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

February 22, 2011, 6:38am

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...

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A new and improved Reimold?

February 19, 2011, 5:26am

Orioles

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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Pie gearing for left field competition

February 19, 2011, 6:47am

Orioles

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

February 19, 2011, 7:50am

Orioles

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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The Showalter must go on

February 19, 2011, 8:44am

Orioles

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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Finishing up another workout

February 20, 2011, 7:28am

Orioles

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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Updates on Lebron and Atkins

February 20, 2011, 8:26am

Orioles

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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A few parting shots from camp

February 20, 2011, 10:06am

Orioles

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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Guerrero speaks

February 18, 2011, 10:07am

Orioles

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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Guerrero signed, sealed and delivered

February 18, 2011, 9:26am

Orioles

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...