Notes on Snyder, Garcia and Bundy (and Charlie Zill)

New Orioles catcher Chris Snyder is expected to meet up with the Orioles tonight in Seattle, but his contract won't be selected until Tuesday, which allows Luis Exposito to serve in a backup role for one more game. The Orioles will need to create room on their 40-man roster, which also could impact Exposito. Stay tuned. Executive vice president Dan Duquette has been interested in Snyder since joining the Orioles' front office. He considered signing Snyder the past two winters and again in spring training. Snyder wants to play in the majors, and catchers don't see an opportunity in Baltimore with Matt Wieters and Taylor Teagarden on the roster. Duquette is an on-base percentage guy, and Snyder has a career .353 OBP against left-handed pitching. Snyder was batting 342/.388/.684 with six doubles, seven homers and 21 RBIs in 21 games at Triple-A Salt Lake City before the Angels traded him last night for minor league reliever Rob Delaney. "He's been their best hitter by far at Triple-A," Duquette said. "Sometimes, all these guys need is consistent at-bats to get back on track. "I like his leadership ability. I've always liked him." I wrote earlier today that Freddy Garcia was named the International League's Pitcher of the Week after going 2-0 with a 1.69 ERA, no walks and nine strikeouts at Triple-A Norfolk. Garcia can opt out of his contract, and Duquette said the Orioles have "a dialogue going with him." Garcia is 4-0 with a 2.67 ERA in five starts, with two walks and 21 strikeouts in 33 2/3 innings. "We have to continue to talk to him," Duquette said. "We need to revisit that here this week. He's pitching well." Jair Jurrjens can opt out of his contract in June. He's 2-1 with a 2.64 ERA in five starts, with 13 walks and 20 strikeouts in 30 2/3 innings. Dylan Bundy's appointment with Dr. James Andrews in Gulf Breeze, Fla., is later today, so don't anticipate an update until perhaps early in the evening. Bundy is seeking a second opinion. He's bothered by tightness in his flexor mass in his right forearm. An MRI on his elbow came back clean. I'm sad to report the passing of longtime Orioles usher Charlie Zill, who fought a courageous battle with cancer. Here's a statement from the club: "We are saddened to learn of Charlie Zill's passing. Since 1997 Charlie was a fixture at Oriole Park, entertaining millions of fans during the seventh inning stretch as his 'Zillbilly' character. Over the last several years his determination and positive attitude served as an inspiration for so many as he continued to work in spite of his illness. He will be deeply missed, and we extend our condolences to his family."