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...

Carlos Delgado went 1-for-4 last night and is batting .304. He started at first base and didn't break a hip. Delgado was removed for a pinch-runner in the seventh inning, which could explain the hip thing. The Blue Jays reportedly are keeping close watch on Delgado, and it would be interesting to have him back in Toronto with new play-by-play announcer Buck Martinez, his former manager. One of the more popular questions here centers on the FanFest lineup. I addressed it three or four times...

Left-hander Rich Hill expects to sign a contract today or tomorrow, and he hasn't formally eliminated the Orioles from consideration after they offered him a minor league deal. "Not yet," he said. However, Hill indicated that one team might be willing to give him a major league contract. If that's the case, you can cross the Orioles off his list. "I've talked with a number of teams," he said, "and I think there are some good opportunities out there. That's where it's at right...

Tennessee Titans running back Chris Johnson doesn't receive a single MVP vote, but he's named AP's Offensive Player of the Year? Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning is named MVP, but he's not the AP's Offensive Player of the Year? A little help, please. Your daily Carlos Delgado update: He went 0-for-2 with a run scored as the designated hitter before being removed for a pinch-hitter in the sixth inning. A pinch-hitter? Catcher Bengie Molina reportedly is close to signing a...