SARASOTA, Fla. - Jason Berken needed a good outing today and he got it. He retired all six batters he faced. The Phillies continue to lead, 8-3, in the eighth inning. Here are some quotes from Jeremy Guthrie, who was charged with four runs and six hits on a blustery day. On getting through four innings: "I've been trying to work quickly, trying to keep the pitch count down and be aggressive. And that's something I've been able to do for the most part in all three of my outings." On the...

SARASOTA, Fla. - Left-handed specialist Clay Rapada just breezed through the sixth inning, which seemed appropriate on an extremely windy day. Rapada actually faced two left-handed hitters, striking out Brian Schneider on three pitches and retiring Pete Orr on a one-hopper to the mound. Four pitches, two outs. Freddy Galvis flied to left field to end the inning. Rapada threw 11 pitches, nine for strikes. The one that struck out Schneider was clocked at 74 mph, leading a scribe on press row...

SARASOTA, Fla. - I didn't like Jeremy Guthrie's chances of going four innings today after he needed 20 pitches to get through a three-run first, but he made it. Guthrie threw seven pitches in the second inning and eight in the fourth. He left after throwing 53, including 33 for strikes. Guthrie is charged with four runs and six hits, with one walk and one strikeout. Kevin Gregg has replaced him. I swear, this guy pitches every single day. Raul Ibanez homered, doubled and drove in three...

The Washington Nationals today optioned right-handed pitchers Adam Carr and Garrett Mock to Syracuse of the Triple-A International League and re-assigned right-handed pitchers Luis Atilano, J.D. Martin and Josh Wilkie, catchers Carlos Maldonado and Jhonatan Solano, infielders Michael Aubrey and Kevin Barker, and outfielders Jeff Frazier and Jonathan Van Every to minor-league camp. Additionally, the Nationals released right-handed pitcher Cla Meredith. Nationals Executive Vice President of...

SARASOTA, Fla. - The Phillies scored three runs off Jeremy Guthrie in the first inning, the first two coming on Raul Ibanez's homer to center field. Guthrie walked Shane Victorino with one out, and Ibanez jumped on a 2-0 pitch. Ryan Howard struck out, but Ross Gload doubled and Delwyn Young singled to right for a 3-0 lead. Luke Scott cut off Nick Markakis' throw and got Young in a rundown between first and second. Score the putout 9-3-6-4. Guthrie threw 20 pitches, 12 for strikes. Instant...

SARASOTA, Fla. - Orioles second baseman Brian Roberts isn't able to take infield or batting practice today, and he could undergo more tests on his back. Roberts hit in the cage yesterday, but he's been shut down again today. He hasn't played since Monday night because of spasms. Manager Buck Showalter couldn't provide more information on the tests or whether they were necessarily, but the idea has been discussed. "He's not any better today," Showalter said. "I know they're talking...

SARASOTA, Fla. - Koji Uehara spoke this morning about the earthquake and tsunami in Japan and his attempts to reach his parents and extended family. Speaking through interpreter Jiwon Bang, Uehara said the earthquake hit "in a different place, but there has been some damage where I live." "At this moment, I don't really know all the details yet, but I am guessing that the damage will be huge, so I am worried," he said. Uehara has lived through major earthquakes in the past. "All I can...

When it comes to the June draft, do the Orioles have a preference when it comes to drafting a high school or a college player? Some teams have been said to have preferences, but O's scouting director Joe Jordan said the Orioles do not. "For me, I don't care. It's the best player, what fits the best for that round. That's really how we look at it. If there's a 21-year-old player that we have a lot of looks at and they're available and that's a good solid pick, that's a good decision...

SARASOTA, Fla. - We got a late start this morning, but it's been a busy one. The Orioles made their first round of cuts, which included catcher Caleb Joseph, infielder Pedro Florimon and outfielder Tyler Henson. Catcher Adam Donachie sat at his locker in shorts and a t-shirt, so we're assuming that he's also heading to the minor league side. The official list will be released later today. Randy Winn and J.J. Hardy are changing places in the lineup. Hardy will lead off. For the...

SARASOTA, Fla. - Players were given a later report time this morning following last night's 11-8 win over the Pirates in Bradenton. The clubhouse opens to the media at 9:30 a.m. Brian Roberts isn't in today's lineup vs. Phillies left-hander Cliff Lee, though he took batting practice yesterday in Sarasota, and he's not supposed to travel to Kissimmee tomorrow. Guess the earliest we'll see him is Sunday. Cesar Izturis is back after turning his ankle during Monday's game against the Red...