O's announce plans for Monday's home opener

O's announce plans for Monday's home opener
If you're lucky enough to be coming to the Orioles' home opener on Monday, you'll be interested in a variety of special plans the team announced today. First, when you come through the gates, you'll receive a 2011 schedule/car magnet, courtesy of Brothers Services. To allow for maximum fan enjoyment, the games for the 3:05 p.m. game will open at noon, and roving musical groups will entertain on Eutaw Street and the main concourse. Fans are encouraged to be in their seats by 2:30 p.m. for...

Some possible trouble for former O's farmhand

Some possible trouble for former O's farmhand
Vito Frabizio, who in 2009 appeared to be an up-and-coming young pitcher in the Orioles farm system, could be in some trouble. According to this story that Keith Law linked to his Twitter account today, Frabizio was arrested in the New York area for his part in a bank robbery. The right-hander went 4-4 with a 2.96 ERA in 12 starts for Rookie League Bluefield in 2009, but never made a roster last summer and was released by the Orioles in June. I wrote this profile on Frabizio in January 2010...

Showalter not ready to name No. 3 starter or closer (updated)

Showalter not ready to name No. 3 starter or closer (updated)
SARASOTA, Fla. - Orioles manager Buck Showalter ventured into the press box to meet with reporters while the minor league game continued on the Ed Smith Stadium field. Showalter still hasn't named his No. 3 starter. He wants to wait until head athletic trainer Richie Bancells checks on Brad Bergesen. Showalter said he didn't expect the Orioles to add anyone from outside the organization, but he didn't completely dismiss the idea. "I've got a pretty good feel for where we're going, but...

MASN to debut "The Mid-Atlantic Sports Report" on March 31 at 5 p.m.

MASN to debut "The Mid-Atlantic Sports Report" on March 31 at 5 p.m.
MASN, the television home of the Washington Nationals and Baltimore Orioles, will premiere a new baseball-centric program, "The Mid-Atlantic Sports Report" on Thursday, March 31 at 5 p.m. The 90-minute show, which will air Monday through Friday, will feature a panel of four renowned baseball experts who will discuss news from the Nationals, Orioles and Major League Baseball. Panelists will include Tom Davis, Dave Johnson, Phil Wood and Mel Antonen. Davis enters his 40th year as a...

Matusz: "I feel like I'm 100 percent ready for the season"

Matusz: "I feel like I'm 100 percent ready for the season"
SARASOTA, Fla. - Brian Matusz threw 35-40 pitches in the bullpen this morning and didn't feel any discomfort in his left biceps. He remains scheduled to take the ball Saturday night against the Rays at Tropicana Field, making him the No. 2 starter in the rotation. Chris Tillman said he hasn't been told whether he's starting the third game, but he's headed to manager Buck Showalter's office to find out. Jake Arrieta is pitching in the minor league game and will start the April 4 home...

The interesting story of O's minor leaguer Jose Nivar

The interesting story of O's minor leaguer Jose Nivar
He began the Gulf Coast League season in 2010 as a right fielder with a very strong arm for the Orioles entry in that league. He ended the year as a pitcher. Jose Nivar, like a lot of youngsters from the Dominican, apparently has a pretty powerful right arm. He was signed by Carlos Bernhardt on Sept. 7, 2006, and the next three seasons played as an outfielder, mostly in the Dominican Summer League. But Nivar struggled at the bat and many O's coaches and minor league instructors had wondered...

Hoes takes time to work on his defense and the mental part of the game

Hoes takes time to work on his defense and the mental part of the game
Over the last couple of years I have had the chance to interview many Orioles minor leaguers. Few have been as impressive as LJ Hoes. He's an articulate young man of 21 who has an ability to analyze his play and understand where he needs to improve. He seems very coachable and passionate about the game. This week, I asked him where he learned to value the mental aspects of the game so well. "My father and my high school coach have always stressed the mental aspects of the game," Hoes...

Orioles outright VandenHurk, select Rupe

Orioles outright VandenHurk, select Rupe
The Orioles today announced that RHP RICK VANDENHURK has cleared waivers and been outrighted to Triple-A Norfolk. The club also selected the contract of RHP JOSH RUPE, adding him to the 40-man roster. With the moves, the Orioles have 25 players in camp including 12 pitchers, five outfielders, six infielders and two catchers. The Orioles now have 39 players on their 40-man major league roster.

Only a few decisions remain

Only a few decisions remain
SARASOTA, Fla. - Senior citizens were invited to run the bases after today's 7-4 loss to the Blue Jays. Brady Anderson walked past me on the field and asked whether I was going to run. Ouch. Manager Buck Showalter basically has two decisions remaining before the Orioles break camp and head to St. Petersburg for Thursday's workout. Showalter must decide whether Chris Tillman or Brad Bergesen makes Sunday's start at Tropicana Field. But he'll also need to know whether Bergesen or...

Orioles announce 2011 opening day plans

Orioles announce 2011 opening day plans
The Orioles have announced plans for the first home game of their 58th season and their 20th year at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. The team will face the Detroit Tigers on Monday, April 4, at 3:05 p.m. PRE-GAME FUN AROUND THE YARD To allow fans the opportunity to experience the excitement of Opening Day, the entire ballpark will open at noon on Monday. Each fan will receive a 2011 schedule/car magnet, courtesy of Brothers Services Company, at the gates. Roving musical groups will entertain...

Britton talks about being optioned

Britton talks about being optioned
SARASOTA, Fla. - Zach Britton said he wasn't surprised when he was called into manager Buck Showalter's office and told that he had been optioned to Triple-A Norfolk. "Right when they called me in, I figured, 'Hey you were either making the team or not making the team.' I was leaning toward not making the team, so I expected it," he said. What will he take away from camp? "Just the experience and getting to know the guys," Britton said. "Whenever I get up there, it will be nice to...

Lee: "I'm ready to go for opening day"

Lee: "I'm ready to go for opening day"
SARASOTA, Fla. - Josh Rupe gave up his first two earned runs of the spring in the seventh inning, and the Blue Jays took a 5-4 lead. Former Orioles farmhand Mike McCoy drove in the go-ahead run. Robert Andino made a dazzling play at second base, backhanding a ball in front of the bag and making an off-balance throw as his momentum carried him toward shortstop. First baseman Tyler Townsend dug the ball out of the dirt for the out. Former Oriole Adam Loewen pinch-ran in the eighth and scored...

Newly renovated Oriole Park at Camden Yards welcomes fans for 20th season

Newly renovated Oriole Park at Camden Yards welcomes fans for 20th season
As the Orioles prepare to celebrate their 20th season at Oriole Park at Camden Yards in 2011, the ballpark has undergone numerous renovations designed to keep the facility at the top of its class, while also preserving the iconic look and feel that made the ballpark the standard-bearer for the 20 major league ballparks that have opened since that time. Renovations primarily focused on the seating bowl, club level, lower concourse and concessions areas. SEATING BOWL This past off-season,...

Another game update, Showalter on health (and note)

Another game update, Showalter on health (and note)
SARASOTA, Fla. - My eyes weren't deceiving me. Blue Jays manager John Farrell ordered an intentional walk to Vladimir Guerrero in the fourth inning with runners on second and third and two outs. In a spring training game. Luke Scott was robbed of a hit on a diving stop by second baseman Aaron Hill. Michael Gonzalez struck out two in a scoreless fourth inning, throwing six of 11 pitches for strikes. Kevin Gregg walked a batter and struck out one in the fifth, throwing seven of 15 for...

National Bohemian Beer returns to Camden Yards

National Bohemian Beer returns to Camden Yards
After an absence of more than 15 years, National Bohemian beer will return to Camden Yards for 2011, the Orioles and Pabst Brewing Company announced today. The partnership includes a branded Natty Boh Bar on the first base side of the lower concourse and a new Natty Boh Brat, a bratwurst sandwich featuring Baltimore's own Roma Sausage infused with the taste of National Bohemian beer, sold during home games. Natty Boh will be served on draft at several locations throughout the stadium and will...

Game update, Showalter on Sarasota

Game update, Showalter on Sarasota
SARASOTA, Fla. - Derrek Lee picked up his first RBI of the spring, in the final exhibition game. He lined a single into center field off Blue Jays left-hander Brett Cecil (Maryland) with two outs in the second inning to score Brian Roberts and give the Orioles a 4-3 lead. Matt Wieters doubled to score Adam Jones, who reached on a bunt single, and he came home on Brian Roberts' double. Nick Markakis walked before Lee stepped to the plate. Koji Uehara struck out two batters in a perfect...
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Three more cuts coming today (updated)

Three more cuts coming today (updated)
SARASOTA, Fla. - The Orioles will make three more cuts after batting practice, though they could adjust the roster if Brad Bergesen experiences a setback tomorrow. Bergesen and Jake Arrieta will face minor league hitters tomorrow at Ed Smith Stadium. Bergesen could get Sunday's start against the Rays at Tropicana Field if he makes it through the game without a hitch. Backup catcher Craig Tatum will leave the team tomorrow to be with his wife for the birth of their child on Thursday. Tatum is...

Duchscherer officially on disabled list (and more)

Duchscherer officially on disabled list (and more)
SARASOTA, Fla. - Another domino fell in Orioles camp today when they placed pitcher Justin Duchscherer on the 15-day disabled list with a strained left hip. We knew it was coming. Now it's official. Duchscherer threw two innings in yesterday's simulated game against six minor league hitters. The Orioles are hoping that he'll be ready to pitch on April 21 against the Twins at Camden Yards. Here's how the 25-man roster breaks down: Rotation: Jeremy Guthrie Brian Matusz Brad...

Orioles make four roster moves

Orioles make four roster moves
The Orioles today announced four roster moves, bringing their spring roster to 26 players. The Orioles optioned left-hander Zach Britton and catcher Craig Tatum to Triple-A Norfolk and assigned infielder Brendan Harris to minor league camp. Right-hander Justin Duchscherer was placed on the 15-day disabled list with a strained left hip. With the moves, the Orioles have 26 players in camp including 13 pitchers (one non-roster invitee), five outfielders, six infielders and two catchers. The...

Hoes relieved after his liner drilled Matusz

Hoes relieved after his liner drilled Matusz
For those watching at the time, it had to be an intriguing matchup. LJ Hoes was in the batter's box and Brian Matusz on the mound. But then Hoes took a swing and one of the O's top prospects hit a liner that drilled one of the O's top pitchers in the left arm. For Hoes, it was a scary moment. He didn't want his name to get in the headlines for this. He didn't want to be the guy that hit a line drive that injured Matusz. "He was trying to get his work in," Hoes said by phone last...