Orioles hitting coach Terry Crowley doesn't know a lot about Garrett Atkins, but he has a pretty firm grasp on how he'll form a relationship with the infielder and bring out the best in him. Crowley inherits the responsibility of putting Atkins back on the right track after the seven-year veteran skidded into a ditch in Colorado. Atkins batted .226 with nine homers and 48 RBIs. He lost his starting job at third base. Now he needs to find his way. "This actually is one of my...

No, it isn't a holiday tradition at my house, or a nasty prank that Santa pulls on the kids. While talking about new infielder Garrett Atkins this week, Orioles hitting coach Terry Crowley summoned Felix Pie's name as he contemplated the work that awaited him in spring training. Crowley pointed out that Atkins is in a separate category because Pie only had a minor league track record when he showed up at Fort Lauderdale Stadium earlier this year. Atkins has put up impressive numbers in the...

With a week left before the ball drops on another year, a few free agents on the market might want to consider lowering their demands. Third baseman Adrian Beltre reportedly is seeking $10-15 million a year, but teams aren't forming a line around the block to hand it over. The Athletics reportedly are interested in him, but "only in an Oakland economy-size financial package," according to ESPN's Buster Olney. That doesn't sound anywhere close to $10-15 million. Adam LaRoche is rumored to...

Tempers have been pretty hot around here lately, but nothing compares to the heat that rises off the hot stove - except during the holiday break. Better wear your gloves if you're looking to warm your hands. With the Orioles in wait-and-see mode as we approach the start of 2010, this seemed like a good time to break out another entry that tackles the most popular questions that appear on this blog...over and over and over again. • Do you think the Orioles would...

My belated Christmas continues in Ocean Pines today, but I wanted to keep the blog fires burning. I hope most of you have recovered from your holiday celebrations and are preparing for a happy and safe New Year. No truth to the rumor that the ball has been moved from Times Square and will drop in shallow right field at Camden Yards. My sister bought me the 10th anniversary edition of The Big Lebowski, which will provide my first chance to watch it. I guess she's just as appalled as the rest...

If you're a fan of FanGraphs, you might be interested in this piece about the Orioles' potential logjam in the outfield - which doesn't seem to concern the Orioles, considering they were ready to coax Al Bumbry and Ken Singleton out of retirement back in September as they began to run short of healthy bodies. I'd like to add a few key points: Luke Scott might approve a move to first base, but the Orioles certainly do not. Manager Dave Trembley dropped a pretty strong hint about Scott's...

Rather than being forced to accept a lower offer than the one he turned down from the Red Sox, outfielder Jason Bay reportedly has agreed to a four-year, $66 million deal with the Mets that includes a vesting option for 2014 that could bring the total package to around $80 million. Bay didn't want any part of Citi Field until the Mets gave him around 80 million reasons why he should reconsider. The Orioles weren't going to venture into that neighborhood for Bay, and the vast majority of...

While wondering how many of you were surprised by LeRon McClain's selection to the Pro Bowl... With so many readers being curious about next year's free-agent class, and debating it's worth vs. the current crop, I wanted to pass along this link from mlbtraderumors, in case you missed it in the comments section. You'll notice a significant drop at first base after Albert Pujols (and this is assuming he doesn't sign an extension before hitting the market with the same force that he uses to...

Orioles president of baseball operations Andy MacPhail has denied a FOXSports report that the club made an eight-year, $130 million offer to free-agent outfielder Matt Holliday. MacPhail said there's "no validity" to it. And he was adamant. MacPhail and agent Scott Boras discussed Holliday once, during negotiations with free-agent closer Mike Gonzalez, but the Orioles weren't willing to meet his price. Sorry to disappoint you, but Holliday's demands far exceed what the Orioles are...

Was it supposed to snow again? Wasn't I supposed to buy a shovel and gloves? I hate winter. The Orioles still need to fill a few more positions on their minor league staffs, but they've already made an interesting hire at Single-A Delmarva. Former center fielder Mike Devereaux will serve as field coach for the Shorebirds in 2010, replacing former third baseman Ryan Minor, who has been promoted to manager. It's nice to have Devereaux in the organization again. I didn't know he had any...