masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgThe Mike Gonzalez signing will become official later today, assuming there are no issues with his physical. I expect to be meeting him at the warehouse this afternoon.

It still appears that we’ll have to wait on Garrett Atkins until early next week.

Shameless plug alert: The Hot Stove Show is back on 105.7 The Fan beginning tonight at 8 p.m. (no MASN). We’ll hear from manager Dave Trembley and pitcher Jeremy Guthrie.

The trade for Kevin Millwood knocks Guthrie from the top of the…The Mike Gonzalez signing will become official later today, assuming there are no issues with his physical. I expect to be meeting him at the warehouse this afternoon.

It still appears that we’ll have to wait on Garrett Atkins until early next week.

Shameless plug alert: The Hot Stove Show is back on 105.7 The Fan beginning tonight at 8 p.m. (no MASN). We’ll hear from manager Dave Trembley and pitcher Jeremy Guthrie.

The trade for Kevin Millwood knocks Guthrie from the top of the rotation. That’s sure to come up in tonight’s interview.

Does it really matter where guys are slotted after Opening Day?

“To me, it really doesn’t matter,” Brian Matusz told me during our chat earlier this week. “I have one thing in mind, and that’s I’m competing against myself. I know what I need to do to get myself ready for spring training. I know I’m going to get in good shape and be prepared to go a full season this time and hopefully not get shut down at any point this year.

“My goal is really to stay well-conditioned and prove I deserve to be in the rotation. I’m not looking to place myself in that rotation in any order. I’m just looking to be healthy and show up in good shape and prove I deserve to be in the rotation. That’s my goal. Everyone’s going to have a chance to be out there pitching. I’m just trying to prove myself and carry over the success I had last year.”

A few winter league stats:

Outfielder Lou Montanez is batting .321 with seven doubles, three homers, nine RBIs and a .526 slugging percentage in 20 games in Puerto Rico.

Reliever Luis Lebron is 3-0 with a 0.75 ERA, four walks and 13 strikeouts in 12 innings in the Dominican.

It’s too early to project the Orioles’ bench for Opening Day, but I’m trying to figure how Montanez will squeeze into it.

Ty Wigginton is the backup at first and third base if he isn’t traded and the Orioles sign another corner infielder. Felix Pie would be the fourth outfielder, fighting for at-bats. Robert Andino backs up at second and short. Chad Moeller will probably back up Matt Wieters if the Orioles don’t bring in another catcher. Luke Scott, if he isn’t moved, is the primary designated hitter and a fifth outfielder.