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Showalter not crazy about Davis’ Bo Jackson impersonation

Luke Jones

BALTIMORE — With Tampa Bay lefty Matt Moore taking the hill against the Orioles on Wednesday night, manager Buck Showalter has altered his regular lineup in the second game of the series. Switch-hitter Alexi Casilla will start at second base instead of Ryan Flaherty, but Nate McLouth will remain in left field in lieu of Steve Pearce earning the start as the designated hitter and Nolan Reimold moving to the outfield. In a small sample size of just two starts, Moore has actually allowed more hits to lefty bats (2-for-11) than right-handed hitters (1-for-24) and can struggle with his command against left-handed hitters. In his brief career that began in 2011, Moore is allowing right-handers to bat .229 while lefties are .238 against him. Moore hasn’t allowed an earned run in 11 1/3 innings this season, but the 23-year-old has also walked eight batters, including six in his last start against Texas. Patience will be the theme for the approach at the plate for Orioles hitters. With the Orioles schedule to face left-handed starters in each of the next two games following Wednesday’s tilt, Showalter didn’t want McLouth to sit for an extended period but said Pearce will be in

Roberts still not back to baseball activity; Orioles-Rays lineups

Luke Jones

BALTIMORE — Orioles manager Buck Showalter confirmed what was already assumed on Tuesday that second baseman Brian Roberts will not be activated from the 15-day disabled list when he becomes eligible on Saturday. In Sarasota since last week, the 35-year-old is improving in his recovery from what the club has labeled a hamstring strain. Roberts tore a tendon behind his right knee in the third game of the season against the Tampa Bay Rays and has yet to resume baseball-related activities. With Roberts shelved, 26-year-old Ryan Flaherty has handled the bulk of the work at second base, going 2-for-24 with one home run in seven games. Utility infielder Alexi Casilla has gone 3-for-11 when given his opportunities at the position. In other injury-related news, pitchers Steve Johnson and Tsuyoshi Wada are each scheduled to throw in Sarasota on Thursday. If all goes well, Johnson could be sent on a minor-league rehab assignment as he moves closer to a return from the back injury he’s dealt with since March. With Tuesday’s starter Jake Arrieta off to a poor start in his first two outings, the Orioles will be watching Johnson’s status closely as he could find an opportunity in the back

Ravens sign former Bears and Broncos quarterback Hanie to one-year deal

Luke Jones

OWINGS MILLS, Md. — Needing to add quarterback depth for the offseason as well as training camp, the Ravens officialy signed free-agent quarterback Caleb Hanie to a one-year deal on Tuesday. The former Chicago Bears backup spent the 2012 season as the No. 3 signal caller for the Denver Broncos and started four games for the Bears in 2011 after starter Jay Cutler was injured. The 27-year-old has played in 10 games in his career, completing 59 of 116 passes for three touchdowns and 10 interceptions. “We felt like it would be important to bring a quarterback in at this point in time in order to learn the offense from the ground up,” coach John Harbaugh said. “He’s a talented guy. He’s played in games, maybe hasn’t been in the ideal situation for him yet, but based on the evaluation of our pro department with [director of pro personnel] Vince Newsome and our coaches, they feel like he fit us pretty well.” Much in the same way that the Ravens added former Indianapolis quarterback Curtis Painter last offseason, Hanie will provide another veteran arm during preseason workouts and will compete with backup Tyrod Taylor. However, Baltimore is pleased with the

Ravens begin voluntary offseason workout program on Monday

Luke Jones

Following their Super Bowl XLVII victory and an array of changes this offseason, the Ravens will return to Owings Mills for the start of the voluntary offseason workout program on Monday. Coach John Harbaugh and his staff will begin the first phase of the workout program, which is limited to two weeks of conditioning and strength training as well as physical rehabilitation. Many notable players and young players alike will be present on the first day. “It’s officially the first day we work towards defending our title,” wide receiver Torrey Smith wrote on his official Twitter account on Monday morning. The second phase of the offseason schedule covers the next three weeks of the program. On-field workouts that include individual player instruction and drills as well as a practice conducted on a “separate” basis are permitted, but no live contact or team offense against team defense drills are allowed. The final phase of the offseason program consists of the next four weeks. During this period, teams may conduct a total of 10 days of organized team practice activity, or OTAs. No live contact is allowed, but 7-on-7, 9-on-7, and 11-on-11 drills are acceptable. Nearly all workouts are considered “voluntary” by

Orioles’ final spring training cut Jackson elects to retire

Luke Jones

After being the final cut of spring training when the Orioles selected their 25-man roster to begin the 2013 season, outfielder Conor Jackson has chosen to retire after just nine games with Triple-A Norfolk. Jackson was a safe bet to join the Orioles at some point this season based on the fluidity of last year’s roster and the early struggles of outfielder Steve Pearce, but the 30-year-old retired after a 5-for-25 start with the Tides. In 22 Grapefruit League games, Jackson hit three home runs and drove in six runs as he was strongly considered for a roster spot before manager Buck Showalter chose Steve Pearce for the final bench spot. Showalter told reporters prior to the Orioles’ series finale in the Bronx that Jackson was simply at a stage in his life where he no longer wanted to continue playing. However, the manager said he respected Jackson’s decision and wished him well. His career nearly ended in 2009 when he was diagnosed with Valley fever, a serious disease most common in the southwest that can cause fever, headaches, and joint and muscle pain. The condition limited him to just 30 games with the Arizona Diamondbacks that season after he

Ravens DL Hall moving to inside linebacker

Luke Jones

After being active for only five games in his first season on the Ravens’ 53-man roster, defensive lineman Bryan Hall will move to linebacker this season. Listed at 291 pounds and considered an undersized defensive tackle, Hall told the team’s official website he’s lost 23 pounds over the last three weeks. He spent the entire 2011 season on the Ravens’ practice squad before making the team last summer. Hall showed versatility in training camp practices last year as he occasionally lined up at inside linebacker for the scout team. He made three tackles in his limited role last season. “[Coach John Harbaugh] told me that he felt like I was too good of a player to be on the bench,” Hall said to the team’s official site. “He was just trying to give me an opportunity to get on the field and play more. It’s the NFL, you’ve always got to progress.” With the free-agent additions of veterans Chris Canty and Marcus Spears, Hall was facing an uphill battle to make the team along the defensive line. The Ravens have lost inside linebackers Ray Lewis, Dannell Ellerbe, and Brendon Ayanbadejo in the offseason, so Hall figures to have a better

A reminder of the awesomeness of Chris Davis through first four games

Luke Jones

You may remember the phenomenon of Matt Wieters Facts as the catcher was making his way up the minor-league chain, but the Orioles are now buying into the phenomenon of first baseman Chris Davis through the first four games of the 2013 season. The club’s public relations staff compiled the following factoids about the slugger’s accomplishments so far and distributed them to media members prior to Saturday night’s game against the Minnesota Twins. Now, we just need to know whether Superman has traded in his Matt Wieters pajamas in favor of Chris Davis threads. In case you needed a reminder of how incredible Davis’ start has been, check out the following: – Has more RBIs (16) than 17 major league teams. – Has twice as many RBIs as the Marlins (8), Padres (8), Giants (8), Cubs (7), Dodgers (7) and Pirates (6). – Has more RBIs than any two players in the major leagues combined. – Has easily the highest RBI total through four team games of a season (16) since the major leagues started recording RBIs in 1920. The previous record was 12 RBIs through four games, by Dolph Camilli (1935 Phillies), Mark McGwire (1998 Cardinals) and Charles Johnson

Ayanbadejo clarifies stance on Ravens' decision to terminate contract

Luke Jones

A Thursday interview with Newsday sparked plenty of controversy for former Ravens linebacker Brendon Ayanbadejo, who was officially let go by the organization earlier in the day. The publication implied Ayanbadejo believes his outspoken support of same-sex marriage may have been a factor in the Ravens’ decision to terminate his contract despite having two years remaining on the agreement. The three-time Pro Bowl special-teams player will turn 37 at the start of the 2013 season. “I was a vocal guy and garnered a lot of attention,” Ayanbadejo said to the publication. “I brought a lot of issues with me to the Super Bowl and the issues came up at the Super Bowl. My bark is louder than my bite. I make a lot of noise and garner a lot of attention for various things off the football field. When that starts happening, why do you have that player around?” The veteran acknowledged his play has dropped off in recent years, which was evident late in the season when the Ravens used young linebackers such as Josh Bynes and Albert McClellan when Ray Lewis, Dannell Ellerbe, and Jameel McClain were sidelined with injuries. Ayanbadejo used his official Twitter account to clarify

Pro Bowl RB Rice offers support to embattled Rutgers AD Pernetti

Luke Jones

Ravens running back Ray Rice is offering his support to embattled Rutgers athletic director Tim Pernetti in wake of the firing of men’s basketball coach Mike Rice earlier this week. Many have called for the removal of top university administrators for failing to remove Rice despite video evidence of the coach’s behavior during practice, which included pushing players, throwing basketballs at them, and berating them with gay slurs. More than 50 Rutgers faculty members reportedly signed a letter asking for the termination of Pernetti and an explanation from president Robert Barchi on why he didn’t fire Rice when learning of the video displaying his conduct. However, the Pro Bowl running back along with other former Rutgers standouts are showing their support for Pernetti. Rice has cited in interviews that the athletic director even encouraged him to graduate at the school’s recent pro day for NFL prospects. “Big 10 doesn’t happen without Mr. Pernetti,” Rice wrote on his official Twitter account. “He has done a GREAT job for RU, our future is bright with him leading us.” Rice also endorsed a tweet posted by former Rutgers and NFL offensive lineman Shaun O’Hara calling for football alumni to stand up for Pernetti.

D&L Window Tinting Morning Reaction Tuesday Top 7 Keys to Orioles Success

Luke Jones

In honor of the Orioles beginning their season in St. Petersburg against the Tampa Bay Rays on Tuesday, The D&L Window Tinting Morning Reaction brings its Tuesday Top 7 keys to the club’s success in 2013. To hear Luke Jones’ explanation for his list, click HERE. Drew Forrester offers his thoughts on his selections HERE. Luke Jones’ Top 7 … 7) Darren O’Day 6) Chris Davis 5) Jim Johnson 4) Jason Hammel 3) Adam Jones 2) Nick Markakis 1) Matt Wieters Drew Forrester’s Top 7 … 7) J.J. Hardy bouncing back offensively 6) Jim Johnson continuing success as closer 5) Manny Machado progressing 4) Brian Roberts and Nolan Reimold staying healthy 3) Nick Markakis producing like he did last year when healthy 2) Jason Hammel and Wei-Yin Chen combining for 30 wins 1) Chris Davis having a big year in the field and at the plate

Orioles unveil Opening Day lineup against Tampa Bay

Luke Jones

The Orioles begin their 2013 season on Tuesday in St. Petersburg against the Tampa Bay Rays and unveiled their lineup for the first game of the season on Monday. Right-hander Jason Hammel will take the hill against Rays southpaw David Price, the reigning American League Cy Young Award winner. Nick Markakis will pick up where he left off last season as the club’s leadoff hitter after proving to be healthy over the final week of spring training. The 29-year-old right fielder missed most of March with a small herniated disc in his neck. Perhaps the biggest surprise of manager Buck Showalter’s lineup for the season opener is third baseman Manny Machado hitting in the second spot in the order. Machado displayed improved patience during the spring and the Orioles are facing a tough left-hander on the mound, meaning Nate McLouth will be on the bench in favor of right-handed designated hitter Steve Pearce. Nolan Reimold will play left field and hit seventh in what’s likely an effort to keep the pressure off the outfielder in the same way that Showalter has elected to put second baseman Brian Roberts in the No. 9 spot in the lineup to begin the season.

Ravens safety Thompson suspended for violating substance abuse policy

Luke Jones

Ravens safety Christian Thompson has been suspended for the first four games of the 2013 season due to violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy, the league announced Monday. The 2012 fourth-round pick out of South Carolina State will be suspended without pay but will remain eligible to participate in organized team activities, training camp, and all preseason games before his suspension goes into effect at the start of the regular season. At that point, Thompson will not be allowed at the team’s training facility in Owings Mills. “We have been aware of this situation for some time,” general manager Ozzie Newsome told the team’s official website on Monday. The free-agent addition of veteran safety Michael Huff makes the news of Thompson’s suspension less severe as Huff and veteran James Ihedigbo are projected to start at free safety and strong safety respectively. The Ravens are also expected to take a long look at a deep class of rookie safeties in this month’s draft. Active for seven games in his rookie season before being placed on season-ending injured reserve with a knee injury on Nov. 17, Thompson held a role on special teams in limited duty and did not record a tackle

Orioles officially place three more on DL to begin season

Luke Jones

The Orioles have officially placed three more players on the 15-day disabled list to begin the 2013 season after sending right-handed pitcher Chris Tillman there a few days ago. Infielder Wilson Betemit (right knee ligament sprain) and pitchers Steve Johnson (right lat strain) and Tsuyoshi Wada (left elbow surgery) were sent to the DL on Sunday as the Orioles finalized their 25-man roster to begin the season. Betemit’s placement is retroactive to March 26 as the veteran hopes to return to action in six to eight weeks after suffering a torn PCL. Wada isn’t expected to return until late May or early June as he continues to rehab from last season’s Tommy John surgery. Baltimore hopes Johnson can return soon and begin pitching for Triple-A Norfolk to begin the season after resting his back. He would be eligible to return from the disabled list next Sunday. The club also selected the contract of outfielder Steve Pearce after he was informed by manager Buck Showalter on Saturday that he’d won the final spot on the 25-man roster. Pearce’s addition fills the empty slot on the Orioles’ 40-man roster.    

A. Jones, McClellan sign tenders for 2013 season

Luke Jones

As the Ravens continued to make moves to bolster their defense, two incumbent members of their Super Bowl team officially signed their respective tenders on Wednesday. Defensive lineman Arthur Jones signed his second-round tender worth $2.02 million for the 2013 season. This means that other teams may no longer negotiate with Jones in an effort to sign him to an offer sheet and potentially pluck him away from Baltimore. In his third NFL season, Jones emerged as a viable threat along the defensive line as he made six starts and finished the year with 47 tackles and 4 1/2 sacks. He will compete with veteran free-agent additions Chris Canty and Marcuse Spears for playing time along the defensive line as it’s been speculated that Pro Bowl defensive tackle Haloti Ngata will move inside to play more nose tackle this season. After taking Jones in the fifth round of the 2010 draft from Syracuse, the Ravens could still explore a contract extension for the 6-foot-3, 315-pound lineman as he is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent following the 2013 season. Linebacker Albert McClellan also signed his exclusive-rights tender on Wednesday, which was only a formality considering players with less than

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