Coolbaugh and Flaherty familiar with Mazara's work

SARASOTA, Fla. - Outfielder Nomar Mazara is new to the Orioles, signing a minor league contract on Dec. 6. He knows catcher James McCann and non-roster outfielder Daz Cameron from previous stops, but it’s one of the team’s former hitting coaches who’s created the strongest ties.

Scott Coolbaugh, who held the job with the Orioles for the last four seasons of manager Buck Showalter’s tenure, has worked with Mazara in three organizations – the Rangers in various capacities after they signed him as an amateur free agent in July 2011, the White Sox in 2020 and Tigers in 2021.

Has to be some sort of record, or darn close to it.

Mazara appeared in 55 games with the Padres last summer and he just missed another reunion with Coolbaugh, who was hired in January to serve as an assistant hitting coach.

“Nomar Mazara is a great guy, good character and usually very quiet and goes about his business,” Coolbaugh wrote in a text message. “I’ve known him since he was 16. Offensively, he is very capable of being a threat versus right-handed pitching and is less versus left-handed pitching. His biggest issue is that he has slowed down defensively with range and speed. Very accurate with his arm but slow to transfer.

This, that and the other (with salary update)

This, that and the other (with salary update)
Last night's trade of shortstop José Iglesias was the shocker among a series of moves made by the Orioles. The one transaction that dropped jaws after they picked up his $3.5 million option a month ago. Hanser Alberto was a strong non-tender candidate and the Orioles sent him into the free agent market. They were more inclined to hold onto infielders Yolmer Sánchez and Pat Valaika and reliever Shawn Armstrong. They had no intention of non-tendering outfielders Trey Mancini and Anthony...

Hyde on Harvey, exit interviews and Dodgers (O's lead 5-2)

Hyde on Harvey, exit interviews and Dodgers (O's lead 5-2)
The Orioles aren't going to use reliever Hunter Harvey before the weekend, but they'll continue to downplay his absence as more of a precautionary measure with a reasonable explanation. Harvey said he's been bothered with some biceps soreness. He didn't have any issues during yesterday's bullpen session. "He hasn't thrown this much since 2014, so he's got some normal soreness that everybody else has and goes through in September," said manager Brandon Hyde. "He's never pitched in...

Coolbaugh hired as Dodgers' Triple-A hitting coach

Coolbaugh hired as Dodgers' Triple-A hitting coach
LAS VEGAS - Former Orioles hitting coach Scott Coolbaugh has been hired as hitting coach with the Dodgers' Triple-A affiliate in Oklahoma City. Coolbaugh accepted the offer this week and signed his contract earlier today. Coolbaugh replaced Jim Presley as hitting coach prior to the 2015 season. His contract ran out on Oct. 31 and he wasn't expected to return under a new manager, who's expected to be hired later this month from a field of six candidates. I've heard that Coolbaugh also...

Notes on managerial hire, Ruiz claim and more

Notes on managerial hire, Ruiz claim and more
LAS VEGAS - The Orioles will choose a manager from among six candidates, according to executive vice president and general manager Mike Elias. However, it's possible for two hires to come out of the process. Elias seems to be leaning more toward experience, preferring someone who's managed in the majors, but he also could hire Diamondbacks director of player development Mike Bell in a coaching capacity. Bell, 44, could serve as bench coach or third base coach under Chip Hale, Brandon Hyde or...

Orioles claim Rio Ruiz off waivers (and other notes)

Orioles claim Rio Ruiz off waivers (and other notes)
LAS VEGAS - The Orioles subtracted Maryland native Ryan Meisinger from their 40-man roster today and claimed infielder Rio Ruiz off waivers from the Braves. The Cardinals claimed Meisinger before he could clear, ending the feel-good story of the local kid pitching for his favorite team. Meisinger attended Northern High School in Calvert County and made his major league debut on June 29 at Camden Yards. Ruiz, 24, is a left-handed hitting third baseman taken by the Astros in the fourth round of...

Considering challenges of constructing a coaching staff

Considering challenges of constructing a coaching staff
The Orioles haven't laid out a time frame for hiring a new manager, with Mike Elias offering confirmation last week during his introduction as executive vice president and general manager. A process too important to be rushed. A list too long to be chopped in hasty fashion. To quote Elias: "It's not something to rush for the sake of meeting artificial dates in the wintertime." Meanwhile, contracts for the entire coaching staff expired on Oct. 31. No one has landed a new job, from what I can...

On Jones' final game, Showalter's uncertain future (O's win 4-0)

On Jones' final game, Showalter's uncertain future (O's win 4-0)
Adam Jones sprinted out of the dugout this afternoon before the playing of the national anthem, the center fielder always leading his teammates. Except when they stay back and leave him alone. The Orioles lined up in front of the railing and applauded Jones, who tipped his cap to the crowd, his first display of emotion on the homestand. The umpires also clapped for Jones at home plate as the ovation from the stands - the first of many today - gained momentum. Jones lasted only one inning in...

Wrapping up Game 1 loss (O's down 5-2)

Wrapping up Game 1 loss (O's down 5-2)
The Orioles are trying to avoid being swept in today's doubleheader and also are seeking their first win against the Astros this season. The process is complicated, of course, by the opponent rolling out ace after ace. It seems unfair, as if the deck is stacked. Myles Straw hit his first major league home run, a solo shot to center field in the first inning to give the Astros a 1-0 lead, but rookie catcher Austin Wynns tied the game in the second with a single off left-hander Dallas Keuchel...

Leftovers for breakfast

Leftovers for breakfast
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - Whatever plans the Orioles made or at least discussed to select outfielder Cedric Mullins' contract from Triple-A Norfolk remain on hold as long as he's unable to play due to a stomach virus. Mullins was kept home last night and missed the Tides' 1-0 win over Scranton/Wilkes-Barre at Harbor Park. Meanwhile, Adam Jones started in center field as usual and homered in the first inning. Manager Buck Showalter has downplayed how Jones took fly balls in right field during...

Beckham staying ready at shortstop, Yankees enter Machado fray

Beckham staying ready at shortstop, Yankees enter Machado fray
While craving young pitching talent in any trade involving Manny Machado, the Orioles also could use a replacement for him at shortstop, or at least a temporary plan for filling the position. They aren't going to shift the rest of the season and leave the spot empty. Cadyn Grenier, the second-round pick last month out of Oregon State, is playing at low Single-A Delmarva and must wait for his chance in the majors. His defense alone could elevate him to the Double-A level, according to some...

Does Schoop stay out of today's lineup?

Does Schoop stay out of today's lineup?
The Orioles are in a race to finish the season with more wins than reset buttons. First baseman Chris Davis sat out eight games while trying to work through his offensive issues, taking early batting practice and advice from hitting coach Scott Coolbaugh and vice president of baseball operations Brady Anderson. Yesterday's lineup didn't include second baseman Jonathan Schoop, whose average dipped to .197, its lowest point since April 2. Manager Buck Showalter suggested that Schoop also could...

Mancini on neck, Davis on return to lineup

Mancini on neck, Davis on return to lineup
ATLANTA - Trey Mancini remains out of the Orioles lineup due to neck stiffness and isn't certain if he'll be available later tonight. He's been receiving treatment on it. Asked whether he felt any improvement this morning, Mancini replied, "If so, ever so slightly." "It's just a really annoying occurrence to have happen, but I guess the bed or the pillow (in D.C.), I don't know what it was, but I woke up yesterday and couldn't turn my head left or move it up. So, we're working hard in...

Showalter on Davis' absence and Mancini's slump (O's up 9-4)

Showalter on Davis' absence and Mancini's slump (O's up 9-4)
Orioles first baseman Chris Davis hasn't played since June 11 and with the Orioles off Monday, he won't get back into the lineup before Tuesday night's series opener against the Nationals in D.C. Davis is batting .150/.227/.227 with four doubles, four home runs, 15 RBIs, 19 walks and 86 strikeouts in 229 plate appearances. He's been working with hitting coach Scott Coolbaugh and vice president of baseball operations Brady Anderson during early sessions in the cage. "I was talking to Scott...

Cashner expected to come off disabled list Wednesday

Cashner expected to come off disabled list Wednesday
Andrew Cashner will make Wednesday night's start against the Nationals in D.C. following today's successful bullpen session. Cashner said his back responded favorably and he's ready to come off the disabled list. A corresponding move will be made prior to first pitch. "It went good, felt good, and I look forward to getting on the mound Wednesday," he said. Manager Buck Showalter has been able to manipulate the rotation with off-days on Thursday and Monday. Cashner is 2-8 with a 4.98 ERA...

Hitting on some offensive topics as O's try to avoid sweep

Hitting on some offensive topics as O's try to avoid sweep
A loss today would be the 10th in a row for the Orioles, their longest streak since May 26-June 5, 2010. A home losing streak of 12 games would establish a club record. Being swept by the Marlins wouldn't do much for their confidence, either. This team is trying so hard to tank, its mascot should include an ammunition rack. But the Orioles have dropped the first two games of the series. How can rock bottom keep moving on them? The removal of Chris Davis from the lineup hasn't cured everything...

Orioles lineup vs. Marlins

Orioles lineup vs. Marlins
Trey Mancini is starting at first base today while Chris Davis stays on the bench for the Orioles' second game of their series against the Marlins. Davis has sat out the last four games. He joined Manny Machado and Pedro Álvarez on the field today for early hitting. The session including hitting coach Scott Coobaugh tossing the ball underhanded from close range and each player driving the ball to the opposite field. It ended with vice president of baseball operations Brady Anderson throwing...

Machado rumors heat up as talks remain cool

Machado rumors heat up as talks remain cool
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - How ironic that a team slashing one of the lowest payrolls in baseball has a manager with the last name Cash. The Rays traded center fielder Denard Span and closer Alex Colomé before last night's game against the Orioles. They were in third place in the American League East, only two games below .500 and certainly within sniffing distance of a wild card, though with a substantial portion of the season in front of them. Some people call it "tanking," some call it a...

Palmer follows up on last night's Davis criticism

Palmer follows up on last night's Davis criticism
Hall of Fame pitcher Jim Palmer exhibited pinpoint control again today on the Mid-Atlantic Sports Network while defending his criticisms of first baseman Chris Davis during last night's postgame show. Palmer didn't back down after the network aired responses from Davis and hitting coach Scott Coolbaugh. After relaying how he read an article in January that pointed out Davis' propensity for taking third strikes, a total that led the majors, Palmer approached Coolbaugh in spring training for...

Chris Davis reacts to Jim Palmer's criticism

Chris Davis reacts to Jim Palmer's criticism
CHICAGO - Orioles first baseman Chris Davis responded today to critical comments made about him on the MASN telecast last night by Hall of Famer Jim Palmer. "They say he works hard," Palmer said on the "O's Xtra" postgame show. "He told everybody in spring training that he worked with (hitting coach) Scott Coolbaugh. So I asked Scott in spring training. I said, 'Hey, you must have really put in a lot of work.' He goes, 'We didn't work.' So I don't believe anything." Davis is...