Simon still in holding pattern (with tonight's starter)

By Roch Kubatko

Orioles

April 02, 2012, 9:59am

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SARASOTA, Fla. - The Orioles are preparing for tonight's game against Florida Southern at Ed Smith Stadium, and I'm guessing that we'll have a lot of first-pitch swinging. Alfredo Simon won't be part of it. He's already left the complex carrying his equipment bag, still uncertain where he'll be unpacking it. The Orioles placed Simon on waivers Friday, so it shouldn't be much longer before the right-hander learns his fate. "I don't know nothing yet," he said. "I'm thinking maybe by tomorrow." Simon apparently has drawn a decent amount of interest, with teams intrigued by his power arm and a resume that includes stints as a starter, set-up man and closer. The Milwaukee Brewers and Houston Astros are two clubs in the mix. Simon injured his groin during a March 18 start against the New York Yankees and lasted only two innings. He didn't return until March 28 and allowed six runs and six hits in two relief innings against the Toronto Blue Jays in Dunedin. In four spring appearances, Simon allowed seven runs and 11 hits in nine innings, with two walks and five strikeouts. Jim Johnson will start tonight's game for the Orioles and go one inning. Troy Patton will replace him as the "long reliever" and throw two innings.