Warming up some leftovers

Warming up some leftovers
Like you've never done it this late on a Saturday night. I'm not certain that it will happen, but the Orioles might reveal their plans for left-hander Brian Matusz before tomorrow's game against the Nationals. Matusz tossed six scoreless innings and threw 70 pitches tonight for Double-A Bowie, which you already know if you kept checking Steve Melewski's blog. He made the trip to Prince George's Stadium while I hung out at Camden Yards. The Orioles could activate Matusz and give him a...
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Guthrie gets first win since April 1

Guthrie gets first win since April 1
Left-hander Brian Matusz has held Erie to two hits over four scoreless innings tonight at Double-A Bowie. He's walked one and struck out none. I don't know if it qualified as a monkey on Jeremy Guthrie's back, or the weight of the world, but he should feel a bit lighter after today's 8-3 victory over the Nationals. Guthrie hadn't won since the season opener at Tropicana Field. It sure helps when a team scores runs for you. If you doubted it, well, here's your proof. "The team swung...
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Showalter speaks after 8-3 win

Showalter speaks after 8-3 win
Today's attendance: 33,107 The Orioles scored eight runs while Jeremy Guthrie was pitching? The world really is coming to an end. Asked whether he felt relief that the Orioles supported Guthrie today, manager Buck Showalter said, "Relief? No. I just wanted him to pitch well. It's kind of like, the extra off days. ... Any time you take a starting pitcher and change up his routine like we had to with him, that was somewhat a concern going into it, but he handled it well. He pitched real...
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No earned runs off Guthrie through fifth (and seventh)

No earned runs off Guthrie through fifth (and seventh)
You know all about Jeremy Guthrie's run support issues, but here's a reminder: Before today, the Orioles hadn't scored in Guthrie's last three starts while he was in the game, and in five of seven. He received the lowest run support of any American League starter at 1.70 per game. In his seven previous starts, the Orioles scored six runs while he was in the game. So what's happening today? The Orioles erupted for four runs in the bottom of the third to give him a 4-2 lead. He must be...
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Snyder error costly, Reimold HR, more pregame Showalter

Snyder error costly, Reimold HR, more pregame Showalter
I drew Shackleford in the Preakness pool. I know nothing about him except that his name reminds me of the N.C. State center with huge feet. Jeremy Guthrie is saddled with two unearned runs in the top of the third on first baseman Brandon Snyder's two-out error. Snyder backed up on Laynce Nix's bouncer, allowing the ball to play him, and it deflected off his body and rolled past him. Jerry Hairston Jr. and Ian Desmond raced home. Nationals starter John Lannan retired the first six Orioles...
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Showalter pregame quotes

Showalter pregame quotes
Bench coach Willie Randolph is coaching third base today. John Russell had a cortisone injection in his knee. I don't mean to bombard you with blog entries on this sunny day, when you're attention is divided evenly between baseball, the Preakness and the end of the world, but here are some pregame comments from manager Buck Showalter. On how he's not concerned whether Simon will be focused on baseball: "No, I don't have that concern at this point. I think he's ready to go. He's been...
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Simon talks about his return, Lee says little

Simon talks about his return, Lee says little
I'll start with Derrek Lee, since it's the shortest transcription. Lee is clearly frustrated that he's on the disabled list. Can't say that I blame him after dealing with thumb, wrist and foot questions in spring training. A strained oblique is the cherry on top of his melted sundae. Reporters got their first chance to talk to Lee today since he went on the disabled list. He was nice enough to grant an interview and he remained courteous as always, but anyone who's had contact with him...
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Roberts: "It's certainly concerning"

Roberts: "It's certainly concerning"
Second baseman Brian Roberts is eligible to come off the disabled list on Tuesday, but he hasn't started baseball-related activities and the headaches haven't completely gone away. They're not as persistent or intense, but he retains some of the same symptoms that he experienced during the final week of the 2010 season. In other words, don't look for him to be activated on Tuesday. Asked earlier today whether he could return on Tuesday, Roberts replied, "I'm not sure at this...
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Berken likely to start at Norfolk

Berken likely to start at Norfolk
Jason Berken could start for Triple-A Norfolk on Tuesday against Louisville at Harbor Park. Berken needs to be stretched out. He's "too strong," according to manager Buck Showalter, who noted that Berken's fastball was 92-95 mph last night. Berken still projects as a reliever, but building up his pitches and innings would allow the Orioles to consider him for starts later this summer. Derrek Lee will need at-bats, either with affiliates or at extended spring training, before coming off...
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Reimold gets first start

Reimold gets first start
The Orioles will try to snap a four-game losing streak today with a 4:05 game against the Nationals. That's the starting time. I'm hoping it's not the time of game, especially with the world ending later today. By the way, even if the word ends, I'm still posting a blog entry in the morning. No worries. For the Orioles: Robert Andino 2B Adam Jones CF Nick Markakis RF Vladimir Guerrero DH Matt Wieters C J.J. Hardy SS Mark Reynolds 3B Nolan Reimold LF Brandon Snyder 1B Jeremy...
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Is Simon the solution?

Is Simon the solution?
Good luck trying to memorize the 25-man roster. The Orioles keep changing it. Pitchers come and pitchers go - sometimes in one day. The right side of the infield is on the disabled list. The bullpen is on fire. It's become a daily game show at Camden Yards, and your next contestant hails from the Dominican Republic. Alfredo Simon is hoping not to return there for a while. Simon will be removed from the restricted list today and placed on the 25- and 40-man rosters. Infielder Cesar...
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Berken on Berken, Arrieta on Arrieta

Berken on Berken, Arrieta on Arrieta
Reliever Jason Berken, part of a bullpen that has allowed 22 earned runs in its last 22 1/3 innings over four games, met with the media tonight before the Orioles optioned him to Triple-A Norfolk. He spoke of having to "figure it out." He'll make that attempt against International League hitters. "It's just been up in the zone," he said. "It's been a problem for me as of late and it's going to be a problem for anybody. I've got to figure out why I've been up in the zone, I got to...
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Berken optioned, Showalter speaks

Berken optioned, Showalter speaks
Manager Buck Showalter said it's "very possible" that the Orioles make at least one roster move to aid their bullpen. It happened before I left the press box. The Orioles optioned reliever Jason Berken to Triple-A Norfolk after he allowed six runs in one inning. A corresponding move will be announced tomorrow, but you can expect Alfredo Simon to be removed from the restricted list and placed on the 25- and 40-man rosters. Buck Showalter meets with the media to talk about the O's 17-5...
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From bad to worse (updated)

From bad to worse (updated)
The Nationals have tied a franchise record with 15 runs tonight. I think the two-point conversion was just piling it on. Michael Gonzalez has surrendered two more home runs. On the plus side, he hasn't hit anybody. Manager Buck Showalter is trying to eject himself. Gonzalez has allowed runs in five straight appearances covering four innings. He's permitted 10 runs (six earned) and 10 hits, and served up three home runs. Hey, let's check the farm. Steve Johnson threw seven scoreless...
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It's not workin' for Berken (with note)

It's not workin' for Berken (with note)
This game has turned from weird to unwatchable. But please, keep watching. Jason Berken was torched tonight, allowing six runs and five hits in one inning. He also walked a batter, hit a batter, threw a wild pitch and served up two home runs. Berken is really struggling and he has minor league options, which isn't a good combination for any pitcher. He's been scored upon in six of his last nine appearances. In that span, he's allowed 15 runs (14 earned) and 22 hits, with eight walks, in...
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Arrieta's night is over, Adams gets 1st hit (updated)

Arrieta's night is over, Adams gets 1st hit (updated)
Jake Arrieta turned in his second-shortest outing tonight, leaving after 3 2/3 innings and being charged with six runs. The last run scored when Jason Berken hit Jayson Werth with the bases loaded. Arrieta allowed six hits, walked three, struck out three and hit a batter. He threw 91 pitches, 56 for strikes. PItch counts have been an issue with Arrieta, but he took it to the extreme tonight. That 37-pitch second inning set quite a tone. Arrieta allowed eight runs and six hits in 3 1/3...
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Adams gets first AB out of the way (updated twice)

Adams gets first AB out of the way (updated twice)
Second baseman Ryan Adams saw two pitches in his first major league at-bat, getting ahead 1-0 before bouncing to third base on an 88 mph fastball from Nationals starter Jason Marquis. Adams was hitting .303 with 10 doubles, two triples, two home runs and eight RBIs for Triple-A Norfolk, but the Orioles are paying closer attention to his defense. He committed four errors with the Tides, and the reports apparently have been encouraging. "I think it's as much for Ryan selling himself to the...
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Brief angst over Arrieta (much more in 2nd)

Brief angst over Arrieta (much more in 2nd)
If you're an Orioles fan and you're watching tonight's game, I bet you flinched in the top of the first inning. Or maybe you experienced a brief panic attack. Jake Arrieta struck out the first two Nationals on 94 and 96 mph fastballs. Laynce Nix followed with a sharp one-hopper that caromed off Arrieta's right shin and rolled to the left side of the infield for a single. Visions of Brad Bergesen dancing in your heads? Arrieta was fine. Head athletic trainer Richie Bancells moved to the...
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Pregame news and notes

Pregame news and notes
Second baseman Ryan Adams is making his major league debut tonight, but Robert Andino will get the start tomorrow afternoon. Manager Buck Showalter told Andino that he'll still get opportunities to play. He won't be buried on the bench while Adams is here. Adams moved to third base last summer at Double-A Bowie and he played the hot corner in the Arizona Fall League. However, Showalter has no plans to use Adams at third. Nolan Reimold will start in left field tomorrow. Will there be a...
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Adams in lineup (with Nationals lineup)

Adams in lineup (with Nationals lineup)
The Orioles haven't announced today's roster moves, but check out who's starting at second base. For the Orioles: Felix Pie LF Adam Jones CF Nick Markakis RF Vladimir Guerrero DH Matt Wieters C Luke Scott 1B J.J. Hardy SS Mark Reynolds 3B Ryan Adams 2B Jake Arrieta RHP Adams is wearing No. 6. Reimold retained No. 14. For the Nationals: Roger Bernadina CF Ian Desmond SS Laynce Nix LF Jayson Werth RF Matt Stairs DH Adam LaRoche 1B Wilson Ramos C Danny Espinosa 2B Jerry Hairston...
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