Murray hitting airwaves tomorrow

Murray hitting airwaves tomorrow
I tapped on my horn earlier today to alert the pickup truck in front of me that the light had changed to green about 30 seconds earlier and he might want to step on the gas. Then I noticed the large sticker on the back of his vehicle that promoted his status as a lifetime member of the National Rifle Association. Luke Scott's still in Minnesota, right? Hall of Famer Eddie Murray makes his MASN broadcast debut tomorrow night, and he'll work the final three games of the Twins series. He'll...
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Bring on the Twins and double your pleasure

Bring on the Twins and double your pleasure
When the Orioles embarked on their road trip, I told a few people that I'd be satisfied with the club taking one of three from the Yankees and splitting with the Twins. I wasn't reaching for the stars. I get dizzy just standing on my toes. The Orioles were swept in the Bronx, so that goal's already been shattered. Now I want three of four in Minnesota. It shouldn't be so hard...except the Twins just swept the Tigers, they've scored two runs in the first inning in six consecutive games...
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Roster move

Roster move
The Orioles have optioned left-hander Alberto Castillo to Triple-A Norfolk. A corresponding move will be announced tomorrow. That would be Koji Uehara. Castillo was 1-0 with a 5.40 ERA in six games. He got off to a fine start and looked like he might stick around for a while, but that Norfolk shuttle always seems to be calling. Uehara is expected to come off the disabled list and join the team in Minnesota. He turned in four scoreless appearances on his injury rehab assignment at Double-A...
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So what's the solution?

So what's the solution?
We know Ty Wigginton won't be going down to Triple-A Norfolk. Wigginton belted his ninth home run of the season in the top of the eighth inning, a two-run shot off Yankees reliever Sergio Mitre that landed in the second deck in left field and cut the deficit to 6-3. Too little, too late? That's my guess, but we'll find out. Instant update: It's now 7-3 in the bottom of the eighth. I'll continue to trust my instincts. Interesting comments today from president of baseball operations...
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Quick update and a note of thanks

Quick update and a note of thanks
Orioles starter David Hernandez has surrendered bases-empty home runs to Nick Johnson and Nick Swisher in the first two innings. Maybe that's a good sign for Nick Markakis. The Yankees tacked on another run in the third, but Lou Montanez cut down Johnson at the plate. I hate having the feeling that this game is already over, but with Andy Pettitte on the mound, I'm not exactly brimming with confidence. Pitching coach Rick Kranitz was tossed from the game for arguing balls and strikes from...
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Jones scratched

Jones scratched
Sorry to be late with this information, but I sent along an entry earlier today that didn't post. Now that I'm back at my laptop, I can take care of it. Adam Jones was a late scratch with a right hip strain. He also dealt with a sore shoulder last night, but that's not the issue today. Jones was removed as a precaution, with Lou Montanez replacing him in center field and Julio Lugo batting leadoff. He's expected to start tomorrow night in Minnesota.
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Today's lineups

Today's lineups
Orioles: CF Adam Jones 2B Ty Wigginton RF Nick Markakis 3B Miguel Tejada 1B Garrett Atkins DH Matt Wieters LF Nolan Reimold C Craig Tatum SS Julio Lugo RHP David Hernandez Yankees: SS Derek Jeter DH Nick Johnson 1B Mark Teixeira 3B Alex Rodriguez 2B Robinson Cano RF Nick Swisher CF Brett Gardner C Francisco Cervelli LF Randy Winn LHP Andy Pettitte
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Trying to avoid the sweep

Trying to avoid the sweep
Mark Teixeira and Alex Rodriguez aren't hitting in this series. Mariano Rivera isn't available, and Jorge Posada can be used only in an emergency. The bottom of the Yankees' lineup last night included Francisco Cervelli and Ramiro Pena. I'm glad the Orioles caught the Yankees at the right time. It's the bottom portion that keeps hurting the Orioles - along with starters CC Sabathia and A.J. Burnett. And they get Andy Pettitte today, another pitcher they can't touch without getting...
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The frustration builds (updated)

The frustration builds (updated)
Second and third, none out and a run already across in the third inning. The Orioles could have busted the game wide open, but their only run scored on pitcher A.J. Burnett's throwing error. Three straight batters went down swinging. Leadoff double for Miguel Tejada in the fourth. Tejada moves to third with one out. The Orioles could have snapped a 1-1 tie, but they failed to score. Luke Scott struck out and Garrett Atkins fouled out. Why was the game tied in the top of the fourth?...
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Tonight's lineups

Tonight's lineups
For the Orioles: Adam Jones CF Nick Markakis RF Matt Wieters C Miguel Tejada 3B Ty Wigginton 2B Luke Scott LF Garrett Atkins DH Rhyne Hughes 1B Cesar Izturis SS Brian Matusz LHP For the Yankees: Derek Jeter DH Nick Swisher RF Mark Teixeira 1B Alex Rodriguez 3B Robinson Cano 2B Marcus Thames LF Brett Gardner CF Francisco Cervelli C Ramiro Pena SS A.J. Burnett RHP Cano is the only left-handed batter to record an extra-base hit off Matusz in 25 at-bats this year (homer and double April 29 in...
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More minor matters (w/Arrieta update)

More minor matters (w/Arrieta update)
Left-hander Zach Britton tossed five scoreless innings today in Double-A Bowie's 9-0 win over Harrisburg. Britton allowed two hits, didn't walk a batter and struck out two while improving his record to 2-2 with a 3.60 ERA. Unfortunately, he was hit in the chest by a comebacker on his third pitch of the fifth inning and eventually left the game. I doubt that it's serious or he would have come out immediately, but I might have an update later. Former starter Pedro Beato followed Britton to...
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Checking on Arrieta

Checking on Arrieta
Triple-A Norfolk pitcher Jake Arrieta has logged two scoreless innings today against Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, allowing one hit and one walk, striking out one and hitting a batter. Arrieta has thrown 30 pitches, 17 for strikes. That's pretty busy for a guy who hasn't given up a run. Arrieta is coming off his worst outing, though he's raised the bar this season. He was charged with three earned runs (four total) and five hits in six innings, with four walks and four strikeouts. He had...
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Looking back, looking ahead

Looking back, looking ahead
No reason to dwell on last night's loss. Just look forward to sweet redemption tonight against A.J. Burnett (3-0, 2.43 ERA) and tomorrow against Andy Pettitte (3-0, 2.12 ERA). Combined record against the Orioles: 36-8. What are you worried about? This just in: Randy Winn has accepted an invitation to participate in the Home Run Derby at this year's All-Star Game. I'll get over it eventually. It's just too soon. "You have to keep the ball in the ballpark from the No. 9 hitter. We...
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One bad inning does spoil the whole bunch

One bad inning does spoil the whole bunch
It won't go down as a quality start by definition, but Jeremy Guthrie deserves some props for giving the Orioles six good innings and one unfortunate one. All the scoring against him took place in the fourth, and he left after the seventh with the Yankees ahead, 4-1. He allowed six hits, walked two, struck out two and threw 116 pitches. If only he could take a mulligan on that Randy Winn at-bat. Gary Thorne talks with Dave Trembley after the O's 4-1 loss to the Yankees Ty Wigginton...
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Number 9, Number 9 (w/Koji update)

Number 9, Number 9 (w/Koji update)
I usually throw a fit when a pitcher walks the No. 9 hitter, but Jeremy Guthrie reminded us tonight that there's a more unforgivable transgression. You don't let Randy Winn hit a three-run homer. Winn had no homers and no RBIs before tonight, but he unloaded on Guthrie in the fourth inning to break a 1-1 tie. His average has soared to .133, matching his on-base percentage. You Winn some, you lose some. And Guthrie's going to lose this one unless the Orioles can rally against CC...
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Wieters has it covered

Wieters has it covered
One more SI cover reference. Matt Wieters was hitting for a decent average this season, but not much power. That's changed over his last two starts. A lot has changed with the Orioles lately. Wieters belted a three-run homer on Saturday, and he just went opposite field against the Yankees' CC Sabathia in the second inning to give the Orioles a 1-0 lead and plant a huge smile on manager Dave Trembley's face. Wieters has reached base safely in 23 of 25 games. Amber talks with Matt...
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Tonight's lineups

Tonight's lineups
Orioles: CF Adam Jones RF Nick Markakis 2B Ty Wigginton 3B Miguel Tejada CA Matt Wieters 1B Garrett Atkins DH Nolan Reimold LF Lou Montanez SS Cesar Izturis RHP Jeremy Guthrie New York: SS Derek Jeter DH Nick Johnson 1B Mark Teixeira 3B Alex Rodriguez 2B Robinson Cano CA Jorge Posada RF Nick Swisher CF Brett Gardner LF Randy Winn LHP CC Sabathia
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Your afternoon fact snack

Your afternoon fact snack
It's even less fattening than rice cakes. Too bad it doesn't come in cheddar flavor. Nationals closer Matt Capps has been named Major League Baseball's "Delivery Man of the Month" for April after going 10-for-10 in save opportunities. My concern is that Mike Gonzalez will actually become a delivery man if he doesn't stay healthy and start getting guys out. We're told that Gonzalez is pain-free and engaged in a throwing progression program in Sarasota. Once he returns, and we could be...
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Tillman honored - of course

Tillman honored - of course
Is anyone surprised that Triple-A Norfolk's Chris Tillman was named the International League's Pitcher of the Week? That usually happens after you've thrown a no-hitter, as Tillman did on Wednesday to defeat Gwinnett. Tillman, the new Prince of the Tides, starts again tonight after limiting Gwinnett to one walk and making minor league history. Another batter reached on an error in Norfolk's 6-0 win. It was Tillman's first career complete game, and Norfolk's first nine-inning no-hitter...
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Guthrie vs. Girardi II

Guthrie vs. Girardi II
It's raining here, it's raining in New York. Please give me some baseball weather while this team's on a roll. Do you think Jeremy Guthrie and Joe Girardi will talk around the batting cage today? Maybe shake hands, share a man-hug? Guthrie has hit more Yankees than any other team in his career. They fall like ducks at a shooting gallery. He drilled two in spring training, including Mark Teixeira, and nailed Jorge Posada in the ankle in his last start. Posada left the game. Girardi...
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