I interviewed O's president of baseball operations Andy MacPhail for tonight's Orioles radio network pre-game show. Click below to listen to the entire interview. He talked about the hiring of Buck Showalter, what it means for the current coaches, how he and Showalter will work together and the trade of Miguel Tejada. Audio: If you didn't have time to hear the entire interview here is what MacPhail said on a few topics: Why hire Showalter now and not wait until next year? "The plus of...

The Washington Nationals have invited Katherine Connors, Miss Iowa USA, to throw out a Ceremonial First Pitch before the team opens their series against the Philadelphia Phillies tomorrow, Friday, July 30, at 7:05pm. The invitation was coordinated after Tuesday evening's game against Atlanta, when the Nationals' Miguel Batista replaced rookie pitcher Stephen Strasburg for the start of the game. Following a successful performance which included 6 strike outs in 5.0 shutout innings, Batista...

The Orioles announced that they have acquired minor league right-handed pitcher Wynn Pelzer from the San Diego Padres in exchange for Miguel Tejada and cash. Pelzer, 24, is 26-23 with a 3.83 ERA and has 330 strikeouts in 79 games (68 starts) over three minor league seasons. The right-hander is 6-9 with a 4.20 ERA (94 1/3 IP, 44ER) and 83 strikeouts in 22 games (18 starts) for the Double-A San Antonio Missions this year. In 2009 with Single-A Lake Elsinore, Pelzer went 11-8 with a 3.94 ERA...

The Orioles announced that they have acquired minor league right-handed pitcher Wynn Pelzer from the San Diego Padres in exchange for 3B Miguel Tejada and cash. Pelzer, 24, is 26-23 with a 3.83 ERA (364.1IP, 155ER) and 330 strikeouts in 79 games (68 starts) over three minor league seasons. The right-hander is 6-9 with a 4.20 ERA (94.1IP, 44ER) and 83 strikeouts in 22 games (18 starts) for the Double-A San Antonio Missions this year. In 2009 with Single-A Lake Elsinore, Pelzer went 11-8 with a...

The Orioles will get 24-year-old right-handed pitcher Wynn Pelzer from the San Diego Padres in exchange for Miguel Tejada. The Orioles are expected to eat some of Tejada's remaining salary. The move opens up third base where the O's will take a good, long look at Josh Bell for the rest of this season. Pelzer is a 6'1", 205-pounder that was rated as the Padres 7th best prospect before the season by Baseball America. This year he is 6-9, 4.20 in 22 games, 18 starts with Double-A San...

It's official. Katherine Connors, Miss Iowa USA, will throw out the ceremonial first pitch before Friday evening's game against the Phillies. It's perhaps the most anticipated ceremonial first pitch since President Obama's on Opening Day. The Nationals extended the invitation to Miss Connors after pitcher Miguel Batista compared himself to her after his surprise start on Tuesday. Connors immediately challenged Batista to walk the runway, quipping, "I know I can throw a pitch or...

The Orioles removed third baseman Miguel Tejada from tonight's lineup because they're close to completing a trade for him. President of baseball operations Andy MacPhail said he couldn't confirm anything yet and a deal hasn't been finalized, but we're free to speculate on why Tejada was scratched. Yes, it involves a pending trade. An announcement could come within the next hour or two. The Sun is reporting that Tejada has been dealt to the San Diego Padres, and I just talked to...

Miguel Tejada was just pulled from the lineup, leading to speculation that he might have been traded. We're scrambling to get more information. Here's the new lineup: 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 For the Royals: Willie Bloomquist RF Jason Kendall C Billy Butler 1B Jose Guillen DH Wilson Betemit 3B Mike Aviles 2B Rick Ankiel CF Yuniesky Betancourt SS Alex Gordon...

Full Name: William Nathaniel Showalter Birthdate: May 23, 1956 Birthplace: DeFuniak Springs, FL Playing Career: Showalter played college ball at Mississippi State University, graduating as an All-American in 1977. No doubt the .459 batting average helped him get drafted in the fifth round by the New York Yankees following college. After seven years as a first baseman in the Yankees' farm system, Showalter's playing career ended in 1983, never making it to the majors. Managerial...

The Orioles will introduce Buck Showalter as manager on Monday at a noon press conference at Camden Yards, when he officially takes over the club. "Buck Showalter's proven track record makes him the right choice for manager of the Orioles and we are thrilled to add a two-time Manager of the Year to our organization" president of baseball operations Andy MacPhail said in a statement. "We believe Buck's extensive experience and expertise will be a major benefit to us as we look towards a...