This and that (updated)

This and that (updated)
The Orioles' coaching staff could be completed this week, though the holidays always complicate matters. As you've heard, the Orioles want to retain all six of their coaches and are expected to reach agreement with the two remaining unsigned members of the staff - hitting coach Jim Presley and third base coach DeMarlo Hale. Pitching coach Rick Adair signed last week. I've heard that the Marlins and Blue Jays were interested in Adair. Presley also has attracted interest from another club....

Cubs claim Socolovich, Orioles change plans with Berken (and note)

Cubs claim Socolovich, Orioles change plans with Berken (and note)
The Orioles announced this afternoon that the Chicago Cubs claimed reliever Miguel Socolovich off waivers. They designated him for assignment nine days ago to make room for left-hander J.C. Romero on the 40-man roster. The Cubs optioned Socolovich to Triple-A Iowa. Socolovich posted a 1.90 ERA in 28 games at Triple-A Norfolk and was named to the International League All-Star team. However, he registered a 6.97 ERA in six appearances and 10 1/3 innings with the Orioles during two stints with...

Socolovich optioned to Norfolk

Socolovich optioned to Norfolk
The Orioles have optioned reliever Miguel Socolovich to Triple-A Norfolk. A corresponding roster move will be announced later. Socolovich has appeared in six games, allowing eight earned runs in 10 1/3 innings for a 6.97 ERA. He let two inherited runners score last night after replacing starter Chris Tillman and also was charged with one run. Socolovich has posted a 1.90 ERA in 28 appearances with the Tides. He was chosen to the International League All-Star team. Could the Orioles be...

Flaherty on disabled list, Socolovich recalled (with Mariners lineup)

Flaherty on disabled list, Socolovich recalled (with Mariners lineup)
The Orioles have placed infielder Ryan Flaherty on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to August 2, with a bacterial infection and recalled reliever Miguel Socolovich from Triple-A Norfolk. Flaherty left the ballpark before last night's game with a 103-degree fever. He was getting blood work done today to determine whether he had mononucleosis. Socolovich has posted a 9.00 ERA in seven innings over four appearances with the Orioles this season. Also, Matt Wieters is behind the plate again...

Socolovich optioned to make room for Ford (plus postgame quotes)

Socolovich optioned to make room for Ford (plus postgame quotes)
The Orioles announced after tonight's 6-1 loss to the Athletics that reliever Miguel Socolovich has been optioned to Triple-A Norfolk. No corresponding move was included in the press release, but the Orioles are purchasing outfielder Lew Ford's contract from the Tides. Socolovich allowed one run and two hits in a career-high 2 2/3 innings tonight, with no walks and three strikeouts. In two stints with the Orioles, he's permitted seven earned runs and seven hits in four games. Socolovich...

Showalter speaks after 14-9 loss

Showalter speaks after 14-9 loss
The Orioles are now 41-1 when leading after the eighth inning. They were ahead 9-8 going into the top of the ninth before Jim Johnson was charged with six runs in a 14-9 loss to the Athletics. Naturally, he was the focus of the early portion of manager Buck Showalter's postgame session with the media. "They didn't really square up a ball off him," Showalter said. "They had a ball chopped over there, and Mark (Reynolds) made a great play to start the inning. A flare down the line,...

Jones gives Orioles the lead, Socolovich gives it up (O's lose 14-9)

Jones gives Orioles the lead, Socolovich gives it up (O's lose 14-9)
The Orioles were trailing, 5-0, after two innings tonight. They took a 6-5 lead in the fifth. They fell behind by two runs in the sixth. Fans booed, fans cheered, fans booed again. Miguel Socolovich replaced Zach Britton with a runner on first and one out in the sixth. He walked two batters to load the bases, and pinch-hitter Seth Smith cleared them with a double into left-center field. Hence, the latest round of booing. Britton is charged with six runs and six hits in 5 2/3 innings. He...

Andino close to going on rehab assignment

Andino close to going on rehab assignment
Second baseman Robert Andino, on the disabled list with a strained left shoulder, is scheduled to begin an injury-rehab assignment Tuesday at Double-A Bowie. Andino is expected to play three games for the Baysox before being activated next Friday, when the Orioles begin a three-game series against the Rays in St. Petersburg, Fla. The original plan called for Andino to fly down to Sarasota, but it's no longer deemed necessary. Manager Buck Showalter is hoping that catcher Matt Wieters'...

Bergesen joining team in Minnesota (N. Johnson to 60-day DL)

Bergesen joining team in Minnesota (N. Johnson to 60-day DL)
Needing another long reliever for tonight, the Orioles have made arrangements to purchase Brad Bergesen's contract from Triple-A Norfolk. Reliever Miguel Socolovich is expected to be optioned to Norfolk after replacing starter Chris Tillman in the first inning last night and working 2 1/3 innings. The Orioles must create room on the 40-man roster for Bergesen, who's been in the minors all season. As I just stated on "The Mid-Atlantic Sports Report," one solution is to transfer Nick...

Berken and Socolovich honored (corrected)

Berken and Socolovich honored (corrected)
Norfolk pitchers Jason Berken and Miguel Socolovich have been chosen to participate in the 2012 Triple-A All-Star Game in Buffalo. Berken, 28, is 1-1 with a 2.32 ERA in 14 starts. I'm not sure how he's managed only two decisions in 14 games, but I digress. Berken's ERA ranks third in the league. He's allowed three earned runs or fewer in each of his starts while holding opponents to a .248 average. Berken had a shot at breaking camp with the Orioles as a long reliever, but a hamstring...

Britton shut down 7-10 days, Socolovich and Eyre reassigned

Britton shut down 7-10 days, Socolovich and Eyre reassigned
SARASOTA, Fla. - Pitcher Zach Britton will be shut down seven to 10 days after receiving an injection in his left shoulder to reduce the inflammation. The good news is Dr. James Andrews didn't find any structural damage in Britton's shoulder, so his diagnosis matches the one coming from the Orioles. But as expected, Britton won't be ready for opening day and figures to begin the season on the disabled list. Britton received a Platelet Rich Plasma injection, which contains several different...

Socolovich leaves with groin injury

Socolovich leaves with groin injury
LAKELAND, Fla. - Miguel Socolovich came out of today's game against the Tigers with the bases loaded and one out in the sixth inning because of tightness in his groin. Jon Link allowed all three inherited runners to score, and Socolovich was charged with the loss. "He wanted to continue, but we're not going to take the chance," manager Buck Showalter said after a 4-2 loss. "We had enough pitchers we brought with us." Socolovich joins the groin gang in camp. They'll eventually rumble...