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 Monday: Utility position up for grabs... http://masnsports.com/2010/02/what-theyre-saying-about-the-o-266.html http://masnsports.com/2010/02/what-theyre-saying-about-the-o-266.html Saying Orioles Jeff Wolfson What they're saying about the Orioles Tue, 09 Feb 2010 11:08:12 -0500 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 The Orioles clearly have their catcher of the present and future now solidly in place in Matt Wieters. But one key question concerning Wieters for the 2010 season is this one - how heavy of a load can he carry in terms of games played? If Wieters gets one day off per week, he would play in about 138 games. Last year, between Norfolk and Baltimore he played in 135 games, getting 495 at bats. He had 81 at bats... http://masnsports.com/2010/02/wondering-about-wieters-plus-t.html http://masnsports.com/2010/02/wondering-about-wieters-plus-t.html Orioles News Steve Melewski Tue, 09 Feb 2010 00:33:48 -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 ... http://masnsports.com/2010/02/what-theyre-saying-about-the-o-265.html http://masnsports.com/2010/02/what-theyre-saying-about-the-o-265.html Saying Orioles Jeff Wolfson What they're saying about the Orioles Mon, 08 Feb 2010 10:59:19 -0500 Did you survive the snow? I hope so - and if you didn't get any snow over the last few days, there are crowds of us who are jealous of you right now. How many days until the O's report to Sarasota? Then we can at least "think warm" and remember what sunlight looks like... But in the meantime, buckets of snow can't stop your walks down memory lane as you look to identify the item in the photo below... http://masnsports.com/2010/02/where-in-the-yard-7.html http://masnsports.com/2010/02/where-in-the-yard-7.html Orioles Buzz Kate Wheeler Orioles Orioles Buzz Where in the Yard Mon, 08 Feb 2010 10:17:17 -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 Earlier this month the Orioles signed Joel Guzman, a former Dodgers number one prospect, to a minor league contract. The 25-year-old Guzman, who was a minor league free agent, did not get an invite to Major League spring training. The 6'5", 245-pound, right-handed hitter batted .281-12-57 in 108 games at Double-A Harrisburg last summer and hit just .121 in 12 games at Triple-A Syracuse with the Nationals organization. "He's got a lot of power and athleticism and plays multiple positions.... http://masnsports.com/2010/02/stockstill-on-guzman-and-more.html http://masnsports.com/2010/02/stockstill-on-guzman-and-more.html Orioles News Steve Melewski Mon, 08 Feb 2010 09:25:10 -0500 Monday: Some on Scott and Jones | Tuesday: O's poised for improvement | Wednesday: Looking at Gonzalez, Bergesen, Guthrie and Wieters | Thursday: Update on Guthrie's contract status | Friday: O's sign a minor leaguer | Saturday: A closer look at Matusz, Johnson... http://masnsports.com/2010/02/what-theyre-saying-about-the-o-264.html http://masnsports.com/2010/02/what-theyre-saying-about-the-o-264.html Saying Orioles Jeff Wolfson What they're saying about the Orioles Sun, 07 Feb 2010 13:05:05 -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 As the Orioles continue to upgrade their international scouting, the organization is now trying to become more of a player in a nation that has produced many Major Leaguers through the years - Venezuela. O's Director of Player Development David Stockstill has just returned to Baltimore from a four-nation, 17-day scouting trip that took him to the Dominican, Colombia, Curacao and yes, Venezuela. He scouted many players over four days in that country. And for the first time in about... http://masnsports.com/2010/02/os-get-back-in-venezuela-plus.html http://masnsports.com/2010/02/os-get-back-in-venezuela-plus.html Orioles News Steve Melewski Sat, 06 Feb 2010 13:06:54 -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 Monday: Some on Scott and Jones | Tuesday: O's poised for improvement | Wednesday: Looking at Gonzalez, Bergesen, Guthrie and Wieters | Thursday: Update on Guthrie's contract status | Friday: O's sign a minor leaguer | Sunday: More on Tejada's position switch... http://masnsports.com/2010/02/what-theyre-saying-about-the-o-263.html http://masnsports.com/2010/02/what-theyre-saying-about-the-o-263.html Saying Orioles Jeff Wolfson What they're saying about the Orioles Sat, 06 Feb 2010 10:57:54 -0500 Earlier this week in this space, I presented a story on O's minor leaguer Billy Rowell. Rowell talked about his recent swing change and attempt to get his bat going this season after two poor years at the plate at Frederick. Here are some more quotes from the 21-year-old on other topics. What is Rowell's take on reports he has a poor attitude? "I hear this from other people, the media, but if you ask the coaches I don't have... http://masnsports.com/2010/02/more-from-billy-rowell.html http://masnsports.com/2010/02/more-from-billy-rowell.html Orioles News Steve Melewski Sat, 06 Feb 2010 09:06:38 -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 Monday: Some on Scott and Jones | Tuesday: O's poised for improvement | Wednesday: Looking at Gonzalez, Bergesen, Guthrie and Wieters | Thursday: Update on Guthrie's contract status | Saturday: A closer look at Matusz, Johnson | Sunday: More on Tejada's position switch... http://masnsports.com/2010/02/what-theyre-saying-about-the-o-262.html http://masnsports.com/2010/02/what-theyre-saying-about-the-o-262.html Saying Orioles Jeff Wolfson What they're saying about the Orioles Fri, 05 Feb 2010 11:13:20 -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 There are those who call the Orioles "cheap" because they didn't spend on a big name free agent this year. Others say this wasn't a top free agent class and the time wasn't right for the O's to make a move like that. Some look at the Orioles' payroll and see plenty of room for future spending. I won't argue that point. I expect the O's payroll, which was reported to be about 67 million last year, will probably be... http://masnsports.com/2010/02/pondering-the-future-orioles-p.html http://masnsports.com/2010/02/pondering-the-future-orioles-p.html Orioles News Steve Melewski Fri, 05 Feb 2010 07:08:27 -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 Monday: Some on Scott and Jones | Tuesday: O's poised for improvement | Wednesday: Looking at Gonzalez, Bergesen, Guthrie and Wieters | Friday: O's sign a minor leaguer | Saturday: A closer look at Matusz, Johnson | Sunday: More on Tejada's position switch... http://masnsports.com/2010/02/what-theyre-saying-about-the-o-261.html http://masnsports.com/2010/02/what-theyre-saying-about-the-o-261.html Saying Orioles Jeff Wolfson What they're saying about the Orioles Thu, 04 Feb 2010 11:00:48 -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 After struggling for two straight seasons with the Frederick Keys of the Carolina League, O's minor leaguer Billy Rowell is making a change. He made some adjustments with his swing during instructional league workouts in September and October. "I went back to my old swing from high school. You have to stick with what works. There are a lot of ideas but at the end of the day it's what works for you. This swing is the most consistent and... http://masnsports.com/2010/02/a-swing-change-has-rowell-exci.html http://masnsports.com/2010/02/a-swing-change-has-rowell-exci.html Orioles News Steve Melewski Thu, 04 Feb 2010 09:22:01 -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 The Orioles today announced that RHP DENNIS SARFATE has cleared waivers and has been outrighted to Triple-A Norfolk. Sarfate will be invited to major league spring training as a non-roster invitee. Sarfate went 0-1 with a 5.09 ERA (23.0IP, 13ER) in 20 games for Baltimore in 2009. He spent most of the season on the disabled list with a circulatory condition in his right hand.... http://masnsports.com/2010/02/sarfate-clears-waivers-is-outr.html http://masnsports.com/2010/02/sarfate-clears-waivers-is-outr.html News Releases Orioles Wed, 03 Feb 2010 16:55:07 -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 You probably know that Nicole Sherry is only the second woman to hold the position of Head Groundskeeper for a Major League Baseball team. But did you know that she's also listed in Baltimore Magazine's top singles in "Smalltimore"? Pictured in a short black dress and matching high heels - a far cry from the khakis, orange polos, and sneakers we're used to seeing her sport at Camden Yards - Sherry made a list of 12 notable singles in Baltimore.... http://masnsports.com/2010/02/sherry-named-to-top-singles-in.html http://masnsports.com/2010/02/sherry-named-to-top-singles-in.html Orioles Buzz Kate Wheeler Nicole Sherry Orioles Orioles Buzz Wed, 03 Feb 2010 14:52:43 -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 Monday: Some on Scott and Jones | Tuesday: O's poised for improvement | Thursday: Update on Guthrie's contract status | Friday: O's sign a minor leaguer | Saturday: A closer look at Matusz, Johnson | Sunday: More on Tejada's position switch... http://masnsports.com/2010/02/what-theyre-saying-about-the-o-260.html http://masnsports.com/2010/02/what-theyre-saying-about-the-o-260.html Saying Orioles Jeff Wolfson What they're saying about the Orioles Wed, 03 Feb 2010 11:11:27 -0500 Like his idol, Nolan Ryan, new O's closer Mike Gonzalez is a strikeout pitcher. Last year, with Atlanta, Gonzalez fanned 90 in 74 1/3 innings. In his career he averages 10.6 strikeouts for every nine innings pitched. The great Ryan averaged 9.5 per nine. With some young starting pitchers on the staff, O's president Andy MacPhail said the O's needed a reliable closer to hold their leads and help their collective confidence. As a free agent this winter, the 31-year... http://masnsports.com/2010/02/a-conversation-with-the-oriole.html http://masnsports.com/2010/02/a-conversation-with-the-oriole.html Orioles News Steve Melewski Wed, 03 Feb 2010 09:08:58 -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 Monday: Some on Scott and Jones | Wednesday: Looking at Gonzalez, Bergsen, Guthrie and Wieters | Thursday: Update on Guthrie's contract status | Friday: O's sign a minor leaguer | Saturday: A closer look at Matusz, Johnson | Sunday: More on Tejada's position switch... http://masnsports.com/2010/02/what-theyre-saying-about-the-o-259.html http://masnsports.com/2010/02/what-theyre-saying-about-the-o-259.html Saying Orioles Jeff Wolfson What they're saying about the Orioles Tue, 02 Feb 2010 11:16:15 -0500 The one pitcher in the O's projected starting rotation for this year whose position seems a bit shaky heading to camp is Chris Tillman. Some feel he needs more minor league experience and have concerns that he seemed to struggle last year after some initial Major League success. After going 8-6, 2.70 in 18 starts at Triple-A, the right hander made his Major League debut July 29 versus KC and went 2-5, 5.40 in 12 Orioles' starts. But after going... http://masnsports.com/2010/02/should-os-fans-have-concerns-a.html http://masnsports.com/2010/02/should-os-fans-have-concerns-a.html Orioles News Steve Melewski Tue, 02 Feb 2010 09:49:48 -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 Tuesday: O's poised for improvement | Wednesday: Looking at Gonzalez, Bergsen, Guthrie and Wieters | Thursday: Update on Guthrie's contract status | Friday: O's sign a minor leaguer | Saturday: A closer look at Matusz, Johnson | Sunday: More on Tejada's position switch... http://masnsports.com/2010/02/what-theyre-saying-about-the-o-258.html http://masnsports.com/2010/02/what-theyre-saying-about-the-o-258.html Saying Orioles Jeff Wolfson What they're saying about the Orioles Mon, 01 Feb 2010 10:51:44 -0500 It's February 1st already, which means the Orioles officially report to spring training this month. That said, O's fans probably don't need extra help getting excited for Orioles baseball, but a mental walk around the Yard never hurts - so we're back for another 'Where in the Yard?' photo challenge in the Orioles Buzz. And no, this week's image isn't a gimme - the giveaways don't start until Opening Day, and even then, you'll have to head to the ballpark... http://masnsports.com/2010/02/where-in-the-yard-6.html http://masnsports.com/2010/02/where-in-the-yard-6.html Orioles Buzz Kate Wheeler Orioles Orioles Buzz Where in the Yard Mon, 01 Feb 2010 10:35:14 -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 When fans and media talk about some young Orioles players and how they can improve in the future they seem to mention players like Nolan Reimold, Matt Wieters and Brian Matusz. It almost feels like Adam Jones is a veteran after two years and 251 O's games. But at 24, Jones points out he still has plenty of room to grow as a player. At FanFest, a reporter referred to him as a veteran. "You say, veteran, I'm only 24,... http://masnsports.com/2010/02/jonesys-potential.html http://masnsports.com/2010/02/jonesys-potential.html Orioles News Steve Melewski Mon, 01 Feb 2010 07:18:58 -0500 Monday: More on Tejada, some on Guthrie | Tuesday: Bits on Tejada, Scott and Guthrie | Wednesday: O's farm system is getting stronger | Thursday: Hendrickson back for a second year | Friday: A look at the bullpen, Snyder and Hendrickson | Saturday: Examining the offense and the winter moves... http://masnsports.com/2010/01/what-theyre-saying-about-the-o-257.html http://masnsports.com/2010/01/what-theyre-saying-about-the-o-257.html Saying Orioles Jeff Wolfson What they're saying about the Orioles Sun, 31 Jan 2010 11:59:41 -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 Monday: More on Tejada, some on Guthrie | Tuesday: Bits on Tejada, Scott and Guthrie | Wednesday: O's farm system is getting stronger | Thursday: Hendrickson back for a second year | Friday: A look at the bullpen, Snyder and Hendrickson | Sunday: Reviewing the winter... http://masnsports.com/2010/01/what-theyre-saying-about-the-o-256.html http://masnsports.com/2010/01/what-theyre-saying-about-the-o-256.html Saying Orioles Jeff Wolfson What they're saying about the Orioles Sat, 30 Jan 2010 12:12:44 -0500 It has been an oft-debated topic this winter. Do the Orioles need a big home run bat in the middle of the lineup? There are varying opinions on that one. A - The O's just don't have a true four-hole hitter. B - The O's can't win without one. C - To keep up in this division, you must have one. D - What if a team has several mid-range homer hitters but not one huge bopper? E - Is... http://masnsports.com/2010/01/to-bop-or-not-to-bop-that-is-t.html http://masnsports.com/2010/01/to-bop-or-not-to-bop-that-is-t.html Orioles News Steve Melewski Sat, 30 Jan 2010 11:52:19 -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 Monday: More on Tejada, some on Guthrie | Tuesday: Bits on Tejada, Scott and Guthrie | Wednesday: O's farm system is getting stronger | Thursday: Hendrickson back for a second year | Saturday: Examining the offense and the winter moves | Sunday: Reviewing the winter... http://masnsports.com/2010/01/what-theyre-saying-about-the-o-255.html http://masnsports.com/2010/01/what-theyre-saying-about-the-o-255.html Saying Orioles Jeff Wolfson What they're saying about the Orioles Fri, 29 Jan 2010 12:07:00 -0500 O's first base prospect Brandon Snyder is smart enough to know that he is likely to begin the 2010 season in the Norfolk Tides' lineup. He'll head to spring training with the Orioles in a few weeks "out to win a job" at the Major League level, but he surely realizes that while his time may come this year, it probably will not be on opening day. One of the mysteries of the 2009 O's minor league season was Snyder's... http://masnsports.com/2010/01/snyder-is-likely-to-get-anothe.html http://masnsports.com/2010/01/snyder-is-likely-to-get-anothe.html Orioles News Steve Melewski Fri, 29 Jan 2010 07:58:52 -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