Stubbs and Bourn talk about being the newest Orioles

Outfielders Drew Stubbs and Michael Bourn were in the Orioles clubhouse this afternoon, their lockers separated only by Hyun Soo Kim, and they're on the bench for tonight's game against the Yankees.

A clubhouse, bench and a pennant race.

The Orioles acquired Stubbs off optional waivers from the Rangers and sent minor league pitcher Jason Heinrich to the Diamondbacks for Bourn. Both players are now eligible for the postseason.

"It's always kind of a whirlwind whenever you get shifted around from one team to the next, but landing here for the month of September and being right in the thick of things is always exciting," Stubbs said. "Playing meaningful games in September is something I think every player enjoys and looks forward to and I think it's going to be a lot of fun this last stretch run."

Stubbs knows the Orioles' offensive reputation, a club that lives to mash.

"I missed 2 1/2 months with a foot injury kind of in the middle of the season, so obviously I had a lot of time to kind of keep tabs on everything going on around," he said. "Even when I was with Texas and the Orioles came to town, you see right away how intimidating the lineup can be, what a good team it is. Being here and being a part of that is exciting for me and meaningful games in September all the way down to the wire is going to be fun."

Stubbs appeared in 20 games with the Braves, who released him on May 3. The Rangers signed him four days later and released him on Sunday, again leaving his professional future up in the air.

"In those situations, you never really know where you're going to be," he said. "The thing that I had primarily on my radar was being on a team that was a contender and was going to have a playoff push. Landing here and knowing a few of the guys made me comfortable right away. I know they have high hopes of winning the division and making a run in the playoffs. I'm happy to be here and will try to contribute however I can.

"I would say kind of a hallmark of my career has been speed and defense. I think that's something that, when healthy, you can bring to the park every day and contribute. Obviously, everyone's going to have their ups and downs offensively, but I think my legs and my defensive capabilities can have an impact on the game every night and when I get my at-bats, I can hit the ball out of the ballpark sometimes and stir up the basepaths when I get on via hit. So I think there are a lot of different ways that hopefully I can step in and contribute."

Unlike Stubbs, Bourn seemed to know that he was headed to Baltimore.

"Not really surprised," he said. "I had a little warning from a little birdie that told me it could happen. Not really surprised, but glad to be on a team that's contending in the thick of things. I'm coming from the opposite side of the spectrum, so (looking forward) to getting adjusted and helping them any kind of way."

The Braves designated Bourn for assignment on April 2 to create a roster spot for Stubbs. Bourn signed with the Blue Jays on April 22, was released on May 7 and signed with the Diamondbacks on May 10.

"It's been crazy," Bourn said, laughing. "I can tell you for me from the jump, it's been crazy. It's one of those things where it's all said and done where you can look back and say, 'Man I went through a crazy time.'

"I've enjoyed it. The beginning didn't start off the way how the way I wanted it to start off. I was at home for a while. I didn't like that at all, being at home watching people play on opening day. I hadn't done that in 10 years. I never did that, so there's a first time for that.

"I had an opportunity to go with the Blue Jays, then I went to the Diamondbacks, now I'm here. It's been crazy, but I try to make the most of the situation, no matter what I was doing. I'm here now and I'm going to try to do my best."

Bourn brings a similar skill set to Stubbs, but with less power.

"Just play baseball," he said. "I bring the dynamic. They have a lot of power hitters, some speed, going first to third, all that kind of stuff. Put pressure on the defense, play defense, all type of stuff. I just try to be a baseball player."

Late roster additions have been known to rejuvenate a club.

"I would hope so," Bourn said. "I just try to take it one day at a time. That's the only way I know to approach baseball over my years of playing and talking to people is taking it one day at a time. It's just fun to be in this kind of position. I was in the position where our team, we were playing the spoiler role pretty much. Now, in the thick of things, trying to get to the playoffs, and that will be exciting to be a part of.

"I think it's just easier. It's just fun to be a part of. Just playing a sport, no matter what sport it is, you always want to be in a position of being able to go and play the postseason. I think that's what every player plays for, having a chance, having that opportunity. Good competition. Probably the best competition in baseball is the AL East. You've got four teams pretty much fighting for two spots. I think it's fun."

Note: Chris Tillman will throw bullpen sessions on Sunday and Wednesday, have a light game of catch next Friday and hopefully start Sept. 11 in Detroit.

Shameless plug alert: I'm appearing on "O's Xtra" tonight at 6:30 p.m. on MASN.