http://masnsports.com/ The Official Website of the Mid-Atlantic Sports Network en Copyright 2010 Fri, 31 Dec 2010 12:01:00 -0500 http://www.sixapart.com/movabletype/ http://www.rssboard.org/rss-specification Darren in GB and Tom McAllister beat me to it. Will Startup's intro music has to be "Start Me Up" by The Rolling Stones. No arguments. As a reminder to the terminally negative on this blog, Startup is a minor league signing who gives the Orioles another left-hander for their farm system. He isn't being trumpeted as the free agent who will push them ahead of the Yankees and Red Sox. He's organizational bullpen depth, and his numbers were pretty... http://masnsports.com/2010/02/start-me-up-1.html http://masnsports.com/2010/02/start-me-up-1.html Roch Kubatko Roch Kubatko Orioles Tue, 09 Feb 2010 10:02:20 -0500 I bet you thought I was going to say Will Ohman. According to a tweet (there's that word again) from FoxSports.com's Jon Paul Morosi, the Orioles have signed left-handed reliever Will Startup to a minor league contract. No word on whether he'll receive a spring training invite, but I'd ship him in bubble wrap. Startup, 25, missed the entire 2008 season and most of 2009 with injuries - he reportedly underwent Tommy John surgery - but he's posted a 2.70... http://masnsports.com/2010/02/where-theres-a-will.html http://masnsports.com/2010/02/where-theres-a-will.html Roch Kubatko Roch Kubatko Orioles Mon, 08 Feb 2010 23:46:01 -0500 Keep your hands off my mama, keep your hands off my Doritos. Consider yourselves warned. Since we examined the 13 available spots for position players earlier today, let's shift to the 12-man pitching staff. Keep in mind, of course, that performances and potential late acquisitions will influence the list. We're tackling this issue on Feb. 8 (and doing a much better job of it than the Colts' secondary). Kevin Millwood, Jeremy Guthrie, Brad Bergesen and Brian Matusz are expected to... http://masnsports.com/2010/02/staff-injections.html http://masnsports.com/2010/02/staff-injections.html Roch Kubatko Roch Kubatko Orioles Mon, 08 Feb 2010 15:41:09 -0500 By this time next week, I'll be tossing clothes in a suitcase and wondering how much AirTran will charge me for the privilege of checking in for my flight to Sarasota. Southwest doesn't fly into that city, which is one strike against the Orioles' spring training relocation. But I'm sure another airline can provide me with the same travel issues that hound me each year. It's a tradition of sorts and I'd hate to see it end. The Orioles' camp... http://masnsports.com/2010/02/getting-in-position.html http://masnsports.com/2010/02/getting-in-position.html Roch Kubatko Roch Kubatko Orioles Mon, 08 Feb 2010 09:25:56 -0500 The Erik Bedard deal makes more sense now that the Seattle media has determined that it includes a mutual option for 2011. Initial reports mentioned only the $1.5 million base salary and incentives. Why would any team sign him for one season when he might not be available for at least the first two months, and will be less than a year removed from labrum surgery? Does anyone really think that Bedard is going to blow away hitters this summer... http://masnsports.com/2010/02/this-that-and-the-other-36.html http://masnsports.com/2010/02/this-that-and-the-other-36.html Roch Kubatko Roch Kubatko Orioles Sun, 07 Feb 2010 09:53:07 -0500 A polar bear knocked on my door this morning and asked when pitchers and catchers report. Is that weird? I've shoveled my sidewalk and dug out my car five times, once rising out of bed at 5 a.m., and I still can't keep ahead of this storm. And I did it with my fingers crossed, hoping and praying that my power doesn't go out. I couldn't get my door open earlier this morning, and then I couldn't get it to... http://masnsports.com/2010/02/digging-out-and-pitching-in.html http://masnsports.com/2010/02/digging-out-and-pitching-in.html Roch Kubatko Roch Kubatko Orioles Sat, 06 Feb 2010 11:30:37 -0500 Logistical issues and some follow-up testing have caused a delay in Mark Hendrickson's new contract becoming official. We probably won't get an announcement before Monday, but it's coming. The Orioles haven't dismissed the idea of signing another starting pitcher before spring training, but they're focused only on non-roster deals at the moment. Unless something comes up unexpectedly that makes sense, they won't be offering a major league contract to a starter or reliever. The Orioles made a one-year offer to... http://masnsports.com/2010/02/a-few-updates-and-notes.html http://masnsports.com/2010/02/a-few-updates-and-notes.html Roch Kubatko Roch Kubatko Orioles Fri, 05 Feb 2010 14:43:51 -0500 I've made the assumption that three spots in the Orioles' batting order are set. Brian Roberts leads off, Nick Markakis hits third and Cesar Izturis hits ninth. It's the rest of the lineup that's been a mystery. I still believe you'll it see play out that way on most nights, but manager Dave Trembley suggested yesterday that only two spots are locked up. "I would say one and nine," Trembley said yesterday during his call-in segment on Wall to Wall... http://masnsports.com/2010/02/where-markakis-hits.html http://masnsports.com/2010/02/where-markakis-hits.html Roch Kubatko Roch Kubatko Orioles Fri, 05 Feb 2010 08:30:24 -0500 Orioles minor league pitcher Brian Parker has received a 50-game suspension from the office of the commissioner after a second positive test for a "drug of abuse" that violates the Minor League Drug Prevention and Treatment Program. The suspension for Parker, currently on Double-A Bowie's roster, will begin at the start of the 2010 season. Parker led Single-A Frederick with 35 appearances last season, going 4-3 with a 4.31 ERA and 64 strikeouts in 64 2/3 innings.... http://masnsports.com/2010/02/parker-suspended.html http://masnsports.com/2010/02/parker-suspended.html Roch Kubatko Roch Kubatko Orioles Thu, 04 Feb 2010 16:46:26 -0500 I'll be joining Tom Davis and Phil Wood today for a special edition of "Wall to Wall Baseball" on MASN. The show runs from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. and includes a call-in segment with manager Dave Trembley around 4:15 p.m. I'll torture him and ask for his Opening Day lineup and rotation. The latest on Erik Bedard includes a blog out of Seattle from MLB.com's Jim Street that implies, but doesn't confirm, that the Mariners have prepared an offer... http://masnsports.com/2010/02/shameless-plug-alert-8.html http://masnsports.com/2010/02/shameless-plug-alert-8.html Roch Kubatko Roch Kubatko Orioles Thu, 04 Feb 2010 10:52:57 -0500 I've had a few readers wonder why a growing number of players are spending their winters at the Athletes' Performance Institute in Arizona, rather than working out at their local gym or hiring a personal trainer who makes house calls. Minor league catcher Caleb Joseph lived with Brian Matusz for part of the offseason, and they joined Brian Roberts and Adam Jones for daily sessions at API that concentrated on fitness and nutrition. I'm told Joseph returned home in better... http://masnsports.com/2010/02/caleb-josephs-perspective-on-a.html http://masnsports.com/2010/02/caleb-josephs-perspective-on-a.html Roch Kubatko Roch Kubatko Orioles Thu, 04 Feb 2010 07:00:42 -0500 Dennis Sarfate has cleared waivers after being designated for assignment last week, and the Orioles outrighted him to Triple-A Norfolk. Sarfate received an invitation to spring training and will attempt to make the club as a non-roster pitcher. I would expect to see Sarfate back in Baltimore at some point this summer if he remains in the organization. His primary competition in Sarasota will come from Matt Albers, Cla Meredith and Kam Mickolio. The Orioles also could move David Hernandez... http://masnsports.com/2010/02/sarfate-stays-in-organization.html http://masnsports.com/2010/02/sarfate-stays-in-organization.html Roch Kubatko Roch Kubatko Orioles Wed, 03 Feb 2010 16:37:31 -0500 I'm told that the official announcement on Mark Hendrickson's one-year deal with the Orioles could come tomorrow. I wouldn't expect to hear anything today. I guess physicals take longer for guys who are 6 feet 9 or taller. The Orioles re-signed pitcher Andy Mitchell to a minor league deal, according to Baseball America's Matt Eddy. Mitchell's name isn't included on the list of spring training invites, which ends one of my favorite baseball traditions - watching him warm up in... http://masnsports.com/2010/02/a-few-notes-3.html http://masnsports.com/2010/02/a-few-notes-3.html Roch Kubatko Roch Kubatko Orioles Wed, 03 Feb 2010 13:32:50 -0500 You want to know what it's like to move from shortstop to third base? You wonder about the adjustments, both mental and physical, that come with it? You need to know whether Miguel Tejada can make the switch so late in his career? Here's my question: Why are you asking me? Instead of subjecting you to my theories and speculation, I'll just let Cal Ripken take it from here. He's more qualified, from what I've been told. "The hardest part... http://masnsports.com/2010/02/ripkens-opinion-on-going-from.html http://masnsports.com/2010/02/ripkens-opinion-on-going-from.html Roch Kubatko Roch Kubatko Orioles Wed, 03 Feb 2010 08:07:02 -0500 In case you skipped over the most recent batch of comments attached to today's blog entry, "Buddy" provided a link to an article from the Ball State Daily News regarding former Oriole Larry Bigbie. Bigbie is being inducted into the Ball State Athletics Hall of Fame on Friday, an honor that might seem predictable given his status as a first-round draft pick and the years he spent in the majors. But you had to wonder whether the university would distance... http://masnsports.com/2010/02/catching-up-with-bigbie.html http://masnsports.com/2010/02/catching-up-with-bigbie.html Roch Kubatko Roch Kubatko Orioles Tue, 02 Feb 2010 16:08:32 -0500 If you've been keeping those fingers crossed that catcher Robby Hammock would re-sign with the Orioles, he signed a minor league deal with the Colorado Rockies. Says so right here in Baseball America's latest minor league transactions. Hammock will dress in the same spring training clubhouse as Melvin Mora and Jay Payton. Also, catcher Gustavo Molina, who appeared in seven games with the Orioles in 2007, signed a minor league deal with the Boston Red Sox. Best of luck to... http://masnsports.com/2010/02/do-the-right-thing.html http://masnsports.com/2010/02/do-the-right-thing.html Roch Kubatko Roch Kubatko Orioles Tue, 02 Feb 2010 09:17:24 -0500 Mark Hendrickson didn't complete his physical on Friday, so the medical stuff continued today. And while the club expects him to pass, his official signing could be delayed until later in the week. I apologize if I lost anyone with the phrase "medical stuff." I understand that some of you prefer layman's terms. The Orioles also won't expect to have Dennis Sarfate's situation resolved until later in the week. They designated him for assignment on Wednesday to make room for... http://masnsports.com/2010/02/hendrickson-update-and-more.html http://masnsports.com/2010/02/hendrickson-update-and-more.html Roch Kubatko Roch Kubatko Orioles Mon, 01 Feb 2010 15:13:24 -0500 We should receive official word today that reliever Mark Hendrickson has re-signed, though he may choose to make the announcement at the next Oriole Advocates luncheon. Hendrickson apparently has passed his physical. The MLB offices were closed over the weekend, which explains the delay. Am I the only person around here who isn't getting all sentimental over Melvin Mora's departure? Mora spent 10 seasons in Baltimore, including the second half of 2000 after coming here in the Mike Bordick trade... http://masnsports.com/2010/02/hendrickson-mora-and-scott.html http://masnsports.com/2010/02/hendrickson-mora-and-scott.html Roch Kubatko Roch Kubatko Orioles Mon, 01 Feb 2010 08:56:51 -0500 Many thanks to "Bumblebee" in Japan for passing along the YouTube video of Koji Uehara that ran last week. You'll need a translator, but it's proof that he's still alive (and playing catch). According to Bumblebee, Uehara tells his interviewer - a former player with the Yomiuri Giants - that he's planning to throw more cutters and changeups this season. As long as we're talking about the staff, pitching coach Rick Kranitz is a firm believer in letting young starters... http://masnsports.com/2010/01/a-sense-of-relief.html http://masnsports.com/2010/01/a-sense-of-relief.html Roch Kubatko Roch Kubatko Orioles Sun, 31 Jan 2010 10:48:40 -0500 The Orioles are trying to work out a trade for Dennis Sarfate, rather than risk losing him to a waiver claim, after designating him for assignment on Wednesday. Once the Orioles cleared room on the 40-man roster for Miguel Tejada, they had 10 days to trade Sarfate, release him or put him on waivers. Sarfate believes that several teams will be interested in him. A fastball that tops out in the upper 90s will get a guy noticed. Sarfate is... http://masnsports.com/2010/01/sarfate-update-3.html http://masnsports.com/2010/01/sarfate-update-3.html Roch Kubatko Roch Kubatko Orioles Sat, 30 Jan 2010 20:29:25 -0500 My ears are still ringing from the sound of Billy Butler's line drive smacking off Brad Bergesen's left shin. Imagine how it sounds to Bergesen. He'll be a full-go in spring training after a long and painful recovery, but I keep wondering how he'll react to the first ball that's hit up the middle. And the second and third. I don't know about Bergesen, but I'll be flinching. "I've seen it happen more when guys get hit above the shoulders,... http://masnsports.com/2010/01/kranitz-on-bergesen.html http://masnsports.com/2010/01/kranitz-on-bergesen.html Roch Kubatko Roch Kubatko Orioles Sat, 30 Jan 2010 15:03:32 -0500 Orioles pitching coach Rick Kranitz, calling into last night's Hot Stove Show on 105.7 The Fan and ESPN 1300, reported that Koji Uehara is throwing in Japan and apparently in good health after going on the disabled list for the last time on June 24 and missing the rest of the season. "Everything I've heard is that he's throwing," Kranitz said. "Obviously, we have to put some eyes on him to really find out how he's doing, because we don't... http://masnsports.com/2010/01/updating-koji.html http://masnsports.com/2010/01/updating-koji.html Roch Kubatko Roch Kubatko Orioles Sat, 30 Jan 2010 10:41:19 -0500 Is it true that Kurt Warner will hold a press conference today to announce whether Brett Favre is retiring? Perhaps I misunderstood. The Orioles' news is slowing again, but not because president of baseball operations Andy MacPhail is letting the market play out. We're approaching spring training and the camp roster is pretty much set. We'll probably see a left-handed reliever signed to a minor league contract. Try to control your breathing. Erik Bedard reportedly is throwing, but that doesn't... http://masnsports.com/2010/01/sorting-through-the-bullpen.html http://masnsports.com/2010/01/sorting-through-the-bullpen.html Roch Kubatko Roch Kubatko Orioles Fri, 29 Jan 2010 07:51:10 -0500 Orioles manager Dave Trembley is glad to have left-hander Mark Hendrickson back in his bullpen. Trembley talked about Hendrickson's value as the 2009 season closed, and his opinion hasn't changed. This is a signing that he endorsed from the beginning - one that will become official later this week. "Glad to have Hendrickson," Trembley wrote in an e-mail. "He did well last year as a left-handed guy out of the bullpen. He can pitch in long relief or late in... http://masnsports.com/2010/01/trembley-on-hendrickson-1.html http://masnsports.com/2010/01/trembley-on-hendrickson-1.html Roch Kubatko Roch Kubatko Orioles Thu, 28 Jan 2010 19:32:03 -0500 How nice of Mark Hendrickson to announce last night at a sports banquet in Hanover, Pa. that he agreed to terms with the Orioles. Maybe I should have placed my last 12 calls to him over there. I was doing it all wrong. At least he saved me from making No. 13 later today. (I almost made No. 2 when I heard about this, if you know what I mean.) I've been predicting this move since, oh, around October. Three... http://masnsports.com/2010/01/hendrickson-says-hes-back.html http://masnsports.com/2010/01/hendrickson-says-hes-back.html Roch Kubatko Roch Kubatko Orioles Thu, 28 Jan 2010 07:35:40 -0500 The Orioles have invited six more players to spring training, including shortstop Blake Davis. Joining Davis will be catchers Luis Bernardo and Adam Donachie, infielder Miguel Abreu, outfielder Matt Angle and infielder/outfielder Jonathan Tucker. The Orioles also made Sarfate's removal from the 40-man roster official. Sarfate received the news from his agent earlier today that the Orioles had designated him for assignment. He let it sink in, took a deep breath and headed outdoors to throw a bullpen session. "It... http://masnsports.com/2010/01/more-invites-and-sarfate-inter.html http://masnsports.com/2010/01/more-invites-and-sarfate-inter.html Roch Kubatko Roch Kubatko Orioles Wed, 27 Jan 2010 17:19:45 -0500 The Orioles have designated reliever Dennis Sarfate for assignment, a move made to create room on the 40-man roster for third baseman Miguel Tejada, who signed a one-year, $6 million contract yesterday after passing his physical. The club is expected to make the announcement later today, but Sarfate's agent already has informed him of the move. Sarfate was 0-1 with a 5.09 ERA in 20 appearances last season. He spent almost four months on the disabled list with a circulatory... http://masnsports.com/2010/01/the-corresponding-roster-move.html http://masnsports.com/2010/01/the-corresponding-roster-move.html Roch Kubatko Roch Kubatko Orioles Wed, 27 Jan 2010 15:26:48 -0500 Miguel Tejada will wear No. 9 this season. Read all about it here on the team's Twitter account - @birdlandinsider. Michael Aubrey wore No. 9 last year, after Gregg Zaun was traded, but I doubt that he'll receive an expensive watch in return. I'm sure he'd settle for a spot on the 25-man roster. He'd probably have an easier time getting the Rolex.... http://masnsports.com/2010/01/miggy-dont-lose-that-number.html http://masnsports.com/2010/01/miggy-dont-lose-that-number.html Roch Kubatko Roch Kubatko Orioles Wed, 27 Jan 2010 11:31:44 -0500 Miguel Tejada says he has no preference where he hits, so I guess he won't be submitting his own lineup ideas to this blog. "Last year, I went from second to sixth," he said. "Every day I was in the lineup, I was totally happy." According to president of baseball operations Andy MacPhail, Tejada told him, "Just put me in the lineup. Wherever you see fit is fine with me." "I'm sure Dave Trembley's gone through 14 different versions of... http://masnsports.com/2010/01/this-that-and-the-other-35.html http://masnsports.com/2010/01/this-that-and-the-other-35.html Roch Kubatko Roch Kubatko Orioles Wed, 27 Jan 2010 09:51:00 -0500 President of baseball operations Andy MacPhail addressed a question during the press conference that was directed at Miguel Tejada. He jumped in like a referee getting between two fighters, though he didn't wave his arms and remove Tejada's mouthpiece. A reporter wanted to know whether Tejada would have any issues with moving off third base to make room for Josh Bell later this summer, if the situation presented itself. More to the point, would he accept a part-time role? "The... http://masnsports.com/2010/01/regular-duty-for-tejada.html http://masnsports.com/2010/01/regular-duty-for-tejada.html Roch Kubatko Roch Kubatko Orioles Tue, 26 Jan 2010 19:47:43 -0500 Let's clear up the first controversy regarding Miguel Tejada: He hasn't chosen a uniform number and he doesn't really care. Tejada isn't married to No. 10. He wore it during his first stint with the Orioles because No. 4 was retired. While he appreciated Adam Jones' gesture to surrender 10 for a Rolex, he probably won't press the issue. Miguel Tejada and Andy MacPhail discuss Tejada signing with the Orioles The Orioles didn't hand Tejada a jersey during today's press... http://masnsports.com/2010/01/getting-miggy-with-it-1.html http://masnsports.com/2010/01/getting-miggy-with-it-1.html Roch Kubatko Roch Kubatko Orioles Tue, 26 Jan 2010 16:08:43 -0500 Miguel Tejada is expected to be re-introduced to the local media this afternoon after taking his physical. I'll provide an update later today once all of the details are official, but you'll probably want to keep your television tuned to MASN. Update: The Orioles will hold a press conference at 3 p.m. They didn't specify the reason, but we'll assume it involves Tejada. I'll head to the Warehouse to attend the press conference. Steve Melewski also will be there, so... http://masnsports.com/2010/01/miggy-and-lefties.html http://masnsports.com/2010/01/miggy-and-lefties.html Roch Kubatko Roch Kubatko Orioles Tue, 26 Jan 2010 07:13:25 -0500 A team that commits five turnovers and allows 12 men in the huddle after moving into field goal range doesn't deserve to win, but a level playing field in the NFC championship game would have been nice. Three calls went against the Vikings in overtime, which again makes me wonder why they don't demolish the review booth or use it as an extra concession stand. Bad spot on fourth down, bad pass interference call on an overthrown ball, bad reception... http://masnsports.com/2010/01/policing-the-lineup.html http://masnsports.com/2010/01/policing-the-lineup.html Roch Kubatko Roch Kubatko Orioles Mon, 25 Jan 2010 09:57:04 -0500 A humorous exchange from FanFest: Brandon Snyder was standing beside me as Lou Montanez explained that he didn't play first base in Puerto Rico. In an exasperated tone, Snyder said, "You're playing first base now? Oh great! I guess I'll start playing left field." I don't think Snyder needs to change positions again. He's safe. It just might take a while for him to debut at first base with the Orioles. Josh Bell is staying at third base, and he... http://masnsports.com/2010/01/snyder-bell-and-a-message.html http://masnsports.com/2010/01/snyder-bell-and-a-message.html Roch Kubatko Roch Kubatko Orioles Sun, 24 Jan 2010 12:11:22 -0500 It's done. I'm talking about FanFest and the Miguel Tejada rumors. More than 12,000 people attended today's event. I personally counted each one. It would have been nice if you stood still and made it easier on me. I want to thank everyone who waited in line at the MASN booth to have a photo taken with me. You obviously had some time to kill. And it was terrific meeting so many of my readers and putting a face with... http://masnsports.com/2010/01/wrapping-up-fanfest.html http://masnsports.com/2010/01/wrapping-up-fanfest.html Roch Kubatko Roch Kubatko Orioles Sat, 23 Jan 2010 22:14:40 -0500 The latest forum taking place on the main stage includes members of the 1970 world championship team, and it's a huge relief to see Paul Blair on the panel. Blair, my favorite player growing up, suffered a heart attack on Dec. 22. He was released on Christmas Day and said he's feeling much better. Blair said he was bowling when he began to experience tightness in his chest. He never lost consciousness on his trip to the hospital. Doctors told... http://masnsports.com/2010/01/blairs-health-scare.html http://masnsports.com/2010/01/blairs-health-scare.html Roch Kubatko Roch Kubatko Orioles Sat, 23 Jan 2010 15:34:56 -0500 During his latest forum, president of baseball operations Andy MacPhail reminded fans that he can't confirm any contract agreements until the player passes his physical. But he did his best to get the message across about Miguel Tejada. He wasn't going to issue any denials. Everyone knows the deal is done. And the crowd broke out in applause as MacPhail dropped more hints. "All I know is Dave (Trembley) has been smiling since I talked to him this morning," MacPhail... http://masnsports.com/2010/01/macphail-still-dancing-around.html http://masnsports.com/2010/01/macphail-still-dancing-around.html Roch Kubatko Roch Kubatko Orioles Sat, 23 Jan 2010 13:55:46 -0500 More than 10,000 fans are here, and they're still filing through the doors. They're probably having a better time than Ty Wigginton, who's doing his best to hide his disappointment in the Orioles' roster moves. Wigginton agreed to a two-year deal last winter because he was led to believe that he might be a starter in 2010. Aubrey Huff and Melvin Mora weren't expected to return, and Wigginton can play first and third base. The Orioles signed Garrett Atkins and... http://masnsports.com/2010/01/putting-on-a-happy-face.html http://masnsports.com/2010/01/putting-on-a-happy-face.html Roch Kubatko Roch Kubatko Orioles Sat, 23 Jan 2010 13:35:34 -0500 Third base coach Juan Samuel is responsible for working with the infielders, which means he'll have to ease Miguel Tejada's transition to third base. Assuming that Tejada passes his physical, he'll be playing a new position with the Orioles. It's nice to hear that he's finally willing to move over from shortstop, but can he handle it? The Orioles have only won half the battle. "It's going to take a lot of work for him to get used to that... http://masnsports.com/2010/01/samuels-new-challenge.html http://masnsports.com/2010/01/samuels-new-challenge.html Roch Kubatko Roch Kubatko Orioles Sat, 23 Jan 2010 13:14:58 -0500 I spent the last hour posing for photos at the MASN booth as fans passed by with updates on Miguel Tejada. The Orioles do their best business when I'm away from my laptop. They reached agreements with Mike Gonzalez and Garrett Atkins while I attended the MASN holiday party, and they've apparently done the same with Tejada. The Sun's Jeff Zrebiec has confirmed it. President of baseball operations Andy MacPhail did everything except hold up a poster of Tejada during... http://masnsports.com/2010/01/while-i-was-away.html http://masnsports.com/2010/01/while-i-was-away.html Roch Kubatko Roch Kubatko Orioles Sat, 23 Jan 2010 12:41:27 -0500 President of baseball operations dropped a heavier hint that the club will sign a third baseman next week. "We made significant progress recently," he said. MacPhail said "nothing is finalized," but he's confident a deal will get done within the next few days. Asked if it's a third baseman, he paused before replying that it's "fair speculation." Garrett Atkins has been swinging a bat for the past month. He's eager to start working with hitting coach Terry Crowley. "He's well-respected,"... http://masnsports.com/2010/01/fanfest---part-ii.html http://masnsports.com/2010/01/fanfest---part-ii.html Roch Kubatko Roch Kubatko Orioles Sat, 23 Jan 2010 10:56:41 -0500 That was quite the long line wrapping around the Baltimore Convention Center this morning as I arrived here at 9:30 a.m. Hello right back to everyone who shouted out my name. And please, no "Mr. Kubatko." Call me "Roch." Season-ticket holders were allowed early entrance for the Andy MacPhail/Dave Trembley forum, which began with a moment of silence for Curt Motton. MacPhail indicated again that the Orioles should sign a player within the next week. Then he mentioned the likelihood... http://masnsports.com/2010/01/early-observations-from-fanfes.html http://masnsports.com/2010/01/early-observations-from-fanfes.html Roch Kubatko Roch Kubatko Orioles Sat, 23 Jan 2010 10:19:48 -0500 The Orioles retain interest in left-hander Erik Bedard after going over his medical records, but they don't sense that he's on the verge of signing with anyone. "We have had conversations, we have reviewed the medical stuff," president of baseball operations Andy MacPhail said earlier tonight. "We remember Erik the way he pitched for us, which was just positively dominating over the course of the 2007 season. We have confidence in the human being and his competitive nature. "They've sort... http://masnsports.com/2010/01/macphail-on-bedard.html http://masnsports.com/2010/01/macphail-on-bedard.html Roch Kubatko Roch Kubatko Orioles Fri, 22 Jan 2010 23:28:00 -0500 The Orioles won't be introducing a new acquisition at tomorrow's FanFest. President of baseball operations Andy MacPhail pointed out during the Hot Stove Show on 105.7 The Fan that a player would have to pass a physical first, and since the club hasn't reached agreement with a free agent, "the likelihood of somebody being announced and then popping out from behind a curtain is about zero at this stage." Makes sense. MacPhail sounded encouraged that he'll find another player within... http://masnsports.com/2010/01/cornering-macphail.html http://masnsports.com/2010/01/cornering-macphail.html Roch Kubatko Roch Kubatko Orioles Fri, 22 Jan 2010 21:11:45 -0500 The Hot Stove Show returns to 105.7 The Fan and ESPN 1300 tonight at 8 p.m., with Jim Hunter sitting across from your favorite blogger. I'm referring to myself, in case there was any confusion. President of baseball operations Andy MacPhail is scheduled to call into the program at the top of the hour. Left-hander Brian Matusz will join us at 8:30 p.m. Once I learned that MacPhail had been confirmed, I wondered if he was going to make a... http://masnsports.com/2010/01/shameless-plug-alert-7.html http://masnsports.com/2010/01/shameless-plug-alert-7.html Roch Kubatko Roch Kubatko Orioles Fri, 22 Jan 2010 19:03:04 -0500 I have the unfortunate task of passing along some sad news. The Orioles lost another member of their family when former outfielder Curt Motton died last night at age 69. Only a year ago, Motton appeared to be in good health. Friends were shocked when he was diagnosed with stomach cancer, and his courageous battle ended last night. Motton played eight seasons in the majors, seven of them with the Orioles. He was a part of the 1969, '70 and... http://masnsports.com/2010/01/remembering-curt-motton.html http://masnsports.com/2010/01/remembering-curt-motton.html Roch Kubatko Roch Kubatko Orioles Fri, 22 Jan 2010 11:24:02 -0500 It's time once again to tackle the questions that keep popping back up after I've launched myself into them and been flagged for a helmet-to-helmet hit. You know the routine. I answer them, you ask me again, I answer them, you ask me again. It's the School of Roch dance. Dim the lights and let me lead. • Do you think the Orioles have any interest in Ben Sheets? Nope. That's mostly because he doesn't have any interest in them.... http://masnsports.com/2010/01/because-you-asked---red-white.html http://masnsports.com/2010/01/because-you-asked---red-white.html Roch Kubatko Roch Kubatko Orioles Fri, 22 Jan 2010 08:10:54 -0500 Looking at the list of spring training invitees, I have to wonder what happened to infielder Blake Davis. Davis made a solid impression last spring before fracturing a bone in his foot and undergoing surgery that limited him to 55 games with Triple-A Norfolk. The Orioles regard him as being ready defensively at shortstop. They just wonder how much he'll hit. I know the minor league camp in Sarasota is close to the major league facility, so the Orioles don't... http://masnsports.com/2010/01/wheres-blake-davis.html http://masnsports.com/2010/01/wheres-blake-davis.html Roch Kubatko Roch Kubatko Orioles Thu, 21 Jan 2010 17:14:38 -0500 I'll open the morning with a quick thought on Japanese pitcher Hisanori Takahashi: A few readers here are disturbed that the Orioles would bother pursuing Takahashi, but team officials aren't doing it with the same intensity that marked their negotiations with Koji Uehara and Kenshin Kawakami. They're obviously intrigued by him. He's a lefty with an assortment of pitches, including a screwball. He has experience as a starter and reliever. And he's friends with Uehara, which might make the right-hander... http://masnsports.com/2010/01/orioles-this-orioles-that-1.html http://masnsports.com/2010/01/orioles-this-orioles-that-1.html Roch Kubatko Roch Kubatko Orioles Thu, 21 Jan 2010 08:24:50 -0500 The Orioles have engaged in talks with pitcher Hisanori Takahashi and retain interest in the Japanese left-hander, but they're unsure whether he'll join former teammate Koji Uehara in the organization. President of baseball operations Andy MacPhail said the club has talked to him "in general terms about what we'd offer and whether he'd be interested." Takahashi is claiming that he's received a major league offer, according to various reports, but he won't reveal the team. MacPhail isn't certain whether Takahashi,... http://masnsports.com/2010/01/interest-remains-in-takahashi.html http://masnsports.com/2010/01/interest-remains-in-takahashi.html Roch Kubatko Roch Kubatko Orioles Wed, 20 Jan 2010 16:18:50 -0500