Flaherty collects another hit (O's trail 2-1)

Flaherty collects another hit (O's trail 2-1)
Ryan Flaherty picked up a hit in his fourth consecutive game tonight with a leadoff single in the top of the third inning. Flaherty has only one hit in each of those games, but the modest streak includes two home runs. He's also driven in four runs. At least for now, manager Buck Showalter is continuing to start Flaherty at second base against right-handers. He gave Omar Quintanilla the start at shortstop while keeping Flaherty in the lineup. It's a little strange seeing J.J. Hardy leaning...

Quintanilla gets first start with Orioles (and note on Jim Gilbert)

Quintanilla gets first start with Orioles (and note on Jim Gilbert)
Omar Quintanilla will follow up two appearances with the Orioles as a defensive replacement at second base with his first start tonight at shortstop. J.J. Hardy gets a rare breather, and it comes after he collected two hits, including a home run, and drove in three runs yesterday afternoon. Ryan Flaherty stays at second base, and Endy Chavez replaces Chris Davis in left field. Davis is starting at first base. For the Orioles: Nick Markakis RF Endy Chavez LF Jim Thome DH Adam Jones CF Matt...

Flaherty starting at second base tonight

Flaherty starting at second base tonight
Ryan Flaherty is getting another start at second base tonight for the Orioles. Newly acquired middle infielder Omar Quintanilla will join the team today, but he won't be in the starting lineup. And he's not listed on the lineup card among the reserves. For the Orioles: Nick Markakis RF J.J. Hardy SS Jim Thome DH Adam Jones CF Matt Wieters C Wilson Betemit 3B Chris Davis LF Mark Reynolds 1B Ryan Flaherty 2B Chris Tillman RHP

Duquette: "We'll do everything we can to stay in the hunt"

Duquette: "We'll do everything we can to stay in the hunt"
In a brief phone conversation yesterday morning with executive vice president Dan Duquette, I asked whether the Orioles were comfortable platooning Steve Tolleson and Ryan Flaherty at second base, or whether they needed to bring in someone from outside the organization. "We'll see what comes on the market," Duquette replied. "If Tolleson and Flaherty can do it, we'll let them do it. If they can't do it, we'll have to look for some other alternatives." Later that afternoon, the Orioles...

Orioles lineup against Indians (Bergesen quotes and note on trade)

Orioles lineup against Indians (Bergesen quotes and note on trade)
Ryan Flaherty gets another start at second base tonight, as manager Buck Showalter continues to platoon him with right-handed hitting Steve Tolleson. We'll see if that arrangement changes tomorrow after the Orioles acquired Omar Quintanilla from the Mets for future considerations or cash. For the Orioles: Nick Markakis RF J.J. Hardy SS Jim Thome DH Adam Jones CF Matt Wieters C Wilson Betemit 3B Chris Davis LF Mark Reynolds 1B Ryan Flaherty 2B Miguel Gonzalez RHP Also, Brian's Baseball...

Orioles acquire infielder Omar Quintanilla from Mets, Indians lineup (updated)

Orioles acquire infielder Omar Quintanilla from Mets, Indians lineup (updated)
Looking to add middle infield depth after losing Brian Roberts and Robert Andino to injuries, the Orioles have acquired Omar Quintanilla from the Mets for future considerations or cash. Quintanilla, 30, can play second base and shortstop, which comes in handy on this team. The Mets designated Quintanilla for assignment a few days ago. He was batting .257/.350/.371 with five doubles, one home run and four RBIs in 29 games this season. Quintanilla is a career .218/.278 /.294 hitter in seven...