More pre-game notes (and more quotes)

Brian Roberts will get three at-bats tonight. He's not expected to play tomorrow. Manager Dave Trembley referred to Brandon Snyder as "the most improved guy in camp from one year to the next." "I think Snyder is close to being ready to play at the major league level," Trembley said. "I sure think Snyder's happy I had the conversation with him last year about, let's put third base to bed and concentrate on first. You saw the game in Jupiter the other day. He played as well at first base as anybody all spring. "Crow's a hard one to win over. Crow wasn't so sure last year when he saw Snyder. This year, he's pretty sure and I'm pretty sure this kid is going to hit." Asked about Josh Bell's bat, Trembley said, "Bell has a tool that you can't teach - power from both sides of the plate. He needs some experience at Triple-A." Asked about Bell's glove, Trembley said, "Very strong arm. Be a little smoother at third. A little more rhythm. Experience on positioning. We're glad to have him." Jonathan Tucker was 9-for-24 with two RBIs and six runs scored before being sent to the minor league camp. "Tucker's a versatile guy. Hungry. Can play all three spots in the outfield. Good runner," Trembley said. "He was my super-utility guy here and that's why I asked for him before camp started. I knew he could play all three spots. I knew he had come off playing winter ball, so he was going to be in shape. And he also could play three spots in the infield. Very good defender. And showed he fit in. He handled himself well." Rhyne Hughes has been told again that he'll need to play the outfield at Triple-A Norfolk. First base could get pretty crowded. Trembley liked Garrett Atkins' batting practice session. "He's starting to get after it." Atkins took additional grounders at first base from coach Juan Samuel before the Orioles left the field. Trembley repeated that Atkins won't play third base. Reminder that Kevin Millwood is pitching in a minor league game tomorrow. David Hernandez will face the Red Sox.



The first inning (updated twice)
Setback for Koji?
 

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