Norris on the mound for third game of series

While still waiting for Endy Chavez to reach home plate... As I recall, the current West Coast trip was supposed to make or break the Orioles. Well, they're 5-3 after last night's 10-inning victory, moving them a season-high 12 games above .500. The Orioles have two games remaining before taking off Monday and returning to Camden Yards - you may remember the place - for series against the Angels and Mariners. You may remember those opponents. Bud Norris takes the ball today for the second time since being optioned to Double-A Bowie. He allowed one earned run (two total) and eight hits over 6 2/3 innings in Anaheim, with two walks and eight strikeouts. I've said it before and I'll say it again - I love the attitude that Norris brings to the mound and the rotation. Exactly what this team needs. Norris is 1-2 with a 5.09 ERA in three career starts against the Mariners, with 10 runs and 19 hits allowed in 17 2/3 innings. He's made one start at Safeco Field, permitting three runs and five hits in seven innings, with one walk and six strikeouts. Corey Hart, who does not wear his sunglasses at night despite persistent rumors, is 5-for-18 (.278) with two home runs against Norris. Kyle Seager is 3-for-8 (.375) with a home run. Former Oriole Endy Chavez is 2-for-6 (.333) with two doubles. Logan Morrison is 3-for-5 (.600) with a double. Newest Mariner Kendrys Morales is 2-for-5 (.400). Seattle starter Chris Young is 1-1 with a 4.70 ERA in three starts against the Orioles. J.J. Hardy is 0-for-6 and Steve Pearce is 1-for-2. That's it. As for non-waiver trade deadline updates, the Orioles are looking at starters, relievers and catchers. In other words, nothing has changed. Kurt Suzuki's name continues to surface. The Twins may deal him after failing to reach agreement on an extension. He's a free agent following the season, so he's a potential rental who shouldn't come at a high cost. Suzuki is making $2.75 million this year. Maybe I've missed it, but I haven't seen the Orioles linked to Bartolo Colon. The Mets seem eager to trade him and the Orioles met with his agent at the Winter Meetings. The Orioles wanted him, but only on a one-year deal. The Mets acted quickly and signed him for $20 million over two years. News of his signing came as a big disappointment to the Orioles. Who's disappointed now? Colon, 41, is 9-8 with a 4.03 ERA in 20 starts.