President of baseball operations Andy MacPhail said he doesn't particularly care for the process of renewing players' contracts, but it's part of the system that's been around for a while. "I think we counted over 200 guys who have been renewed in this last CBA," he said. "If I could create my ideal system, this wouldn't be it, but this is just the way we operate. It's the same system that's been in place here since the CBA. And I think, to some degree, it's a byproduct of having...

Ryan Adams got his first at-bat since arriving at the major league camp. He struck out looking to begin the ninth inning in an 8-3 loss to the Tampa Bay Rays. Trust us, Ryan, it's not your fault. Tough day for Josh Bell. Besides two errors and a few poor throws, he also struck out to strand Lou Montanez at third base. Montanez has three hits in 13 at-bats this spring - all doubles. He also has four RBIs. Tough day for Garrett Atkins, too. He went 0-for-3 with two strikeouts and a double...

We have another night game, this time in Pirate City, which means the lineup won't be posted until 2 p.m. I'm told Bradenton is the shortest trip of the spring, about 15 minutes from the Orioles' complex. The Pirates worked out and dressed at their home site before heading here last week, but the Orioles will wait until they arrive at McKechnie Field. Brad Bergesen makes his first exhibition start, and he's slated to go two innings or throw 35 pitches. The Orioles will get another look...

If the Orioles look outside the organization for a second baseman to replace Brian Roberts, they'll need to scan the rosters of the other teams. The middle infield shelves are bare in the free-agent market. If you check mlbtraderumors, you'll find the following players listed at the two positions: Second basemen: None Shortstops: None Must be brothers. Julio Lugo, Delwyn Young, Ramon Vazquez, Augie Ojeda, and Gregorio Petit are mentioned as possible fits. The Orioles will see Young...

Former Orioles pitcher, pitching coach and executive Mike Flanagan is returning to the MASN broadcast booth. The network announced that Flanagan will replace Buck Martinez as an analyst. He'll work the games that Jim Palmer misses, which is approximately half of the schedule. It's nice to collect Cy Young winners. "I'm excited about being back and look forward to working with MASN to make it the best possible network, and hopefully add to that, to enrich the broadcast. I'm excited about...

Felix Pie LF Cesar Izturis SS Adam Jones CF Miguel Tejada 3B Matt Wieters C Luke Scott 1B Ty Wigginton DH Lou Montanez RF Justin Turner 2B Brad Bergesen RHP Along with the other pitchers I mentioned earlier today, the Orioles also will bring Jason Berken, Brandon Erbe, Luis Lebron, Frank Mata, Josh Perrault and Ross Wolf.

Brian Roberts said his stomach is feeling a lot better, though he's uncertain whether he had a reaction to medication or a virus, and he's hoping to resume baseball-related activities tomorrow. "I don't really have a timetable for sure yet," he said. President of baseball operations Andy MacPhail expressed some concern about Roberts' herniated disk and the delay in getting him into the lineup. Is Roberts worried? "It's not ideal at this point, but I'm not concerned about missing...

Matt Wieters walked to his locker this afternoon without a photographer tailing him. It's been a slow day. Wieters referred to his Sports Illustrated cover shot as "a great honor." He's also prepared to grab some extra copies for family members. "Whatever they want, I'll get for them," he said, adding that he'd like a framed copy. Wieters doesn't fear the SI cover jinx. "It's how hard you work and what you put into it," he said. "Baseball is a tough game already without...

I'll go on record right now as saying I'm not terribly impressed with Bradenton, or the person who insisted that the drive from Sarasota would take 15 minutes. It's a little sketchy around here. (I'm only saying this so the Bradenton Chamber of Commerce will treat me to dinner.) I already said my goodbyes to Jeff Zrebiec and Peter Schmuck because I don't like our chances of getting back to the car alive. It's quite a trip. But I will enjoy sitting on a stool in the press box for nine...

Not much to report from manager Dave Trembley's pre-game media session. We already knew that the club is looking for two innings or 35 pitches from right-hander Brad Bergesen. "Whichever comes first," Trembley said. The Orioles will reevaluate Brian Roberts tomorrow and try to get him back on the field. "We're hoping that," Trembley said. "That would be nice." Trembley wouldn't elaborate when I asked whether he'll begin to rotate guys at second base in case Roberts isn't ready...