Outfield and DH math: Who gets ABs to replace production of Cruz, Markakis?

Outfield and DH math: Who gets ABs to replace production of Cruz, Markakis?
The Orioles will be looking to replace the offensive production of Nelson Cruz and Nick Markakis this season after both players left the club via free agency. In both cases, it appears that it will not be one individual player that attempts to duplicate their offensive production, but several that get the chance. Last season, Cruz took 37 percent of the at-bats by O's left fielders and 59 percent of the at-bats at designated hitter. Markakis took 91 percent of the at-bats by O's right...

Latest look at the lineup

Latest look at the lineup
Orioles executive vice president Dan Duquette told me yesterday that he's still working on the spring training roster with manager Buck Showalter. The club is expected to add at least one more player to a minor league deal before heading south. Former hitting coach Jim Presley remains under contract with the Orioles after being reassigned following the 2014 season, but it hasn't been determined whether he's going to work for them in some capacity. There were early talks of giving him a...

A case of he said, he said

A case of he said, he said
Over the past few days, Orioles executive vice president Dan Duquette has singled out Logan Verrett when discussing the Rule 5 pitchers who will report to spring training later this month. Nothing against Jason Garcia. Duquette has tossed praise his way, as well. But he's been bringing up Verrett's name first, including last night on the "Hot Stove Show" on 105.7 The Fan after I asked about the probability that at least one of the right-handers will make the club. Verrett, 24, is the more...

Snider on his past failings and new opportunity with the Orioles

Snider on his past failings and new opportunity with the Orioles
The Orioles made newly acquired outfielder Travis Snider available to the media this morning on a conference call that lasted about 15 minutes and also included executive vice president Dan Duquette. Here's a sampling of quotes from Snider: On his reaction to the trade: "It's always a little bit of a surprise just the way things transpired. Going into the offseason, my wife and I had conversations, and family members, about the possibility of finding a different organization, and at that...

Leftovers for breakfast

Leftovers for breakfast
Orioles executive vice president Dan Duquette fielded questions for about an hour last night at the Aberdeen IronBirds' annual Hot Stove Banquet, which drew a crowd of roughly 100 fans at Ripken Stadium. Duquette's interest in the Blue Jays' job was barely mentioned, and he responded by noting the lack of activity last winter before the Orioles reported to the Ed Smith Stadium complex in February. He joked that the club actually is "ahead of schedule" this year. End of topic. Duquette...

Duquette: "I've been focused on helping the Orioles all winter"

Duquette: "I've been focused on helping the Orioles all winter"
ABERDEEN, Md. - Relaxing on a leather sofa in one of the suites at Ripken Stadium, dinner and a Q&A session with fans coming later in the evening, Orioles executive vice president Dan Duquette was asked to describe an offseason that kept him in the news for reasons beyond making trades and signing free agents. "Interesting," he said with a chuckle. "It's been interesting. I'm not used to being a trade rumor." Before arriving at the ballpark for the IronBirds' annual Hot Stove...

Waiting on the PTBNL in the Snider trade (with another note)

Waiting on the PTBNL in the Snider trade (with another note)
I'm told that the player to be named later in last night's Travis Snider trade with the Pirates won't be determined until spring training. That leaves plenty of time for fans to ask about the PTBNL in the Travis Snider trade. Let me remind everyone that there was no PTBNL in the Chad Bradford deal on Aug. 7, 2008. It was a cash transaction. But it's still fun to bring it up. Pirates general manager Neal Huntington told reporters in Pittsburgh that the PTBNL will be similar to left-hander...

Snider deal is latest O's trade of prospects for help now

Snider deal is latest O's trade of prospects for help now
Travis Snider is no All-Star, but if he plays for the 2015 Orioles like he did for the 2014 Pirates, he could help the team and be a solid addition as they make another run at the playoffs. He is going to be 27 on Feb. 2 and is going to make just $2.1 million this season. If the Orioles like what they see, they can offer him arbitration for 2016 and keep him for at least two seasons. The Orioles acquired the lefty-hitting outfielder Monday night from the Pittsburgh Pirates for pitcher...

More on the trade, Ohlman and Wieters

More on the trade, Ohlman and Wieters
Congratulations to the Pittsburgh Pirates for not asking the Orioles about the availability of Kevin Gausman and Dylan Bundy. See, that's how you get a deal done. You can't judge this deal until finding out whether pitcher Stephen Tarpley reaches the majors and makes an impact with the Pirates. Until learning the identity of the player to be named later and how he progresses. Until finding out whether Travis Snider can fill a chunk of the void left by the departure of right fielder Nick...

A look at the pitcher the O's gave up for Travis Snider

A look at the pitcher the O's gave up for Travis Snider
The Orioles tonight acquired lefty-hitting outfielder Travis Snider from the Pittsburgh Pirates for pitcher Stephen Tarpley and a player to be named later. To make room on the 40-man roster, they designated catcher Michael Ohlman for assignment. Tarpley is a lefty that will turn 22 on Feb. 17. The Orioles selected him in the third round of the 2013 draft out of Scottsdale (Ariz.) Community College. This year, he went 3-5 with an ERA of 3.68 in 66 1/3 innings with short-season Single-A...

Orioles acquire Travis Snider from Pirates

Orioles acquire Travis Snider from Pirates
The deal is done. The Orioles have acquired outfielder Travis Snider from the Pirates for minor league left-hander Stephen Tarpley and a player to be named later. To make room for Snider on the 40-man roster, the Orioles have designated catcher Michael Ohlman for assignment. "Snider is a solid, dependable power-hitting outfielder and is an excellent fit for Camden Yards," executive vice president Dan Duquette wrote in a text message. "Should be a good addition to the club at bat and in...

Orioles trying again to acquire Snider from Pirates

Orioles trying again to acquire Snider from Pirates
The Orioles are getting closer to acquiring outfielder Travis Snider from the Pirates, according to multiple sources. One source said the sides rekindled talks a few weeks ago. Another source indicated that the Orioles are trying to limit the return to one minor leaguer. The player going to the Pirates at this stage wouldn't be on the 40-man roster and most likely would be a lower-level pitcher. The Orioles discussed Snider with the Pirates at the Winter Meetings in San Diego and...

Orioles discussed Matusz trade with Pirates

Orioles discussed Matusz trade with Pirates
SAN DIEGO - As further proof that the Orioles are willing to move Brian Matusz if satisfied with the return, executive vice president Dan Duquette met with Pirates officials this week to discuss a deal that would have sent the left-handed reliever to Pittsburgh for outfielder Travis Snider. An industry source confirmed the meeting. The teams aren't on the verge of consummating a trade, but the sides talked and could continue discussions at a later date. The Orioles would like to leave the...