On today's agenda
On today's agenda
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
The Mike Gonzalez signing will become official later today, assuming there are no issues with his physical. I expect to be meeting him at the warehouse this afternoon. It still appears that we'll have to wait on Garrett Atkins until early next week. Shameless plug alert: The Hot Stove Show is back on 105.7 The Fan beginning tonight at 8 p.m. (no MASN). We'll hear from manager Dave Trembley and pitcher Jeremy Guthrie. The trade for Kevin Millwood knocks Guthrie from the top of the...
B-Rob on the trades and his Holliday wish
B-Rob on the trades and his Holliday wish
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
Orioles second baseman Brian Roberts has played on the same team as new closer Mike Gonzalez, but that was eight years ago in the Arizona Fall League. "We're going to come full circle after a long while," Roberts said earlier today during his weekly call-in segment on the Scott Garceau and Anita Marks Show on MASN and 105.7 The Fan. "I'm excited. I think any time you can add somebody like that to the back of the bullpen, that's a great addition for us. You're hoping that when you get...
More on the Orioles
More on the Orioles
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
The club isn't going to confirm the Mike Gonzalez and Garrett Atkins signings until both players pass their physicals. Technically, they're still not Orioles property. The Orioles are in the process of arranging for Gonzalez to report to Camden Yards tomorrow, but Atkins is more likely to arrive early next week. Gonzalez moved to the top of the Orioles' wish list because the system is thin in left-handed pitching, and he can close or work in a set-up role. He's likely to get the bulk of...
A few things
A few things
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
The Denver Post's Troy Renck reports that Garrett Atkins' one-year deal with the Orioles guarantees him $4.5 million (including a $500,000 buyout) and includes an $8.5 million club option for 2011. Atkins also can make an addtional $500,000 in plate appearance bonuses. All that's left is for Atkins to pass his physical and the Orioles to make the deal official by admitting to it. I'm still trying to find out whether the Orioles' physicians are done studying Erik Bedard's medical...
About last night...
About last night...
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
If you missed it last night, you woke up to some pretty exciting news. Rodrigo Lopez signed a minor league deal with the Arizona Diamondbacks. Also, the Orioles reached agreement with closer Mike Gonzalez and corner infielder Garrett Atkins. These things can happen quickly - and while you're wearing a coat a tie and filling a small plate with appetizers. But I did find it convenient that the MASN WebStudio was two floors below me. And hey, who doesn't love rushing out of a holiday party...
Meanwhile, in the news...(updated)
Meanwhile, in the news...(updated)
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
So a funny thing happened while I was attending a holiday party at the warehouse - about 15 people just rushed over to tell me that reliever Mike Gonzalez apparently has agreed to a two-year deal with the Orioles. I haven't gotten confirmation from a team official, but enough people are talking about it - especially The Sun's Jeff Zrebiec - that we'll assume it's true. I left messages - text and voice - for president of baseball operations Andy MacPhail. He's not likely to address the...
Quick FanFest update
Quick FanFest update
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
As I was heading out the door, the Orioles confirmed that FanFest 2010 will take place on Jan. 23 at the Baltimore Convention Center. Just when I think I'm out, they pull me back in. The event will be held from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m. with early entry for season plan holders beginning at 10 a.m. Tickets cost $10 for adults and $5 for children 14 and under and anyone over 55. All proceeds will go toward signing a first baseman. OK, kidding. Individual game tickets will go on sale at 10 a.m....
Another blockbuster trade on the horizon?
Another blockbuster trade on the horizon?
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
I read a report today that says the Red Sox are aggressively pursuing first baseman Adrian Gonzalez. I also read a report that says the two sides aren't talking. I read a report today that says the Mets are offering a five-year deal to free-agent outfielder Jason Bay. I also read a report that says the Mets haven't offered more than four years. Again, welcome to the Hot Stove season. Be careful if you want to touch it. My friend Jorge Arangure at ESPN.com - that's right, Jorge, we're...
Debating Guthrie's role
Debating Guthrie's role
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
The news that evangelist Oral Roberts died yesterday from complications of pneumonia reminded me of how, as a kid, I'd see "Oral Roberts" listed in TV Guide and think it was "Orioles Report." I'd be all bummed out because we didn't get that station and I was missing all the news and highlights about my favorite team. What a loser. Earlier this week on SIRIUS XM's MLB Home Plate channel, host Steve Davis (formerly of WBAL Radio) asked Orioles pitching coach Rick Kranitz whether...
Chapman update
Chapman update
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
John Stockstill, the Orioles' director of international scouting, is flying back to Baltimore tonight after watching Aroldis Chapman's bullpen session earlier today in Houston and also meeting with the Cuban left-hander's representatives. Stockstill estimated that Chapman threw 75 pitches, with representatives for 20-25 clubs in attendance. "It was not really set up for evaluations," Stockstill said. "They wanted to let everybody see that he's healthy. He threw a light bullpen. Now...