Roch Kubatko

Bolstering bullpen nothing new to Orioles

December 19, 2016, 6:46pm

Orioles

Teams are placing greater emphasis on their bullpens as the offseason moves into the next round of holidays. They grasp the importance of providing quality insurance for their rotations, of spending less to upgrade a pitching staff or spending more to lock down leads in the ninth inning. They're just not being original. Have we already forgotten about the 2007 Orioles and the rash of reliever signings that didn't satisfy their itch? If so, it may be intentional. Better to block it out and...

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More on Wieters' market and the search for a right fielder

December 18, 2016, 3:34pm

Orioles

More on Wieters' market and the search for a right fielder

Trying to figure out the market for catcher Matt Wieters is becoming one of the most popular endeavors of the offseason. And one of the most perplexing. I was prepared to tab the Braves as the favorites, and I wouldn't be alone in this prognostication, but ESPN's Buster Olney reported yesterday on rampant industry speculation that Wieters will sign with the Nationals. Wieters and the Braves always were deemed a logical fit. He played at Georgia Tech. He bought a house in the Atlanta area. I...

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Updating the Trumbo negotiations and bullpen search

December 17, 2016, 7:42pm

Orioles

Updating the Trumbo negotiations and bullpen search

The Orioles no longer have their offer on the table to free agent outfielder Mark Trumbo, according to multiple sources. However, recent history suggests a deal still can be struck. The offer to first baseman Chris Davis also was removed last winter before agent Scott Boras again reached out to principal owner and managing partner Peter Angelos, which eventually led to agreement on a seven-year, $161 million contract. Trumbo's camp initially sought a four-year, $80 million deal that included a...

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Castillo's commitment, Wieters' legacy and more from Davis

December 16, 2016, 10:18am

Orioles

Castillo's commitment, Wieters' legacy and more from Davis

The most encouraging part of yesterday's conference call with Welington Castillo involved his commitment to improving his defense. He's focused on the right aspects of his job. It's the only way he's truly going to fit in with the Orioles. "I know my part, I know what to do. My No. 1 job is being on the same page with the pitchers and try to do my best behind the plate," Castillo said. "I know that I can hit a little bit and we have a lot of guys in this lineup that, that's what they...

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Orioles welcome Castillo as they part with Wieters

December 16, 2016, 8:01am

Orioles

New Orioles catcher Welington Castillo knows that he's going to contribute offensively next season, knows that there's run-producing potential up and down the lineup. Most important, he understands that he must satisfy the team with his work behind the plate. During this morning's conference call with the local media, Castillo said that he's headed to Puerto Rico to work with former major league catcher Jose Molina on his pitch framing. It's one area that screams for improvement and...

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Welington Castillo deal is official

December 16, 2016, 5:18am

Orioles

Catcher Welington Castillo passed his physical with the Orioles and signed his contract. He's officially a part of the team. Castillo took the physical yesterday in Baltimore after agreeing to terms on a one-year, $6 million deal that includes a $7 million player option for 2018. The Orioles' 40-man roster is now full, but they obviously can create space for future signings or trade acquisitions. Castillo, a native of the Dominican Republic who turns 30 in April, is a career .255/.318/.416...

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This, that and the other

December 15, 2016, 5:36pm

Orioles

The reality of catcher Matt Wieters' likely departure from the Orioles is sinking in among his former teammates. Welington Castillo took his physical yesterday and the announcement of his signing could come later today. He agreed to a one-year deal for $6 million with a player option in 2018 that brings the total value to $13 million. Wieters is one of the more popular Orioles and an undisputed leader. But players were braced for his exit as he entered free agency. "It's tough," first...

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Orioles sign Tomo Ohka, three others to minor league deals

December 15, 2016, 1:14pm

Orioles

The Orioles announced today that they've signed four players to minor league deals, including Japanese right-hander Tomo Ohka, who turns 41 in March and last pitched in the majors with the Indians in 2009. Executive vice president Dan Duquette signed Ohka for the Red Sox in 1999. The Orioles also confirmed that they've re-signed outfielder Chris Dickerson and infielder Garabez Rosa, and they also signed infielder Sean Coyle. Ohka is 51-68 with a 4.26 ERA in 10 major league seasons with the...

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Tyler Wilson on the good and bad of the 2016 season

December 14, 2016, 2:25pm

Orioles

Tyler Wilson on the good and bad of the 2016 season

Chris Davis is taking the "off" out of "offseason." Davis is really making the rounds this week, starting with his appearance Tuesday at the Orioles' annual holiday party for kids at Dave & Busters. He showed up yesterday in three CBS Radio studios after calling into MLB Network and MLB Network Radio. He's agreed to an interview later today for MASNsports.com before heading down to Dempsey's Brew Pub & Restaurant for the "Hot Stove Show" on 105.7 The Fan. Just thinking out loud...

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More thoughts on Welington Castillo agreement

December 14, 2016, 12:05pm

Orioles

More thoughts on Welington Castillo agreement

Does the Welington Castillo agreement officially slam the door on Matt Wieters' return? It's a question that keeps coming to me, perhaps because some fans aren't ready to let him go. The Orioles will pay Castillo $6 million next season assuming he passes a physical on Thursday. There's no reason to believe he won't unless he pulls up near the finish line at Pimlico. But seriously ... Wieters probably would have to settle for a one-year deal, the market completely dry, just to enter the...

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Leftovers for breakfast

December 13, 2016, 3:39pm

Orioles

Caleb Joseph greeted a small group of reporters and media members yesterday with the usual smile and quips. He loves the interaction. The man's personality never takes a day off. It can't be punctured by sharp words. He heard a bunch of them this year after failing to drive in a run in 141 plate appearances. Joseph is tired of talking about RBIs, or the lack of them, but he remains a good sport about it. The 2016 season was a bust, for sure, with a month lost to a gruesome testicular injury...

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Notes from the Orioles' holiday party

December 13, 2016, 8:17am

Orioles

The Orioles concluded their annual holiday party at Dave & Busters in the Arundel Mills Mall, this year hosting 80 outpatients from the University of Maryland Children's Hospital. The chicken nuggets, mini pizzas and fries were a huge hit, especially when plated by Darren O'Day, Caleb Joseph, Tyler Wilson and former Orioles Scott McGregor, Al Bumbry and Larry Bigbie. Chris Davis handled the drinks at the bar. Punch and lemonade for everyone. The Orioles announced earlier in the day that...

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The Davis family serving as ambassadors for UMCH

December 13, 2016, 4:51am

Orioles

The Davis family serving as ambassadors for UMCH

Orioles first baseman Chris Davis is counted among the Orioles representatives this morning attending the annual holiday party for kids at Dave & Busters at the Arundel Mills Mall, and that's just a part of the giving. The Orioles and OriolesREACH are hosting 80 outpatients from the University of Maryland Children's Hospital. Davis and wife Jill will use the setting to announce that they're serving as ambassadors for UMCH, helping to raise awareness for childhood illnesses and the...

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Orioles re-sign Logan Ondrusek

December 12, 2016, 4:24pm

Orioles

In their usual quest to improve their pitching depth, the Orioles have re-signed right-hander Logan Ondrusek. A team official confirmed the signing tonight, which brings Ondrusek back into the organization. Ondrusek, 31, agreed to terms on a contract for $650,000 that also includes a club option in 2018. He became a free agent last month after the Orioles declined his option. The Orioles signed Ondrusek out of Japan on July 29 and designated reliever Chaz Roe for assignment. He appeared in...

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This, that and the other (updated)

December 12, 2016, 3:33pm

Orioles

The Orioles haven't made a decision on their new assistant hitting coach and they've given no indication that an announcement is imminent. Mark Quinn's replacement remains a mystery. Quinn decided to go back to The Baseball School, the hitting academy he owns in Houston. His contract expired on Oct. 31 after one season as Einar Diaz's replacement. Two names that I've heard as candidates are former utility players Lenny Harris and Howie Clark. Harris was fired as Marlins third base coach...

Thoughts on Brach as closer

December 11, 2016, 6:00pm

Orioles

Within a day of the Winter Meetings, the Orioles seemed to move from the trade to free agent market. Teams were asking too much in return, especially in the way of prospects. "That's a fluid situation," executive vice president Dan Duquette said last week on the "Hot Stove Show" on 105.7 The Fan. "The market's dynamic, the market's always moving and there's so many players on the market with the 30 teams." Brad Brach was on the market in the right deal, with talks including the Mets...

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This, that and the other

December 10, 2016, 12:45pm

Orioles

Another day passed without an agreement between the Orioles and catcher Welington Castillo. The Orioles remain the favorites to sign Castillo, who originally sought a three-year deal. They're fine with giving him two if that's what it takes to get him to Baltimore. Castillo tied for the most passed balls in the National League with 10, according to Baseball-Reference.com and FanGraphs.com, and also was behind the plate for 42 wild pitches, the same total as Matt Wieters. He threw out 38...

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Duquette on predictions, projections, defending farm system

December 09, 2016, 8:17pm

Orioles

Duquette on predictions, projections, defending farm system

Speculation is building that the Orioles will reach agreement with free agent catcher Welington Castillo on a multi-year deal. It may not be imminent, but it seems inevitable. The club's interest in indisputable and well-documented. He's been the primary target since the Diamondbacks non-tendered him. In that regard, nothing has changed since the start of the Winter Meetings. With the holidays approaching, players tend to want closure for themselves and their families. It doesn't always work...

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Orioles reach agreement with Castillo (updated)

December 09, 2016, 8:00am

Orioles

The Orioles found their veteran catcher and further increased the likelihood that they won't bring back Matt Wieters. Welington Castillo has reached agreement on a one-year deal that also includes a player option for 2018, according to a baseball source. Castillo, a native of the Dominican Republic who turns 30 in April, is a career .255/.318/.416 hitter in seven major league seasons. The Diamondbacks non-tendered him after he batted .264/.322/.423 with 24 doubles, 14 home runs and 68 RBIs in...

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Duquette on Wieters, Trumbo, Brach and Britton

December 08, 2016, 6:59pm

Orioles

Duquette on Wieters, Trumbo, Brach and Britton

Catchers are dropping off the free agent market like windblown popups. Executive vice president Dan Duquette has targeted Welington Castillo, and to a lesser degree, former Oriole Nick Hundley. He isn't walking away from Matt Wieters, but he can't drag his feet. If it's going to take until after New Year's for Wieters to choose a team, his career with the Orioles won't stretch beyond this year. "I think we're going to need to move on the catchers market before January and I'm confident...