masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgWith Corey Patterson expected to be unavailable for the next few days, I wonder whether the Orioles will keep Josh Bell on the roster tomorrow when Luke Scott is activated from the disabled list.

Perhaps the smarter move is to send down Frank Mata and fatten up the bench.

President of baseball operations Andy MacPhail, appearing earlier today on 105.7 The Fan, confirmed that he expressed interest in Justin Smoak after the Rangers drafted the first baseman in 2008. He knew the Rangers had…With Corey Patterson expected to be unavailable for the next few days, I wonder whether the Orioles will keep Josh Bell on the roster tomorrow when Luke Scott is activated from the disabled list.

Perhaps the smarter move is to send down Frank Mata and fatten up the bench.

President of baseball operations Andy MacPhail, appearing earlier today on 105.7 The Fan, confirmed that he expressed interest in Justin Smoak after the Rangers drafted the first baseman in 2008. He knew the Rangers had depth at the position and inquired about the South Carolina product.

“And that was a big no-go at the time,” MacPhail said.

Smoak stayed with the Rangers until going to the Mariners last week in the Cliff Lee deal.

I felt compelled to mention Smoak again today because Brian Matusz is starting for the Orioles. They’re my new Hernandez/Berken combo.

Very strange to be sitting in the Bud Lite Warehouse Bar for 105.7’s pre-game show while my interview with MASN’s Tom Davis for O’s Xtra appears on the televisions. I’m not sure which one is live.