occasion doesn't call for a card. You're better off with a stiff drink and a short memory. Twenty years ago today, the Orioles traded three players to the Houston Astros for first baseman Glenn Davis. You might recognize the names: Curt Schilling, Pete Harnisch and Steve Finley. Those guys...
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Camp battles include Pie and Reimold

Camp battles include Pie and Reimold
More snow is on the way tomorrow, so make sure you have plenty of milk, bread and toilet paper. Those are the staples. Well, you don't want staples in your toilet paper, but you should stock up anyway. I'm continuing to make my spring training arrangements, which includes booking a flight to Sarasota and returning home from Tampa after the opening three-game series against the Rays at Tropicana Field. Seems like only a year ago that I did the exact same thing. It would be a lot easier...
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Who bats leadoff if it isn't Roberts?

Who bats leadoff if it isn't Roberts?
If the Orioles are going to avoid another 2-16 start, if they're going to make significant progress in 2011 and stop ripping their fans' hearts out, Brian Roberts will need to stay healthy and stay in the lineup. That said, it wouldn't hurt to have a Plan B for the leadoff spot. The Orioles are close to finishing their roster moves for the winter. A left-handed reliever and starting pitcher remain on the shopping list. As you've heard, one of the available designated hitters would have to...
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