Roch Kubatko

On-base or rounding the bases?

January 22, 2012, 7:21pm

Orioles

There are times when interviewing executive vice president Dan Duquette is like being a contestant on "Wheel of Fortune." At any moment, I'm liable to blurt out, "I'd like to solve the puzzle!" Unfortunately, I haven't figured out his plans for a designated hitter. Maybe I should buy a vowel. The Orioles have watched Manny Ramirez take batting practice at least once since the Winter Meetings. It could be two or three times, but Duquette won't confirm it. His stock answer is he's...

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A bigger Berken could yield better results

January 22, 2012, 6:14am

Orioles

A bigger Berken could yield better results

A year ago, Orioles reliever Jason Berken had reporters at FanFest fussing over his weight loss. He dropped about 30 pounds over the winter, and we figured that a slimmer Berken could handle a heavier workload, whether he remained in the bullpen or earned a starting spot. Berken didn't look noticeably different yesterday as we chatted about his beloved Green Bay Packers - we agreed that giving quarterback Aaron Rodgers two weeks off was a mistake - but he's put on 10 to 15 pounds. And...

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Orioles' international efforts return to Korea

January 21, 2012, 5:25pm

Orioles

While addressing fans during this morning's forum for season ticket holders, executive vice president Dan Duquette causally mentioned that the Orioles signed the top amateur pitcher in Korea three days ago - a 17-year-old left-hander who wasn't identified by name. I stored the information in the back of my mind - the front was much too crowded - until I was freed up to do more research. I had no time today with all the FanFest commitments and constant blog updates. Coincidentally, a tweet...

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Johnson expects to be in bullpen in 2012

January 21, 2012, 11:34am

Orioles

Johnson expects to be in bullpen in 2012

Jim Johnson shook hands with reporters, smiled and said, "I don't know." Hey, we're supposed to ask the questions before you answer them. Johnson knew what was coming. Is he going to be a starter or reliever this season? "You guys probably know more than I do," he said. "I'll be in the bullpen. I'm pretty sure about that." As the closer? "We'll figure that out in the spring," he replied. The Orioles are leaning toward keeping Johnson in a relief role, and he could be the...

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Flaherty gets his first look at Camden Yards

January 21, 2012, 10:43am

Orioles

Flaherty gets his first look at Camden Yards

Infielder Ryan Flaherty participated in the three-day mini-camp this week at Camden Yards and noticed that the ballpark might favor the hitters. Flaherty is hoping to test that theory this summer. The Orioles selected Flaherty in the Rule 5 draft at the Winter Meetings, which automatically classifies him as a long shot to make the club in spring training, but he'll give it his best shot. "I'm just going to make sure I come into camp ready to go, and whatever happens happen," said...

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A few more notes from FanFest

January 21, 2012, 8:45am

Orioles

Jai Miller bears a striking resemblance to Jets receiver Plaxico Burress. OK, they're not separated at birth, but they could be related. It's been a relaxing winter for shortstop J.J. Hardy, who usually sat at home wondering where he'd be playing the following season. "It was one of the first offseasons in the last three or four offseasons where I wasn't in all the trade rumors and stuff," he said. "It was nice to know where I was going to be in spring training." Hardy isn't...

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A few more notes from FanFest

January 21, 2012, 8:44am

Orioles

Jai Miller bears a striking resemblance to Jets receiver Plaxico Burress. OK, they're not separated at birth, but they could be related. It's been a relaxing winter for shortstop J.J. Hardy, who usually sat at home wondering where he'd be playing the following season. "It was one of the first off-seasons in the last three or four off-seasons where I wasn't in all the trade rumors and stuff," he said. "It was nice to know where I was going to be in spring training." Hardy isn't...

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Markakis: "I'll be ready for opening day"

January 21, 2012, 7:55am

Orioles

Markakis: "I'll be ready for opening day"

Nick Markakis said he'll probably be limited until maybe the first week into March after undergoing surgery earlier this month to repair a torn abdominal muscle. He doesn't need many at-bats to get ready for the season. He's not going to rush or do anything that sets him back. His body will largely dictate his schedule. So far, it's cooperating with him. "I'm feeling good," he said. "It's a sensitive area where I got cut open and as far as pain-wise, I don't have any pain. It's...

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A few words from Bergesen and Reimold

January 21, 2012, 7:17am

Orioles

Pitcher Brad Bergesen is sporting a beard that actually looks good on him. Neatly trimmed. Doesn't look like he just staggered out of the woods after an eight-month hibernation. Bergesen said he'll prepare in spring training as if he's going to be a starter, though his role is undefined. "I've had a great winter with my son and just watching him develop and he's healthy, so it's just been flying by this offseason, but I've been preparing as usual," he said. "I switched things up a...

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A few words from Duquette

January 21, 2012, 6:56am

Orioles

The players keep filtering into the backstage area at FanFest. I click off my recorder, turn my back and someone else is waiting to be interviewed. Orioles executive vice president Dan Duquette finished his forum with manager Buck Showalter that was reserved for season-ticket holders. He didn't quiet the Prince Fielder speculation when he said, "Are we going to get him? I don't know. But if we don't, we'll look for someone just like him." Showalter said he just wants the chance to...

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As so it begins ...

January 21, 2012, 4:28am

Orioles

I've arrived at the Baltimore Convention Center after skating from Lot A at Camden Yards. I attempted a Hamill camel, but I ended up on the seat of my pants. The Foo Fighters is cranked up here, which seems appropriate, since I'm learning to walk again after slipping all over the icy sidewalks (see what I did there?) Anyway, now it's a party. Season ticket holders are allowed inside at 10 a.m. and can attend a private screening of "The Dan Duquette and Buck Showalter Show." That's not...

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Quick hits from Showalter (and confirming note)

January 20, 2012, 2:10pm

Orioles

Quick hits from Showalter (and confirming note)

Orioles manager Buck Showalter called into "The Mid-Atlantic Sports Report" earlier today on MASN, and I wanted to pass along a few items before taping "Wall to Wall Baseball," which airs tomorrow from 11 a.m.- noon. We can't go live with that show because of FanFest. Showalter counted 11 candidates for the starting rotation, and he didn't dismiss the idea that executive vice president Dan Duquette could add another one. Showalter said he's still deciding "which way to go" with...

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Matusz and lots more (and more and more)

January 19, 2012, 6:54pm

Orioles

Matusz and lots more (and more and more)

One of the most memorable moments from my night at Sports Legends Museum, where I served as emcee for "An Evening With Buck Showalter," is when the Orioles' manager said that pitcher Brian Matusz looks to be in excellent condition. The crowd let out a collective sigh of relief that almost fogged the windows. Everyone understands Matusz's importance to this club, and that includes Brady Anderson, who's been training the young left-hander in California. Showalter and Anderson offered high...

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Orioles reach agreement with Villarreal on minor league deal

January 19, 2012, 3:30pm

Orioles

Following up on a tweet that I sent out earlier today, the Orioles have reached agreement on a minor league deal with right-hander Oscar Villarreal that includes a spring training invitation. Villarreal, 30, hasn't pitched in the majors since 2008 with the Houston Astros. He's 24-15 with a 3.86 ERA in parts of six seasons, including stops in Arizona and Atlanta. He's made only five starts among his 258 appearances. Villarreal was 9-1 with a 3.61 ERA in 58 games, including four starts, with...

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Orioles announce front office promotions and restructuring (updated)

January 19, 2012, 9:18am

Orioles

The Orioles confirmed today that Brady Anderson has joined the front office as a special assistant to executive vice president of baseball operations Dan Duquette. He will assist with player relations and player development, and oversee conditioning throughout the organization. Also, John Stockstill has been promoted from director of player development to director of player personnel. In his new role, he will oversee the day-to-day operation of the minor league system and help to procure...

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A few leftovers (and one more)

January 18, 2012, 5:49pm

Orioles

Yoenis Cespedes belted his first home run last night in the Dominican Winter League, giving him three hits in 24 at-bats with the Aguilas CibaeÃƒÆ’Ã‚Â±as. You can watch his home run right here, courtesy of Baseball America. Now that the Rangers have invested at least $111.7 million in Japanese pitcher Yu Darvish, who hasn't thrown a single pitch in the majors, they're not considered serious players for Prince Fielder unless his price drops considerably. That puts the Nationals...

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Orioles' international efforts stretch to New Zealand (updated)

January 18, 2012, 12:38pm

Orioles

The Orioles continue to focus a lot of their energies on the international market, the latest example being the reported signing of New Zealand native Pita Rona. Rona, 17, is a former softball player who switched codes so he could concentrate on baseball. The Orioles apparently scouted him this week and signed him to a "seven-year major league deal," according to this report. The Orioles reportedly will send Rona to their developmental program In Australia. A seven-year major league deal?...

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Talking about Bordick, Chen, rotation and promotions

January 17, 2012, 4:19pm

Orioles

Talking about Bordick, Chen, rotation and promotions

Now that I've managed to slow my heart rate after the excitement of the Orioles exchanging salary figures with their four arbitration-eligible players - it can't be over-written enough - it's time to move onto another topic. Let's go back to former shortstop Mike Bordick, who will serve as a MASN analyst on 81 Orioles games this season. He accepted the job last Thursday, as first reported here. Bordick expressed some concerns over finding enough time to handle his on-field duties with the...

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Orioles exchange salary figures with four players

January 17, 2012, 1:55pm

Orioles

The Orioles and pitcher Jeremy Guthrie are $3 million apart after exchanging salary figures earlier today. Guthrie is requesting $10.25 million, and the Orioles countered at $7.25 million. He earned $5.75 million last season while going 9-17 with a 4.33 ERA in 34 games and 208 innings. Adam Jones submitted a figure of $7.4 million, and the Orioles countered at $5 million. Jones made $3.25 million last season and was named Most Valuable Oriole after batting .280/.319/.466 with 26 doubles, two...

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Joe Saunders off the board (Orioles sign Galarraga to minor league deal)

January 17, 2012, 11:47am

Orioles

Free-agent pitcher Joe Saunders has agreed to a one-year deal with the Arizona Diamondbacks, according to Steve Henson of Yahoo! Sports. The Orioles were interested in Saunders, a native of Falls Church, Va., who was non-tendered by the Diamondbacks, and they had discussions with his agent. Shortstop J.J. Hardy works out with Saunders in Arizona, and he mentioned on Jan. 3 during a phone interview on "The Mid-Atlantic Sports Report" that Saunders confirmed how the Orioles made "recent"...