A look at the PECOTA projection and O's infield depth

A look at the PECOTA projection and O's infield depth
Death, taxes and PECOTA projecting the Orioles for a losing season. The Orioles may have two promising young pitchers to join Chris Tillman heading up their rotation and a bullpen that led the American League in ERA last year. Despite that, PECOTA predicts that they will give up the most runs in baseball this season and finish with the third-worst record in the majors as they finish last in the AL East. The annual PECOTA projection from Baseball Prospectus is out and a tradition continued with...

O's game blog: Dylan Bundy gets the start, plus farm notes

O's game blog: Dylan Bundy gets the start, plus farm notes
After splitting two games with the Rockies, the Orioles host Colorado tonight in the series finale. Having lost just one home series all year, going 12-1-3, the Orioles need a win to keep that intact. They lost two of three to Seattle at Camden Yards in mid-May. Right-hander Dylan Bundy (3-2, 3.30 ERA) makes his third start and 25th appearance. Right-hander Jon Gray (6-4, 4.12 ERA) pitches for the Rockies. Bundy got his first win as a starter in the homestand opener Friday versus Cleveland....

Showalter provides updates on Wieters and roster cuts following 8-1 win (updated)

Showalter provides updates on Wieters and roster cuts following 8-1 win (updated)
SARASOTA, Fla. - X-rays taken this afternoon on Matt Wieters' right elbow didn't raise any concerns among the Orioles, according to manager Buck Showalter, who met with the media following an 8-1 victory over the Twins. The Orioles no longer are winless in the Grapefruit League, but all of the attention fell upon Wieters, who left for a pinch-hitter in the bottom of the first inning. "Just elbow soreness and decided not to take a chance with him," Showalter said. "Just get him out of...

Orioles sign Julio Borbon to minor league deal (Wright update)

Orioles sign Julio Borbon to minor league deal (Wright update)
TAMPA - The Orioles have re-signed outfielder Julio Borbon to a minor league deal. He's expected to report tonight to Twin Lakes Park. The contract doesn't include an invitation to spring training. Borbon, 30, has spent the past two seasons at Triple-A Norfolk. He batted .269/.299/.321 in 114 games last season and occasionally was praised by Orioles manager Buck Showalter for his defensive excellence, though the club didn't purchase his contract. Borbon hit .288/.342/.356 in 124 games at...

Notes on Tillman's start, Alvarez's press conference and more

Notes on Tillman's start, Alvarez's press conference and more
SARASOTA, Fla. - Chris Tillman felt good physically today after his B game start, his right hip no longer sore. Brian Matusz should start throwing Sunday or Monday, his back no longer hurting. T.J. McFarland could start throwing before Matusz, his elbow no longer swollen. Ozzie Martinez could start playing soon, his neck no longer aching. Pedro Alvarez could make his Orioles debut on Sunday in Fort Myers. He doesn't care whether he's used as the designated hitter. Manager Buck Showalter said...

More morning notes before today's game

More morning notes before today's game
SARASOTA, Fla. - Orioles manager Buck Showalter wouldn't comment this morning on Pedro Alvarez reaching agreement last night on a one-year deal. The move was referenced, the addition of a left-handed power bat implied, but nothing more. "You know, as we've been down this road a few times, let the process run its course," he said. "Then, we'll have plenty of time to talk about those things. I'm sworn to double-secret probation and I'm going to honor that protocol and process." I gave it...

X-rays on McFarland's elbow come back clean (and other injury updates)

X-rays on McFarland's elbow come back clean (and other injury updates)
SARASOTA, Fla. - It's been a busy morning for the media at the Ed Smith Stadium complex. Injuries needed updating and players were asked for their reactions to the Orioles' agreement with Pedro Alvarez on a one-year, $5.75 million contract. Reliever T.J. McFarland said the X-rays on his left elbow came back clean and he feels great this morning. He isn't sure when he's going to start throwing again, but the news is encouraging. No MRIs are scheduled for McFarland, who exited Sunday's game...

Showalter on Matusz: "I think he'll rejoin us here before long"

Showalter on Matusz: "I think he'll rejoin us here before long"
SARASOTA, Fla. - The Orioles are waiting for the results of X-rays taken on reliever T.J. McFarland's left elbow. They're hopeful that he's dealing with a minor muscle issue instead of anything related to a ligament. Reliever Brian Matusz played catch yesterday and didn't report any discomfort in his lower back. "He's coming along," said manager Buck Showalter. "I think he's going to be sooner than later. I think he'll rejoin us here before long. They were talking today about how good...

Today's health checklist and notes on Bundy, Flaherty and the outfield

Today's health checklist and notes on Bundy, Flaherty and the outfield
SARASOTA, Fla. - While planning my day leading up to a 1:05 p.m. home game against the Twins, I've made notations about checking on T.J. McFarland's left elbow and Ozzie Martinez's head. The Orioles aren't expected to know more about Jimmy Paredes' left wrist until Wednesday, but I can't ignore it. It's doubtful that anything has changed with Brian Matusz's strained serratus muscle in his lower back, but I can't ignore it. Chris Tillman will throw live batting practice today. He's no...

McFarland also an injury concern today in 8-7 loss

McFarland also an injury concern today in 8-7 loss
FORT MYERS, Fla. - Reliever T.J. McFarland exited today's game with tenderness in his left elbow, manager Buck Showalter revealed after the Orioles' 8-7 loss to the Red Sox at JetBlue Park. McFarland came out a few pitches earlier than planned after allowing two runs and five hits in 1 1/3 innings. He also walked two batters. "Mac had a little tender elbow there at the end," Showalter said. "I took him out a little early of his pitch count. We've got to check into that and see what's...

Ozzie Martinez leaves game with injury

Ozzie Martinez leaves game with injury
FORT MYERS, Fla. - The Orioles are losing again today and another player came off the field with an injury. Double-A shortstop Ozzie Martinez collided with second baseman Garabez Rosa while trying to field a bouncer from the Red Sox's Travis Shaw in the bottom of the sixth inning. Martinez ranged beyond the bag and appeared to get hit in the head by Rosa's elbow. Martinez stayed face-down in the dirt as athletic trainer Patrick Wesley rushed onto the field. Rosa stood nearby. Martinez...

Orioles invite 17 non-roster players to spring training

Orioles invite 17 non-roster players to spring training
The Orioles released the names of their 17 non-roster invitees to spring training, a list that includes seven pitchers, three catchers, four infielders and three outfielders. There are no real surprises in the group except that infielder Joey Terdoslavich didn't receive an invitation after being designated for assignment and outrighted to Triple-A Norfolk. Keep in mind that everyone on the 40-man roster also will report to the Ed Smith Stadium complex. They don't need invitations. Also be...

Orioles sign eight players to minor league contracts

Orioles sign eight players to minor league contracts
The Orioles announced the signings of eight players to minor league contracts with invitations to spring training. Most of the agreements already have been reported, including the deal with Korean first baseman Ji-Man Choi, who spent the last five years in the Mariners organization. Also signed were right-handers Pedro Beato and Todd Redmond, left-handers Cesar Cabral and Ashur Tolliver, infielders Steve Tolleson and Ozzie Martinez, and catcher Audry Perez. Choi is the only player with no...

Branden Kline has Tommy John surgery (plus O's re-sign six players)

Branden Kline has Tommy John surgery (plus O's re-sign six players)
Orioles right-handed pitching prospect Branden Kline had Tommy John surgery performed by Dr. James Andrews yesterday in Pensacola, Fla. Kline, who turned 24 on Sept. 29, went 3-3 with a 3.66 ERA in eight starts this year for Double-A Bowie, but did not pitch after May 20. In late May, he underwent a platelet-rich plasma injection to alleviate elbow discomfort and eventually resumed a throwing program. He pitched in one game during the Orioles' instructional league program which is under way...

Reimold informed that he's not making roster

Reimold informed that he's not making roster
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla - Outfielder Nolan Reimold has been told that he's being reassigned to minor league camp unless the Orioles make a trade that creates a spot on the roster. Manager Buck Showalter wouldn't confirm other moves because executive vice president Dan Duquette is engaged in talks with multiple teams. However, Reimold is headed to Triple-A Norfolk barring a late deal. The opening day roster must be set by 3 p.m. Sunday. "Nolan knows what the deal is. He'll start the season in...

Orioles re-sign Almanzar and Jones, sign seven others to minor league deals

Orioles re-sign Almanzar and Jones, sign seven others to minor league deals
The Orioles are taking care of minor league business today, re-signing infielder Michael Almanzar and left-hander Chris Jones, and signing seven players from outside the organization. Also signed were left-handers Frank Gailey and Ronan Pacheco, infielder/outfielder Derrik Gibson, shortstop Ozzie Martinez and right-handers Tim Gustafson, Kenn Kasparek and Mikey O'Brien. I wrote about Martinez on Monday. His signing became official today. Gibson, 24, may be the most intriguing. The Red Sox...

Orioles sign infielder Ozzie Martinez

Orioles sign infielder Ozzie Martinez
Searching for middle infield depth, the Orioles have signed Ozzie Martinez to a minor league contract. A team official confirmed the transaction. Martinez, 26, batted .288/.340/.350 with 11 doubles and two triples in 78 games with Triple-A Gwinnett in the Braves organization. He also played in 33 games at Double-A Chattanooga in the Dodgers system. Martinez, an 11th-round pick by the Marlins in the 2006 First-Year Player Draft, has played shortstop, second base, third base and the outfield in...