masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgParties have been attended, presents unwrapped (and returned), and every cookie in my arms’ reach devoured. Happy Holidays, indeed.

With the holidays and end of the year upon us, the baseball news has been sparse this week. Regarding the Orioles, news has been mainly limited to rumors and speculation. The notion that the Tigers could have interest in J.J. Hardy was raised. Also discussed this week was the Orioles’ lack of improvement, as labeled by ESPN. In a recent ranking by David…Parties have been attended, presents unwrapped (and returned), and every cookie in my arms’ reach devoured. Happy Holidays, indeed.

With the holidays and end of the year upon us, the baseball news has been sparse this week. Regarding the Orioles, news has been mainly limited to rumors and speculation. The notion that the Tigers could have interest in J.J. Hardy was raised. Also discussed this week was the Orioles’ lack of improvement, as labeled by ESPN. In a recent ranking by David Shoenfield, Baltimore was ranked 19th out of the 30 teams in the majors.

Being moved once again is Steve Pearce, who was outrighted to Triple-A this week.

Starter Jason Hammel says that his knee feels great and that he is having no setbacks in his workouts.

In unfortunate, sad news, former Oriole Ryan Freel, 36, was found dead after committing suicide.

In case you missed it, read more on these stories and other headlines:

*Players grateful for Buck Showalter

* Did everything really go right in 2012?

* How will winning impact attendance?

* Who will be on the Orioles’ bench?

* Jim Johnson on invitation to represent USA in World Baseball Classic

* Taking stock of the O’s rotation