Not much to report from manager Buck Showalter's pre-game session with the media. He gave us thorough injury updates yesterday. We already brought up his reunion with the Rangers in this four-game series. "So, do you like...stuff?" We're still learning about Showalter, and it appears that he's not the type to post the next day's lineup early, as in immediately after the previous night's game. He might approach a player or send a coach to give a heads-up about a pending start, as he did...

Brian Roberts 2B Nick Markakis RF Ty Wigginton 3B Luke Scott 1B Adam Jones CF Felix Pie LF Matt Wieters C Corey Patterson DH Cesar Izturis SS Brian Matusz LHP

As the Orioles look ahead to the 2011 season, who is going to play shortstop? It's way too soon for Manny Machado and there is not a player pushing for that spot in the upper levels on the farm. Cesar Izturis told Josh Land of the Carroll County Times that he wants to remain an Oriole. Some fans will want someone there with more bat. But of all the positions on the diamond, short is one where you just can't skimp on the defense. In looking for next year's shortstop, he may already be...

This particular week in the calendar year has seen some milestones for the O's throughout the team's history. Going the farthest back and on this day in O's history, Cal Ripken Jr. passed Steve Garvey for the third-longest consecutive games streak by playing his 1,280th straight game. Cal and the O's faced the Toronto Blue Jays on August 18, 1989, and the game was otherwise unremarkable for Cal, but the shortstop would of course go on to set a new major league record by playing in 2,632...

The Washington Nationals today placed outfielder Josh Willingham on the 15-Day Disabled List, retroactive to Aug. 16, with a left knee medial meniscus tear and returned from rehab and reinstated outfielder Nyjer Morgan from the 15-Day Disabled List. Nationals Senior Vice President & General Manager Mike Rizzo made the announcement. Morgan, 30, rejoins the Nationals after a two-game rehab stint with Single-A Potomac (0-for-3) and Single-A Hagerstown (0-for-3, walk). Morgan is batting .261...

I campaigned for reliever Jason Berken as first half Most Valuable Oriole, and you know what happened next. It's probably not a good idea to have me in your corner. It won't do much for your career or your health. A few reporters were standing around the clubhouse earlier this week nominating potential MVOs. Helps pass the time while waiting for manager Buck Showalter to begin his pre-game media session or for Rick VandenHurk to begin speaking in other languages. (While on the subject of...

There is no rule that would keep the Orioles from sending top draft pick Manny Machado to play in the Arizona Fall League. But they are not going to do it. Club sources indicate the O's are not considering sending Machado to play in the AFL, even with the minor league seasons winding down as he is about to start up. It's just too soon for that for an 18-year-old about to begin his pro career. Machado is expected to wrap up with his physical in Baltimore this week and then head for...

Senators left-hander Tom Milone struck out 13 batters and first baseman Chris Marrero contributed 4 RBI as Harrisburg crushed Erie 10-1 Wednesday night. Milone went 6 2/3 innings, scattering seven hits, allowing one run and no walks to go with the season-high 13 strikeouts. Milone has struck 32 batters in his last 3 games (20 innings). He has not issued a free pass in four games and has allowed only two walks in his last seven starts. Milone is 5-2 with a 2.39 ERA in his last 10 games, and...

Nationals left-hander Matt Chico had one of his best outings for Syracuse Wednesday, hurling six shutout innings. The Chiefs were unable to finish off Louisville and lost 5-3, but Chico was very pleased with how he pitched. Chico scattered six hits, allowed no runs, no walks and struck out five after allowing at least three runs in four of his last five starts. Chico said the key to his outing was getting his off speed pitch to connect, saying, "My change up felt good tonight. I was able...

Potomac first baseman Tyler Moore hit his 25th home run of the season, a grand slam, Wednesday in the Nationals 9-1 win at Kinston. Moore now has 94 RBI on the season. The Brandon, Mississippi native finished 2-for-3 with 1 HR, 5 RBI and a run scored. He has hit 18 home runs since early July. Coming into this season, Moore had hit 15 homers combined in two pro seasons at Vermont and Hagerstown. Hitting coach Matt Nokes says Moore worked on his batting stroke after struggling early on...