masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgNEW YORK – Second baseman Robert Andino has arrived in New York after playing two games at Triple-A Norfolk. He’s prepared to join the team, which necessitates a roster move.

Andino went 3-for-9 with two RBIs, a run scored, a walk, a strikeout and an error that led to an unearned run last night off left-hander Brian Matusz.

The Orioles could place designated hitter Jim Thome on the disabled list to free up a roster spot for Andino, but it depends on the MRI results from earlier…NEW YORK – Second baseman Robert Andino has arrived in New York after playing two games at Triple-A Norfolk. He’s prepared to join the team, which necessitates a roster move.

Andino went 3-for-9 with two RBIs, a run scored, a walk, a strikeout and an error that led to an unearned run last night off left-hander Brian Matusz.

The Orioles could place designated hitter Jim Thome on the disabled list to free up a roster spot for Andino, but it depends on the MRI results from earlier today.

Meanwhile, about 90 minutes remain until the non-waiver trade deadline. I just spoke with someone who said trades talks are still active with the Phillies regarding pitcher Joe Blanton. They were never dead, but the Orioles refused to pick up his remaining salary – close to $3 million – or part with one of their top prospects.

You’ve heard it all before.

The Phillies waited for the Orioles to blink. Instead, executive vice president Dan Duquette focused on other pitching options on the trade market – not that he had completely ignored them up to that point – and the Phillies now seem willing to absorb some of the salary.

Will it get done? The odds were very good yesterday, not so good this morning and improved this afternoon.

You have to figure that the Phillies would have gone in another direction if they had more teams interested in Blanton that were willing to take on the rest of his contract or offer a better prospect. The fact that the Orioles remain the favorites to land him is a strong indicator that the Phillies don’t have a lot of other choices – unless one of those mystery teams emerges from the shadows.