Roch Kubatko

More power to the Orioles (Hammel through sixth)

April 08, 2012, 9:55am

Orioles

J.J. Hardy homered off his former team in the bottom of the first inning to give the Orioles a 1-0 lead. Twins right-hander Anthony Swarzak went curveball, fastball, curveball, fastball to Hardy, who detected a pattern and easily cleared the left field fence. Swarzak is starting for Liam Hendricks, who was hospitalized with a bad case of food poisoning. Now who feels sick? The Orioles have five home runs off the Twins in this series, including two from Nick Markakis, who's on pace for 162....

Tags:

More from Showalter

April 08, 2012, 9:35am

Orioles

Here are a few more pregame comments from manager Buck Showalter: On whether he anticipates Brian Matusz being amped up for Monday's start vs. the Yankees: "He did that a little bit this spring as far as, first time out it was like he was running pretty fast. There were a lot of hamsters running around pretty quick there. He slowed them down. I expect it. That's part of it. All of these guys had it and got back in control. That's part of it. It'll happen till the day he quits playing. It...

Tags:

orioles brian matusz buck showalter featured_sidebar frontfeatured_orioles jason hammel frontstory_orioles2 tommy huntert

Hearing from Reynolds and Showalter

April 08, 2012, 8:13am

Orioles

Mark Reynolds didn't roll up his pant leg while sitting at his locker, so I'll take him at his word that he's got a bruised left calf. Reynolds said he's fine, and it's apparent that he wants to be in the lineup. He wasn't his usual jovial self after manager Buck Showalter excluded him. "He just told me I wasn't playing," Reynolds said. "I'm fine. There's nothing wrong." Asked if he expects to play tomorrow, Reynolds said, "You've got to ask Buck. I don't know." Is his leg...

Tags:

orioles buck showalter featured_sidebar frontfeatured_orioles mark reynolds frontstory_orioles2

Reynolds out of lineup

April 08, 2012, 6:57am

Orioles

Third baseman Mark Reynolds isn't in the lineup for today's game against the Twins at Camden Yards. Wilson Betemit is playing third. Reynolds fouled a ball off his left calf last night, but he said it's fine and he could have played. He has a bruise, but no X-rays were taken. For the Orioles: Endy Chavez LF J.J. Hardy SS Nick Markakis RF Adam Jones CF Matt Wieters C Nick Johnson DH Wilson Betemit 3B Chris Davis 1B Robert Andino 2B Jason Hammel RHP

Tags:

orioles frontfeatured_orioles mark reynolds frontstory_orioles2

Showalter speaks after 8-2 win

April 07, 2012, 6:29pm

Orioles

Third baseman Mark Reynolds fouled a ball off his instep, which is why Ryan Flaherty replaced him at third base in the ninth inning. Showalter says Reynolds should be fine. The Orioles will go for their first sweep of the Twins in Baltimore since August 2002. Nick Markakis is 5-for-7 to start the season. "I see the things Nick plays through that a lot of people ... you really get his attention when you don't write him in there," manager Buck Showalter said. "And he's such a great...

Tags:

orioles frontfeatured_orioles nick markakis robert andino ronny paulino frontstory_orioles3

It all starts with starting pitching (Hunter done)

April 07, 2012, 4:53pm

Orioles

It all starts with starting pitching (Hunter done)

It may sound like a cliche, but it's so true. The Orioles won't improve until their starting pitching does, and it's been outstanding for the first two games of the 2012 season. Yesterday, Jake Arrieta blanked the Twins on two hits over seven innings. Tonight, Tommy Hunter is blanking the Twins on four hits over six innings. It hasn't been easy for Hunter. He gave up an infield hit in the first inning, an infield hit and a clean single in the second, and a leadoff double in the fourth....

Tags:

orioles frontfeatured_orioles jake arrieta ronny paulino tommy hunter

Jones homers in second inning (O's lead 6-0)

April 07, 2012, 3:39pm

Orioles

Jones homers in second inning (O's lead 6-0)

Adam Jones gave the Orioles a 1-0 lead in the second inning with his first home run of the season. Jones went to the opposite field against Twins starter Francisco Liriano, who struck out the side in the first inning. Jones has two homers in eight career at-bats against Liriano. Liriano has four strikeouts in two innings tonight. Orioles starter Tommy Hunter has allowed three hits in two innings, though his line includes two infield singles and a ground ball up the middle that barely eluded...

Tags:

orioles adam jones frontfeatured_orioles tommy hunter

Showalter on lineup, Wada, Hammel and Gregg (with note)

April 07, 2012, 1:22pm

Orioles

Showalter on lineup, Wada, Hammel and Gregg (with note)

Let's hear from manager Buck Showalter on his decision start Nick Johnson at first base and Ronny Paulino as the designated hitter, Tsuyoshi Wada's next starts and eventual role with the Orioles, Jason Hammel's upcoming start and the harsh reception for Kevin Gregg during yesterday's introductions. Showalter is using both catchers tonight, which is risky if Matt Wieters gets hurt. "We've got another one, but it's a secret. Maybe to him, too," Showalter said, chuckling. "No, I want...

Tags:

featured_sidebar frontfeatured_orioles jason hammel nick johnson ronny paulino tsuyoshi wada

Updating Wada

April 07, 2012, 12:39pm

Orioles

Orioles manager Buck Showalter laid out Tsuyoshi Wada's pitching schedule during his pregame session with the media. Wada will start an extended spring training game Monday against the Twins in Fort Myers and another extended spring game April 14 against the Rays in Port Charlotte. Assuming that Wada's health is good, he'll join one of the affiliates and make a rehab start April 19. Wada is eligible to come off the disabled list Thursday, but it's going to be later. The Orioles want...

Tags:

orioles buck showalter tsuyoshi wada frontstory_orioles3

Orioles and Twins lineups

April 07, 2012, 11:26am

Orioles

Brian Roberts, Mark Reynolds and Ryan Flaherty are taking early batting practice. Interesting lineup, with Nick Johnson at first base and Ronny Paulino serving as the designated hitter. For the Orioles: Nolan Reimold LF J.J. Hardy SS Nick Markakis RF Adam Jones CF Matt Wieters C Mark Reynolds 3B Nick Johnson 1B Ronny Paulino DH Robert Andino 2B Tommy Hunter RHP For the Twins: Span CF Carroll SS Mauer C Morneau DH Willingham LF Parmelee 1B Valencia 3B Revere RF Casilla 2B...

Tags:

frontstory_orioles1

A first for Hunter

April 07, 2012, 5:28am

Orioles

Tonight marks the first major league game that Tommy Hunter has pitched in the month of April. Hunter spent parts of four seasons in the bigs beginning in 2008, but he always was recalled or activated from the disabled list after April. He's faced the Twins three times, allowing eight runs and 13 hits over 14 2/3 innings, with four walks and 10 strikeouts. Joe Mauer is 3-for-6 against him with a home run and two RBIs. Hunter was going to be the second or fourth starter for the Orioles, and...

Tags:

orioles frontfeatured_orioles tommy hunter featured_sidebar frontstory_orioles3

Showalter speaks after 4-2 victory

April 06, 2012, 2:47pm

Orioles

I asked manager Buck Showalter how impressed he was with starter Jake Arrieta following today's 4-2 victory over the Twins. Showalter thought I said "frustrated." "I thought I'd stepped into a different game," he said. Nope. We watched the same one, which included Arrieta shutting out the Twins on two hits over seven innings. Buck Showalter meets with the media following the O's win over the Twins "He was really good," Showalter said. "He pitched maybe a little better than he did...

Tags:

featured_sidebar frontstory_orioles1

More Markakis (Arrieta's done)

April 06, 2012, 12:51pm

Orioles

Yes, Nick Markakis will be ready for opening day. (Sorry, just catching up on some old blog comments.) Markakis has hit a two-run homer, walked and delivered a run-scoring triple to help the Orioles to a 4-0 lead in the seventh inning. Markakis just slid hard into Twins catcher Joe Mauer while trying unsuccessfully to score on Matt Wieters' fly ball to left. He jumped to his feet and headed to the dugout. The impact didn't bother him. Another hurdle cleared. Markakis hasn't produced...

Tags:

orioles jake arrieta nick markakis

Markakis leaves his mark (Galarraga released, homer note)

April 06, 2012, 11:34am

Orioles

Markakis leaves his mark (Galarraga released, homer note)

If you picked Nick Markakis to hit the first Orioles home run of 2012, let me be the first to congratulate you. Markakis swatted a Carl Pavano curveball over the fence in left field, giving the Orioles a quick 2-0 lead. J.J. Hardy walked before Markakis stepped to the plate for his first regular-season at-bat since having abdominal surgery. I'd say he's ready. Jake Arrieta walked Jamey Carroll with one out in the top of the first before fielding Joe Mauer's comebacker and starting a...

Tags:

orioles frontstory_orioles1 nick markakis

Showalter talks about Markakis and Roberts (updated)

April 06, 2012, 10:34am

Orioles

Showalter talks about Markakis and Roberts (updated)

We're getting close to the start of the opening day ceremonies. Batting practice is over, and starting pitcher Jake Arrieta has snapped his last photograph. Yes, Arrieta stood on the field during BP with a camera around his neck. I'd say he's pretty relaxed. Here's manager Buck Showalter on whether he initially had concerns about Nick Markakis' availability for opening day after the right fielder underwent abdominal surgery in January: "A little bit. We had to do it a little later on...

Tags:

orioles brian roberts frontstory_orioles1

Showalter confirms Johnson is closer

April 06, 2012, 8:32am

Orioles

Orioles manager Buck Showalter won't keep his ninth-inning specialist a mystery. No need to wait until someone starts warming to figure out who's closing. Showalter confirmed today that Jim Johnson will be the closer. Johnson, who converted his final eight save chances last season, received the news in an unorthodox manner. "He texted me something about the baby and something else, and I said, 'Congratulations. And by the way, you're closing.' And he said, 'Yeah, I know,'" Showalter...

Tags:

orioles featured_sidebar frontfeatured_orioles jim johnson frontstory_orioles3

More opening remarks from Arrieta

April 06, 2012, 4:32am

Orioles

Now the games count. No more words like "exhibition" or "intrasquad" or "simulated." I'm hoping to use "postseason" while I'm still in the business. The sun's shining but I'm not fooled. I'm taking a jacket to Camden Yards. My blood thinned out during those seven weeks in Sarasota. At least it's not snowing. We've seen it in the past on opening day. We saw Jake Arrieta start the home opener last year, but this one's different. It's the first of 162 games. It's truly the...

Tags:

orioles featured_sidebar frontfeatured_orioles jake arrieta frontstory_orioles2

Orioles' opening day lineup

April 05, 2012, 4:34pm

Orioles

The Orioles just released their opening day lineup, and I don't see any major surprises. Nolan Reimold is batting leadoff. Adam Jones is hitting cleanup. The only spot that crossed me up was Wilson Betemit batting ahead of Mark Reynolds instead of behind him. For the Orioles: Nolan Reimold LF J.J. Hardy SS Nick Markakis RF Adam Jones CF Matt Wieters C Wilson Betemit DH Mark Reynolds 3B Chris Davis 1B Robert Andino 2B Jake Arrieta RHP

Tags:

orioles featured_sidebar frontfeatured_orioles frontstory_orioles3

Patton ready for any role

April 05, 2012, 1:12pm

Orioles

As the only left-hander in the Orioles' bullpen, Troy Patton knows that he could be used in a variety of ways. Long man one night, situational southpaw another night. Manager Buck Showalter's preference is to keep Patton available for later in games, but he may not always have that luxury. "I take it as they can still use me if they need me," Patton said. "If the other team has a lefty-ladened lineup and the starter is done early, I still think that they have the ability to use me in...

Tags:

featured_sidebar troy patton frontstory_orioles3

Showalter speaks during workout

April 05, 2012, 12:27pm

Orioles

Orioles manager Buck Showalter is expected to pass along his opening day lineup later today. His players are taking batting practice as I type this entry. Naturally, Showalter was asked whether there's a different feeling as opening day approaches. It's the traditional first question. "There always is," he replied. "As much as you know the reality of the length of the season and the grind, it's always a special day. Families that have made it a tradition for years. You always want to...