Awaiting word on Alfredo Simon

So much for a quiet Sunday. Let's see what Monday brings. If more details unfold, I would expect the Orioles to issue a statement today regarding reliever Alfredo Simon. He's the primary suspect in a shooting in the Dominican Republic that left one man dead and injured another. A team spokesman said yesterday that the Orioles wouldn't comment until more information became available. I was told that Simon would most likely meet with law enforcement officials later today in the Dominican. Simon has told people close to him that he's innocent. I can't believe that a few readers demanded Simon's immediate release. How about if the Orioles wait to find out whether he was involved? How about waiting to find out whether he's charged with anything? Seems like the right thing to do. The news broke yesterday in a tweet from an AP reporter in the Dominican. The Orioles aren't going to cut Simon loose minutes later before he's met with authorities. As for how this incident could impact the roster, the obvious answer is that Simon won't be on the team if he's in jail. He also could have trouble leaving the Dominican next month when pitchers and catchers report to spring training. I've projected Simon as part of the seven-man bullpen while waiting for the Orioles to sign at least one more reliever. They could add two, which would further reduce Simon's chances of accompanying the team to St. Petersburg for the opener. Of course, that's the least of his worries. Let the process play out and we'll figure out the rest. One man is dead and another is seriously injured. That's the real tragedy here. A few more items: Reliever Dennis Sarfate has officially signed with the Hiroshima Toyo Carp of the Nippon Professional Baseball League. I wrote a few months ago that he was in negotiations. One of Sarfate's new teammates is former Orioles outfielder Jeff Fiorentino. Sarfate went 2-2 with a 2.73 ERA and 20 saves with Triple-A Norfolk, striking out 72 in 56 innings, but he spent the entire summer in the minors and became a free agent after the season. The Orioles had some interest in keeping him, but Sarfate figured that he needed a fresh start. According to Wikipedia - and anyone can contribute to it, so you know it's accurate - the Carp is the only team that hasn't been in serious contention since its last championship in 1991. It remains the only team in the league to have never been above third place since the turn of the century. Sarfate should feel right at home. Also, just letting you know that the Babe Ruth Birthplace and Sports Legends Museum at Camden Yards will offer fans half-priced admission for the entire month of January. The discounts apply to admission to the individual attractions, as well as combo tickets for both museums. Beginning yesterday and running through Jan. 30 (both museums are closed on New Year's Day and on Mondays during the year), the museums will offer the following half-priced admission rates: Sports Legends Museum at Camden Yards: Adults: $4 Seniors: $3 Children: (ages 3-12) $2 Babe Ruth Birthplace Museum: Adults: $3 Seniors: $2 Children (ages 3-12): $1.50 Combo Ticket for Both Museums: Adults: $6 Seniors: $4 Children (ages 3-12): $2.50 Following the NFL season, Sports Legends Museum will also enhance its Ravens Gallery by adding artifacts from the team's 2010 season.