Pie expected to accept assignment to Norfolk (O's win 6-1)

Orioles outfielder Felix Pie cleared waivers today and was outrighted to Triple-A Norfolk. And while Pie has the right to refuse the assignment, I'm told that he plans to accept it and report to the Tides. Pie would have to forfeit the remainder of the $985,000 salary he's receiving this year, which doesn't make much sense. Pie has to inform the Orioles of his decision by Saturday, but it appears that he's staying in the organization. The minor league seasons ends in a few weeks, so Pie's time in Norfolk will be brief. Meanwhile, Craig Tatum hit a tie-breaking, two-run double in the sixth inning, and Mark Reynolds belted a three-run homer in the seventh off Twins reliever Anthony Swarzak to put the Orioles ahead, 6-1. Reynolds is batting .220 with 29 homers and 70 RBIs this season. Jo-Jo Reyes held the Twins to one run and six hits in five innings, with four walks and three strikeouts. What's going on with the Orioles' starting pitching? And what's going on with the Twins, who are on the verge of being swept in this four-game series? Update: The Orioles got two scoreless innings from Chris Jakubauskas and one from Kevin Gregg to close out a 6-1 victory. Each Orioles starter allowed only one run in the series. Also, the Sports Legends Museum and the Babe Ruth Birthplace wanted to express their condolences on the death of former Orioles pitcher, coach, executive and broadcaster Mike Flanagan. Below is a statement from executive director Mike Gibbons: "Everyone at Sports Legends Museum at Camden Yards and the Babe Ruth Birthplace was saddened to learn of the passing of Mike Flanagan. He was a wonderful individual and a true Oriole who led by example, played the game with class and brought a lot of happiness to Orioles' fans over his career. He will be missed tremendously by so many people. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time."