Roch Kubatko

Game tied and rain continues to fall (O's lose 8-6 in 10 innings)

October 10, 2014, 6:58pm

Orioles

Game tied and rain continues to fall (O's lose 8-6 in 10 innings)

The rain has picked up in intensity tonight at Camden Yards. So has the scoring. The Orioles battled back from a 5-1 deficit to tie Game 1 of the American League Championship Series 5-5 as we head to the top of the seventh inning. The Royals are known for their bullpen and defense, but they were let down. Rookie Brandon Finnegan, the 17th overall pick in the 2014 First-Year Player Draft out of TCU, didn't retire any of the three batters he faced after replacing starter James Shields in...

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ALCS Game 1 update, quotes from Pearce and Cruz (O's down 5-4)

October 10, 2014, 4:40pm

Orioles

ALCS Game 1 update, quotes from Pearce and Cruz (O's down 5-4)

The ballpark is as loud as expected tonight for Game 1 of the American League Championship Series. Manager Buck Showalter always draws the loudest and most prolonged ovation. The place also erupted for J.J. Hardy, who signed his three-year, $40 million extension yesterday. Players not on the ALCS roster - Matt Wieters, Steve Clevenger, Quintin Berry and Ryan Webb - were introduced before the game. Wieters tried to catch the ceremonial first pitch from former Orioles first baseman Boog...

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More quotes before Game 1 of the ALCS

October 10, 2014, 3:30pm

Orioles

The tarp is off the field. Lines are being drawn in chalk. Infield dirt is being raked. It appears that Game 1 of the American League Championship Series will start on time. Orioles manager Buck Showalter was asked earlier today whether he'd rather play three hours in a light rain or five days in a row. "Yes," he replied. A classic response from Showalter. Just give him a starting time and his team will be ready. "We're pretty excited to be playing," he said. "The big thing is in...

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Matusz on his inclusion on the ALCS roster

October 10, 2014, 2:57pm

Orioles

Matusz on his inclusion on the ALCS roster

Orioles left-hander Brian Matusz said he learned of his inclusion on the American League Championship Series roster following yesterday's workout at Camden Yards. He never took it for granted. Matusz was left off the Division Series roster because the Orioles didn't need more than two left-handed relievers against the Tigers. He didn't know whether he'd make the ALCS cut until notified by manager Buck Showalter. "Buck pulled me into his office and said I'm going to be on the roster,"...

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Norris or Chen will start Game 2 of ALCS

October 10, 2014, 12:59pm

Orioles

Norris or Chen will start Game 2 of ALCS

Orioles manager Buck Showalter sounded confident that Game 1 of the American League Championship Series would be played tonight. He's not anticipating a postponement or suspension. "The weather report looked pretty good," Showalter said. "That was encouraging." The game would be resumed on Saturday if interrupted tonight. Showalter is deciding between Bud Norris and Wei-Yin Chen as his Game 2 starter. He basically knows which way he wants to go, but the plan would change if the...

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Orioles lineup for Game 1 of ALCS

October 10, 2014, 12:41pm

Orioles

The Orioles are going with the same lineup they fielded behind Chris Tillman in Game 1 of the American League Division Series as they open the AL Championship Series tonight against the Royals. Nick Hundley is again catching Tillman and the Orioles are fielding their best defensive lineup with Alejandro De Aza in left and Steve Pearce at first. For the Orioles Nick Markakis RF Alejandro De Aza LF Adam Jones CF Nelson Cruz DH Steve Pearce 1B J.J. Hardy SS Ryan Flaherty 3B Nick Hundley...

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Royals lineup vs. Orioles in Game 1 of ALCS

October 10, 2014, 11:54am

Orioles

The tarp is back on the field at Camden Yards this afternoon. It's been removed twice since I arrived here two hours ago. No word from Major League Baseball on the status of Game 1 of the American League Championship Series. And no lineup from the Orioles. The Royals just tweeted their lineup. For the Royals Alcides Escobar SS Nori Aoki RF Lorenzo Cain CF Eric Hosmer 1B Billy Butler DH Alex Gordon LF Salvador Perez C Omar Infante 2B Mike Moustakas 3B James Shields RHP Orioles Game 1...

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Matusz added to ALCS roster (with K.C. roster)

October 10, 2014, 6:59am

Orioles

Matusz added to ALCS roster (with K.C. roster)

Orioles manager Buck Showalter made a small adjustment to his roster for the American League Championship Series. Showalter is keeping 11 pitchers. The only change is the addition of left-hander Brian Matusz and the removal of right-hander Ubaldo Jimenez. Left-hander T.J. McFarland has been excluded again, with Showalter choosing to add only one southpaw to his bullpen. The position players remain the same. Jimmy Paredes and Kelly Johnson stay on the roster. Infielders/Outfielders (12) Cruz,...

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Waiting on ALCS roster, more from Britton, Ripken, Anderson and Bordick

October 09, 2014, 7:33pm

Orioles

Waiting on ALCS roster, more from Britton, Ripken, Anderson and Bordick

The Orioles are encouraging fans to continue wearing orange to tonight's Game 1 of the American League Championship Series. It's not a blackout Friday at Camden Yards. Maybe you can bring a black umbrella to go with your orange jersey. Cover all the bases, as well as yourself. The umpires for the ALCS are crew chief Joe West, Brian Gorman, Marvin Hudson, Dan Iassogna, Ron Kulpa, Tim Timmons and Mark Wegner. Manager Buck Showalter must turn in his roster by 10 a.m. Here we go again. I...

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More notes and quotes from today's workout at Camden Yards

October 09, 2014, 3:55pm

Orioles

More notes and quotes from today's workout at Camden Yards

There are a lot of leftovers from today's interviews with current and former players at Camden Yards. Anyone object to leftovers for dinner? The Royals lead the majors in stolen bases, and their ability to be disruptive on the basepaths has become a popular storyline leading into Game 1 of the American League Championship Series. The Orioles must find a way to control their running game. Is the defense forced into making adjustments? "A lot," said shortstop J.J. Hardy, owner of a new...

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Hardy: "It comes down to winning and I think we've got a good thing here"

October 09, 2014, 3:20pm

Orioles

Hardy: "It comes down to winning and I think we've got a good thing here"

The timing of today's announcement that the Orioles signed shortstop J.J. Hardy to a three-year extension, a day before Game 1 of the American League Championship Series, could best be described as a curiosity among reporters. It made perfect sense to manager Buck Showalter, who sat with Hardy and executive vice president Dan Duquette during today's press conference at Camden Yards. "Is there ever a bad time to announce J.J. continuing as an Oriole?" Showalter asked. "I'd do it anytime....

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Orioles make Hardy signing official

October 09, 2014, 2:01pm

Orioles

The Orioles just confirmed that they've signed shortstop J.J. Hardy to a three-year contract extension with an option for 2018. Hardy, executive vice president Dan Duquette and manager Buck Showalter will meet with reporters at 6:30 p.m. As I wrote earlier, the deal is worth $40 million and includes a vesting option for 2018 based on at-bats. Also, $6.5 million is deferred. Hardy, 32, joined the Orioles in 2011 and has won two Gold Gloves and leads all major league shortstops with 86 home...

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Showalter confirms Game 1 starter, Davis not on ALCS roster

October 09, 2014, 1:15pm

Orioles

Showalter confirms Game 1 starter, Davis not on ALCS roster

Orioles manager Buck Showalter revealed the first piece of his rotation for the American League Championship Series, naming Chris Tillman the starter for Game 1 at Camden Yards. Showalter said he's going to inform the other starters before leaving the ballpark this evening. He just needs to announce what order Bud Norris, Wei-Yin Chen and Miguel Gonzalez will work in the series. The other starters will be in the bullpen for Game 1, just in case it runs long or there's an...

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Hardy on extension talks, Joseph on injury rumor

October 09, 2014, 12:22pm

Orioles

Hardy on extension talks, Joseph on injury rumor

Orioles shortstop J.J. Hardy smiled today as a herd of reporters and cameramen rushed to his table at the far end of the row during player availability for the media on the club level at Camden Yards. Hardy warned that his contract extension isn't "official" and he can't comment on it, but he understood why the questions needed to be asked before the Orioles took batting practice in preparation for Game 1 of the American League Championship Series. "It's going to be a big...

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Orioles reach agreement with Hardy on extension (updated with terms)

October 09, 2014, 8:54am

Orioles

Today's workout at Camden Yards will include an announcement that the Orioles have reached agreement with shortstop J.J. Hardy on a contract extension, according to an industry source. Hardy, 32, was a pending free agent. Expected negotiations weren't held during spring training and the sides agreed to hold off discussions during the regular season. Hardy's extension covers the next three seasons. FOX Sports is reporting that the value is north of $40 million. Former executive Andy...

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One more workout before Game 1 of the ALCS

October 08, 2014, 2:46pm

Orioles

One more workout before Game 1 of the ALCS

It's getting more serious. The Orioles and Royals will work out today at Camden Yards, with the intensity ramped up prior to Friday night's opener of the American League Championship Series. The Orioles take the field at 5 p.m., 30 minutes after manager Buck Showalter meets with reporters and other media types. Brady Anderson, Cal Ripken Jr. and Mike Bordick will be made available for interviews earlier in the day. They know a thing or two about the ALCS. It's been a combined 60 years since...

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ALCS start times announced

October 08, 2014, 1:59pm

Orioles

Major League Baseball has announced the rest of the starting times for the American League Championship Series. Grab a pencil and a sheet of paper. You already know that Game 1 of the ALCS between the Orioles and Royals is Friday at 8:07 p.m. at Camden Yards, followed by Game 2 on Saturday at 4:07 p.m. We won't factor in the rainy forecast. Let's wait on it. Sunday is a workout day. Game 3 on Monday and Game 4 on Tuesday are slated for 8:07 p.m. ET at Kauffman Stadium. Game 5 on Oct. 15,...

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Update on Britton's baby boy

October 08, 2014, 7:17am

Orioles

I have a lot of fans asking whether Zach Britton's baby was born earlier this week and if everyone is doing well. I bring you good news. Zander Lee Britton entered this world late last night in Burbank, Calif. Courtney Britton and her son are in good health. No word on whether Zander throws left-hander or how much sink he gets on his fastball. Too soon to tell. But I'm certain that pitching coach Dave Wallace will work to his strengths. I didn't bother to ask for the baby's choice of...

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Looking at how some Orioles match up against Royals

October 07, 2014, 7:41pm

Orioles

The Orioles are having another workout at Camden Yards today that's closed to the public. Reporters will be allowed inside on Thursday. Wanna have some fun? Ask a bartender to put the National League Division Series game on one of the televisions. Then watch him or her react as though you wanted a kidney. It's on FOX Sports 1, which was my 13th guess. Right after VH1 and ION E. I almost ordered one of the porn channels by mistake. Yes, by mistake. Come on, Major League Baseball, stop...

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Can Cruz be as good against K.C.? (with notes)

October 07, 2014, 10:36am

Orioles

Can Cruz be as good against K.C.? (with notes)

Now that Nelson Cruz is done hammering Tigers pitching in the 2014 playoffs, he can take aim at the Royals, who don't have three former Cy Young Award winners. It didn't seem to matter in the American League Division Series, when the Royals posted a 1.74 ERA while sweeping the Angels. Cruz has hit eight of his 16 career postseason home runs against the Tigers. Overall, he's a lifetime .297/.349/.710 hitter in 37 playoff games, with nine doubles and 32 RBIs. He went 6-for-12 with two homers,...