Jimenez on last season and looking ahead to 2015

Jimenez on last season and looking ahead to 2015
The Orioles announced that today's FanFest event has attracted more than 16,000 fans. The record is 18,000 in 2013. Orioles manager Buck Showalter confirmed today that left-hander Mark Hendrickson will receive an invitation to major league camp. Hendrickson threw at the minicamp earlier this month. Ubaldo Jimenez already is set to report with the pitchers and catchers. He's hoping that a mechanical adjustment in September will bring better results after going 6-9 with a 4.81 ERA and 1.516...
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A few quotes from Buck Showalter's press availability at FanFest

A few quotes from Buck Showalter's press availability at FanFest
Here are a few quotes from Orioles manager Buck Showalter's media availability with reporters at FanFest: On the Dan Duquette rumors in general terms and losing three key players: "Our payroll is going to go up this year, but we are going to be able to do some things during the season now. We will be able to do some things if needed, whether it be injury or performance. That is why we were able to add Andrew (Miller) and (Alejandro) De Aza last year. And I'm proud of the players we are...
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Hearing from Davis, Norris and Wright

Hearing from Davis, Norris and Wright
The Baltimore Convention Center is packed today with fans attending the annual FanFest event. Enthusiasm is running high despite the free agent losses and national projections that the team won't return to the playoffs. "They're picking us last again, which is beautiful," said manager Buck Showalter. First baseman Chris Davis confirmed that he received an exemption to take Adderall after being denied in 2013. He's annoyed by the perception that his 53 home runs in 2012 were fueled by...
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Dan Duquette meets the press at FanFest

Dan Duquette meets the press at FanFest
After he addressed Orioles fans today at FanFest, Orioles vice president Dan Duquette talked further about the Toronto rumors and situation one more time with reporters behind the main stage. "It was important for the fans to know my singular focus has been on improving the Orioles," Duquette said. "Some of the additions that we've made I feel will give us another strong and competitive team. "These trade rumors, lot of times players will be involved in them. Sometimes managers get traded...
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Duquette and Davis at FanFest

Duquette and Davis at FanFest
Orioles executive vice president Dan Duquette received a nice ovation today, with many fans rising to their feet as he was introduced at FanFest for the Q&A forum for season ticket holders. Manager Buck Showalter received a prolonged standing ovation, as expected. The reception for Duquette was the real curiosity following reports all winter that he might leave for Toronto. "Sometimes there is substance to them and sometimes there isn't," Duquette said. "There was substance to it, but I...
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Tommy Hunter on Chris Davis and more from FanFest

Tommy Hunter on Chris Davis and more from FanFest
While Chris Davis met with a large group of reporters here today at FanFest, Orioles pitcher Tommy Hunter, his close friend, talked about the O's first baseman. Davis has one game still to serve on his suspension and he'll miss opening day. Does Davis have some repair work to do in the Orioles clubhouse? "Not with me," Hunter said. "We're good friends. I am sure there are mixed emotions in the clubhouse. I can't speak on everybody's behalf. The guy is a great friend to me and he made a...
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Now and then

Now and then
The Orioles are holding their annual FanFest today at the Baltimore Convention Center, which figures to keep me busy for approximately 12 hours. I tend to arrive early and stay late. Players, former players, executives and coaches will meet with reporters throughout the day behind the main stage, giving us 10-15 minutes to interview each one. We may need more time with Chris Davis, who joins Manny Machado, Tommy Hunter and Chris Tillman in the first wave around 11 a.m. I talked to Machado,...
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Schoop plans to be lighter and faster in 2015, plus FanFest and prospect notes

Schoop plans to be lighter and faster in 2015, plus FanFest and prospect notes
At the tender age of just 22, Jonathan Schoop realized his dream to play in the major leagues. He did it after just 70 games at the Triple-A level and he hit 16 homers last year for the Orioles, more than he'd ever hit in any minor league season. But Schoop knows there is more development to come for him and his game, and in an interview yesterday, he repeatedly stressed that he needs to get better and is very motivated to take his game to another level in 2015. Schoop was among a group of...
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Bundle up and back the Birds at FanFest on Saturday

Bundle up and back the Birds at FanFest on Saturday
Do you find yourself craving the warmth of summer nights spent at Camden Yards? You're not alone. But since we can't time travel to opening day just yet, we have something equally as exciting lined up for you this weekend: Orioles FanFest 2015! You know the drill: MASN will be on-site all day at the Baltimore Convention Center on Saturday, Jan 31, hooking you up with O's gear, autographed memorabilia and chances to rub elbows with your favorite players and on-air personalities. For all of...
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No shift: Do MLB officials see fewer defensive shifts leading to more runs?

No shift: Do MLB officials see fewer defensive shifts leading to more runs?
It seems that new Major League Baseball commissioner Rob Manfred caught some people a bit off-guard with a comment he made during his first day on the job Sunday. He mentioned the possibility of eliminating defensive shifts. In his blog yesterday, ESPN's Buster Olney posted this video where Manfred made these comments. He also posted this transcript of that part of Manfred's interview with ESPN's Karl Ravech: Ravech: "If you had a broad brush, and the goal was to be as radical as you can be...
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Orioles announce FanFest autograph schedule (vouchers sell out)

Orioles announce FanFest autograph schedule (vouchers sell out)
The Orioles will have four autograph stations set up at their annual FanFest on Jan. 31 at the Baltimore Convention Center. The event runs from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., with early entry for Orioles season plan members at 10 a.m. Autograph vouchers go on sale at 10 a.m. Saturday at orioles.com/fanfest. The autograph sessions begin at 11:20 a.m., 12:40 p.m., 2 p.m., 3:20 p.m. and 4:40 p.m., and each will include three Orioles players, staff or alumni. Chris Davis, Adam Jones, Matt Wieters, Manny...
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Orioles announce autograph lineup for FanFest (vouchers sell out)

Orioles announce autograph lineup for FanFest (vouchers sell out)
The Orioles have released their autograph schedule for FanFest. Autograph vouchers for the Esskay Autograph Stations will go on sale at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 17 at orioles.com/fanfest. FanFest will be held on Saturday, Jan. 31 at the Baltimore Convention Center from 11 a.m.-6 p.m., with early entry for Orioles season plan members beginning at 10 a.m. Autograph sessions will begin at 11:20 a.m., 12:40 p.m., 2 p.m., 3:20 p.m. and 4:40 p.m., and each will include three Orioles players, staff...
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Showalter on Machado, minicamp and more

Showalter on Machado, minicamp and more
SARASOTA, Fla. - The Ed Smith Stadium complex looks deserted now, with Orioles players and coaches heading to the airport after the three-day minicamp. Third baseman Manny Machado sat at his locker as manager Buck Showalter concluded his final media session. Machado is returning to Miami to continue his workouts "Manny looked good today," Showalter said. "Glad he came over. Didn't have to. Appreciated him making the trek. "Richie (Bancells) followed him around. He looked good. He's got...
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FanFest tickets on sale today

FanFest tickets on sale today
The Orioles announced that tickets for their annual FanFest go on sale today. The event will be held Jan. 31 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Baltimore Convention Center, with early entry for Orioles season plan members to begin at 10 a.m. as part of the Orange Carpet Program. Tickets are available online at www.orioles.com/fanfest, via phone at 1-888-848-BIRD, at the Camden Yards box office and at the official team store at the York Galleria in York, Pa. Tickets are $12 for adults and $6 for...
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Notes on FanFest and Silver Slugger Awards

Notes on FanFest and Silver Slugger Awards
The Orioles announced today that their annual FanFest will be held on Saturday, Jan. 31 at the Convention Center. More information will become available later. For now, you'll need to be satisfied with the date. Save it. The Silver Slugger Awards were handed out tonight, the selections revealed on MLB Network, and the Orioles were shut out after winning three of them in 2013. Nelson Cruz lost out to the Tigers' Victor Martinez among finalists at designated hitter. Cruz led the majors with 40...
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Jim Palmer on A.J. Burnett and the O's rotation

Jim Palmer on A.J. Burnett and the O's rotation
He hasn't thrown a pitch in a game for the Orioles in nearly 30 years, but Hall of Famer Jim Palmer remains one of the most popular people in the organization with O's fans. As you may have heard, he knows pitching pretty well, so it was worth hearing his opinion about the O's current pitching rotation and particularly their pursuit of free agent pitcher A.J. Burnett, the current hottest O's topic. What does the three-time Cy Young winner, eight-time 20-game winner, MASN broadcaster and...
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Chris Davis: "I'd love to stay here"

Chris Davis: "I'd  love to stay here"
Earlier today, Orioles executive vice president Dan Duquette told season plan holders that the club offered first baseman Chris Davis a long-term deal, but nothing came of it. "Really?" Davis said while meeting with reporters this afternoon. "Did he say anything else? Dang it. Keep me up to speed on that. "I know they talked at the end of last year, but obviously nothing came to a head. It's something we're going to have to wait and see. It's not my job to worry about that. "I've...
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Bundy expects to throw from mound at end of March

Bundy expects to throw from mound at end of March
Orioles pitching prospect Dylan Bundy continues to progress well from his ligament-reconstructive elbow surgery on June 27. He provided the latest update to reporters this afternoon here at FanFest. "I'm seven months out now," Bundy said. "I was supposed to throw (from) 90 feet yesterday in Florida but it got rained out. Was pretty bummed about that. I just threw 60 feet flat ground. So far, so good. On schedule and it feels great. On schedule for Monday, (throwing from) 90 feet. One set...
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Machado uncertain about opening day

Machado uncertain about opening day
Though he's been cleared to start some baseball activities, Orioles third baseman Manny Machado can't guarantee that he'll be in the lineup for the March 31 opener at Camden Yards. Machado is allowed to hit and can start running, but he's not permitted to run the bases or take off after making contact at the plate. "Not full-go yet, but it's a process," he said today at FanFest. "Little by little, I'll be able to get back out there and put on a uniform and play, but that was...
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Hearing from Markakis, Pearce, Urrutia and Reimold

Hearing from Markakis, Pearce, Urrutia and Reimold
Today's attendance at FanFest is 15,000, the second-highest total behind last year's 18,000. And more fans are filing into the building. Nick Markakis is entering his final season before free agency unless the Orioles pick up his $17.5 million option for 2015. Brian Roberts already left, signing a one-year deal with the Yankees. Does Markakis think about how he's in similar situation? "That I'm going to play for the Yankees? No, not at all," he quipped. Thick beard, dry sense of...
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