Tillman's done (updated twice)
Tillman's done (updated twice)
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
Chris Tillman threw 88 pitches tonight, 51 for strikes. He's leaving the game with one out in the top of the fifth and a runner on second base. The Twins continue to lead, 1-0, but the runner is his responsibility after Denard Span drew a leadoff walk. Tillman walked four and struck out four. It was quite a struggle tonight. The best thing you can say about Tillman is he's been the master of damage control. He could teach a class at the local community college. Cla Meredith has entered the...
Tillman scuffling and surviving (updated twice)
Tillman scuffling and surviving (updated twice)
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
How are the Twins only leading by one run? Chris Tillman threw 27 pitches in the third inning, 16 for strikes. His count is up to 72. The Twins have four hits and three walks. They're working Tillman hard. But they're only ahead, 1-0. Tillman will come back out for the fourth, but he's not going deep in this game. The Orioles don't have a baserunner through three innings. Scott Baker has struck out four. Update: Now that's more like it. Tillman threw seven strikes among his eight...
The first inning (updated twice)
The first inning (updated twice)
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
I won't track all nine innings separately, but the first one is noteworthy because it includes the beginning of Chris Tillman's latest start and the first at-bat for Brian Roberts. Tillman retired all three batters he faced. Denard Span struck out looking, Alexi Casilla bounced to first and Michael Cuddyer grounded to short. Pretty routine. Tillman threw 13 pitches, seven for strikes. Roberts led off the bottom of the first immediately after his video tribute and heartfelt speech. OK, I'm...
More pre-game notes (and more quotes)
More pre-game notes (and more quotes)
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
Brian Roberts will get three at-bats tonight. He's not expected to play tomorrow. Manager Dave Trembley referred to Brandon Snyder as "the most improved guy in camp from one year to the next." "I think Snyder is close to being ready to play at the major league level," Trembley said. "I sure think Snyder's happy I had the conversation with him last year about, let's put third base to bed and concentrate on first. You saw the game in Jupiter the other day. He played as well at first...
Setback for Koji?
Setback for Koji?
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
Koji Uehara threw off flat ground again today, but he couldn't complete his running progression and had to cut short his workout. A team physician is going to examine Uehara, who's dealing with a sore left hamstring. The Orioles don't have any futher updates. Manager Dave Trembley is hoping to know more about Uehara's condition tomorrow. Also, Trembley said he might announce his starting rotation on Monday, adding that it won't include any surprises.
The official cuts (corrected)
The official cuts (corrected)
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
The Orioles optioned infielders Josh Bell, Rhyne Hughes, Brandon Snyder and Michael Aubrey to Triple-A Norfolk. Infielder Pedro Florimon was optioned to Double-A Bowie. Pitchers Frank Mata, Josh Perrault and Dennis Sarfate, and outfielder Jonathan Tucker were assigned to minor league camp because they're not on the 40-man roster. The moves leave the Orioles with 37 players in camp: PITCHERS (18) Albers, Matt - RHP Bergesen, Brad - RHP Berken, Jason - RHP Castillo, Alberto -...
Orioles and Twins lineups
Orioles and Twins lineups
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
For the Orioles: Brian Roberts 2B Miguel Tejada 3B Nick Markakis RF Matt Wieters DH Adam Jones CF Luke Scott 1B Nolan Reimold LF Craig Tatum C Cesar Izturis SS Chris Tillman RHP For the Twins: Denard Span CF Alexi Casilla SS Michael Cuddyer RF Jacque Jones DH Delmon Young LF Brendan Harris 3B Wilson Ramos C Brock Peterson 1B Matt Tolbert 2B Scott Baker RHP
Snyder, Sarfate among the cuts
Snyder, Sarfate among the cuts
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
The Orioles have delayed posting their lineup until manager Dave Trembley meets with the players who are being assigned to the minor league camp. Brandon Snyder, Dennis Sarfate, Josh Bell, Rhyne Hughes, Jonathan Tucker and Pedro Florimon are six of the players headed to the other side. And more cuts are coming, but the clubhouse is closed to the media. "It's better than making that drive from Fort Lauderdale. That was a pain," Snyder said as he packed his uniform pants and other...
The Stockstill Switch is official
The Stockstill Switch is official
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
The Orioles just announced that David and John Stockstill are changing roles. As a result of the moves, which will be effective on April 5, David has been named director of international operations and John has been designated the director of player development. David will be in charge of the scouting in the Far East, Latin America and beyond. He'll also oversee player development in the Dominican Republic. "Both David and John are valued members of our staff, and we feel this change...
Solid spring for Albers
Solid spring for Albers
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
The dogfight continues for the last spot or two in the Orioles' bullpen. Matt Albers and Kam Mickolio each posted a scoreless inning yesterday, proving again that their bite is worse than their bark. Or something like that. Albers is out of options, so he'd have to pass through waivers before being sent down. He's going to make the decision especially difficult for manager Dave Trembley. Albers gets a lot of attention for his weight, but his ERA certainly looks lighter. He's allowed three...