Roch Kubatko

Adams trying to fix defensive reputation

Adams trying to fix defensive reputation
SARASOTA, Fla. - Just a reminder that the clubhouse is closed to the media this morning while the Orioles conduct physicals, and dental and vision exams. They're expected to take the field around noon for the first full-squad workout. Perhaps Vladimir Guerrero will step into the cage and take batting practice in full view of his teammates, fans and the media. And I can provide the latest facial-hair update. No day is complete without one. Ryan Adams, the Orioles' second-round pick in 2006,...
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Steve Melewski

Looking at some minor league strikeout totals

Looking at some minor league strikeout totals
If you look at the statistics of some of the top Orioles' minor league batters from the 2010 season, one stat that may jump out at you is the strikeout totals. O's hitters finished first and second in the Eastern League in strikeouts in 2010 while Baltimore farmhands were first, second and fifth in the Carolina League. Brandon Waring fanned 179 times last season to lead the Eastern League with Tyler Henson second with 156. Frederick's Ronnie Welty was first in the Carolina League with 159...
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Roch Kubatko

A few parting shots from camp

A few parting shots from camp
SARASOTA, Fla. - I wanted to pass along a few more items before I pack up my laptop and head out of here. Manager Buck Showalter is still leaning toward batting Derrek Lee third and Vladimir Guerrero fourth. It isn't written in ink, but that's the assumed order. And that's fine with both of them. Lee continues to hit soft tosses in the indoor cage. He could be ready for live batting practice in a week while recovering from thumb surgery. Guerrero also has been hitting indoors. I've seen...
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Roch Kubatko

Updates on Lebron and Atkins

Updates on Lebron and Atkins
SARASOTA, Fla. -The Orioles will modify pitcher Luis Lebron's throwing program by keeping him on flat ground, rather than having him participate in the usual bullpen sessions. Lebron underwent ligament-reconstructive surgery on his right elbow in May, and manager Buck Showalter wants to make sure he doesn't push himself while attempting to keep up with the other pitchers in camp. Lebron has thrown two sides sessions since pitchers and catchers reported last weekend. "It's not a setback....
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Roch Kubatko

Finishing up another workout

Finishing up another workout
SARASOTA, Fla. - Most of the pitchers have come off the field and are in the weight room or eating lunch at their lockers. A group of position players are taking batting practice on the back fields. Luke Scott has trimmed his beard. He'll have to shave it off tomorrow morning. Vladimir Guerrero is still sporting his goatee. We'll see whether he shaves it off tomorrow morning. We're still waiting to see Guerrero hit on the field. Left-hander Alberto Castillo is on the minor league side of...
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Roch Kubatko

Hardy not resting on his laurels

Hardy not resting on his laurels
SARASOTA, Fla. - It's a slow day at camp, with positions players not required to be here until 6 p.m. and pitchers not throwing off a mound. I've been reduced to coming up with titles that really have nothing to do with this entry, though I reference shortstop J.J. Hardy if you continue reading. Nick Markakis and Pedro Florimon are the only players who haven't reported. Markakis is in Sarasota and will be here later this afternoon. We have no idea about Florimon. I haven't heard a single...
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Roch Kubatko

The Showalter must go on

The Showalter must go on
SARASOTA, Fla. - We've wrapped up another workout day here in sunny Sarasota, where the back of your neck becomes hot enough to fry bacon. Right fielder Nick Markakis hasn't reported to camp, but he's in town. Nothing to worry about. Minor league infielder Pedro Florimon is the only real no-show. If you've seen him, please point him in the general direction of Ed Smith Stadium. Brad Bergesen threw a bullpen session after being sent back to the team hotel yesterday with virus-like...
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Roch Kubatko

Lee: "I think we're going to have a good year"

Lee: "I think we're going to have a good year"
SARASOTA, Fla. - First baseman Derrek Lee reported to camp today and hit some soft tosses in the indoor cage. He'll be ready to face live pitching in a week or so as he continues to recover from thumb surgery. "It's getting much better," he said. "I'm up to soft toss now, which is actually ahead of schedule." Lee signed a one-year, $7.5 million deal after the Orioles made offers to Victor Martinez, Adam Dunn and Adam LaRoche. He's projected to hit third ahead of Vladimir...
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Steve Melewski

The time of year when hope does spring eternal

The time of year when hope does spring eternal
Fans can come up with some interesting theories. One I saw recently was that the reason it was taking so long for Vladimir Guerrero to get his Orioles physical was because he was having second thoughts about signing with the club and would end up elsewhere even after agreeing to terms. Then I saw the headline on Peter Schmuck's Baltimore Sun column that read, "Guerrero looks a bit subdued in signing with the Orioles." Oh, no, I know what is coming next. "See, he really doesn't want to...
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Roch Kubatko

Pie gearing for left field competition

Pie gearing for left field competition
SARASOTA, Fla. - Derrek Lee hit in the indoor cage today. Felix Pie played catch this morning with new teammate Vladimir Guerrero, the future Hall of Famer who could cost him the starting job in left field. No hard feelings, I suppose. Luke Scott is expected to play left field while Guerrero serves as the full-time designated hitter. Pie, who set career highs last year in average (.274), hits (79), runs (39), doubles (15), triples (five) and RBIs (31), might have to settle for a reserve...
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Roch Kubatko

A new and improved Reimold?

A new and improved Reimold?
SARASOTA, Fla. - Derrek Lee has reported to camp. He might wait until tomorrow to take his first swings. The signing of Vladimir Guerrero could push Nolan Reimold off the 25-man roster and down to Triple-A Norfolk, but he's digging in his heels this spring. He's reported to camp in much better condition, both physically and mentally, and intends to pose a serious challenge for the left field job or reserve duty. "I feel really good. I feel strong, I feel healthy and ready to go," he said...
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Roch Kubatko

Scenes from a spring training clubhouse

Scenes from a spring training clubhouse
SARASOTA, Fla. - Luke Scott has reported to camp, wearing a full beard and telling hunting stories. Scott's locker is next to Vladimir Guerrero, the brooding slugger. It's an interesting arrangement. Guerrero better get used to smiling and nodding his head a lot. Double-A infielder Ryan Adams also is here, leaving Derrek Lee, Nick Markakis and Pedro Florimon as the only position players who haven't arrived. Brad Bergesen is back after leaving yesterday because of an illness. Guest...
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Roch Kubatko

Guerrero speaks

Guerrero speaks
SARASOTA, Fla. - Vladimir Guerrero relied on his agent, Fernando Cuza, to serve as an interpreter during his 20-minute press conference, but I'm sure he understood every word. He's been speaking English to teammates and team officials. He's just more comfortable dealing with the media in his native language. Here are some comments from Guerrero, which came after he slipped on his white No. 27 jersey. On whether his past success at Camden Yards, and the Orioles' surge under manager Buck...
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Roch Kubatko

Guerrero signed, sealed and delivered

Guerrero signed, sealed and delivered
SARASOTA, Fla. - Vladimir Guerrero wore his game face for most of his 20-minute press conference. He smiled once when asked whether he's carrying a chip on his shoulder, and laughed when the discussion turned to his reputation as one of the game's all-time best bad-ball hitters. Guerrero didn't need a translator to understand that question. "Since I was little, I've always swung at bad pitches," he said. Manager Buck Showalter said he'd decide later whether to bat Guerrero third or...
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Roch Kubatko

Matusz pleased with latest side session

Matusz pleased with latest side session
SARASOTA, Fla. - Nolan Reimold reported to camp this afternoon. We're still waiting on Derrek Lee, Luke Scott, Nick Markakis, Ryan Adams and Pedro Florimon. Position players are required to be here on Sunday. Pitcher Mitch Atkins is still dealing with a sore left oblique muscle. Starter Brad Bergesen went back to his hotel with virus-like symptoms. Brian Matusz threw off a mound for the third time this spring. I wanted to pass along his comments while waiting for the Vladimir Guerrero...
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Roch Kubatko

Quick Guerrero update

Quick Guerrero update
SARASOTA, Fla. - Vladimir Guerrero played catch with Felix Pie on one of the back fields this morning and headed to the indoor cage to hit some balls off a tee. Guerrero apparently will not hit outdoors today. Also, for everyone who's obsessed with seeing Guerrero in his Orioles' uniform, he wore a black shirt and shorts on the field. No uniform. And keep in mind that players aren't donning the home whites here. They're wearing black and orange practice jerseys. You've seen a similar...
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Steve Melewski

Wrapping it up with Keith Law

Wrapping it up with Keith Law
Here is the second and final part of the interview with ESPN's Keith Law, picking up where we left off. Steve Melewski: A couple more things, Keith. We kind of diverted from the minor leagues, but this was also interesting, getting your take on these other topics. How do you see the young pitching. (Jake) Arrieta, (Brad) Bergesen, (Brian) Matusz and that group? Keith Law: "Matusz, to me, is the ace. He has the potential for four average or better pitches and probably three...
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Roch Kubatko

Izturis a familiar face in new role

Izturis a familiar face in new role
SARASOTA, Fla. - Clubhouse manager Fred Tyler spent part of his morning sorting through batting helmets, trying to find one that fit Vladimir Guerrero's head. Cesar Izturis, Felix Pie, Nick Green and Randy Winn reported to camp this morning, and Nick Markakis is expected to arrive later today. They'll also need helmets, but it won't be as interesting to watch. Everything that Guerrero does draws the attention of teammates and reporters. Imagine what will happen once he picks up a bat...
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Roch Kubatko

Guerrero official, Simon removed from 40-man roster

Guerrero official, Simon removed from 40-man roster
SARASOTA, Fla. - The Orioles will hold a press conference at 2 p.m. today at the Ed Smith Stadium complex to introduce Vladimir Guerrero, who passed his physical and signed a one-year, $8 million deal. As expected, the Orioles moved Alfredo Simon to the restricted list to make room for the nine-time All-Star, who will serve as the cleanup hitter and regular designated hitter. Guerrero isn't likely to play the outfield in Grapefruit League games, but manager Buck Showalter will have to figure...
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Steve Melewski

The Keith Law interview, uncut and unedited

The Keith Law interview, uncut and unedited
The interview with ESPN.com's Keith Law and some of his quotes published here last week certainly got some fans stirred up. I had mentioned that this week I would publish the entire interview here and now is the time. Since it takes a lot of words to read through a 17-minute interview, I will publish it in two posts. The second one will follow this by a few hours. Some of these quotes you read before, some you have not seen. This time I am just publishing the entire interview, questions and...
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