Snyder, Bell and a message

A humorous exchange from FanFest: Brandon Snyder was standing beside me as Lou Montanez explained that he didn't play first base in Puerto Rico. In an exasperated tone, Snyder said, "You're playing first base now? Oh great! I guess I'll start playing left field." I don't think Snyder needs to change positions again. He's safe. It just might take a while for him to debut at first base with the Orioles. Josh Bell is staying at third base, and he won't be rushed to Baltimore. Maybe we'll see him later this summer, maybe when rosters expand in September. I don't expect him to spend a full season at Triple-A and shut down for the winter, but performance will dictate how the Orioles handle him. As long as Miguel Tejada can handle the hot corner without burning his fingers, the Orioles won't have to seek alternatives. But they weren't going to rush Bell, no matter who joined Cesar Izturis on the left side of the infield. "I'm feeling good. I'm ready for the next level," Bell said yesterday. "Whenever that may be, I'm ready for it." Bell has done a lot of running since the Arizona Fall League ended, "trying to get fit, get in shape," he said. "Just get after it." Bell said the Orioles haven't approached him about batting exclusively from the left side. He's still coming into camp as a switch-hitter despite the uneven splits. "I think once they see me in spring training, we'll go from there. But the short time they've seen me, they really couldn't make an evaluation," he said. "I'm coming off a bad year right-handed. I just never really felt comfortable. I know I can do it. It's just one of those things where I'll try my best to continue to be one." I wanted to post the following comment that I received last night regarding the passing of former Orioles outfielder, coach and scout Curt Motton: I would like to thank everyone who sent in comments about Curt. He was indeed a delightful and caring person to be around. I know if he could read the comments he would burst out into that infectious laugh he has. All I ask is that in lieu of flowers please support the Gilchrist Hospice Center in Towson Md. and the Serpic Cancer Center at St. Joseph Center in Towson, Md. Thank you all and God Bless Marti



Wrapping up FanFest
Policing the lineup (with a few more added)