Roch Kubatko

About yesterday and last night ...

February 04, 2016, 6:45pm

Orioles

I can't promise that the Orioles will make news again today, but executive vice president Dan Duquette continues to work the phones in an attempt to finalize the roster by the start of spring training. If it takes a little longer, so be it. They completed a trade with the Padres for right-hander Odrisamer Despaigne. You can spell "San Diego Padres" using the letters in his name and still have a few left over. Anyone got a Scrabble board? They designated left-hander C.J. Riefenhauser for...

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Brian Matusz agrees to terms on 2016 contract

February 04, 2016, 12:51pm

Orioles

Brian Matusz agrees to terms on 2016 contract

The Orioles avoided an arbitration hearing with left-hander Brian Matusz, who agreed to terms today on a $3.9 million contract, according to an industry source. Matusz sought $4.4 million when the sides exchanged figures, and the Orioles countered at $3.5 million, so they almost met directly in the middle. MLBTradeRumors.com projected that Matusz's salary would rise modestly from $3.2 million in 2015 to $3.4 million. Matusz, the fourth overall pick in the 2008 draft out of the University of...

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L.J. Hoes outrighted to Norfolk (plus other notes)

February 04, 2016, 10:12am

Orioles

L.J. Hoes outrighted to Norfolk (plus other notes)

Outfielder L.J. Hoes has cleared waivers and been outrighted to Triple-A Norfolk, the latest roster move made today by the Orioles. Hoes was designated for assignment on Jan. 26 to create room for outfielder/first baseman Efren Navarro. The Orioles acquired Hoes from the Astros on Nov. 25 for cash considerations, bringing back a player they drafted in the third round in 2008. He batted .295/.383/.400 in 99 games with Triple-A Fresno and .267/.313/.267 in eight games with the Astros last...

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Orioles acquire Odrisamer Despaigne from Padres (updated)

February 04, 2016, 8:42am

Orioles

The Orioles have acquired right-hander Odrisamer Despaigne from the Padres for minor league pitcher Jean Cosme, according to industry sources. Despaigne, 28, went 9-16 with a 4.74 ERA in parts of two major league seasons. He went 5-9 with a 5.80 ERA in 34 appearances, including 18 starts, in 2015. Despaigne is a native of Cuba. He signed as an amateur free agent in 2014. The Orioles selected Cosme in the 17th round of the 2014 draft. A native of Puerto Rico, the right-hander was 3-5 with a 4.74...

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Trying to find the right answer for right field

February 03, 2016, 11:28am

Orioles

Trying to find the right answer for right field

As the Orioles attempt to figure out what they're going to do in right field, they seem more likely to go the platoon route to round out their lineup. This isn't exactly breaking news. It's been a strong possibility for a while now, especially after Chris Davis accepted their seven-year, $161 million offer. Justin Upton and Yoenis Cespedes came off the board. I'm still fielding questions about the possibility of bringing back Nick Markakis, but are the Braves willing to move him? And the...

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Digging into the rotation depth

February 02, 2016, 6:40pm

Orioles

While the Orioles are figuring out who's going to replace Wei-Yin Chen in the rotation, they're also measuring the starting depth in the organization. It's hard to project the rotation at Triple-A Norfolk without knowing the entire composition of the Orioles bullpen and whether they'll go in-house with Chen's replacement. T.J. McFarland could start at Norfolk if he doesn't break camp with the Orioles, who appear to have one spot open in the bullpen with Zach Britton, Darren O'Day, Brad...

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Orioles sign Chris Dwyer to minor league deal (updated)

February 02, 2016, 10:55am

Orioles

On what's amounting to another slow news day as we venture deeper into the afternoon, I'll pass along that the Orioles signed left-hander Chris Dwyer to a minor league deal, according to Baseball America's transactions page. The Royals chose Dwyer, 27, in the fourth round of the 2009 draft out of Clemson University. His only major league appearances came in 2013, when he pitched in two games in relief and allowed two hits in three scoreless innings. He walked one and struck out two. Dwyer...

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More from Chris Davis

February 01, 2016, 3:30pm

Orioles

While you've been distracted by daily reminders that the Orioles need another starting pitcher, outfielder L.J. Hoes is waiting to find out whether he needs to report to another organization. It appears that the Orioles want to get Hoes through waivers and hold onto him. He should know soon if it's going to happen. We're also waiting for the Orioles to announce their spring training roster, complete with all the invites. It can't be much longer, considering that pitchers and catchers report...

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Rotation drags down offseason score

January 31, 2016, 5:26pm

Orioles

We've entered the month of February and the Orioles aren't receiving rave reviews for their offseason. Various outlets have given them failing grades. They're picked to finish in last place in the American League East. They aren't the winter darlings within the industry. Any projections at this early date must be taken with a grain of salt. I'd line the rim of the glass with them. The Orioles signed pitcher Ubaldo Jimenez and outfielder Nelson Cruz after reporting to camp in 2014. Their...

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Orioles minor leaguer Ramon Ramirez killed in motorcycle accident (with statement)

January 31, 2016, 5:52am

Orioles

Orioles minor league infielder Ramon Ramirez was killed yesterday in the Dominican Republic when his motorcycle was struck by a vehicle. He was 23. The club is still gathering information on the accident, which occurred as Ramirez was leaving a softball game. His friends were arranging a farewell party before his return to the United States. Ramirez's girlfriend was riding on the back of the motorcycle and survived the crash. She sustained a broken leg, according to a team official. "We're...

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Does Efren Navarro's arrival potentially impact Chris Davis?

January 30, 2016, 7:40pm

Orioles

Does Efren Navarro's arrival potentially impact Chris Davis?

The acquisition of outfielder/first baseman Efren Navarro from the Angels has raised a few questions in relation to the Orioles' motives for making the deal. Why a player who's regarded as a plus defender at first base? Should we read anything into it? I've heard a few theories tossed around that can be debated here this morning. Maybe the Orioles targeted Navarro while searching for another left-handed hitting outfielder. He has an option, which could put him on the shuttle between Triple-A...

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Manny Machado's ranking at third base and some Chris Davis leftovers

January 29, 2016, 5:19pm

Orioles

Manny Machado's ranking at third base and some Chris Davis leftovers

If you like random rankings, here's one to start your morning. MLB Network rated Manny Machado as the fourth-best third baseman in baseball, slotting him between the Rangers' Adrian Beltre and the Dodgers' Justin Turner. The press release stated that a number of offensive and defensive metrics were considered while compiling the list, along with projections for the upcoming season. Here's the Top 10: 1. Josh Donaldson, Blue Jays 2. Kris Bryant, Cubs 3. Adrian Beltre, Rangers 4. Manny...

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Former Orioles pitcher Steve Johnson signs with Rangers

January 29, 2016, 2:03pm

Orioles

Former Orioles pitcher Steve Johnson, the local product who made his major league debut four years ago at Camden Yards, has signed a minor league deal with the Rangers that includes an invitation to spring training. The Orioles designated Johnson for assignment on Dec. 2 while making a flurry of roster moves at the deadline to tender contracts to their arbitration-eligible players. They needed to create a spot for left-hander C.J. Riefenhauser on the 40-man roster. Johnson, 28, allowed six...

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Mike Wright on Hyun Soo Kim and competing for a rotation spot

January 28, 2016, 6:19pm

Orioles

Mike Wright on Hyun Soo Kim and competing for a rotation spot

Former Orioles outfielder, first baseman and all-around good guy Steve Pearce sent out a couple of tweets last night after signing his one-year, $4.75 million contract with the Rays. While expressing excitement over his latest opportunity, he took the time to acknowledge his recent past. "While I am looking forward to the new challenge, I will forever remember my years in Baltimore with such great teammates, ownership, front office personal, members of the media, and especially, the tremendous...

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Notes on Joey Terdoslavich and Rays-Rockies trade (with spring uniform note)

January 28, 2016, 11:10am

Orioles

Notes on Joey Terdoslavich and Rays-Rockies trade (with spring uniform note)

Infielder Joey Terdoslavich cleared waivers and has been outrighted to Triple-A Norfolk, according to a tweet from the Orioles. The Orioles designated Terdoslavich for assignment last week to make room for first baseman Chris Davis on the 40-man roster. Terdoslavich, a switch-hitter who also plays the outfield, was selected off waivers from the Braves on Jan. 8. He didn't last long on the 40-man, but he remains in the organization. The Orioles designated outfielder L.J. Hoes for assignment...

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Doug Fister is off the board

January 28, 2016, 7:30am

Orioles

So much for the Orioles signing Doug Fister to fill out their rotation. The Astros have agreed to terms with Fister on a one-year deal. The club confirmed it in a tweet this morning. SB Nation's Chris Cotillo reports that Fister will receive a guaranteed $7 million, and performance bonuses can push the total value to $12 million. The Orioles were interested in Fister, but they also had concerns about his health. He reportedly sought a two-year deal for around $22 million and the Orioles...

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Cleaning out my notebook

January 27, 2016, 12:26pm

Orioles

We've discussed the importance of the rotation bouncing back after a disappointing 2015 season, but the lineup also includes players who need to stay healthy and step up their games. Manager Buck Showalter recently provided a reminder when asked about second baseman Jonathan Schoop perhaps taking the next step in his progression. "We had Jonathan, what, for maybe half the year last year?" Showalter asked. "We had Matt Wieters about half the year. He just started getting into his own about...

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More on L.J. Hoes and Kevin Gausman's third pitch

January 26, 2016, 6:56pm

Orioles

More on L.J. Hoes and Kevin Gausman's third pitch

The Orioles' decision yesterday to designate outfielder L.J. Hoes for assignment came as a surprise, considering how the former third-round pick was expected to compete for a bench role, if not the starting job in right field. Hoes could end up clearing waivers and being outrighted to Triple-A Norfolk. He'd like to remain in the organization. I asked executive vice president Dan Duquette about the move, which was made to create a spot for outfielder/first baseman Efren Navarro on the 40-man...

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Orioles acquire Efren Navarro from Angels (with Duquette quote)

January 26, 2016, 11:53am

Orioles

The Orioles acquired a left-handed hitting outfielder today in a trade with the Angels, obtaining Efren Navarro for cash considerations. Outfielder L.J. Hoes was designated for assignment to create a spot on the 40-man roster. Navarro, 29, hit .329/.380/.442 with 24 doubles, one triple, two home runs and 29 RBIs in 72 games with Triple-A Salt Lake in 2015. He batted .253/.295/.301 with four doubles and five RBIs in 54 games with the Angels. Over nine minor league seasons, Navarro has hit...

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Peter Angelos on Chris Davis: "He's an exceptional guy" (plus other notes)

January 26, 2016, 9:36am

Orioles

Peter Angelos on Chris Davis: "He's an exceptional guy" (plus other notes)

As the Orioles continue their search for another starting pitcher and outfielder, they're much more comfortable with a lineup that includes first baseman Chris Davis. It wasn't easy, but they got the deal done, reaching agreement on a seven-year contract that totals $161 million - including $42 million deferred and payments that stretch until Davis is in his 50s. It became official on Thursday. Managing partner Peter Angelos and agent Scott Boras worked late into the night of Jan. 15 to...