Post-tie comments from Showalter
Post-tie comments from Showalter
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
The Orioles and Red Sox played to a 4-4 tie in 10 innings. If you predicted that outcome, go to the window and collect your money. Josh Bell drew a two-out walk, which is newsworthy when you consider that he walked twice and struck out 53 times in 53 games with the Orioles last season. He took a close 2-2 pitch, fouled a ball off his foot and took another pitch outside of the strike zone. Tyler Henson grounded into a force to end the game. Matt Wieters was supposed to make the trip to Fort...
Fox isn't outfoxed
Fox isn't outfoxed
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
SARASOTA, Fla. - Jake Fox has taken this game into extra innings. Fox belted a solo home run off Red Sox reliever Matt Fox, giving him three bombs this spring. You can't sneak a fastball past this guy. When will they learn? Left-hander Chris George is pitching for the Orioles in the top of the 10th inning, and he just struck out the first batter he faced.
Bergesen talks about today's start (updated twice)
Bergesen talks about today's start (updated twice)
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
SARASOTA, Fla. - Brad Bergesen took the good from today's start at Ed Smith Stadium, which meant overlooking the three runs and six hits he allowed to the Red Sox. He was stretched out to three innings and 46 pitches. He got in his work. Bergesen immediately brought up the three runs he allowed in the second inning after getting the first two outs and two quick strikes on Drew Sutton, who's double started the rally. "Having two outs and an 0-2 count and then you give up a three-spot,...
Bergesen labors vs. Red Sox
Bergesen labors vs. Red Sox
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
SARASOTA, Fla. - Brad Bergesen has allowed three runs and six hits in three innings against the Boston Red Sox, who kept most of their regulars in Fort Myers. Bergesen has also walked a batter and struck out two. The Red Sox did all their scoring with two outs in the second inning on Drew Sutton's double, Jose Iglesias' RBI single, a walk and Oscar Tejada's two-run triple. Bergesen gave up a leadoff single to Will Middlebrooks in the third, but got a double play with the next pitch and...
A little pregame Showalter and Duchscherer
A little pregame Showalter and Duchscherer
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
SARASOTA, Fla. - Manager Buck Showalter said there's "nothing definitive" regarding first baseman Derrek Lee, who's dealing with some soreness above his right wrist. "He feels a little better than he did yesterday," Showalter said. "We'll see how he is tomorrow. We don't plan on taking him to Fort Myers tomorrow. At the very earliest Monday, but it may be later than that. It's not a big deal for me right now." Luke Scott and Josh Bell will take ground balls at first base tomorrow...
Updates on Lee, Matusz and Duchscherer (with quotes)
Updates on Lee, Matusz and Duchscherer (with quotes)
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
SARASOTA, Fla. - Orioles manager Buck Showalter confirmed that first baseman Derrek Lee won't travel to Fort Myers tomorrow. The earliest he can debut is Monday, but nothing is certain at this point. Lee is dealing with some mild soreness above his right wrist. Brian Matusz threw a bullpen session today and is convinced that he'll be ready to start on Tuesday after having a wart removed yesterday from his left middle finger. "It felt fine," he said. "It doesn't feel irritated at all....
Today's lineup (w/Red Sox)
Today's lineup (w/Red Sox)
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
SARASOTA, Fla. - Here's the Orioles' lineup for today's game against the Red Sox: Brian Roberts 2B Nick Markakis RF Luke Scott LF Vladimir Guerrero DH Mark Reynolds 3B Adam Jones CF J.J. Hardy SS Matt Wieters C Joe Mahoney 1B Brad Bergesen RHP For the Red Sox: Jacoby Ellsbury CF Oscar Tejeda 2B Carl Crawford LF Will Middlebrooks 3B Juan Carlos Linares DH Mark Wagner C Nate Spears RF Drew Sutton 1B Jose Iglesias SS Alfredo Aceves, RHP
Once through the rotation
Once through the rotation
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
SARASOTA, Fla. - We've come full circle today. Brad Bergesen is back on the mound. Bergesen started the first exhibition game against the Pittsburgh Pirates in Bradenton, and he'll face the Boston Red Sox this afternoon in Sarasota. I wonder if Red Sox fans will take over Ed Smith Stadium? The players have another meeting this morning, so the clubhouse is closed to the media until batting practice ends. I'll head over to the ballpark in a few hours, once everyone is on the field. Mark...
Nationals prospects to scrimmage Sunday
Nationals prospects to scrimmage Sunday
Byron Kerr
Nationals
Nationals prospects are getting up to speed (pardon the pun) at the accelerated minor league camp. Big workouts are set for today with a large group coming down on their own from every minor league team in the Nats organization. The first scrimmage is scheduled for tomorrow. The coaches have worked them out over the past two weeks and two dozen pitchers have been able to continue their winter workout programs while in Viera, Fla. "About six or seven pitchers have come down religiously each...
Higher expectations: Brian Matusz or Manny Machado?
Higher expectations: Brian Matusz or Manny Machado?
Steve Melewski
Orioles
Here is an interesting question to ponder and debate. Do Orioles fans have higher expectations this season for Brian Matusz or Manny Machado? Matusz will, of course, pitch in the major leagues while Machado is set to begin his first full year in the O's minors. A lot is expected from both. Each are among the biggest stars currently in this organization. Matusz showed perhaps a glimpse of his future in his final eight starts last season when he went 6-0 with an ERA of 1.57. The club went 8-0...