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Comparing Connor to Kranitz

February 23, 2011, 3:07am

Orioles

SARASOTA, Fla. - So did I hear correctly that the Gino Giant is coming back to Baltimore? Best burger around when I was a kid. The clubhouse is closed to the media for the second time in three mornings. On Monday, it was due to physicals and dental and vision exams. Today, our access is limited because of team meetings, including one with umpires. I've been asked many times about the differences between former pitching coach Rick Kranitz and the man who replaced him, Mark Connor. Are...

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Roberts leaves camp

February 23, 2011, 6:21am

Orioles

SARASOTA, Fla. - I just arrived in the workroom to find out that Brian Roberts isn't working out today. He left camp with a sore neck. Roberts might need X-rays. That's all we really know at the moment. But since he exited the facility, it makes sense that he'd be going for X-rays. At least it's not his back, though I only play a doctor on this blog, so there could be a connection that I'm missing. Cesar Izturis was re-signed to back up at second base. Robert Andino, Brendan Harris and...

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Scott back in outfield of dreams

February 22, 2011, 1:39pm

Orioles

SARASOTA, Fla. - Want to get under Luke Scott's skin? Are you nuts? It's probably not a good idea, but here's one suggestion if you're in that sort of devious and daring mood: Suggest that he's only suited to be a designated hitter. Then run, do not walk, to the nearest exit. That's been Scott's primary role with the Orioles, but he's projected to be the starting left fielder in 2011. A future Hall of Famer is taking over his former duties. You might have heard of the guy - Vladimir...

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One time through the rotation

February 22, 2011, 9:18am

Orioles

SARASOTA, Fla. - You already know that Brad Bergesen and Chris Tillman are pitching in the first exhibition game on Feb. 28 versus the Pirates in Bradenton. Here's what you didn't know until today: Jeremy Guthrie is starting the March 1 home exhibition game against Tampa Bay. Justin Duchscherer will start March 2 against the Phillies in Clearwater. Brian Matusz and Rule 5 pick Adrian Rosario will pitch in the March 3 game against the Twins in Sarasota, and Jake Arrieta and Ryan Drese will...

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Looking back on one very wise decision

February 22, 2011, 5:06am

Orioles

If we think back to last July, as it appeared that the Orioles were likely to name Buck Showalter as their next manager, there was one great debate ongoing. The debate was about just when Showalter should take over the team. Many fans, it seemed well over 50 percent to me, felt Showalter should not take over the club until the season was over so he could start fresh in the dugout on opening day 2011. We can look back now and say that Andy MacPhail's timing of Showalter's hire could not...

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The time of year when hope does spring eternal

February 19, 2011, 7:10am

Orioles

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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Simon could be released from jail this week

February 21, 2011, 3:49pm

Orioles

Simon could be released from jail this week

SARASOTA, Fla. - Orioles pitcher Alfredo Simon could be released from a Dominican jail this week, perhaps as early as Wednesday, according to his representatives. Simon has been detained for 49 days following the shooting death of his cousin on New Year's Eve in the town of Luperon. Another man was injured during the celebration. Phil Isaac of the Para Sports Group said a ballistics test proved that the bullet that killed Michael Esteban Castillo Almonte, 25, didn't come from the gun Simon...

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Two thumbs up for Showalter's film

February 21, 2011, 9:54am

Orioles

SARASOTA, Fla. - The reviews keep pouring in, and it's apparent that manager Buck Showalter's inspirational film is a huge hit with his players. Showalter took his team to a local movie theater last night after everyone gathered at Ed Smith Stadium for a pre-workout meeting. They were treated to a short video that included highlights of past and present players, and a sold-out Camden Yards. Just a reminder of what it was like, and what it could be again. "It was awesome. It was off the...

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Guerrero and Scott take their cuts

February 22, 2011, 7:20am

Orioles

SARASOTA, Fla. - Minor league catching instructor Don Werner threw batting practice on the Camden Yards back field this morning. He actually turned and watched one of Vladimir Guerrero's fly balls clear the left field fence, and the young boy standing behind it. It was that impressive. Guerrero and Luke Scott drove the ball to the opposite field during their first rounds of BP. Then it was time to unload. Guerrero mashed the last three balls thrown to him. Players around the cage were...

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MASN announces spring training broadcast schedule, will televise "NatsFest 2011"

February 22, 2011, 6:38am

Nationals Orioles

MASN announces spring training broadcast schedule, will televise "NatsFest 2011"

MASN, the television home of the Washington Nationals and Baltimore Orioles, has announced its 2011 spring training schedule. The network will televise 10 spring training games - five for each team - and all will appear on MASN's dedicated high-definition channel, MASN HD. Kicking off the baseball season on MASN HD, the Nationals will face the Atlanta Braves on March 6 in Viera, Florida. MASN's preseason Nationals schedule will include four other games from Space Coast Stadium, the team's...

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A few notes before today's workout

February 22, 2011, 5:05am

Orioles

SARASOTA, Fla. - Sorry to hear about the snow last night. If it makes you feel any better, the automated phone call from Carroll County Public Schools woke me up at 6 a.m. Snippets of the motivational video that manager Buck Showalter presented to his team Sunday night will be shown between innings at Camden Yards throughout the season. There are no plans to make the entire film available to the public. Vladimir Guerrero is still sporting his goatee. He's also smiling more as each day...

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Showalter updates Lee and more

February 21, 2011, 11:28am

Orioles

SARASOTA, Fla. - Derrek Lee took ground balls at first base this morning, but most of his work was done before taking the field for the first full-squad workout. He continues to hit soft tosses in the cage. "After talking to him, everything's progressing right on schedule. In fact, he's ahead of schedule," manager Buck Showalter said. Lee underwent surgery in November to repair a torn ligament in his right thumb. The Orioles won't rush him, and they don't seem concerned about getting...

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Showalter names starter for first exhibition game

February 21, 2011, 10:51am

Orioles

Showalter names starter for first exhibition game

SARASOTA, Fla. - Don't read too much into it, but manager Buck Showalter has chosen Brad Bergesen to start the first exhibition game against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Feb. 28 in Bradenton. Chris Tillman will follow Bergesen to the mound. They'll each go two or three innings. Showalter will mostly use his relievers for the intrasquad game that will be played the previous day at the Ed Smith Stadium complex. Jeremy Guthrie is expected to be the opening day starter at Tropicana Field, which...

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Adams trying to fix defensive reputation

February 21, 2011, 2:31am

Orioles

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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A few more observations

February 21, 2011, 9:06am

Orioles

SARASOTA, Fla. - Derrek Lee still has soft hands around first base, fielding the ball cleanly and effortlessly. We'll evaluate his range once the games begin. Lee and Jake Fox took grounders at first and worked on executing the 3-6-3 double play. Mark Reynolds and Brendan Harris took grounders at third, J.J. Hardy and Nick Green at shortstop and Brian Roberts and Cesar Izturis at second. Harris, Green and Izturis will move around the infield. Vladimir Guerrero's first round of batting...

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Looking at some minor league strikeout totals

February 20, 2011, 8:32pm

Orioles

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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Hardy not resting on his laurels

February 20, 2011, 4:59am

Orioles

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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The first hour

February 21, 2011, 7:36am

Orioles

SARASOTA, Fla. - The Orioles took the field to stretch around 11:40 a.m. They paired up to play catch and currently are participating in fielding drills. Bobby Dickerson was hitting fly balls to Luke Scott and Randy Winn in left field. Scott showed off an accurate arm. Vladimir Guerrero spent the first part of the workout kneeling beside Rudy Arias after doing some long tossing. He later joined a cluster of outfielders and shagged fly balls from first base coach Wayne Kirby. See what you're...

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Wrapping it up with Keith Law

February 18, 2011, 5:28am

Orioles

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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Scenes from a spring training clubhouse

February 19, 2011, 4:41am

Orioles

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...