Orioles acquire Valencia, Mahoney designated for assignment (updated)

Orioles acquire Valencia, Mahoney designated for assignment (updated)
The Orioles continued to beef up their stock of infielders today, acquiring Danny Valencia from the Red Sox in exchange for cash considerations. The 28-year-old Valencia batted .188/.199/.299 in 44 games for the Twins and Red Sox last season, but is a career .316/.359/.472 hitter in 326 plate appearances against left-handed pitching. He is only a year removed from hitting .246 with 15 home runs and 72 RBIs for the Twins in 2011, when he led the majors in games played at third base (154) and...

Hall of Fame ballot includes nine former Orioles

Hall of Fame ballot includes nine former Orioles
The Baseball Writers' Association of America has released its 2013 Hall of Fame ballot, and the group of newcomers includes former Orioles Jeff Conine, Steve Finley and Jose Mesa. Other former Orioles on the ballot include Rafael Palmeiro, Tim Raines (Sr., not Jr.), Curt Schilling, Lee Smith, Sammy Sosa and David Wells. Sosa, Roger Clemens and Barry Bonds are counted among 24 newcomers to the ballot. So is Craig Biggio, a member of the 3,000-hit club who has a much better chance of being...

This, that and the other (and more)

This, that and the other (and more)
In case you're wondering how the process works for the Orioles to hire a new third base coach, executive vice president Dan Duquette explains it. Keep reading. "We're working on that this week. Buck (Showalter) is working on that," Duquette said. "Buck asks for my input, but he's going to decide who he wants for third base coach." Showalter is compiling a list and contacting candidates. And he wants someone who's coached third base in the past. "Teams generally prefer experience in...

Orioles exploring new contract for Reynolds before arbitration deadline (and notes)

Orioles exploring new contract for Reynolds before arbitration deadline (and notes)
Uncomfortable with the possibility of going to arbitration with Mark Reynolds, the Orioles are attempting to reach agreement on a new deal with their first baseman before Friday's deadline for tendering contracts. They've already declined to exercise Reynolds' $11 million option for 2013 after he made $7.5 million this year. He's expected to be non-tendered if a new deal isn't in place. Reynolds struggled mightily at the plate in the first half and hit .221/.335/.429 with 26 doubles, 23...

Dauer, Smith among outside candidates for Orioles coaching job

Dauer, Smith among outside candidates for Orioles coaching job
As expected, former Rockies third base coach Rich Dauer and former Rangers and Indians third base coach Steve Smith are confirmed outside candidates for the Orioles job. Dauer was fired following the 2012 season, his fourth in Colorado, and the Indians decided not to retain Smith after hiring Terry Francona as manager. Dauer, 60, has local ties, though no connection to Orioles manager Buck Showalter. He spent all 10 seasons of his major league career with the Orioles and played on the 1979...

As the Winter Meetings approach ...

As the Winter Meetings approach ...
Exactly one week from today will be the second official day of baseball's Winter Meetings, which are being held in Nashville. I'll get my cardio workout from chasing false rumors and power-walking through the lobby of the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center, which I'm told is roughly the length of 72,000 football fields. Anyone want to trade places with me? I'm taking offers. Last year's meetings in Dallas yielded a Dana Eveland trade and Ryan Flaherty claim in the Rule 5...

Notes on Perlozzo and Mahon (and Chase Johnson)

Notes on Perlozzo and Mahon (and Chase Johnson)
The Orioles haven't contacted former manager Sam Perlozzo about their third base coaching job. Perlozzo, who was let go as Phillies first base coach, obviously would be interested if the Orioles reached out to him. So far, it hasn't happened. Perlozzo seemed like a perfect fit for the Nationals after third base coach Bo Porter was hired as Astros manager, but the club needed an outfield instructor. The Orioles, meanwhile, need an infield instructor to replace DeMarlo Hale. The Frontier...

Notes on coaching candidates, Erbe, Rowe and AFL (and Diering)

Notes on coaching candidates, Erbe, Rowe and AFL (and Diering)
Brian Graham, the Orioles' coordinator of minor league instruction, is definitely being considered for the third base coaching job. So is Bobby Dickerson, the Orioles' minor league infield coordinator. They are two of the in-house candidates. Former Orioles shortstop and current MASN analyst Mike Bordick hasn't been contacted at this point. Bordick would be considered if the Orioles had a vacancy somewhere else on the staff, but manager Buck Showalter is seeking an experienced replacement...

Have the Orioles made a decision on Reynolds? (plus playoff shares)

Have the Orioles made a decision on Reynolds? (plus playoff shares)
The Orioles must decide by Friday whether to offer arbitration to their 14 eligible players. That's the next significant deadline in baseball. As a reminder, here is the updated list of players, which now includes Alexi Casilla, but no longer includes Robert Andino and Lew Ford: Alexi Casilla Chris Davis Jason Hammel Tommy Hunter Jim Johnson Brian Matusz Darren O'Day Troy Patton Steve Pearce Omar Quintanilla Nolan Reimold Mark Reynolds Taylor Teagarden Matt Wieters Davis, Hammel, Hunter,...

Duquette on Greinke/Hamilton speculation

Duquette on Greinke/Hamilton speculation
Orioles executive vice president Dan Duquette just made an appearance on MLB Radio Network and basically shot down the idea that the Orioles could sign pitcher Zack Greinke or outfielder Josh Hamilton, though the tweets that ensued might leave you a bit confused. Former executive Jim Bowden (@JimBowdenESPNxm), a co-host on the Sirius/XM show, tweeted the following: Dan Duquette told us on SiriusXM when I asked him If I could count the O's "out" on Greinke & Hamilton..he said I would never...

Nothing new with McLouth

Nothing new with McLouth
I'll begin this Sunday morning with a health update. DayQuil and NyQuil don't work. At least, not for my cold, which hasn't gotten any better. I'm attempting to limit my coughing to once every 14 seconds as I type this entry. Wish me luck. As I scroll through the comments on my Twitter account (@MASNroch), I'm frequently asked for updates on outfielder Nate McLouth. There's nothing new to report, unfortunately. He's still a free agent and the Orioles are still interested in re-signing...

Other possible replacements for Hale (updated)

Other possible replacements for Hale (updated)
The Blue Jays haven't announced the hiring of DeMarlo Hale as bench coach, but that's the word on the street. I've been told that he's "getting the job." It would take a drastic reversal for Hale to remain as Orioles third base coach. I wrote last night that Triple-A manager Ron Johnson could emerge as a leading in-house candidate. Another possibility could be Bobby Dickerson, who currently serves as minor league infield coordinator and has filled in as bullpen coach. Dickerson was a...

Sources: Hale to be named Blue Jays bench coach

Sources: Hale to be named Blue Jays bench coach
The Orioles apparently will need to find a new third base coach for 2013. The Toronto Blue Jays will hire DeMarlo Hale as their bench coach, according to two industry sources. One source said Hale could receive a three-year contract. The Orioles will retain five of their six coaches, having reached agreements with pitching coach Rick Adair and hitting coach Jim Presley over the past week. Hale was the last remaining unsigned coach, and the Orioles made him an offer to return next...

Putting the Orioles' improvement in perspective (Showalter note)

Putting the Orioles' improvement in perspective (Showalter note)
On Black Friday, I appreciate that you chose to shop at this blog. It's still a bargain after all these years. A combination of tryptophan and NyQuil has me walking around in a fog this morning. Good turkey, bad cold. But I wanted to take a closer look at the gains made by the Orioles in 2012. Dan Duquette didn't receive a single vote for The Sporting News Executive of the Year award. That honor went to Oakland's Billy Beane, who garnered 31 of the 57 votes. 1. Billy Beane (Athletics): 31...

Trayvon Robinson looking forward to playing for Orioles

Trayvon Robinson looking forward to playing for Orioles
Trayvon Robinson says he knew "something" was going to happen. He was out of minor league options. The Mariners figured to trade him if they could find a partner. He just didn't know when or where. Robinson assumed it would happen at the Winter Meetings or shortly before spring training, not earlier this week. "I've been kind of waiting," he said yesterday. The Orioles acquired Robinson, a switch-hitting outfielder, from the Seattle Mariners on Tuesday for infielder Robert...

Presley agrees to new contract with Orioles

Presley agrees to new contract with Orioles
The Orioles now have five of their coaches under contract for 2013. Hitting coach Jim Presley has agreed to a new deal, leaving third base coach DeMarlo Hale as the only member of the staff who isn't assured of being back next season. Hale interviewed for the Toronto Blue Jays' bench coach position earlier this week. The Orioles have offered him a contract and are waiting for a response. Presley told me on Monday that he fully expected a deal to get done that would enable him to remain as...

A few leftovers for breakfast (and spring training note)

A few leftovers for breakfast (and spring training note)
The immediate reaction from fans on this blog to yesterday's trade between the Orioles and Mariners seemed to lean more toward disappointment than indifference. Second baseman Robert Andino won over a lot of people with his walk-off single to beat the Red Sox in the final game of the 2011 season. They liked his swagger, his willingness to fill any role and his occasional movie reviews that were played on the video board at Camden Yards. He evolved into a lovable character, and one who really...

Orioles trade Andino, add Schoop and Belfiore to 40-man

Orioles trade Andino, add Schoop and Belfiore to 40-man
The Orioles have traded infielder Robert Andino to the Seattle Mariners for outfielder Trayvon Robinson, giving the club another option in left field while thinning out their surplus at second base. Also, the Orioles added infielder Jonathan Schoop and left-hander Mike Belfiore to their 40-man roster, protecting both players in the Rule 5 draft, which will be held Dec. 6 at the Winter Meetings in Nashville. They outrighted pitcher Oliver Drake, a 43rd-round pick in the 2008 First-Year Player...

Roberts: "I'm doing as well as I've done in the last three years" (Hale & Rays notes)

Roberts: "I'm doing as well as I've done in the last three years" (Hale & Rays notes)
Brian Roberts is lifting weights, running and hitting off a tee in Sarasota. He doesn't really think about his surgically repaired hip, and the concussion symptoms are forgotten unless he's asked about them. Starting at second base on opening day? That's the plan. Playing beyond 2013? Ditto. And, yes, Roberts will attend FanFest on Jan. 19 at the Baltimore Convention Center. To say it's all good right now would be an understatement. The key is to maintain it. "I'm doing as well as...

Presley on contract: "I fully expect to get it done" (O's hire national crosschecker)

Presley on contract: "I fully expect to get it done" (O's hire national crosschecker)
Jim Presley joked that he's been playing phone tag today with executive vice president Dan Duquette, who has made a contract offer to the team's hitting coach. "I fully expect to get it done," Presley said, taking a break from doing yard work at his Florida home. "It may be today. I don't know." Presley hasn't talked to Duquette since last week, and attempts so far today have failed, though not for lack of effort. "They've been good to me," Presley said, "and I look for it to...