A few minutes with Robert Andino

A few minutes with Robert Andino
Looking back at yesterday's interview with executive vice president Dan Duquette, I find myself again trying to read between the lines without straining my eyes. Duquette isn't going to reveal much to reporters. He downplayed interest in Wei-Yin Chen on at least three occasions this winter, saying that he didn't know much about the Taiwanese pitcher. He wasn't going to admit that the Orioles had scouted Chen for years in anticipation of the left-hander becoming a free agent and moving to...
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Notes on Jones, Poitevint, Chen, rotation and orientation

Notes on Jones, Poitevint, Chen, rotation and orientation
Executive vice president Dan Duquette confirmed today that the Orioles haven't approached Adam Jones' agent about a contract extension. Jones, who's represented by Nez Balelo of CAA Sports, is two seasons away from free agency. Jones has been the subject of trade rumors, most notably involving the Atlanta Braves, despite Duquette's insistence that he wants to build around the center fielder. When asked today about a possible extension for Jones, Duquette said, "We're not focused on that...
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Orioles make Chen signing official, DFA Hudson (more)

Orioles make Chen signing official, DFA Hudson (more)
The Orioles announced today that they signed Taiwanese left-hander Wei-Yin Chen to a three-year contract with a club option for 2015. He will wear No. 16. To make room on the 40-man roster, the Orioles have designated outfielder Kyle Hudson for assignment. Chen, 26, will be the first Taiwanese-born player in Orioles history. The 6-foot, 195-lb. left-hander went 36-30 with a 2.48 ERA and 1.06 WHIP in 117 games (88 starts) over the last four seasons with the Chunichi Dragons in the Central...
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The International House of Pitching

The International House of Pitching
When executive vice president Dan Duquette promised a greater commitment to international scouting and signings, he wasn't fooling around. Yu Darvish isn't coming here. Yoenis Cespedes probably isn't coming here. You have to walk before you can run. And the Orioles are making some positive strides. Later today, they could announce the signing of Taiwanese left-hander Chen Wei-Yin (or Wei-Yin Chen if you'd prefer the last name at the end, which is probably how I'll start writing it to...
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Orioles hire Poitevint as executive director of international baseball

Orioles hire Poitevint as executive director of international baseball
The Orioles just announced that they've hired Ray Poitevint as executive director of international baseball. "I am delighted to have Ray Poitevint return to the Orioles where he began his career and to have his veteran baseball leadership as part of our global recruiting and marketing efforts," Orioles executive vice president of baseball operations Dan Duquette said in a statement. I'm about 20 minutes away from going on the air for the latest edition of "The Mid-Atlantic Sports...
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Larkin going into Hall of Fame, Palmeiro staying on ballot

Larkin going into Hall of Fame, Palmeiro staying on ballot
Former shortstop Barry Larkin, who spent all 19 of his major league seasons with the Cincinnati Reds, will be inducted into the Hall of Fame in his third year on the ballot. Larkin received votes on 86 percent of the ballots. A player must received at least 75 percent for induction. Former pitcher Jack Morris, in his 13th year on the ballot, came the closest among the rest of the field with 67 percent of the votes. Jeff Bagwell received 56 percent, Lee Smith 51 percent, Tim Raines 49 percent,...
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Chen Wei-Yin almost a done deal (updated)

Chen Wei-Yin almost a done deal (updated)
The Orioles have scheduled a physical for Taiwanese left-hander Chen Wei-Yin, bringing them closer to signing another starting pitcher. The two sides have reached agreement on a multi-year deal, according to a source. It will become official once Chen passes the physical. Chen, 26, was 8-10 with a 2.68 ERA in 25 games (24 starts) this year for the Chunichi Dragons of the Nippon Professional Baseball League. The 6-foot southpaw has a low-90s fastball that reportedly tops out at 96 mph. He...
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Taking another look at Jackson (and Chen Wei-Yin)

Taking another look at Jackson (and Chen Wei-Yin)
I've provided false hope in the past, but I'm almost certain that the Orioles will announce their minor league managers and coaching staffs this week. They also should confirm a few hires, including Rick Peterson as pitching coordinator (title pending) and Chris Correnti as part of their athletic training staff. No sense dragging it into the third week of January. Pitchers and catchers report to spring training Feb. 18. The roster needs more work. Maybe not this week, but it's...
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Orioles trying to solve the DH riddle

Orioles trying to solve the DH riddle
I didn't take an official vote, but I sense that most fans here would pass on Manny Ramirez. Fair enough. It doesn't cost anything to watch him take batting practice in Miami. The Orioles have a scout (Juan Alvarez) who's based down there. Maybe he drove to the facility and checked out Ramirez. We're talking a few gallons of gas. If nothing else, yesterday's report quieted the fury over Alfonso Soriano. The curiosity for me is what approach the Orioles are taking to filling the...
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Addressing a Manny Ramirez rumor

Addressing a Manny Ramirez rumor
According to a report on ESPNdeportes.com, scouts for the Oriolesand Blue Jays watched Manny Ramirez take indoor batting practice in Miami. Nothing stirs up the masses like Manny. Asked earlier today whether he could confirm the report, Orioles executive vice president Dan Duquette said, "I heard that Manny has been working out down there." Asked again about the Orioles' interest, Duquette said, "We're aware that he's working out down there." Fred Ferreira, the Orioles' executive...
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Left-handers, right-handers and a right fielder

Left-handers, right-handers and a right fielder
Before I dive into more rotation talk, I'll revisit one topic from yesterday. The Orioles are downplaying Nick Markakis' abdomen surgery. They truly believe that he'll be ready on opening day, and Markakis feels the same way. Markakis is one of those guys who doesn't need a lot of spring training at-bats. He was launching the ball tape-measure distances on the back fields of Ed Smith Stadium last February and March, causing a few beat writers to predict that he'd have a monster season....
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Markakis undergoes surgery on abdomen (updated)

Markakis undergoes surgery on abdomen (updated)
Orioles right fielder Nick Markakis underwent surgery yesterday in Philadelphia to repair a torn muscle in his abdomen, but the club expects him to be ready for opening day. Markakis left the final regular season game on Sept. 28 against the Red Sox after making a diving catch. He was expected to visit a specialist this winter as a precaution, but the injury didn't heal properly and surgery was recommended. Scar tissue was preventing the tear from closing. The surgery was performed by sports...
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Source: Orioles talked to Cubs about Soriano

Source: Orioles talked to Cubs about Soriano
Another day passed without any news from the warehouse, leaving me with little to do besides count the number of calls and text messages that went unreturned and sweeping up about 12 pounds of pine needles that fell off my Christmas tree as I carried it outside. At least some of my energy wasn't wasted. For what it's worth, I've heard from an industry source that the Orioles and Cubs discussed a trade involving Alfonso Soriano. It may have been a while ago and it may not have gone far -...
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A non-update update on Adam Jones

A non-update update on Adam Jones
Who were you expecting, Prince Fielder? It's a slow morning for me, mostly because I don't have to prep for "The Mid-Atlantic Sports Report." I no longer need to know that the Capitals' Nicklas Backstrom, their leading scorer with 42 points - including three assists in Tuesday's 3-1 win over Calgary - is day-to-day after being elbowed in the head by the Flames' Rene Bourque. I no longer need to know that New Orleans quarterback Drew Brees and Detroit quarterback Matthew Stafford, who...
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This, that and the other

This, that and the other
Yesterday's trade for Jai Miller further crowds the Orioles' outfield and make it impossible to craft a 25-man roster from the current crop of contenders. Who's starting in left field? Who's on the bench besides backup catcher Taylor Teagarden? Is there room for both Miller and outfielder Endy Chavez? Could Nolan Reimold get most of his at-bats as the designated hitter, with Miller and Chavez sharing left? Is Adam Jones really going to be traded? Executive vice president Dan Duquette's...
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Orioles acquire Jai Miller, trade Brandon Snyder in separate deals (updated)

Orioles acquire Jai Miller, trade Brandon Snyder in separate deals (updated)
The Orioles got their outfielder, and he comes from the Oakland Athletics. Just not that outfielder. The team announced that it acquired Jai Miller from the A's for cash considerations. In a separate deal, they sent former first-round pick Brandon Snyder to the Rangers for cash considerations. The 40-man roster remains full with these moves. Miller, 26, batted .276/.368/.588 with 32 home runs, 88 RBIs and 16 stolen bases without being caught in 110 games for Triple-A Sacramento in 2011. He...
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Orioles in market for outfielder, Scott update

Orioles in market for outfielder, Scott update
To follow up on a tweet that I sent earlier today (@MASNRoch), the Orioles most definitely are in the market for another outfielder. Signing Endy Chavez as a free agent didn't end their search. Coco Crisp isn't coming to Baltimore. Put that rumor to bed and turn out the lights. One official termed a report that they were close to signing the veteran free agent as "speculation," but he confirmed that the Orioles are looking for another outfielder. What should we read into it? Does this...
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Cooling off the Crisp rumor (and update on hires)

Cooling off the Crisp rumor (and update on hires)
Well, that was fun. I've heard from a team source that the Orioles spoke to Coco Crisp's agent a while ago, but nothing significant came from it. Another source shot down any possibility that the Orioles were on the verge of signing Crisp. Meanwhile, Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com sent two tweets early this morning that read as follows: While Orioles talked to Crisp's agent, it sounds like its not them (I need a new crystal ball). Not a perfect fit for Baltimore. Orioles are looking for a...
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Is Crisp coming to Baltimore?

Is Crisp coming to Baltimore?
Free agent outfielder Coco Crisp reportedly is close to signing with a new team, and a hot rumor tonight links him to the Orioles. Jon Heyman from CBSSports.com is speculating that the Orioles have emerged as the mystery team. Crisp's agent, Steve Comte, recently told Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle that his client had made a decision. The Orioles already have Adam Jones in center field, and they signed Endy Chavez as a fourth outfielder. However, Heyman is speculating that...
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Are more changes coming to the outfield and rotation?

Are more changes coming to the outfield and rotation?
I've been pleading with the Orioles to do something this week. Trade a player. Sign a player. Announce their minor league staffs. Release the names of all the six-year minor league free agents that are under contract. Anything to make my job a little easier. Purely for selfish reasons. I admit it. Perhaps we'll find out today that outfielder Coco Crisp has signed with the Orioles. That's the hot rumor, which I couldn't get confirmed late last night. If it's true, executive vice...
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