Orioles will field two Dominican Summer League teams (plus other notes from Bowie)

BOWIE, Md. - For the first time since 2010, the Orioles will field two teams in the Dominican Summer League when play begins in June. The O's entry in the league went 34-36 last season after making the playoffs in 2011, going 46-24. Four organizations - the Yankees, Mets, Cubs and Pirates - fielded two teams in the DSL in 2012. This is the latest sign that the Orioles are looking to upgrade their international efforts under executive vice president Dan Duquette. In this interview last month, he told me about plans to upgrade the club's efforts in Latin America. Kevin Gausman makes his home debut for Bowie tonight at 7:05 after he gave up six runs (four earned) in four innings in his first start last Saturday. Baysox manager Gary Kendall felt Gausman's slider was not real sharp in that outing and he gave up some hits when throwing that pitch. But, as he points out, Gausman needs to develop that pitch to help him get to the majors and needs to throw it, even if he might get an out easier during a game with a changeup or fastball. It appears that the Orioles will not be sending an outfielder from Bowie to Triple-A to replace Chris Dickerson. Norfolk is set with its outfield depth for now, even without Dickerson. Two of the Orioles' minor league instructors are here to work with Baysox players, including coordinator of minor league hitting Mike Boulanger and infield instructor Matt Martin. O's director of minor league operations Kent Qualls is also at Prince George's Stadium tonight. One of Martin's pupils is Caleb Joseph, who has played first base once and served as the DH in six other Baysox games. He is getting tonight off, but will continue to work at first base and left field, and is expected to get some starts at both spots in addition to a few games catching later this season. Right-hander Devin Jones, as reported here last night, will join Bowie and be officially activated to join the rotation when he starts here tomorrow night. Jones, the O's ninth-round pick in 2011 out of Mississippi State, was the opening night starter for Single-A Frederick, but is taking the rotation spot of Julio Rodriguez, who went on the disabled list. Infielder Cale Iorg, who agreed to a minor league contract this week with the Orioles, is here today to officially sign his contract and then should join the Bowie active roster sometime over the next several days. Lefty reliever Chris Jones, acquired by the club from Atlanta yesterday, has not yet reported to the Baysox. Former Baysox outfielder Val Majewski is here tonight and will work some radio games this season for Bowie alongside play-by-play man Ben Gordon-Goldstein. Majewski, no relation in case you are wondering, was the Orioles' third round pick in 2002 out of Rutgers and played for the organization from 2002-07. He spent the last couple of seasons in the Texas organization. You can access the broadcast at www.baysox.com.