Roch Kubatko

What's going to happen to Gausman?

January 19, 2015, 2:50pm

Orioles

With a month remaining before pitchers and catchers report to spring training, there's still plenty of time for new storylines to develop and for me to rank them according to importance or interest. Kevin Gausman will be on my list, no matter how it's framed. Specifically, I wonder whether Gausman will make the rotation, be moved to a crowded bullpen or again pay the price for having a minor league option. Executive vice president Dan Duquette seemed to indicate at the Winter Meetings that...

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What's happening this week?

January 18, 2015, 5:59pm

Orioles

We've started a new week and the Orioles are dealing with the same old issues. They want a left-handed hitting outfielder. No, seriously, it's in all the blogs and papers. And the club is trying to conduct business while the Blue Jays pursue Dan Duquette like it's last call at a bar and Major League Baseball is serving as wing man. The Jays are ignoring the ring on Duquette's finger and the Orioles don't like it. This is tampering, right? They reached out to him without permission from the...

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Blackmon a consideration for Orioles

January 17, 2015, 3:42pm

Orioles

The Orioles continue to check the trade market for left-handed hitting outfielders in case they can't sign free agent Colby Rasmus. One potential match could be found in Colorado, where Charlie Blackmon has been made available, according to FOX Sports. From what I've gathered, the Orioles haven't engaged in talks with the Rockies concerning Blackmon, but they're doing their homework on him and could get involved. The Rockies apparently are seeking a starting pitcher in return for Blackmon,...

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More on Orioles' search for left-handed hitter and arbitration hearings

January 16, 2015, 7:32pm

Orioles

It may be a relatively quiet Saturday for the Orioles compared to yesterday, when they settled with four arbitration-eligible players, exchanged salary figures with six others, outrighted catcher Ryan Lavarnway to Triple-A Norfolk and announced details on the autograph stations at FanFest. Still no word on a left-handed hitting outfielder, however, which remains a top priority. Nori Aoki reached agreement with the Giants yesterday on a deal reportedly worth $4 million in 2015 that includes a...

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Duquette on arbitration and more

January 16, 2015, 2:14pm

Orioles

Orioles executive vice president Dan Duquette said he expects the team to have one or two arbitration hearings next month after salary figures were exchanged earlier today. The Orioles haven't gone to a hearing since beating pitcher Brad Bergesen on Feb. 9, 2012. They're 7-0 in cases led by general counsel H. Russell Smouse. Hearing dates run from Feb. 1-21. In case you missed it in a previous blog entry, here are the figures: * Alejandro De Aza submitted $5.650 million and the Orioles...

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Orioles outright Lavarnway

January 16, 2015, 10:48am

Orioles

Catcher Ryan Lavarnway has finally cleared waivers. The Orioles announced today that Lavarnway has been outrighted to Triple-A Norfolk after they designated him for assignment on Jan. 9 to create room for outfielder Delmon Young on the 40-man roster. Lavarnway was claimed off waivers from the Cubs on Dec. 23. He previously was selected off waivers by the Dodgers on Dec. 5 and the Cubs on Dec. 19. Teams kept claiming Lavarnway until this week. Lavarnway, 27, batted .283/.389/.370 in 62 games for...

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Orioles announce FanFest autograph schedule (vouchers sell out)

January 16, 2015, 10:34am

Orioles

The Orioles will have four autograph stations set up at their annual FanFest on Jan. 31 at the Baltimore Convention Center. The event runs from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., with early entry for Orioles season plan members at 10 a.m. Autograph vouchers go on sale at 10 a.m. Saturday at orioles.com/fanfest. The autograph sessions begin at 11:20 a.m., 12:40 p.m., 2 p.m., 3:20 p.m. and 4:40 p.m., and each will include three Orioles players, staff or alumni. Chris Davis, Adam Jones, Matt Wieters, Manny...

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Orioles reach agreement with Matusz (final update)

January 16, 2015, 8:04am

Orioles

The Orioles and left-hander Brian Matusz have reached agreement on a contract for 2015, settling at $3.2 million as the deadline approaches before teams and arbitration-eligible players exchange salary figures. Matusz, who turns 28 next month, made $2.4 million last season and was projected by MLBTradeRumors.com to receive $2.7 million this season. Matusz posted a career-low 3.48 ERA in 63 appearances last season. He pitched to a 1.23 ERA with four walks and 29 strikeouts over his last 27...

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Leftovers for breakfast

January 15, 2015, 1:33pm

Orioles

We've reached the point today where arbitration-eligible players and their teams exchange salary figures for 2015 and hope to avoid a hearing next month. You know the dance. They usually split the difference. It's only interesting to me if there's a huge discrepancy. Wake me if the Orioles offer Ryan Flaherty $1 million and he counters at $200 million. Reliever Tommy Hunter settled for $4.65 million earlier this week, leaving 10 Orioles who are eligible for arbitration. Here's another look...

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Orioles officially denied 2016 All-Star Game

January 15, 2015, 9:31am

Orioles

The Orioles knew last month that they wouldn't host the 2016 All-Star Game. It became official today at the conclusion of Major League Baseball's quarterly owners meetings. Commissioner Bud Selig announced that San Diego will host the Mid-Summer Classic despite insisting last year that he wanted to continue alternating leagues. The Reds will host the 2015 All-Star Game. The National League could make it three in a row, with the Nationals a possible host in 2017. I've heard that they're...

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More on Machado, Garcia and Duquette

January 14, 2015, 7:30pm

Orioles

Another minicamp is in the books and the idea of organizing it seems more brilliant every year. Pitching coach Dave Wallace and bullpen coach Dom Chiti get to check out another collection of arms. New players get acclimated to the coaches and the facility, giving them a head start on spring training next month. The Orioles can check on players coming off injuries and surgeries. Everyone in the organization eases back into baseball mode after shutting off that part of their brains and...

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A few thoughts on Duquette before heading home (with Angelos quote)

January 14, 2015, 1:34pm

Orioles

A few thoughts on Duquette before heading home (with Angelos quote)

TAMPA - The Winter Meetings last month in San Diego began with reports that the Blue Jays wanted to hire Orioles executive vice president Dan Duquette as their president/CEO. The minicamp this week in Sarasota concluded today with reports that the Jays were nearing a deal to acquire Duquette. This story needs to reach its conclusion. The Orioles and Jays have discussed compensation, as FOXSports.com confirmed this afternooon. You can be certain that the Orioles have studied Toronto's farm...

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Showalter on Machado, minicamp and more

January 14, 2015, 9:30am

Orioles

SARASOTA, Fla. - The Ed Smith Stadium complex looks deserted now, with Orioles players and coaches heading to the airport after the three-day minicamp. Third baseman Manny Machado sat at his locker as manager Buck Showalter concluded his final media session. Machado is returning to Miami to continue his workouts "Manny looked good today," Showalter said. "Glad he came over. Didn't have to. Appreciated him making the trek. "Richie (Bancells) followed him around. He looked good. He's got...

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Machado: "It's been a while since I felt this healthy and good"

January 14, 2015, 8:28am

Orioles

Machado: "It's been a while since I felt this healthy and good"

SARASOTA, Fla. - Orioles third baseman Manny Machado said he's been doing full baseball activities for a couple of weeks, with the exception of moving laterally to field ground balls, and today's minicamp provided a demonstration. Machado hit in the indoor cage and took batting practice outside, shagged fly balls and did agility drills with head athletic trainer Richie Bancells, sprinting up the first base line and simulating going from home plate to second on a double. The surgically...

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Notes on Machado, Tillman, Scott and Murphy

January 14, 2015, 5:36am

Orioles

Notes on Machado, Tillman, Scott and Murphy

SARASOTA, Fla. - Orioles third baseman Manny Machado arrived in the clubhouse at 9:15 a.m. this morning and currently is having his right knee checked. He's expected to meet with the media - it's a small contingent - before leaving the Ed Smith Stadium complex. Reliever Tommy Hunter called out Machado's name, walked across the room and gave him a big hug. Machado later made his way down the rows of lockers to embrace teammates, including Dylan Bundy, Parker Bridwell and Ryan Webb. Webb and...

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The final day of minicamp and quotes from Verrett

January 13, 2015, 6:12pm

Orioles

The final day of minicamp and quotes from Verrett

SARASOTA, Fla. - We've reached the final day of the Orioles' minicamp at the Ed Smith Stadium complex. Players will bolt around noon. I'll try to find my way to the Tampa airport for a 7 p.m. flight home after filing more notes and meeting one last time with manager Buck Showalter. My daughter got engaged last night. My head's still spinning. Manny Machado's arrival figures to be the highlight of the morning. The Orioles want to check his right knee. The media wants to hound him about...

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Hearing from Showalter after Day Two of minicamp

January 13, 2015, 11:52am

Orioles

Hearing from Showalter after Day Two of minicamp

SARASOTA, Fla. - The most interesting nugget of news today involved South Korean pitcher Suk-min Yoon, who won't be invited to major league camp next month, according to manager Buck Showalter. Yoon was removed from the 40-man roster and outrighted to Triple-A Norfolk on Aug. 30 after going 4-8 with a 5.74 ERA in 23 games, including 18 starts, with the Tides. He's set to make $1.75 million this season as part of his three-year deal that's worth a guaranteed $5.575 million. "Maybe he'll...

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Coolbaugh on Davis: "I look for great things from Chris this year"

January 13, 2015, 10:11am

Orioles

Coolbaugh on Davis: "I look for great things from Chris this year"

SARASOTA, Fla. - New Orioles hitting coach Scott Coolbaugh was scheduled to fly back home this afternoon, but he's staying an extra day at the minicamp to meet third baseman Manny Machado. Coolbaugh didn't have much work to do today beyond getting acclimated to his new surroundings and checking out a few position players who took their cuts in the batting cage. "Get around some of the kids that are here for the minicamp, introduce myself and start building that rapport, relationships with...

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Hunter calls signing extension with Orioles "something you'd like to see happen" (plus pics)

January 13, 2015, 7:26am

Orioles

SARASOTA, Fla. - The Orioles held their second minicamp workout today under a bright blue sky. Yesterday's rain gave way to gorgeous sunshine, allowing eight pitchers to throw off mounds. Hunter Harvey and Parker Bridwell were in the first group, followed by Mychal Givens and Brian Gonzalez, Jon Keller and Pat McCoy, and Eddie Gamboa and Mike Wright. Calvert Hall graduate Alex Murphy drew the short straw and had to catch Gamboa's knuckleball. He survived the experience. A small group of...

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Minicamp leftovers for breakfast (updated)

January 12, 2015, 4:44pm

Orioles

Minicamp leftovers for breakfast (updated)

SARASOTA, Fla. - Ryan Webb's had a busy offseason, undergoing surgery on his non-throwing shoulder and getting married. For many people, marriage is far more painful than anything that happens on an operating table, but Webb is an exception. Good for him. Webb, who signed a two-year, $4.5 million deal with the Orioles in December 2013, had a procedure done to tighten the shoulder capsule. "I feel great," he said yesterday after the first day of minicamp. "Should be 100 percent ready to go...