masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgLeft-hander Joe Saunders tossed two scoreless innings today for Triple-A Norfolk, walking one Buffalo batter and striking out one.

The Saunders relief experiment seems to be working so far. He’s permitted one earned run over 5 1/3 innings since the Orioles signed him to a minor league contract.

It hasn’t been a totally clean experiment, with Saunders allowing five hits and walking two, but the Orioles understand that it’s a transition for him. Saunders has never pitched in relief during…Left-hander Joe Saunders tossed two scoreless innings today for Triple-A Norfolk, walking one Buffalo batter and striking out one.

The Saunders relief experiment seems to be working so far. He’s permitted one earned run over 5 1/3 innings since the Orioles signed him to a minor league contract.

It hasn’t been a totally clean experiment, with Saunders allowing five hits and walking two, but the Orioles understand that it’s a transition for him. Saunders has never pitched in relief during his major league career.

Saunders figures to be added to the expanded roster in September if he’s getting outs.

Alexi Casilla, in his second game with Norfolk after returning from short-season Single-A Aberdeen, collected three hits today.

Rob Manfred, Major League Baseball’s chief operating officer, reportedly is within one vote of being named the new commissioner.

Continue to breathe normally.

Seriously, how many people are on the edge of their seats in anticipation?

During a recent interview on 105.7 The Fan, I was asked what I’d do first if voted in as commissioner?

I’d ask for a recount because there’s no way I should have been a candidate. Otherwise, I’d implement a rule where games would be decided on penalty kicks beyond the three-hour mark.

But seriously…

I’d make the leagues play by the same rules. Everyone uses the designated hitter or it’s abolished.

Would it make sense in football for only the AFC to use the two-point conversion? Or only the NBA’s Eastern Conference to have a three-point arc?

Same rules, fellas.

How about you?