The Orioles were in first place after 40 games last year

The Orioles were in first place after 40 games last year
With the Yankees' loss to Seattle while the Orioles were off last night, the idle Birds moved to within 1 1/2 games of first in the AL East. They are in third place in the standings, and they were in first after they had played 40 games last year. AL East after 40 games in 2012: Baltimore: 26-14 Tampa Bay: 24-16, 2 GB Toronto: 22-18, 4 GB New York: 21-18, 4.5 GB Boston: 18-21, 7.5 GB AL East after 40 games in 2013: New York: 25-16 Boston: 24-17, 1 GB Baltimore: 23-17, 1.5 GB Tampa Bay:...

Bartlett talks stalled

Bartlett talks stalled
A Rays official says nothing is imminent on the trade front regarding shortstop Jason Bartlett, and that most of the talks with clubs have been "bullpen-centric." Various reports are surfacing that talks with the Orioles are dead. We're heading up to Andy MacPhail's suite in a few minutes. Also, I'm told the Nationals had some interest in former Orioles outfielder Lou Montanez, but that may no longer be the case. Montanez is getting ready to play winter ball in Puerto Rico. Former...

Reimold improves and left field playing time increases

Reimold improves and left field playing time increases
If it seems like Nolan Reimold has been playing more regularly in left field, that is because he has. Reimold has started seven of the O's last 11 games in left and manager Dave Trembley said you can expect to see more of Reimold in left. "That's an indicator that we have to find out if he can do it or not. He's been able to respond health-wise. Now he needs to respond production-wise. He's passed the one hurdle, now he needs to break through on the other." Coming off last...

Rollin' with Nolan

Rollin' with Nolan
If Nolan Reimold is going to play first base this season, he'll need to take care of an important piece of business. "I don't even have a first baseman's mitt yet," he said, grinning at his locker. Reimold took grounders at first on the last day of spring training, which created quite a stir after manager Dave Trembley and president of baseball operations Andy MacPhail kept insisting all winter that he was strictly an outfielder. "People asked why we waited until the end of the camp....

Reimold's easy to root for

Reimold's easy to root for
When he's sitting down, you don't really notice that Nolan Reimold is a towering 6'4'' and a not-so-lanky 205 pounds. His casual jeans and unassuming gray polo matched his easy demeanor as he worked his way through his first major community appearance at the ESPN Zone this afternoon the way he might work a 3-2 count--on his toes but with a confident eye. With the exception of a few nerves held carefully in check by an even attitude that's carried him through the greater scrutiny and...

Big news and a few small ceremonies

Big news and a few small ceremonies
If the name Steve Johnson sounds familiar, you might remember reading about O's broadcaster Dave Johnson's son in an article here in the Orioles Buzz back in February. That far back, Steve Johnson's only connection to the Orioles was his father, Dave Johnson, who was nice enough to include me on emails updating Steve's progress in the Dodgers' minor league system. That connection looks like it might now extend further than mere interest in the progress of a former Oriole and MASN...

"Vote 4 Nolan"

"Vote 4 Nolan"
Though the Baseball Writers are the ones who will eventually decide who wins Rookie of the Year honors this season, you can still show your support for O's Rookie of the Year hopeful Nolan Reimold. Check out these shirts designed in honor of the young Oriole who came up to the bigs as a pleasantly productive and consistent rookie this year. Reimold was batting .279 with 15 home runs and 45 RBI in 104 games this season before the Orioles were finally forced to place him on the 15-day...

Reimold's in camp

Reimold's in camp
Outfielders Nolan Reimold and Matt Angle have reported to camp. Reimold has run on a treadmill, but not outdoors, while recovering from Achilles surgery. "It feels good right now. When I walk around, I don't feel anything. We'll see how it feels when I'm running around for 10 hours a day," he said. "After a lot of running, it still gets a bit little sore, but it's obviously better than last year." When I asked Reimold if he has any concerns about being ready for Opening Day, he...

Bergmann ready for the Nats to win

Bergmann ready for the Nats to win
Nats veteran relief pitcher Jason Bergmann was one of four players to resign with the team yesterday. Bergmann received a one-year deal worth a reported $750,000. I spoke with Jason about his new contract and the future of the Nats as spring training draws closer in Viera. Jason and his family live in Viera where he has been training and getting ready for 2010. He told me he was driving by Space Coast Stadium as we spoke about his new deal. Congratulations on your new deal with the Nats. ...

"A Raven in a Pear Tree" Holiday Party This Monday

"A Raven in a Pear Tree" Holiday Party This Monday
Ravens QB Joe Flacco and T Adam Terry will join assistant head coach/defensive coordinator Rex Ryan in supporting Special Olympics Maryland at "A Raven in a Pear Tree" Holiday Party this Monday, Dec. 8. Terry and Ryan are official spokespersons for the nonprofit organization which provides year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. The party is presented by 98 Rock and will feature...

Ravens Name 2008 Community Quarterback Award Winners

Ravens Name 2008 Community Quarterback Award Winners
The Baltimore Ravens named three outstanding community volunteers as the 2008 Community Quarterback Award recipients. The award, funded by NFL Charities and the Ravens All Community Team Foundation (RACTF), recognizes outstanding volunteers who demonstrate leadership, dedication and a commitment to bettering their communities. The 2008 Community Quarterbacks were saluted at the Ravens' victory over the Redskins at M&T Bank Stadium on Dec. 7. The honorees received Ravens apparel, autographed...

Tonight's pitchers: Waters vs. Garza

Tonight's pitchers:  Waters vs. Garza
LHP Chris Waters (0-0, 8.10) tonight makes his 5th appearance and 1st Major League start of this season after spending most of the year with Triple-A Norfolk. The 29-year-old Waters was recalled from the minors on September 8th. In four games in relief with the O's he has pitched 6 2/3 innings giving up seven hits and six runs. In his last outing he pitched 1 1/3 scoreless innings Saturday at Cleveland. For Norfolk this season, Waters went 9-7, 4.49 in 29 games, 20 as a starter.

Spoone's wild ride (with Lebron and Patton added)

Spoone's wild ride (with Lebron and Patton added)
It wasn't pretty, but the Orioles kept their lead. Chorye Spoone was wild in the sixth inning, walking the leadoff batter and almost drilling Ronny Cedeno. He totaled only six strikes among his 15 pitches. Jeff Salazar made a sliding catch of Cedeno's sinking liner and fired to second to double off Steve Pearce for the last out. He looked like Nick Markakis out there. Update: Luis Lebron pitched a scoreless seventh, striking out two batters. He threw 13 pitches, eight strikes. Scott Moore...