Showalter's impact already felt

Well, not really, but the Oriole lead, 3-0, in the third inning after manufacturing two runs and getting another on Nick Markakis' homer. Or maybe the Orioles are trying to win one for Juan! Brian Roberts doubled to lead off the first inning, took third on Nick Markakis ground ball and scored on Ty Wigginton's fly ball. Orioles 1, Royals 0. Felix Pie singled with one out in the second, moved up on a wild pitch, held as Matt Wieters walked, moved up again on another wild pitch, held on Corey Patterson's walk and scored on Cesar Izturis' fielder's choice grounder. Orioles 2, Royals 0. Markakis just took Kyle Davies' deep to lead off the third. Orioles 3, Royals 0. Does anyone miss the Blue Jays? Wigginton is starting at third base, but today's trade opens up the position for Josh Bell. It's time to let the kid play. He hit safely in all eight games after returning to Triple-A Norfolk, and he's the future at third. The Orioles were showcasing Miguel Tejada, and now he's gone. Give Bell the job over the last two months and let Buck Showalter evaluate him. Perhaps we'll also get a better idea whether Bell should continue to switch-hit or ditch it. As long as Wigginton remains on the roster, and he's still a candidate to be traded, he can play first base. He also can slide over to third when Bell rests. But Bell needs to play on a regular basis. No more excuses. No more trips to Norfolk. It'll give us something else to track over the last two months.