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Orioles’ Britton dealing with sore pitching shoulder

Luke Jones

With pitchers and catchers set to report to Sarasota to begin spring training this weekend, the Orioles will be monitoring the health of perhaps their most promising young pitcher. Speculation began Wednesday morning regarding the health of Britton’s left shoulder as he begins his second season in the big leagues. Former Orioles executive and MLB.com analyst Jim Duquette used his Twitter account to disclose that the left-handed pitcher would be limited at the start of spring training due to a lingering shoulder issue. “We are currently monitoring Zach Britton,” executive vice president of baseball operations Dan Duquette said in a team statement. “He has already reported to spring training and is scheduled to begin his throwing progression this Friday.” Britton was placed on the 15-day disabled list with a left shoulder strain on Aug. 5 but returned Aug. 22, spending just over the minimum of 15 days out of action. The 24-year-old went 11-11 with a 4.61 earned run average in 154 1/3 innings over 28 starts. Upon his return to the active roster in late August, Britton made eight starts, finishing with a 5-2 record and a 4.47 ERA over that season-concluding stretch. It’s premature to panic over Britton’s

Orioles, Jones avoid arbitration by reaching 1-year deal

Luke Jones

The Orioles announced on Tuesday that they have agreed to terms with center fielder Adam Jones on a one-year deal, avoiding a arbitration hearing scheduled for Friday. The 26-year-old Jones batted .280 with a .319 on-base percentage and slugged .466 in 2011 for the Orioles. He set career highs in games (151), doubles (26), home runs (25), RBI (83), stolen bases (12) and total bases (264) on his way to being named the club’s most valuable player. Set to become a free agent following the 2013 season, the one-year contract does little to address Jones’ future in Baltimore, but it does avoid a potentially contentious situation had the sides gone to arbitration. Executive vice president of baseball operations Dan Duquette has reportedly entered very preliminary discussions with Jones’ agent Nez Balelo over the possibility of a long-term deal, but it doesn’t appear talks will continue once the season begins. With Jones’ status resolved for 2012, the Orioles have no remaining arbitration cases to address with spring training set to begin in Sarasota this weekend.

Morning Reaction Tuesday Top 7 Unforgettable Moments

Luke Jones

In honor of one of the most unforgettable playmakers in NFL history, wide receiver Randy Moss, announcing his desire to return in 2012, we offer our lists of our top 7 most unforgettable plays. These moments had to be witnessed in person or on television as they happened — eliminating plays we’ve only seen on highlight shows such as Sportscenter — and we had to remember exactly where we were when they took place. Luke Jones’ Top 7 … (Listen to full explanation HERE) 7) Mike Tyson biting Evander Holyfield’s ear http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aXYpk8V3stQ 6) Christian Laettner’s shot against Kentucky 5) David Tyree’s helmet catch http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=27XeNefwABw 4) Drew Nicholas’ game-winning shot against NC-Wilmington 3) Michael Jordan’s game-winner against Utah in 1998 NBA Finals http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i8Cf0BelurM 2) Anthony Mitchell blocked field goal return for a touchdown in 2000 divisional playoff 1) Jeffrey Maier takes the ball away from Tony Tarasco *If you really want to see it again, click HERE. Drew Forrester’s Top 7 … (Listen to full explanation HERE)

NFL hopefuls travel to regional scouting combine in Owings Mills

Luke Jones

While hundreds of NFL draft prospects will travel to Indianapolis for the national scouting combine in less than two weeks, the next tier of hopefuls are also chasing the dream. For players not receiving an invitation to Indianapolis, the NFL is holding regional combines at eight different locations, with the Ravens’ Owings Mills facility having hosted one on Saturday. In addition to college seniors who have completed their eligibility, the regional combine was open to players with past collegiate experience who wanted to gauge their pro potential and even those with limited NFL experience who have been away from the game for an extended time. While college seniors having completed their NCAA eligibility received a direct invitation if they were not offered a spot at the national combine in Indianapolis, participants had to register and be approved by the league office before paying the $195 registration fee — in addition to paying their own travel expenses. The fee was designed as a litmus test for serious candidates who weren’t simply looking for a fun experience at an NFL practice facility. Saturday’s combine in Owings Mills didn’t include an extensive number of household names, with former Maryland running back — and

Ravens lose two coaches to Indianapolis, hire Martindale

Luke Jones

(Updated: 6:00 a.m.) With Chuck Pagano moving on to become the new head coach of the Indianapolis Colts, the Ravens knew it was only a matter of time before losing an assistant or two from their coaching staff. The Ravens’ former defensive coordinator has hired Marwan Maalouf to be his special teams coach and Roy Anderson to coach the Indianapolis safeties. Maalouf spent the last four seasons as the top special teams assistant to Jerry Rosburg, and Anderson spent the last three years as a defensive assistant. While losing two assistants, the Ravens will also gain one with the expected hiring of former Denver Broncos defensive coordinator Don “Wink” Martindale. The Denver Post first reported that Martindale will coach the Ravens’ inside linebackers, replacing Dean Pees, who was promoted to defensive coordinator earlier in the week. “Don brings extensive pro and college experience to the Ravens, and he has been a defensive coordinator at both levels,” Harbaugh said in an official statement. “He’s known for his hard work, intelligence and thorough teaching, and his players have always responded well to his coaching. He’ll earn the respect of our players. I’m confident about that.” The 49-year-old Martindale has spent seven years

Report: Caldwell to join Ravens' coaching staff as offensive assistant

Luke Jones

The Ravens plan to hire former Indianapolis Colts head coach Jim Caldwell as an offensive assistant, according to a report from ESPN’s Adam Schefter. After announcing offensive coordinator Cam Cameron would return for the 2012 season, coach John Harbaugh went on to say the Ravens would consider the possibility of hiring a quarterbacks coach after leaving the position unfilled this past season. After being fired by Indianapolis after a 2-14 season without future Hall of Fame quarterback Peyton Manning, Caldwell appears to be the Ravens’ choice to help tutor quarterback Joe Flacco in 2012. Former Raiders coach Hue Jackson served as Flacco’s quarterback coach in his first two seasons and former Redskins coach Jim Zorn served in the same capacity for the 2010 season. Zorn’s dismissal was not a popular move with the quarterback, who was critical of the team’s decision last offseason.

Ngata, Reed the latest Ravens players to bow out of Sunday's Pro Bowl

Luke Jones

(Updated: 9:00 a.m.) Only reinforcing the argument held by many against playing the Pro Bowl, the Ravens have now seen four of their selections bow out of Sunday’s game as Haloti Ngata and Ed Reed have joined Terrell Suggs and Ray Rice as non-participants in Honolulu. Ngata admitted after the AFC championship game that he was dealing with a thigh injury for the second half of the season. The injury occurred in the Ravens’ Week 8 loss over the Arizona Cardinals and limited him in practices leading up to their road win in Pittsburgh the following week. There was a noticeable drop-off in Ngata’s performance after a monstrous start to the season in which the 330-pound defensive lineman was garnering Defensive Player of the Year consideration along with Suggs. The 33-year-old Reed will also skip the game due to injury as it’s no secret a shoulder injury has severely impaired the safety’s ability to tackle. The 2004 AP Defensive Player of the Year has dealt with a nerve impingement in his neck and shoulder as well as a hip injury in recent seasons. Reed has been replaced by Pittsburgh Steelers free safety Ryan Clark on the AFC roster. Suggs has

Ravens defensive coordinator Pagano set to interview for Colts' coaching job

Luke Jones

After a successful first season as the Ravens’ defensive coordinator, Chuck Pagano will interview for the head coaching vacancy for the Indianapolis Colts on Tuesday. The Baltimore defense finished third in the league in fewest points and yards allowed while sending linebackers Ray Lewis and Terrell Suggs, safety Ed Reed, and defensive tackle Haloti Ngata to the Pro Bowl in Honolulu. Pagano was praised for his close relationship with players and his aggressive play-calling approach was a major reason why the Ravens increased their sack total from a franchise-low 27 in 2010 to 48 in 2011. Pagano replaced Greg Mattison, who spent two years as the Ravens’ defensive coordinator before taking the same position with the University of Michigan last offseason. Indianapolis has reportedly interviewed former Ohio State coach Jim Tressel and would like to have a new head coach in place this week, according to Colts owner Jim Irsay. Should Pagano become the Colts’ head coach, in-house candidates to replace him could include defensive line coach Clarence Brooks, linebackers coach Deen Pees, and outside linebackers coach Ted Monachino. Before joining the Ravens’ coaching staff in 2010, Pees served as the defensive coordinator of the New England Patriots for four

Grubbs added to AFC Pro Bowl roster

Luke Jones

OWINGS MILLS, Md. — While many have labeled him a Pro-Bowl caliber guard over the last couple seasons, fifth-year veteran Ben Grubbs has officially been recognized with the honor after being named to the AFC squad on Monday. With New England guards Logan Mankins and Brian Waters both taking part in the Super Bowl — as the Ravens can painfully attest to — Grubbs and teammate Marshal Yanda will serve as starters for the conference’s offensive line. With Grubbs and Yanda opening running lanes, running back Ray Rice was able to lead the league with 2,068 yards from scrimmage and was second in rushing (1,364). Rice also finished with a franchise-record 15 touchdowns, including 12 rushing. The Ravens will now send eight players to the Pro Bowl, including Rice, linebackers Ray Lewis and Terrell Suggs, safety Ed Reed, defensive tackle Haloti Ngata, and fullback Vonta Leach. The game will be held on Sunday, Jan. 29, at Aloha Stadium in Honolulu.

Friday practice update; details emerging for AFC championship in Foxborough

Luke Jones

OWINGS MILLS, Md. — Conducting their final workout of the week before departing for Foxborough on Saturday, the Ravens once again had all players present during the portion of practice open to the media. Safety Ed Reed (left ankle) was the only player listed on Thursday’s injury report as a limited participant. The veteran is expected to play without any limitation against the New England Patriots on Sunday. Linebacker Terrell Suggs eliminated any doubt of him being tight for the conference championship game, taking a microphone and singing in front of a camera as he walked on the indoor practice field. There’s never a dull moment with the 29-year-old pass rusher. Patriots owner Robert Kraft announced Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler will sing the national anthem at Gillette Stadium on Sunday. Not to be outdone in the celebrity department, the Ravens have announced that Orioles legend Cal Ripken will serve as the team’s honorary captain in Foxborough. “Cal is a true Baltimore hero,” Ravens team president Dick Cass said to the team’s official website. “He is a great representative of both the city of Baltimore and the Baltimore Ravens.” Ripken was also a guest of owner Steve Bisciotti when the Ravens defeated

Morning Reaction Picks and Comment – NFL Conference Championship Weekend

Luke Jones

Here are this weekend’s picks as Drew Forrester and Luke Jones forecast the AFC and NFC championship games in the NFL. Drew finished the regular season with a 163-89 record and went 2-2 last weekend. Luke took home the title for the regular season with a 166-86 record and was 2-2 in the divisional round. Official standings were only kept for NFL games during the regular season. To hear the full explanation of their picks, click HERE. Ravens at Patriots: Baltimore 29-20 (Drew), Baltimore 27-24 (Luke) Giants at 49ers: New York 20-17 (Drew), San Francisco 27-24 (Luke)

Ravens with clear advantage over Patriots on injury report

Luke Jones

OWINGS MILLS, Md. — Though widely regarded as the underdog for this Sunday’s AFC championship game, the Ravens hold a clear advantage in terms of health if Wednesday’s injury report is any indication. Safety Ed Reed was the only Baltimore player listed on the report, as the 10-year veteran was limited after turning his left ankle in Sunday’s win over the Houston Texans. Meanwhile, the Patriots were without starting quarterback Tom Brady on Wednesday and listed him as having a left shoulder injury. Brady is not considered to be in any danger of missing Sunday’s game and conducted his Wednesday press conference with the media. New England listed 14 players as limited participants on Wednesday in a start contrast to the Ravens’ overall state of good health. BALTIMORE LIMITED: S Ed Reed (ankle) NEW ENGLAND DID NOT PARTICIPATE: QB Tom Brady (left shoulder) LIMITED: WR Deion Branch (knee), T Marcus Cannon (ankle), S Patrick Chung (knee), LB Dane Fletcher (thumb), TE Aaron Hernandez (concussion), S James Ihedigbo (shoulder), DL Kyle Love (ankle), G Logan Mankins (knee), LB Rob Ninkovich (hip), T Nate Solder (concussion), LB Brandon Spikes (knee), T Sebastian Vollmer (back/foot), WR Wes Welker (knee), LB Tracy White (abdomen)

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