Last April, Alfredo Simon began the year in the O's starting rotation. Two starts later he was on the DL and headed for Tommy John surgery. Now, less than a year later he is back with the Orioles and will join the O's bullpen tonight. "I just feel happy because they gave me the chance again. I want to help this team and do the best I can," the 28-year-old Simon said. "My arm feels like new. That's the best thing and I was throwing all my pitches for strikes. I feel great. I threw...

A good week for O's and Nats fans. As fans flocked to the stadiums to welcome back the baseball season, both teams set records for stadium attendance. Both teams also earned much-improved television ratings over the first week of the 2010 season. Nielsen ratings for the Nationals opener April 3, were three times greater than in 2009, despite the fact it was a day game rather than in prime time. The Nationals' 2009 opener against the Florida Marlins earned a 0.5 rating game, while...

Orioles manager Dave Trembley explained to first baseman Garrett Atkins that he's going with the hot hand again tonight. That means Rhyne Hughes stays in the lineup and Atkins stays on the bench. "I gave it to him straight," Trembley said. "I've got a guy who came up from Triple-A and he's hotter than a firecracker. He's going to stay there as long as he hits." Could this turn into a platoon situation? "That depends how Hughes hits," Trembley replied. "That depends when Atkins...

O's president Andy MacPhail was asked about his manager Dave Trembley just a few minutes ago near the Orioles dugout. His comments today reflected his recent public comments about his skipper. "Same thing I've told everybody. Our complete energy and focus is on doing the things we can to improve the situation on the field. Part of that is going to be getting more timely hitting and wrapping up the games at the end. That needs the most improvement at the present time. "We talk all the...

Second baseman Brian Roberts still hasn't been cleared for baseball-related activities after back specialist Dr. Lee Riley examined him yesterday at Johns Hopkins. Manager Dave Trembley doesn't have one specific closer or set-up man. He's waiting for pitchers to step up and claim those roles. "I'm all for it," Trembley said. "That's what I told (Kam) Mickolio when I sent him out. I said, 'Hey, listen, what we've been trying in the bullpen has not worked. I've been giving it to just...

For the Orioles: Adam Jones CF Nick Markakis RF Matt Wieters C Miguel Tejada 3B Luke Scott DH Ty Wigginton 2B Rhyne Hughes 1B Nolan Reimold LF Cesar Izturis SS Kevin Millwood RHP For the Yankees: Jeter SS Gardner LF Teixeira 1B Rodriguez 3B Cano 2B Posado C Granderson CF Swisher DH Winn RF Hughes RHP

The Orioles have officially purchased Alfredo Simon's contract from Triple-A Norfolk, and Kam Mickolio has been optioned to the Tides. Simon is 1-1 with a 1.59 ERA in four games, including three starts, for the Tides. The Orioles also designated reliever Wilfrido Perez for assignment to create room for Simon on the 40-man roster, which is a shocker. Perez was 0-1 with a 10.80 ERA and three saves with Double-A Bowie. He's given up six earned runs and walked five in five innings. Koji...

As the Nats continue their series in Chicago, I spoke with Carrie Muskat, who covers the Cubs for MLB.com, she had some kind words when I asked her about Jim Riggleman's time at Wrigley Field: "Most of the writers will tell you that Riggs was one of our favorite managers at Wrigley during his time here. Riggleman was a very thoughtful and very smart baseball man. I wish him the best because he handled everything so well. What I saw with what he had to go through in San Diego when they...

The Orioles are back home today, and I'll be settling into my press box seat around 3 p.m. The moves haven't been particularly bold, but president of baseball operations Andy MacPhail is massaging the roster while trying to pump more life into the team. Continuing efforts to support manager Dave Trembley, MacPhail will add reliever Alfredo Simon to the bullpen for tonight's game, most likely at Kam Mickolio's expense because the right-hander has options remaining. MacPhail already...

It looks like the Orioles offense is rounding into shape in time for the club's six-game homestand versus Boston and New York. Even without Brian Roberts, the callup of Rhyne Hughes and return of Miguel Tejada has pumped some life into the bats and the lineup. Now let's see that impact the whole team. It's no secret the O's clubhouse is filled with some low-key guys. Nothing wrong with that, there are plenty of good guys and real pros on the roster. But for the next six days the O's...