Fox still mashing (updated twice)
Fox still mashing (updated twice)
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
SARASOTA, Fla. - I vowed to withhold this blog entry until Jake Fox's ball landed, but I don't have all day. Fox crushed a 1-1 pitch from Astros starter Aneury Rodriguez and cleared everything in left field. Pretty much everything in Sarasota. Fox's fifth spring home run gave the Orioles a 1-0 lead. He also has eight RBIs. Manager Buck Showalter gave Fox a start behind the plate and has been rewarded in multiple ways. Fox also threw out Bill Hall trying to steal to end the second...
More pregame Showalter
More pregame Showalter
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
SARASOTA, Fla. - I passed along a few quotes from manager Buck Showalter this morning before heading to the clubhouse. Here are a few more: On the results of Justin Duchscherer's MRA and Brian Roberts' MRI: "With him and Robby, there wasn't anything new going on there, but that doesn't mean everything is fine. There's still things that have been a challenge for both of them." On whether Duchscherer has been eliminated from the opening day rotation: "Not yet. But it's certainly in...
Lee: "It won't be much longer before I'm in a game"
Lee: "It won't be much longer before I'm in a game"
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
SARASOTA, Fla. - First baseman Derrek Lee said his wrist felt good after hitting soft tosses, and he'll take live batting practice tomorrow. "It'll be a good test," he said. "If it feels good off coaches' BP, then it won't be much longer before I'm in a game. I just want to make sure I get it right so I can be out here with these guys when it counts." And when will that happen? "No, I am not saying. I got in trouble (with that) last time," he said, grinning. "The doctor gave me...
Roberts starts progression toward opener
Roberts starts progression toward opener
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
SARASOTA, Fla. - Second baseman Brian Roberts returned to the clubhouse after visiting a back specialist today. He described his back as feeling "much better, definitely. Quite a bit better." And he remains hopeful of starting the April 1 opener after assuring reporters following yesterday's MRI that the discomfort wasn't related to his herniated disk. "Saw the doc today and got good, encouraging news, so I'll start to try to progress starting today," Roberts said. "He just said that...
Encouraging news on Roberts, Duchscherer, Lee, Uehara
Encouraging news on Roberts, Duchscherer, Lee, Uehara
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
SARASOTA, Fla. - Manager Buck Showalter provided a quick health update during batting practice. It never gets old. Showalter said the MRI on Brian Roberts' back didn't show anything new. He still believes that Roberts, who's visiting a back specialist this morning, could be ready for the April 1 opener. "I'm going to speak to Robby at lunch time," Showalter said. "I know talking to Richie (Bancells) that the MRI was nothing new there to speak of, so that's good news. Hopefully, we're...
Guest bloggers expand reach of Orioles Buzz
Guest bloggers expand reach of Orioles Buzz
Pete Kerzel
Orioles
The start of a new baseball season brings some changes at Orioles Buzz. Beginning the first full week of the 2011 campaign, there will be some new names, viewpoints and voices associated with MASNsports.com's blog dedicated to all things Birdland. Beginning April 4, Orioles Buzz will feature guest bloggers every weekday. MASNsports.com recognizes that the blogosphere contains all sorts of opinions on the O's, and bloggers following the orange and black are a particularly hearty breed of fan....
Duchscherer update and lineup
Duchscherer update and lineup
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
SARASOTA, Fla. - Pitcher Justin Duchscherer is waiting for the results of yesterday's MRA, but he struck an ominous tone this morning when he compared the stiffness in his left hip to the way it felt before his most recent surgery. "The best I can describe it is it felt like it did last year before I had to have it operated on, so I thought the smart thing to do was not go out there and try to throw three innings when it was already hurting in warmup," he said. "Get some images on it and...
Joe Mahoney: It was a good first impression
Joe Mahoney: It was a good first impression
Steve Melewski
Orioles
After producing seven hits in 17 at-bats for a .412 batting average in his first major league spring training camp, Orioles' first base prospect Joe Mahoney seems to have made the most of his initial chance to play for the Birds. "It was a great experience. I had a lot of fun and learned a lot," Mahoney said last night. "I was fortunate enough to play well and hopefully make a good first impression with both the coaching staff and management." "I think he's primed to have that year...
Nats "Power Pack" deal now available for 2011
Nats "Power Pack" deal now available for 2011
Pete Kerzel
Nationals
The Washington Nationals today announced the new Power Pack all-inclusive season ticket deal, a new option that gives fans the opportunity to purchase one game ticket, one combo meal and one parking pass all season-long for one low price. Worth more than $50 in total value per game, full season plans start as low as $25 per seat, which saves up to 50 percent off the face value of the entire package. Fans can choose between three affordable packages in the following seating locations: ...
Final thoughts on 8-2 victory
Final thoughts on 8-2 victory
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
SARASOTA, Fla. - Both teams pounded out 14 hits today, but the Orioles made more of them count. Manager Buck Showalter met with reporters on the field after an 8-2 victory over the Pirates that improved their spring record to 8-7-2. Showalter didn't have any updates on Justin Duchscherer or Brian Roberts. Koji Uehara threw a bullpen session today, will take tomorrow off and will throw on the side again Wednesday. He could pitch in a game by the end of the week. Asked about Jake Arrieta's...