Roch Kubatko

Is Pearce poised to become prized free agent?

December 27, 2014, 7:38pm

Orioles

Is Pearce poised to become prized free agent?

Throughout the Winter Meetings and the days that followed, Orioles executive vice president Dan Duquette stated that the club was more likely to sign a free agent than make a trade. The Orioles reached agreement with left-hander Wesley Wright and outfielder Delmon Young on one-year deals, taking two free agents off the market, but their next move could come via trade. How else are they going to get that left-handed outfielder/designated hitter unless their interest in Nori Aoki...

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Hardy signing still a bargain

December 26, 2014, 7:17pm

Orioles

The Orioles have been quiet since reaching agreement Wednesday with outfielder Delmon Young on a one-year deal. The warehouse is closed, though executive vice president Dan Duquette remains open for business if anyone wants to talk. The wrapping paper is still scattered under the tree, but the Orioles received an early present on Oct. 9 when shortstop J.J. Hardy signed a three-year, $40 million extension with a club option for 2018. Hardy could have gotten a bigger deal on the free agent...

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Lavarnway acquisition further clouds Clevenger's future

December 25, 2014, 8:42am

Orioles

Lavarnway acquisition further clouds Clevenger's future

The Orioles have proceeded through winters past with one or two catchers on their 40-man roster. After claiming Ryan Lavarnway off waivers this week, the club seems to be collecting them like ornaments. Lavarnway is the fifth catcher added to the 40-man, leaving more doubts about whether Steve Clevenger has a future in the organization. Matt Wieters might not be ready on opening day, but Clevenger is being squeezed by Lavarnway and Caleb Joseph. Prospect Michael Ohlman also is on the 40-man...

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Bundy: "This is a big year for me"

December 24, 2014, 8:55am

Orioles

I want to start out by wishing everyone a Merry Christmas or Happy Holiday or whatever works for you on this day. Enjoy it with family and friends. Any list of Orioles pitching prospects always includes Dylan Bundy in the top spot. Ligament-reconstructive surgery on his right elbow didn't change the order. The strained right latissimus dorsi that ended his 2014 season is a distant memory after only four months. Teams continue to inquire about his availability - Bundy and Kevin Gausman come...

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Orioles reach agreement with Delmon Young on one-year deal

December 24, 2014, 7:18am

Orioles

The Orioles can cross another item off their winter shopping list, having reached agreement with free agent outfielder Delmon Young on a one-year contract. The deal is pending a physical, which will be completed after the New Year, according to a source. He's guaranteed $2.25 million and can reach $3 million in incentives. Young, 29, was seeking a multi-year deal after batting .302/.337/.442 with 11 doubles, seven home runs and 30 RBIs in 83 games. His first preference was to re-sign with the...

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"Because You Asked - Lost in New York"

December 23, 2014, 3:32pm

Orioles

I'm a day late for the big Festivus celebration - now I'm stuck with that pole I ordered from Amazon.com - but it's always an appropriate time for the airing of the grievances. I'll start with how I keep answering the same questions over and over as if I'm typing in invisible print. (It's not really a major gripe for me, but I'm tying together two themes here, so please ride it out.) Folks seem to enjoy a good holiday movie sequel, though my screenplay for "It's A Wonderful Life II"...

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Orioles claim Lavarnway, release Berry

December 23, 2014, 9:20am

Orioles

With the list of available catchers dwindling, the Orioles have claimed former Red Sox prospect Ryan Lavarnway off waivers from the Cubs and released outfielder Quintin Berry. The 40-man roster, which remains full, includes catchers Matt Wieters, Caleb Joseph, Steve Clevenger and Michael Ohlman. Lavarnway, 27, also can play first base and serve as a designated hitter. "Lavarnway has good athletic ability and has been a consistent hitter in the minors," executive vice president Dan Duquette...

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Trying to decide on the roster in December

December 22, 2014, 4:45pm

Orioles

Trying to decide on the roster in December

As we approach the Christmas holiday, the Orioles still have lots of work to do on their roster unless they're committed to starting Alejandro De Aza or David Lough in left field and Steve Pearce in right. Executive vice president Dan Duquette wanted two more outfielders - one who batted from the left side and one who batted from the right. He wanted another catcher to improve the depth, though he's got four on the 40-man roster. And if the season started today, manager Buck Showalter...

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This, that and the other

December 21, 2014, 5:27pm

Orioles

The Orioles have hired former major league third baseman Sean Berry as the hitting coach at Triple-A Norfolk. Berry replaces Denny Walling, who retired to spend more time with his family. Berry, 48, had been the Padres minor league hitting coordinator. He previously served as the Astros hitting coach. Berry played for the Expos while Dan Duquette was their general manager. The Orioles still need a field coach at Single-A Frederick. They've hired Howie Clark as Single-A Delmarva field coach...

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Wieters on Markakis leaving

December 20, 2014, 5:00pm

Orioles

Since the day that Nick Markakis made his decision to accept a four-year offer from the Braves, I've been asked about the leadership void in the Orioles clubhouse and how it will be filled. Does it even exist? Let's take a look. Adam Jones is the vocal leader, and younger players also can turn to J.J. Hardy, Matt Wieters and Darren O'Day, among others. But Markakis was a highly respected and popular figure whose absence will be felt. Wieters has a home in the Atlanta area and he's been...

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Kirby on Coolbaugh: "I think he's going to be great"

December 20, 2014, 10:39am

Orioles

Kirby on Coolbaugh: "I think he's going to be great"

If anyone in the Orioles organization truly knows Scott Coolbaugh, it's got to be first base coach Wayne Kirby. Room with a guy for four years in spring training and you're going to learn plenty about him. Kirby and Coolbaugh were paired up while they worked in the Rangers organization. The Orioles hired Coolbaugh on Friday to replace Jim Presley as hitting coach, a move that has been met with favorable reviews by the people closest to him. "Cooley is a low-key type," Kirby said. "He's...

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Showalter sees Coolbaugh as "a very good fit"

December 19, 2014, 1:44pm

Orioles

Showalter sees Coolbaugh as "a very good fit"

Orioles manager Buck Showalter targeted Scott Coolbaugh early in the process of interviewing for a new hitting coach. Once the Rangers granted permission yesterday, the decision practically was made. Coolbaugh sealed the deal after sitting down today with Showalter and vice president of baseball operations Brady Anderson. He walked away already having the job, and the Orioles made the announcement around 6 p.m. "He's very dependable," Showalter said. "He's got a pure heart and he's not a...

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Orioles hire Coolbaugh as hitting coach

December 19, 2014, 1:00pm

Orioles

The Orioles interviewed Scott Coolbaugh this afternoon for the hitting coach position, rushing to set up a meeting in Dallas while the Rangers were willing to grant permission, and he is expected to get the job. An announcement should come later today. Coolbaugh, 48, met for almost two hours with manager Buck Showalter and vice president of baseball operations Brady Anderson. The decision came down to a hire from outside the organization and the Orioles made up their minds quickly after meeting...

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Wieters on his rehab and opening day

December 19, 2014, 10:32am

Orioles

Orioles pitchers and catchers aren't due to report to the Ed Smith Stadium complex in Sarasota for another two months. The first game won't be played until April 6 at Tropicana Field. Matt Wieters has no idea whether he's going to be in the lineup, only that it remains his primary goal. Wieters started a light throwing program immediately after Thanksgiving and has stayed with it, heading outdoors every other day to play catch with physical therapist Lloyd Van Pamelen in Atlanta. The...

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Wright signing official (with Duquette quote)

December 19, 2014, 6:05am

Orioles

Wright signing official (with Duquette quote)

Left-hander Wesley Wright has passed his physical and signed his one-year contract with the Orioles after agreeing to terms earlier this week. Wright will receive $1.7 million, according to a source. The Orioles have a full 40-man roster and will need to remove someone if they're going to sign or trade for an outfielder, most bullpen help, a backup catcher. You name it. In case you haven't memorized it, Wright is 10-18 with a 4.17 ERA in seven major league seasons, the first 5 1/2 with the...

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Orioles receive permission to interview Coolbaugh (updated)

December 18, 2014, 1:04pm

Orioles

Earlier this week, the Orioles failed to convince Charlie Manuel to accept the job of hitting coach despite numerous attempts to lure him to Baltimore. They pretty much knew by Tuesday morning that it wasn't going to happen. However, they have received permission to interview Rangers minor league hitting coordinator Scott Coolbaugh, according to an industry source. The Orioles were under the impression at the Winter Meetings that the Rangers denied permission, but Coolbaugh is expected to...

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Agent says Orioles remain in play for Young

December 18, 2014, 8:48am

Orioles

The agent for Delmon Young indicated today that the veteran outfielder isn't close to making a decision on where to sign, but he said the Orioles "absolutely" remain in play. "Everything has been very positive," said Joel Wolfe of Wasserman Media Group, who met with the Orioles during the Winter Meetings in San Diego. "They value Delmon and realize what he brings to the table, and hopefully it's just a matter of getting it right." Wolfe wouldn't discuss specifics of the negotiations,...

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Catching up with Henry Urrutia

December 18, 2014, 7:42am

Orioles

Not long ago, I wrote how the 2015 season is extremely important for the professional future of Cuban outfielder Henry Urrutia. He turns 28 in February, was limited to 51 games at Triple-A Norfolk last year due to a sports hernia that required surgery, and the Orioles may hold open tryouts in the outfield if they can't sign or trade for anyone. Urrutia's work ethic isn't an issue, as I was reminded during a text exchange Wednesday night that resumed yesterday morning. He's hitting the...

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How will Wright signing impact Matusz?

December 17, 2014, 5:51pm

Orioles

It's become the most popular question of the week following news that the Orioles reached agreement with left-hander Wesley Wright on a one-year deal worth $1.7 million. Well, it may slot second behind "Who?" As I've written, Wright is a southpaw reliever who's 10-18 with a 4.17 ERA in seven major league seasons, the first 5 1/2 with the Astros. He was 0-3 with a 3.17 ERA in 58 games this season with the Cubs, who non-tendered him last month. Wright, who turns 30 next month, has held...

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Quick Wright update and MLB statement on U.S.-Cuban relations

December 17, 2014, 9:58am

Orioles

Quick Wright update and MLB statement on U.S.-Cuban relations

In case you missed it in the comments section, left-hander Wesley Wright is scheduled to take his physical Thursday morning in Baltimore. His signing could be announced later that day or Friday, depending how quickly the results come back. Major League Baseball issued the following statement this afternoon regarding President Obama's announcement that the United States will restore full diplomatic relations with Cuba and open an embassy in Havana for the first time in more than a...