Quick Hill update
Quick Hill update
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
Left-hander Rich Hill expects to sign a contract today or tomorrow, and he hasn't formally eliminated the Orioles from consideration after they offered him a minor league deal. "Not yet," he said. However, Hill indicated that one team might be willing to give him a major league contract. If that's the case, you can cross the Orioles off his list. "I've talked with a number of teams," he said, "and I think there are some good opportunities out there. That's where it's at right...
Random thoughts
Random thoughts
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
Tennessee Titans running back Chris Johnson doesn't receive a single MVP vote, but he's named AP's Offensive Player of the Year? Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning is named MVP, but he's not the AP's Offensive Player of the Year? A little help, please. Your daily Carlos Delgado update: He went 0-for-2 with a run scored as the designated hitter before being removed for a pinch-hitter in the sixth inning. A pinch-hitter? Catcher Bengie Molina reportedly is close to signing a...
LaRoche off the board?
LaRoche off the board?
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
The Arizona Diamondbacks have reached agreement on a one-year deal with free-agent first baseman Adam LaRoche, according to this tweet from Dejan Kovacevic of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Does this make sense? LaRoche reportedly turned down a two-year, $17 million offer from the Giants to sign for one year with the Diamondbacks. Maybe he's banking on a big season so he can test the market again next winter. The Orioles weren't going to offer more than one year, which seemed to take them...
FanFest update (with an update)
FanFest update (with an update)
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
More than 60 current, former and future (hopefully) Orioles players and coaches will participate in FanFest on Jan. 23 at the Baltimore Convention Center. The event runs from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., with 10 a.m. entry for season-plan holders. Players expected to attend include MATT ALBERS, ROBERT ANDINO, GARRETT ATKINS, MICHAEL AUBREY, JOSH BELL, BRAD BERGESEN, JASON BERKEN, ALBERTO CASTILLO, BRANDON ERBE, MIKE GONZALEZ, JEREMY GUTHRIE, DAVID HERNANDEZ, RHYNE HUGHES, JIM JOHNSON, ADAM JONES, NICK...
Orioles scouting Delgado
Orioles scouting Delgado
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
It isn't much, but this will have to pass as news: The Orioles sent a representative to Puerto Rico this week to scout first baseman Carlos Delgado. I knew that was the plan, but I still wanted to get confirmation that they're monitoring Delgado, who's batting .280 with one homer and two RBIs in eight games and 25 at-bats with Gigantes de Carolina. He's walked four times and struck out four times. Delgado mostly has served as the designated hitter, but he's also played a little first...
Shameless plug alert
Shameless plug alert
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
It wouldn't be Friday without a shamless plug. I'll be joining Steve Melewski tonight for the Hot Stove Show that runs from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. on 105.7 The Fan and ESPN 1300. Outfielder Nolan Reimold will join us at the top of the hour, and hitting coach Terry Crowley will follow at 8:30 p.m. You can be sure that Reimold will provide an update on his Achilles and offer his opinion on playing first base, since that's been such a popular subject here. Crowley will head to Camden Yards next...
A few Oriole items
A few Oriole items
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
I've dug up a few nuggets that might get you through the night. • At this time, the Orioles don't plan on having a scout attend Ben Sheets' throwing session Tuesday in Louisiana. That could change, but it's not likely. Sheets didn't seem interested in signing here when the Orioles met with his agent last month at the winter meetings (which takes us back to their inability to secure his medical records). • Team officials have...
What logjam?
What logjam?
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
If you're wondering why the Orioles aren't concerned about a logjam in the outfield, I can give you two pretty good reasons. Nolan Reimold isn't certain that he'll be full-go when he reports to spring training next month. He still hasn't done any sprints since undergoing surgery on his left Achilles on Sept. 23. Felix Pie didn't play winter ball because his injured left quadriceps muscle has been slow to heal. Factor in the days that Adam Jones and Lou Montanez spent on the disabled...
Talking baseball...
Talking baseball...
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
I guess the frustration that's boiling over here hasn't reached Sarasota, because I'm told the lines are incredibly long to purchase tickets at Ed Smith Stadium. The locals say it's similar to the turnout after the Reds traded for Ken Griffey Jr. I wonder how it compares to the lines at the executive airport in Fort Lauderdale. I'm not sure why the Orioles would skip Ben Sheets' throwing session on Tuesday. Even if they're convinced that he won't sign here, I think it's still worth a...
Statement from Brooks
Statement from Brooks
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
Not many people are aware that Brooks Robinson has been dealing with a serious health issue. I'm thrilled to report that he was released from the hospital late yesterday and is doing fine. Robinson and his family wanted to keep the matter private, which I certainly understand and respect. I'm just thankful that he's home again. The following is a statement from No. 5, which I'm honored (and greatly relieved) to pass along to Oriole fans everywhere: "On December 28, 2009, I had abdominal...