Springing forward
Springing forward
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
While wondering if Gilbert Arenas simply misunderstood what his coach meant by a morning shootaround... I've got about six more weeks before I fly into the Sarasota airport with a look of confusion and angst on my face. I don't know how to fly a plane. Actually, it's because my comfort zone for spring training will be gone. I'll feel lost for a while, not knowing the best routes to my hotel, the ballpark, a bar that's still serving at 2 a.m. It's never too early for me to stress out....
Springing forward - Part II
Springing forward - Part II
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
If you missed it, former Oriole John Parrish signed a minor league deal with the Royals. Here's hoping that Parrish doesn't report to spring training in a body cast. Also, ESPN's Buster Olney is reporting that the Cardinals and outfielder Matt Holliday are close to a deal, which has pretty much been the word around baseball today. And SI.com's Jon Heyman tweets that the Red Sox are nearing an agreement with third baseman Adrian Beltre. I walked outside earlier today and noticed an...
In the news...
In the news...
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
Gilbert Arenas claims that he brought guns into the Wizards' locker room so he could play a joke on a teammate. The Wizards should claim they were only joking when they gave him that $111 million contract. Carlos Delgado went 2-for-4 with a strikeout last night in the Puerto Rican Winter League. He batted fourth again as the designated hitter. I find it amusing that Cardinals manager Tony LaRussa posted a message on Twitter last week. Times really have changed. We've been trying to drag...
Dwindling market for LaRoche?
Dwindling market for LaRoche?
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
The Orioles need a corner infielder, and first baseman Adam LaRoche looks like the most appealing option among the free agents on the market. ESPN's Buster Olney tweets that LaRoche turned down the Giants' two-year, $17 million offer. At least he hasn't panicked yet. Olney speculates (and that's all he's doing here) that the Giants and Orioles are the only potential suitors for LaRoche. The Orioles aren't likely to exceed San Francisco's offer, but by allowing the market to - brace...
Alomar's HOF credentials
Alomar's HOF credentials
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
Is ESPN really coming out with a 3-D channel? I can't wait for the network to launch ESPN-Boxer Briefs, the first channel that requires you to strip down before watching. (I don't count late-night Cinemax.) The latest Hall of Fame inductees will be announced today at 2 p.m., and I'm predicting that Roberto Alomar is elected on the first ballot. Alomar won a record 10 Gold Gloves at second base in 11 years, along with four Silver Slugger Awards. In 17 seasons, he totaled 2,724 hits, 210...
Alomar not elected
Alomar not elected
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
Andre Dawson was voted into the Hall of Fame today, but Roberto Alomar and Bert Blyleven were left on the outside. Dawson will be honored along with manager Whitey Herzog and umpire Doug Harvey, who were elected last month by the Veterans Committee. Candidates must receive 75 percent of the votes for election. Blyleven and Alomar narrowly missed, so look for them to make it next year. Andre Dawson - 420 - 77.9% Bert Blyleven - 400 - 74.2% Roberto Alomar - 397 - 73.7% Jack Morris - 282...
Hoiles talks about Alomar
Hoiles talks about Alomar
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
Like many of us, former Orioles catcher Chris Hoiles believes that Roberto Alomar belongs in the Hall of Fame, noting that his old teammate might be the best second baseman to play the game. "I played against him when he was in Toronto prior to coming over to Baltimore, and you knew he was a good player," Hoiles said earlier today. "He was the guy you didn't want to come up to the plate with the game on the line. But when we got him, you really got a true sense of the type of player he...
Lunch with Trembley and tracking the O's online
Lunch with Trembley and tracking the O's online
Josh Land
Orioles
MASN will reward their fantasy baseball winners next week, as five baseball-savvy fans will get to eat lunch with Orioles Manager Dave Trembley at the ESPN Zone on Monday, November 9. I'll be tagging along to recap the luncheon and relay any interesting info from the skipper, who will be flying in from his Florida home to spend a few hours with some dedicated O's fans. Check back next Monday afternoon for an update on the lunch with Trembley. In the meantime, if you're missing your...
A little O's atmosphere on your special day
A little O's atmosphere on your special day
Josh Land
Orioles
A few days ago, I noticed a small crowd of people grouped around the Orioles' dugout. Since tours can be scheduled year-round, I figured this group must be doing just that, taking a guided ballpark tour. But as I glanced away, I noted the tell-tale tour guide uniform in the way of a black and orange jacket and ball cap was missing, and this group was pretty well dressed for a bunch of fans just walking around the Yard--Most fans don't opt for sparkling dresses or sharply cut suits, or a...
The Orioles' side of the story
The Orioles' side of the story
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
Orioles director of international scouting John Stockstill told me late last night that the club has "evaluators" at the Dominican Prospect League who are "reporting to us on a regular basis." Stockstill described the league as "basically a showcase" of Dominican teenage players who weren't drafted. It's largely gone unnoticed among fans here until ESPN.com ran a story yesterday with agent Brian Mejia noting how the Orioles and White Sox haven't had a regular presence at games. Sound...