Christian Walker on playing outfield and opposite-field power (plus other notes)

Christian Walker on playing outfield and opposite-field power (plus other notes)
SARASOTA, Fla. - Since first baseman Chris Davis re-signed with the Orioles, first baseman Christian Walker has gotten the question a few times. Will Walker be asked to play some outfield this year when he likely heads to Triple-A Norfolk. He said the topic has at least come up recently. "Possibly," Walker said. "Until now, that is pretty much what it is, just a conversation. I feel I'm athletic enough to make the adjustment and go out there and learn a new position. I'm here to help the...

Slow start for Gallardo (Machado and Jones homer, O's win 8-7)

Slow start for Gallardo (Machado and Jones homer, O's win 8-7)
ORIOLES QUICK WRAP Score: Orioles 8, Phillies 7 Recap: Xavier Avery drew a bases-loaded walk off Daniel Stumpf in the eighth and Paul Janish stroked a two-out, two-run single on an 0-2 pitch to give the Orioles an 8-7 lead. Yovani Gallardo served up three home runs, two to Maikel Franco, in 2 1/3 innings. He allowed five runs and four hits, with two walks and one strikeout. Manny Machado hit a two-run homer in a four-run third. Caleb Joseph had an RBI double and Ryan Flaherty had a sacrifice...

Gallardo's a popular figure among the other starters

Gallardo's a popular figure among the other starters
SARASOTA, Fla. - The Orioles are expected to make a bunch of roster cuts today. They didn't send out anyone yesterday, which came as a bit of a surprise, but they should be active this morning and perhaps following the game. I'd expect Hunter Harvey to be reassigned to minor league camp. Not as a punishment after allowing five runs yesterday in one-third of an inning, but because he needs to do some side work and continue preparing for the season. He hasn't pitched since 2014. We'll need...

Is it too soon for concern over Miguel Gonzalez? (plus other notes)

Is it too soon for concern over Miguel Gonzalez? (plus other notes)
SARASOTA, Fla. - A few quotes and notes about the Orioles, who are 1-11-2 with 19 spring games remaining before opening day. They lost 14-5 to Minnesota yesterday, allowing 10 or more runs for the fifth time. * At this point, you have to wonder if the Orioles are concerned about right-hander Miguel Gonzalez. After pitching to an ERA of 6.14 in 10 starts after the 2015 All-Star break, his spring ERA is 22.24 through three starts. O's starting pitchers have allowed six runs or more three times...

Showalter and Alvarez comments, plus other notes after O's loss to Twins

Showalter and Alvarez comments, plus other notes after O's loss to Twins
FORT MYERS, Fla. - During a game that took 3 hours, 19 minutes, where his team allowed runs in five different innings, Orioles manager Buck Showalter saw some good and not so good today. On a plus note, Pedro Alvarez played for the first time as an Oriole. He crushed a 1-1 pitch in the top of the first for an RBI double during a 1-for-3 day. But O's pitchers allowed 15 hits and 10 walks in a 14-5 loss to Minnesota. The Orioles are 1-11-2. "Yeah, he (Alvarez) was solid," Showalter said. "I...

Miguel Gonzalez talks about his outing against Minnesota (O's lose 14-5)

Miguel Gonzalez talks about his outing against Minnesota (O's lose 14-5)
ORIOLES QUICK WRAP Score: Twins 14, Orioles 5 Recap: Pedro Alvarez ripped an RBI double in his first O's at-bat in the top of the first. It came on a 1-1 pitch from Ricky Nolasco. Alvarez also grounded out and flied out in his first O's game. Miguel Gonzalez struggled again, allowing six runs and seven hits over 1 2/3. He has allowed 14 runs in 5 2/3 over three spring starts for an ERA of 22.24. Gonzalez has allowed six or more runs in two of his three starts. Hunter Harvey gave up five runs...

Pedro Alvarez rips an RBI double in first Orioles at-bat (O's trail 6-3)

Pedro Alvarez rips an RBI double in first Orioles at-bat (O's trail 6-3)
FORT MYERS, Fla. - There will be no prolonged hitless streak for new Oriole Pedro Alvarez. He crushed a 1-1 pitch off the right-center field fence for an RBI double in the first inning here today against the Twins. Alvarez smoked the offering from Minnesota right-hander Ricky Nolasco to provide the Orioles a 1-0 lead during their three-run first inning at Hammond Stadium. Joey Rickard led off with an infield single to third base and one out later, Christian Walker singled ahead of the Alvarez...

Showalter on Wieters and Alvarez, plus pregame notes from Fort Myers

Showalter on Wieters and Alvarez, plus pregame notes from Fort Myers
FORT MYERS, Fla. - Orioles catcher Matt Wieters might have a sore right elbow, but for now it appears the concern level is low. Before today's game here, manager Buck Showalter said no MRI for Wieters is planned yet. Wieters spoke with reporters about his elbow in Sarasota. "There is a reason an MRI is not scheduled at this point," Showalter said. "If the next two or three days don't manage as we hope, that might happen. That is up to Richie (Bancells, head athletic trainer). He should be...

A few morning notes

A few morning notes
SARASOTA, Fla. - Orioles manager Buck Showalter said Matt Wieters' right elbow is a little better this morning. Wieters was examined by team physicians. He didn't appear at his locker during the hour that the media was allowed inside the clubhouse. Wieters left yesterday's game after the top of the first inning with soreness in his surgically repaired elbow. He wasn't scheduled to make the trip to Fort Myers for today's game against the Twins. It's doubtful that Wieters will play Monday...

A few morning notes

A few morning notes
TAMPA - Pedro Alvarez was working out early today at the Ed Smith Stadium complex while his new teammates filed into the clubhouse. Alvarez was on the half-field, named after Hall of Fame manager Earl Weaver, at 7:42 a.m. He carried an equipment bag and one of his bats. Third base coach Bobby Dickerson met up with Alvarez, who later was joined by infield instructor and MASN analyst Mike Bordick. "We're very hands-on, we're already working," Alvarez said last night on the "Hot Stove Show"...

Wrapping up a 5-1 loss

Wrapping up a 5-1 loss
SARASOTA, Fla. - The Orioles have signed their remaining non-arbitration eligible players to 2016 contracts. Everyone on the 40-man roster is under contract, a list that includes pitchers Parker Bridwell, Odrisamer Despaigne, Oliver Drake, Jason Garcia, Kevin Gausman, Mychal Givens, Chaz Roe, Andrew Triggs, Tyler Wilson, Mike Wright, Chris Jones, Chris Lee and T.J. McFarland; catchers Caleb Joseph and Francisco Pena; infielders Jimmy Paredes, Jonathan Schoop and Christian Walker; and...

Miguel Gonzalez shows improvement in second start (O's lose 5-1)

Miguel Gonzalez shows improvement in second start (O's lose 5-1)
ORIOLES QUICK WRAP Score: Red Sox 5, Orioles 1 Recap: Miguel Gonzalez allowed one run and three hits in 2 2/3 innings before reaching his pitch limit. Brock Holt, the second batter of the game, homered off Gonzalez. Darren O'Day gave up one run in the fourth after Boston loaded the bases with no outs. Nolan Reimold doubled to lead off the bottom of the first. Manny Machado and Mark Trumbo singled in the third. J.J. Hardy singled and tripled in his first two at-bats, and he scored on Joey...

A few pitching notes before today's game

A few pitching notes before today's game
FORT MYERS, Fla. - The Orioles are taking batting practice back in Sarasota this morning after playing a night game. The bus is far behind the beat writers who drove to JetBlue Park. Mike Wright is starting today, and other pitchers on the trip include Dylan Bundy, Brad Brach, T.J. McFarland, Chaz Roe, Oliver Drake, Chris Jones, Andy Oliver, Joe Gunkel and David Hess. Reserves include infielders Trey Mancini, Ozzie Martinez, Adrian Marin, Garabez Rosa and Drew Dosch, outfielders Dariel Alvarez,...

Spring training edition: 10 questions for O's fans

Spring training edition: 10 questions for O's fans
So far in spring training the Orioles have lost a few games, had a few injuries and have seen a few shaky pitching performances. No need for major concern yet, not over a few exhibition games. But not everyone agrees, including the fan that tweeted this to me yesterday: "If there are any pitchers available who can win at a major league level, baltimore needs to get them. This is an embarrassment." On that note, on to the latest edition of 10 questions. Answer as few or as many as you like....

Injury updates and wrapping up a 10-3 loss

Injury updates and wrapping up a 10-3 loss
PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. - Jimmy Paredes sprained his left wrist today while diving for a fly ball from Logan Forsythe in the second inning that fell for a double. He's scheduled for X-rays later tonight. Reliever Brian Matusz underwent an MRI on his lower back and the Orioles are waiting for a team physician to examine the results. Manager Buck Showalter didn't provide much information beyond confirming that the left-hander will miss his next turn. Paredes bent back his wrist after hitting the...

Game update and comments from Miguel Gonzalez (Orioles fall 10-3)

Game update and comments from Miguel Gonzalez (Orioles fall 10-3)
ORIOLES QUICK WRAP Score: Rays 10, Orioles 3 Recap: Miguel Gonzalez was charged with seven runs in 1 1/3 innings. He threw 37 pitches, 27 for strikes. Chaz Roe allowed a run in the third inning and Brandon Guyer homered on Dylan Bundy's first pitch. The Orioles scored two unearned runs off Dana Eveland in the sixth on two errors and Christian Walker's sac fly. Paul Janish singled in the inning. Xavier Avery tripled in the eighth and scored on Alfredo Marte's single. Hyun Soo Kim went 0-for-3...

Gonzalez battered, Paredes bruised as Orioles fall behind 7-0

Gonzalez battered, Paredes bruised as Orioles fall behind 7-0
PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. - Miguel Gonzalez made it through the first inning today, but he returned to the dugout with his pitch count at 24 and the Orioles losing 3-0. He was done with one out in the second, the Orioles behind 6-0 and Jimmy Paredes injured after attempting a diving catch. It hasn't been a good day. Dariel Alvarez replaced Paredes, who couldn't come up with Logan Forsythe's bloop double near the line. It was the 37th and final pitch from Gonzalez, who allowed eight hits. Paredes...

Today's game and yesterday's leftovers

Today's game and yesterday's leftovers
SARASOTA, Fla. - The Orioles are on the road again this morning, making their first visit to Port Charlotte to play the Rays. Miguel Gonzalez will work two innings if, of course, his pitch count allows it. Mike Wright went two innings on Tuesday. Ubaldo Jimenez retired one batter yesterday. The Rays are sending Erasmo Ramirez to the mound. He's 2-2 with a 3.76 ERA in seven career games (six starts) against the Orioles, but they won't be sending many of their starters. It is, however, the...

Pitching notes and Braves lineup

Pitching notes and Braves lineup
SARASOTA, Fla. - The Orioles are performing some early drills on the Ed Smith Stadium field before taking batting practice. Ubaldo Jimenez is starting today's home opener. Didn't he make most of his starts on the road last spring? Other pitchers listed for the Orioles include Zach Britton, Odrisamer Despaigne, Mychal Givens, Brian Matusz, Andy Oliver, Todd Redmond and Dale Thayer. Miguel Gonzalez opposes the Rays' Erasmo Ramirez Thursday afternoon in Port Charlotte. Vance Worley opposes the...

None left: O's rotation will be without a southpaw

None left: O's rotation will be without a southpaw
Will having an all right-handed rotation be a problem for the Orioles? Last year, right-handers made 131 of 162 O's starts. Wei-Yin Chen's 31 starts were the only by any left-hander. Will they go 162-for-162 this year? When the Orioles officially add Yovani Gallardo, he will join holdovers Chris Tillman, Miguel Gonzalez, Kevin Gausman and Ubaldo Jimenez. No lefty anywhere. But there are some reasons to think it will not be an issue. For one, the other four American League East teams last year...