SARASOTA, Fla. - The Orioles are playing split-squad games against the Red Sox at home and the Blue Jays in Dunedin. I'm staying here to watch Chris Tillman pitch. You can watch him on MASN. For the Orioles: Brian Roberts 2B Nick Markakis RF Derrek Lee 1B Vladimir Guerrero DH Luke Scott LF Adam Jones CF Mark Reynolds 3B Matt Wieters C J.J. Hardy SS Chris Tillman RHP And for the Orioles (in Dunedin): Robert Andino LF Randy Winn DH Nolan Reimold RF Jake Fox 1B Brendan Harris 3B Felix Pie...

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...

Here are progress updates for a pair of right-handed pitchers, Trevor Holder and Ryan Tatusko. Holder split last season between Single-A Hagerstown and Single-A Potomac, going 7-6 with a 3.64 ERA in 26 starts. He struck out 102 batters and allowed 29 walks. The 24-year old would like to cut down on his home runs allowed, with 11 of 14 surrendered for the season coming in just 14 starts in Woodbridge, Va. He was 3-3 with a 4.09 ERA in Potomac. The University of Georgia product has had a...

PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. - David Riske covered the last two innings for the Orioles, retiring all six batters he faced and striking out three to seal a 7-2 victory over the Rays at Charlotte Sports Park. The bullpen brought it strong today with six scoreless innings, including two each from Jason Berken and Josh Rupe. The unit allowed three hits, didn't issue a walk and struck out seven. "Boy, Riske has been impressive," manager Buck Showalter said. "Rupe continues to throw the ball well. I...

PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. - The Orioles wanted an offensive upgrade at shortstop. They got it. I know it's only spring training, but J.J. Hardy is batting .388 after going 3-for-4 today. He singled twice, doubled and knocked in two runs, and the Orioles are taking a 7-2 lead over the Rays into the bottom of the eighth inning. Hardy has two homers and 10 RBIs to go with that impressive average. Brian Roberts went 2-for-3 with a home run, walk and sacrifice fly. His average has climbed to...

PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. - Jason Berken threw two scoreless innings, retiring the last five batters he faced. He allowed two hits and struck out three. Josh Rupe followed with a 1-2-3 sixth inning. He's allowed two unearned runs and seven hits in 12 2/3 innings. J.J. Hardy is 2-for-3 with an RBI double. Brian Roberts is 2-for-3 with a home run and a walk. Update: Vladimir Guerrero broke a 2-2 tie in the eighth inning with a two-run homer to left field off Cesar Ramos. It was a screaming line...

PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. - Jason Berken is pitching the fourth inning with Tampa Bay leading the Orioles, 2-1. Ryan Drese allowed two runs and five hits in three innings, with no walks, two strikeouts and one visit from head athletic trainer Richie Bancells. Drese threw 43 pitches, including 27 for strikes. Drese allowed one run and four hits in his first three appearances covering seven innings. In his last three outings, he allowed 13 runs and 18 hits in 7 2/3 innings. Drese probably isn't...

PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. - The Orioles sent a scout to watch left-hander Doug Davis audition for teams Thursday in Arizona, but they have no interest in signing him. Team officials are encouraged by Justin Duchscherer's progress and currently believe they have enough internal pitching options. Brad Bergesen's bruised right forearm isn't a major concern. The Orioles must set their opening night roster by 4 p.m. Thursday. Ryan Drese served up a leadoff home run to Ben Zobrist in the first...

PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. - Manager Buck Showalter was relieved to discover only minimal swelling in Brad Bergesen's right arm this morning. Showalter is hopeful that Bergesen can pitch Tuesday on three days' rest. It's feasible if Bergesen's arm allows it because he threw only four pitches yesterday. Justin Duchscherer will stay back at extended spring training after the Orioles break camp. He's scheduled to pitch in a minor league game on April 6. The Orioles are still targeting April 21 for...

PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. - The Orioles apparently brought their opening night lineup to Charlotte Sports Park, with the exception of Felix Pie starting in center field over Adam Jones, who didn't make the trip after playing yesterday in Fort Myers. For the Orioles: Brian Roberts 2B Nick Markakis RF Derrek Lee 1B Vladimir Guerrero DH Luke Scott LF Mark Reynolds 3B Matt Wieters C Felix Pie CF J.J. Hardy SS Ryan Drese RHP The Orioles brought the following players from minor league camp:...