Roch Kubatko

Addressing some of the areas that need improving

January 24, 2017, 5:33pm

Orioles

Addressing some of the areas that need improving

The Orioles have made three moves this winter that can be termed as significant, signing catcher Welington Castillo, trading for corner outfielder Seth Smith and re-signing outfielder Mark Trumbo. They moved pitcher Yovani Gallardo in the process, eliminating the extra starter and the $11 million owed to him this year. They also chose two outfielders in the Rule 5 draft to increase the camp competition, though Anthony Santander already was a longshot coming from the Single-A level and...

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Trumbo, Castillo added to FanFest lineup

January 24, 2017, 8:12am

Orioles

Trumbo, Castillo added to FanFest lineup

Mark Trumbo will be reintroduced to the media Friday afternoon during a press conference at Camden Yards that will air live at 3 p.m. on MASN and 105.7 The Fan. The timing is no accident. Trumbo will appear at the annual FanFest the following day at the Baltimore Convention Center. Killing two commitments with one visit. Trumbo will be signing autographs in two sessions. He'll join Caleb Joseph and Hall of Famer Jim Palmer from 2-3 p.m. at station 4 and Chris Lee and Ken Dixon from 4:40-5:40...

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Hart ready to do some experimenting in spring training

January 23, 2017, 3:41pm

Orioles

Hart ready to do some experimenting in spring training

Orioles pitchers will be subjected to the usual drills in spring training, whether it's pop-ups, bunts or rundowns. They're going to throw on flat ground and off mounds, including one that has strings running across it to emphasize command. Certain pitchers will be given instructions tailored to their needs, others may take the initiative and do a little experimenting. Left-hander Donnie Hart will attempt to perform a balancing act. Hart will report to the Ed Smith Stadium complex feeling...

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Roster closer to completion

January 22, 2017, 6:16pm

Orioles

Whatever moves are made to finalize the Orioles roster for spring training and beyond won't require them to dig deep into their wallets. Mark Trumbo was the big-ticket item for the club and he came at a relative discount considering early contract projections. But it's still $11 million for 2017 and $37.5 million for the duration of the deal. Executive vice president Dan Duquette wants an outfielder who's a plus defender, preferably one who bats from the left side, and more pitching. It's...

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Wieters, Worley, draft order and minor matters

January 21, 2017, 6:41pm

Orioles

Wieters, Worley, draft order and minor matters

As another potential suitor for Matt Wieters is eliminated from consideration, speculation mounts that the Orioles could arrange an unexpected reunion with the free agent catcher. The Braves always have been viewed as the likely landing spot for Wieters, the former Georgia Tech star who owns a home in the Atlanta area, but they veered in a different direction yesterday and signed Kurt Suzuki. The market isn't completely dry, but the instructions call for the user to add water. The Angels could...

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Britton on wanting to be with the Orioles "my whole career"

January 20, 2017, 7:39pm

Orioles

The non-tender deadline didn't bring an ounce of drama for closer Zach Britton. Not a speck. A gnat's eyelash carried more weight. The only uncertainty pertained to the Orioles reaching agreement with Britton on a 2017 contract without going to an arbitration hearing. Britton accepted an $11.4 million offer on Jan. 13, the deadline before the sides exchanged salary figures. He made $6.75 million last season. Britton approached the deadline with the same confidence and composure that he...

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Weekend negotiations led to Trumbo deal

January 20, 2017, 7:07am

Orioles

Just as it appeared that the Orioles moved away from free agent outfielder Mark Trumbo, the sides came together on a deal that works for both parties. Agent Joel Wolfe and executive vice president Dan Duquette reopened the lines of communication last week, and Trumbo signed a contract that pays him $37.5 million over three years. The deal includes a limited no-trade clause to seven teams, per sources. Trumbo passed his physical and the deal became official this morning. He's back on the 40-man...

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Trumbo deal is official

January 20, 2017, 5:52am

Orioles

The Orioles filled a potential power void in their lineup by bringing back the major league leader in home runs from last season. The solution was right under their noses. Mark Trumbo has passed his physical and signed his new contract, which guarantees him $37.5 million over three seasons. His spin through free agency brought him back to Baltimore. Trumbo batted .256/.316/.533 with 27 doubles, a triple, 47 home runs and 108 RBIs last season in 159 games, earning his second All-Star berth and...

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The Trumbo agreement, the ripple effect and what's next

January 19, 2017, 5:16pm

Orioles

The Trumbo agreement, the ripple effect and what's next

The Orioles' mock lineup for 2017 contains fewer holes as the days tick down before spring training. Seth Smith can be penciled into right field, at least in a platoon role, and Mark Trumbo can be tabbed as the primary designated hitter after agreeing to terms last night on a three-year, $37.5 million contract. The deal becomes official after Trumbo passes his physical. I know all the jokes, but neither side is concerned about it. The only holdup is waiting for the results. Two nights after...

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Orioles nearing deal with Trumbo (updated with terms)

January 19, 2017, 12:43pm

Orioles

The Orioles are nearing an agreement with free agent outfielder Mark Trumbo, pending a physical, according to an industry source. The deal is for three years and below $40 million, according to the source. The Orioles pulled their original offer as talks broke down, but the door never closed on a return. Executive vice president Dan Duquette values the draft pick attached to Trumbo, but both sides left open the possibility of a deal being struck. Ownership placed a high priority on bringing...

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The night Raines and Raines Jr. shared an outfield

January 18, 2017, 5:10pm

Orioles

The night Raines and Raines Jr. shared an outfield

Tracking and writing about the Hall of Fame voting last night took me back to 2001, when I was a fresher-faced newspaper reporter in my fifth year on the Orioles beat. I can't think about Tim Raines, who will be inducted this summer in his final year on the ballot, without reflecting on his brief time in Baltimore and how it unfolded. How he played in the same outfield as his son. How it contradicted the team slogan. Tim Raines Jr. made his major league debut on Oct. 1 as a defensive...

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Raines, Bagwell and Rodriguez voted into Hall of Fame

January 18, 2017, 1:26pm

Orioles

Raines, Bagwell and Rodriguez voted into Hall of Fame

One player with thin ties to the Orioles will be inducted into baseball's Hall of Fame later this year in Cooperstown, N.Y. Tim Raines received 86.2 percent of the votes in his final year on the ballot, an increase from 69.8 percent in 2016. A player must garner at least 75 percent to be inducted. First baseman Jeff Bagwell and catcher Ivan Rodriguez will join Raines. Bagwell received 86 percent, an increase from 71.6 percent last year. Rodriguez received 76 percent and joined Bench as the...

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Orioles announce FanFest autograph lineup

January 17, 2017, 12:52pm

Orioles

The Orioles already announced the Jan. 28 date for their annual FanFest at the Baltimore Convention Center. Now comes the official list of autograph stations. There isn't much left except opening the doors and praying for dry weather. Adam Jones and Manny Machado will sign at 11:20 a.m. and again at 2 p.m. at separate stations. Chris Davis will sign at 12:40 p.m. and 4:40 p.m. Autograph station No. 1, 11:20 a.m. - Brad Brach, Oliver Drake, Buck Showalter Autograph station No. 2, 11:20 a.m. -...

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Leftovers for breakfast

January 17, 2017, 10:27am

Orioles

The Orioles' success in 2017 hinges, as always, on the performance of their rotation. It's the reason why they qualified as the second wild card last year, their September surge pushing them into the playoffs for the third time in five years. The rotation still doesn't impress the prognosticators who pick the Orioles near or at the bottom of the American League East. But Chris Tillman remains the model of consistency and he's excited about the progress made by former first-round picks Kevin...

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Anderson on Mancini: "The guy can mash"

January 16, 2017, 2:15pm

Orioles

The Orioles expressed interest in outfielder Michael Saunders throughout the winter until the trade for Seth Smith lessened the urgency. They had a left-handed hitter for right field with a career .344 on-base percentage. Executive vice president Dan Duquette wants another player who bats from the left side, but he's also seeking a plus defender in the outfield and Saunders experienced a decline in 2016. A cheaper alternative also could present itself after Saunders reportedly agreed to a...

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Tillman offers advice to Givens regarding WBC

January 15, 2017, 6:12pm

Orioles

Tillman offers advice to Givens regarding WBC

The Orioles are down to four players committed to play in the World Baseball Classic after outfielder Hyun Soo Kim reportedly withdrew his name from the South Korea roster. One of them received some advice from the staff ace during last week's minicamp in Sarasota. Chris Tillman, who lives about 10 minutes from the Ed Smith Stadium complex, showed up all three days to continue his workouts and to watch the young pitchers throw their bullpen sessions. He also wanted to chat with reliever Mychal...

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Tillman on contract extension: "I'd love to stay"

January 14, 2017, 3:27pm

Orioles

Tillman on contract extension: "I'd love to stay"

While the Orioles seem intent on going to arbitration hearings with their three unsigned players, I'd love to be a fly on the wall as the process unfolds. Bonus if there are snacks on the table. Caleb Joseph is seeking $1 million while the Orioles have countered at $700,000. He made $523,500 last season. Joseph's agent has been preparing his case and he's bound to gloss over the .174/.216/.197 slash line and zero RBIs. The testicular injury and month spent on the disabled list also figure to...

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Garcia trying to stay in the majors in 2017

January 13, 2017, 5:55pm

Orioles

Garcia trying to stay in the majors in 2017

The 2016 season didn't go as Jason Garcia intended. Better to put it behind him and never look back. Except that he wants to keep it close to him. Sound confusing? Not when the Orioles' young right-hander explains it. The former Rule 5 pick was recalled on July 9, replacing Mike Wright in the bullpen, and optioned back to Double-A Bowie the following day. You won't find any stats on him beyond his 24 starts with the Baysox. "It was a little disappointing, but at the same time I took last...

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Orioles exchange salary figures with three unsigned players

January 13, 2017, 3:03pm

Orioles

The Orioles confirmed tonight that they exchanged salary figures with pitchers Kevin Gausman and Brad Brach and catcher Caleb Joseph. They settled with six of their arbitration-eligible players. Hearing dates will be set for the unsigned trio. I've been told again that the Orioles will file and go, leading to hearings that can be scheduled between Jan. 30-Feb. 17. I heard earlier today that the gap between the Orioles and Brach was the largest, and FanRag Sports reported later that the...

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Britton avoids arbitration (also Machado, Tillman, Schoop)

January 13, 2017, 7:22am

Orioles

Britton avoids arbitration (also Machado, Tillman, Schoop)

The Orioles reached agreement with closer Zach Britton on a contract for the 2017 season, leaving six arbitration-eligible players unsigned as the 1 p.m. deadline approaches. Britton signed for $11.4 million, according to sources. He made $6.75 million last season while going 47-for-47 in save opportunities and posting a 0.54 ERA, finishing fourth in Cy Young Award voting in the American League. He's been an All-Star the past two seasons. Britton is eligible for free agency following the 2018...