Zach Britton on the "frustration" of a slow offseason

Zach Britton on the "frustration" of a slow offseason
With the free agent market still overflowing due to a winter-long freeze, a neat trick if you know anything about liquids and temperatures, the Major League Baseball Players Association is arranging a "31st camp" for unemployed players at the IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla. The list of participants will include former Orioles outfielder Nolan Reimold, 34, who's attempting a comeback after announcing his retirement last summer. Reimold failed to receive a spring training invitation last year...

Former Orioles still waiting for jobs

Former Orioles still waiting for jobs
SARASOTA, Fla. - The shelves on the free agent market continue to empty slowly. Players and agents wait for the buyers' rush, or baseball's version of Black Friday The former Orioles aisle includes designated hitter Pedro Álvarez, outfielder Nolan Reimold, catcher Steve Clevenger and pitcher Steve Johnson, the Baltimore native and former St. Paul's standout who appeared in 16 games with the Mariners last season. Pitcher Alfredo Simon also is unsigned. There's been no connection between...

Health issues and the catching situation

Health issues and the catching situation
SARASOTA, Fla. - The Orioles aren't in panic mode over the shoulder discomfort, or whatever we're calling it, that could force No. 1 starter Chris Tillman on the disabled list. They're continuing to breathe normally through a series of tests administered to shortstop J.J. Hardy's back, the spasms keeping him from participating in workouts. They haven't made it through one full week of camp and already their faith is being tested. A veteran starter has been part of their offseason wish list...

Orioles acquire catcher Francisco Pena from Royals

Orioles acquire catcher Francisco Pena from Royals
The Orioles aren't done making moves tonight. On the same day that they traded catcher Steve Clevenger, they acquired catcher Francisco Pena from the Royals for cash considerations. Needing more room on the 40-man roster, the Orioles designated infielder Paul Janish for assignment. Janish was told earlier today that he would be non-tendered. Pena, 26, batted .251/.305/.430 with 13 home runs and 48 RBIs in 95 games this year with Triple-A Omaha. He posted a .274/.303/.522 slash line against...

Hearing from Johnson, Clevenger, Trumbo and Duquette

Hearing from Johnson, Clevenger, Trumbo and Duquette
Baltimore native Steve Johnson was braced for the possibility that he would be designated for assignment this offseason, so he took the news in stride today after the Orioles removed him from the 40-man roster. "I don't want to say I was too surprised," said Johnson, the St. Paul's graduate who was designated to create a spot for left-hander C.J. Riefenhauser. "I kind of understood after not having the best September that it was a possibility. There were a couple of times they could have...

Orioles designate Steve Johnson for assignment

Orioles designate Steve Johnson for assignment
The Orioles have removed two Baltimore natives from their 40-man roster. The trade with Seattle is official. The Orioles sent catcher Steve Clevenger to the Mariners for first baseman/outfielder Mark Trumbo and left-hander C.J. Riefenhauser. To make room for Riefenhauser on the 40-man roster, the Orioles have designated St. Paul's graduate Steve Johnson for assignment. "Trumbo is a proven major league run producer who will add depth and power to our lineup," said executive vice president Dan...

Orioles trade Clevenger to Mariners for Trumbo

Orioles trade Clevenger to Mariners for Trumbo
The Orioles are drawing closer to a deal that would send catcher Steve Clevenger to the Mariners for first baseman Mark Trumbo, according to a source. The two teams also were engaged in trade talks at the non-waiver deadline in July. However, the Orioles weren't willing to part with Clevenger, according to another source. Clevenger is out of options and became more expendable after Matt Wieters accepted the $15.8 million qualifying offer. The Orioles have considered carrying him as a third...

Catching up on the catching situation

Catching up on the catching situation
Orioles executive vice president Dan Duquette stated multiple times before the general managers meetings that he wanted to improve the club's catching depth. It wasn't the No. 1 priority, but he targeted it. The list of free agents is underwhelming beyond Matt Wieters, but the Orioles have reached out to Jarrod Saltalamacchia's agent, according to multiple reports. The need increases dramatically if Wieters signs with another club. He has until 5 p.m. Friday to accept or decline the $15.8...

This, that and the other

This, that and the other
The Orioles' winter shopping list begins with a starting pitcher and includes a potential replacement for Chris Davis at first base, at least one outfielder and at least one reliever. It also includes catching depth, especially if Matt Wieters leaves as a free agent. Caleb Joseph most likely would inherit the starting job, though he's an optionable piece on a roster that didn't offer enough flexibility this year. Steve Clevenger is out of options and could be a second or third catcher. I've...

Orioles 40-man roster raises some interesting questions

Orioles 40-man roster raises some interesting questions
The Orioles have marked an important item off their check list by reaching agreement with their entire coaching staff on contracts for 2016. Manager Buck Showalter wanted to keep the group intact and it's going to happen, despite interest from other organizations. There were concerns that bullpen coach Dom Chiti might leave to accept a job as pitching coach, but he signed a new deal on Friday. In case you missed it, the Phillies hired former Orioles pitching coach Rick Kranitz as bullpen...

This, that and the other

This, that and the other
The Royals trailed the Astros 6-2 in the eighth inning of Game 4 of the American League Division Series. They've outscored their opponents 23-5 since that point. Is that good? The Royals won Games 4 and 5 in the ALDS and have taken a 2-0 lead over the Blue Jays in the Championship Series. They're a snowball-type team, getting on these ridiculous rolls in innings and in their season. The Blue Jays have been known to do the same. They may want to get started in Game 3. David Price has lost...

Catching up on the catching situation (and other notes)

Catching up on the catching situation (and other notes)
Cal Ripken Jr. is attending today's Browns-Ravens game at M&T Bank Stadium. However, he won't be coaching either team next season. He may answer the phone if they call, but he's not actively searching for a job. I've decided to start killing rumors before they gain steam. As I've written numerous times, the Orioles still must decide whether to make catcher Matt Wieters the $15.8 million qualifying offer in order to obtain a compensatory draft pick if he signs with another team....

Leftovers on Jake Arrieta, Rick Adair and Ron Johnson

Leftovers on Jake Arrieta, Rick Adair and Ron Johnson
Jake Arrieta threw a complete-game shutout last night to lead the Cubs to a 4-0 win over the Pirates in the National League wild card game. Of course he did. This guy can do no wrong. His stuff is nasty and he's got confidence oozing out of his pores. Arrieta always had his chest puffed out with the Orioles, but as one official noted, he came across as a guy trying too hard to mask his insecurities. He'd run into trouble in the first inning and the confidence melted away. You could see it...

Orioles lineup vs. Blue Jays (with Fan Appreciation Weekend details)

Orioles lineup vs. Blue Jays (with Fan Appreciation Weekend details)
Adam Jones is out of the Orioles lineup tonight for the seventh time in the last eight games due to tightness in his back. Gerardo Parra is leading off and playing center field. Ryan Flaherty is in right, Matt Wieters is the designated hitter and Steve Clevenger is catching. Wieters is 6-for-15 in his last four games. Reliever Brad Brach suffered his first loss last night since June 6, snapping a 38-game streak. Darren O'Day hadn't allowed a run in 12 games over 11 1/3 innings before being...

Orioles and Rays lineups

Orioles and Rays lineups
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - Gerardo Parra is leading off and playing right field today for the Orioles. Steve Pearce is in left field and Steve Clevenger is serving as the designated hitter. Jonathan Schoop is batting .333 (15-for-45) with three home runs and five RBIs during his 11-game hitting streak. Mikie Mahtook is out of the Rays lineup against left-hander Wei-Yin Chen after recording five hits last night. For the Orioles Gerardo Parra RF Manny Machado 3B Chris Davis 1B Adam Jones CF Steve...

Orioles lineup vs. Royals

Orioles lineup vs. Royals
Orioles manager Buck Showalter is keeping Nolan Reimold in the leadoff spot tonight as his club tries to win its second consecutive series for the first time since July 24-29. Chris Davis is batting third again, with Adam Jones in the cleanup spot. Steve Clevenger is serving as the designated hitter. For the Orioles Nolan Reimold LF Manny Machado 3B Chris Davis 1B Adam Jones CF Gerardo Parra RF Matt Wieters C Jonathan Schoop 2B Steve Clevenger DH J.J. Hardy SS Wei-Yin Chen LHP

About last night: Watch the Orioles' eighth-inning slugfest

About last night: Watch the Orioles' eighth-inning slugfest
So ... about that eighth inning. The Orioles returned home from a 3-3 road trip to face a postseason-bound Royals team in a rematch of the 2014 ALCS. With his team trailing 6-4 mid-eighth, Jonathan Schoop led off the bottom of the frame with a double. Pinch-hitter Steve Clevenger reached on an error, and after a J.J. Hardy strikeout, Gerardo Parra singled to load the bases. And up stepped Nolan Reimold. On a 2-0 count, Royals reliever Kelvin Herrera grooved a 95-mph fastball that Reimold...

A few pregame notes from Yankee Stadium

A few pregame notes from Yankee Stadium
NEW YORK - The Orioles lineup on Tuesday should include catcher Matt Wieters and shortstop J.J. Hardy. Hardy is more of a certainty to play against the Yankees. He's ready to come off the disabled list today, but he must wait one more day. Manager Buck Showalter said Hardy could have played today if eligible to return. He's doing full baseball activities and hasn't experienced any discomfort in his groin. Outfielder Dariel Alvarez will rejoin the Orioles on Tuesday after being optioned to...

Orioles lineup vs. Jays

Orioles lineup vs. Jays
Matt Wieters remains out of the Orioles lineup today after injuring his left wrist Friday night while attempting to make a tag. Steve Clevenger is behind the plate, as the Orioles attempt to win their series in Toronto. Nolan Reimold is in left field. Manny Machado is playing shortstop. For the Orioles Manny Machado SS Gerardo Parra RF Adam Jones CF Chris Davis 1B Jonathan Schoop 2B Jimmy Paredes DH Steve Clevenger C Nolan Reimold LF Ryan Flaherty 3B Chris Tillman RHP

Ripken's return serving as much-needed distraction for Orioles

Ripken's return serving as much-needed distraction for Orioles
The Orioles will turn back the clock tonight. Not to 2012 or 2014. We're not talking playoffs. Not to the Winter Meetings or the start of spring training or opening day. Those ships have sailed as the Orioles take on water. They're going back to 1995 to reminisce with Cal Ripken Jr. about the night he broke Lou Gehrig's consecutive-games streak. The actual date is Sept. 6, but the Orioles will be in Toronto, so Ripken has been invited tonight to throw out the ceremonial first pitch and...