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Two names to consider for scouting director

October 26, 2011, 11:58am

Orioles

Two names to consider for scouting director

Repeating the intended order of hires, the Orioles are expected to introduce their new president of baseball operations before announcing Joe Jordan's replacement as scouting director and Brian Graham's expected promotion to director of player development, and revealing which two coaches will complete manager Buck Showalter's staff. If Diamondbacks executive Jerry Dipoto is chosen as Andy MacPhail's replacement, a possible hire as scouting director could be Indians national crosschecker...

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The case for the defense

October 25, 2011, 8:38pm

Orioles

We will find out soon if any Oriole will win a Gold Glove for defensive excellence in the 2011 season. There may even be a chance that the O's get more than one winner and the Orioles have not done that since they picked up three Gold Gloves in 1998. Then, Mike Mussina won at pitcher, Rafael Palmeiro at first base and Roberto Alomar for second base. The Gold Glove winners for this season will be announced Nov. 1. For the first time, the three outfield awards will go to one winner from left...

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Radison among minor league hires

October 26, 2011, 8:49am

Orioles

I wrote a few days ago that the Orioles have hired a few minor league coaches for next season. I've heard that one new addition will be former Nationals first base coach Dan Radison. Though assignments haven't been made official, Radison could serve as hitting instructor at Double-A Bowie, with Denny Hocking perhaps moving up to Triple-A Norfolk. Radison was fired by the Nationals on July 1 after Davey Johnson replaced Jim Riggleman as manager. Trent Jewett replaced Radison, who is close...

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Second (or third) look at second base

October 25, 2011, 2:16pm

Orioles

We've debated which starting pitchers are realistic targets for the Orioles. We've kicked around the idea of the Orioles making a run at Prince Fielder or Michael Cuddyer or any hitter with a pulse and a productive bat. We've argued whether Adam Jones should be traded while his value is high and his free agent year is still a little ways in the distance. With yesterday being devoid of GM news - and non-update updates give me a full body rash - I figured to revisit the potential vacancy at...

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Miclat was nifty to steal 50 bags this year

October 24, 2011, 8:42pm

Orioles

Miclat was nifty to steal 50 bags this year

Coming into the 2011 season, probably no one would have predicted that Greg Miclat would lead the Orioles organization in stolen bases this season with 50. In his first three seasons in the O's minors, after he was drafted in round five out of the University of Virginia in 2008, Miclat had stolen 41 bases total in 57 attempts. Plus, we are talking about a player that has decent, but certainly not blazing, speed. But the 24-year-old Miclat went 50-for-53 in steal attempts this season for...

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Embracing two minor league ballparks and one special third baseman

October 23, 2011, 9:37pm

Orioles

Embracing two minor league ballparks and one special third baseman

There is something special about minor league baseball. It has a certain charm and feel that is different from the major leagues. Certainly, the fan experience is different in so many ways. That includes everything from the lower prices for tickets and concessions to greater access to the players to the between-innings fun and entertainment that you don't see in the big leagues. There are probably some of you that actually prefer the minors to the majors. When I was broadcasting Aberdeen...

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Baltimore got another chance to say, "Thanks, Brooks"

October 22, 2011, 11:11am

Orioles

Baltimore got another chance to say, "Thanks, Brooks"

It seems Orioles fans never tire of letting Hall of Famer Brooks Robinson know how much they love him and today was yet another chance. In a ceremony this afternoon that was wonderfully done and emotional at times, the Brooks Robinson statue was unveiled across the street from Camden Yards on the plaza between Washington Boulevard and Russell Street. The statue, standing nine feet tall, shows Brooks preparing to throw out a runner at first base. Brooks is actually pointing in the direction of...

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Emotional Robinson gives heartfelt thanks as bronze likeness is unveiled

October 22, 2011, 10:43am

Orioles

Emotional Robinson gives heartfelt thanks as bronze likeness is unveiled

When the long-awaited moment finally came, when the black shroud festooned with black-and-orange ribbons and bows was removed to unveil a bronze image of Brooks Robinson throwing to first base, the unflappable No. 5 found it difficult to contain his emotions as an appreciative crowd roared and Oriole-colored confetti filled the air. "I haven't had an applause like that in a long time, believe me," said the legendary Orioles third baseman, his voice cracking as he dabbed he eyes with a...

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Just another manic Monday

October 23, 2011, 8:52pm

Orioles

I don't have a whole lot for you this morning. Maybe something breaks later in the day, but right now it's more of the same. The Orioles have interviewed Jerry Dipoto and Tony LaCava for the job of president of baseball operations. The Marlins denied them permission to contact Dan Jennings. They're expected to interview Dodgers executive De Jon Watson this week. Rangers assistant GM Thad Levine is a possibility after the World Series. In that order. They still need a scouting director...

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Pressing players for answers

October 23, 2011, 6:28am

Orioles

I'm nominating Dan Lozano for "Happiest Man in the World" today. I'll give you 10 seconds to figure out why. OK, time's up. Lozano is the agent who represents Albert Pujols. Cha-ching! Pujols set a World Series record last night with 14 total bases. He joined Babe Ruth (twice) and Reggie Jackson as the only players to hit three home runs in the same game. I'm also pretty sure he's the only player to drive a ball into another state without using his car. Apparently, this guy will do...

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Cuddyer for hire

October 21, 2011, 12:59pm

Orioles

In case you missed it, former Orioles infielder (and part-time catcher) Lenn Sakata was named manager at high Single-A Modesto of the California League. The Nuts, as they're called, are a Rockies affiliate. Sakata had been serving as hitting coach at low Single-A Asheville. The Nuts have two mascots: Al the Almond and Wally the Walnut. I'm not making this up. Wouldn't it be nice if Tippy Martinez threw out the first pitch, with Sakata behind the plate, for Modesto's home opener next...

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The players and the press

October 21, 2011, 7:09pm

Orioles

When you think about it, ballplayers and sports writers/media need each other. The players' interviews get to the fans through the media. The media needs to get players' quotes to enhance their stories. For the most part, the relationship is cordial and works well. That is definitely true with the Orioles. I can hardly think of one time where an O's player was disrespectful to reporters or was known to duck the media. This topic comes to mind after reading some of the stories critical of...

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Orioles receive permission to interview Watson

October 21, 2011, 3:51pm

Orioles

The Dodgers granted permission today for the Orioles to interview assistant general manager De Jon Watson for the position of president of baseball operations. Watson will be the third candidate interviewed, following the Diamondbacks' Jerry Dipoto and the Blue Jays' Tony LaCava. The Marlins denied the Orioles permission to interview Dan Jennings. I wrote about Watson yesterday and passed along this report from mlbtraderumors. Watson's background in player development and scouting make...

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Two O's minor league managers react to criticism of the farm system

October 20, 2011, 7:10pm

Orioles

Two O's minor league managers react to criticism of the farm system

When a team has lost for 14 straight seasons, you can probably put at least some of the blame for that on an underperforming minor league organization. The Orioles' minor leagues have been a lightning rod for fan criticism this year. Some fans seem to feel the O's minors are barren and completely devoid of talent. Others see some players reaching the majors, but not nearly enough, or feel that the ones that reach there are not good enough. Late this past season, I asked two of the Orioles'...

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So what about the bullpen?

October 20, 2011, 7:27pm

Orioles

Clutch comeback by the Rangers last night. Down 1-0 in the top of the ninth, they rallied for two runs and returned home with the World Series deadlocked 1-1. Both runs scored on sacrifice flies. It's not the sexiest way to win a game, but it worked. Great baserunning by the Rangers in the ninth. They were alert, and they were fearless. The Orioles' bullpen will be tweaked again this winter. I don't know about a complete overhaul, but there will be changes. It's the norm. And in...

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Looking at one way Orioles pitching can get better in 2012

October 20, 2011, 5:58am

Orioles

When we talk about the area where the Orioles will need to make the biggest improvement from 2011 to 2012, we usually wind up talking about the pitching staff. The Orioles' team ERA of 4.89 last year was the worst in Major League Baseball. The ERA of the starting rotation was an awful 5.39 and the Orioles' 60 quality starts were the fewest in all of baseball. No other team had fewer than 71. In looking for those stats to get better, fans and reporters often discuss which pitchers could be...

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All's quiet on GM front

October 20, 2011, 10:58am

Orioles

Here's a quick update on the Orioles' search for a new GM/president of baseball operations: Nothing has changed. I told you it was going to be quick (that's what ... never mind.) I'm told that the Orioles don't have any other interviews scheduled at the present time, but they're not going to stop at two candidates. Other executives will be brought in, though I don't expect a stampede to the warehouse. The Orioles are still expected to seek permission from the Dodgers to interview...

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Should the Orioles wait for their Prince Fielder to come?

October 19, 2011, 6:27pm

Orioles

My favorite tweet from last night, courtesy of @TheBillWalton: Ron Washington/Cocaine, Tony La Russa/DWI, Mark McGwire/Steroids. The coaching staff at the World Series looks like a Lohan family reunion. Bodog posted odds on which team will sign first baseman Prince Fielder this winter. The Orioles made the list, which reads as follows: Chicago Cubs 3/1 Washington Nationals 5/1 Toronto Blue Jays 5/1 Baltimore Orioles ...

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Brooks Robinson statue dedication set for Saturday, Oct. 22 at noon

October 18, 2011, 8:10am

Orioles

Brooks Robinson statue dedication set for Saturday, Oct. 22 at noon

Saturday's the day - a statue honoring legendary Orioles third baseman Brooks Robinson will be dedicated at noon at a plaza between Washington Boulevard and Russell Street, northwest of Camden Yards. For the geographically impaired - or those who have never participated in the time-honored Baltimore baseball tradition of hoisting a brew at PIckles Pub or Sliders (or both) - here's a map of the statue's location. Though the ceremony doesn't begin until noon, the festivities kick off at 11...

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Russell staying in dugout, Kirby could change roles

October 19, 2011, 8:01am

Orioles

Russell staying in dugout, Kirby could change roles

If the Orioles stick to their plan, they won't announce their coaching staff until after hiring their president of baseball operations. Though they don't anticipate any objections, they'd still rather allow their new executive to give final approval on manager Buck Showalter's staff. The Orioles must make two hires, though the job descriptions aren't settled. John Russell will remain as bench coach, which leaves a vacancy at third base following Willie Randolph's departure. However,...