masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgThe Orioles will conduct the first of their two workouts today at Camden Yards, which is closed to the media. Reporters will have access to the team on Wednesday.
Manager Buck Showalter indicated that he may finalize his Division Series roster today rather than wait until the 10 a.m. deadline on Thursday. No sense dragging it out.
Showalter doesn’t want to leave players in limbo, especially the ones who have been with the club all season but may not be included on the roster.
Yesterday, I…

The Orioles will conduct the first of their two workouts today at Camden Yards, which is closed to the media. Reporters will have access to the team on Wednesday.

Manager Buck Showalter indicated that he may finalize his Division Series roster today rather than wait until the 10 a.m. deadline on Thursday. No sense dragging it out.

Showalter doesn’t want to leave players in limbo, especially the ones who have been with the club all season but may not be included on the roster.

Yesterday, I noted that Brian Anderson, Dennis Eckersley and Joe Simpson will call the Orioles-Tigers games on TBS. If you prefer radio broadcasts, Chris Berman and Rick Sutcliffe will announce Games 1, 2 and 5 (if necessary) on ESPN Radio. Dave Fleming and Sutcliffe will call Games 3 and 4.

Berman promises to be really, really loud.

The Orioles were 24-30 in day games this season and 72-36 at night. If Game 1 starts at 6:07 p.m., does that count as a night game? Is 6 p.m. the cutoff?

Games 2 and 3 will definitely be played during the day.

Game 3 in Detroit is scheduled for 3:45 p.m. The Lions are home at 1 p.m. The stadiums are divided by a sidewalk.

I wonder if the NFL will make a fuss, or is that reserved only for the Ravens?

The Orioles were 16-17 against the American League Central this season. They went 47-29 versus the East, 21-12 versus the West and 12-8 versus the National League.

As you probably heard, the Twins fired manager Ron Gardenhire yesterday. They hadn’t dismissed a manager since Ray Miller in 1986.

Showalter Russell Wide.jpgOne Orioles official linked bench coach John Russell to the opening in Minnesota, noting Russell’s close relationship with general manager Terry Ryan. The connection was made before Gardenhire’s dismissal, which had been rumored.

Showalter values Russell’s contributions as bench coach and catching instructor. However, he also offers a strong endorsement of Russell as a manager and would like to see him get another chance.

Russell compiled a 186-299 record as Pirates manager from 2008 to 2010, but he’s often credited for pointing the franchise in the right direction. He had to do the dirty work, which soiled his record.

All six of Showalter’s coaches are under contract for next season.

The Baseball Writers’ Association of America (BBWAA) assigned me to cast my vote for American League Manager of the Year. I had to submit my top three picks.

I’m not allowed to reveal my ballot until the winner is announced, but everyone I talked to agreed that the candidate pool was four deep – Showalter, the Royals’ Ned Yost, the Angels’ Mike Scioscia and the Mariners’ Lloyd McClendon.

You also could make an argument for Joe Girardi, who kept the Yankees in contention until the final week despite a slew of injuries and a roster that was deemed old and flawed back in spring training.

Go ahead and give me your top three.

Manny Machado was scheduled to return to Baltimore last night and stay with the team for the first two games of the Division Series. We’ve been told that he’s headed to Sarasota following Game 2 to continue rehabbing his right knee.

The Orioles will resist the temptation to start him at third base.

Machado, Adam Jones and others are scheduled to attend today’s Orange Playoff Pep Rally from 5-10 p.m. at Canton Crossing on Boston Street. Proceeds from the event, which includes food trucks and live music – what’s not to like? – will benefit the Casey Cares Foundation that provides uplifting and ongoing programs with a special touch to critically ill children and their families.

Fans are encouraged to stop by the Casey Cares Foundation’s booth for a chance to win tickets to an upcoming playoff game.

To purchase Orange Playoff Pep Rally tickets in advance, click here.