Orioles continuing attempts to acquire Norris or Vargas (Davis homers)

Orioles continuing attempts to acquire Norris or Vargas (Davis homers)
Though they could shift in many directions, the Orioles seem to be focused primarily on acquiring starters Bud Norris or Jason Vargas, according to an industry source. The Astros will have to significantly lower their asking price, according to sources. But the Orioles remain interested because Norris, 28, is making only $3 million this season and is under team control through 2015. And he's posted a 3.93 ERA this season on a bad team. One concern beyond the Astros' demands for multiple top...

Flaherty on first (O's down 3-0)

Flaherty on first (O's down 3-0)
Ryan Flaherty is making his first major league start at first base tonight. He's appeared in seven innings over four games at first since the Orioles selected him in the Rule 5 draft in the winter of 2011. Flaherty has been fielding ground balls at first, anticipating that he might be needed. He headed out to the field early today and practiced taking throws in the dirt on double plays. "I walked in today and Buck (Showalter) said a little bit ago, 'Yeah, you might be at first tonight,'so...

More notes before tonight's Orioles-Astros game

More notes before tonight's Orioles-Astros game
Orioles manager Buck Showalter met in his office with executive vice president Dan Duquette before his pregame session with the media. Duquette briefed him on the latest trade talks, which haven't yielded another addition since the Orioles acquired reliever Francisco Rodriguez from the Brewers for minor league infielder Nicky Delmonico. It's still not a topic of conversation in the Orioles' clubhouse. "I think guys know, one, there's not a whole lot they can do about it, and two,...

Machado hit during BP (will stay in lineup)

Machado hit during BP (will stay in lineup)
Orioles third baseman Manny Machado was hit by a ground ball today that took a bad hop during batting practice. He walked off the field and is being checked by the club's training staff. Reporters had just finished talking to former Orioles manager Dave Trembley, now the Astros third base coach, in front of the visiting dugout when Machado was struck. Adam Jones was in the cage. The ball may have hit Machado in the arm as he tried to spin away from it. More to come. Not much to report on...

Flaherty starting at first base (Astros lineup added)

Flaherty starting at first base (Astros lineup added)
Ryan Flaherty is making a rare start for the Orioles tonight, replacing Chris Davis at first base in the series opener against the Astros at Camden Yards. Davis will serve as the designated hitter instead of Henry Urrutia. Flaherty hasn't started since July 5. He's had three at-bats since that date, the last coming on July 13. His last appearance came nine days later. Flaherty has appeared in one game at first base this season, going 0-for-1. Davis hasn't homered since the All-Star break...

Astros scratch Norris from tonight's start at Camden Yards

Astros scratch Norris from tonight's start at Camden Yards
The Orioles no longer will be facing Astros right-hander Bud Norris tonight in the opener of a three-game series at Camden Yards. The Astros just announced that Lucas Harrell will replace Norris tonight. No explanation was provided, but Norris has been the subject of intense trade speculation as the non-waiver deadline approaches Wednesday afternoon. The Orioles have inquired about Norris, but the Astros reportedly are asking for more than the club is willing to deliver. Former Oriole Erik...

Gausman: "I'm still learning how to pitch" (Pineiro released)

Gausman: "I'm still learning how to pitch" (Pineiro released)
In desperate need of a break from all the non-waiver trade deadline chatter, speculation and conflicting reports, I set up a phone interview with pitcher Kevin Gausman, who is scheduled to make his next start Friday for Triple-A Norfolk. Gausman has made two starts for the Tides since being optioned, allowing six runs and 11 hits in 7 2/3 innings. He had been working in relief for the Orioles, so the first order of business upon his return to Norfolk was getting him stretched out. For...

Duquette on the trade deadline (updated)

Duquette on the trade deadline (updated)
With less than 48 hours remaining before the non-waiver trade deadline, executive vice president Dan Duquette said the Orioles are "still looking around to see if we can add a piece here or there to help the team." The Orioles are still looking at "hitting and pitching options," Duquette said. "We're looking at both." Not much has changed since last year's non-waiver deadline. Duquette still feels good about the minor league depth, whether it enables him to make another deal or can...

Dickerson outrighted to Triple-A Norfolk

Dickerson outrighted to Triple-A Norfolk
So much for trading Chris Dickerson. The Orioles were unable to swing a deal involving the outfielder, and he will stay in the organization after clearing waivers and being outrighted to Triple-A Norfolk. Dickerson, 31, batted .245/.274/.412 with five doubles, four home runs and 13 RBIs in 46 games. The Orioles designated him for assignment to make room for Henry Urrutia on the 25- and 40-man rosters. Dickerson could have refused the assignment and become a free agent. However, he knows that...

Showalter on the trade talk

Showalter on the trade talk
I jokingly asked a team official yesterday whether it was safe for me to go out after the game, or if I should be prepared to write a trade story. He texted back, "Enjoy your night." I made the bold assumption that Jake Peavy wasn't being traded to the Orioles. Or Bud Norris. Or Michael Young. Or Raul Ibanez. Or Carlos Quentin. Or Justin Morneau. Or Justin Bieber. Or... Executive vice president Dan Duquette is talking to a bunch of teams. Orioles scouts are spread all over the place. And...

Showalter speaks after 5-0 loss

Showalter speaks after 5-0 loss
The Orioles suffered their fourth shutout loss of the season today and their first since June 8 at Tropicana Field. The Red Sox hadn't blanked the Orioles at Camden Yards since winning 4-0 on July 20, 2011. Manager Buck Showalter focused more on the offense today than starting pitcher Jason Hammel, who allowed three runs and walked a season-high five batters in 5 1/3 innings while remaining winless since May 27. "I see the things everybody looks at, the ERA and what have you, and I've seen...

Machado and Davis in dueling slumps (O's lose 5-0)

Machado and Davis in dueling slumps (O's lose 5-0)
Manny Machado's average has dipped below .300 for the first time since April 27 after going hitless in his first three at-bats today. It's down to .298 after he lined to Boston shortstop Stephen Drew to strand two runners in the bottom of the fifth inning. The Orioles' third baseman is 3-for-27 in his last seven games, though he's homered twice, and 9-for-57 in his last 14. And he's still looking for his first double since July 6. Machado slammed his bat to the ground after lining to...

Game update and more notes (O's down 3-0)

Game update and more notes (O's down 3-0)
Boston Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz heard lots of boos as he stepped to the plate in the top of the first inning today, defenders of phones everywhere still taking umbrage with the damage he inflicted in the visiting dugout last night. They must have been disconnected, or he completely ignored them. Ortiz singled up the middle with two outs to keep a rally alive, and Mike Napoli followed with an RBI double to give Boston a 1-0 lead. Jason Hammel has allowed 14 runs in the first this...

Showalter on the Hoes/Asencio roster move

Showalter on the Hoes/Asencio roster move
LJ Hoes was chosen as the Orioles' extra position player over other candidates at Triple-a Norfolk this weekend because, as manager Buck Showalter put it, "Like always, he was our best option as a right-handed hitting outfielder. Or really, period." In other words, the position really didn't matter. Hoes, 23, was most deserving of the call-up. Hoes, a third-round pick in the 2008 First-Year Player Draft out of St. John's High School in D.C., was batting .304/.406/.403 with 25 doubles, a...

LJ Hoes starting in left field (Asencio designated for assignment)

LJ Hoes starting in left field (Asencio designated for assignment)
Not only is LJ Hoes in the Orioles clubhouse today, he's starting left field against the Red Sox in the series finale at Camden Yards. This will be Hoes' first major league start. He had one at-bat with the Orioles last season. It's an unusual lineup today, with Chris Davis batting third, Matt Wieters fifth as the DH and Brian Roberts seventh. And, of course, Hoes batting eighth. Hoes will wear No. 25. The Orioles still haven't announced a corresponding roster move. For the...

Hammel continues search for elusive win

Hammel continues search for elusive win
Jason Hammel will attempt today to capture his first win since May 27, a span of nine starts. Hammel has five losses and four no-decisions since his last victory. He's allowed 20 hits combined in his last two outings, though he was credited with a quality start Tuesday after surrendering three runs in six innings in Kansas City. That's "quality" by definition. Hammel gave up 10 hits and walked four batters. The Orioles are keeping an eye on the pitching market despite their earlier...

Showalter speaks after 7-3 loss

Showalter speaks after 7-3 loss
Orioles manager Buck Showalter didn't confirm a roster move following tonight's 7-3 loss to the Red Sox, saying only that it's being "contemplated." Showalter said he would check the weather on Sunday, indicating that no announcement will come tonight. We'll see. LJ Hoes is in Baltimore and is expected to be officially recalled at some point. As for tonight's game, starter Scott Feldman took the loss after allowing four runs and six hits in five innings. Stephen Drew hit a three-run...

Orioles interested in Michael Young, O's lose 7-3

Orioles interested in Michael Young, O's lose 7-3
Not ready to close shop after acquiring a starting pitcher and reliever this month, the Orioles continue to check on available hitters and have talked to the Phillies about Michael Young, according to an industry source. Young could serve as a right-handed designated hitter and a backup at the corner infield positions. Young, 36, is batting .278/.344/.404 with 18 doubles, three triples, seven homers and 32 RBIs in 96 games with the Phillies. He's making $16 million this season, his last...

Game update and more notes (O's down 4-0)

Game update and more notes (O's down 4-0)
The start of tonight's game at Camden Yards was delayed 32 minutes because of rain. Once it began, Scott Feldman retired the Red Sox in order on three ground balls and 19 pitches. Adam Jones flew to center field with two outs in the bottom of the first to strand Nick Markakis, who drew a walk against Boston starter Ryan Dempster. Why do I mention Jones' at-bat? Glad you asked. Jones has homered in four straight home games for the second time in his career. It also happened July 23-Aug. 6,...

Hardy trying to reverse trend against Dempster

Hardy trying to reverse trend against Dempster
Orioles shortstop J.J. Hardy didn't need the numbers recited to him as he stood at his locker this afternoon. He's fully aware that Red Sox starter Ryan Dempster has dominated him over the years. To say it's one-sided would be much too kind. Hardy is 2-for-30 lifetime against Dempster, who takes the mound tonight for the second game of their series at Camden Yards. He continues to bat seventh. He continues to search for a solution. So, about those numbers... "They're terrible," Hardy...