Did Randy Moss play yesterday? The guy looked so bored, I was waiting for him to send a text message while running a route. Does it make anyone else feel old that Otis Nixon celebrated his 51st birthday over the weekend? Then again, he looked 51 during his rookie season. Aubrey Huff reportedly has agreed to a one-year, $3 million deal with the San Francisco Giants, further reducing the number of possible destinations for Adam LaRoche. LaRoche turned down the Giants' two-year, $17 million...

That's a Dozen - The O's suffered their 12th straight loss with Tuesday's 3-1 defeat at Tampa. It's the most consecutive losses since the Birds lost 12 in a row from August 16-28 in 2004. The losing streak is the longest in the Majors this year. No beef - The O's offense was held to one run on nine hits tonight. The O's went 2 for 7 with runners in scoring position and left 8 men on base. The Birds have scored just 36 runs during the 12-game losing streak and have left 95 on base...

Commissioner Bud Selig has issued a statement regarding Mark McGwire's admission today that the former slugger used steroids. The statement doesn't begin with, "It's about time." "I am pleased that Mark McGwire has confronted his use of performance-enhancing substances as a player. Being truthful is always the correct course of action, which is why I had commissioned Senator George Mitchell to conduct his investigation. This statement of contrition, I believe, will make Mark's reentry...

Game Preview Orioles (60-97) at Tampa Bay (81-76) Heading into tonight's game at Tampa, the O's need a win to end a 12-game losing streak and three wins in the next five games to avoid a 100-loss season. Tonight, in game three of a four-game series, David Hernandez (4-9, 5.20) pitches vs. Tampa's James Shields (10-12, 4.17). The O's losing streak is the longest in the Majors this year. Tampa (September 3-13) and Cleveland (September 13-24) both lost 11 in a row earlier this...

As the Orioles' new minor league offensive coordinator, former shortstop Mike Bordick won't be wearing a headset and implementing the shotgun. And I won't be making any Gilbert Arenas jokes. Bordick will teach the small-ball approach to some impressionable youngsters, while also being available to assist in other areas, such as defense and baserunning. His methods will meld with those belonging to roving hitting instructor Denny Walling. Bordick addressed this topic, among others, during...

RHP David Hernandez (4-9, 5.20) tonight makes his 19th start of this season, his 10th on the road and the 2nd of this year vs. Tampa. Even though he is winless over his last eight starts, Hernandez has pitched better in his last two starts, going 0-1, 3.75 vs. Boston and Cleveland. His last win was August 11th vs. Oakland. Hernandez has recorded eight quality starts on the season. Hernandez, 2009 season: First 10 starts: 4-4, 3.81 Last 8 starts: 0-5, 7.34 The Orioles are 5-13 when...

The Orioles rally from a five-run deficit came up short Wednesday night as they lost 5-3 to Tampa at Tropicana Field. The O's remain winless on this road trip and their losing streak, the longest in the Majors this year, has reached 13 games. That's the O's longest since a 14-game streak in August of 1954 and the 1988 team began 0-14 on its way to an 0-21 start. Down 5-0, the O's scored three in the 8th vs. James Shields on Chad Moeller's sac fly and a pinch hit, two-run homer from Ty...

Not his night - O's starting and losing pitcher, David Hernandez, had another poor outing. Coming off his last two starts, he had pitched pretty well, with an ERA of 3.75. But tonight he gave up five runs and seven hits over 4 1/3 innings. Over his last nine starts, Hernandez is 0-6, 7.65. The Orioles are 5-14 when he starts, losing the last nine in a row. Hernandez has lost two starts this season vs. Tampa, pitching a combined 7 1/3 innings and giving up 16 hits and 10ER. Winning...

Here are a few leftovers from Friday night's interview with new minor league offensive coordinator Mike Bordick: On how the Orioles look to him: "They're looking good, in my opinion. And obviously, after the season they had last year, there's really only one way to go and that's up. I know the competition in the East is tough. The other teams aren't getting any worse, but I think the talent's there, I think the pieces are in place. I think (Kevin) Millwood's a huge help. (Add) maybe a...

The Orioles' pitchers and catchers report to their new spring training home in Sarasota on Feb. 17, with the first workout being held the following day. The first full-squad workout, including position players, takes places on Feb. 23. Four teams in the American League (Royals, Angels, Yankees, Mariners) and seven in the National League (Cubs, Reds, Rockies, Phillies, Pirates, Cardinals, Giants) have the same report dates as the Orioles. No team will arrive earlier. Individual tickets for...