Britton on his recovery and uncertain status

Britton on his recovery and uncertain status
SARASOTA, Fla. - Outfielders Austin Hays and Jaycob Brugman are the latest Orioles to report early to spring training. The first full-squad workout is Monday. Players are taking their physicals before heading out to the field around noon. Darren O'Day will be shaving off his beard. Zach Britton was sitting at his locker as the media ventured inside the clubhouse, joking that it was unintentional and he couldn't run away from us. He could have walked, however, as his recovery continues from...

Forecasting Orioles' 25-man roster remains a source of frustration

Forecasting Orioles' 25-man roster remains a source of frustration
With exactly one week remaining before pitchers and catchers must report to the Ed Smith Stadium complex in Sarasota, the task of submitting a mock 25-man roster hasn't grown much easier since my attempts two months ago. The rotation still has openings behind Kevin Gausman and Dylan Bundy, with only in-house candidates in the mix. The bullpen includes only one left-hander, Richard Bleier, who seems assured of breaking camp with the team if he stays healthy. There's supposed to be another...

Mancini approaching spring training in usual competitive manner

Mancini approaching spring training in usual competitive manner
One year ago, Trey Mancini was a prospect at first base and uncertain whether the 25-man roster could hold him on opening day. Chris Davis blocked him at his natural position, Mark Trumbo was ticketed for designated hitter duties and organizational debate centered on the wisdom of his part-time role in the majors versus regular at-bats in Triple-A. There's been a dramatic shift as the Orioles near another spring training. Mancini is one of the certainties on a roster that still requires...

Can Santander's defense keep him in majors?

Can Santander's defense keep him in majors?
While the Orioles try to settle on a left-handed hitter to play the outfield, along with other moves required to fill out the roster, they promise not to skimp on the defense. Upgrading it must be part of any plan. The club's reputation for outstanding glovework took another hit last season, and it could influence the decision whether to carry Anthony Santander for the first 44 days until losing his Rule 5 status. Santander must prove capable of playing the outfield. The Orioles like his bat,...

What's left for Orioles as they try to balance lineup?

What's left for Orioles as they try to balance lineup?
The rotation was the Orioles' primary concern before and during the 2017 season and it remains long after Rays reliever Chaz Roe struck out rookie Trey Mancini for the final out at Tropicana Field. It dominates, but it doesn't distract. There's other serious business that needs to get done before opening day. Try creating a mock lineup and count the number of left-handed hitters in it. Let's put a right-hander on the mound for the opposition. Let's try to stay in step with manager Buck...

Orioles send Bray to Athletics to complete Brugman trade

Orioles send Bray to Athletics to complete Brugman trade
The Orioles announced a trade this afternoon that actually completed a transaction from a month ago and it didn't involve third baseman Manny Machado. Not much to see here, but other business must be attended to as the Orioles move through their offseason. The Orioles sent right-hander Jake Bray to the Athletics as the player to be named later for outfielder Jaycob Brugman, who will compete for a spot in spring training as a much-needed left-handed hitter. Bray, 25, was 2-5 with a 3.88 ERA and...

What to expect at next week's Winter Meetings

What to expect at next week's Winter Meetings
The Winter Meetings officially begin on Sunday, though it's also a travel day, and they will take up more than 90 hours of my life that I'll never get back. But chasing rumors is a good way to add steps to the Fitbit. I've never been much of a cardio guy. Lobby buzz creates rumors that become reports. Some of them prove to be accurate, many others bogus and a royal waste of time, whether it's interest in a player or his contract demands. And old news will be reheated to appear fresh. Fans...

More on Hays, the Edgin signing and Jones' tailgate

More on Hays, the Edgin signing and Jones' tailgate
Yesterday in this space I wondered whether the Orioles would use catcher Chance Sisco in a platoon with Caleb Joseph or anoint one of them as the primary starter - assuming that the rookie breaks camp with the team, of course. Don't ever assume or else ... you know the rest. I'm shifting my focus this morning to another rookie, outfielder Austin Hays, who was chosen as the organization's Minor League Player of the Year. Hays could get most of the at-bats among the candidates for right field....

Orioles will continue quest to balance out lineup

Orioles will continue quest to balance out lineup
Now that we've moved past the Thanksgiving holiday, it's time to tackle two important questions: How many ways can turkey be used in leftovers before it turns colors? And how will the Orioles continue to address their need for left-handed bats? Soups, sandwiches, chili, casseroles, pot pies, enchiladas, omelets and hash are handy ways to transform whatever remains on the carcass and serving dish. That one was easy. Executive vice president Dan Duquette suggested last week that he could be in...

Orioles acquire Jaycob Brugman from Athletics (updated)

Orioles acquire Jaycob Brugman from Athletics (updated)
As the Orioles seek more balance in their lineup, they found a left-handed hitting outfielder today who will compete for a spot in spring training. The Orioles acquired outfielder Jaycob Brugman from the Athletics for a player to be named or cash. The 40-man roster has increased to 34 players. The A's designated Brugman for assignment on Monday as rosters were set prior to the Rule 5 draft. He made his major league debut on June 9 and batted .266/.346/.343 with two doubles, three home runs, 12...