Tillman talks about his demotion

The Orioles will announce the full round of roster cuts later today, but Chris Tillman holds the biggest name in a bunch that also includes infielders Justin Turner and Scott Moore. So there's no confusion, some players will remain in the major league camp despite being assigned to the minor league side. Simon, for example, is scheduled to start on Friday against the Yankees. Tillman was expected to be the No. 5 starter, but that assignment goes to David Hernandez. "I could kind of see it coming the last couple of weeks," said Tillman, who will be assigned to Triple-A Norfolk. "I think it's the issue that I've been saying the whole spring about being inconsistent and working on all my pitches. I didn't throw them all for strikes. "I don't think I was blindsided. I had the mentality that it was a battle. I think that's the only fair way to go about it. I went into the off-season with that mentality. I did expect more from myself, obviously. I didn't pitch the way I should have, but it is what it is." Tillman, who went 0-3 with a 3.86 ERA in five appearances, with nine walks and 10 strikeouts in 16 1/3 innings, will sit down with pitching coach Rick Kranitz tomorrow and formulate a plan. "I think it's the consistency thing, throw all my pitches for strikes," Tillman said. He'll also work to refine his cutter.



If you blinked... (updated)
Cuts coming (updated again)