Some people have read the few public comments Bobby Valentine has made about his interview for the Orioles manager's job and read those comments to say he has little interest in the job. I don't see it that way. I see where he said this job would be a "big challenge" and that the "Orioles standings don't look like they will turn around very quickly." What I didn't read or hear or see him or Andy MacPhail say is that he is not interested in the job or is withdrawing his name from...

Those of you who tuned in to watch the season premiere of Top Chef last night (shouldn't you have been watching the Nats!) saw a sneak peak of a future episode featuring Adam Dunn, Matt Capps and John Lannan. As you may have heard, this season's Top Chef competition is set in Washington D.C. The website IMDb offers this preview of the Nats episode: "The six remaining chefs take over two concession stands at Nationals Park in D.C., creating game snacks for the die-hard fans of the...

There is still time to sign up for the Nats baseball clinic for women on Saturday, June 19th. Ladies, I speak from experience -- this is a can't-miss event. If you want to learn a little more about the game, ask coaches some questions, run around on the grass at Nationals Park and meet some fellow female fans, you really want to sign up for Nats U. Tickets are $50 -- but they include the clinic and an outfield ticket to the evening game against the White Sox. The event begins at 8 a.m....

Syracuse Chiefs right-hander Josh Wilkie gets another rare start tonight against Gwinnett in Georgia. He has been very impressive for the Chiefs this season. In 23 games, the George Washington University product has a 2-3 record with a 1.95 ERA, 29 strikeouts and only 11 walks, with just 7 earned runs allowed. More amazing for the 6-2, 190 pound rightie is he hasn't allowed an earned run in 9 of his last 10 appearances, including the start June 8. He pitched well last week against...

No truth to the rumor that Juan Samuel has removed himself from consideration for the full-time managerial position. No truth to the rumor that the Mets are holding a press conference to deny any interest in Kevin Millwood. No truth to the rumor that Millwood is holding a press conference asking them to reconsider. No truth to the rumor that Manny Machado wants to re-enter the draft - the 2010 draft. No truth to the rumor that a rival GM claimed Alberto Castillo off waivers so he could...

I watched most of today's game at Little Havana - best pork bites in town - and I didn't need the sound cranked up to know that the Orioles wasted some golden opportunities against two-time Cy Young winner Tim Lincecum. Lincecum's velocity is down. We're talking low-90s, which isn't the norm. He put runners on base, the Orioles would move them into scoring position, and then they'd apply the brakes. The Orioles went 3-for-14 with runners in scoring position and stranded 13 runners. They...

Another day where the Orioles got few clutch hits, left many on base and lost. San Fran beat the Birds 6-3 on Wednesday as the Orioles still have won just two series all year. The O's had 11 hits, all singles, and left 13 men on base. They are 2-18-2 in series on the year. Other notes from the O's 48th loss: Sit down when you are looking at these numbers: The Orioles have now lost 17 of 20 and 19 of their last 23. They are 6-24 over the last 30 games. After beginning the year 2-16,...

It's been a little over a week since the 2010 MLB draft and the projections have already been rolling in. One player right in the heat of things is O's first-round pick Manny Machado. Everyone believes this kid has what it takes to be a talented Major League player, especially O's Director of Scouting Joe Jordan. Jim Hunter talks with Joe Jordan about Manny Machado and the O's 2010 draft

Earlier this week, Aberdeen IronBirds manager Gary Kendall said Justin Anderson could be his opening night starting pitcher on Friday, but he was not for certain at that point. Today, it has been confirmed that Anderson will get the ball on Friday night at 7:35 p.m. when the Birds host Hudson Valley at Ripken Stadium. Anderson was drafted in the 24th round last June by the O's. He spent the majority of last season with the Bluefield Orioles going 2-1 with a 2.50 ERA and 34 strikeouts in...

I was thinking it, you were thinking it. Tim Lincecum might not give up a hit today. Well, he did. Nick Markakis singled with two outs in the first inning to save the Orioles from that particular indignity. Luke Scott walked, and both runners moved up on a wild pitch. A single would have plated two runs. Let's not get carried away. Adam Jones flied to right, and the rally fizzled. But hey, Lincecum won't throw a no-hitter today. I was thinking it, you were thinking it. Aubrey Huff's...