Cruz talks Orioles on MLB Network Radio, Patton suspended again

Cruz talks Orioles on MLB Network Radio, Patton suspended again
Nelson Cruz, interviewed today on MLB Network Radio, stated again that his first choice in free agency is to remain with the Orioles. Winning is his first priority when deciding on a team, and that's why he signed a one-year deal with the Orioles in spring training. It all sounds so good, but Cruz initially sought a five-year deal and the most recent reports have him geared toward a minimum of four. That's not good for the Orioles. Cruz has until Monday to turn down their $15.3 million...

Orioles acquire Hundley from Padres for Patton

Orioles acquire Hundley from Padres for Patton
The Orioles found the catcher they've been searching for today, acquiring Nick Hundley and cash considerations from the Padres for left-hander Troy Patton. The Orioles also recalled infielder Steve Lombardozzi, who takes Patton's spot on the 25-man roster. The Orioles have 11 pitchers today. Hundley will be added later, perhaps Monday in Milwaukee. Hundley, 30, batted .271 with a home run and three RBIs in 33 games for the Padres. He's a career .238 hitter in seven major league seasons,...

Another pitching move pending and a look at two struggling Orioles

Another pitching move pending and a look at two struggling Orioles
Just when the Orioles thought they could make it through a day without another roster move, 13 innings happened. Look for a reliever to arrive from Triple-A Norfolk before tonight's game against the Indians at Camden Yards. I pitched T.J. McFarland's name - so to speak - before the Orioles decided to recall Preston Guilmet. McFarland remains a candidate tonight as a backup to right-handed starter Bud Norris. McFarland is scheduled to start tonight for Norfolk. We'll see. The Orioles could...

Troy Patton is pitching well out of the Orioles bullpen

Troy Patton is pitching well out of the Orioles bullpen
It took awhile in this 2014 season, but left-hander Troy Patton once again seems to be a key member of the Orioles bullpen. Suspended for the season's first 25 games after testing positive for an amphetamine in violation of Major League Baseball's joint drug prevention and treatment program, Patton finally made it on the roster on May 1. Since he gave up a run in 1/3 of an inning in his first appearance, he has thrown 4 2/3 scoreless innings over six games, giving up just two hits. Opposing...

Stinson outrighted to Norfolk, Game 2 lineups

Stinson outrighted to Norfolk, Game 2 lineups
The Orioles reinstated left-hander Troy Patton from the restricted list and outrighted reliever Josh Stinson to Triple-A Norfolk. Stinson already has cleared waivers. Patton, 28, went 2-0 with a 3.70 ERA in a career-high 56 appearances for the Orioles in 2013. He made four rehab appearances with Norfolk on his rehab assignment, allowing two earned runs in 4 2/3 innings. Patton served a 25-game suspension for amphetamine use. Stinson, 26, allowed nine earned runs on 16 hits and six walks...

Pearce having a Game 1 to remember (Markakis homers, O's win 5-1)

Pearce having a Game 1 to remember (Markakis homers, O's win 5-1)
Orioles manager Buck Showalter refers to Steve Pearce as a "professional hitter," a guy who can sit for long stretches without complaint and still make solid contact at the plate. Pearce is providing a nice little demonstration today in Game 1 of a doubleheader against the Pirates. Pearce was 1-for-7 before the Orioles designated him for assignment last week. He's 3-for-3 today with two run-scoring singles. The Orioles lead 4-1 after Pearce's second RBI hit with one out in the bottom of...

No longer anticipating precipitation, Orioles will play two today

No longer anticipating precipitation, Orioles will play two today
The Orioles no longer are attempting to play one game. Weather permitting, they're going for two. It's a daring maneuver, to say the least. The Orioles will play a straight doubleheader beginning at 4:05 p.m. Much preferred over the crooked ones. "I Like Our Guys" T-shirts for everyone! Make mine a smedium. Sleeves optional, of course. The Orioles will activate third baseman Manny Machado from the disabled list before Game 1 and make a corresponding move. He's been in the clubhouse and...

Roster decisions and whether the weather cooperates

Roster decisions and whether the weather cooperates
The Orioles have a game scheduled for tonight. Mother Nature has more rain scheduled for tonight. She's probably going to win. Another rainout would probably leave us with a doubleheader on Thursday. And to answer three of the most popular questions: 1. Your ticket for Wednesday's game isn't going to allow you to also watch the second game unless you don't mind sitting on someone's lap. They also have a ticket for that seat. 2. If you were supposed to receive the giveaway T-shirt on...

Orioles plan on activating Machado today

Orioles plan on activating Machado today
With an opening on their 25-man roster, the Orioles intend to activate third baseman Manny Machado from the disabled list before tonight's series opener against the Pirates at Camden Yards. Machado packed his bags and left Frederick after the Keys were rained out last night. He's joining the Orioles in Baltimore today. The only glitch in the plan involves the weather. Rain is in the forecast throughout the night and into Wednesday, which could cause at least one postponement at Camden...

The blame starts with the starting pitching

The blame starts with the starting pitching
I'm here to offer a few simple facts and check whether you like your eggs scrambled or over easy. The starting pitching has to get better. Period. Bash the bullpen for allowing a pair of three-run homers in last night's 9-3 loss to the Blue Jays. Bash the offense for producing nothing except for Nelson Cruz's three-run homer. Bash Steve Lombardozzi for the error that opened both the bottom of the sixth inning and the floodgates. The bottom line is, the rotation can't give the Orioles...

Pregame notes on Machado, Patton, Schoop and more

Pregame notes on Machado, Patton, Schoop and more
BOSTON - Orioles third baseman Manny Machado has normal soreness today "in the right places," according to manager Buck Showalter, following yesterday's extended spring training game in Sarasota. Machado will play seven innings at third base on Monday and serve as the designated hitter on Tuesday. He could begin his minor league injury rehab assignment later in the week, with the affiliate still undetermined. "I think when he gets that nine-inning game under his belt in extended spring,...

More notes and quotes from Boston

More notes and quotes from Boston
BOSTON - I don't know the projected game time temperature tonight at Fenway Park. However, after doing extensive research, I can confirm that it's bitter cold. There's a rumor circulating that a polar bear will throw out the ceremonial first pitch. While wearing a scarf and mittens. The temperature for Wednesday's game against Tampa Bay at Camden Yards was 39 degrees, believed to be the coldest in Baltimore since at least 1988, when first pitch temperature was recorded regularly. The...

This and that

This and that
Miguel Gonzalez was credited with the win yesterday and Tommy Hunter recorded the save, but Zach Britton garnered lots of attention following the Orioles' 3-0 win over the Rays. His three scoreless innings raised his total to 11 1/3, with only four hits allowed in six outings. His sinker and renewed confidence are the talk of the clubhouse. "He's been phenomenal," Gonzalez said. "I'm happy for him. He's got what he had in (2011) now. He worked hard this offseason and it's paid...

Machado cleared to run sprints

Machado cleared to run sprints
Orioles third baseman Manny Machado got six at-bats today against left-hander Johan Santana in a simulated game at the Ed Smith Stadium complex. Machado was scheduled for two at-bats, but received an additional four. "I think that two was a minimum," said manager Buck Showalter. Machado has been cleared to run full-speed on Monday, one of the final hurdles before getting into extended spring training games and going on an injury rehab assignment. "They said they think he snuck a couple...

Updating Santana, Bundy, Peguero, Markakis, Patton and more

Updating Santana, Bundy, Peguero, Markakis, Patton and more
Left-hander Johan Santana threw 30 pitches off a full mound yesterday in Saraosta, mixing in everything in his repertoire. "That's progressing well," said manager Buck Showalter. "Don't ask me exactly what's next. I haven't heard anything else. Scotty McGregor updates us every day. "It's encouraging to see that Johan is throwing all his pitches. He's pitching like he's in a five-man rotation. Pitch, work day, pitch." Assistant athletic trainer Chris Correnti, who worked with...

Showalter speaks after 4-1 loss

Showalter speaks after 4-1 loss
FORT MYERS, Fla. - The Orioles are going to make a few cuts later today. Stay tuned. Tommy Hunter and Zach Britton are slated to pitch again on Wednesday, giving them back-to-back appearances for the first time this spring. Left-hander Troy Patton will be eligible to pitch in his first game for the Orioles on April 29 after serving his 25-game suspension. A few pitchers will stay back in Sarasota on Saturday and throw bullpen sessions, rather than accompany the team to Norfolk for the final...

Game update and more notes (O's down 2-0)

Game update and more notes (O's down 2-0)
FORT MYERS, Fla. - Orioles left-hander Brian Matusz tossed two scoreless innings today against the Red Sox, allowing singles to Dustin Pedroia in the first and Xander Bogaerts in the second. Matusz didn't walk or strike out anyone. He threw 35 pitches, 18 for strikes. Former Red Sox farmhand Brock Huntzinger replaced Matusz to start the third inning and retired the side in order on a fly ball, pop up and bouncer to the mound. Other pitchers on the trip include Troy Patton, T.J. McFarland,...

Notes and quotes following intrasquad game (with photos)

Notes and quotes following intrasquad game (with photos)
SARASOTA, Fla. - The visiting Orioles swept the two-game intrasquad series from the home team at Ed Smith Stadium with today's 3-0 victory. If you placed any bets, seek professional help immediately. Tim Berry reached his pitch count in the top of the fourth, walking two batters and giving up an infield hit to Julio Borbon. Kelvin De La Cruz walked Jemile Weeks leading off the bottom of the fourth, and Weeks tagged up and took second base on a fly ball to right-center field. Troy Patton...

Hunter on closing, Lough on defense, Patton on suspension and more

Hunter on closing, Lough on defense, Patton on suspension and more
There was a great crowd Saturday at FanFest. We could hear you often from behind the main stage where the media spent most of the day interviewing O's players and coaches, past and present. Here are a few quotes and notes worth passing along: * Pitcher Troy Patton will miss the season's first 25 games after testing positive for an amphetamine in violation of Major League Baseball's joint drug prevention and treatment program. He said he took an Adderall pill, not to enhance his...

Leftovers from FanFest

Leftovers from FanFest
Anyone surprised that FanFest drew more than 15,000 people yesterday at the Baltimore Convention Center? Yes, the attendance fell short of the 18,000 in 2013, but judging by a few comments here, I assumed that yesterday's crowd would rival a Tuesday night at Applebee's. Not much news came out of the event. Manny Machado poured a little cold water on the optimism that he'd be ready on opening day. Just being cautious, I suppose, but fans would have preferred a Joe Namath-type guarantee that...