Early observations from FanFest
Early observations from FanFest
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
That was quite the long line wrapping around the Baltimore Convention Center this morning as I arrived here at 9:30 a.m. Hello right back to everyone who shouted out my name. And please, no "Mr. Kubatko." Call me "Roch." Season-ticket holders were allowed early entrance for the Andy MacPhail/Dave Trembley forum, which began with a moment of silence for Curt Motton. MacPhail indicated again that the Orioles should sign a player within the next week. Then he mentioned the likelihood of...
FanFest - Part II
FanFest - Part II
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
President of baseball operations dropped a heavier hint that the club will sign a third baseman next week. "We made significant progress recently," he said. MacPhail said "nothing is finalized," but he's confident a deal will get done within the next few days. Asked if it's a third baseman, he paused before replying that it's "fair speculation." Garrett Atkins has been swinging a bat for the past month. He's eager to start working with hitting coach Terry Crowley. "He's...
While I was away...
While I was away...
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
I spent the last hour posing for photos at the MASN booth as fans passed by with updates on Miguel Tejada. The Orioles do their best business when I'm away from my laptop. They reached agreements with Mike Gonzalez and Garrett Atkins while I attended the MASN holiday party, and they've apparently done the same with Tejada. The Sun's Jeff Zrebiec has confirmed it. President of baseball operations Andy MacPhail did everything except hold up a poster of Tejada during his forum, and later...
Samuel's new challenge
Samuel's new challenge
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
Third base coach Juan Samuel is responsible for working with the infielders, which means he'll have to ease Miguel Tejada's transition to third base. Assuming that Tejada passes his physical, he'll be playing a new position with the Orioles. It's nice to hear that he's finally willing to move over from shortstop, but can he handle it? The Orioles have only won half the battle. "It's going to take a lot of work for him to get used to that position," Samuel said. "It's a reaction...
Putting on a happy face
Putting on a happy face
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
More than 10,000 fans are here, and they're still filing through the doors. They're probably having a better time than Ty Wigginton, who's doing his best to hide his disappointment in the Orioles' roster moves. Wigginton agreed to a two-year deal last winter because he was led to believe that he might be a starter in 2010. Aubrey Huff and Melvin Mora weren't expected to return, and Wigginton can play first and third base. The Orioles signed Garrett Atkins and reportedly have reached...
MacPhail still dancing around the subject
MacPhail still dancing around the subject
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
During his latest forum, president of baseball operations Andy MacPhail reminded fans that he can't confirm any contract agreements until the player passes his physical. But he did his best to get the message across about Miguel Tejada. He wasn't going to issue any denials. Everyone knows the deal is done. And the crowd broke out in applause as MacPhail dropped more hints. "All I know is Dave (Trembley) has been smiling since I talked to him this morning," MacPhail said. Trembley didn't...
Blair's health scare
Blair's health scare
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
The latest forum taking place on the main stage includes members of the 1970 world championship team, and it's a huge relief to see Paul Blair on the panel. Blair, my favorite player growing up, suffered a heart attack on Dec. 22. He was released on Christmas Day and said he's feeling much better. Blair said he was bowling when he began to experience tightness in his chest. He never lost consciousness on his trip to the hospital. Doctors told Blair that he had a 98-percent blockage in the...
Wrapping up FanFest
Wrapping up FanFest
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
It's done. I'm talking about FanFest and the Miguel Tejada rumors. More than 12,000 people attended today's event. I personally counted each one. It would have been nice if you stood still and made it easier on me. I want to thank everyone who waited in line at the MASN booth to have a photo taken with me. You obviously had some time to kill. And it was terrific meeting so many of my readers and putting a face with the name. We really need to arrange a School of Roch night because I...
Snyder, Bell and a message
Snyder, Bell and a message
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
A humorous exchange from FanFest: Brandon Snyder was standing beside me as Lou Montanez explained that he didn't play first base in Puerto Rico. In an exasperated tone, Snyder said, "You're playing first base now? Oh great! I guess I'll start playing left field." I don't think Snyder needs to change positions again. He's safe. It just might take a while for him to debut at first base with the Orioles. Josh Bell is staying at third base, and he won't be rushed to Baltimore. Maybe...
Policing the lineup (with a few more added)
Policing the lineup (with a few more added)
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
A team that commits five turnovers and allows 12 men in the huddle after moving into field goal range doesn't deserve to win, but a level playing field in the NFC championship game would have been nice. Three calls went against the Vikings in overtime, which again makes me wonder why they don't demolish the review booth or use it as an extra concession stand. Bad spot on fourth down, bad pass interference call on an overthrown ball, bad reception ruling on a ball that Robert Meachem never...