After giving up three runs in just 2 1/3 innings tonight, Rich Hill told reporters he's been dealing with shoulder soreness throughout the season. "I don't know what to say really. I've been having some issues with the shoulder. We've been doing a good job of keeping the fire down a bit. Unfortunately it's something where I haven't been able to maintain any consistency. I haven't given help to this team. I apologize to the front office and the guys in this clubhouse. "It's not...

The Orioles have now lost six of the last seven games. They have scored a total of 21 runs in those games and are batting just .252 as a team with 16 extra-base hits in that stretch. They have scored four runs or less six times in the last seven games. Six of the Orioles last seven losses have been by one or two runs. Starter Rich Hill pitched just 2 1/3 innings tonight. He gave up four hits and three runs with three walks. He is 3-3, 7.80 on the year. After the game he told reporters he...

Game Preview Orioles (42-56) at Kansas City (39-59) The Orioles offense started to hit the skids beginning in the recent series at New York and that trend continued when the O's began a seven-game homestand Monday vs. Kansas City. The O's were held to three runs by Bruce Chen and two relievers in a 5-3 loss to the Royals. Over their last seven games, the O's have scored just 21 runs and are hitting .252 as a team. Six of the last seven Orioles' losses have been by two runs or...

It's one year later, late July and George Sherrill is again hearing his name mentioned in trade rumors. He says it's flattering, but that he would still prefer to stay an Oriole. "Same take as last year. I don't want to go anywhere, but that's not my call," Sherrill said. "If somebody is willing to give them something they feel they can rebuild with, that's a choice they are going to make. If I'm here, I'd love to be, if I'm not then I'll go help whoever. "It's flattering. ...

New O's closer Mike Gonzalez looked pretty relaxed at his locker just a few minutes ago. He handled his interview with a group of reporters probably better than his first two save chances. Just like the fans, he was relieved when Ben Zobrist's fly ball settled into Nick Markakisis' glove last night to end a shaky bottom of the ninth. Mike Gonzalez talks with the media about his two appearances this season "It's definitely a monkey off my back and a good feeling to be able finish the...

RHP Jason Berken (1-8, 6.55) tonight makes his 12th start of 2009, his 7th at home and the 1st of his career vs. the KC Royals. Berken won his Major League debut on May 26th vs. Toronto, but is 0-8 in ten starts since. The Orioles are just 2-9 in Berken's 11 starts, losing the last six. In six home starts, Berken is 1-4, 4.54 and the O's are 2-4 in those outings. In his last two starts, at Chicago and at New York, Berken is 0-2, 9.58. (11ER in 10 1/3IP). Right-handed batters hit .274...

O's president Andy MacPhail tonight confirmed for MASNsports.com the club's continuing interest in Dominican shortstop Miguel Angel Sano. He said the club has not yet made Sano an offer, but that could be coming. He also confirmed the club has interest in Sano, even if it is proven that he is older than 16. "We have some interest," MacPhail stated. "We've followed the player. There is always risk in evaluating players. There is probably greater risk in these cases, but it's...

Before I move on to the next subject, I wanted to thank everyone for the kind words and encouragement regarding my spring training coverage and color analyst debut on MASN. I'm probably one-and-done with the TV gig, but I had a good time. And I was very fortunate to work with so many professionals, and friends, who bring each telecast to life. The behind-the-scenes work is truly amazing to me. The seamless transitions from one topic to the next, matching up with the images and graphics on...

Catcher John Buck, who entered the game in the ninth inning, produced a two-out RBI single to right in the 11th as Kansas City topped the Orioles 4-3 in 11 frames. Mark Teahen led off the 11th with a single vs. Danys Baez and stole second. He scored on Buck's liner to right for the go-ahead run. Billy Butler, who had five hits last night, gave the Royals a 2-0 lead in the top of the first with a two-run shot to left. Adam Jones' two-run shot in the last of the inning tied it up. It's...

Amidst a very quiet Orioles clubhouse, Jason Berken had to feel happy and relieved. He pitched well and it appears he'll get more chances in the future in the O's rotation. Berken gave up just two runs and six hits over six innings Tuesday vs. Kansas City. He was in line to win for the first time since May 26th until KC tied it in the 8th. Still, it was a positive night for a pitcher who entered with an ERA of 6.55. "I felt like I threw well the last few innings at New York and I was...