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Win home opener tickets at Friday Hightopps baseball chat

March 29, 2011, 7:11am

Orioles

Win home opener tickets at Friday Hightopps baseball chat

Want to go to the Orioles' home opener April 4? Don't have tickets, you say? Well, MASNsports.com will give you the opportunity to win a pair of opening day tickets Friday night at Hightopps Backstage Grille in Timonium. Steve Melewski and yours truly will be hosting another in our series of baseball chats that evening, from 6-7 p.m. At 7 p.m., we'll tune Hightopps' many televisions to the O's game in St. Petersburg, Fla., against the Rays on MASN. What better way to celebrate the start...

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Brooks Robinson hospitalized, releases statement

March 31, 2011, 1:55pm

Orioles

Brooks Robinson hospitalized, releases statement

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - Hall of Famer Brooks Robinson was hospitalized earlier today, which always brings a wave of concern - and maybe panic - over all of us, but he released a statement saying he's doing fine and it's not related to his cancer surgery. Here's the statement: "Thank you for your outpouring of concern. I was originally scheduled for a routine outpatient procedure at Greater Baltimore Medical Center on Thursday, March 31, 2011. The evening before surgery, I developed a fever...

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Pre-workout Showalter - Part II

March 31, 2011, 11:31am

Orioles

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - We can still hear thunder rumbling outside the dome. I'm just relieved the roof hasn't collapsed. Speaking of thunderous echos, the Orioles are taking batting practice while I file this blog entry. Nick Markakis is knocking the paint off a few of the seats in right field. Luke Scott just bounced a ball off the back of the restaurant roof directly below the scoreboard in center field. Manager Buck Showalter said he won't rest any of his regulars during this...

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Pre-workout Showalter - Part I

March 31, 2011, 11:06am

Orioles

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - Manager Buck Showalter won't post his opening night lineup until after today's workout, but he told reporters not to expect any surprises. I'd assume that means he's using the same lineup that we saw at the end of the exhibition schedule: Roberts, Markakis, Lee, Guerrero, Scott, Jones, Reynolds, Wieters and Hardy. I'll pass along the official one later. Showalter explained why he chose Chris Tillman over Brad Bergesen for Sunday's start against the Rays. "I...

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New season, new radio show

March 30, 2011, 9:09pm

Orioles

It's become a pretty important part of sports-talk on radio. That's the call-in show where fans and listeners can vent, analyze the game and react right after the game ends. Well, this year, after Orioles' games, you will have your chance to do just that and I will be the voice at the other end of the phone line. I am thrilled to officially announce that I will be hosting the "Baltimore Baseball Tonight" postgame edition on weeknights this year on 105.7 FM, The Fan in Baltimore. The show...

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Bergesen talks about role

March 31, 2011, 10:39am

Orioles

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - Brad Bergesen is "a candidate" to start the April 10 game against the Rangers at Camden Yards, according to manager Buck Showalter. Not necessarily the leading candidate. Just a candidate. Showalter is hesitant to name Bergesen the starter until making sure the Orioles aren't rained out Monday for their home-opener against the Tigers. Bergesen talked about being in the bullpen to begin the season. "I had the meeting with Buck and Goose (Mark Connor) yesterday and...

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Duchscherer shut down again

March 31, 2011, 6:24am

Orioles

SARASOTA, Fla. - One last report from Sarasota. Pitcher Justin Duchscherer was sent to a chiropractor yesterday after complaining of back soreness. Apparently, his left hip is fine, but he's dealing with another setback. President of baseball operations Andy MacPhail said the club will wait 24 hours "and see how it is." "I'm not sure where we are right now," MacPhail said. "I think we're 24 hours from knowing the severity." Duchscherer threw two innings Tuesday in a simulated game...

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Talking Tillman and Rays lineup

March 31, 2011, 9:44am

Orioles

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - I drove through the worst rainstorm of my life to get here. Those tornado warnings are no joke. I was gripping the steering wheel so tightly, it's almost bent in half. Good luck with that one, Avis. I was pretty sure a traffic light turned green, but I couldn't move. Visibility was at an all-time low. But at least the water on the streets covered my tires. My GPS told me to turn right, and I yelled, "Where's the right?" I didn't need a GPS. I needed a...

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Sarasota in the rear view mirror (updated)

March 31, 2011, 4:55am

Orioles

Sarasota in the rear view mirror (updated)

SARASOTA, Fla. - Counted among the yearly traditions of spring training is the sudden realization that I can't consume all of the food that I bought during my seven-week stay. How many packets of oatmeal can I possibly eat before check-out this morning? And honesty, the bags of frozen broccoli and Brussels sprouts seemed like a good idea at the time. No way they're coming with me to St. Petersburg. I'm down to three bottled waters. I think I timed that one just about right. Anyway, the...

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New season brings new baseball show to MASN

March 29, 2011, 5:55pm

Nationals Orioles

New season brings new baseball show to MASN

With the start of a new baseball season, MASN is expanding its coverage of the Orioles and Nationals. The network that brings you 324 game telecasts of two teams in six states now adds "The Mid-Atlantic Sports Report," a new 90-minute show each weekday at 5 p.m. The show makes its debut Thursday after the Nationals game and the "Nats Xtra" postgame telecast. Veteran broadcaster Tom Davis, who has been with MASN since its start in 2007, will host the show and will be joined by Dave...

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One more game in Sarasota

March 30, 2011, 4:54am

Orioles

SARASOTA, Fla. - Enjoy that dateline while you can, because it changes starting tomorrow. The Orioles will break camp later today. Naturally, manager Buck Showalter scheduled a simulated game first. I almost expect Craig Tatum to hit off a tee tomorrow in between his wife's contractions. A group of minor leaguers will take a bus to Ed Smith Stadium, then take their swings against Brad Bergesen and Jake Arrieta. I normally wouldn't care much, but I need to find out whether Bergesen is...

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Weaver and Showalter a first-pitch battery

March 30, 2011, 7:11am

Orioles

Weaver and Showalter a first-pitch battery

SARASOTA, Fla. - Hall of Fame manager Earl Weaver will throw out the ceremonial first pitch before the April 4 home opener at Camden Yards. Current manager Buck Showalter will catch it. I love the idea. And it seems appropriate, given the excitement that greeted Showalter's arrival in Baltimore last August and the frequent comparisons to Weaver. Showalter invited Weaver to speak to his coaches this spring. It also allowed Weaver to autograph the circular No. 4 sign that hangs in his honor...

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VandenHurk clears waivers, Matusz starting Saturday

March 30, 2011, 9:15am

Orioles

VandenHurk clears waivers, Matusz starting Saturday

SARASOTA, Fla. - Rick VandenHurk cleared waivers and remains in the organization. He's in uniform for today's minor league game. VandenHurk had control issues that knocked him out of the running for a rotation or bullpen slot. He'll be outrighted to Triple-A Norfolk and join a rotation that includes Zach Britton and Ryan Drese. VandenHurk allowed 12 runs (nine earned) and 10 hits, with eight walks and four strikeouts, in six innings. Also, Jake Arrieta and Brad Bergesen are starting the...

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Tillman named No. 3 starter

March 30, 2011, 12:55pm

Orioles

SARASOTA, Fla. - Right-hander Chris Tillman will start Sunday's game against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field, following Jeremy Guthrie and Brian Matusz in the rotation. Tillman went 2-0 with a 3.93 ERA in five games this spring. He allowed 20 hits, walked nine and struck out 10 in 18 1/3 innings. He also gave up one run over six innings in a minor league game, which doesn't count in the official Grapefruit League statistics. Brad Bergesen, who threw two innings in today's minor...

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O's announce plans for Monday's home opener

March 30, 2011, 11:05am

Orioles

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...

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Some possible trouble for former O's farmhand

March 26, 2011, 2:21pm

Orioles

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...

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

March 30, 2011, 10:35am

Orioles

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...

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

March 28, 2011, 7:12am

Nationals Orioles

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...

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

March 30, 2011, 9:54am

Orioles

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...

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The interesting story of O's minor leaguer Jose Nivar

March 30, 2011, 10:20am

Orioles

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...