Leftovers from today's workout
Leftovers from today's workout
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
SARASOTA, Fla. - Craig Tatum knows what it's like to arrive in camp with expectations for him that are lower than the contents of Miguel Cabrera's scotch bottle. Tatum wasn't supposed to beat out Chad Moeller last spring for the backup job behind starting catcher Matt Wieters, but he did it. And that explains why Tatum hasn't grown too comfortable despite being the incumbent. Tatum's stiffest challenge comes from Jake Fox, who also can play the corner infield positions and left field....
A little more on the Frederick Keys lease situation
A little more on the Frederick Keys lease situation
Steve Melewski
Orioles
There is another article out today on the Frederick Keys' unsettled lease situation that I have written about previously. Click here for an update from Baseball America's Josh Leventhal. The city of Frederick is expected to accept bids on the 2012 lease through April 15 and an Atlantic League team is expected to bid to basically try to move in on the Keys' turf in a move that could potentially push the Keys out of Frederick. The article quotes Keys' owner Ken Young saying: "We need to...
A few good women
A few good women
Josh Land
Nationals
Do you know a woman who has gone to bat against breast cancer? Major League Baseball and Susan G. Komen for the Cure are again teaming up to honor and celebrate extraordinary women across the country who have battled breast cancer. To enter, fans can submit stories about how they've battled or overcome breast cancer. You can also sort through the inspiring stories and vote for your favorite candidates. The winners will serve as honorary bat girls during Major League Baseball's Mother's...
Showalter talks about Wieters
Showalter talks about Wieters
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
SARASOTA, Fla. - Manager Buck Showalter had some flattering observations about catcher Matt Wieters, who seems to be everybody's choice to have a breakout season. "You can just tell by his face a little bit, Matt takes everything personal with the pitching staff," Showalter said. "Everybody I've talked to, and I've talked to a lot of people who have had him, whether it's minor league managers or coaches or college coaches, say that Matt was not only a good player, obviously, but...
Quick hits from workout
Quick hits from workout
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
SARASOTA, Fla. - Pitcher Mitch Atkins is dealing with a strained left oblique, and Rule 5 pick Adrian Rosario was sent home again today with a slight fever. Luis Lebron threw another bullpen session today, and his pitches were much crisper. Manager Buck Showalter also noted that Lebron walked off the mound with a smile on his face. Vladimir Guerrero isn't likely to play the outfield in exhibition games. "I don't have any plans to do it right now," Showalter said. Guerrero has made it...
Some minor leaguers need to bring extra gloves this year
Some minor leaguers need to bring extra gloves this year
Steve Melewski
Orioles
With the news coming out of Sarasota this week that Brandon Snyder will put the catching gear back on for a look at that spot in the big league camp, it reminds me of a topic we've discussed here before: defensive versatility in the O's minor leagues. We began to see some of it last summer. This year, we should see players at times playing somewhere that would not normally be their regular position. For instance, first baseman Joe Mahoney played four games in the outfield at Single-A...
A few morning notes
A few morning notes
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
SARASOTA, Fla. - Vladimir Guerrero is sitting at his locker this morning. The results of his physical could be obtained later today, but he's still scheduled to be introduced to the media tomorrow. In the meantime, he'll hit the weights and enjoy the rest of his day. It's an abbreviated workout today. Manager Buck Showalter and a group of players are participating in Jim Johnson's charity golf tournament, so we'll be wrapping up before noon. I can hit the weights and enjoy the rest of...
Andino here and ready to compete
Andino here and ready to compete
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
SARASOTA, Fla. - Robert Andino is taking his physical this morning and throwing his hat into the utility ring. With Cesar Izturis assured of making the club as the backup middle infielder, Andino will try to win a job as a reserve at the corners. He's never played first base, and his six career starts at third base came last season. "Just catch the ball," he said. "That's all it is. Just catch the ball." Andino didn't do it enough last year to impress former manager Dave Trembley, and...
The O's minor league spring training schedule
The O's minor league spring training schedule
Steve Melewski
Orioles
The Orioles have announced the schedules for their minor league spring training squads. The clubs will play 16 spring training contests. Minor league pitchers and catchers will report to camp in Sarasota on Sunday, March 6, while position players will report on Thursday, March 10. There will be four games each day with a Triple-A, Double-A and two Single-A games with the two O's higher level squads playing at one site and the two lower level clubs at another. If the higher level teams are...
Guthrie's second side session another success
Guthrie's second side session another success
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
SARASOTA, Fla. - What makes a good bullpen session? As a friend and former colleague pointed out, it's whenever the catcher walks up to the pitcher afterward and shakes his hand. No injury, no problem. Jeremy Guthrie completed his second session here in Sarasota without a hitch or a glitch. He mixed in a fastball, curveball and changeup, and Jake Fox shook his hand in between the mound and the plate. It's common for the two participants to meet in the middle. Guthrie will incorporate his...