More on Bergy

More on Bergy
I placed a call to pitcher Brad Bergesen shortly before 9 p.m. last night, which he returned about 20 minutes later. We had a nice chat, though I kept it brief. The poor kid will be dealing with the media on a daily basis beginning next week, so I try not to intrude much during the winter months. I wanted to check on his health, and whether the rumors were true that he sustained an injury while shooting a commercial two months ago. I heard some whispers, and they grew loud enough yesterday...

Good news on Guthrie; info on Itzoe public viewing

Good news on Guthrie; info on Itzoe public viewing
The Orioles announced that they've reached agreement with Jeremy Guthrie on a one-year contract, thus avoiding an arbitration hearing next week and any potential hard feelings. Guthrie filed for $3.625 million and the Orioles countered with $2.3 million. They agreed to $3 million, the projected figure based on past settlements. Guthrie earned $650,000 last season while going 10-17 with a 5.04 ERA and a league-high 35 homers allowed in 33 starts covering 200 innings. Also, a public viewing...

Guthrie on his agreement

Guthrie on his agreement
Pitcher Jeremy Guthrie and his representatives were prepared for an arbitration hearing, and confident in their chances of winning it, but they elected to avoid the process and reached an agreement with the Orioles earlier today on a one-year deal. "It's exciting to come to an agreement that both sides agree is fair," Guthrie said during our phone conversation a few minutes ago. "We've been working on this for about a year, anticipating this part of my career - with my agents and with...

Hurt so good

Hurt so good
Calling into last night's Hot Stove Show on 105.7 The Fan, Orioles pitcher David Hernandez conceded that he needs to command his fastball down in the strike zone. He can't always live dangerously with the high heater. "You keep repeating the upper strike," he said, "and hitters start looking at that one area." The kid is learning. Hernandez notices that he's constantly mentioned in the same sentence as Jason Berken (see, it happened again), though they're totally different pitchers....

Hurt so good - Part II

Hurt so good - Part II
Calling into Friday night's Hot Stove Show on 105.7 The Fan, right fielder Nick Markakis said he doesn't care whether he bats second or third this season. He pointed out that it really doesn't matter after the first inning. Markakis will mostly hit third, as he did last season, but the Orioles aren't settled at the second and cleanup spots. He'll move around on occasion. Markakis hit second in 14 games last season, batting .317 with seven doubles, two homers, eight RBIs and a .925 OPS....

Getting ready to report

Getting ready to report
By this time tomorrow, I'll probably be standing in line to check my bag at the AirTran counter. Or I'll be sitting in the back of a cab on my way to the airport to stand in line to check my bag at the AirTran counter. Or I'll be trying to calm my nerves while standing in line to book another flight at the AirTran counter after mine is cancelled because of the snow. I'm not looking forward to tomorrow. I've packed a carry-on bag, but I still have to load up my suitcase. I've gathered...

Running the option

Running the option
One of the more commonly asked questions in spring training involves players who are out of minor league options. You wants names. I want to pass them along to you. It's the perfect storm. It also won't require that you put on a heavy coat and grab a shovel. You can check out this list from mlbtraderumors that contains players who are out of options and have less than five years of service time. They have to clear waivers before being sent down. The Orioles' representatives are Matt...

The keys to Koji

The keys to Koji
Any reference to the Orioles' bullpen has to include Koji Uehara. And any reference to Koji Uehara has to include a mention of his health. Uehara missed two weeks in spring training with a strained hamstring and went on the disabled list with the same injury in late May. He returned to the disabled list on June 24 with a sore right elbow, later diagnosed as a partial tear of the flexor tendon. The Orioles finally sent him home in September. The last time we checked, Uehara was playing catch...

Because You Asked - The Final Insult

Because You Asked - The Final Insult
Spring training starts, but the questions won't end. You know them, you need them, you want them, you can't live without them. And you'll keep reheating them and pretending they're fresh. Sort of like the side dishes in the press dining room. No matter how many times I shovel the snow off my sidewalk, the questions are piled much higher. And while no two snowflakes are alike - at least in my personal collection that I keep in a safe deposit box - your inquiries look strangely...

Postcard from the edge

Postcard from the edge
I have seven weeks to fall in love with Sarasota. Right now, I want to take it out for a nice seafood dinner and never call it again. Let's just say my first impression of the city hasn't been a good one. There's not a lot to see and do on Fruitville Rd., at least the stretch that I've traveled since leaving the airport. I can't imagine that this particular area is a hot tourist attraction unless you're into medical buildings and auto repair shops. In that case, you'll want to keep...

First sign of spring

First sign of spring
It wasn't much of a challenge to find Ed Smith Stadium today. Just hang a left at the huge sign, complete with the cartoon Oriole bird, which welcomes you to the team's new spring training home. I'm seeing a lot of orange and black around here. That Cincinnati red has been covered up nicely. Jim Johnson just threw off flat ground, with Chad Moeller providing the target. "I'm back home," said Moeller, who trained here with the Reds in 2007. Koji Uehara is jogging in the outfield. And a...

Koji update

Koji update
Koji Uehara threw off a mound for the first time yesterday at the club's minor league complex, which is located about 15 minutes from Ed Smith Stadium. "I'm feeling good," Uehara said through his interpreter, Jiwon Bang. When I asked about Uehara's hamstring, he replied, "So far, so good." A smile creased his face. He knows it won't be the last time we're checking on his health. Uehara said he hasn't talked to manager Dave Trembley or anyone in the front office about moving to the...

Arrieta and Mickolio

Arrieta and Mickolio
Jake Arrieta showed up today with a neatly trimmed beard that will be gone tomorrow. Arrieta has thrown about 12 bullpen sessions since Jan. 4. He'll try to squeeze into the rotation, perhaps bumping Chris Tillman from the fifth spot. Assuming Brad Bergesen avoids the disabled list, that would be Arrieta's best shot. "Whether there's an opening or not, I have to do everything I can to come out here and perform to the best of my ability and be confident in myself that all the hard work...

General info on Patton

General info on Patton
Catcher Caleb Joseph still can't believe that he's in major league camp. He's waiting for someone to pinch him - though that might not be a good idea in the shower area. "All of these names," he said, gazing at the rows of lockers. "It's like Christmas in February." Brian Matusz and Chris Tillman reported to camp earlier today and ducked inside the weight room, which also is much bigger than my townhouse. No more tents set up in the parking lot. Championship banners have been hung...

Wrapping it up

Wrapping it up
Day One didn't bring any major surprises in camp beyond the drastic differences between the Sarasota and Fort Lauderdale facilities. No more bumping into players inside a crowded clubhouse. No more tents posing as weight rooms. No more contact highs from the gas fumes at the executive airport. It will take some time before I stop shouting my questions to manager Dave Trembley. It wasn't easy being heard over the sound of planes taking off beyond the outfield fence. I can't get used to...

Sending out another postcard

Sending out another postcard
I've been known to rush into relationships, and I'm ready to pay Sarasota's bills and buy it a sports car. Let's just say the place is growing on me. And fast. It's funny what happens once you venture a few miles from your hotel. If you're heading down here to catch a few spring training games and avoid the next blizzard, you'll want to visit Mediterraneo on Main St., but only if you can handle one of the best Italian meals of your life. Dine at your own risk. I'm listed as...

The morning scene

The morning scene
Players are lined up in the clubhouse to take their physicals before the first workout. Brian Matusz and Chris Tillman arrived together again today, and they walked out together to grab breakfast. They stretched on the field together yesterday. You could say they're inseparable. Reliever Wilfrido Perez said his left arm is fine after he underwent surgery over the summer to remove bone chips from his elbow. Perez will compete for the job of lefty specialist, but I'm still guessing that he...

Pie and Jones report

Pie and Jones report
Felix Pie and Adam Jones have reported to camp, joining the pitchers and catchers who are required to be here. Pie missed the last nine games after straining his left quadriceps muscle, and the healing process has been painfully slow. He's been in Sarasota for 1 1/2 months and finally is able to run sprints. "My leg is completely better," he said. "It took me like five months to be ready. Every time I'd start to run, it hurt, but it doesn't hurt anymore. "I'm ready to do my...

Simon says...

Simon says...
After undergoing Tommy John surgery during the first week of May, right-hander Alfredo Simon has thrown off a mound twice and doesn't expect to be under any restrictions. Simon believes that he's ready to compete for a spot on the 12-man pitching staff - that's the number we're figuring until we're told otherwise - but the odds are stacked against him.

The Ohman

The Ohman
Will Ohman snuck up behind Felix Pie this morning and gave him a big hug. He moved around the clubhouse, spotting familiar faces and getting reacquainted. Ohman is excited to be here and he didn't try to hide it. "It's kind of like a homecoming for me in a way," he said. "I know a lot of the guys here and a lot of the coaching staff from my days with the Cubs. I'm excited to work with Kranny again." Ohman chose the Orioles over other teams offering minor league deals because he saw a...