Roch Kubatko

Duquette on Adair: "It's simply a personal leave of absence"

August 16, 2013, 7:08am

Orioles

Duquette on Adair: "It's simply a personal leave of absence"

Orioles executive vice president Dan Duquette is unable to provide specific details on pitching coach Rick Adair's decision to take a leave of absence from the club, but he emphasized that it's due to personal reasons and isn't tied to the staff's performance this season. "It's simply a personal leave of absence," Duquette told me over the phone a few minutes ago. "We don't really have a timetable on it. These things take some time." The Orioles issued a press release this morning...

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Adair taking leave of absence

August 16, 2013, 6:09am

Orioles

Orioles pitching coach Rick Adair is taking a leave of absence from the team for personal reasons. The club just sent out a release confirming changes to the staff. Bullpen coach Bill Castro will replace Adair as pitching coach. Scott McGregor, who works with rehabbing pitchers in Sarasota, will become interim bullpen coach. McGregor filled the same role on a part-time basis in 2011. There is no timetable for Adair's return to the club. Adair began the 2011 season as bullpen coach before...

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Orioles interested in Cuban outfielder Jose Abreu

August 15, 2013, 7:02pm

Orioles

The Orioles have been scouting Cuban outfielder Jose Abreu for more than a year and are intrigued by his "monster power," as it's been described by one member of the organization. There's no doubt that they like what they've seen from him Unfortunately for the Orioles, Abreu will probably command a monster contract and they aren't known to jump into bidding wars for international players. However, they continue to discuss him, for what it's worth. Abreu, who outgrew the shortstop...

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Notes on Britton and Reynolds (and Betemit)

August 15, 2013, 5:40pm

Orioles

Notes on Britton and Reynolds (and Betemit)

Triple-A Norfolk pitcher Zach Britton left tonight's game in Toledo after being hit on the side of the ankle by a hard one-hopper from Danny Worth. No updates are available at this time. Worth reached on an infield hit with two outs in the sixth inning as the ball rolled to Tides first baseman Steve Clevenger. Tim Alderson replaced Britton and stranded Worth by retiring former Orioles catcher Ronny Paulino. Britton allowed two runs and six hits in 5 2/3 innings, with four walks and six...

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Another look at the starters

August 15, 2013, 10:54am

Orioles

Chris Tillman turned in his 16th quality start in 24 outings yesterday before the blown save, the 14 innings, the gut-wrenching loss that completed Arizona's three-game sweep of the Orioles. The Orioles have posted seven quality starts in the last nine games, giving them a 2.88 ERA in that stretch. That's the good. Unfortunately, the starters have gone more than six innings in only three of the 12 games this month. Tillman was removed after the sixth yesterday, leaving a tired bullpen to...

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A few thoughts on Jim Johnson and the closer situation

August 14, 2013, 9:19pm

Orioles

A few thoughts on Jim Johnson and the closer situation

I hadn't intended to write about Jim Johnson this morning. The subject was covered quite thoroughly again yesterday after his third consecutive blown save. But I'll offer my two cents here before finding another topic. First of all, anyone suggesting that the Orioles should release Johnson - or cut him, as if it were the NFL - needs to get a clue. There's no reason to do it and he's too good for such treatment, no matter how much he's scuffling at the moment. At his best, Johnson has...

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Norris makes second relief appearance (O's lose 5-4 in 14 innings)

August 14, 2013, 4:02pm

Orioles

Norris makes second relief appearance (O's lose 5-4 in 14 innings)

Orioles manager Buck Showalter is going to his bullpen again. He's also going to his rotation. At the same time. Bud Norris will replace Tommy Hunter in the bottom of the 14th inning with the score tied 4-4. Rule 5 pick T.J. McFarland is next in line. Then bullpen coach Billy Castro, who will have to come out of retirement. Norris has appeared in 122 major league games, including 121 as a starter. His lone relief appearance came in his debut on July 29, 2009 in Chicago while pitching for the...

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Eliminating today's closer candidates (heading to the 14th)

August 14, 2013, 2:31pm

Orioles

Eliminating today's closer candidates (heading to the 14th)

Darren O'Day pitched the seventh inning today, allowing an inherited runner to score. Francisco Rodriguez pitched the eighth, stranding the potential tying run in scoring position. The Orioles are clinging to a one-run lead and Jim Johnson is warming in the bullpen. It figured to be Johnson in a save situation. Manager Buck Showalter isn't ready to make a change. He's standing firmly in Johnson's corner. Johnson, of course, has blown two straight save chances after converting 10 in a...

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Orioles having a Teagarden party (O's lead 4-3)

August 14, 2013, 1:35pm

Orioles

Before today, Orioles backup catcher Taylor Teagarden was 6-for-48 this season. Plenty of fans questioned why Matt Wieters needed a day off following last night's game, with an open date on the schedule Thursday. Manager Buck Showalter wants to give players back-to-back days off to freshen their legs. He also consulted with a psychic late last night who told him that Teagarden would collect three hits today. I made up the last part. Actually, Showalter is the psychic - except when it's time...

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Bottom of order dials it up (more on Machado home run)

August 14, 2013, 12:25pm

Orioles

Bottom of order dials it up (more on Machado home run)

The Orioles fell behind 1-0 in the first inning today on a two-out infield hit by Diamondbacks third baseman Matt Davidson that scored Martin Prado, who had doubled off Orioles starter Chris Tillman. Tillman had allowed only four runs in the first inning before today. Manny Machado made a spectacular diving stop along the line and threw from his knees to almost retire Davidson. It was more highlight reel material. Real good. Not that anyone is dwelling on it besides myself after Machado...

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Markakis leading off, Pearce in left field (with note)

August 14, 2013, 9:47am

Orioles

Markakis leading off, Pearce in left field (with note)

Orioles manager Buck Showalter has moved Nick Markakis atop the order again today against a left-handed starter, Arizona's Patrick Corbin. Steve Pearce is in left field. Taylor Teagarden is behind the plate. Markakis is batting .328/.358/.377 with six doubles, 17 RBIs and 15 runs scored in 29 games as the leadoff hitter this season. For the Orioles Nick Markakis RF Manny Machado 3B Adam Jones CF Chris Davis 1B J.J. Hardy SS Steve Pearce LF Taylor Teagarden C Brian Roberts 2B Chris...

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Pregame notes and Diamondbacks lineup

August 14, 2013, 8:58am

Orioles

Over his last 162 games since Aug. 8, 2012, Orioles first baseman Chris Davis is batting .298/.371/.663 with 39 doubles, 59 home runs, 142 RBIs, 177 hits and 115 runs scored. He struck out 198 times in those 162 games. According to STATS, the only American League players since 1921 with 44 or more home runs through Aug. 13 are Davis (44), Babe Ruth (44 in 1921), Roger Maris (45 in 1961) and Mickey Mantle (45 in 1961). In 2001, Arizona's Luis Gonzalez had 44 through Aug. 13, a franchise record...

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Will the Orioles add a reliever for today's game? (updated)

August 13, 2013, 10:01pm

Orioles

The Orioles may need a bullpen arm for this afternoon's series finale against the Diamondbacks, which also concludes their three-city road trip. Miguel Gonzalez worked seven innings last night, but the game carried into the 11th before Paul Goldschmidt hit a walk-off home run off left-hander T.J. McFarland, who was making his first appearance since Aug. 3. Kevin Gausman is listed as tonight's starter for Triple-A Norfolk, but the Orioles could redirect him to Phoenix. The Tides are in...

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Gonzalez strong through six, buckles in seventh (O's lose 4-3 in 11th)

August 13, 2013, 7:31pm

Orioles

Gonzalez strong through six, buckles in seventh (O's lose 4-3 in 11th)

The last two Orioles starters had worked five and 5 1/3 innings. The bullpen was taxed. Miguel Gonzalez needed to step up tonight and get deep into the game. He needed to provide his own relief. Gonzalez has completed seven innings, but he just allowed two runs to reduce the Orioles' lead to 3-2. He's surrendered five hits - including three in the seventh - walked none and struck out three. Gerardo Parra homered with two outs to bring the Diamondbacks within a run. Wil Nieves followed with...

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Davis hits No. 44 (Hardy hits No. 22)

August 13, 2013, 6:28pm

Orioles

The Orioles had a runner on second base and two outs in the fourth inning tonight, and Diamondbacks starter Randall Delgado decided to challenge Chris Davis with a fastball. Delgado lost. Davis hit his 44th home run to give the Orioles a 2-0 lead. Nick Markakis walked with one out and moved up on a wild pitch. Adam Jones grounded out and Davis hit a big fly ball, allowing him to pass Rafael Palmeiro for the most single-season home runs in franchise history. Jim Gentile is next with 46,...

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Orioles lineup vs. Diamondbacks

August 13, 2013, 2:08pm

Orioles

No surprises in the Orioles lineup tonight. The Diamondbacks are starting a right-hander, Randall Delgado, which means Nate McLouth moves to the top of the order and Nick Markakis drops down to third. Adam Jones remains the cleanup hitter, with Chris Davis batting fifth and Matt Wieters sixth. Standard stuff, really. Miguel Gonzalez is pitching in his second interleague game. He's 0-for-1 with a sacrifice in his first two career plate appearances. For the Orioles Nate McLouth LF Manny...

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orioles

A few pregame notes and Diamondbacks lineup

August 13, 2013, 12:47pm

Orioles

A few pregame notes and Diamondbacks lineup

Orioles right-hander Miguel Gonzalez is facing the Diamondbacks for the first time tonight. In 12 career outings when starting against an opponent for the first time, Gonzalez is 6-4 with a 4.67 ERA and the Orioles are 7-5 in those games. Gonzalez is 11-5 with a 3.18 ERA in 23 career outings against an opponent he's faced in the past, and the Orioles are 16-7 in those 23 games. The Orioles are 5-11 in games when Matt Wieters hits a home run. They're .500 or better when every other player...

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Notes on Palmer and the 'pen (and Paulino)

August 13, 2013, 7:23am

Orioles

Notes on Palmer and the 'pen (and Paulino)

Anyone know the significance of today's date in Orioles history? I'm sure it will be discussed later in the MASN booth. On Aug. 13, 1969, Jim Palmer tossed a no-hitter to defeat the Athletics 8-0 at Memorial Stadium. He walked six, including Reggie Jackson three times, and struck out eight while improving to 11-2 with a 1.77 ERA. I look at that record and ERA and just shake my head. Amazing. Palmer helped his own cause with two hits, including a double, and an RBI. Brooks Robinson belted...

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The defense doesn't rest

August 13, 2013, 2:46am

Orioles

During my phone-in segment yesterday on "The Mid-Atlantic Sports Report" on MASN - a delayed shameless plug - I was asked about shortstop J.J. Hardy's overall value to the Orioles. The 21 home runs immediately come to mind. He's joined Cal Ripken Jr. and Miguel Tejada as the only Orioles shortstops with three straight seasons of 20-plus homers. You won't find Kiko Garcia or Bob Bonner on that list. However, anything that Hardy does offensively is gravy. Really good, thick gravy. In my...

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Feldman goes 5 1/3 tonight in Arizona (O'Day allows walk-off HR)

August 12, 2013, 7:43pm

Orioles

Feldman goes 5 1/3 tonight in Arizona (O'Day allows walk-off HR)

So, what grade do you give Scott Feldman tonight? Feldman lasted only 5 1/3 innings and threw 109 pitches, including 63 for strikes. But he allowed only one earned run - two total - and left with the Orioles leading 4-2. Matt Wieters hit his 16th home run with two outs in the top of the sixth inning - his sixth from the right side of the plate. He crushed it. Feldman gave up four hits, walked two and struck out eight - his highest total in seven starts with the Orioles. Feldman escaped a...