Roch Kubatko

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....

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Drake started from the bottom and hopes to make headlines

February 04, 2017, 12:27pm

Orioles

Drake started from the bottom and hopes to make headlines

The Orioles roster on opening day won't resemble the one that's utilized later in the month of April. The three open dates on the schedule in the first eight days enable them to carry fewer pitchers and an expanded bench. Don't get too attached to every player who runs down the orange carpet. Manager Buck Showalter suggested that the Orioles could carry 10 or 11 pitchers because they won't need a fifth starter. Oliver Drake has no idea whether he's going to be part of the bullpen. He made...

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Adam Jones: "The market is really, really crazy"

February 03, 2017, 5:27pm

Orioles

Adam Jones: "The market is really, really crazy"

Adam Jones won't reach free agency, barring an extension on his contract, until the conclusion of the 2018 season. It doesn't tap him on the shoulder, but he can feel its presence. Jones has stated that whether he stays in Baltimore depends on the front office, that he's not calling all the shots. What he's doing now is watching how the market unfolds and wondering what the coming years have in store. The sluggers are settling or staying on the board. Mark Trumbo received a three-year,...

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Orioles could add another catcher

February 02, 2017, 5:23pm

Orioles

The Orioles are in the market for another catcher as spring training approaches. Austin Wynns injured his ankle while playing for Tigres del Licey in the Dominican Winter League and it's not known when he'll be available. He's on the list of spring invites, along with top prospect Chance Sisco and Audry Perez. One official speculated that Wynns might not be ready until March, but he's started to swing a bat and is working out. The 40-man roster includes catchers Welington Castillo, Caleb...

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Joseph loses arbitration case (and signs one-year deal)

February 02, 2017, 7:54am

Orioles

Joseph loses arbitration case (and signs one-year deal)

One arbitration hearing is in the books for the Orioles, with catcher Caleb Joseph coming out on the losing end in St. Petersburg, Fla. The ruling was handed down today. Joseph will be paid $700,000 instead of the $1 million that he sought. He made $523,500 in 2016. In 49 games last season, Joseph batted .174/.216/.197 with three doubles and no RBIs. He missed a month of the season after suffering a testicular injury that required surgery. Joseph registered a .994 fielding percentage and threw...

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Who's up first?

February 01, 2017, 3:52pm

Orioles

The Orioles will find out today whether they're paying catcher Caleb Joseph $1 million or $700,000. His hearing was held yesterday in St. Petersburg, Fla. It's going to take a lot longer to figure out who's batting leadoff this season. Adam Jones did it for 108 games last season, the switch coming on May 27 in Cleveland. He batted .282/.320/.471 atop the order, but manager Buck Showalter stated after the season that he wanted someone else in the role in 2017. Is there anyone on the current...

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Orioles sign Giavotella to minor league deal

February 01, 2017, 12:12pm

Orioles

Manager Buck Showalter wants more infield depth in the minors, especially in the middle, and the Orioles made a move today to address the need. The Orioles signed second baseman Johnny Giavotella to a minor league deal after the Angels outrighted him in August and non-tendered him three months later. He could compete with Ryan Flaherty for a utility job, but is more likely injury insurance. Giavotella, 29, was the Angels' opening day second baseman the past two seasons. He batted...

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Arbitration hearing dates and Davis leftovers

January 31, 2017, 3:48pm

Orioles

Arbitration hearing dates and Davis leftovers

Catcher Caleb Joseph's arbitration hearing will be held today in St. Petersburg, Fla. He's seeking $1 million and the Orioles countered at $700,000. He made $523,500 last season. Pitcher Kevin Gausman's hearing is set for Feb. 7 and reliever Brad Brach's hearing is Feb. 16. You've probably memorized the figures, or at least have them hanging on your fridge. Gausman made $532,000 last season and is seeking $3.55 million, and the Orioles countered at $3.15 million. Brach made $1.250 million...

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Brach's knack for picking up wins

January 30, 2017, 4:30pm

Orioles

With Brad Brach headed to an arbitration hearing, the Orioles still determined to file-and-trial, we're going to learn about the relevance of a reliever's win total in the process. Never judge a pitcher by his won-loss record. Kevin Gausman is a prime example of how run support and other factors wield a heavy influence. But Brach's record in 2016 is going to be placed in front of the three-person panel like a five-star meal. Digest this: Brach became the ninth reliever in team history to...

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Expectations running high for Gausman and Bundy

January 29, 2017, 12:59pm

Orioles

Expectations running high for Gausman and Bundy

The Orioles may break camp with only 10 or 11 pitchers due to having three open dates within the first eight days of the season. They can carry an expanded bench, perhaps including a Rule 5 pick and/or Trey Mancini, who's currently on the roster bubble. However the rotation unfolds, Kevin Gausman and Dylan Bundy will be in it. They're locks if healthy and carrying weighty expectations from teammates who were encouraged by their progress in 2016. "It's huge," first baseman Chris Davis said...