Roch Kubatko

So many questions coming as pitchers and catchers report

February 17, 2016, 4:36pm

Orioles

So many questions coming as pitchers and catchers report

SARASOTA, Fla. - The day finally has arrived. Orioles pitchers and catchers are required to report to spring training. I stress "required" because the turnout already is impressive. Guys don't need to be dragged to the Ed Smith Stadium complex. We're not in Fort Lauderdale anymore, Toto. The turnout won't be restricted to pitchers and catchers. For example, outfielder Henry Urrutia has been working out down here - we spoke at the minicamp last month - and Korean outfielder Hyun Soo Kim...

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A little more on Orioles' negotiations with Gallardo and Fowler

February 17, 2016, 8:44am

Orioles

SARASOTA, Fla. - The Orioles remain confident that they will sign pitcher Yovani Gallardo and also are optimistic about their chances of including outfielder Dexter Fowler in their winter haul, according to a source. The club is fine with surrendering its first two draft picks, which would be slotted at Nos. 14 and 28, in order to plug holes in the rotation and right field. It's just a matter of getting the deals done as pitchers and catchers report on Thursday to the Ed Smith Stadium...

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Commenting on the camp competitions

February 16, 2016, 6:03pm

Orioles

I'd like to challenge readers here to pick their favorite camp competition, but it's hard to do without having a set roster. I'm still putting Yovani Gallardo in the rotation until told otherwise. I won't bore you with another non-update update. Sides still talking, working out a few details, press conference would be held in Sarasota, etc. OK, I just bored you with another non-update update. Gallardo would join Chris Tillman, Ubaldo Jimenez, Miguel Gonzalez and Kevin Gausman. The only...

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A few thoughts on Givens and Paredes

February 15, 2016, 2:26pm

Orioles

I've been asked whether the Orioles are waiting until they reach agreement with pitcher Yovani Gallardo and outfielder Dexter Fowler before announcing both deals simultaneously, as if it's more economical that way. Like they might have found a two-for-one sale. I don't believe that the Orioles are putting anyone on hold. I don't see the logic in keeping a Gallardo agreement under wraps until Fowler also signs. But all theories are accepted here. Keep floating 'em while we wait for pitchers...

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Talking more about Trumbo in right field

February 14, 2016, 12:53pm

Orioles

Talking more about Trumbo in right field

Three more days until the pitchers and catchers report to spring training at the Ed Smith Stadium complex in Sarasota. Three more days until the beat crew slips into a brand new routine. The clubhouse will open to the media from 8-9 a.m. Workouts last until about 12:30 p.m., with the clubhouse reopening for an hour. Manager Buck Showalter will meet with reporters and other media types following the workouts, when he'll be asked about bullpen sessions and pitchers' fielding practice. The...

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Digging a little deeper into the Orioles' pursuit of an arm and bat

February 13, 2016, 5:57pm

Orioles

If the Orioles finally reach agreement with right-hander Yovani Gallardo on a three-year deal, and it's still expected to happen, the press conference might have to take place down in Sarasota. We're running out of Camden Yards time. Gallardo would need to take and pass his physical. Team officials, public relations staff and media will be at the Ed Smith Stadium complex early this week. It would be a swift turnaround, to say the least. It's not like we'd be out of our element. The Orioles...

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This, that and the other

February 12, 2016, 4:17pm

Orioles

The Orioles are continuing negotiations with pitcher Yovani Gallardo on a three-year contract. As expected, the talks have moved into the weekend. Don't say that I didn't warn you. More details are being worked out, including the possibility of an option. I'll repeat that it looks encouraging, but nothing is imminent. Meanwhile, it's interesting how the Orioles retain interest in three hitters who aren't exactly carbon copies. Dexter Fowler and Jay Bruce would play right field. However,...

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Orioles lose C.J. Riefenhauser on waiver claim

February 12, 2016, 10:08am

Orioles

C.J. Riefenhauser is on the move again. The Cubs claimed Riefenhauser off waivers today after the Orioles designated him for assignment last week. They designated left-hander Edgar Olmos for assignment to make room for Riefenhauser. In a strange twist, the Cubs had claimed Olmos from the Orioles on Dec. 23. The Rays traded Riefenhauser to the Mariners on Nov. 5. The Orioles acquired Riefenhauser and first baseman/outfielder Mark Trumbo on Dec. 2 for catcher Steve Clevenger. Now comes today's...

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Orioles reach agreement with pitcher Yovani Gallardo (updated)

February 12, 2016, 5:55am

Orioles

SARASOTA, Fla. - The Orioles have reached an agreement with right-hander Yovani Gallardo on a three-year contract worth $35 million, according to multiple sources, filling the spot in their rotation vacated by Wei-Yin Chen. The deal includes a $13 million option and is contingent on Gallardo passing his physical, which could take place Sunday. Update: I'm told the physical is more likely to take place on Monday. It's not the last order of business, but they're getting closer. The club...

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Leftovers for breakfast

February 11, 2016, 5:55pm

Orioles

Will today be the day that the Orioles and pitcher Yovani Gallardo reach agreement on a three-year contract? I didn't get the sense from executive vice president Dan Duquette that a deal was imminent. There's still work to be done and it may extend negotiations into the weekend. He didn't give off a "stay close to your laptop" vibe, and I'm pretty good at picking up on them. During last night's "Hot Stove Show" on 105.7 The Fan, I asked manager Buck Showalter whether he expects at...

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Duquette on adding a starting pitcher: "We're still working on it"

February 11, 2016, 12:18pm

Orioles

Duquette on adding a starting pitcher: "We're still working on it"

While the Orioles continue discussions with the agent for right-hander Yovani Gallardo, they're not expected to reach agreement tonight. More works remains as the Orioles attempt to sign Gallardo to a three-year deal. They've made progress, but they're still short of the finish line. Executive vice president Dan Duquette wouldn't comment on Gallardo or any other free agent or trade targets. However, when asked whether a move could be made later today, he replied, "I doubt it." "We're...

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Orioles reveal promotions and giveaways for 2016 season

February 11, 2016, 10:44am

Orioles

Still no word on an agreement between the Orioles and pitcher Yovani Gallardo. Negotiations continue on a three-year deal and the club remains optimistic, according to a source. My guess is the phrase "opt out" keeps coming up. Gallardo wants one in his contract and the Orioles are against it. Meanwhile, the Orioles have released their 2016 promotion and giveaway schedule, which includes a Manny Machado garden gnome on July 9. All fans are eligible to receive it. Will it be as popular as last...

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Wondering about the ripple effect created by Gallardo

February 10, 2016, 3:28pm

Orioles

Wondering about the ripple effect created by Gallardo

By adding Yovani Gallardo to their rotation, the Orioles also would create a few questions that I'll pose here. It's too bad that I don't have the answers to go with them. They would be a nice accompaniment, but it's just too soon. Let's start with the fact that the rotation would consist of five right-handed starters, with Gallardo joining Chris Tillman, Ubaldo Jimenez, Miguel Gonzalez and Kevin Gausman. Executive vice president Dan Duquette and manager Buck Showalter agree that it's...

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Orioles also considering Dexter Fowler (updated)

February 10, 2016, 12:53pm

Orioles

The Orioles no longer are committed to keeping their first pick in this year's First-Year Player Draft, showing a willingness to part with the 14th overall selection to sign pitcher Yovani Gallardo. But what about their next selection? I've been told that the Orioles also are discussing outfielder Dexter Fowler, who would cost their compensatory pick after he turned down the Cubs' qualifying offer. FOXSports.com also confirmed the club's interest in Fowler. The Orioles currently hold the...

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Orioles sign reliever Dale Thayer to minor league deal

February 10, 2016, 10:04am

Orioles

The Orioles have signed right-hander Dale Thayer to a minor league deal that also includes an invitation to spring training. Thayer is represented by O'Connell Sports Management, which tweeted the agreement this afternoon. Thayer, 35, is 11-17 with a 3.47 ERA in seven major league seasons. He's made 264 appearances, all in relief, with the Rays, Mets and Padres. The Orioles were in the market for another reliever and expressed recent interest in free agent right-hander Carlos Torres. They...

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Orioles making progress in talks with Gallardo

February 10, 2016, 6:15am

Orioles

The Orioles' talks with the representative for free agent pitcher Yovani Gallardo have progressed to the point where they appear to be the favorites to sign him, according to an industry source. FOXSports.com reported today that the sides were "making progress," and multiple reports have the Orioles offering three years. The Orioles weren't comfortable going four years for Gallardo and five were never a consideration. However, his price has dropped as spring training approaches, along with...

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Chris Tillman on the importance of a bounceback season

February 09, 2016, 12:46pm

Orioles

Chris Tillman on the importance of a bounceback season

Spring training must be getting close. The Orioles crossed off two more items from their to-do list this week by announcing their non-roster invitees and sending out season ticket invoices. What's left besides finding another starter, a left-handed bat for the outfield and maybe another reliever? The Orioles may want to check whether they can trademark the phrase "bounceback season," because I feel as though I owe them money each time I use it. There are starters in the rotation who need...

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More information on Orioles season ticket plans (updated)

February 09, 2016, 8:19am

Orioles

With pitchers and catchers reporting to spring training in only nine days, the Orioles are sending out their season ticket invoices this afternoon via email. It's the same arrangement as last year. There is one change which has been anticipated for most of the winter. Fans are going to notice an increase in ticket prices. This is the third time in the past 12 years that the cost has risen for season plan holders. The average ticket price at Camden Yards runs about $30, an increase of $5 from...

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Brady Anderson on Hyun Soo Kim: "He hits line drive after line drive"

February 08, 2016, 12:28pm

Orioles

Brady Anderson on Hyun Soo Kim: "He hits line drive after line drive"

The Orioles will learn plenty about Hyun Soo Kim after he reports to spring training. How he swings the bat against major league pitching, how much ground he covers in the outfield, his arm strength, his ability to blend with his new teammates and get acclimated to life in the United States. The early returns are favorable. Kim made a nice impression on manager Buck Showalter during their brief interaction after he signed his two-year, $7 million contract. Pitcher Mike Wright talked up Kim's...

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Orioles invite 17 non-roster players to spring training

February 08, 2016, 12:00pm

Orioles

The Orioles released the names of their 17 non-roster invitees to spring training, a list that includes seven pitchers, three catchers, four infielders and three outfielders. There are no real surprises in the group except that infielder Joey Terdoslavich didn't receive an invitation after being designated for assignment and outrighted to Triple-A Norfolk. Keep in mind that everyone on the 40-man roster also will report to the Ed Smith Stadium complex. They don't need invitations. Also be...