Showalter on a variety of topics

SARASOTA, Fla. - Pat Egan, claimed by the Brewers in the Rule 5 draft and returned to the Orioles today, will work out here and possibly pitch in a game. However, he's not part of the official camp roster and eventually will be sent to Triple-A Norfolk. Egan doesn't have to be included on the 40-man roster. "He'll be here in a day or two," manager Buck Showalter said. "He's going to be available to pitch. He's going to have a locker and a uniform and he'll be a just-in-case type guy. He may pitch in an inning to get a chance for Mark (Connor) and Rick (Adair) to see him. We felt like he might be able to pitch for us this year going into the offseason at some point." Adrian Rosario goes back to the Brewers. It's a "swap" many of us anticipated as soon as the Rule 5 draft ended. "Rosy was a tough one today," Showalter said. "He really liked it here. He was tearing up a little bit. You could tell it was emotional for him. He really wanted to stay. So did we. Andy (MacPhail) explored a lot of avenues to try to keep him. Just couldn't seem to work it out. We understand why Doug (Melvin) wants him back, but we're excited to get Egan back. Heard a lot of good things about him." The Orioles initially were trying to get Justin Duchscherer ready for the April 10 game against the Rangers at Camden Yards, when the Orioles need a fifth starter, but he'll be pushed back. If all goes well, he'll take the ball on April 21 against the Twins at Camden Yards. "We talked to Duchscherer about his situation," Showalter said. "If he stays on plan and he's able to do all the things that we put out for the month of April, he would be physically able, with the proper innings - if he doesn't have any setbacks - to come back to us on the 21st. He knows all that. We mapped that all out for him. He's not going to start the season with us. "He feels good. Just to get a definitive plan out there where he's not rushing and trying to get back too quick. We feel like if he answers all the physical challenges, he'll be in a pretty good spot and have all that behind him." Brian Matusz is pitching a Triple-A game on Monday because the Orioles want to increase his innings, which is easier done with relaxed rules. "He's a guy that we'd like to get to five or six ups before we get through camp," Showalter said. "At least down there, we can control that environment." We knew all along that Jeremy Guthrie would be the opening night starter at Tropicana Field, but we needed Showalter to make it official. "I don't think that's some big secret," Showalter said. Guthrie will get his third opening assignment in four years. Showalter was asked about his quotes in the Men's Journal article related to Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter and Red Sox general manager Theo Epstein. Showalter said he didn't read the entire article and only turned to it after Monica Barlow, director of media relations, suggested that he take a look. Just to review, Showalter said the following: On Jeter: "The first time we went to Yankee Stadium, I screamed at Derek Jeter from the dugout. Our guys are thinking, 'Wow, he's screaming at Derek Jeter.' Well, he's always jumping back from balls just off the plate. I know how many calls that team gets - and yes, he (ticks) me off." On Epstein: "I'd like to see how smart Theo Epstein is with the Tampa Bay payroll. You got Carl Crawford 'cause you paid more than anyone else, and that's what makes you smarter? That's why I like whipping their butt. It's great, knowing those guys with the $205 million payroll are saying, 'How the hell are they beating us?' " "I didn't really say it in that (context)," Showalter said today. "I was talking to a guy, like most people, just joking around, whatever. Here it is. What are you going to do? I can't even remember the how or when of if, but I think if it was said about, you know, in context with the Yankees and Red Sox...OK, you've got your answer. "Maybe it is envy or something on my part. But obviously, you all know what I think of Derek and the success the Red Sox have had. Hopefully, we can get to their level one day. "It's a tough job and...sometimes there are sour grapes on our part, I understand that. A little envy. Hopefully, we can do some things where, you know, we've got to take care of our business." Is too much being made of the whole thing? "It doesn't surprise me, but that's OK," Showalter replied. "I wouldn't say way too much. If you had asked me about it on the other shoe, I would have kind of looked at you, smiled and went out on the field. Unfortunately, it is something people find newsworthy. I understand that and move on. "I know Derek. He knows there are a lot of things you talk about in clubhouses and what have you, jokingly, kind matter-of-factly and everybody understands it within the arena. But when they get out there publicly, it's not particularly comfortable. But I can't remember .. we were sitting down at a table laughing about different stuff and three or four months later somebody brings it up as a quote and it's newsworthy. I can't remember if I said it or not, but I am 55 years old. I probably did."