Dark horses, long shots, under-the-radar players, guys who come out of nowhere - every spring training, someone unexpectedly forces his way into 25-man roster consideration. Sometimes it's because of the kind of on-the-field performance that just can't be ignored. Other times, it's because an injury opens up an opportunity. Occasionally, a trade creates an opening. So who among those players soon to report to Space Coast Stadium in Viera, Fla., might fall into this category? Unlike...

We could be facing a fairly quiet week if executive vice president Dan Duquette really is finished making changes to the roster before pitchers and catchers report to spring training. I'm still expecting a trade or two to go down before opening day, with the bullpen surplus a likely selling point to opposing teams. The last remaining order of business this week could be settling on a contract for center fielder Adam Jones. He's seeking $7.4 million after making $3.25 million last season,...

Right-hander Ryan Tatusko gained more front-line experience early this offseason, pitching in seven games and 20 2/3 innings in the Venezuelan Winter League. The former Indiana State Sycamore went 0-5 with a 6.10 ERA, getting lit up in his final three appearances, but felt the test of facing quality hitters from several different levels will help him gear up for what he will see in 2012. Here's more insight on what Tatusko does on the mound to get guys out. His numbers were solid as he...

The kid in me that grew up as a die-hard Orioles fan wants to scream at the Pirates for bailing out the Yankees of a bad contract, or at least one that hasn't worked out too well for them. In December 2008, New York signed pitcher A.J. Burnett to a five-year deal worth $82.5 million that pays him around $16.5 millon per season. While Burnett pitched well in the first year of the deal - going 13-9 with an ERA of 4.04 in 2009 - he went 10-15, 5.26 in 2010 and 11-11, 5.15 last year. He led the...

We're less than a week away from pitchers and catchers taking the back fields at Ed Smith Stadium for the Orioles' first spring training workout. I can't guarantee much these days, but I'm fairly certain that it won't be snowing sideways. Here's the list of non-roster invitees: Pitchers Edell, Ryan LHP Eyre, Willie RHP Galarraga, Armando RHP Johnson, Steve RHP Link, Jon RHP Neshek, Pat RHP Reyes, Dennys LHP Socolovich, Miguel RHP Villarreal, Oscar RHP Catchers Hester,...

The most interesting battle of Nationals spring training in Viera, Fla., might not be waged on the field. It centers around top prospect Bryce Harper, and whether the slugging outfielder with the cannon for an arm will break camp with the Nationals. As soon as manager Davey Johnson and general manager Mike Rizzo settle into their respective homes away from home at Space Coast Stadium, they'll both be continuing their attempts to convince the other they are right about whether Harper is ready...

Well, it has been quite a few days of spirited discussion and debate about a young pitcher that almost none of us know much about and have never seen pitch. The Orioles signed Seong-Min Kim to a minor league contract Jan. 30. He either throws 80 or 83 mph, or maybe 88, depending on the report you read and trust most. He's either a high shool sophomore or maybe entering his final year. Someone said Korean kids graduate at 19 so he could be a 17-year-old sophomore. His curveball is either...

Take another look at the 40-man roster and count how many players were added from outside the organization after Robert Andino's walk-off single beat the Red Sox on Sept. 28. I'm not including pitcher Oliver Drake, who was protected in the Rule 5 draft: Pitchers: Jake Arrieta Luis Ayala Brad Bergesen Jason Berken Zach Britton Dylan Bundy Wei-Yin Chen Oliver Drake Dana Eveland Kevin Gregg Jason Hammel Tommy Hunter Jim Johnson Matt Lindstrom Brian Matusz Darren...

Orioles executive vice president Dan Duquette talked to a group of reporters tonight at Sports Legends Museum adjacent to Camden Yards before he appeared as a guest at the annual Babe's Birthday Bash. Here are some comments Duquette made: Duquette dismissed the chance of the Orioles signing free agent Manny Ramirez. Duquette on Manny by smelewski Duquette talked about the Orioles signing today of relief pitcher Luis Ayala and its impact on the bullpen. Duquette on Ayala and...

Orioles executive vice president Dan Duquette has pretty much dismissed the possibility that he'll sign veteran designated hitter Manny Ramirez. "I don't think there's going to be a fit for Manny," Duquette said. "We've looked at that all winter and I'm not sure there's a fit there for the Orioles. I wish Manny a lot of luck, but I just don't think he fits in our ballclub right now." Asked what else he plans to do with the roster before spring training, Duquette said, "I think...