This and that

This and that
The Orioles figure to name their pitching coach this week, and it may not take until the end, which was their original goal. They finished interviewing the four outside candidates on Wednesday, which gave them plenty of time to decide between Rich Dubee, Carl Willis, Andy Hawkins and Dave Wallace. Let's not forget that a coach can only do so much. It falls upon the pitchers on the staff to make the necessary improvements, whether it's a specific pitch, conditioning, times to home plate,...

Reimold: "At this point, I'm way further ahead than I was last year"

Reimold: "At this point, I'm way further ahead than I was last year"
One of the decisions awaiting the Orioles involves outfielder Nolan Reimold and whether to tender him a contract for the 2014 season. Reimold doesn't know what's going to happen, but he's certain that he'll be ready to play for someone in spring training. Reimold told me that he goes to his rehab sessions two or three times a week and is having a much easier time with his recovery from neck surgery than the first procedure in 2012 that ended his season after one month. "I think I'm...

Taking a few questions on a Saturday

Taking a few questions on a Saturday
Did the Maryland football team really schedule Clemson as its homecoming opponent? I tried to schedule Valerie Bertinelli as my prom date, but that was a reach. And so is the idea that Clemson makes a good homecoming opponent. Was the person responsible wearing his "Bad Idea" jeans? Anyway, I spent an hour today on MASN as part of the "Wall to Wall Baseball" crew, and we again took questions via e-mails and tweets. Here are a few topics that were addressed: 1. Should the Orioles trade...

For Bobby Dickerson, coaching Orioles infielders is a glove story

For Bobby Dickerson, coaching Orioles infielders is a glove story
No other team in the majors has more Gold Glove finalists than the Orioles, who are represented by catcher Matt Wieters, first baseman Chris Davis, shortstop J.J. Hardy, third baseman Manny Machado, center fielder Adam Jones and right fielder Nick Markakis. While heaping praise on each individual, let's not forget about the coaches who work with them - Bobby Dickerson with the infielders, Wayne Kirby the outfielders and John Russell the catchers. "It's exciting," said Dickerson, named the...

Orioles have six Gold Glove finalists (updated)

Orioles have six Gold Glove finalists (updated)
The Orioles set major league records this season with a .991 fielding percentage, 119 errorless games and only 54 errors committed over 162 games. They figured to be well-represented in the balloting for the Rawlings Gold Glove Awards. Six Orioles have been named finalists at their respective positions: Catcher Matt Wieters, first baseman Chris Davis, shortstop J.J. Hardy, third baseman Manny Machado, center fielder Adam Jones and right fielder Nick Markakis. The winners will be announced at 8...

Gold Glove candidates announced today

Gold Glove candidates announced today
Let's start out today's blog entry with a reminder that baseball's award for defensive excellence is the Gold Glove. It's not the Golden Gloves, though former Orioles reliever Alan Mills should have been awarded one after decking Darryl Strawberry. The finalists for the 2013 Rawlings Gold Glove Awards will be announced today, and the winners will be revealed Tuesday beginning at 7 p.m. on ESPN2. Let's just hope the X Games don't run long. The Orioles were the only team to have three...

Updating Urrutia in AFL - Part II (updated again)

Updating Urrutia in AFL - Part II (updated again)
Henry Urrutia hit his first home run today for the Surprise Saguaros of the Arizona Fall League, and it came with the bases loaded. It also traveled a long way. Urrutia drove a ball off the top of the batter's eye in center field, according to a tweet from the league (@MLBazFallLeague). Urrutia's grand slam is part of a 2-for-3 day that's raised his average to .440 with six RBIs. He's serving as the designated hitter this afternoon while recovering from elbow soreness, but could return...

Notes on arbitration, Davis and spring training

Notes on arbitration, Davis and spring training
The Orioles currently have 11 players eligible for arbitration this winter, which could produce another hike in payroll despite a few contracts coming off the books. MLBTradeRumors.com provided salary projections in the latest installment in its series. It includes service times for each player: Jim Johnson (5.165): $10.8MM Chris Davis (4.061): $10MM Matt Wieters (4.129): $7.9MM Bud Norris (4.068): $5MM Tommy Hunter (4.066): $3.1MM Brian Matusz (3.156): $2.1MM Nolan Reimold (4.004):...

Updating Urrutia in AFL

Updating Urrutia in AFL
I want to take a break this morning from talking about Orioles pitching coach candidates and revisit the AFL. Daryle Lamonica completed an 80-yard touchdown pass to Warren Wells, and ... Hold on, that's the American Football League. Let me try that again. I've got something here in my notes about the Tampa Bay Storm and the Orlando Predators, but I'm pretty sure that's the Arena Football League. Stay with me. OK, Cuban outfielder Henry Urrutia is swinging a hot bat in the Arizona Fall...

Orioles interview three more candidates today for pitching coach (updated)

Orioles interview three more candidates today for pitching coach (updated)
Though the Orioles are excluded from the World Series again this fall, they had a busy day interviewing candidates for the vacant job of pitching coach. According to industry sources, the Orioles met today with Carl Willis, Andy Hawkins and Dave Wallace. Willis started the procession with an interview at 10 a.m. Rich Dubee met yesterday with team officials. Those are the four known outside candidates. No word on whether the Orioles are planning any more interviews, but they're expected to...

Ohlman continues to produce in AFL

Ohlman continues to produce in AFL
As Orioles manager Buck Showalter waited to board his flight back to Dallas last week after spending a few days checking out prospects in the Arizona Fall League, he again brought up catcher Michael Ohlman's name without any prompting. He wasn't led in a particular direction during our brief phone conversation. He went there by himself. Ohlman had another impressive game today for the Surprise Saguaros, hitting a three-run homer in an 8-6 victory over Salt River. He also walked and scored...

Hunter on pitching coach interviews: "It's not anything we need to worry about"

Hunter on pitching coach interviews: "It's not anything we need to worry about"
Rich Dubee interviewed yesterday for the position of Orioles pitching coach. Carl Willis will meet today with a group that includes manager Buck Showalter, executive vice president Dan Duquette and vice president of baseball operations Brady Anderson. Who's got next? Rangers bullpen coach Andy Hawkins and Braves minor league pitching coordinator Dave Wallace also will interview. Those are the four confirmed outside candidates. "Whoever they pick will probably be overqualified for the...

Checking on a few Orioles with the Surprise Saguaros

Checking on a few Orioles with the Surprise Saguaros
Left-hander Eduardo Rodriguez made his third start today for the Surprise Saguaros of the Arizona Fall League, allowing one run and one hit in three innings. He walked two, struck out three and threw 27 of his 44 pitches for strikes. Rodriguez, 20, has permitted four runs and seven hits in 8 2/3 innings for a 4.15 ERA, with five walks and eight strikeouts. Orioles manager Buck Showalter spent a few days watching the Saguaros before flying back to Dallas, and director of player development...

Orioles pitching coach search gets rolling with Dubee

Orioles pitching coach search gets rolling with Dubee
The Orioles will crank up the interview process for finding a new pitching coach today by bringing in Rich Dubee, who spent the past nine seasons on the job with the Phillies. Dubee, who turned 56 on Saturday, already has a few points in his favor. He worked in the Expos farm system while executive vice president Dan Duquette was in the front office. He's a native of Brockton, Mass., not far from Duquette's hometown. He lives in Sarasota, where the Orioles hold spring training. The job...

Showalter moving up list of all-time winningest managers

Showalter moving up list of all-time winningest managers
Jim Leyland announced his retirement today as manager of the Detroit Tigers, leaving behind an impressive legacy and a lot of second-hand smoke. Leyland ranked first among active managers with 1,769 victories, placing him 15th on baseball's all-time list. The top three leaders among active managers no longer hold down jobs. The Reds fired Dusty Baker (1,671) after losing to the Pirates in the National League wild card game, and Davey Johnson (1,372) retired after the Nationals failed to make...

Which free agents will re-sign with the Orioles?

Which free agents will re-sign with the Orioles?
While wondering if Orioles manager Buck Showalter can relate to the heat that John Harbaugh is catching from Ravens fans this season ... I'm heading back home this morning after a weekend filled with love, laughs and calories. Nothing beats family. The Orioles will begin interviewing candidates this week for the vacant pitching coach position. I'm not going to anoint a favorite because we don't have the complete list and there are so many factors in play, including the impression made...

This, that and the other

This, that and the other
I can't say whether Cal Ripken Jr. would make a great manager. Won't know until he gets the chance. But let's keep in mind that Mike Matheny didn't coach or manage at any level until taking over the Cardinals before the 2012 season. Now they're in the World Series. No knock on Matheny, but he doesn't know more about the game than Ripken. I can't sit here and measure which one is better at handling people. My point is that Ripken's lack of experience coaching and managing shouldn't...

Griffin waiting for chance to interview with Orioles

Griffin waiting for chance to interview with Orioles
Mike Griffin didn't know that Rick Adair wasn't returning as Orioles pitching coach until early Thursday morning. Now, he's waiting for a call that will enable him to interview for the vacant job. The Orioles will consider their in-house candidates, though they're expected to make a hire from outside the organization. "We have under consideration some internal candidates who we know," said executive vice president Dan Duquette. That list includes Griffin, Bill Castro, Scott McGregor...

Showalter on Adair

Showalter on Adair
The Orioles have officially announced that Rick Adair will not return as pitching coach in 2014. They sent out a tweet a few minutes ago. Adair had one year left on his contract. The Orioles will begin interviewing candidates next week. They've scheduled a meeting on Tuesday with Phillies pitching coach Rich Dubee. Also, the Orioles are interested in Rangers bullpen coach Andy Hawkins, but they haven't set up an interview with him. They would need to receive permission from the...

Adair talks about leaving the Orioles and his future (updated)

Adair talks about leaving the Orioles and his future (updated)
Rick Adair offered further confirmation today that the Orioles will change pitching coaches in 2014. The club apparently won't make an announcement until a replacement is hired, which may not occur until the end of the month or beyond. Adair took a personal leave of absence on Aug. 15, in part to be with his terminally ill father, who passed away in September near Birmingham, Ala. He met twice with manager Buck Showalter after the season. "I feel good about it," Adair said. "There was a...