Roch Kubatko

Leftovers for breakfast

February 13, 2017, 4:41pm

Orioles

SARASOTA, Fla. - While the Orioles remain focused on finding another outfielder who is more glove than bat, they also want to take an extended look at Rule 5 picks Auneury TavÃ¡rez and Anthony Santander. The at-bats and reps will be plentiful, assuming that Santander is recovered from his shoulder surgery. TavÃ¡rez is assured of staying busy. "We'd like to add to the depth of our outfield. It's a possibility," said executive vice president Dan Duquette. "There are some guys who are...

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Duquette and Showalter discuss Jones' positioning in field

February 13, 2017, 10:57am

Orioles

Duquette and Showalter discuss Jones' positioning in field

SARASOTA, Fla. - The only real piece of news to come out of the first day of spring training involved the signing of infielder Chris Johnson to a minor league contract. Nothing that's going to rock the baseball world, but an interesting depth move that also brings together father and son. Meanwhile, the hot topic of the day centered on the center fielder and he wasn't even in camp. Executive vice president Dan Duquette, sitting in the media workroom this morning, was asked whether Adam Jones...

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Notes on the WBC, catchers, Givens and more

February 13, 2017, 8:18am

Orioles

Notes on the WBC, catchers, Givens and more

SARASOTA, Fla. - Outfielder Hyun Soo Kim also is an early arrival at spring training. He's been working out at the Ed Smith Stadium complex and the media saw him walk down the hallway this morning toward the weight room. How's that for confirmation? The Orioles added infielder Chris Johnson today on a minor league deal and they're expected to sign a few more players this week, though not necessarily with invitations to spring training. They could go directly to the minor league complex at...

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Early notes from the first day of spring training

February 13, 2017, 5:24am

Orioles

Early notes from the first day of spring training

SARASOTA, Fla. - Orioles reliever Brad Brach said he still expects to go to his arbitration hearing on Thursday in St. Petersburg, Fla. He isn't aware of any negotiations to strike a deal. Talks could resume, of course. The Orioles made a late effort to reach agreement with Caleb Joseph before winning their case, and they signed Kevin Gausman prior to his hearing. Brach is seeking $3.05 million and the Orioles countered at $2.525 million. Only pitchers and catchers are required to report...

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Orioles sign Chris Johnson

February 13, 2017, 3:12am

Orioles

SARASOTA, Fla. - The Orioles made another move to improve their infield depth, signing Chris Johnson to a minor league deal with an invitation to spring training. The announcement came this morning. Johnson, 32, is the son of Triple-A Norfolk manager Ron Johnson. The Tides infield is taking shape with Johnson likely to start at third base, Robert Andino at shortstop and Johnny Giavotella at second base. David Washington could play first base if Trey Mancini breaks camp with the Orioles. Johnson...

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Mancini among the early arrivals at spring training

February 12, 2017, 3:56pm

Orioles

Mancini among the early arrivals at spring training

SARASOTA, Fla. - We've reached the official day that Orioles pitchers and catchers are supposed to report to the Ed Smith Stadium complex. However, it's more of a formality. Lots of guys already have shown up, and that includes position players who aren't due until later in the week. Trey Mancini arrived on Thursday and began his workouts the following day, unsure whether he's going to head north with the team or how the Orioles will use him. The possibility of spending most nights on the...

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Plenty to ponder as pitchers and catchers set to report

February 11, 2017, 6:06pm

Orioles

Plenty to ponder as pitchers and catchers set to report

SARASOTA, Fla. - One day remains before pitchers and catchers are due to report to spring training at the Ed Smith Stadium complex. One day and a healthy assortment of storylines and curiosities. The Orioles' roster is mostly set, but it's always subject to change while executive vice president Dan Duquette lets the market play out. We're usually good for at least one press conference in Sarasota, and that includes the intimate gathering in the media room after left-hander Johan Santana...

More Ynoa and Mancini on possibility of playing outfield

February 10, 2017, 12:09pm

Orioles

More Ynoa and Mancini on possibility of playing outfield

With the Orioles completing another cash transaction with the Mets yesterday, acquiring young right-hander Gabriel Ynoa, is it safe to assume that executive vice president Dan Duquette is focused only on finding another outfielder? Don't get too comfortable with that notion. Duquette could add a veteran starter - the preference is still on a minor league deal, though it's not the only avenue - and strengthen the rotation's insurance in case of an injury. To project Triple-A Norfolk's...

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Orioles acquire Ynoa from Mets

February 10, 2017, 7:08am

Orioles

The Orioles made a move today to improve their pitching depth while also eliminating a catcher from the 40-man roster. Depth added and subtracted. Executive vice president Dan Duquette acquired 23-year-old right-hander Gabriel Ynoa from the Mets for cash considerations. Catcher Francisco Pena was designated for assignment to clear a spot on the 40-man roster. Ynoa (pronounced ya-know-ah) is 59-30 with a 3.36 ERA and 1.17 WHIP in 136 minor league games, including 128 starts. He appeared in 10...

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Machado on playing shortstop in the WBC and more

February 09, 2017, 4:41pm

Orioles

Machado on playing shortstop in the WBC and more

Orioles third baseman Manny Machado said last night that he expects to slide over to shortstop for the World Baseball Classic. One look at the Dominican Republic's roster and it's easy to understand why. Adrian Beltre figures to handle the hot corner. Other infielders include Machado, Robinson Cano, Hanley Ramirez and Jose Reyes. Which player would you put at shortstop? Seems like a no-brainer to me. "I kind of let them know that, hey, whatever it is, wherever you want me to play," Machado...

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MASN to air seven Orioles spring training games

February 09, 2017, 9:03am

Orioles

If you're unable to attend the Orioles' exhibition games in person, their network will bring you closer to seven of them. Food and beverages not included. MASN is airing seven spring training games from Ed Smith Stadium in Sarasota. The coverage begins with the Feb. 27 game against the Yankees. Your job keeping you from setting up in front of a television? Not to worry. All of the afternoon games will be replayed later on the same day. The complete MASN spring training schedule for the...

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Orioles release 2017 promotional schedule and ticket information

February 09, 2017, 6:30am

Orioles

If you like stuff, the Orioles have lots of it to pass along to fans this season at Camden Yards. The club announced its promotional giveaways, and the list of new items includes Zach Britton and Jonathan Schoop bobbleheads, a Manny Machado Starting Lineup figure, a home plate welcome mat and a replica Camden Yards to celebrate the ballpark's 25th anniversary. Where has the time gone? Additional plans for the 25th anniversary season will be forthcoming. Continue to breathe normally. The...

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Inviting more discussion about camp roster

February 08, 2017, 4:55pm

Orioles

Inviting more discussion about camp roster

With the 40-man roster full and the 12 camp invitees revealed, it's time to uphold our little tradition here and pick a spring training dark horse. You reserve the right to change your mind if someone is added to the roster who emerges as a more desirable candidate. But in the meantime ... The dark horse must be a pitcher or position player who unexpectedly heads north with the team. There aren't many open spots remaining, which amps up the challenge. I'm going with Japanese knuckleballer...

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Jones, Machado, Schoop, Castillo and Givens confirmed for WBC

February 08, 2017, 1:56pm

Orioles

Jones, Machado, Schoop, Castillo and Givens confirmed for WBC

The Orioles are losing five players in spring training to the World Baseball Classic, including new catcher Welington Castillo, who will need a crash course in getting acclimated to the pitching staff in camp. Center fielder Adam Jones and reliever Mychal Givens will play for Team USA, Castillo and third baseman Manny Machado will play for the Dominican Republic and second baseman Jonathan Schoop will play for the Netherlands. The rosters were unveiled tonight on MLB Network. Machado was born...

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Closing book on Carter, updating Wieters, camp battles and more

February 07, 2017, 3:51pm

Orioles

Closing book on Carter, updating Wieters, camp battles and more

I was asked again yesterday morning about the possibility of the Orioles signing free agent slugger Chris Carter to serve as the designated hitter. Well, the club's reported interest earlier in the winter was exaggerated and I never got the sense that it picked up before he reached an agreement with the Yankees on a one-year, $3.5 million deal. I guess 41 home runs don't go as far financially as they used to, at least this winter. Mark Trumbo will get plenty of at-bats in the DH role and also...

Orioles invite 12 players to spring training

February 07, 2017, 11:07am

Orioles

The Orioles have revealed their list of non-roster invitees to spring training, and it includes two new middle infielders and a catcher who wasn't in the original group. Johnny Giavotella and Robert Andino will report to the Ed Smith Stadium complex in Sarasota, as previously reported. They'll be joined by catcher Yermin Mercedes, who replaces the injured Austin Wynns. Wynns is recovering from an ankle injury suffered while playing for Tigres del Licey in the Dominican Winter League. Here's...

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More on Andino signing, arbitration negotiations, remaining business

February 06, 2017, 1:38pm

Orioles

More on Andino signing, arbitration negotiations, remaining business

While the Orioles continue their search for another outfielder and still intend to upgrade their pitching depth, they've addressed the need for infield depth by signing Johnny Giavotella and Robert Andino to minor league deals. Both players figure to begin the 2017 season at Triple-A Norfolk unless an injury creates a spot on the 25-man roster, but competition always is a good thing. "They bring ability and experience. They give us some more depth at the infield position, particularly in the...

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Orioles bring back Andino on minor league deal

February 06, 2017, 7:35am

Orioles

The need for improved infield depth has led the Orioles back to Robert Andino. Remember him? The Orioles have confirmed the signings of Andino and Johnny Giavotella to minor league deals. The Giavotella signing was reported last week. Both players will receive invitations to spring training. Andino appeared in 360 games with the Orioles between 2009-2012, batting .239/.302/.326 with 46 doubles, 16 home runs and 80 RBIs. Most important to the club, he's able to play second base, shortstop and...

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Leftovers for breakfast

February 05, 2017, 6:31pm

Orioles

The question of who leads off for the Orioles this season has gone unanswered. It's likely someone already on the team, since the only potential opening among position players involves another spare outfielder with a solid defensive reputation. There's no prototypical solution to the problem. Adam Jones led off in 108 games last season beginning May 27 and has volunteered to stay atop the order. He'd just like Major League Baseball to stop fining him for being late to the plate, putting his...

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Orioles reach agreement with Gausman

February 05, 2017, 5:41am

Orioles

The Orioles are down to one unsigned arbitration-eligible player after agreeing to terms with pitcher Kevin Gausman less than a week before going to a hearing. The file-and-trial method comes with exceptions. Gausman will make $3.45 million this season, according to sources, with incentives possible based on the number of starts. He was seeking $3.55 million and the Orioles countered at $3.15 million, so he settled beyond the halfway mark. Gausman's hearing was scheduled for Tuesday in St....