Lapses in first inning (and second)
Lapses in first inning (and second)
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
BRADENTON, Fla. - I'm not sure how Chris Tillman got out of the first inning without allowing a run. Tillman walked the leadoff hitter, Jose Tabata, and another batter reached on an error. Another play wasn't made cleanly, and the Orioles almost botched a rundown. Still scoreless as we head to the bottom of the first. Neil Walker followed Tabata's walk with a grounder to shortstop J.J. Hardy, who bobbled the ball and settled for the force at second base. Andrew McCutchen reached on third...
Pre-game Showalter (and Pirates lineup)
Pre-game Showalter (and Pirates lineup)
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
BRADENTON, Fla. - Manager Buck Showalter met with reporters in his office before heading to McKechnie Field for today's game against the Pittsburgh Pirates. I passed along the highlights, but here are some quotes to go with them. On Derrek Lee taking batting practice today: "He feels really good today. It's different from some things in the past. So far so good." On Lee's game schedule once he starts playing: "It's not going to be every day. Keep in mind, we can create as many at-bats...
Roberts 50-50 for weekend
Roberts 50-50 for weekend
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
SARASOTA, Fla. - Second baseman Brian Roberts is scheduled to hit soft toss and off a tee this morning, and also participate in defensive drills. Manager Buck Showalter said Roberts is "50-50" to return to the lineup this weekend. Roberts hasn't played since March 7 because of back spasms. First baseman Derrek Lee will take batting practice in the indoor cage today off former Orioles shortstop Mike Bordick. Lee could end up playing in Monday's minor league game that Showalter has...
Today's lineup
Today's lineup
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
SARASOTA, Fla. - Top of the morning to you. I'm leaving in an hour to make my third trip to Bradenton this spring. Don't be green with envy. For the Orioles: Felix Pie CF J.J. Hardy SS Nolan Reimold LF Matt Wieters DH Jake Fox C Randy Winn RF Brendan Harris 2B Josh Bell 3B Brandon Snyder 1B Chris Tillman RHP Josh Rupe and Jeremy Accardo also are scheduled to pitch. The Pirates are listing Ross Ohlendorf, Evan Meek (still trying to inherit the earth) and Joe Beimel. Left-hander Zach...
MLB Network talks Orioles
MLB Network talks Orioles
Steve Melewski
Orioles
The Orioles were the featured team last night on MLB Network's 30 in 30 club previews. Analysts John Hart and Dan Plesac had several positive comments about the club and its outlook for 2011. "There should be a lot of excitement with the finish they had with Buck Showalter," Hart said. "There used to be a time when the Oriole Way really meant something. I see that coming back with Showalter - attention to detail, fundamentals. I think they are really going to make an improvement, even...
Nats "cautiously optimistic" as Meyers recovers from foot injury
Nats "cautiously optimistic" as Meyers recovers from foot injury
Byron Kerr
Nationals
Nationals pitching prospect Brad Meyers, who was limited to just six starts last season due to a foot injury, continues to steadily work his way back each day of spring training in Viera, Fla. "He has responded very well to treatment," Nationals director of player development Doug Harris said. "He is taking regular repetitions. We are cautiously optimistic." Harris said the right-handed Meyers is recovering from a foot problem similar to what Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia went...
Final thoughts on 10-0 loss
Final thoughts on 10-0 loss
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
TAMPA, Fla. - I'll be brief, and not because I'm facing an hour drive back to Sarasota. The Orioles were held to one hit, Vladimir Guerrero's double off Mariano Rivera with two outs in the seventh. If you love a parade, you were in heaven with all the relievers used tonight. "Some guys threw the ball well, some guys struggled," manager Buck Showalter said. "We didn't swing the bats very well. Another day. We'll see more games, see more people play." The Orioles need to see better...
VandenHurk ineffective again
VandenHurk ineffective again
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
TAMPA, Fla. - Rick VandenHurk faced six batters tonight and retired none of them. VandenHurk was removed after allowing three runs. Armando Gabino inherited a bases loaded mess, so his line wasn't officially complete. It is now. Another run scored on a fielder's choice grounder from Alex Rodriguez. Robinson Cano followed with an RBI single. Five runs charged to VandenHurk. Yankees 9, Orioles 0 VandenHurk gave up three hits, walked three batters and threw a wild pitch. He's surrendered...
There goes the no-no
There goes the no-no
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
TAMPA, Fla. - The Orioles were spared the indignity of being no-hit in an exhibition game. They just needed someone named Mariano Rivera to replace Ivan Nova. Vladimir Guerrero doubled to right-center field off the Yankees' closer with two outs in the seventh. Finally, a hit. Nova hit a batter and walked one through the sixth. He threw only 59 pitches. The Yankees were going to push him to 75, but I guess they wanted this Rivera kid to get some work. Guerrero flied out and struck out...
Johnson on Johnson (updated twice)
Johnson on Johnson (updated twice)
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
TAMPA, Fla. - Jim Johnson was amused to find two reporters waiting for him outside the clubhouse after tonight's start. "Are you kidding?" he asked with a grin. Nope. We needed the starter, and Johnson qualified tonight. Johnson allowed one run on three hits. Derek Jeter reached on an infield hit after the ball deflected off Johnson's glove. Nick Swisher singled on a hit-and-run, and Mark Teixeira doubled for a 1-0 lead. "Oh, I was so nervous," Johnson said, clearly in jest. He...