For Tyler Wilson, a memorable few weeks ends with his addition to 40-man roster
For Tyler Wilson, a memorable few weeks ends with his addition to 40-man roster
Steve Melewski
Orioles
This has been a November to remember for Orioles pitching prospect Tyler Wilson. The right-hander turned 25 in September and got married on Nov. 15. Two days later, he and his wife Chelsea left for their honeymoon in Jamaica and three days later, he got an important phone call. It was the one where he found out he was added to the Orioles' 40-man roster. "Yeah, it was a big week and it was my wife's birthday that Tuesday. A lot going on that week," Wilson said. Big week indeed, and now...
Dave Martinez could emerge as hitting coach candidate in Baltimore
Dave Martinez could emerge as hitting coach candidate in Baltimore
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
Now that Dave Martinez has informed the Rays that he's leaving the organization, the Orioles may add him to their list of candidates for the job of hitting coach. I was given a "maybe" by someone in the organization this afternoon when I asked about Martinez. The idea wasn't shot down, so Martinez at least will get consideration for an interview. No more interviews are scheduled before the Thanksgiving holiday, but the Orioles want to have Jim Presley's replacement in the fold before the...
Nats players spread the wealth
Nats players spread the wealth
Dan Kolko
Nationals
Each year, teams that make the playoffs are given a bonus, a financial reward for reaching the postseason. The bonus pool that each team receives depends on how deep into that playoffs that team advances, and the amount that each player receives is based upon how generous the group is as a whole. Typically, this bonus amount ranges from what it would cost to buy a Kia to what it would cost to buy a Rolls Royce Phantom. Make it to the World Series, you're getting a very nice chunk of change in...
Manto: "I would love to have this job" (updated)
Manto: "I would love to have this job" (updated)
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
Former Oriole Jeff Manto drove to Baltimore today and spent about two hours interviewing for the vacant job of hitting coach. Manager Buck Showalter, executive vice president Dan Duquette and vice president of baseball operations Brady Anderson were in the room. Manto, the minor league hitting coordinator since November 2013, found out this morning that Jim Presley had been reassigned. The Orioles gave him the choice of interviewing later in the day or Tuesday, and he wasn't taking any...
Will new hitting coach lead to any changes in O's approach on offense?
Will new hitting coach lead to any changes in O's approach on offense?
Steve Melewski
Orioles
So the Orioles will have a new hitting coach for the 2015 season with the news yesterday that Jim Presley is being reassigned. While this comes at Presley's request, I can see some fans jumping to the conclusion that manager Buck Showalter wants a new hitting coach. That does not appear to be the case, and several times late during the 2014 season, Showalter remarked that he was excited that his entire coaching staff would return for the coming year. Here is a look at Presley's four seasons...
Navarro in Baltimore, more on free agents and hitting coach situation
Navarro in Baltimore, more on free agents and hitting coach situation
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
Infielder Rey Navarro, who agreed to a major league contract over the weekend, flew into Baltimore last night and will take his physical this morning. The Orioles will announce his signing and addition to the 40-man roster once they receive the results. The Orioles will have two open spots on their 40-man. One is reserved for the Rule 5 draft. Keep in mind that the Orioles can create more room at any time. I keep noting how infielder Steve Lombardozzi is likely to be removed. It just hasn't...
Orioles interviewing Manto for hitting coach job
Orioles interviewing Manto for hitting coach job
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
The Orioles began the process of interviewing hitting coaches today by meeting with Jeff Manto. No sense waiting until after the Thanksgiving holiday. The Orioles hired Manto as minor league hitting coordinator in November 2013, replacing Mike Boulanger in the role. He previously served as hitting coach with the Pirates in 2006-07 and the White Sox in 2012-13. The White Sox fired him following a 99-loss season. Manto was inducted into the International League Hall of Fame over the...
Breaking down Orioles' playoff shares
Breaking down Orioles' playoff shares
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
The Orioles fell short in their run to the World Series this season. However, it turned out to be a profitable pursuit. Major League Baseball announced that the Orioles' postseason share totaled $7,443,175.42, with the value of each full share being $125,288.04. The Orioles issued 52 full shares, a total of 6.25 partial shares and 36 cash awards. Players vote on the distribution of playoff money, including the amount and the recipients. For example, they awarded a share in 2012 to Triple-A...
Orioles reassign hitting coach Jim Presley
Orioles reassign hitting coach Jim Presley
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
So much for the Orioles returning all of their coaches in 2015. Though the entire staff is under contract, the Orioles have reassigned hitting coach Jim Presley within the organization at his request and will begin interviewing candidates this week, according to multiple sources. Presley's reassignment is due to personal reasons, according to sources, and not related to the club's performance. He could get involved in scouting. The Orioles hired Presley, 53, as hitting coach in 2011 after he...
Boone lone ex-National on 2015 Hall of Fame ballot
Boone lone ex-National on 2015 Hall of Fame ballot
Pete Kerzel
Nationals
There's not a lot of Nationals love on the 2015 Hall of Fame ballot announced this morning. Only one former Nat - infielder Aaron Boone - is listed among the 17 new additions to the ballot, which feature three pitchers (Randy Johnson, Pedro Martinez and John Smoltz) who combined to win nine Cy Young Awards and two hitters (Gary Sheffield and Nomar Garciaparra) who claimed batting titles in their careers. Boone played one season for the Nationals, hitting .241 with six homers and 28 RBIs in 104...