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Luke Jones

Showalter says Orioles have “some great pieces” on Baseball Tonight

Luke Jones

Buck Showalter has been tight-lipped about last week’s interview for the Orioles managerial position, but he broke his silence on ESPN’s Baseball Tonight Sunday evening, sharing his impressions on the current state of the Baltimore Orioles. For anyone hoping to get a legitimate read on Showalter’s thoughts, you’ll probably have to wait as he was hesitant to discuss specifics, citing his respect for interim manager Juan Samuel and not wanting to comment specifically about “his” job. The 54-year-old former manager did, however, confirm his interest in the position. Despite the Orioles’ league-worst 23-52 record, the former big league manager acknowledged there is some talent with which to work in Baltimore. “It’s a tough situation, but the one mistake people make, I think, is just because a club has lost X number of games that everything there is bad,” Showalter told Karl Ravech on Baseball Tonight. “There are some great pieces there.” When asked why he would consider taking a managerial job in Baltimore given its current state and having to play in the toughest division in baseball, Showalter said any managerial job is a rare privilege. “We’ll see where it takes us and what’s presented to somebody. And you take

Ravens ink QB Marc Bulger to 1-year deal

Luke Jones

In an effort to improve their depth behind starter Joe Flacco, the Baltimore Ravens have signed veteran quarterback Marc Bulger to a one-year, $3.8 million deal Wednesday, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The deal will also include incentives that could be reached should Bulger receive more snaps than expected in 2010. Entering his 10th season, Bulger had spent his entire career with the St. Louis Rams, taking the reins of the St. Louis offense permanently in 2003 after backing up Kurt Warner for two years. The 33-year-old quarterback played in nine games last season, going 140 of 247 for 1,469 yards, five touchdowns, and six interceptions. The Rams released Bulger in early April, clearing the way for St. Louis to draft Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford with the top pick of the NFL Draft a few weeks later. Bulger joins returning backups Troy Smith and John Beck but clearly figures to be the No. 2 behind Flacco, who is entering his third season as the team’s starter. A $3.8 million investment in a backup is a hefty price, but general manager Ozzie Newsome has significantly improved the depth at the quarterback position. Are you on the WNST Text Service? If so,

Live from Camden Yards: Marlins players in “shock” over Gonzalez firing

Luke Jones

BALTIMORE — While the Orioles (19-51) prepare for the second of a three-game set against Florida (34-36) tonight at 7:05 p.m., the opposition is dealing with the surprising dismissal of manager Fredi Gonzalez earlier this morning. The Marlins clubhouse was filled with shock and disappointment regarding the firing, as first baseman Gaby Sanchez described it as a “shock” and Jorge Cantu did not learn of the news until this morning just like everyone else. Triple-A manager Edwin Rodriguez takes over on an interim basis as it appears Bobby Valentine will eventually become the next manager of the Marlins. He and owner Jeffrey Loria have known each other for 20 years, dating back to their days with the Texas Rangers. And, of course, if you’re on the WNST Text Service, you received the news that Valentine had official withdrew his name from consideration for the Orioles’ managerial position. It’s certainly no coincidence as Marlins president David Samson confirmed  the club had contacted Valentine earlier today about the job. The Marlins’ situation is certainly a stark contrast from the Orioles’ recent firing of Dave Trembley, who seemingly flapped around in the wind for weeks before finally receiving his walking papers. In Orioles

A staggering look at the numbers as Orioles drop to 19-51

Luke Jones

What more is there to say that hasn’t already been said after the previous 50 losses this season? The Orioles lost 10-4 to the Florida Marlins on Tuesday night. Jeremy Guthrie was plagued by a four-run second inning, retired 13 of 14 batters, and then walked Chris Coghlan to begin the seventh before giving up an RBI-double to Gaby Sanchez. That marked Guthrie’s exit as he fell to 3-9 on the season. The bullpen was awful, giving up three earned runs in three innings to put the game even further out of reach than it already was. On a bright note, Matt Wieters hit a three-run, opposite-field homer in the second inning on a typical Baltimore summer night in which the ball was really carrying at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. The struggling catcher now has 6 RBI in his last two games despite a .225 average. It was also the Orioles’ first three-run home run since May 1. Instead of analyzing why the Orioles lost again (it doesn’t take a rocket scientist, does it?), here’s a glimpse at some staggering numbers and scenarios: – The Orioles are now 19-51, a .271 winning percentage that now puts the club on

Live from Camden Yards: Jake Fox to O’s, Tillman optioned to Norfolk

Luke Jones

BALTIMORE — As reported earlier today, the Orioles have acquired infielder/outfielder Jake Fox from the Oakland Athletics in exchange for minor league pitcher Ross Wolf and cash considerations. It’s a move that’s sure to excite few but isn’t a bad gamble if you take a look at Fox’s career minor league numbers. And, oh yeah, he’s a former Cub, which Andy MacPhail seems to like for some reason. Interim manager Juan Samuel intends to use the 27-year-old Fox in a utility role off the bench and as a third catcher to help spell Matt Wieters—who could then be the designated hitter on occasion—and backup Craig Tatum. That’s fine for now, but Fox needs to receive regular opportunities at some point. Regardless of whose playing time suffers as a result, there’s no such thing as “stepping on anyone’s toes” when the club is 19-50. “He’s an added bat,” Samuel said. “We’re going to do everything we can to get him in there and get some offense. That’s just an extra guy to help us off the bench, to pinch hit if we need to throw him in against a left-hander. … I’m going to try to play as many guys as

Orioles managerial search: Now, later, or both?

Luke Jones

With Buck Showalter scheduled to interview with the Orioles on Wednesday and Eric Wedge receiving a callback in the near future, the search continues for a permanent manager while Juan Samuel steers a sunken ship for the time being. Bobby Valentine whisked through town with an apparent “thanks, but no thanks” after taking a glimpse at a team currently 31 games below .500 and 24 games out of first place on the first day of summer. It’s no secret this job is an incredibly difficult—if not impossible—sell to any experienced name attached to the managerial search. And with Andy MacPhail proclaiming the organization’s preference for an experienced skipper, the Valentines, Showalters, and Wedges of the baseball world would need an incredible amount of hubris to willingly jump aboard now to manage a team on track to become one of the worst in the history of the game. Waiting until the off-season would not only provide an expanded field of candidates but also remove the stigma of having the eventual manager attached to whatever the final record will be for the 2010 edition of the Orioles. However, with Nick Markakis’ recent comments questioning the direction of the organization, stretching the process

The beginning of the end for Markakis in Baltimore?

Luke Jones

Just to be clear, the Orioles have no intention of trading Nick Markakis. And Markakis—despite his comments earlier this week questioning both his teammates’ approach and the direction of an organization in the midst of its 13th straight losing season—doesn’t want to leave Baltimore, at least not beyond the general sense of wishing to be anywhere else but on a team that is 31 games below .500 in the middle of June. Even so, it’s hard to imagine Markakis’ outspokenness sat very well with Andy MacPhail as he opened the paper Friday morning to see the comments questioning his vision for the organization after three years in charge. “At this point, yeah. Where are we going?” the right fielder said when asked about the current state of the franchise by Jeff Zrebiec. “I know we have a lot of injured guys. We’re in the toughest division in baseball, and we’re a last-place team. But at this point, it’s mind-boggling. You don’t even know what to think, but you still have to be professional and go out and play every day.” While most have focused on his statements about his teammates’ lack of an approach at the plate and his defense

O-mazin’ Orioles swept by Mets as chase of history is on

Luke Jones

It’s fitting the Orioles concluded a forgettable 2-7 homestand against the New York Mets this weekend. For it was this same Mets franchise that set the modern record for futility with a 40-120 record as an expansion team in 1962, and the Orioles’ biggest—if not only—storyline is quickly becoming where they might land among the worst teams in the history of major league baseball. With the Orioles falling 11-4 on Sunday and now holding an appalling 17-46 record (on pace to lose 119 games), it’s getting harder and harder to ignore a potential date with history, though not the kind anyone wanted to see in Baltimore this season—or any season for that matter. Those “Amazin’ Mets” lost their 63rd game of the season, giving Casey Stengel and the feeble Metropolitans a 17-46 record, the same mark the Orioles hold as they embark on a West Coast trip to San Francisco and San Diego this week. But unlike the Mets, expectations were far higher for an Orioles club many hoped would be far more intriguing—and successful—than any Baltimore has witnessed in 13 years. The decision to fire manager Dave Trembley was made in order to ignite a spark for a baseball

Live from Camden Yards: “Calm” Arrieta set to make MLB debut tonight

Luke Jones

***Join us in the Orange Crush chat right now!*** BALTIMORE — It lacks the hoopla of the “Strasburg-mania” we saw in Washington, D.C. on Tuesday night, but pitching prospect Jake Arrieta will make his major league debut this evening against the New York Yankees (37-22) as the Orioles (16-43) hope to salvage the finale of a three-game series. Arrieta was leading the International League in opponents batting average (.189), second in innings pitched, and tied for third with six wins. The 24-year-old was 6-2 with a 1.85 ERA in 11 starts for the Norfolk Tides. He will wear the No. 57, joining the likes of Juan Guzman, Karim Garcia, Erik Bedard (briefly), Julio Manon, and Garrett Olson as players to wear the number for the Orioles. Needless to say, Arrieta has little pressure living up to the history of that number. If one weakness reared its ugly head in Arrieta’s minor league career, it was his propensity for surrendering walks. The right-hander was tied for second in the International League with walks allowed (34), which may cost him dearly against the patient Yankees lineup. Arrieta appeared calm in his preparation for tonight’s start, casually walking into the office of interim

Live from Camden Yards: Arrieta to make MLB debut Thursday

Luke Jones

BALTIMORE — Good evening from a dreary, damp Oriole Park at Camden Yards as the Orioles (16-42) prepare to battle the New York Yankees (36-22) in the second of a three-game series tonight at 7:05 p.m. Chris Tillman will make his third start of the season, but another young pitcher grabbed the headlines this afternoon when the Orioles announced Jake Arrieta will make his major league debut Thursday night instead of the speculated Saturday game against the New York Mets. Jeremy Guthrie’s scheduled start will be moved to Friday night, giving the right-hander an extra day of rest. Arrieta is 6-2 with a 1.85 ERA in 11 starts with the Norfolk Tides this season, striking out 64 while walking 34. Arrieta’s biggest struggle in the minor leagues has been limiting walks, which will present a challenge against the patient New York lineup. However, interim manager Juan Samuel showed no hesitation in sending Arrieta to the hill against the 2009 world champions. “Hey, we don’t get to pick who we play,” said Samuel, citing how well the 24-year-old as pitched at Triple A and the need for Arrieta to gain experience. With Arrieta’s promotion, it likely means Brad Bergesen will remain

Live from Camden Yards: Roberts’ back “not really good,” more tests coming

Luke Jones

BALTIMORE — Good afternoon from Oriole Park at Camden Yards as the Orioles (16-41) prepare to welcome the New York Yankees (35-22) for the first of a three-game set this evening at 7:05 p.m. The biggest piece of news from Juan Samuel in his pre-game meeting with the media was an update on Brian Roberts described as “not really good.” After previously being scheduled to play in an extended spring training game last Friday, Roberts continues to experience lower back pain and will undergo a battery of tests over the next few days. While all parties have downplayed the possibility of surgery ever since Roberts missed most of spring training with a herniated disc, Samuel did not seem optimistic over the second baseman’s prognosis and whether he might have to undergo surgery. “We don’t know,” Samuel said. “Like I said, they’re going to run more tests here in the next two or three days, and we’ll see once the doctors evaluate his situation, we will know more on that.” Roberts is eligible to come off the 60-day disabled list on Wednesday, but his status for the remainder of the season remains very much in doubt at this point. Mike Gonzalez

Harbaugh, Ravens applaud communication over OTA violations

Luke Jones

OWINGS MILLS, Md. — The Baltimore Ravens continued this week’s minicamp by applauding the communication between the organization and the players union regarding violations that forced the team to cancel its final week of offseason practices on Monday. Coach John Harbaugh informed the media that union reps Todd Heap and Chris Carr came to him with concerns regarding the first OTA week in which six players ran over the allowed time for meetings and two players spent too much time on the practice field. As a result, the organization sent their schedule and tape to league executives who then forced the Ravens to cancel next week’s final OTA practices before training camp. “I agree with it; I’m accountable for that,” Harbaugh said. “As an organization we want to do things the right way. We want to be within the rules at all times. We want our players to communicate with us when they have an issue, and they did. We deserved to lose those last two days. That’s the way it goes, and I think we’ve had a great offseason program anyway, and after this week, it’ll be time to move on to the regular part of it.” Despite the

Sunday Orioles Notes: Simon on schedule to return soon

Luke Jones

BALTIMORE — The woes continue for the Orioles (15-41) as they’ll try to snap a season-high 10-game losing streak and salvage a game in the series against the Red Sox (33-24) this afternoon at Camden Yards. The Baltimore lineup has produced just 10 runs in its last eight games and 16 runs in the current 10-game skid. In comparison, the Red Sox scored 11 runs in Friday night’s game alone. Trying to inject any kind of offense he can possibly find, interim manager Juan Samuel will rest the struggling Corey Patterson, replacing him with Julio Lugo in the leadoff spot and Luke Scott taking his spot in left field this afternoon. Here are this afternoon’s lineups: Boston SS Marco Scutaro 2B Dustin Pedroia DH David Ortiz 1B Kevin Youkilis C Victor Martinez 3B Adrian Beltre LF Bill Hall CF Mike Cameron RF Darnell McDonald SP John Lackey (6-3, 4.95 ERA) Baltimore 2B Julio Lugo DH Miguel Tejada RF Nick Markakis 1B Ty Wigginton LF Luke Scott CF Adam Jones 3B Scott Moore C Craig Tatum SS Cesar Izturis SP Brian Matusz (2-6, 5.28 ERA) Don’t forget to join us in the Orange Crush chat this afternoon at 1:30 p.m., as

Saturday Orioles Notes: Bergesen to bullpen (at least temporarily)

Luke Jones

BALTIMORE — It’s another hot day at Camden Yards accompanied by little good news as the Orioles (15-40) prepare to face the Red Sox (32-24) in the second of a three-game set after Boston battered the Baltimore pitching staff in an 11-0 rout on Friday night. Brad Bergesen has been moved to the bullpen—at least temporarily—to add another arm with the luxury of an off day on Monday. The rest of the staff will work on regular rest with the 24-year-old working in a relief role. Interim manager Juan Samuel said there are no defined plans to keep Bergesen in the bullpen long-term, but that could change as Jake Arrieta continues to dominate Triple-A batters. “We don’t know how long he’s going to be down there,” the manager said. Bergesen gave up six runs in 2 1/3 innings in a 9-1 loss to the Yankees on Wednesday. His earned run average now stands at 6.75 after pitching to a 3.43 clip in his rookie season a year ago. The club continues to point to an inconsistent arm slot as the main reason for Bergesen’s struggles in his sophomore campaign. The pitcher’s sinker continues to miss up in the strike zone,

Hoping for a spark, Orioles implode again in Samuel’s managerial debut

Luke Jones

It only took the Orioles a few hours to prove what everyone already knew despite the announcement of Dave Trembley being fired on Friday morning. Trembley wasn’t the one who threw 38 pitches in a three-run first inning that sealed the Orioles’ fate against the Red Sox in an 11-0 loss in front of 30,070 at Oriole Park at Camden Yards, many of them Boston fans as has become the custom. He also wasn’t a member of a lineup that managed just five hits against Clay Buchholz, all singles. And while his bullpen management constantly came under scrutiny during his tenure in Baltimore, Trembley had no hand in a bullpen that surrendered seven runs when starter Chris Tillman was lifted in the second inning after giving up four runs in 1 1/3 innings. Who could blame Trembley if he checked the score of the ballgame at some point on Friday evening and breathed a sigh of relief knowing he no longer has to deal with this mess? Despite Andy MacPhail’s desire for Juan Samuel to ignite a spark—on an interim basis—for a pitiful baseball team, a plethora of grave problems remain regardless of who’s filling out the lineup card and

Trembley, Orioles point to bad breaks instead of making own luck

Luke Jones

BALTIMORE — As the Orioles fall further into the abyss of the 2010 season, Thursday night’s loss ranks near the top of the most painful defeats. A 5-2 lead that appeared to be an almost certain victory transformed into an excruciating sequence of questionable decisions and bad luck in the eight inning. The final result was a 7-5 defeat and another sleepless night of asking how it went wrong for manager Dave Trembley and the Orioles (15-33). The win-loss record plainly reflects how poorly the club has played over the first two months of the season, but the bad breaks once again manifested in the eighth inning on Thursday night. A grounder deflecting off the leg of Mark Hendrickson led to an infield single and then a bad hop to Cesar Izturis kept the eventual five-run inning alive on two occasions. Later, a three-run double by Kevin Kouzmanoff sealed the Orioles’ fate as the club snatched defeat from the jaws of victory, a common theme as we approach the 50-game mark of the season. “You hate to get a game taken away from a guy who has pitched as well as [Brad] Bergesen did and lose it under those conditions,”

Live from Camden Yards: Matusz looks to rebound from recent struggles

Luke Jones

BALTIMORE — Good evening from Oriole Park at Camden Yards as the Orioles (15-31) look to make it two in a row against the Oakland Athletics (23-23) as Brian Matusz takes the hill against left-handed starter Trevor Cahill at 7:05 this evening. Matusz hopes to bounce back from the shortest outing of his career, a 2 1/3-inning effort against Texas last Thursday in which the young lefty gave up seven runs and picked up his fourth loss of the season. After winning two of his first three starts in 2010, Matusz has not registered a win in his last six starts. His last victory came against these same Athletics in Oakland on April 18. Here are tonight’s starting lineups: Oakland CF Rajai Davis 1B Daric Barton C Kurt Suzuki 3B Kevin Kouzmanoff RF Ryan Sweeney LF Adam Rosales DH Jake Fox 2B Mark Ellis SS Cliff Pennington SP Trevor Cahill (2-2, 3.68 ERA) Baltimore LF Corey Patterson 1B Ty Wigginton RF Nick Markakis 3B Miguel Tejada C Matt Wieters CF Adam Jones 2B Scott Moore DH Garrett Atkins SS Cesar Izturis SP Brian Matusz (2-4, 5.26 ERA) Don’t forget to join us in the Orange Crush chat tonight at 7:00

Orioles use small ball to top Oakland, 5-1

Luke Jones

BALTIMORE — When an offense struggles as much as the Orioles have to score runs this season, playing small-ball becomes an absolute necessity to have a realistic chance to win on a nightly basis. As their record reflects, it’s a style of play in which the Orioles have failed miserably in playing through the first quarter of the season, but it worked Tuesday night as they defeated the Oakland Athletics, 5-1. The Orioles (15-31) went 0-for-4 with runners in scoring position but scored their first three runs of the contest without the aid of a hit. The club also drew six walks, one short of its season-high of seven in 2010. The deciding factor of the game was the sixth when the club plated two runs without registering a hit in the entire inning. “Four at-bats were key,” manager Dave Trembley said. “Two walks [to Nick Markakis and Miguel Tejada], a wild pitch, and two sac-flies [by Ty Wigginton and Adam Jones]. That was the key to the game.” Winning 3-1 in the eighth, the Orioles added two insurance runs with Markakis’ third home run of the season and an RBI-double by Matt Wieters to put the game out of

Notebook: Hard-luck Millwood continues to go about business

Luke Jones

Kevin Millwood was lifted two innings before Nick Markakis’ RBI single gave the Orioles a 4-3 win over the Kansas City Royals in 10 innings, but it was clear who the winning pitcher was in Dave Trembley’s mind. The veteran pitcher’s first win continues to elude him, but his eight-inning performance kept the club in the game against Royals ace and 2009 Cy Young Award winner Zack Greinke as the Orioles battled back to salvage a split of a two-game series. Millwood retired the first 13 batters of the game before scattering 10 hits, allowing three runs (all in the fifth inning), and striking out seven in his third eight-inning outing of the season. “He deserved [the win], he earned it,” Trembley said. “Like I said, he didn’t get it in the book, but I think in everybody else’s eyes, he’s the reason we won the game—or one of the reasons why we won the game—because he doesn’t fold.” His 0-4 record is indicative of the club’s anemic lineup, but the Orioles (13-27) have managed to win four of Millwood’s last five starts after losing his first four to begin the season. He’s pitched into the seventh inning or later

Same old story as Orioles waste chances, lose 4-3 to Kansas City

Luke Jones

BALTIMORE — Even after missing countless opportunities throughout the night, the Orioles managed to load the bases in the ninth for Ty Wigginton and Miguel Tejada, the two biggest run producers for an otherwise putrid lineup. There wasn’t much more you could ask for, being down a run with your No. 3 and 4 hitters coming to the plate. They again failed to take advantage as Wigginton struck out and Tejada grounded to second, and the Orioles fell 4-3 to the Kansas City Royals on Monday night. Manager Dave Trembley uttered the same words after the game that we’ve heard countless times this season, but the tone was different. His voice was filled with anger and frustration, far more emotion than we typically hear from the maligned skipper. “There’s nothing for me to say other than the fact that we’re getting the opportunities and not cashing them in,” Trembley said in one of the shortest post-game press conferences you’ll ever hear. What more is there to say? What else can you ask other than the same questions offered night after night? Every time you begin to think this team might begin a run of better baseball—sorry, but 10-11 over their last

Bergesen leaving disastrous start to 2010 behind him

Luke Jones

BALTIMORE — On the same day the Orioles sent struggling outfielder Nolan Reimold to the minor leagues in hopes of regaining his confidence, the club once again reaped the benefits of Brad Bergesen’s short stint with the Tides. The right-hander coaxed ground ball after ground ball—16 in all—from the Seattle bats as the Orioles defeated the Seattle Mariners, 5-2, and secured their 10th win of the season. Bergesen pitched 7 2/3 innings, allowing only one run and striking out three to earn his third win of the season, all coming after returning from a brief demotion to the minor leagues last month. In his three starts since being recalled on May 1, Bergesen has pitched to a 2.33 ERA (19 2/3 innings) while primarily using his sinking fastball in lieu of his breaking pitches, something on which he focused during his stint at Triple A. He has looked far more like the pitcher who went 7-5 with a 3.43 ERA as a rookie in 2009 than the fragile pitcher losing control of his emotions as he sprinted off the Safeco Field mound with a 12.19 ERA on April 19. “He had better sink [on his fastball], excellent poise,” manager Dave

Nolan Reimold sinks lower as Orioles fall 5-1 to Seattle

Luke Jones

BALTIMORE — The image of a dejected Nolan Reimold sitting on a clubhouse couch said it all following Tuesday’s loss. The losses continue to mount and the frustration level reaches new heights for a club that’s mustered just one run over its last 22 innings of baseball. As speculation persists regarding imminent changes to the 25-man roster, it’s apparent Reimold finds himself near the top of the list of players in danger of being optioned to Triple-A Norfolk. The left fielder went 1-for-4 in Tuesday’s night’s 5-1 loss to Seattle—actually raising his average to .205—but more deflating were his defensive lapses. Reimold misjudged a Josh Wilson liner into a single that eventually scored in the fifth and committed a fielding error in the sixth that led to an unearned run. Reimold was visibly shaken following the game as he sat alone, a couple teammates offering encouragement at different times before he spoke to the media. “I’ve been playing pretty bad,” he said. “I know I’m a lot better than this, so [I have to] keep at it everyday and turn it around.” The biggest question now is where Reimold will wind up in the effort to reverse his early-season struggles.

Adam Jones, Orioles hit brick wall on path to success

Luke Jones

In the bottom of the eighth inning Saturday night, Twins outfielder Delmon Young hit a deep fly to center with two men on base. Instead of sprinting to the warning track and making the catch, Adam Jones mistakenly broke in on the ball and never recovered as it bounced on the warning track for an automatic double. The misplay eventually led to three runs, giving Minnesota an insurmountable 6-1 lead as the Twins took the second game of a doubleheader. It was just the latest misstep in a miserable season for both the 24-year-old center fielder and the Orioles (9-22). Jones’ immense struggles epitomize how badly 2010 has gone for a club supposedly climbing toward respectability and contention. And while the club has played a little better of late, winning five of its last nine, Jones continues to scuffle through early-season misery. A Gold Glove winner and member of the 2009 All-Star team, Jones was supposed to continue his path to superstardom in 2010 and be the player around which the Orioles could build a contending club. It’s clear the Orioles agreed. [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X24YzoJ04zg[/youtube] But instead of improving upon his 2009 campaign, the outfielder has regressed dramatically, hitting just .227 with

Live from Owings Mills: Gaither doesn't practice on Day 2 of minicamp

Luke Jones

OWINGS MILLS, Md. — Good afternoon from 1 Winning Drive as the Baltimore Ravens have concluded Day 2 of their first minicamp. The biggest news to come out of Owings Mills this afternoon is the status of tackle Jared Gaither. After it became official—at least as official as it gets for early May—that Michael Oher was shifting to left tackle and Gaither to the right side, Gaither was absent from practice on Saturday due to an undisclosed injury. Gaither was not present in the locker room for the media availability following practice, so the status of the fourth-year player remains in question.  There was no mention of any potential injury following Friday’s practice. Offensive coordinator Cam Cameron would not discuss any specifics of the injury, but that’s nothing new with the Baltimore coaching staff. “I don’t know that it’s any one thing,” Cameron said. “I think it’s just maybe a series of things. I don’t want to say any one specific play [that it happened].” How’s that for dancing around a question? Cameron was also complimentary of Oniel Cousins, who took Gaither’s place at the starting right tackle position on Saturday. Of course, speculation persists about the possibility of Gaither

Orioles climb small hill against Red Sox this weekend

Luke Jones

As the Orioles travel to New York Sunday evening, Dave Trembley will take a deep breath, smile, and maybe even light up a cigar in a brief celebration. After an exciting weekend at Camden Yards and taking a broom out of the closet to finish off the Red Sox, the Orioles (7-18) will enjoy their first three-game home sweep against Boston since 1974 (a stat that’s a bit misleading as they had a four-game sweep over Boston in 1998, but surprising nonetheless). “It’s just great for the team, individuals who have gone through a lot of pain and mimicry for 30 days,” Trembley said. “I believe we’ve gotten through the worst. The good days are ahead.” Maybe so, but reality will set in again Monday morning. After outplaying a team they went 2-16 against in 2009, the club still finds itself 11 games below .500 and 11 games behind first-place Tampa Bay. As satisfying as the weekend was at Oriole Park at Camden Yards, it was merely a small climb after the Orioles threw themselves off a cliff in the first month of the season. Make no mistake, it feels good—especially sending the thousands of Boston fans who once again

Orange Crush Chat: Orioles going for rare sweep of Red Sox

Luke Jones

Join us right now in the Orange Crush chat! BALTIMORE — Good afternoon and happy Sunday from Oriole Park at Camden Yards as the Orioles (6-18) find themselves in an extremely rare position against the Boston Red Sox (11-13) this afternoon. After taking the first two games of the series, Baltimore can complete its first three-game sweep of the Red Sox in Baltimore since Sept. 1974. This happened nine years before I was born to put it in perspective. The stat is a bit misleading considering the Orioles completed a four-game sweep of the Sox in July 1998, but nonetheless, it’s an impressive feat for a franchise that is just 30-67 at home against the Red Sox since 1999. Here are this afternoon’s lineups: Boston SS Marco Scutaro 2B Dustin Pedroia RF J.D. Drew 1B Mike Lowell DH David Ortiz 3B Adrian Beltre C Jason Varitek LF Darnell McDonald CF Jonathan Van Every SP Josh Beckett (1-0, 7.22 ERA) Baltimore CF Adam Jones RF Nick Markakis 2B Ty Wigginton 3B Miguel Tejada DH Luke Scott LF Nolan Reimold 1B Rhyne Hughes C Craig Tatum SS Julio Lugo SP Kevin Millwood (0-3, 3.38 ERA) As we do for every Orioles game,

Notebook: Home runs lead Orioles past Red Sox, 12-9

Luke Jones

BALTIMORE — With two pitchers returning to the starting rotation for their respective teams, it was clear Saturday night’s game had the potential to become an offensive explosion, especially with the temperature soaring to the mid-80s in downtown Baltimore. Twenty-one runs, 24 hits, and nine home runs later, the Orioles (6-18) bested the Boston Red Sox, 12-9, in a game filled with offense and short on pitching. Baltimore’s 12 runs was a season high, besting their eight-run effort against the Oakland Athletics on April 18. As he has for the entire 2010 season, Ty Wigginton led the offense with two home runs, including a solo blast in the fifth inning that ignited a six-run explosion that put the Orioles in front for good. Wigginton leads the club in nearly every run-producing category imaginable including home runs (8), runs batted in (14), average (.324), slugging percentage (.721), and on-base percentage (.413). “I’m just executing my plan,” he said. “I try to come up with the best approach [at the plate] and stick with it. I’m executing it more times than I’m not.” Manager Dave Trembley believes there’s a far simpler explanation, especially with Brian Roberts being on the disabled list for

Tejada’s clutch bat leads Orioles past Red Sox, 5-4 in 10

Luke Jones

BALTIMORE — To say the Orioles have struggled in the month of April would be comparable to labeling Mount Everest as a “pretty big hill.” Their record entering Friday night made them the 12th team to start a season 4-18 or worse since 1900. Not exactly the type of history you want to make. Only the hapless 1988 club has saved the current Orioles from suffering the worst start in franchise history. The club looked to be well on its way to another disappointing loss after failing to capitalize with runners in scoring position and to protect the lead in the late innings. However, that outlook changed dramatically when Miguel Tejada stepped to the plate in the bottom of the eighth, connecting for a game-tying home run off Daniel Bard. Tejada’s heroics weren’t finished as the game moved into extra innings, and he knocked in the winning run in the 10th to give the Orioles a 5-4 victory over the Boston Red Sox at Camden Yards. “I just put in my mind that I had to be able to relax,” said Tejada. “I know they had to throw me a strike, and I was lucky to get one pitch over

Orioles fall back into all-too-familiar pattern in 4-0 loss to Yankees

Luke Jones

BALTIMORE — With Brian Matusz taking the hill with an opportunity to secure the club’s first series victory of the season Thursday night, the Orioles had to like their chances—at least as much as a 4-17 team possibly can when facing last season’s World Series champions. That is, until A.J. Burnett took the mound for the New York Yankees. The Monkton resident was masterful over eight innings, allowing just three hits and striking out four as the Yankees won the rubber game of the three-game set, 4-0. After providing 25 runs for Matusz in his first four starts of the season—nearly equaling the amount received by any other two starters combined—the bats fell quiet to the right arm of Burnett, who improved to 3-0 on the season. Matusz didn’t pitch poorly but struggled to keep the ball down in the strike zone, allowing three runs and nine hits over six innings to suffer his first loss of the season. The Orioles were again victimized by second baseman Robinson Cano who homered twice and scored three of the four New York runs. “That guy is swinging the bat so well,” Matusz said. “He’s a tough out. I have to make some

Orioles, Trembley turn to unlikely sources in 5-4 win over Yankees

Luke Jones

BALTIMORE — Over the first three weeks of the season, the Orioles couldn’t beat anybody en route to the second worst start in franchise history. So, of course, with the world champion New York Yankees coming to town, why not turn to the Norfolk Tides, the team’s Triple-A affiliate, for help? They certainly couldn’t do any worse. Alfredo Simon, Alberto Castillo, and Rhyne Hughes weren’t exactly sure bets to be in Baltimore when the season started three weeks ago, but desperate times—especially for manager Dave Trembley—call for desperate measures when you’re 3-16. With a 5-2 lead in the bottom of the ninth, Trembley turned to Simon to close out the victory despite the right-hander being recalled just a few hours before the game on Tuesday. It was both an incredible vote of confidence for Simon and a sign of indignation for a bullpen having failed countless times over the season’s first 19 games. Some shaky defense made it interesting—to no one’s surprise at this point—but Simon earned his first big-league save and the Orioles their first home victory of the season in a 5-4 final. “I’ve got nothing to lose,” said Trembley, whose seat is as hot as it gets

Live from Owings Mills: Ravens conclude 2010 NFL Draft

Luke Jones

OWINGS MILLS, Md. — The Baltimore Ravens have concluded their participation in the 2010 NFL Draft after selecting seven players, including two defensive tackles and two tight ends. The Ravens added to Friday night’s haul of linebacker Sergio Kindle, defensive tackle Terrence Cody, and tight end Ed Dickson by adding tight end Dennis Pitta, receiver David Reed, defensive tackle Art Jones, and offensive lineman Ramon Harewood in rounds 4 through 6 of the draft. After speaking to the media following their final selection of Harewood—the first player from Barbados, according to Eric DeCosta—it’s clear the Ravens brass is thrilled with the work its done over the last three days. Head to the WNST.net Audio Vault right now to hear from Ozzie Newsome, John Harbaugh, Eric DeCosta, and Joe Hortiz. Here are the highlights: Ozzie Newsome – “The initiative that Roger Goodell had of making this a three-day event has been very successful.” – On the organization’s draft preparation: “This year I think we’ve topped what we’ve done in the past.” – “This has been a very productive three days for the Baltimore Ravens.” – On the organization not drafting a corner and the possibility of future movers: “You have to

Tonight’s Orange Crush Chat: What are your short-term fixes for the Orioles?

Luke Jones

As we do for every televised game, WNST.net will have the Orange Crush chat open tonight at 10:00 p.m. for the second of a four-game set between the Orioles (1-9) and the Athletics (7-4) out in Oakland. As the Orioles ballpark reporter for WNST.net, I was at Camden Yards for the disastrous 0-6 home stand and watched the club continue its struggles Thursday night as David Hernandez took the loss in an all-around listless 6-2 defeat. In an effort to spark some interesting debate in tonight’s chat, I’d like to offer you a hypothetical chance to play general manager and/or manger. If you could make three realistic moves (and sorry, a Luke Scott/Matt Albers/Brandon Snyder for Adrian Gonzalez deal doesn’t qualify as realistic) right now to improve the current state of the baseball team, what would they be? There’s plenty to talk about, so I hope you’ll join us in the Orange Crush at 10:00 p.m., with the first pitch scheduled for 10:05 on MASN2. Kevin Millwood (0-1, 2.13 ERA) will take the hill against the talented Dallas Braden (1-0, 2.77 ERA) in what looks to be an attractive pitching match-up. Grab your laptop—and perhaps a cold beverage or four—and

Orioles, Gonzalez again snatch defeat from the jaws of victory

Luke Jones

BALTIMORE — The good vibes of Opening Day and the first week of the season are one of the few occasions when Orioles fans are typically allowed to feel good. Spring is in the air, the Orioles are back in town, and the standings look a little better—at least for now. However, as Mike Gonzalez walked off the mound following another terrible performance and his second blown save in three chances, optimism quickly transformed into ugly frustration as Baltimore fans pounded the left-hander with a chorus of boos only reserved for former Ravens quarterback Kyle Boller in recent Baltimore sports history. It was a troubling display from the home crowd, regardless of how lousy Gonzalez has been in his first week as an Oriole. Twelve years of losing will do that to you. The Orioles and Gonzalez have to be looking at themselves with utter disbelief. A team fully expecting—or at least saying so anyway—to be improved now finds itself with a 1-3 record when it very well should be 3-1, or could be 4-0. But they’re not, and therein lies the rub with the fans at Camden Yards. Couple that with the comments made by general manager Andy MacPhail

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