Leaving on a high note
Leaving on a high note
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
Chris Tillman's final start turned out to be an outstanding one. Also, good call by manager Buck Showalter to allow the right-hander to take the mound again, and pitch him in Game 1 so he wouldn't have to wait. Tillman held the Tigers to one run - Don Kelly's homer - and three hits over seven innings. He walked two and struck out a season-high seven. Tillman threw 102 pitches, 70 for strikes. After walking 12 batters over two starts, Tillman issued only three in his final two outings....
Breaking out in the fourth (updated)
Breaking out in the fourth (updated)
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
The Orioles didn't have a hit through three innings. Now they have four hits, six runs and two hit batters. Corey Patterson started the rally in the fourth with a bunt single. The Orioles loaded the bases on a walk to Nick Markakis and a Jeremy Bonderman pitch that hit Luke Scott. Felix Pie singled off the out-of-town scoreboard to tie the game, 1-1, and leave the bases filled, and Adam Jones emptied them with a double to left. Jones is two RBIs away from tying his career high of...
Markakis talks about his season
Markakis talks about his season
Steve Melewski
Orioles
It's been one of those "weird years." That is the phrase Nick Markakis used to describe his season. In some respects, his stats have matched what he did last year. He hit .293 then and is at .293 now. He had 45 doubles last year and has 45 now. He had an on-base percentage of .347 last year and is at .367 now. He is tied for third in the AL in doubles, is tied for 11th in walks and is 14th in on-base percentage. He leads all league lefty hitters with an average of .351 vs....
Orioles lineup; Berken update
Orioles lineup; Berken update
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
Corey Patterson DH Nick Markakis RF Ty Wigginton 3B Luke Scott 1B Felix Pie LF Adam Jones CF Robert Andino 2B Craig Tatum C Cesar Izturis SS Chris Tillman RHP Reliever Jason Berken is visiting the clubhouse today while waiting to have his right shoulder examined by a team physician. Berken, who was diagnosed with a slight tear in his labrum, hasn't started a rehab program. However, he said the shoulder feels great.
Showalter on his staff and B-Rob's status
Showalter on his staff and B-Rob's status
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
Manager Buck Showalter says he wants to address his coaching staff before the conclusion of the World Series, speeding up the timetable that he originally laid out. "That's not something that I'm going to string along for very long, in fairness to everybody concerned," he said. "We've had a couple conversations with them. It was a tough day yesterday, and obviously real tough today with two games, but I'm going to try to speed up the process before they all leave so they know what's...
Are some potential free agents already eyeing Baltimore?
Are some potential free agents already eyeing Baltimore?
Steve Melewski
Orioles
No one is naming any names, but some players from other teams have expressed an interest in joining the Orioles through free agency. This is a bit of a gray area, since players can't even file yet for free agency. But when asked today if the O's improved play since August 3rd might help the club attract possible free agents this winter, O's manager Buck Showalter indicated that answer might already be yes. "I know Andy and I get calls and whatever. Some of them don't completely make...
Roberts not available today
Roberts not available today
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
Orioles manager Buck Showalter still hadn't posted his lineup before meeting with reporters at 1:30 p.m., but he told us that second baseman Brian Roberts hasn't been cleared to play today. Roberts was examined yesterday by a team physician because of recurring headaches. He tried to work out on the field with head athletic trainer Richie Bancells earlier today, but the session didn't go well enough for him to play. He'll be re-evaluated tomorrow. I'm heading back downstairs to check the...
Orioles to Hold Fan Appreciation Weekend October 1- October 3 at Camden Yards
Orioles to Hold Fan Appreciation Weekend October 1- October 3 at Camden Yards
Lindsay Rykiel
Orioles
The Orioles will hold their annual Fan Appreciation Weekend during their last homestand of the 2010 season when they host the Detroit Tigers for four games, today through Sunday, October 3. The club has planned events throughout the weekend to give back to their fans. * Each game of the series, nine fans will be randomly selected to take the field and stand with an Orioles player during the National Anthem, with Junior Orioles Dugout Club Members being selected for this event on Sunday. *...
Let's play two
Let's play two
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
Now that the instant gratification of yesterday's postponement has worn off, it's time to prepare for today's doubleheader. I'll pass along the lineups for Game 1 at 1:05 p.m., when the clubhouse opens to the media. It seems like forever since I've walked inside Camden Yards, but I should be able to find it. Also need to check on second baseman Brian Roberts, who's missed the last two games because of headaches. He was supposed to be examined yesterday in Baltimore. I'd add headaches...
Aiming high:  Avery made it to Double-A at age 20
Aiming high: Avery made it to Double-A at age 20
Steve Melewski
Orioles
Maybe he tired a bit late in the year and his bat slumped then, but overall, the 2010 season has to be considered a pretty successful one for O's outfield prospect Xavier Avery. He began the year with Frederick as one of the youngest players in the Carolina League (at 20) and by season's end, was the leadoff hitter and center fielder for Double-A Bowie. "I feel like there are a lot of things I still have to learn at this level, but I've gotten better since I've been here too," Avery...