Roch Kubatko

Marlins claim Mahoney, and a closer look at Orioles' expected non-tenders

November 30, 2012, 10:18am

Orioles

The Miami Marlins have claimed Joe Mahoney off waivers from the Orioles, who designated him for assignment on Wednesday to make room for third baseman Danny Valencia on the 40-man roster. Mahoney batted .265 with 10 homers and 56 RBIs in 132 games for Triple-A Norfolk in 2012, and made his major league debut for the Orioles, going hitless in four at-bats over two games. So much for "The Big Irish" being the Orioles' first baseman of the future. Joe Capozzi of The Palm Beach Post first...

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Reynolds: "I would assume that I'll probably be gone" (with Bergesen note)

November 29, 2012, 4:17pm

Orioles

Reynolds: "I would assume that I'll probably be gone" (with Bergesen note)

The deadline for teams to offer contracts to their arbitration-eligible players is almost upon us, and the chances of Mark Reynolds staying with the Orioles diminish by the hour. The Orioles still don't seem willing to risk going to arbitration with Reynolds, who could earn around $9 million after making $7.5 million in 2012. Executive vice president Dan Duquette indicated earlier this week that he would explore negotiating a new deal with Reynolds, saying, "We'll see if we can do something...

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Orioles release 2013 spring training schedule

November 29, 2012, 5:08am

Orioles

The Orioles have released their 2013 spring training schedule, which includes the Feb. 23 opener against the Minnesota Twins in Sarasota. They also will host Team Brazil on March 6 in preparation for the World Baseball Classic. Pitchers and catchers will report to the Ed Smith Stadium complex on Feb. 12, and position players will report on Feb. 15. The WBC really has caused some major adjustments to the usual routine. The Orioles will face eight different opponents. They will host the Red...

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Jim Duquette talks Hamilton and Reynolds, Dan Duquette talks pitching depth

November 28, 2012, 6:39pm

Orioles

Jim Duquette talks Hamilton and Reynolds, Dan Duquette talks pitching depth

In case you missed yesterday's edition of "The Mid-Atlantic Sports Report" - and there's no excuse, since MASN replayed it at 11:30 p.m. - former executive Jim Duquette speculated that free-agent outfielder Josh Hamilton might have to settle for a deal in "the four-year range," which could make the Orioles a potential suitor. I immediately thanked Duquette for stirring up the masses again. Then we shared a laugh. You should have been there. "Right now there are a bunch of teams sitting...

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Orioles acquire Valencia, Mahoney designated for assignment (updated)

November 28, 2012, 9:36am

Orioles

The Orioles continued to beef up their stock of infielders today, acquiring Danny Valencia from the Red Sox in exchange for cash considerations. The 28-year-old Valencia batted .188/.199/.299 in 44 games for the Twins and Red Sox last season, but is a career .316/.359/.472 hitter in 326 plate appearances against left-handed pitching. He is only a year removed from hitting .246 with 15 home runs and 72 RBIs for the Twins in 2011, when he led the majors in games played at third base (154) and...

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Hall of Fame ballot includes nine former Orioles

November 28, 2012, 7:12am

Orioles

The Baseball Writers' Association of America has released its 2013 Hall of Fame ballot, and the group of newcomers includes former Orioles Jeff Conine, Steve Finley and Jose Mesa. Other former Orioles on the ballot include Rafael Palmeiro, Tim Raines (Sr., not Jr.), Curt Schilling, Lee Smith, Sammy Sosa and David Wells. Sosa, Roger Clemens and Barry Bonds are counted among 24 newcomers to the ballot. So is Craig Biggio, a member of the 3,000-hit club who has a much better chance of being...

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This, that and the other (and more)

November 27, 2012, 4:59pm

Orioles

In case you're wondering how the process works for the Orioles to hire a new third base coach, executive vice president Dan Duquette explains it. Keep reading. "We're working on that this week. Buck (Showalter) is working on that," Duquette said. "Buck asks for my input, but he's going to decide who he wants for third base coach." Showalter is compiling a list and contacting candidates. And he wants someone who's coached third base in the past. "Teams generally prefer experience in...

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Orioles exploring new contract for Reynolds before arbitration deadline (and notes)

November 27, 2012, 9:14am

Orioles

Uncomfortable with the possibility of going to arbitration with Mark Reynolds, the Orioles are attempting to reach agreement on a new deal with their first baseman before Friday's deadline for tendering contracts. They've already declined to exercise Reynolds' $11 million option for 2013 after he made $7.5 million this year. He's expected to be non-tendered if a new deal isn't in place. Reynolds struggled mightily at the plate in the first half and hit .221/.335/.429 with 26 doubles, 23...

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Dauer, Smith among outside candidates for Orioles coaching job

November 27, 2012, 7:27am

Orioles

As expected, former Rockies third base coach Rich Dauer and former Rangers and Indians third base coach Steve Smith are confirmed outside candidates for the Orioles job. Dauer was fired following the 2012 season, his fourth in Colorado, and the Indians decided not to retain Smith after hiring Terry Francona as manager. Dauer, 60, has local ties, though no connection to Orioles manager Buck Showalter. He spent all 10 seasons of his major league career with the Orioles and played on the 1979...

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As the Winter Meetings approach ...

November 27, 2012, 2:56am

Orioles

Exactly one week from today will be the second official day of baseball's Winter Meetings, which are being held in Nashville. I'll get my cardio workout from chasing false rumors and power-walking through the lobby of the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center, which I'm told is roughly the length of 72,000 football fields. Anyone want to trade places with me? I'm taking offers. Last year's meetings in Dallas yielded a Dana Eveland trade and Ryan Flaherty claim in the Rule 5...

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Notes on Perlozzo and Mahon (and Chase Johnson)

November 26, 2012, 3:10pm

Orioles

Notes on Perlozzo and Mahon (and Chase Johnson)

The Orioles haven't contacted former manager Sam Perlozzo about their third base coaching job. Perlozzo, who was let go as Phillies first base coach, obviously would be interested if the Orioles reached out to him. So far, it hasn't happened. Perlozzo seemed like a perfect fit for the Nationals after third base coach Bo Porter was hired as Astros manager, but the club needed an outfield instructor. The Orioles, meanwhile, need an infield instructor to replace DeMarlo Hale. The Frontier...

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Notes on coaching candidates, Erbe, Rowe and AFL (and Diering)

November 26, 2012, 12:14pm

Orioles

Notes on coaching candidates, Erbe, Rowe and AFL (and Diering)

Brian Graham, the Orioles' coordinator of minor league instruction, is definitely being considered for the third base coaching job. So is Bobby Dickerson, the Orioles' minor league infield coordinator. They are two of the in-house candidates. Former Orioles shortstop and current MASN analyst Mike Bordick hasn't been contacted at this point. Bordick would be considered if the Orioles had a vacancy somewhere else on the staff, but manager Buck Showalter is seeking an experienced replacement...

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Have the Orioles made a decision on Reynolds? (plus playoff shares)

November 25, 2012, 5:19pm

Orioles

The Orioles must decide by Friday whether to offer arbitration to their 14 eligible players. That's the next significant deadline in baseball. As a reminder, here is the updated list of players, which now includes Alexi Casilla, but no longer includes Robert Andino and Lew Ford: Alexi Casilla Chris Davis Jason Hammel Tommy Hunter Jim Johnson Brian Matusz Darren O'Day Troy Patton Steve Pearce Omar Quintanilla Nolan Reimold Mark Reynolds Taylor Teagarden Matt Wieters Davis, Hammel, Hunter,...

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Duquette on Greinke/Hamilton speculation

November 25, 2012, 8:21am

Orioles

Duquette on Greinke/Hamilton speculation

Orioles executive vice president Dan Duquette just made an appearance on MLB Radio Network and basically shot down the idea that the Orioles could sign pitcher Zack Greinke or outfielder Josh Hamilton, though the tweets that ensued might leave you a bit confused. Former executive Jim Bowden (@JimBowdenESPNxm), a co-host on the Sirius/XM show, tweeted the following: Dan Duquette told us on SiriusXM when I asked him If I could count the O's "out" on Greinke & Hamilton..he said I would never...

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Nothing new with McLouth

November 25, 2012, 4:57am

Orioles

I'll begin this Sunday morning with a health update. DayQuil and NyQuil don't work. At least, not for my cold, which hasn't gotten any better. I'm attempting to limit my coughing to once every 14 seconds as I type this entry. Wish me luck. As I scroll through the comments on my Twitter account (@MASNroch), I'm frequently asked for updates on outfielder Nate McLouth. There's nothing new to report, unfortunately. He's still a free agent and the Orioles are still interested in re-signing...

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Other possible replacements for Hale (updated)

November 24, 2012, 3:41am

Orioles

Other possible replacements for Hale (updated)

The Blue Jays haven't announced the hiring of DeMarlo Hale as bench coach, but that's the word on the street. I've been told that he's "getting the job." It would take a drastic reversal for Hale to remain as Orioles third base coach. I wrote last night that Triple-A manager Ron Johnson could emerge as a leading in-house candidate. Another possibility could be Bobby Dickerson, who currently serves as minor league infield coordinator and has filled in as bullpen coach. Dickerson was a...

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Sources: Hale to be named Blue Jays bench coach

November 23, 2012, 4:56pm

Orioles

Sources: Hale to be named Blue Jays bench coach

The Orioles apparently will need to find a new third base coach for 2013. The Toronto Blue Jays will hire DeMarlo Hale as their bench coach, according to two industry sources. One source said Hale could receive a three-year contract. The Orioles will retain five of their six coaches, having reached agreements with pitching coach Rick Adair and hitting coach Jim Presley over the past week. Hale was the last remaining unsigned coach, and the Orioles made him an offer to return next...

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Putting the Orioles' improvement in perspective (Showalter note)

November 23, 2012, 2:57am

Orioles

On Black Friday, I appreciate that you chose to shop at this blog. It's still a bargain after all these years. A combination of tryptophan and NyQuil has me walking around in a fog this morning. Good turkey, bad cold. But I wanted to take a closer look at the gains made by the Orioles in 2012. Dan Duquette didn't receive a single vote for The Sporting News Executive of the Year award. That honor went to Oakland's Billy Beane, who garnered 31 of the 57 votes. 1. Billy Beane (Athletics): 31...

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Trayvon Robinson looking forward to playing for Orioles

November 22, 2012, 3:11am

Orioles

Trayvon Robinson says he knew "something" was going to happen. He was out of minor league options. The Mariners figured to trade him if they could find a partner. He just didn't know when or where. Robinson assumed it would happen at the Winter Meetings or shortly before spring training, not earlier this week. "I've been kind of waiting," he said yesterday. The Orioles acquired Robinson, a switch-hitting outfielder, from the Seattle Mariners on Tuesday for infielder Robert...

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Presley agrees to new contract with Orioles

November 21, 2012, 10:41am

Orioles

The Orioles now have five of their coaches under contract for 2013. Hitting coach Jim Presley has agreed to a new deal, leaving third base coach DeMarlo Hale as the only member of the staff who isn't assured of being back next season. Hale interviewed for the Toronto Blue Jays' bench coach position earlier this week. The Orioles have offered him a contract and are waiting for a response. Presley told me on Monday that he fully expected a deal to get done that would enable him to remain as...