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World Champions 1983, 1970, 1966
American League Champions 1983, 1979, 1971, 1970, 1969, 1966 American League East Division Champions 2014, 1997, 1983, 1979, 1974, 1973, 1971, 1970, 1969
American League Wild Card 2012, 1996
Monday, March 28, 2016
Game stories:
Orioles highlights: Ubaldo Jimenez doesn't make it through first inning in 5-3 win over
Pirates The Sun 3/27
Orioles highlights: Birds use four homers, six-run sixth to rout Red Sox, 16-8 The Sun
3/26
Orioles recap: Bats stay hot, pitching continues to struggle in 10-inning win over
Yankees The Sun 3/25
Reimold, Alvarez homer in O's comeback win MLB.com 3/27
O's HR parade continues with 4 vs. Red Sox MLB.com 3/26
O's blast 5 HRs, win on walk-off 1B in 10th MLB.com 3/25
Ubaldo Jimenez on tonight's abbreviated start (O's win fourth straight, top Pirates)
MASNsports.com 3/27
Game update and Yovani Gallardo on today's start (Orioles outslug Red Sox)
MASNsports.com 3/26
Alvarez, Reimold homer as Orioles beat Pirates 5-3 AP 3/27
Orioles hit 4 homers, beat Red Sox 16-8 AP 3/26
Nova yields 3 homers; Orioles top Yanks 11-10 in 10 innings AP 3/25
Jimenez pulled abruptly in first inning of Orioles' win CSN Mid-Atlantic 3/27
Gallardo gives up 7, Orioles score 16 CSN Mid-Atlantic 3/26
Tillman says he's satisfied as Orioles beat Yankees CSN Mid-Atlantic 3/28
Columns:
Opponent quality stat sheds light on competition for Orioles regulars in spring training
The Sun 3/28
Orioles slugger Pedro Alvarez homers to cap warm reunion at Pirates' spring stadium The
Sun 3/27
As innings dry up for veteran relievers in Orioles camp, it's either opt out or wait it out
The Sun 3/27
As Joey Rickard emerges for Orioles, Hyun Soo Kim's future becomes unclear The Sun
3/27
Buck Showalter on Matt Wieters' Opening Day availability: 'I know he's planning on it'
The Sun 3/27
Ubaldo Jimenez, in quietly strong spring, is the Orioles' dark-horse Opening Day starter
candidate The Sun 3/27
Orioles' Dylan Bundy paints his path to new spring hobby The Sun 3/27
Orioles' Christian Walker optioned to Triple-A Norfolk to be everyday left fielder The
Sun 3/27
Schoop poised for breakout season MLB.com 3/28
O's pleased by Wieters' progress behind plate MLB.com 3/27
Orioles dismiss report regarding Kim MLB.com 3/27
Led by Hardy, O's bats heating up in big way MLB.com 3/27
Taking another look at the camp roster MASNsports.com 3/28
Ubaldo Jimenez doesn't make it out of the first inning (updated) MASNsports.com 3/27
Ryan Flaherty scratched from lineup (plus other notes) MASNsports.com 3/27
Orioles continue to strengthen bond with Sarasota (plus tonight's lineup)
MASNsports.com 3/27
Afternoon notes on Kim, Wieters and more MASNsports.com 3/27
Talking rotation, Rickard and the roster MASNsports.com 3/27
Could Orioles attempt to part ways with Kim? (Thayer opts out of contract)
MASNsports.com 3/27
Wrapping up a 16-8 win MASNsports.com 3/27
Sizing up spring: Some things have gone well, some not as well MASNsports.com 3/28
The MLB Network analysts size up the Orioles MASNsports.com 3/27
Notes on James Shields, minor league releases and Joey Rickard's walk-heavy night
MASNsports.com 3/26
For third season in row, Orioles' Chris Tillman to start opening day AP 3/28
When Flaherty falls ill, emergency players fill in CSN Mid-Atlantic 3/27
Showalter shares planned return date for Wieters CSN Mid-Atlantic 3/27
Showalter noncommittal on Kim as Oriole CSN Mid-Atlantic 3/27
Report: Orioles discussed Kim return to South Korea CSN Mid-Atlantic 3/26
Is there a place for the 'Vanimal' on the Orioles? CSN Mid-Atlantic 3/26
How fatherhood made J.J. Hardy stronger CSN Mid-Atlantic 3/25
Orioles Name Chris Tillman As Opening Day Starting Pitcher CBS Baltimore 3/28
Orioles 1st Baseman Chris Davis Is Happy Free Agency Brought Him Back To
Baltimore CBS Baltimore 3/28
Orioles Announce ‘O’s Zone’ Events For Fans CBS Baltimore 3/25
Orioles To Auction Spring Training Jerseys CBS Baltimore 3/25
With One Week Until Opening Day, Orioles Outfield Still Unsettled
PressBoxOnline.com 3/28
Mike Wright Looking For Spot In Orioles' Starting Rotation PressBoxOnline.com 3/27
http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/orioles/blog/bal-orioles-highlights-ubaldo-jimenez-doesnt-
make-it-through-first-inning-in-53-comeback-win-20160327-story.html
Orioles highlights: Ubaldo Jimenez doesn't make it through
first inning in 5-3 win over Pirates
By Jon Meoli / The Sun
March 27, 2016
The Orioles won again, despite another bad starting pitcher. Ubaldo Jimenez didn't make it out of
1st.
Ubaldo Jimenez entered Sunday’s game widely considered the Orioles’ best starting pitcher so
far this spring. And in what could have been his final Grapefruit League start, he didn’t make it
out of the first inning.
Jimenez allowed three runs on four hits and a walk and retired just two batters on 38 pitches
before manager Buck Showalter pulled him, putting a sour ending on an encouraging spring.
The Orioles (9-14-4) rallied to tie the game in the eighth inning, then took the lead when spring
darling Joey Rickard singled to lead off the ninth inning and scored on a double by minor league
infielder Garabez Rosa. A second run in the ninth inning made gave them a fourth straight win,
this one 5-3 over the Pittsburgh Pirates.
But it was nearly two hours of epilogue to Jimenez’s return to Grapefruit League action.
“You’re never going to be happy to be out of the game in the first inning,” Jimenez said. “It
doesn’t matter if it’s a Little League game or major league game. But it’s part of the game. The
good thing is, it’s spring training, where I can go in the bullpen and keep throwing more pitches
and have my pitch count up.”
“If I leave him out there, he’s got 40 pitches in one inning, and we’re not going to do that when
he can get the work done down there. There’s nobody in the box there,” Showalter said.
Jimenez got up and down three more times in the bullpen to simulate inning breaks and bring
him to about 80 pitches, he said.
The results were disheartening and came at a time when optimism was high. Manager Buck
Showalter said Jimenez had picked up where he left off in a strong September last season.
Before Sunday, Jimenez had made his past two starts in minor league games, but pitched well in
major league games, too. After retiring one batter and being charged with six runs in the spring
opener March 2, Jimenez turned in two good major league outings.
“He’s been real good lately,” Showalter said.
Jimenez struggled finding the strike zone early Sunday, issuing a walk to leadoff hitter John
Jaso, then allowing a single to center fielder Andrew McCutchen before retiring the next two
batters. A bloop into short left field by second baseman Josh Harrison turned into a two-run
triple when no one covered third base. Jimenez allowed two more singles, one of which scored
Harrison, and his day was done.
Shutdown bullpen: After minor leaguer Richard Rodriguez relieved Jimenez in the first inning,
the Pirates couldn’t muster any offense. Rodriguez, Brad Brach, Zach Phillips, Chaz Roe, T.J.
McFarland, Jason Stoffel and Oliver Drake held the Pirates to three hits over the ensuing 8 1/3
shutout innings.
Reimold heats up: With uncertainty surrounding the status of Hyun Soo Kim and caution being
advised on Rickard’s hot spring, Nolan Reimold has picked a good time to start hitting. Reimold
was batting .150 with six hits in 40 at-bats entering Friday’s game, but has ripped off six straight
hits over the course of three games. He hit his second home run in three games in the first inning.
Rosa rising: Rosa, who has been a frequent extra player this spring, started at second base and
went 2-for-4 with the go-ahead single. He’s 8-for-12 with six RBIs in the Grapefruit League.
http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/orioles/blog/bal-orioles-highlights-birds-use-four-homers-
sixrun-sixth-to-rout-red-sox-168-20160326-story.html
Orioles highlights: Birds use four homers, six-run sixth to
rout Red Sox, 16-8
By Jon Meoli / The Sun
March 26, 2016
The Orioles are seeing what their offense might look like at full strength with four more homers
Saturday.
Caution all you want about spring training stats, opponent quality, or the fact that any ball hit
with authority to left field at Ed Smith Stadium likely becomes a home run.
It all adds up to a heap of meaningless baseball that will be forgotten in five days when the
Orioles return north for Opening Day. But games like Saturday’s 16-8 win over the Boston Red
Sox give a glimpse of the absolute best-case scenario for the 2016 Orioles offensively.
Since they began the business portion of spring training Thursday — six of their last eight
Grapefruit League games are at home, and will feature the regulars they’ll rely on during the
season — the Orioles have hit an eye-popping 12 home runs.
On Thursday against the Pittsburgh Pirates, it was three. On Friday, they upped that to five in a
win over the New York Yankees. Four Orioles homered Saturday as the team overcame a
miserable start from Yovani Gallardo to score a spring-high 16 runs against a Boston lineup that
wasn’t representative of its major league roster.
Right fielder Mark Trumbo, who homered in two straight games and four of his past five
entering Saturday, settled for a two-out, two-run double to give the Orioles an early 2-0 lead in
the first inning before scoring on a single by designated hitter Pedro Alvarez. From then on, it
was mostly home runs that supplied the home team offensively.
Shortstop J.J. Hardy homered for the third straight game to drive in Alvarez and cut a 6-3 deficit
to 6-5 in the third. Then with the score leveled at 7 apiece, Ed Smith Stadium couldn’t contain
the Orioles bats. Third baseman Manny Machado, who hit third in a new-look Orioles lineup,
homered on a missile down the left-field line, and first baseman Chris Davis backed that up with
his own home run to left-center field.
Later in the inning, with two men on base, backup catcher Audry Perez cleared the patio seating
in left field to complete a six-run sixth inning. Perez had four RBIs on the day.
The Orioles entered their 25th spring training game with 32 home runs, with Saturday bringing
their total to 36. A third of those have come in the past three games.
Worley strong again
Gallardo was hit around by a mostly minor league Red Sox roster, allowing seven runs on eight
hits in 3 2/3 innings, but right-hander Vance Worley continued his roster push with 2 1/3
scoreless innings of relief. He lowered his spring ERA to 4.61. Worley is out of minor league
options, putting him in a unique place when it comes to roster construction.
Rickard in leadoff spot
Rule 5 outfielder Joey Rickard did everything a leadoff man is supposed to in a rare appearance
at the top of the lineup Saturday. Rickard was hit by a pitch and walked twice in his first three at-
bats, and he stole two bases after reaching. He also added a single in his fifth trip of the day, and
scored twice. He’s batting .392 on the spring, and emerging as a candidate to contribute to the
Orioles this season.
http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/orioles/bs-sp-orioles-rail-0326-20160325-story.html
Orioles recap: Bats stay hot, pitching continues to struggle in
10-inning win over Yankees
By Jon Meoli / The Sun
March 25, 2016
The Orioles' pitching continues to struggle while the hitting contiues to mash
This is going to be the type of baseball game you'll see often this year with the Orioles.
Their Grapefruit League matinee Friday saw their starter stake the opponent to a big early lead
on a combination of walks, bad luck and a home run. As the game wore on, the Orioles hit a
bunch of home runs and made it a game.
That they ultimately won 11-10 on a 10th-inning, two-run single by Garabez Rosa is moot.
What this team has to like — a powerful, deep lineup — and what they have to be concerned
about — the rotation — continue to fill their respective roles.
Over the last two days the Orioles have fielded essentially full-strength lineups.
Thursday's, which scored six runs and hit three home runs, was more in line with what manager
Buck Showalter envisioned for Opening Day.
Friday's, which was largely the same — except for Hyun Soo Kim and Pedro Alvarez replacing
Christian Walker and Matt Wieters — outdid them with four home runs by the starters.
Substitute Nolan Reimold added a fifth in the ninth inning.
Mark Trumbo opened the Orioles' scoring with his fourth home run in five games, and fifth of
the spring. He walked in the fourth inning and scored on J.J. Hardy's second home run in as
many days. Catcher Caleb Joseph and third baseman Manny Machado also homered to
contribute to another homer-heavy Orioles attack.
Most of the damage came after the Yankees scored five runs off possible Orioles Opening Day
starter Chris Tillman. Tillman looked his sharpest this spring in the first inning, but was
squeezed on a pair of second-inning walks and saw both of those base runners score on a three-
run home run by Yankees right fielder Chris Denorfia.
An inning later, the Yankees strung a few hits and a sacrifice fly together to bring their total to
five. Tillman left after one batter in the fifth inning having allowed five earned runs on six hits
with three walks and four strikeouts. His ERA is now is now 9.31 in 9 2/3 Grapefruit League
innings.
The offenses remained hot through the 10th inning, when the Yankees scored two runs off Stefan
Crichton and the Orioles responded with three in the bottom half.
An inning of anomalies: Playing first base and batting second, Pedro Alvarez did something he's
just done just 14 times in his six-year major league career: He stole a base. Over half of his steals
came in 2014, when he had eight. Last year with Pittsburgh, however, he stole a bag just twice.
One pitch later, the Orioles' doubled down on rare moments: Center fielder Adam Jones walked
for the second time this spring.
Bundy goes two: For the second time this spring, right-hander Dylan Bundy worked two
complete innings. His first was clean, but the second was an exhibition in near-outs turning into
hits and runs. Several ground balls were just out of the reach of infielders, and Bundy allowed a
pair of Yankees to score. He now has a 4.35 ERA in 10 1/3 innings this spring.
Hardy homers again: Hardy's home run continued what's been a reassuring spring as the Orioles'
shortstop comes back from a shoulder injury that limited him in 2015. He's now batting .333
with four extra-base hits and four RBIs in 36 spring at-bats.
http://m.orioles.mlb.com/news/article/169316866/orioles-beat-pirates-with-9th-inning-rally
Reimold, Alvarez homer in O's comeback win
By Andrew Astleford / MLB.com
March 27, 2016
BRADENTON, Fla. -- The Pirates chased Orioles right-hander Ubaldo Jimenez in the first
inning Sunday night at McKechnie Field, but the Orioles tied the game in the eighth and went
ahead in the ninth for a 5-3 win.
All of Jimenez's trouble came with two outs. After allowing a walk to John Jaso and a single
to Andrew McCutchen, he got Matt Joyce to ground out and Jason Rogers to pop out.
But Josh Harrison hit a triple on a soft fly ball into left field, scoring Jaso and McCutchen. Jake
Goebbert followed with a single to right, scoring Harrison.
Orioles manager Buck Showalter summoned right-hander Richard Rodriguez to enter in relief.
"I just didn't have good command of the fastball. I was falling behind in the count, and they
made me pay for it," said Jimenez, who finished up his outing in the bullpen and reached 80
pitches. "I think the only two good pitches that I threw, they were able to find a hole. McCutchen
[singled] and then the other one [Josh Harrison] hit a blooper. There's not a lot I can do with it.
But I didn't have good command of the fastball today."
Jimenez's problems negated the Orioles' strong offensive start. They jumped to an early lead in
the first after consecutive solo home runs by Pedro Alvarez to right field and Nolan Reimold to
left against right-handed prospect Trevor Williams.
With Reimold batting in the eighth, Xavier Avery scored when a passed ball got byReese
McGuire.
Then in the ninth, Pirates reliever Cory Luebke gave up an RBI double to Garabez Rosa, which
scored Joey Rickard, and an RBI single to Josh Hart, scoring Rosa, and allowing the Orioles to
take the lead.
Williams started for Pittsburgh because right-handed rotation candidate Juan Nicasio threw six
innings during a game against Blue Jays Minor Leaguers on Sunday afternoon at Pirate City.
Williams surrendered two runs and seven hits with five strikeouts in five innings before Tony
Watson entered in relief.
Pirates shortstop Jordy Mercer left the game in the fourth inning after he hurt his knee sliding
into third base following Ed Easley's popout to right field. Mercer overslid the bag and limped
slightly after he beat L.J. Hoes' throw. Pedro Florimonreplaced Mercer as a pinch-runner.
Up next for the Pirates: Right-hander Gerrit Cole will take the mound for Pittsburgh against
Minnesota at 1:05 p.m. ET Monday at McKechnie Field. Cole has allowed two runs and two hits
with one strikeout in two innings in Grapefruit League play. Right-hander Tyler Duffey will start
for the Twins. The game is on MLB.TV.
Up next for Orioles: Mike Wright will take the mound for the Orioles, who will play their final
home game Monday at 1:05 p.m. ET against the Red Sox on MLB.TV. Boston will honor
longtime DH David Ortiz in his final spring home game at JetBlue Park.
http://m.orioles.mlb.com/news/article/169153012/orioles-hit-four-home-runs-in-win-vs-red-sox
O's HR parade continues with 4 vs. Red Sox
By David Wilson / Special to MLB.com
March 26, 2016
SARASOTA, Fla. -- Manny Machado and Chris Davis blasted back-to-back home runs in a six-
run sixth inning Saturday to rally the Orioles to a 16-8 win against the Red Sox at Ed Smith
Stadium. Machado, who also homered in Friday's win against the Yankees, lined a two-run home
run over the left-field fence to break a 7-7 tie, and two pitches later, Davis went opposite field to
stretch Baltimore's lead.
Shortstop J.J. Hardy hit a two-run homer in the third, his third homer in as many days, and
catcher Audry Perez added a three-run shot later in the sixth to give the O's a total of four dingers
in the game and 12 in their past three games. The Orioles' latest eruption let them overcome
another poor start from their pitching staff.
Yovani Gallardo skirted through the first inning unscathed before issuing two walks and
allowing a single in the second to load the bases for Boston with no outs. Mauricio Dubon drove
in the first two runs with a single, Mookie Betts drove in the next with another single and
outfielder Jackie Bradley Jr. capped the frame with a two-run, opposite-field home run into the
left-field bleachers.
Gallardo was chased after 3 2/3 innings in which he allowed seven earned runs on eight hits and
three walks. Of his 78 pitches, only 37 were strikes. In eight Grapefruit League innings, Gallardo
has a 16.88 ERA.
"You hear a lot of guys say Spring Training is a time to try different things," said Gallardo, who
had a 10.13 ERA last spring and has only once been under 3.50 during Spring Training. "You
can look at every Spring Training I've had throughout my career, and they've been bad. Good
thing they don't count for your career."
The Orioles raced out to a 3-0 lead in the first inning with a two-run double by Mark
Trumbo and an RBI single by Pedro Alvarez. Hardy's homer cut the Red Sox's lead to 6-5.
Justin Haley, who made his Grapefruit League debut as the Red Sox's starter, allowed five
earned runs on six hits and two walks in three innings. Relief pitcher Carlos Marmol replaced
Haley to start the fourth and was charged with two runs without recording an out to let Baltimore
tie the score at 7. Roenis Elias entered the game in the sixth and allowed three homers in just
two-thirds of an inning.
Adam Jones scored the tying run for the O's as part of a three-hit day and outfielder. Joey
Rickard, a Rule 5 Draft selection, reached safely three times and scored twice.
Betts went 3-for-4 with an RBI and two runs to lead Boston's offense, and Bradley added two
hits, a run and two RBIs to bring his batting average up to .378.
"I'm seeing the ball well, and I put some good swings on some balls today," Bradley said. "I'm
focused on what I have to do and not really worrying about anything else right now. That's
keeping me locked in, and I'm working hard. I just have a different mindset, and it's a good
mindset."
Up next for the Red Sox: Steven Wright draws the start on Sunday when the Red Sox host the
Phillies at JetBlue Park in a 1:05 p.m. ET matchup. The versatile knuckleballer, who has
showcased impressive control this spring (101 pitches, 82 for strikes), will likely join Boston's
starting rotation to open the regular season, with injured lefty Eduardo Rodriguez (right knee)
beginning the year on the DL. Craig Kimbrel, Matt Barnes and Noe Ramirez are also scheduled
to see action. The game will be shown on MLB.TV.
Up next for the Orioles: Ubaldo Jimenez will make his sixth start of Spring Training, but his
first for the Major League team since March 12, when the Orioles play a 6:05 p.m. ET game
against the Pirates on Sunday in Bradenton, Fla. onMLB.TV. Jimenez has been Baltimore's most
reliable starting pitcher since allowing six earned runs in one-third of an inning in his first
Grapefruit League outing. Including two Minor League appearances, Jimenez has given up just
two earned runs across 17 innings in his past four appearances.
http://m.orioles.mlb.com/news/article/169153012/orioles-hit-four-home-runs-in-win-vs-red-sox
O's blast 5 HRs, win on walk-off 1B in 10th
By David Wilson / MLB.com
March 25, 2016
SARASOTA, Fla. -- Mark Trumbo, Caleb Joseph, J.J. Hardy, Manny Machadoand Nolan
Reimold all cranked home runs, and the Orioles rallied with three runs in the bottom of the 10th
for an 11-10 win against the Yankees on Friday at Ed Smith Stadium. Garabez Rosa delivered a
walk-off single for Baltimore.
"He's one of those guys that I keep asking our guys, 'Are we missing anything on this guy?'"
Orioles manager Buck Showalter said of Rosa, who is 6-for-8 this spring. "This guy's been pretty
good up here for two years. He's pretty good."
Neither starting pitcher made it out of the fifth inning and both gave up five earned runs during
their outings. Ivan Nova surrendered three homers in 4 2/3 innings for the Yankees as his bid for
a rotation spot took a hit. O's starter Chris Tillman gave up a three-run shot to Chris Denorfia
during the second and left the game after facing one batter in the fifth.
"I put myself in a really bad position right now if we look at the numbers," Nova said. "I would
say they are going to make the decision, but sometimes you've got to help. I didn't help myself
today."
Tillman's start was his third of Spring Training, and each has been rough. He retired the first four
batters in a row before a pair of walks set the table for Denorfia, who delivered his first home run
of the spring to give New York a 3-0 lead. Tillman allowed five earned runs on three walks, six
hits and one hit batter. He struck out four. In 9 2/3 innings this spring, Tillman has a 9.31 ERA.
But the Orioles fought back with one of their typical power surges. A solo shot by Trumbo -- his
fifth homer of the spring -- sliced the Yankees' lead in the second, and Joseph added a two-run
shot an inning later. In the fourth, Hardy tied the game with another two-run home run.
"We've been talking about this for a little while now. It's fun to watch these guys play and hit the
ball," Tillman said. "One through nine, it's fun to watch."
Machado went deep for Baltimore in the seventh, while Reimold homered in the ninth to send
the game into extras.
Up next for the Yankees: The Yankees conclude a two-game road trip with a visit to Dunedin,
Fla., to face the Blue Jays on Saturday at 1:07 p.m. ET (watch the game on MLB.TV). Bryan
Mitchell will make his fifth appearance and third start of the spring. In 10 2/3 innings, the righty
has a 0.84 ERA.
Up next for the Orioles: The Orioles conclude a three-game homestand against the Red Sox on
Saturday at 1:05 p.m. with Yovani Gallardo on the mound (watch the game on MLB.TV). The
righty is making his third Grapefruit League start of the spring. He allowed six hits and two runs
over four innings on Monday against the Rays in an appearance at the O's Minor League camp.
http://www.masnsports.com/school-of-roch/2016/03/ubaldo-jimenez-on-tonights-abbreviated-
start.html
Ubaldo Jimenez on tonight's abbreviated start (O's win
fourth straight, top Pirates)
By Roch Kubatko / MASNsports.com
March 27, 2016
ORIOLES QUICK WRAP
Score: Orioles 5, Pirates 3
Recap: Rule 5 pick Joey Rickard led off the ninth with a single and scored the tie-breaking run
from first base on Garabez Rosa's single off the scoreboard in left field. Rosa scored on Josh
Hart's single. Ubaldo Jimenez, lined up to be the Orioles' No. 3 starter, retired only two batters
and was charged with three runs and four hits. Pedro Alvarez and Nolan Reimold hit back-to-
back home runs in the first. Alvarez was making his first appearance in Bradenton since leaving
the Pirates. The bullpen tossed 8 1/3 scoreless innings. Brad Brach retired the side in order in the
third and Zach Phillips retired five of six batters. Chaz Roe struck out two in 1 1/3 scoreless
innings. T.J. McFarland worked around a two-out walk in the seventh. Xavier Avery singled in
the eighth and scored the tying run on a wild pitch. Minor leaguer Jason Stoffel survived a
leadoff walk in the eighth. Oliver Drake recorded the save.
Need to know: Jimenez threw 35 pitches, 20 for strikes, and did more throwing in the bullpen
after coming out. He lasted only one-third of an inning in his debut against the Braves. Reimold
had hits in six straight at-bats over three games after his home run and single. The damage
included two homers and four RBIs. Reimold also walked in the eighth. Josh Harrison had a two-
run triple to left field in the first because no one covered third base. Should have been a double.
Rosa, who replaced Ryan Flaherty in the lineup, singled in his first at-bat and is 8-for-12 in
Grapefruit League games. Catcher Chris O'Brien committed a throwing error on an attempted
pickoff at first base. With a four-game win streak, the Orioles are 9-14-4.
On deck: Monday, vs. Red Sox in Fort Myers, 1:05 p.m.
___________________________________________
BRADENTON, Fla. - Orioles starter Ubaldo Jimenez said he couldn't find his fastball command
tonight.
The search continued in the bullpen, where Jimenez got up three times to run his pitch count to
around 80.
Jimenez threw 36 pitches, 21 for strikes, while retiring only two batters. He explained why
manager Buck Showalter took him out of the game, which the Pirates lead 3-2 in the seventh.
Call it the safety dance.
"Because I think I threw too many pitches in that inning," he said. "I almost was to 40, so they
didn't want me to go that far, especially being spring training."
Jimenez walked leadoff hitter John Jaso and it never got better for him. Five of the seven batters
reached base and he was done, three runs and four hits on the board.
"I just didn't have good command of the fastball," he said. "I was falling behind in the count and
they made me pay for it. I think the only two good pitches that I threw, they were able to find a
hole. (Andrew) McCutchen (single] and then the other one (Josh Harrison) hit a blooper. There's
not a lot I can do with it. But I didn't have good command of the fastball today."
Jimenez could make one more start, when the Orioles are in Philadelphia on Friday after
breaking camp. This isn't how he wanted to leave behind the Grapefruit League.
"Yeah, you're never going to be happy to be out of the game in the first inning," he said. "It
doesn't matter if it's a Little League game or major league game. But it's part of the game.
"The good thing is it's spring training, where I can go in the bullpen and keep throwing more
pitches and have my pitch count up."
The bullpen has shut out the Pirates over 5 1/3 innings. Brad Brach retired the side in order in the
third, Zach Phillips retired five of the six batters he faced and Chaz Roe struck out two batters in
1 1/3 scoreless innings.
With Brian Matusz likely headed to the disabled list, Phillips has emerged as a legitimate
consideration as a second or third left-hander in the bullpen, depending on whether T.J.
McFarland also breaks camp with the team as a long man backing up five right-handed starters.
Phillips has retired eight of the nine batters he's faced in two games since signing with the
Orioles.
http://www.masnsports.com/school-of-roch/2016/03/game-update-and-yovani-gallardo-on-
todays-start.html
Game update and Yovani Gallardo on today's start (Orioles
outslug Red Sox)
By Rock Kubatko / MASNsports.com
March 26, 2016
ORIOLES QUICK WRAP
Score: Orioles 16, Red Sox 8
Recap: Mark Trumbo had a two-run double in the first and delivered another run with a
grounder in the fourth, giving him 16 RBIs this spring to go with five home runs. J.J. Hardy hit
his third home run in three days, a two-run shot in the third inning. Manny Machado, Chris Davis
and Audry Perez homered off Roenis Elias in a six-run sixth inning. Yovani Gallardo allowed
five runs in the second inning, including Jackie Bradley Jr.'s two-run shot. He was charged with
seven runs and eight hits in 3 2/3 innings, with three walks and two strikeouts, to leave his ERA
at 16.88 in eight Grapefruit League innings. Vance Worley tossed 2 1/3 scoreless innings.
Odrisamer Despaigne allowed a run in the eighth. Pedro Alvarez had an RBI single in the first.
Joey Rickard walked twice, singled, was hit by a pitch and stole two bases. Perez finished with
four RBIs.
Need to know: Adam Jones had three hits. Rickard and Machado executed a double steal in the
first before scoring on Trumbo's double. Rickard has five stolen bases this spring. Trumbo hadn't
doubled before today. He also stole a base. Gallardo threw 27 pitches, 11 for strikes, in the
second inning and finished at 78/37. Nolan Reimold singled in his first at-bat in the seventh,
giving him three straight hits over two days, including a home run. Today's attendance: 8,518,
the 10th sellout of the spring.
On deck: Sunday, vs. Pirates in Bradenton, 6:05 p.m.
________________________________________
SARASOTA, Fla. - The Orioles are trying to beat another team into submission today.
Manny Machado hit a two-run homer in the sixth inning to break a 7-7 tie, Chris Davisfollowed
with a shot over the left-center field fence and catcherAudry Perez launched a three-run homer.
All in the sixth inning. All of them against Red Sox left-hander Roenis Elias.
Vance Worley threw 2 1/3 scoreless innings in relief ofYovani Gallardo, who was charged with
seven runs and eight hits in 3 2/3 innings. Odrisamer Despaigne allowed a run in the eighth, and
the Orioles are holding a 13-8 lead.
Gallardo said this was the best he's felt all spring. He also warned that his spring numbers
usually are pretty bad.
Gallardo's ERA is up to 16.88 in eight Grapefruit League innings. He went 0-2 with a 10.13
ERA in 13 1/3 innings last spring with the Rangers.
However, Gallardo posted a 3.98 ERA in 20 1/3 innings with the Brewers in 2014, a 3.54 ERA
in 20 1/3 innings in 2013 and a 1.96 ERA in 18 1/3 innings in 2011.
There are exceptions.
Gallardo had a 4.56 ERA in 23 2/3 innings in 2012 and a 4.29 ERA in 21 innings in 2010.
In today's game, he walked three batters and ran his pitch count to 78 in 3 2/3 innings, with only
37 strikes called by plate umpire Toby Basner. He stranded a runner in the first inning and
allowed five runs in the second.
"That first inning, I was able to get ahead in the count," he said. "I think the second inning was
just falling behind. That's pretty much it. And obviously, walking a couple guys, that doesn't
help. But I made some good pitches whenever I had to. Other than that, the balls that got hit hard
were up in the zone.
"I feel good. Today was the best I've felt. I think I made some pretty good pitches that were
down and away to both lefties and righties. And getting ground balls. I was getting weak contact.
A couple hits that were jam shots or off the end of the bat. Not much you can do about that. It
just shows that you're locating your pitches. The home run (by Jackie Bradley Jr.) hits the foul
pole. It's just one of those things. Not much you can do. But I felt good.
"Felt like the ball was coming out good. Good curveball, good changeup, and most important, a
good two-seamer, which I think is one of the pitches I have to get ready for the season."
Gallardo is trying to keep the stats in perspective while also knowing that many fans are growing
anxious.
"Like I've always said, you want to go out there and obviously do well each and every time out,
no matter if it's spring or during the season. But the most important thing is you're allowed to
work on certain things, and sometimes when you're trying to work on them, the results aren't
going to be there. For me, I think the most important thing was just commanding the fastball,
throwing the fastball away and moving it around over the plate. I didn't get some of those pitches
as strikes and it changes the whole at-bat. Obviously, that and leaving the ball up over the zone
doesn't help, but I felt good.
"You hear a lot of guys say that spring training is the time to try different things, try to add to
what you're able to do during the season. Not only last year, you can look at every spring training
I've had throughout my career and I think it's ... they've been bad. It's a good thing they don't
count for your career.
"It's one of those things. At the end of the day, no matter what you have to do, you're here to
work on things. It's tough. I think throughout my career, it's one of those things I really don't let
it get to me. I know I'm preparing the way that I have to for that first regular season game. We've
got six months. You've for to prepare for six months. You've got to find every little thing that
you can use to your advantage to keep the hitters off balance."
Despite the walks, including three over four innings in a minor league game Monday at Twin
Lakes, Gallardo insisted that he's not worried about his command.
"Not at all," he said. "It's just one of those things. You want to do well each and every time, but
you know, I'm trying different things. If you fall behind in the count, you might try to see if you
can flip him the curveball or throw a changeup. It's a little bit different, just trying to add that and
get it (ready) for the season. Sometimes, it's not going to work out and you're going to get
yourself in trouble. Like today, I was able to get that ground ball in the second inning and turn
two. I gave up the base hit the other way to (Mookie) Betts, I thought it was a pretty good pitch,
but sometimes you have to tip your hat to the hitters."
There can be beauty in an ugly line, as Gallardo kept pointing out.
"I felt good, arm feels good," he said. "I think everything is coming out pretty good. That's what
I wanted. That's what I wanted out there. I think the previous starts before I was leaving sliders
out over the middle of the plate. The one to Chris Young, the double, might have been the only
one. All the other ones were right where I needed them to be, just off the plate or right in the
corner. It's a good adjustment."
http://espn.go.com/mlb/recap?gameId=360327123
Alvarez, Reimold homer as Orioles beat Pirates 5-3
Associated Press / ESPN.com
March 26, 2016
BRADENTON, Fla. -- Pedro Alvarez and Nolan Reimold hit back-to-back homers for the
Baltimore Orioles on Sunday night in a 5-3 victory against the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Alvarez went deep in the first inning, his first at-bat at McKechnie Field as a visiting player.
Reimold followed with a long shot to left-center off minor league call-up Trevor Williams.
Selected by the Pirates second overall in the 2008 amateur draft, Alvarez signed with the Orioles
three weeks ago as a free agent. He was not in the lineup the previous time the Pirates hosted the
Orioles this spring.
"I'm very sensitive to that," Baltimore manager Buck Showalter said. "When he first got to us, I
would never ask him about playing against the Pirates or whatever. We had one opportunity
where we didn't, just to kind of let him get settled in a little bit. I think he's handled it real well."
Josh Harrison blooped a two-run triple, one of four hits the Pirates got off right-hander Ubaldo
Jimenez in the first inning. Jimenez lasted just two-thirds of an inning, allowing three runs on
four hits and a walk. He has a 12.27 ERA.
"I didn't have good command of the fastball," Jimenez said. "I was falling behind in the count,
and they made me pay for it. You're never happy to be out of the game in the first inning. It
doesn't matter if it's a Little League game or a major league game."
It was the second time this spring Jimenez did not make it out of the first inning. He managed
only one out and gave up six runs on March 2 against Atlanta.
STARTING TIME
Orioles: To make up for his abbreviated outing, Jimenez got up three times in the bullpen after
he left the game to simulate a longer start.
"I think I threw too many pitches, close to 40," Jimenez said. "They didn't want me to go that far,
especially in spring training."
Pirates: Williams worked the first five innings. He allowed two runs on seven hits and struck out
five. The right-hander, a non-roster invite to big league camp, likely will begin the season at
Triple-A Indianapolis.
"It was a nice surprise to come up here and pitch under the lights," Williams said. "When you
come into big league camp and look at guys you've been watching your entire life, you realize
how close you are. It was tangible tonight, getting big leaguers out."
MORE THAN EXPECTED
Pirates RHP Juan Nicasio threw 98 pitches over six innings in a minor league game. Although he
was signed to be a long reliever, Nicasio has performed well enough in camp to be in the mix for
a rotation spot.
"I'm happy, no matter what my role," he said. "My arm is sharp, my body feels strong."
TRAINER'S ROOM
Orioles: INF Ryan Flaherty was scratched from the lineup due to flu-like symptoms. . Showalter
said he's confident C Matt Wieters, who played in an intrasquad game, will be ready for opening
day. Wieters hasn't caught in a major league game since his right elbow flared up on March 12. .
LHP Brian Matusz (back) threw in the intrasquad game and will throw again on Monday. . INF-
OF Jimmy Paredes (wrist) isn't sure if he'll remain in Florida when the team heads north.
Pirates: SS Jordy Mercer knocked his left knee hard on third base while sliding. He left in the
fourth inning as a precaution and is not expected to miss any time. . RF Gregory Polanco
(shoulder) and LF Starling Marte (tight quad) were not in the lineup, but neither injury is
expected to keep them out of action for more than a day or two longer.
ROSTER MOVES
Orioles: RHP Dale Thayer opted out of his minor league contract and left the Orioles. Baltimore
has 42 players left in camp.
Pirates: LHP Eric O'Flaherty was dealt to the Atlanta Braves for cash. O'Flaherty appeared in
eight games with a 2.89 ERA and a 1.82 WHIP this spring. The move could mean Cory Luebke
will be the second lefty, along with setup man Tony Watson, in the opening-day bullpen. If he is
not assured a spot on the active roster by Tuesday, Luebke can trigger an out clause in his
contract.
JUST GOT HERE
Orioles OF Hyun Soo Kim said he's not aware of reports that Baltimore has discussed allowing
him to return to South Korea. Kim said he's happy he accepted a $7 million, two-year offer to
come to the Orioles. Showalter had no comment on the Foxsports.com report.
"He's competing," Showalter said. "You know what? That's not completely true. We'll see what
the next few days bring. We've got some tough decisions to make."
UP NEXT
Orioles: RHP Mike Wright starts Monday against the Boston Red Sox.
Pirates: RHP Gerrit Cole will pitch Monday against the Minnesota Twins. Slowed by a sore
ribcage at the start of camp, Cole has appeared in one Grapefruit League game, a two-inning stint
March 13 against Detroit.
http://espn.go.com/mlb/recap?gameId=360326101
Orioles hit 4 homers, beat Red Sox 16-8
Associated Press / ESPN.com
March 26, 2016
SARASOTA, Fla. -- J.J. Hardy homered for the third straight game, Manny Machado for the
second in a row, and Chris Davis hit his second home run of the spring as the Baltimore Orioles
beat the Boston Red Sox 16-8 on Saturday.
The home runs from Machado and Davis were part of a six-run sixth inning against Roenis Elias,
who's a candidate for one of the final positions on the Red Sox's staff.
Minor league catcher Audry Perez added a three-run homer.
Mark Trumbo had three RBI for the Orioles.
Hardy, who missed 48 games last season, is injury free this spring.
"People forget this is a shortstop capable of hitting 20 to 30 home runs and hitting .270 when
healthy," Baltimore manager Buck Showalter said.
Yovani Gallardo started for the Orioles and allowed seven runs and eight hits in 3 2/3 innings.
Boston scored five runs in the second inning against Gallardo, who has a spring ERA of 16.88.
Mookie Betts had three hits and Jackie Bradley Jr. hit a two-run homer for the Red Sox.
STARTING TIME:
Red Sox: RHP Clay Buchholz, who was originally scheduled to start this game, pitched in a
minor league game in Fort Myers.
RHP Justin Haley, who was 5-16 with a 5.15 ERA at Double-A Portland, started and pitched
three innings, allowing five runs on six hits.
Orioles: Gallardo tries not to worry about spring training numbers.
"I think throughout my career, it's one of those things I really don't let it get to me. I know I'm
preparing the way that I have to for that first regular-season game," Gallardo said. "You've got to
find every little thing that you can use to your advantage to keep the hitters off balance."
TRAINER'S ROOM:
Red Sox: 3B Pablo Sandoval, who has been limited by a back injury, took ground balls in Fort
Myers and swung from both sides of the plate.
"The last two days have been a marked improvement for Panda," manager John Farrell said.
"How he checks out tomorrow gives us a better indication of when he gets back in a game."
C Christian Vazquez, who is recovering from Tommy John surgery, has had a good spring, but is
unlikely to start the season in the major leagues, according to Farrell.
"If it's not Opening Day, he's making strides and getting closer to that," Farrell said.
Orioles: RHP Kevin Gausman (shoulder) will likely start the season on the disabled list. He's yet
to throw since taking a cortisone shot last Sunday.
"I don't want to miss three or four starts. I definitely want to be with the team early on in the
season and be able to make 30-plus starts. My goal is to get there within the first two weeks of
the season," Gausman said.
C Matt Wieters threw to the bases for the first time since his right elbow flared up on March 12.
UP NEXT:
Red Sox: RHP Steven Wright pitches for Boston as it hosts the Philadelphia Phillies and RHP
Jerad Eickhoff on Sunday.
Orioles: RHP Ubaldo Jimenez starts for Baltimore as it travel to Bradenton to face Pittsburgh
and RHP Trevor Williams on Sunday night.
CUT: The Orioles optioned 1B/OF Christian Walker to Triple-A Norfolk so that he could play
left field regularly.
http://espn.go.com/mlb/recap?gameId=360325101
Nova yields 3 homers; Orioles top Yanks 11-10 in 10 innings
Associated Press / ESPN.com
March 25, 2016
SARASOTA, Fla. -- Trying to win a job as the New York Yankees' fifth starter, Ivan Nova
allowed three home runs Friday and the Baltimore Orioles beat the Yankees 11-10 in 10 innings.
Nova is competing against CC Sabathia for the final spot in the rotation. He pitched 4 2/3
innings, allowing six runs -- five earned- on five hits.
Mark Trumbo hit his fifth home run, a solo shot. Caleb Joseph and J.J. Hardy had two-run
homers. It was Joseph's first and Hardy's second.
"I put myself in a really bad position right now," Nova said. "I didn't help myself today."
Manny Machado hit his third home run in the seventh and Nolan Reimold made it 8-8 in the
ninth with his first home run.
Baltimore starter Chris Tillman allowed five runs on six hits in four innings. Chris Denorfia hit a
three-run homer in the second inning.
The Orioles scored three runs in the bottom of the 10th for the victory.
STARTING TIME:
Yankees: Nova has to fight Sabathia's legacy in the competition for the fifth starter's job. "It's
probably the biggest story in camp right now," manager Joe Girardi said. "That's probably why
there's a lot being made out of it because of who CC is and what he's done in this game, what he
has meant to the Yankees. We don't win a World Series without CC. We don't get to all those
playoffs without CC." ... RHP Michael Pineda threw five scoreless innings in a minor league
intrasquad game.
Orioles: Tillman made his third start of the spring and was pleased with how he threw. "I didn't
think there were very many bad pitches," he said. "There were a lot of good pitches. They made
good contact, I think twice all day, so I wasn't unhappy with it by any means."
TRAINER'S ROOM:
Yankees: OF Jacoby Ellsbury (wrist) is not scheduled to play Saturday against Toronto in
Dunedin. Ellsbury took batting practice for the second time since he was hit by a pitch on March
19. "Today I was taking my normal swing. I feel confident in my swing," Ellsbury said in
Tampa. ... INF Rob Refsnyder suffered a bloody lip trying to field a ground ball. He made two
errors.
Orioles: LHP Brian Matusz (back) will pitch on Sunday in an attempt to avoid starting the season
on the disabled list. Matusz has pitched just two innings this spring. ... C Matt Wieters (elbow)
played in a minor league game and the team may decide on Saturday when he can catch again. ...
INF Steve Tolleson got the wind knocked out of him during a collision with C Francisco Pena.
He said he feels sore but thinks he'll be ready to play Saturday. ... RHP Chaz Roe, whose wife
gave birth to a baby girl, will return to the club on Saturday.
UP NEXT:
Yankees: RHP Bryan Mitchell, in the mix for a job as a long man and spot starter, is scheduled
to start against Blue Jays LHP J.A. Happ on Saturday.
Orioles: RHP Yovani Gallardo starts against the Boston Red Sox on Saturday. Boston has yet to
name a starter.
http://www.csnmidatlantic.com/blog/orioles-talk/jimenez-pulled-abruptly-first-inning-orioles-
win
Jimenez pulled abruptly in first inning of Orioles' win
By Rich Dubroff / CSN Mid-Atlantic
March 27, 2016
BRADENTON, Fla. – The snowbirds have begun their trek north, vacationers are back at work
or school, and the final days of spring training are here.
There are still many more players on hand than the Orioles can carry. By this time next week, the
active roster will be at 25—17 fewer than the Orioles currently have in camp.
A few players will be put on the disabled list, and some moves, perhaps some big ones will be
made. A number of players will optioned to Norfolk and non-roster players sent to minor league
camp.
Men who will not be part of the Opening Day 25-man roster dotted the lineup for Sunday night’s
game with the Pittsburgh Pirates.
That didn’t help Ubaldo Jimenez, who was removed after just seven batters in the first inning in
the Orioles’ 5-3 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates before 6,002 at McKechnie Field.
Jimenez walked John Jaso to begin the inning. Andrew McCutchen singled, and after Jimenez
got two outs, Josh Harrison’s bloop in left, turned into a triple when no one covered third.
After Jake Goebbert and Jordy Mercer singled, Buck Showalter trotted out on the field and
Jimenez’s start came to an abrupt end.
“I didn’t have good command of the fastball. I was falling behind in the count, and they made me
pay for it,” Jimenez said.
In his first start, On Mar. 2, six of the seven batters Jimenez faced scored, and since then he’s
had two acceptable major league starts and two minor league appearances.
“You’re never happy to be out of the game in the first inning. It doesn’t matter if it’s a Little
League game or a major league game,” Jimenez said.
Richard Rodriguez, an import from minor league camp, rescued Jimenez and pitched a scoreless
second.
After he was removed from the game, Jimenez got up three times in the bullpen to throw,
simulating a start.
“I think I threw too many pitches, close to 40. They didn’t want me to go that far especially in
spring training,” Jimenez said.
Pedro Alvarez, who spent six seasons with the Pirates, spent an extended time on the field before
the game visiting with his former teammates and signing autographs.
In his first at-bat, Alvarez launched a home run to right off Trevor Williams, and the suddenly
hot Nolan Reimold followed with one to left. Those were the second for both this spring, and the
Orioles had a quick 2-0 lead.
Reimold singled in the fourth, and had six straight hits in his last three games.
Alvarez played first base, again without incident.
“We’re going to need him to play some first and play some third,” manager Buck Showalter said.
“On the surface, going into the season, a lot of his role is being the DH, but that could change
with one oblique or whatever.”
Brad Brach worked a perfect third, and Zach Phillips, who signed on Wednesday, retired five
batters without allowing a run. Chaz Roe, who was away for a few days after his wife gave birth
to a daughter, worked the sixth. T.J. McFarland, minor leaguer Jason Stoffel and Oliver Drake
each pitched scoreless innings.
The bullpen did not allow a run in 8 1/3 innings.
Joey Rickard singled to start the ninth, and Garabez Rosa doubled to score him, and Josh Hart
singled to score Rosa, and the Orioles had a 5-3 lead.
Rosa started when Ryan Flaherty was scratched due to flu-like symptoms. Flaherty isn’t
expected to play on Monday.
Showalter said that Rosa, who was regularly on his “JIC” or “Just in Case” list is no longer.
“Rosa has graduated from JIC. He’s in the ‘what if’ list now,” Showalter said. “He’s handled
himself well defensively.”
Rosa is 8-for-12 with six RBIs this spring.
They’re now 9-14-4, and 9-4-2 since their 12-game winless streak to begin spring training.
NOTES: Hyun Soo Kim, who was on the original travel list for the game, is not on the travel list
for Monday’s game in Fort Myers. Many of the players from tonight’s game will play on
Monday.
http://www.csnmidatlantic.com/blog/orioles-talk/gallardo-gives-7-orioles-score-16
Gallardo gives up 7, Orioles score 16
By Rich Dubroff / CSN Mid-Atlantic
March 26, 2016
SARASOTA, Fla. – For the second straight day, the Orioles received a subpar pitching
performance from a starter and a huge offensive output.
Yovani Gallardo struggled into the fourth inning, giving up seven runs while the Orioles had 20
hits in their 16-8 win over the Boston Red Sox before a sun-soaked crowd of 8,518 at Ed Smith
Stadium on Saturday.
For the third straight game, J.J. Hardy hit a home run, and Manny Machado hit one for the
second consecutive game. Chris Davis, who hadn’t homered since his first at-bat in the Orioles’
spring home opener on Mar. 2, followed Machado’s homer with his own.
Audry Perez, a catcher likely returning to Triple-A Norfolk, had a three-run home run and four
RBIs, and Mark Trumbo drove in three while Adam Jones had three hits.
Gallardo’s spring ERA ballooned to 16.88 as he gave up five runs in Boston’s second.
“You can look at every spring training I’ve had throughout my career and I think it’s…they’ve
been bad. It’s a good they don’t count for your career. It’s one of those things. At the end of the
day, no matter what you have to do, you’re here to work on things,” Gallardo said.
Manager Buck Showalter wasn’t displeased with Gallardo, who didn’t sign until late last month.
Gallardo will probably start the final game in Sarasota, on Thursday against Atlanta. Showalter
said he’s not looking for big things until early next month.
“In April I am. That’s when the results count,” Showalter said.
One player the Orioles probably won’t be seeing next month is Christian Walker, who was
optioned to Triple-A Norfolk.
Walker’s path to first base is blocked by Chris Davis, and he’ll be going to the Tides to play left
field every day.
He played there twice without incident this spring, and the Orioles want to see if he can play
there in the major leagues.
Showalter said his play in left wasn’t an eye-opener.
“No. He kept them open. They were already open. Christian’s got a track record,” Showalter
said. “He can do this.”
Walker had four homers and 14 RBIs early in camp, but slumped in recent days to finish with a
.227 average, was the team’s organizational player of the year in 2014.
“Obviously, the sample size is very short, and it is learning a new position regardless of how
quickly I can learn something or pick something up, so I’m going to take my time with it and get
the reps I need. Whenever anything’s good and ready, it will be my time,” Walker said.
Hardy is hitting .333 and his spring has delighted Showalter.
"It's been evident to me since the first probably week of spring training, just him moving around
and just the body language, everything when you know J.J. as well as we do,” Showalter said.
“People forget this is a shortstop capable of hitting 20-30 home runs and hitting .270 when
healthy."
The Orioles skipped Gallardo’ first start because of his late signing, and in his first two, both
against Philadelphia, the Phillies scored eight runs in 4 1/3 innings.
Seven days before, Gallardo was supposed to start at Port Charlotte against Tampa Bay, but it
was rained out after the Orioles made two outs in the first.
A minor league start was hastily arranged for Monday.
“It was a little crazy, but it shows the most important thing is the pitch count, to get the pitch
count up,” Gallardo said. “And make sure I didn’t miss that start. Otherwise, I would have been
falling behind like I was earlier in the camp.”
NOTES: The Orioles play Pittsburgh at Bradenton on Sunday night. Ubaldo Jimenez will face
Trevor Williams. … The team still has 43 players in camp. … The Orioles spring record is 8-14-
4. They’re 6-4-2 at home and 2-10-10 on the road.
http://www.csnmidatlantic.com/blog/orioles-talk/tillman-says-hes-satisfied-orioles-beat-yankees
Tillman says he's satisfied as Orioles beat Yankees
By Rich Dubroff / CSN Mid-Atlantic
March 25, 2016
SARASOTA, Fla. – The Orioles will set their starting rotation on Sunday, and it will be a major
surprise if anyone other than Chris Tillman is their Opening Day starter.
Tillman pitched in his third official Grapefruit League game on Friday, and though the results
were statistically satisfying for him, he was perfectly content with how he threw.
He allowed five runs on six hits in four innings and left after J.J. Hardy made an error to begin
the fifth in the Orioles’ 11-10 win over the New York Yankees in 10 innings before 8,350 at Ed
Smith Stadium.
Tillman missed his first scheduled start due to a strained hip, and pitched in a “B” game. He’s
given up 10 runs on 16 hits in 9 2/3 innings.
“He’s right where he needs to be. He’s carrying a good, solid fastball,” manager Buck Showalter
said.
Tillman will presumably pitch one final time in Florida, next Wednesday against Detroit before
starting on Opening Day against Minnesota on Apr. 4.
“It was good. I made my pitches throughout. I made a lot of really good pitches with all of them.
I was pretty happy with it,” Tillman said.
Tillman struck out four and walked three, though home plate Clint Fagan’s strike zone may have
been conservative.
“There were five or six strikes that were called balls. That time of year with umpires, too,”
Showalter said.
The Orioles hit five home runs and Chris Denorfia’s three-run homer off Tillman in the second
was their big blow.
“Balls flying all over the park today. Anything in the air,” Showalter said. “It’s one of those
days. You get a few strikes called, and in a night game, it’s probably 3-2.”
RELATED: How fatherhood made J.J. Hardy stronger
Tillman didn’t think the conditions affected him.
“I didn’t think there were very many bad pitches. There were a lot of good pitches. They made
good contact, I think twice all day, so I wasn’t unhappy with it by any means,” Tillman said.
He refused an opportunity to criticize Fagan, too.
“It’s not my job to calls balls and strikes. I’m going out there throwing strikes and doing what I
can to get these guys out. I thought I made some pretty good pitches,” Tillman said.
He’ll be happy with the same kind of run support during the season.
Mark Trumbo hit his fifth home run of the spring. Caleb Joseph and Hardy had two-run shots. It
was Joseph’s first and Hardy’s second in as many days.
“We’ve been talking about this for a while now. It’s fun to watch these guys go up and hit the
ball around the park. It’s like one through nine right now and it’s fun to watch,” Tillman said.
Those were hit off New York starter Ivan Nova, who’s grappling with the fading CC Sabathia
for the final Yankees rotation spot.
Manny Machado hit a home run in the seventh to tie the score at 7 and Nolan Reimold tied it at 9
in the ninth.
Reimold had two hits. In an uninspiring spring, they were most welcome.
“He needed it. He’s been scuffling. Go home to feel good about his swing. When he’s good, he’s
real good. When he’s not in one of those periods, it’s a challenge,” Showalter said.
Minor leaguer Stefan Crichton allowed two runs to the Yankees in the 10th, and the Orioles
scored three runs in the bottom of the 10th for the win.
Garabez Rosa, who’s regularly imported from minor league camp, hit a two-run single for the
win. Rosa is 6-for-8 (.750) this spring.
Showalter said that Zach Phillips, who relieved Tillman with a runner on in the fifth and quickly
got out of the inning, may pitch every other day for the rest of spring training.
There was a scary moment in the eighth inning when third baseman Steve Tolleson collided with
catcher Francisco Pena in the eighth inning.
“It was a pop fly in no man’s land and we were both going after it, and I’m sure we were both
calling it,” Tolleson said. “I had my arms up and had my breath knocked out of me. I tightened
up a little bit. I’m sure I’ll be ready to go tomorrow.”
NOTES: Brian Matusz, who had a cortisone shot on Sunday, threw a side session and is
scheduled to pitch on Sunday. … Matt Wieters got 11 at-bats in an intrasquad minor league
game. The Orioles may decide on Saturday when he’ll catch in a major league game. … Kevin
Gausman (shoulder) got treatment, but did not throw. …Outfielder Felix Perez, who signed a
minor league contract earlier this month, has requested his release to pursue an opportunity in
Japan. …Yovani Gallardo pitches for the Orioles on Saturday against the Boston Red Sox.
…The Orioles recorded their ninth sellout of the spring.
http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/orioles/blog/bal-opponent-quality-stat-sheds-light-on-
competition-for-orioles-regulars-in-spring-training-20160327-story.html
Opponent quality stat sheds light on competition for Orioles
regulars in spring training
By Jon Meoli / The Sun
March 28, 2016
In spring training, one of the most difficult questions anyone can ask is, “What does it all mean?”
The answer most typically arrive at is not a whole lot.
Pitchers will tell you they're working on different things and building up their arms, not
approaching individual at-bats the way they would in the regular season. Hitters are trying to find
their timing and hone the batter’s eye that only game action can allow them to do, and they
disregard the results — unless they’re good, of course.
And everyone will point to the competition. Rosters can be heavy on major leaguers, almost
exclusively feature players ticketed for various levels of the minors, or be anywhere in between.
Now, however, there’s a way to quantify that.
Baseball Reference’s player pages, which are already indispensable, feature a stat using a point
system that assigns a number on a 1-10 scale to the pitcher or batters that a player has faced
based on their highest level of play the previous season.
Major leaguers are worth 10, Triple-A players 8, Double-A 7, High-A 5 and Low-A 4. Short-
season players and rookie-ball players are worth between 3 and 1.5 points, the site says.
Baseball Reference instituted the stat in 2013, and in an explanatory post from that year said
anything at 9 or above meant the player faced mostly major leaguers. Anything below 9 meant it
was more minor leaguers.
There are plenty of other factors that play into it, but it seems useful in assessing spring training
stats as roster decision time looms.
Let’s begin with the spring training darling of Orioles camp, Rule 5 outfielder Joey Rickard.
Decades of baseball experience are driving caution with Orioles manager Buck Showalter, who
despite being regularly impressed by Rickard knows there was a reason he was left unprotected
by the Tampa Bay Rays. He understands there’s still a difference between performing well in
spring training and doing it in actual big league games.
How big of a difference? Rickard has an opponent quality of 7.5 in stats that appear to be
through Friday’s games, meaning the quality of pitcher he has faced is somewhere between the
Double-A and Triple-A level. Among players who the Orioles could reasonably bring north to
Baltimore on Friday, that’s the lowest opponent quality of them all. And that will make for a big
jump come April.
Another outfielder who’s been the topic of much discussion this spring, Korean left fielder Hyun
Soo Kim, unfortunately doesn’t have his spring stats on his page. For a player like him, who’s
already dealing with so much adjusting to American life and trying to translate his skills to the
game here, it would be a very useful tool. But since his page only features his Korean stats, the
spring training stats aren’t there.
There are a few other hitters who this could reasonably used to decipher whether hot springs are
real or not, starting with third baseman Jonathan Schoop. He’s batting .358/.393/.566 with three
home runs this spring, and through Friday has an opponent quality of 8 — a Triple-A pitcher.
Given Schoop is a dead-red fastball hitter, and pitchers are mostly just trying to get their work in,
he could see more of those in the spring and simply be jumping on them. It will be much more
indicative when the season starts if Schoop continues to produce like this when he gets a steady
diet of spin.
Another player who has hit well this spring is right fielder Mark Trumbo, who has a team-
leading five home runs and is slashing .308/.321/.615. His opponent quality through Friday is
8.5, which is tied with first baseman Pedro Alvarez for the highest among the position player
regulars. (Catcher Matt Wieters also has a 8.5 but has only 16 at-bats because of an injury).
Similarly, a healthy version of shortstop J.J. Hardy looks as good as he has since 2014 this
spring. He’s batting .333/.366/.641 with home runs in three straight games, and has an opponent
quality of 8.1.
For reference’s sake, I’ll list every players' opponent quality at the bottom, but first let’s look at
some notable pitchers.
The Orioles’ five starting rotation frontrunners — Chris Tillman, Ubaldo Jimenez, Yovani
Gallardo, Kevin Gausman and Miguel Gonzalez — have seldom gotten good results this spring.
Showalter often chalks that up to the hot, breezy conditions in Florida, and the pitchers say they
feel good but have been made to pay for the handful of mistakes they have made.
Tillman, who has allowed 10 earned runs in 9 1/3 innings over three starts, has an opponent
quality of 9. He faced a full-strength lineup at the Toronto Blue Jays on March 15, and got
similarly strong lineups from Tampa Bay and the New York Yankees in his two ensuing home
starts. That contributes to him having the highest opponent quality among the team’s pitchers.
Given those are division opponents, it’s even fair to assume that Tillman didn’t pitch those
batters the way he would in the regular season.
Jimenez’s stats weren't updated late Sunday night after he allowed three runs without getting out
of the first inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates to bring his spring ERA to 12.27, and doesn’t
take into account that he faced minor league lineups twice. He has an opponent quality of 8.7.
For Gallardo, the opponent quality of 8.7 doesn’t factor in the barebones Red Sox lineup that
scored seven earned runs off him in 3 2/3 innings Saturday and featured two starters who didn’t
play above Class A in 2015 and several more Double-A and Triple-A players.
Gonzalez has started against major-league heavy lineups in road games against Tampa Bay, New
York, Minnesota and Pittsburgh, and has a 12.56 ERA. His opponent quality is 8.5.
For Gausman, who is battling shoulder tendinitis and seems likely to begin the season on the
disabled list with just two Grapefruit League starts under his belt, the opponent quality is 8.9.
The other candidates for the starting rotation if Gausman can’t go early or someone else is held
out are Tyler Wilson (2.92 ERA in 12 1/3 innings; 8.5 opponent quality) Mike Wright (5.74
ERA in 15 2/3 innings; 8.7 opponent quality), Vance Worley (4.61 ERA in 13 2/3 innings; 8.5
opponent quality) and Odrisamer Despaigne (6.75 ERA in 13 1/3 innings; 8.4 opponent quality).
So it seems like if we’re going to ascribe a level of play to spring training, it’s somewhere close
to Triple-A on average. The beginnings of games, most featuring major league starters against
each other, can be high, but the quality level drops off sometimes drastically by the end.
If nothing else, these can guide a little of the discourse as the Orioles begin to make roster
judgments this week. But it’s just as likely that this, like so many other spring stats, will be
thrown out the window once camp breaks Thursday.
Here’s the opponent quality for the rest of the Orioles who are either on the major league roster
or on its fringes. All ratings appear to be through Friday’s games.
Hitters
First baseman Chris Davis -- .190/.292/.357 with two home runs in 42 at-bats; 8.1 opponent
quality.
First baseman Pedro Alvarez -- .200/.273/.467 with two home runs in 30 at-bats; 8.5 opponent
quality.
Third baseman Manny Machado -- .306/.358/.612 with four home runs in 39 at-bats; 8.1
opponent quality.
Shortstop Paul Janish -- .293/.375/.390 with one home run in 41 at-bats; 7.5 opponent quality.
Center fielder Adam Jones -- .286/.333/.524 with three home runs in 42 at-bats; 8.0 opponent
quality.
Outfielder Nolan Reimold -- .255/.327/.426 with two home runs in 47 at-bats; 7.8 opponent
quality.
Catcher Caleb Joseph -- .311/.326/.400 with one home run in 45 at-bats; 8.2 opponent quality.
Catcher Matt Wieters -- .125/.125/.222 in 16 at-bats; 8.5 opponent quality.
Infielder Ryan Flaherty -- .351/.479/.514 with one home run in 37 at-bats; 7.8 opponent quality.
Pitchers
Closer Zach Britton – 1.29 ERA, 0.71 WHIP in seven innings; 8.2 opponent quality.
Reliever Darren O’Day – 10.50 ERA, 2.33 WHIP in six innings; 8.2 opponent quality.
Reliever Mychal Givens – 1.00 ERA, 1.56 WHIP in nine innings; 7.6 opponent quality.
Reliever Brad Brach – 3.38 ERA, 1.75 WHIP in eight innings; 7.9 opponent quality.
Reliever T.J. McFarland – 7.56 ERA, 2.28 WHIP in 8 1/3 innings; 8.4 opponent quality.
Reliever Chaz Roe – 2.38 ERA, 1.41 WHIP in 11 1/3 innings; 8.0 opponent quality.
Reliever Oliver Drake – 0.00 ERA, 1.00 WHIP in nine innings; 7.8 opponent quality.
Reliever Dylan Bundy – 4.35 ERA, 1.16 WHIP in 10 1/3 innings; 8.1 opponent quality.
http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/orioles/blog/bal-orioles-slugger-pedro-alvarez-homers-to-
cap-warm-reunion-at-pirates-spring-stadium-20160327-story.html
Orioles slugger Pedro Alvarez homers to cap warm reunion
at Pirates' spring stadium
By Jon Meoli / The Sun
March 27, 2016
Pedro Alvarez was warmly received by former teammates, fans at the Pirates' spring home, then
homered on them.
Orioles first baseman Pedro Alvarez made his return to the Pirates’ McKechnie Field — the only
spring training home he had ever known until this month — and made it memorable for everyone
except his former team Sunday.
But manager Buck Showalter said he didn’t sense any ill will on what seemed to be a night of
warm reunions between Alvarez and the Pirates.
“I’m very sensitive to, like, when he first got to us, I would never ask him about playing against
the Pirates or whatever,” Showalter said. “We had one opportunity where we didn’t, just to kind
of let him get settled in a little bit.
"You basically kind of grow up with an organization, be a first-round pick and not have some
ties to it. I think he’s handled it real well. I don’t think there’s any [extra meaning] — I didn’t see
any of that. They gave him a great opportunity, drafted him top five in the country. I think
everything I’ve talked to him [about] and heard, he’s very thankful for the opportunity they gave
him.”
Alvarez, nontendered by Pittsburgh this offseason after a difficult 2015 season, signed a one-
year, $5.75 million contract with the Orioles on March 10.
During the Pirates’ batting practice before the game, he caught up with old friends on the field,
embracing manager Clint Hurdle, coach Dave Jauss and star center fielder Andrew McCutchen,
among others.
He received a nice ovation from Pirates fans when introduced for his first at-bat, and promptly
hit his second home run of the spring, onto the boardwalk above the Pirates bullpen in right field.
It was Alvarez’s second home run of the spring, and came before designated hitter Nolan
Reimold hit a homer of his own and helped the Orioles to an early 2-0 lead. The home run
marked Alvarez’s fourth extra-base hit in 30 Grapefruit League at-bats, though he has spent two
days getting work at minor league camp in Twin Lakes this past week. He struck out in his final
two appearances in Sunday's 5-3 win, but the 1-for-3 showing brought his spring batting average
to .200.
Alvarez played against the Pirates earlier this spring, but this was his first trip to Bradenton.
After the game, Showalter outlined just how important Alvarez would be to the Orioles after a
strong defensive game at first base, a position he learned only last year in Pittsburgh.
“The biggest thing is he’s just engaged in it,” Showalter said. "We talked to him and we’re going
to need him to play some first play some third and be available. On the surface going into the
season, it looks like he’s going to serve a lot of his role as the DH, but that can change in one
oblique [injury], one whatever. He’s a big part of the what-if if we’ve got to go somewhere at
first or third [base.]”
http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/orioles/blog/bal-as-innings-dry-up-for-veteran-relievers-in-
orioles-camp-it-s-either-opt-out-or-wait-it-out-20160327-story.html
As innings dry up for veteran relievers in Orioles camp, it's
either opt out or wait it out
By Jon Meoli / The Sun
March 27, 2016
There's not much some veteran Orioles relievers can do about their lack of innings this spring.
As he’s sent out pitching prospects from big league camp this spring, Orioles manager Buck
Showalter has often said it’s because the innings in major league games are disappearing and
there’s no time for them to pitch. For the young, up-and-coming arms, a return to minor league
camp means they can work as starters and get more innings than they would in major league
camp.
But for those non-roster invitees in the bullpen who don’t go back to minor league camp, this
time of year is always the most difficult. On Saturday, veteran reliever Dale Thayer exercised an
opt-out in his contract that allowed him to leave the Orioles and become a free agent. Neither he
nor fellow veteran reliever Todd Redmond had pitched since March 17, though Showalter said
they knew it would be this way.
“They get into a lot of stuff, just not necessarily in the game,” Showalter said. “Not really
[difficult]. It’s like the position players, you look at at-bats and innings, they knew where the
opportunities were going to be. They took advantage of that. It’s time when we have to get guys
at-bats and innings to get prepared for the season. They know that. And they also knew coming
in here the opportunities were going to be in the first three weeks.”
Reliever Pedro Beato, who went from March 16 to March 25 without pitching in a game, also
falls into that category. Beato allowed his first earned run in his fifth appearance Friday, giving
him a 1.29 ERA in seven innings. Thayer left camp with six innings of work under his belt and a
4.50 ERA in six innings. Redmond has allowed five earned runs in seven innings over six
appearances.
After Thursday’s game with the Pittsburgh Pirates, Redmond got his work in in the bullpen. He
said there’s not much he can do about the opportunities dwindling.
“It’s always tough, but you’ve got to do what you can to stay fresh,” Redmond said. “You’re
still competing, all the way until the last day. But I was pitching pretty regularly early on. It was
good. It was fun. I still feel like I can go out there and pitch some more, but besides that, you do
stuff to stay fresh and be ready.”
Redmond said those post-game sessions are ones you “just treat as a normal bullpen.”
Redmond, unlike Thayer, said he doesn’t have an opt-out on the horizon, so it seems to be a
waiting game until he gets his assignment to start the season.
Thayer’s opt-out, which was first reported by MLB Trade Rumors, came as the Orioles were
hosting the first of what they hope to be an annual charity event in Sarasota, Nashville’s Music
Row comes to the Ballpark.
A host of players and team partners crowded into a tent behind Ed Smith Stadium to hear
performances by hit country songwriters Desmond Child, Bob DiPiero, Justin Wilson, and
Nashville newcomer Margaret Valentine. Proceeds from the invite only event benefited the
Sarasota Family YMCA Youth Programs and Music Health Alliance, which provides healthcare
resources to musicians.
Jennifer Grondahl, president of the YMCA Foundation of Sarasota, said the Orioles approached
them about being the local beneficiary for the event.
“We’ve had a relationship for a while,” Grondahl said. “The Orioles have been a huge supporter
of the Y locally, so it was sort of a natural partnership. … The funds from tonight will be used to
help children who otherwise would not be able to participate in sports and summer camp through
scholarships that the Y provides, and we scholarship many children — more than $500,000
worth of scholarships in Sarasota County last year.”
Orioles executive vice president John Angelos said the event is one of many steps they’re taking
“to make the team incredibly ingrained in the community here.”
He said the Orioles’ are proud of their economic impact in the area — in 2015, the county and
state said the Orioles generated $81 million annually. They’ve also supported tourism in
Sarasota, but the community aspect is just as important, he said.
“What tonight’s about is artists and athletes being active in the community,” Angelos said. “We
can really make a tremendous community outreach by using our good fortune as ownership
groups, as Orioles athletes, as great Nashville songwriters. We can create impact in the
community. This is the first of what we hope will be an annual event here in Sarasota."
“It’s Baltimore South,” manager Buck Showalter said. “That’s why we have Camden Yards
South there. It’s a partnership in more ways than one. We get a lot out of it, and we like to think
Sarasota gets quality things out of it. But this isn’t just to repay something. This is what’s right.”
http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/orioles/blog/bal-buck-showalter-hesitant-to-say-whether-
hyun-soo-kim-will-make-orioles-roster-20160327-story.html
As Joey Rickard emerges for Orioles, Hyun Soo Kim's
future becomes unclear
By Ed Encina / The Sun
March 27, 2016
BRADENTON, Fla. — When the Orioles signed South Korean outfielder Hyun Soo Kim in
December, they expected him to be the club’s starting left fielder on Opening Day.
Now, with Opening Day just a week away, Kim’s future with the club is unclear. It’s uncertain
whether the 28-year-old still will be in the organization on Opening Day, let alone in the starting
lineup or on the 25-man roster.
Meanwhile, the emergence of Rule 5 draft pick Joey Rickard — whose push to make the club
has been one of the more surprising developments of spring training — has been so impressive
that Rickard is now under consideration to be the club’s starting left fielder. He’s beginning to
appear regularly alongside the team’s starters as the preseason winds down.
“I haven’t heard much so far, and I wouldn’t expect to, honestly,” Rickard said when asked
whether he has been told of his role. “There is a big week left. I would expect that they have
time, and I wouldn’t count on them to make a decision anytime sooner than they’d like.”
The Orioles could be considering severing ties with Kim and his two-year, $7 million contract.
According to a Fox Sports report Saturday, the Orioles have had internal discussions about the
possibility of releasing Kim from his contract so that he can return to the Korean Baseball
Organization, where he was one of the league’s top players for the past decade.
The Orioles made a similar move last year with right-hander Suk-min Yoon, working a deal to
release him from his contract and negotiating his return to the Kia Tigers of the KBO. Yoon
forwent $4.3 million owed to him for the right to return to the KBO and sign a two-year, $8.2
million deal with the Tigers.
The signs that the Orioles are trying to part with Kim are becoming evident. He was on the travel
roster for Sunday's road game against the Pirates in Bradenton but didn't play, and Orioles
manager Buck Showalter said that Kim wouldn't travel to Fort Myers for Monday afternoon's
game against the Boston Red Sox.
Kim has had his opportunities to win the starting job in left field. He started there in nine of the
Orioles’ first 13 Grapefruit League games. But Kim went hitless in his first 24 plate appearances
over his first seven games while struggling defensively in left field with both his range and arm.
Since opening the season hitless, Kim has started to find his form at the plate, going 8-for-23
(.347 batting average) in his past nine games.
Showalter was hesitant Sunday to endorse Kim’s chances of making the big league roster. Asked
whether he believes Kim will make the big league club — according to a clause in his deal, he
must give the team permission to send him to the minors — Showalter said he was "competing,"
then backtracked slightly.
“That’s not completely true,” Showalter said. “So we’ll see what the next few days bring. We’ve
got some tough decisions to make.”
Showalter said Rickard’s surge wouldn’t affect Kim’s chances of making the club. Rickard, a
former Tampa Bay Rays prospect, has all but won an Opening Day roster spot.
Rickard entered the spring competing with Nolan Reimold for one of the final bench spots. He
has been the Orioles’ top hitter this spring, batting .396 (21-for-53) in 23 Grapefruit League
games. His 21 hits this spring lead the club.
Kim opened spring training as the team’s projected starting left fielder, but Rickard has produced
at the plate — mostly from the leadoff spot — and played well defensively.
There is a scenario in which the Orioles can carry both Rickard and Reimold on the Opening
Day roster. After struggling for most of the spring — he had just six hits in his first 40 at-bats —
Reimold is 6-for-7 with two homers and four RBIs in his past three games.
Rickard opened the spring playing center field on the road regularly with the Orioles reserves.
He has made each of his past two starts in left field and batted leadoff in games that featured a
heavy dose of regulars.
Rickard said he wasn’t looking too much into the fact that he was appearing with the regulars
more often.
“I don’t really think like that,” Rickard said before the Orioles' game Sunday, when he came off
the bench in the seventh and started a two-run ninth with a leadoff single . “I just think the last
couple days, I didn’t play, so maybe they put me up there to get at-bats. I really don’t know if
that was anything special or not.”
There are many facets of Rickard’s game besides his bat that are attractive to the Orioles. He can
aptly play all three outfield positions — he came up through the organization as a center fielder
— and his ability to bat leadoff would allow the Orioles to move third baseman Manny Machado
down in the order.
“Maybe to lead off the game, there is a little bit more to see pitches,” Rickard said. “After that, it
kind of depends on the game, how it’s going and what the situation is. With those runners on,
you’re obviously not looking to walk. You’re going to be more aggressive. Maybe the first at-
bat, I was a little more selective.”
Though Kim has struggled, Showalter said his opinion of Kim hasn’t changed.
“No, because I really didn’t have” an opinion, Showalter said. “I really came into it formulating
[my own], listening to a lot of people who had an opinion, listening to what they thought he’d be
or not be. Then you try to formulate your own. … This guy’s drove in, what, 121 runs last year
in 144 games, and with those numbers, he was probably one of the top-five players in the league.
He was pretty good.”
Kim, who said Sunday that he hadn’t seen the Fox Sports report, said he is still happy with the
decision he made to come to the U.S. to play in the major leagues.
“There’s much more I have to show, so as far as performance-wise, there’s more to go,” Kim
said through interpreter Danny Lee before Sunday’s game. “I don’t want to complain or
anything. I’ll just do whatever I can. ... Struggles are always struggles for anybody. I’m just
going to follow along and face whatever is coming in front of me and try my best to overcome
it.”
Asked whether he believes he has played well enough to win the starting left field job, Kim said:
“I haven’t thought about it. ... [The question] hasn't come along yet."
As for Rickard, he’s confident he can play left field and believes he has played well enough to
make the club. But he could end up being more than that. He could be the Orioles’ starting left
fielder on Opening Day.
“I think I can” play left, Rickard said. “But just talking with the guys, spring is spring. The lights
get brighter once the season starts. I feel like I’ve done a decent job in spring training, hopefully
they think so too.”
http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/orioles/blog/bal-buck-showalter-on-matt-wieters-opening-
day-availability-i-know-hes-planning-on-it-20160327-story.html
Buck Showalter on Matt Wieters' Opening Day availability:
'I know he's planning on it'
By Jon Meoli / The Sun
March 27, 2016
The O's have avoided timelines for Matt Wieters, until now. Showalter: "I know he's planning
on" Opening Day.
After Matt Wieters caught in a game Sunday for the first time since injuring his surgically
repaired right elbow two weeks ago, Orioles manager Buck Showalter gave his strongest
declaration yet on his All-Star catcher’s availability for the beginning of the season.
Asked Sunday whether Wieters was on pace to be available for Opening Day on April 4 at
Camden Yards, Showalter said he was.
“I know he’s planning on it,” Showalter said.
Otherwise, Showalter said Wieters' intrasquad minor league game at the team’s Twin Lakes
complex “went well as could hope."
“It’s a good step, catching in a game,” Showalter said.
“He had a lot of base runners intentionally. I think he had, like, six or seven throws. The first
one, [bench coach John Russell] thought was a little tentative. After that, it was good.”
Russell said Wieters threw to second base four times, with one of the throws appearing to get the
runner but called safe. He threw out both runners who attempted to steal third base, Russell said.
“His [pop] times got progressively better each time,” Russell said.
Wieters has recovered quickly from the injury, which he suffered in a game March 12 when he
started feeling soreness after a throw to second base in the first inning of a game against the
Minnesota Twins.
An MRI revealed the issue wasn’t structural, and though no diagnosis of what caused the
tightness Wieters felt was given, he said after the injury that he was treating it as the normal
soreness a catcher might get this time of year.
But because of his 2014 Tommy John surgery, the team moved slowly with him. He began
throwing early last week, and stretched out the distances as he added at-bats in minor league
games. He also served as the designated hitter in a major league game March 24, the last day a
player could appear and still have a disabled-list assignment backdated to March 25, which is as
far back as a trip to the DL can be retroactively begun.
Once Wieters reports how he feels Monday morning, they’ll map out a plan to get him back for
Opening Day. That could include more minor league games, as Showalter has said they won’t
have him catch in a major league game unless they’re sure he will be ready by April 4.
http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/orioles/blog/bal-ubaldo-jimenez-in-quietly-strong-spring-is-
the-orioles-darkhorse-opening-day-starter-candidate-20160326-story.html
Ubaldo Jimenez, in quietly strong spring, is the Orioles'
dark-horse Opening Day starter candidate
By Jon Meoli / The Sun
March 27, 2016
Chris Tillman has done it the past two years, but why not Ubaldo Jimenez as this year's Opening
Day starter?
Sunday always loomed as the day when Orioles manager Buck Showalter knew he’d have to get
his starting rotation in order for the April 4 Opening Day game against the Minnesota Twins and
the ensuing week of pitching.
While many will rightly assume that the honor of starting the Orioles’ opener will go to the man
who has done it the past two years, Chris Tillman, a second candidate has emerged this spring
for whom such a distinction would have been unthinkable at this time last year: right-hander
Ubaldo Jimenez.
The veteran Jimenez has been, by all accounts, at his very best throughout spring training after
retiring just one batter in the Grapefruit League opener in Orlando against the Atlanta Braves. In
two major league starts since, he combined for 6 1/3 innings with five hits, one earned run and
five strikeouts to just two walks.
His two appearances ahead of Sunday’s scheduled start against the Pittsburgh Pirates came in
minor league camp against the Boston Red Sox’s Triple-A affiliate. Jimenez allowed one earned
run on one hit and struck out seven in five innings in the first outing, then on Tuesday struck out
eight and walked one in 5 2/3 scoreless innings, allowing four hits.
“The coaching staff, they’re aware of where I am right now compared to how I was last year or
the year before,” Jimenez said. “They know me now, so they know that I’m in a really good
position with my mechanics, with my pitches, with everything, that every time I get on the
mound, I’m comfortable and confident that I can get people out.”
Manager Buck Showalter has watched video of the starts at Twin Lakes Park with the minor
leaguers, and said it has been more of the same from Jimenez in a good way.
“He’s pitched well in the A games, too,” Showalter said. “Ubaldo’s had a good spring. It’s been
good. He kind of picked up where he left off last year, knock on wood.”
Where he left off last year was the best he has been with the Orioles. Outside of Wei-Yin Chen,
who’s now a Miami Marlin, Jimenez was probably the team’s most consistent starter in the first
half. He struggled through July and August, then rebounded to post a 3.19 ERA in September
and October to finish with a 4.11 ERA on the year.
All of that was a marked improvement over 2014, the first year of his four-year, $50 million
contract with the Orioles. That year, he had a 4.81 ERA with a 1.52 WHIP, eventually lost his
spot in the rotation, and was left off the roster for the American League Championship Series.
Jimenez said he’s not letting how far he has come with the organization, or where he slots in the
rotation, take away from a spring when he says he has never felt better.
“I haven’t even think about it, I’m just trying to get ready for the season and wherever they put
me, I’m going to do everything possible to do my job,” Jimenez said. “But I mean, if you get an
opportunity like that. It’s great. But the main focus for me is to get ready for the season. It
doesn’t matter.
“Last year was the first time that I ever was the fifth starter. I just went out there and tried to do
my job the same as I was the second starter, the first, third — it didn’t matter. So for me, I’ve
been high, I’ve been the top and I’ve been the bottom.”
Jimenez started on Opening Day for the Colorado Rockies in 2010 and 2011, and said the
experience was one he’ll always remember.
“Of course it’s special for anyone,” Jimenez said. “It doesn’t matter if you’ve done it a thousand
[times] — it’s always special to be there on the first day, taking the field with your teammates.”
Whether it happens for him is up to circumstance. As currently lined up, Tillman would be on
schedule to start the game. Jimenez, if his five-day routine isn’t altered, would be on schedule for
April 6, the second game of the season. It would take some adjusting for the Orioles to not have
Tillman start the opener again, but that Jimenez is even an option has to be seen as a good sign
for his prospects in 2016.
http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/orioles/bs-sp-orioles-spring-training-0327-20160326-
story.html
Orioles' Dylan Bundy paints his path to new spring hobby
By Jon Meoli / The Sun
March 27, 2017
Dylan Bundy was always artistic, and now he uses those tendencies to fill his time away from
baseball.
A tradition meant to break up the monotony of spring training and lighten the clubhouse mood as
March grinds on, the Orioles' annual talent show has been a venue for acts both serious and silly
over the years.
This year's edition did something more than just endear the rookies to the veterans — it pushed
right-hander Dylan Bundy discover a passion for acrylic painting that has helped him relax
during a demanding spring training where he has had to adjust to life as a reliever.
Every player has his hobbies, and Bundy will sheepishly tell you he's "not that good" at his
newest. But it's an outlet for something that existed in him for as long as he can remember, and
it's something that has consumed a good deal of his time off the field over the past few weeks.
"It just seems like we're always doing something," Bundy said. "There's meetings, there's extra
stuff we've got to do off the field. Anytime you can get about two or three hours to yourself, it's
pretty neat."
"It doesn't surprise me that he's kind of picked up this somewhat new hobby," said Bobby
Bundy, Dylan's older brother and spring training roommate. "But it is nice to see him in a
happier state, him being happy and pitching well and feeling good."
Dylan Bundy has always been artistic, acknowledging he spent his childhood causing the rest of
his family grief whenever they left a marker around the house.
"I've always liked to draw," Dylan said. "Colored pencil, sketching, paint. You can ask my
brother and my dad. I used to draw on everything in the house — the walls, the dressers,
everything."
Added Bobby: "All of his dressers and things like that always got new markings on it. Even if it
was wood, it didn't matter. We had trouble keeping markers and things like that out of his hand
because he was always drawing on things and trying to make something of it."
What Dylan wouldn't share publicly, however, was how he caught the painting bug this spring.
His brother outed him on that — and inadvertently sparked the artistic movement that has swept
over the Orioles clubhouse.
"It all started when he went with his girlfriend to 'Painting with a Twist' down here," Bobby said.
The specialty art studio hosts lively painting classes where a glass of wine or twomakes everyone
feel better about the finished product. Days later, Bobby scrolled through and saw his younger
brother's Instagram post from that night.
"Dude, that was really good," Bobby told him. "I'm kind of impressed. I'm kind of impressed
with your painting that you painted the other day with Caitlin."
"You think so?" Dylan asked.
"It was actually really good," Bobby insisted.
Before long, Dylan decided to make that his talent show act.
"He comes home the next day with six canvases, 15 brushes and all this paint," Bobby said. "He
had it all. He had a stand for his canvas, he laid out a sheet on the bottom so he wouldn't get
paint on the floor — he did it all professional."
That week, he painted a practice version of the red-and-white, windblown horse he chose for his
talent show piece and proudly showed off a picture of it to everyone who would look. When it
came time to do it on the stage set up in the middle of the team's clubhouse for all to see, it
wasn't so easy.
"I was shaking up there," Dylan said, smiling. "I got it done within five minutes. It was neat — a
little horse. It looked good."
"I was shocked to know that he was so talented," first baseman Chris Davis said.
Fellow pitcher Mike Wright liked the work, too. He named the painting Scarlet and has it
hanging on his apartment wall.
"Someone wanting your work is pretty neat, I guess," Dylan said.
According to his brother, that list of patrons is growing.
"Now, it's kind of getting some attention, and you've got four or five guys on the team that want
him to paint something," Bobby said. "So he's painting horses and trees and sunsets and all this
stuff for different guys on the team who, I guess, want to put it in their house. It's pretty cool."
It's not the attention that started Dylan on the painting path, nor is it a terribly deep appreciation
for art. The only thing he understands about million-dollar artwork is that his doesn't fall in that
category, though he believes he could probably mimic that, too.
It provides Dylan with an important bit of solace during a spring when so much has been on the
line for him. The fourth overall pick in the 2011 draft signed a major league contract with a $4
million signing bonus. He made it to the majors at the end of his first full season in 2012, and
was near the top of nearly every prospect list thanks to his lively high-90s fastball and
picturesque breaking ball.
Arm troubles robbed him of the entire 2013 season, leading to Tommy John elbow
reconstruction. That bled into 2014, when he pitched on a limited basis and logged 41 1/3
innings. The next season, he pitched 22 innings before rare calcium buildup in his right shoulder
needed to be addressed and ended his season. He returned to pitch in the Arizona Fall League,
but when arm soreness crept up, he was shut down out of an abundance of caution.
When he entered major league camp this year out of minor league options — he used all three
that players are typically allotted, plus the fourth that he accumulated for not having enough
service time in his first three years. It made his name written in pen for a relief role, as he needed
to build his arm strength back up and stay in the organization that has invested so much in him
already.
Dylan has taken the whole move in stride, adjusting well to the new role after spending most of
his life as a starting pitcher. But even a busybody like Dylan — whose older brother said he'd
rather chop wood or ride around in his buggy and check deer stands than sit still for an hour —
needs something to unwind with. That's what painting has become this spring.
Back home in Oklahoma, Dylan will hunt for days on end to clear his mind. When all he has are
his spring afternoons after a game or workouts in Sarasota, painting suffices.
"Those probably don't go together very much," Dylan said. "You probably don't see a guy from
Oklahoma hunting one day and painting something the next day."
He moved on from painting horses to work on sunset landscapes and elaborate mountain scenes.
The former was a success, he noted as he scrolled through pictures on his iPhone to show them
off. He was only able to describe another picture: "a mountain and some trees and sunset and
fog," Dylan said. There was no picture.
"It wasn't so pretty," he conceded. "It didn't turn out too good."
For the type of person whose high school workout routine was the stuff of lore, it's natural to
hear that he's moving quickly with his newest hobby. His initial plan for the talent show was to
paint for his teammates while upside down, but that proved more difficult.
There might be classes in his future if there's time, and if not, online instructional videos will
suffice. He knows it won't be his livelihood when baseball is done forever, but it's something to
do when baseball is done each day.
"We get out of here by noon," Dylan said. "I've got to figure out something to do."
http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/orioles/blog/bal-christian-walker-optioned-to-triplea-
norfolk-to-be-everyday-left-fielder-20160326-story.html
Orioles' Christian Walker optioned to Triple-A Norfolk to be
everyday left fielder
By Jon Meoli / The Sun
March 27, 2016
Christian Walker is riding a strong spring into the everyday left field job with Triple-A Norfolk.
The Orioles optioned Christian Walker to Triple-A Norfolk on Saturday, with mandate that the
team’s International League affiliate makes the natural first baseman its everyday left fielder.
With a glut of first basemen already on the major league roster, the organization sees left field as
a way to get Walker’s powerful right-handed bat in the lineup on a more regular basis, and his
minor league work will help that along.
“It’s motivational,” Walker said. “I feel like anytime something like this happens, it’s for an
opportunity. You can’t obviously predict the future or anything like that, but I’m just going to
work on picking it up as quick as I can and playing my game and hopefully the rest falls into
place.”
Before this month, Walker had never played left field in a game. He made his debut there in an
eventful contest that featured several balls hit his way on March 15 against the Toronto Blue
Jays. He most recently played left field in a start Thursday against the Pittsburgh Pirates, which
proved to be his last start in the Grapefruit League.
Walker said he’ll be able to pick the position up quickly. He said working during major league
camp with first base coach Wayne Kirby, and his future work with outfield coordinator Scott
Beerer, will speed up the process.
“Obviously, the sample size is very short, and it is learning a new position, regardless of how
quickly I can learn something or pick something up,” he said. “So I’m going to take my time
with it and get the reps I need. Whenever anything’s good and ready, it will be my time.”
The move out to left field was to possibly accommodate Walker’s hot bat this spring, though an
unsettled left field situation on the major league roster also factored into it. Walker peaked
heading into March 18, with home runs in two straight games giving him a .290/.286/.829 slash
line with four home runs and 14 RBIs. But a stretch of one hit in his last 13 at-bats over six
games lowered his final line to .227/.245/.636.
Showalter said Walker, the organization’s minor league Player of the Year in 2014, didn’t open
eyes this spring but kept them open.
“Christian’s got a track record, and I thought he was more centered,” Showalter said. “He can do
this. And I know he’s excited about playing the outfield. He’s played some third base. He’s
actually been a catcher in high school and some when he first went to South Carolina. He let that
slip out today. Don’t think I didn’t file that one away for a third catcher guy.”
Veteran reliever Dale Thayer also opted out of his minor league contract with the Orioles on
Saturday, reducing the number of players in camp to 42 including seven nonroster invitees.
http://m.orioles.mlb.com/news/article/169332708/orioles-jonathan-schoop-poised-for-breakout
Schoop poised for breakout season Orioles infielder's main focus is staying healthy
By Brittany Ghiroli / MLB.com
March 28, 2016
SARASOTA, Fla. -- Orioles infielder Jonathan Schoop arrived at Spring Training a little leaner,
more committed to the weight room, with a singular focus for this season: staying healthy.
If Schoop - who missed more than 11 weeks with a knee injury in 2015 -- gave any indication
last season of what he's capable of, he's in line for a huge 2016.
With 15 homers in 86 games, it's not unreasonable to think Schoop -- listed as 6-foot-1 and 225
pounds -- could lead all second baseman in homers and easily eclipse the 25-homer mark. The
24-year-old will be entering his third Major League season and, along with shortstop J.J. Hardy,
has had an impressive Grapefruit League season. Schoop had three homers and nine RBIs
entering Sunday, and appears poised for a breakout season.
"He was pretty good last year," Orioles manager Buck Showalter said. "He's maintained where
he was. Jon's a well-conditioned guy. [Vice president of baseball operations] Brady [Anderson]
was telling me if you go through cardio stuff, Jon would be right at the top. Jon is primed and
ready to go."
The Orioles wanted to make sure Schoop rehabbed his leg over the winter and regained strength,
and that's exactly what he has done. And despite Baltimore's lineup additions and power at
nearly every position, Schoop has a knack for well-timed homers and feasting off Yankees
ace Masahiro Tanaka.
Schoop posted a .279/.306/.482 line last season and hit in the No. 6 spot most often (28 games),
batting seventh 18 times, eighth 16 times and fifth 15. Schoop was also a dangerous No. 9 batter,
homering three times in nine games out of that spot. While Showalter has a lot of lineup options,
Schoop could see more of the No. 9 spot this season, particularly when catcher Matt Wieters is
behind the plate (as opposed toCaleb Joseph).
http://m.orioles.mlb.com/news/article/169298114/orioles-matt-wieters-catches-intrasquad-game
O's pleased by Wieters' progress behind plate Catcher shows off arm in intrasquad game, should be ready to start season
By Brittany Ghiroli / MLB.com
March 27, 2016
SARASOTA, Fla. -- Orioles manager Buck Showalter said Sunday that Matt Wieters, who
caught in an intrasquad game, is planning on being ready for Opening Day.
Wieters caught Brian Matusz, Darren O'Day, Todd Redmond, Zach Britton and Chris Lee on
Sunday, and his arm got progressively better. Bench coach John Russell said Wieters -- who had
some elbow soreness earlier in spring -- threw out two runners trying to steal third. Wieters also
threw to second base four times.
Showalter said he's confident Wieters will be ready to start the season, and the team will wait to
see how he feels on Monday before deciding the next step.
Matusz, who has been dealing with a low back injury, will pitch again on Tuesday.
http://m.orioles.mlb.com/news/article/169293362/baltimore-orioles-hyun-soo-kim-report
Orioles dismiss report regarding Kim
By Brittany Ghiroli / MLB.com
March 27, 2016
SARASOTA, Fla. -- Orioles manager Buck Showalter didn't have much of an opinion on
Saturday night's report that the organization has had internal discussions of sending Hyun Soo
Kim back to South Korea.
"That makes for good fodder," said Showalter, who added that he didn't have a reaction to the
FOXSports.com report.
Kim, signed to a two-year, $7 million contract this winter, started the season 0-for-23, but has
fared better recently and raised his average to .182 in 48 Grapefruit League plate appearances.
Originally projected to be the team's Opening Day left fielder, Showalter said Rule 5
outfielder Joey Rickard's impressive spring does not impact Kim.
"We'll see what the next few days bring. We've got some tough decisions to make. "
Kim said through his interpreter on Sunday morning that he was not aware of the report, but he
knows he has a lot more to show performance-wise.
"Struggles are always struggles for anybody," Kim said. "I'm just going to follow along and face
whatever is coming in front of me and try my best to overcome it."
Kim is still happy about his decision to come to the Major leagues and said the adjustment
process hasn't been as difficult as he thought.
"I just have to face new pitchers without knowing what kind of pitches they have, just going in,
not knowing who they are really," Kim said of his biggest challenge. "That's the only thing."
http://m.orioles.mlb.com/news/article/169214824/orioles-jj-hardy-homers-3-times-in-3-days
Led by Hardy, O's bats heating up in big way Shortstop hits third homer in as many days as Baltimore racks up 12 dingers over span
By David Wilson / Special to MLB.com
March 27, 2016
SARASOTA, Fla. -- For the past two days, the Orioles' starting pitchers have struggled. First
was Chris Tillman, roughed up for five earned runs in four innings Friday. On Saturday, Yovani
Gallardo coughed up seven runs 3 2/3 innings.
In those two games, Baltimore is 2-0. The O's have scored 27 runs.
"It's fun to watch these guys go out and hit the ball all over the park," Tillman said after his
shaky start.
The Orioles' offense is finally clicking, and Baltimore has a three-game winning streak because
of it. After launching three home runs in a win against the Pirates on Thursday, the O's hit five in
Friday's 10-inning win against the Yankees and four more in Saturday's 16-8 rout of the Red
Sox.
During this power display, eight Orioles have combined for 12 home runs -- including six who
are safe bets to be on the Opening Day roster. Three O's have homered in multiple games,
including J.J. Hardy, who has homered in all three in this span.
It wasn't long ago that the shortstop was a centerpiece of playoff teams in Baltimore. He was an
All-Star in 2013 and played 141 games during the Orioles' American League East championship
season in '14.
Last season, Hardy played through a torn labrum in his left shoulder and posted career lows in
batting average, on-base percentage and slugging percentage. Manager Buck Showalter has been
confident in his rejuvenation since the spring began. His recent outburst at the plate has been a
culmination.
"It was a big thing for us last year, and it's a tribute to him," Showalter said. "All you had to do
was look at '14, when he was healthy, and '13. People forget this is a shortstop capable of hitting
20-30 home runs and hitting .270 when healthy."
Hardy is now batting .333 in 39 Grapefruit League at-bats with the three home runs and six
RBIs. Showalter said he could tell from the start of Spring Training that this was coming because
Hardy's body language was back to what it was during his best seasons and he was moving more
smoothly.
Hardy's return to form the past three days has helped Baltimore fill out its identity as a team with
enough power and hitting to overcome its deficiencies on the mound.
This turn isn't a surprise to Showalter, either. Once his team found a rhythm, a breakout seemed
inevitable. A three-game homestand provided the perfect opportunity.
"I told everybody in the first week of March, with the schedule and everything, what should
happen," Showalter said. "When we get to this period with these three days at home and guys are
starting to catch up a little bit -- it's good to be right about one thing this spring.
"A lot of guys now get a day or two away from it, and then we'll go back at it hard again toward
the end."
http://www.masnsports.com/school-of-roch/2016/03/taking-another-look-at-the-camp-
roster.html
Taking another look at the camp roster
By Roch Kubatko / MASNsports.com
March 28, 2016
SARASOTA, Fla. - The Orioles are making more cuts this morning, according to manager Buck
Showalter. They're going to need a sharp knife with 42 players still in camp.
Seventeen players must be removed, and it's possible that the Orioles will pad their total by
signing another outfielder or pitcher. This roster remains a work in progress.
Starter Kevin Gausman, reliever Brian Matusz and infielder Jimmy Paredes can be placed on the
disabled list. Catchers Francisco Pena andAudry Perez can be removed if the Orioles are
convinced thatMatt Wieters will be ready on opening day. Pena would be optioned to Triple-A
Norfolk because he's on the 40-man roster, while Perez would be reassigned to minor league
camp.
Wieters made throws to second and third base during yesterday's intrasquad game.
"It went as well as we could hope," said manager Buck Showalter.
The Orioles will check on Wieters today and decide on his next game. Their Triple-A team is on
the road Monday and at Twin Lakes Park on Tuesday.
"That's a good step, catching in games," Showalter said.
The Orioles could release Vance Worley and avoid paying him the full $2.6 million he's owed if
he isn't going to crack the rotation or fill a spot in the bullpen. Reliever Todd Redmond threw
yesterday in the intrasquad game and he's making today's trip to Fort Myers, but he hasn't
pitched in a Grapefruit League game since March 17.
Outfielders Xavier Avery and L.J. Hoes would appear to be longshots to make the club, though
the outfield picture is a bit fuzzy. Nolan Reimold isn't a lock, but he brings on-base skills and
some pop. He's also sizzling these last three games.
Here are the 42 players in camp:
Pitchers Brian Matusz
Chris Tillman
Ubaldo Jimenez
Brad Brach
Dylan Bundy
Kevin Gausman
Odrisamer Despaigne
Vance Worley
Yovani Gallardo
Miguel Gonzalez
Zach Britton
Darren O'Day
Pedro Beato
Todd Redmond
Mike Wright
Mychal Givens
Tyler Wilson
Chaz Roe
T.J. McFarland
Oliver Drake
Zach Phillips
Catchers Francisco Pena
Matt Wieters
Caleb Joseph
Audry Perez
Infielders J.J. Hardy
Ryan Flaherty
Jonathan Schoop
Manny Machado
Paul Janish
Steve Tolleson
Chris Davis
Pedro Alvarez
Jimmy Paredes
Outfielders Adam Jones
Dariel Alvarez
Nolan Reimold
Joey Rickard
Hyun Soo Kim
L.J. Hoes
Mark Trumbo
Xavier Avery
Another reminder that the Orioles could carry an extra reliever, outfielder or utility player for the
first week of the season. They'd like to keep shortstop Paul Janish, but he has opt-out clauses in
his contract and the freedom to change teams if offered a major league deal.
There's heavy speculation in the industry that the Orioles will sign outfielder David Murphy if
the Red Sox release him. He opted out of his contract yesterday.
The Orioles talked to the Rockies about Carlos Gonzalez over the winter, but weren't willing to
part with Gausman. They talked to the Astros about Preston Tucker over the winter, but weren't
willing to part with Gausman. They signed Kim to a two-year deal and may try to return him to
the Korean Baseball Organization (though he apparently isn't open to that idea at the moment.)
Dexter Fowler backpedaled from them like an NFL cornerback.
Could the search for a left-handed bat lead them to Murphy? Stay tuned.
http://www.masnsports.com/school-of-roch/2016/03/ubaldo-jimenez-doesnt-make-it-out-of-the-
first-inning.html
Ubaldo Jimenez doesn't make it out of the first inning
(updated)
By Roch Kubatko / MASNsports.com
March 27, 2016
BRADENTON, Fla. - Nothing that happened tonight in Bradenton is going to ease the concerns
attached to the Orioles rotation.
Ubaldo Jimenez lasted only two-thirds of an inning and was removed after throwing 36 pitches,
including 21 for strikes. He headed to the bullpen for more work, so the quick hook must not
have been related to his health.
Perhaps manager Buck Showalter had seen enough from Jimenez, who allowed three runs and
four hits and also walked a batter. Maybe 36 pitches in one inning in spring training, no matter
the late date, were moving Jimenez into the physical danger zone.
John Jaso drew a leadoff walk and Andrew McCutchen grounded a single into left field. Jimenez
retired the next two batters, but Josh Harrison blooped a two-run triple into left field to tie the
score.
Harrison should have been held to a double, but no one covered third base and he kept motoring.
Jake Goebbert followed with an RBI single, Jordy Mercer singled and Showalter came out of the
dugout.
Richard Rodriguez, who made the trip from Twin Lakes Park, retired Cole Figueroa on a pop up
to end the inning, and he tossed a scoreless second.
Jimenez lasted only one-third of an inning in his debut against the Braves, but he held the Twins
to one run in 6 1/3 innings over two starts. He allowed one run over 10 2/3 innings in two minor
league games, making him the most effective projected starter in camp.
Jimenez is lined up to start the third game of the season against the Twins, following Chris
Tillman and Yovani Gallardo.
The Orioles took a 2-0 lead in the top of the first on back-to-back home runs by Pedro
Alvarezand Nolan Reimold off Pirates non-roster right-hander Trevor Williams. Alvarez, the
former Pirate, received a nice round of applause when he stepped to the plate and again when he
rounded the bases.
Reimold has hits in five straight at-bats over the last three games, including two home runs and
four RBIs.
Garabez Rosa, who replaced Ryan Flaherty in the lineup, singled in the second inning and is 7-
for-9 in Grapefruit League games.
Update: Reimold reached on an infield single in the fourth inning, running his hit streak to six
consecutive at-bats. Brad Brach retired the Pirates in order in the bottom half.
Jimenez continues to throw in the bullpen, sitting down for brief periods and getting back up to
simulate a start.
http://www.masnsports.com/school-of-roch/2016/03/ryan-flaherty-scratched-from-lineup-plus-
other-notes.html
Ryan Flaherty scratched from lineup (plus other notes)
By Roch Kubatko / MASNsports.com
March 27, 2016
BRADENTON, Fla. - The flu bug has bitten Ryan Flaherty.
It's really making the rounds in Orioles camp. Players, coaches, manager Buck Showalter. No
one is immune.
Flaherty was a late scratch tonight with "flu-like symptoms," according to the Orioles. Minor
leaguer Garabez Rosa will replace him at second base.
Here's the new lineup:
Xavier Avery CF
Paul Janish SS
Pedro Alvarez 1B
Nolan Reimold DH
L.J. Hoes RF
Steve Tolleson 3B
Julio Borbon LF
Garabez Rosa 2B
Audry Perez C
Ubaldo Jimenez RHP
The Orioles are listing Brad Brach, Zach Phillips, Chaz Roe, Oliver Drake and Pedro Beato as
available relievers tonight behind starter Ubaldo Jimenez. They also brought Jason Stoffel and
Richard Rodriguez from minor league camp.
Infielders Ozzie Martinez, Michael Almanzar and Drew Turbin and outfielders Julio Borbon and
Josh Hart also are in Bradenton.
Mike Wright remains the Orioles starter Monday against the Red Sox in Fort Myers. Miguel
Gonzalez starts Tuesday night in Sarasota versus the Braves' Matt Wisler, and Chris
Tillmanstarts Wednesday night in Sarasota versus the Tigers' Shane Greene.
Yes, Tillman is lined up to start Monday on opening day.
Yovani Gallardo is starting Thursday afternoon in Sarasota against the Braves before the Orioles
head to Philadelphia to close out their exhibition schedule. Jimenez could start against the
Phillies.
The Orioles keep checking on available players as cuts are made and opt-out clauses are
exercised.
David Murphy opted out of his deal today and the Red Sox have 48 hours to place him on their
25-man roster or release him.
A left-handed hitting outfielder brings appeal to the Orioles, especially with Hyun Soo
Kimapparently on shaky ground. Showalter didn't comment on a report that the club is
discussing whether to allow Kim to escape his two-year deal and return to South Korea, but he
also failed to offer an endorsement.
"We'll see what the next few days bring," Showalter said.
Murphy drew Showalter's attention yesterday during batting practice and the Orioles have
expressed interest in the past, though they didn't seem to make a strong push for him this winter
in free agency.
http://www.masnsports.com/school-of-roch/2016/03/orioles-continue-to-strengthen-bond-with-
sarasota-plus-tonights-lineup.html
Orioles continue to strengthen bond with Sarasota (plus
tonight's lineup)
By Roch Kubatko / MASNsports.com
March 27, 2016
SARASOTA, Fla. - The Orioles claimed another victory yesterday and then gave back to the
Sarasota community. It's one of their finer exchanges and it's become quite familiar over the
years.
Many of the players returned to the Ed Smith Stadium complex last night along with manager
Buck Showalter and his wife Angela, vice president of baseball operations Brady Anderson and
the coaches, for "Nashville's Music Row Comes to the Ballpark." A large white tent was set up
on one of the back fields and guests were treated to food and beverages, and performances from
Songwriter Hall of Fame writer and Grammy award winner Desmond Child, renowned
multiplatinum writer Bob DiPiero, country radio hit songwriter Justin Wilson and emerging
Nashville newcomer Margaret Valentine.
Every dollar raised at the charity event directly benefited the Sarasota Family YMCA's Youth
Programs and Music Health Alliance.
The list of Orioles included Chris Davis, Brad Brach, Mark Trumbo, Joey Rickard, Chris
Tillman, Zach Britton, Ryan Flaherty, T.J. McFarland, Kevin Gausman, J.J. Hardy, Darren
O'Day, Caleb Joseph, Darren O'Day and Mychal Givens.
"It's Baltimore South," Showalter said. "It's a partnership in more ways than one. We get a lot out
of it and we would like to think Sarasota gets some quality things out of it. But this isn't just to
repay something. This is what's right. And when you talk about the families that the YMCA
reaches out to, it's important in a lot of people's hearts.
"I know with Angela and I with KidsPeace, it's kind of in a lot of forms a branch of people doing
things that people need you to do. It's quite an honor to do something for a living that can help
you impact other people's lives and that's what this is about. Heck, we're in a nice tent. We're
actually in left field of Field 1. It's fun. It's one of those things you tell the players about and you
explain everything that's going on.
"We've got a great turnout and I'm real proud of our guys. They've been here since 8 o'clock this
morning, but it was a very easy sell. Plus, there are some pretty talented people here tonight. I'm
talking about you all, or me."
Showalter has fond memories of Nashville that came flooding back to him last night.
"I played in Nashville," he said. "The best thing that happened to me in Nashville was meeting
my wife. I asked her for a program after a game. I just got sent down and I was trying to learn the
players, and she wouldn't give it to me unless I paid her for it. Can you imagine that? A player?
"Plus, we did this (last night) after we beat the Red Sox, which always make it more fun. We've
made that trek back and forth to Fort Myers after a loss, or to Tampa, so the last two days have
been gloatingly fun."
Jennifer Grondahl, president of the YMCA Foundation of Sarasota, explained how Orioles
executive vice president John Angelos reached out to her with the idea of hosting an annual
event.
"John Angelos and the Orioles wanted to bring together music and baseball, so we sat down
probably about eight weeks ago," she said. "He had a vision and he approached me about the Y
being the local beneficiary for the event. It was really John Angelos' brain child. The Orioles
have been a huge supporter of the Y locally, so it was sort of a natural partnership, and then with
Music Health Alliance to bring the music aspect.
"The funds from tonight will be used to help children who otherwise would not be able to
participate in sports, summer camp, through scholarships that the Y provides. And we
scholarship man, many children, more than $500,000 worth of scholarships in Sarasota County
last year for families who otherwise can't afford the YMCA or any of its programs or services.
"When an opportunity like that comes about, we can do nothing but say, 'How can we make this
happen, and what do we want this to grow to be in the future?' So we're already talking about
next year."
The Orioles left Fort Lauderdale seven years ago after failed attempts to work out a long-term
deal that would include renovating the aging ballpark and perhaps moving the minor league
complex from Twin Lakes Park. It's turned out to be one of the most important decisions in
franchise history.
"There really are three components to what the Orioles are doing here in Sarasota," Angelos said.
"The first was, be a good corporate citizen, be present, create economic impact. When we first
came here, we projected we would create about $45 million in economic impact. In 2015, the
county and the state of Florida says we've generated $81 million in annual economic impact. So
that was the first piece.
"The second piece was to support the convention and visitors people here by driving tourism
from the mid-Atlantic to Sarasota. Virginia Haley, who is the head of (Visit Sarasota County),
met with her last week. She continues to say how we're over-delivering. That's really what
baseball's about. We sell 75,000 million tickets as major league, another $5 million let's say in
spring training. That's more than all the other sports combined by far. So we have a great
platform to deliver economic impact and marketing and tourism.
"The last piece is community involvement. We have a tremendous platform. What tonight's
about is artists and athletes being active in the community. You've got world-class songwriters,
you've got world-class athletes in the form of the Orioles.
"By the way, we've done four of these. This is the biggest one we've done and the first one in
Sarasota. And Buck and Angela Showalter have come to every one of them. We can really make
a tremendous community outreach by using our good fortune as ownership groups, as Orioles
athletes, as great Nashville songwriters. This is the first of what we hope will be an inaugural
event here in Sarasota."
Country music has grown in importance for Brach, who's married to singer/songwriter Jenae
Cherry.
"Since I met Jenae, it's been pretty much at the center besides baseball," he said. "It's pretty much
the same thing as baseball in our household. Since I moved to Nashville, we listen to it all the
time. She sings it a lot, so it's been pretty important."
So is the Orioles' growing presence in the Sarasota community since leaving Fort Lauderdale.
"It's awesome," Brach said. "I think that's one of the responsibilities when you play for a team is
wherever you're at, whether it's spring training, whether it's Baltimore, whether it's on the road, is
to represent the team you play for and get in the community and do as many things as you
possibly can."
http://www.masnsports.com/school-of-roch/2016/03/afternoon-notes-on-kim-wieters-and-
more.html
Afternoon notes on Kim, Wieters and more
By Roch Kubatko / MASNsports.com
March 27, 2016
SARASOTA, Fla. - Outfielder Hyun Soo Kim said today through his interpreter that he hasn't
read the FOXSports.com article stating that the Orioles are holding internal discussions about
sending him back to Korea. He didn't have a comment for reporters who approached his locker.
Asked whether he feels good about his chances of making the team, Kim replied, "There's much
more I have to show, so as far as performance-wise, there's more to go. I don't want to complain
or anything. I'll just do whatever I can."
Kim started out 0-for-23, but has collected eight hits in his last 21 at-bats.
"Struggles are always struggles for anybody," he said. "I'm just going to follow along and face
whatever is coming in front of me and try my best to overcome it."
Kim added that spring training hasn't been as difficult as he anticipated.
"I just have to face new pitchers without knowing what kind of pitches they have, just going in,
not knowing who they are really," he said. "That's the only thing."
Kim also said that he's still happy that he signed a two-year, $7 million contract with the Orioles.
What's left unsaid is whether he's done enough to warrant the starting job in left field.
"I haven't thought about it," he said. "(The question) hasn't come along yet."
Manager Buck Showalter didn't say much about the report, calling it "good fodder." He had no
real reaction.
"We'll see what the next few days bring," he said. "We've got some tough decisions to make."
Showalter added that Joey Rickard's impressive spring doesn't factor in any decision involving
Kim.
Has Showalter's opinion of Kim changed this spring?
"I really didn't have one," he replied. "I came into it kind of formulating, listening to a lot of
people coming in here that had an opinion on him, telling me what they thought he would be and
what he would not be, and then you try and formulate your own."
Matt Wieters caught Brian Matusz, Darren O'Day, Zach Britton, Todd Redmond and Chris Lee
today in an intrasquad game at Twin Lakes Park. Matusz will pitch again on Tuesday.
Wieters made four throws to second base on stolen base attempts. He threw out two runners
attempting to swipe third.
Showalter, after conferring with bench coach John Russell, told reporters that Wieters' times to
the bases got progressively better.
Showalter said Wieters could be ready for opening day. He added that Wieters is "planning on
it."
The Orioles will make more cuts on Monday.
http://www.masnsports.com/school-of-roch/2016/03/talking-rotation-rickard-and-the-roster.html
Talking rotation, Rickard and the roster
By Roch Kubatko / MASNsports.com
March 27, 2016
SARASOTA, Fla. - The Orioles begin a stretch tonight when they'll play four of their last six
Grapefruit League games at 6:05 p.m.
Nothing like being under the lights to get you ready for the regular season.
The Orioles travel to McKechnie Field in Bradenton to face the Pirates, which is more like
playing under the flashlights. Ubaldo Jimenez will take the mound after making his last two
starts at Twin Lakes Park.
Jimenez allowed a combined one run and five hits over 10 2/3 innings against minor league
competition. He hasn't pitched in a Grapefruit League game since March 12, when he
surrendered one run and four hits in 3 1/3 innings against the Twins.
Manager Buck Showalter wants to set his rotation today if possible. He may reveal his opening
day starter, knowing the media gladly will take it on a "slow news day."
The top three are lined up asChris Tillman, Yovani Gallardoand Jimenez. Kevin Gausmancould
go on the disabled list and still be the fifth starter on April 10, in case you hadn't been reminded.
The projected rotation of Tillman, Gallardo, Jimenez, Gausman and Miguel Gonzalez has
surrendered 55 earned runs and 73 hits in 44 2/3 innings. The group has issued 24 walks and
struck out 28 batters.
Odrisamer Despaigne, who's expected to start at Triple-A Norfolk, has posted a 6.75 ERA in
eight relief appearances. He's allowed 10 runs and 19 hits in 13 1/3 innings, with six walks and
five strikeouts.
Mike Wright, who starts again on Monday, has posted a 5.74 ERA in five games. He's allowed
10 runs and 19 hits in 15 2/3 innings, with four walks and 15 strikeouts.
Tyler Wilson is carrying a 2.92 ERA in five games, including three starts. He's allowed five runs
(four earned) and 13 hits in 12 1/3 innings, with no walks and six strikeouts.
The opening day lineup won't be announced until we're back in Baltimore. Rule 5 pick Joey
Rickard started in left field again yesterday and batted first, with Adam Jones hitting behind him.
Rickard will head north with the club, but his role remains undefined.
How about backup outfielder and occasional starter who could occupy the leadoff spot? Or
maybe he fits into a platoon.
"It's crept in my mind," Rickard said last week on the "Hot Stove Show" on 105.7 The Fan. "It's
hard not to think about those things, but like I've been telling people all spring, just take it one
day at a time and just really focus on what you can control, and that's just going out there and
having a good attitude and playing hard every day."
One of the more common questions I field on Twitter relates to why the Rays left Rickard
unprotected in the Rule 5 draft. What were they thinking?
"It is what it is," he said. "I thought there was an outside chance that I would get protected, given
the year I had, but they're a very deep organization, especially in the outfield. They've got a lot of
players ahead of me.
"Once that happened, I was down playing winter ball and people started talking to me, saying,
'Hey, you've got something else to play for now. Don't get down on yourself.' That whole deal,
which I didn't.
"They said, 'You've got something else to play for. They could have made a mistake not doing it,
so you're playing for the rest of the teams now.' And that's kind of the approach I went with and I
was able to stay focused and put together a good winter."
The 25-man roster could take on a different look after the first week. Left-hander Brian
Matuszcould go on the DL retroactive to March 25 and be eligible to return on April 9, with
Gausman joining him the following day.
Breaking camp with four starters would allow the Orioles to carry an extra reliever or position
player until Gausman is activated. Don't get too attached to the roster that's announced before the
opener.
http://www.masnsports.com/school-of-roch/2016/03/could-orioles-attempt-to-part-ways-with-
kim-thayer-opts-out-of-contract.html
Could Orioles attempt to part ways with Kim? (Thayer opts
out of contract)
By Roch Kubatko / MASNsports.com
March 26, 2016
SARASOTA, Fla. - As the Orioles attempt to shape their roster with nine games left before
opening day, they're deciding whether South Korean outfielder Hyun Soo Kim will be part of it.
Kim's two-year contract includes a stipulation that he can't be optioned to the minors without his
consent. Meanwhile, the Orioles have held internal discussions about trying to reach a deal with
Kim that would allow him to go back to the Korean Baseball Organization, similar to what
happened last spring with pitcher Suk-min Yoon.
FOXSports.com first reported the discussions tonight, with executive vice president Dan
Duquette stating, "I don't know if we're there yet."
Duquette couldn't be reached for comment when contacted by MASNsports.com
Hyun-Soo-Kim started off 0-for-23 in the Grapefruit League before collecting hits in eight of his
next 21 at-bats, leaving his slash line at .182/.229/.182 with no extra base hits, two RBIs, one
walk and two hit by pitches in 16 games. Two of his hits are infield singles.
The emergence of Rule 5 pick Joey Rickard, a plus defender in the outfield who's batting
.392/.475/.569 with six doubles, a home run, seven RBIs, seven walks and five stolen bases in 22
games, could make it easier for the Orioles to part with Kim. However, Kim would have to agree
to such a deal and another team in Korea would need to sign him.
Rickard reached base four times today as the leadoff hitter in a 16-8 win over the Red Sox and
has 20 hits in 51 at-bats.
The Orioles still have Nolan Reimold, who's out of options, and they continue to check the
waiver wire for outfielders and pitchers. They're aware that David Murphy likely will opt out of
his contract with the Red Sox. Murphy and first baseman Chris Davis are friends and were
chatting on the field today during batting practice.
It must be noted that these are internal discussions regarding Kim's status and not a definite
attempt to get out of his contract.
Kim, 28, signed a two-year, $7 million contract in December after batting .318/.406/.488 in 10
seasons with the Doosan Bears. He had career highs with 28 home runs and 121 RBIs last
season.
Meanwhile, reliever Dale Thayer has opted out of his minor league deal with the Orioles, the
club confirmed tonight.
Thayer, 35, hadn't pitched since March 17. The innings ran out for him as manager Buck
Showalter and pitching coach Dave Wallace needed to stretch out the starters and provide more
work for relievers set to break camp with the team.
Thayer, who signed with the Orioles on Feb. 10, posted a 4.50 ERA in six innings. He allowed
three runs and seven hits, walked three batters and struck out six.
The bullpen may have two openings with Brian Matusz likely going on the disabled list with a
strained muscle in his lower back. However, Thayer still didn't project as part of the 25-man
roster.
Thayer's removal leaves the Orioles with 42 players in camp, including seven non-roster invitees.
http://www.masnsports.com/school-of-roch/2016/03/wrapping-up-a-16-8-win.html
Wrapping up a 16-8 win
By Roch Kubatko / MASNsports.com
March 26, 2016
SARASOTA, Fla. - It took two touchdowns and a safety today for the Orioles to run their
winning streak to three games.
Get used to it.
The Orioles broke out the heavy lumber again to compensate for another poor statistical outing
from their starter, pounding out 20 hits and defeating the Red Sox 16-8 at Ed Smith Stadium.
J.J. Hardy, Manny Machado,Chris Davis and Audry Perezhomered for the Orioles, who
improved to 8-14-4 in the spring. Perez drove in four runs after replacing catcher Caleb Joseph.
Machado, Davis and Perez did their damage in the sixth inning against Red Sox left-hander
Roenis Elias. Machado's two-run shot broke a 7-7 tie.
Nolan Reimold singled in his only two at-bats and drove in another run, giving him four straight
hits and three RBIs dating back to yesterday's game. His average is up to .227.
Yovani Gallardo lasted 3 2/3 innings and allowed seven runs and eight hits to nudge his ERA a
little higher, putting it at 16.88 in the Grapefruit League. He walked three batters and served up a
home run to Jackie Bradley Jr.
Gallardo has one more start before the Orioles break camp. Is manager Buck Showalter hoping
to see more from him?
"In April I am," he replied. "That's when the results count."
"Every day we pick up the box scores and guys are giving up seven, eight, nine runs," Showalter
added. "It's just unfortunately part of it. Experience tells you. I can't count on one hand veteran
pitchers who had great springs and it carried over into the season, but it is what it is. We have a
lot of confidence in him."
Gallardo loaded the bases with no outs in the second on two walks and a single, and Mauricio
Dubon plated two runs with a single. Mookie Betts added an RBI single with two outs and
Bradley followed with a home run to the opposite field.
Gallardo also issued a leadoff walk in the third that led to another run on Sandy Leon's sacrifice
fly. Chris Young had an RBI double in the fourth and Gallardo was done.
"You've got probably 30 pitches that could be balls or strikes," Showalter said. Got (his pitch
count) up in the late 70s. I would have liked to get one more inning out of him, but they wouldn't
cooperate.
"You look at his track record and his history, he's pretty much following that. He's actually a tick
or two better than what he was last year at this time just pure velocity, so that's good to know."
Hardy's track record says he hits for power when he's healthy. He's homered in three straight
games and is batting .333.
"It's been evident to me since the first probably week of spring training, just him moving around
and just the body language, everything when you know J.J. as well as we do," Showalter said.
"I told everybody in the first week of March, with the schedule and everything what should
happen. When we get to this period with these three days at home and guys are starting to catch
up a little bit ... it's good to be right about one thing this spring. A lot of guys now get a day or
two away from it and then we'll go back at it hard again toward the end.
"People forget this is a shortstop capable of hitting 20-30 home runs and hitting .270 when
healthy."
http://www.masnsports.com/steve-melewski/2016/03/sizing-up-the-spring-some-things-have-
gone-well-some-not-as-well.html
Sizing up spring: Some things have gone well, some not as
well
By Steve Melewski / MASNsports.com
March 28, 2016
The Orioles are now down to just five spring training games remaining. They have four in
Florida and the last one in Philadelphia on Friday night. Opening day is April 4 at home against
Minnesota.
So with the spring almost over here is a look at a few bright spots and a few concerns:
Hardy looks healthy: WhenJ.J. Hardy homered in three straight games from Thursday to
Saturday, that was a welcome sight for any Orioles fan. From 2011-13, Hardy led all major
league shortstops in both homers (77) and RBIs (224). But he has hit just 17 homers combined
the past two years.
Hardy injured his left shoulder late in spring training last year and it clearly impacted his ability
to drive the ball. If some of his pop returns, that would be huge for this team. Hardy is signed
through the 2017 season.
Britton is very ready: Remember when there was a theory going around that the Kansas City
Royals laid off Zach Britton's sinker in the 2014 postseason and other teams would do the same?
Yep, how did that work out? His sinker is great and teams are still beating it into the ground. A
bigger concern may be defending 60-foot grounders. When they get a lead to work with, the back
end of the O's bullpen should be outstanding again.
Homers are coming: As the regulars got more at-bats this spring, the O's started mashing more
homers. They ranked fourth in the American League with 36 this spring through Saturday. Not
sure what to make of this, but the other AL East teams have not hit many. New York ranks last
among AL teams with 14, followed by Tampa Bay with 20 and Boston 22. Toronto ranks 10th
with 26 home runs.
Starting pitching remains a concern: The O's starters didn't do too much this spring to ease
concerns. They are going to have to silence their doubters starting next month. We've heard
several pitchers indicate they threw the ball better than their pitching lines in Florida. They need
to turn that into actual results starting in April.
Heading into Sunday's games, the Orioles ranked last in AL team pitching in ERA (6.49), WHIP
(1.77) and batting average against (.319). Unless and until the Orioles start pitching better, the
concern level will be high here throughout Birdland.
Wieters' elbow is still an issue: Everything seemed to be going well with Matt Wieters until he
left a game on March 12. Wieters was limited to 75 games last year and has not carried a full
load of games since 2013. The O's have a very solid backup in Caleb Joseph, but they'd sure love
to have their top two catchers available to take on the AL East this year.
Gausman's shoulder is still an issue: The Orioles remain hopeful we could see Kevin
Gausman starting as soon as the sixth game of the year. But there has to be some trepidation
about Gausman dealing with shoulder tendinitis for the second year in a row. He was on the DL
last season from May 8 to June 20. At a time when the Orioles could really use Gausman to take
a big step forward, they are going to need him on the field to do that.
So with just a few days left in spring training, what the positives and negatives about the team?
http://www.masnsports.com/steve-melewski/2016/03/the-mlb-network-analysts-size-up-the-
orioles.html
The MLB Network analysts size up the Orioles
By Steve Melewski / MASNsports.com
March 27, 2016
When MLB Network made its annual trek to the Orioles spring training camp, the analysts
verbalized a familiar theme - the O's have plenty of offense, but will the starting pitching hold
up?
The Orioles were featured on the network's "30 Clubs in 30 Days" segment last night.
Former player and current network analyst Mark DeRosa interviewed some players in Sarasota,
Fla., and came away impressed by the O's offense.
"A message to the American League teams out there," DeRosa said. "Do not bench-clearing
brawl with this team. They are monsters. Walking through the clubhouse - Jonathan Schoop is
240 and jacked. Adam Jones is a big boy. Mark Trumbo. Up and down the lineup, they are going
to bang.
Davis Hits White.jpg"From Crush Davis hitting 47. Manny Machado's coming out party last
year, 35. Guys like Pedro Alvarez. Offense and the longball in Camden Yards will not be a
problem."
But DeRosa did express concern over the pitching.
"I love the fact that a lot of their (free agent) guys wanted to come back," he said. "But it
surprises me because it is pretty much the same team that went out there last year. I know
Yovani Gallardo is going to help this staff. But is he a bigger addition than Wei-Yin Chen? I
know the money is probably way different, but I would have used it a little differently."
The O's rotation ERA ranked 14th in the AL last year. Is it better now?
"I don't think it is," DeRosa said. "That is why it surprised me the way they spent their money.
They are going to hit home runs and I know they wanted to bring Chris Davis back at $161
million.
"But they could have used some dollars wisely to go out, and not only solidify their bullpen, but
just absolutely kill it. Maybe make a trade. Why is (Aroldis) Chapman in New York? Why is
Ryan Madson signing in Oakland? Just those little pieces from the fifth to the seventh innings to
bridge the gap. It would take their bullpen over the top and take some serious pressure off their
starting pitching. I don't think it is a rotation that can go deep in games."
Former Tampa Bay Ray Carlos Pena was asked if he had any concerns over Gallardo's pitching
this spring.
"I don't think so," Pena said. "You would like to finish up on a positive note, but he's done it for
a long time. Since 2009, he has gone out there 30-plus times every single year and only one of
those years his ERA was above 4.00. He'll give you a quality start every time he goes out."
During an interview with Orioles manager Buck Showalter, they asked him about his outlook for
the 2016 season?
"We will be as good as we are capable of being," he said. "I'm as curious as the next person to
find out where it is. I know where they are telling me (we are predicted to finish). We're laying in
the weeds right where we need to be. But I like our chances."
During an interview with Chris Davis, the O's slugging first baseman was asked his take on bat
flips?
"I think there is a time and place for it," Davis said. "That has never been a part of my game. But
I played winter ball and I understand that part and the emotion and passion and I appreciate that.
You should be the player that you are comfortable being. But you should also respect the player
you are playing against. That is just kind of the way I was raised. It's just not part of my game."
At the end of last night's show it was prediction time:
DeRosa said: "I think Buck is going to be upset with me. I love some of their pieces, but bottom
line is, I don't know if their starting pitching has enough to not tax that bullpen by mid-season.
"You look up and down the AL East, there are some monsters. Teams can run out Chris Archer,
Matt Moore, (Luis) Severino, (Nathan) Eovaldi, David Price, the list goes on and on. I just don't
know how this offense doesn't get tired and slump at some point.
"I have them at the bottom (of the division). It doesn't mean they can't finish .500, but I think
they finish toward the bottom."
From Brian Kenny: "I say like 77, 78 wins makes sense to me. I don't think they're a bad team,
but that starting rotation, as it compares to the rest of the division, I don't think it quite holds up."
Pena said: "The AL East is a tossup. But I still have the Baltimore Orioles fighting for a wild
card spot. You saw how much an offense can take you with Toronto last year. The Orioles could
do the same thing, but I see about 84 wins for the Orioles."
http://www.masnsports.com/steve-melewski/2016/03/notes-on-james-shields-minor-league-
releases-and-joey-rickards-walk-heavy-night.html
Notes on James Shields, minor league releases and Joey
Rickard's walk-heavy night
By Steve Melewski / MASNsports.com
March 26, 2016
According to a report from MLB Network's Jon Heyman, the Orioles have been in touch with the
San Diego Padres to inquire about right-handed starting pitcher James Shields.
On the surface, this makes sense with Kevin Gausman's recent shoulder issue and the rotation's
generally shaky overall pitching this spring. But then you have to consider that Shields is 34,
owed at least $65 million through 2018 and coming off his poorest season since 2010.
Considering this, it doesn't quite add up that well.
Shields certainly knows about the American League East, going 87-73 with an ERA of 3.89 for
Tampa Bay from 2006 through 2012. Last year for the Padres, the right-hander went 13-7 with
an ERA of 3.91. He allowed a National League-high 33 homers, averaged a career-worst 3.6
walks per nine innings and had a WHIP of 1.334. Were these the numbers of a pitcher just a little
off his usual production or the signs of a pitcher in decline?
* The Orioles have released three players from their minor league camp at the Buck O'Neil
Baseball Complex at Twin Lakes Park. They are catcher Phil Llewellyn, outfielder Felix Perez
and left-handed pitcher Bennett Parry.
Parry has since signed with the Lincoln Saltdogs of the independent American Association.
The 22-year-old Llewellyn, a native of Curacao, played two seasons with the Orioles. In 72 at-
bats last year between Single-A Delmarva and Single-A Frederick, he hit .167 with no homers
and six RBIs.
The 31-year-old Perez, a native of Cuba, spent the 2010 through 2014 seasons in the Cincinnati
Reds minor league system. He played in 2015 in Mexico and hit .312 with 20 homers and 70
RBIs in 94 games.
The 24-year-old Parry spent five seasons on the O's farm after they drafted him in 2011 in round
40 out of Cal State-Northridge. For Delmarva in 2015, he went 3-3 with a 2.82 ERA in nine
games and 44 2/3 innings. In 64 career games (31 starts) he went 10-12 with a 2.71 ERA over
216 innings.
* Orioles Rule 5 pick Joey Rickard had a .427 on-base percentage last year. It might have
seemed like it, but it did not all come in one game.
Joey-Rickard-throw-spring-sidebar.jpgLast July 7, playing for Double-A Montgomery against
Biloxi, Rickard drew a Southern League-record six walks. He did not swing the bat even one
time in that game. He scored two runs, stole three bases and even drove in a run, drawing his
sixth walk with the bases loaded. Here is the game story from that night.
Between three teams last year, Rickard hit .321/.427/.447 with 28 doubles, eight triples, two
homers and 55 RBIs. He stole 23 bases and scored 62 runs. His .321 average was the best by any
Tampa Bay minor league player in 2015. The Rays selected Rickard, a Las Vegas native, in the
ninth round of the 2012 First-Year Player Draft out of the University of Arizona.
Rickard, an outfielder, began the 2015 season in high Single-A ball, moved to Double-A and
ended it in Triple-A. In those 29 games with Triple-A Durham, Rickard hit .360/.437/.472 and he
hit .413 against right-handed pitching. He has a career .283 average and .390 OBP.
Rickard certainly is well on his way to making the Orioles' opening day roster. In recent years,
Rule 5 picks have seem to fit in one of two categories: very low level minor league players with
big upside, like pitcher Jason Garcia last year, or more experienced players closer to the majors
like Rickard.
He may never walk six times as an Oriole, but he has done enough to make this team. By the
way, no Oriole has ever walked six times in a game and just one player ever walked five times.
Bobby Grich holds the club single-game record, walking five times against the Chicago White
Sox on Aug. 9, 1975.
http://espn.go.com/mlb/story/_/id/15083167/chris-tillman-start-opening-day-baltimore-orioles-
again
For third season in row, Orioles' Chris Tillman to start
opening day
Associated Press / ESPN.com
March 28, 2016
SARASOTA, Fla. -- Chris Tillman will be the Baltimore Orioles' opening day starter for the
third consecutive season.
Manager Buck Showalter said he considered Yovani Gallardo and Ubaldo Jimenez, but Tillman's
experience was a factor.
Tillman was 11-11 with a 4.99 ERA last year. In the April 4 opener, the right-hander will oppose
Ervin Santana of the Minnesota Twins. The last Baltimore pitcher to start three straight openers
was Mike Mussina from 1998 to 2000.
Showalter also said pitcher Kevin Gausman will begin the season on the 15-day disabled list. He
has been slowed by shoulder tendinitis.
http://www.csnmidatlantic.com/blog/orioles-talk/when-flaherty-falls-ill-emergency-players-fill
When Flaherty falls ill, emergency players fill in
By Rich Dubroff / CSN Mid-Atlantic
March 27, 2016
BRADENTON, Fla. – For each Grapefruit League game, the Orioles bring some players over
from minor league camp to perhaps play in the late innings or be on hand in case of injury.
Buck Showalter calls them “JICs.” That’s short for “Just in Case.”
Sometimes the Orioles will bring in players from the low minors just to expose them to the big
league environment as they did earlier this month with two of last year’s top draftees: Ryan
Mountcastle and DJ Stewart.
Occasionally, they’ll look at lower drafted prospects that Showalter is interested in. Outfielders
Jaylen Ferguson and Cedric Mullins got cameos that way.
He wanted to see pitcher Stefan Crichton, and he was on the list of players added several times
before Showalter got him into Friday’s game against the Yankees in the 10th inning.
The king of the JICs is infielder Garabez Rosa, who has played in 10 games and was a regular
addition last year, too. Rosa is a 26-year-old who has been with Bowie for the last three seasons.
Showalter is impressed with Rosa and asks if the Orioles aren’t overlooking him. He’s 6-for-8
(.750) and won Friday’s game with a two-run single.
Rosa got fortunate on Sunday when Ryan Flaherty was a late scratch with flu-like symptoms.
Not only is Rosa starting, but a second fill-in from minor league camp, Julio Borbon is, too.
Borbon is playing left field.
Borbon was signed earlier this month, and started in the Mar. 19 game that ended after two outs
in the first inning.
Unlike Rosa, Borbon has major league experience, and played for Norfolk in 2014 and 2015.
http://www.csnmidatlantic.com/blog/orioles-talk/showalter-shares-planned-return-date-wieters
Showalter shares planned return date for Wieters
By Rich Dubroff / CSN Mid-Atlantic
March 27, 2016
SARASOTA, Fla. – Matt Wieters caught in an intrasquad game at Twin Lakes Park on Sunday
morning, and threw to bases for the first time since Mar. 12 when his sore right elbow forced him
out a game.
Wieters threw four times to second and twice to third to try and nab baserunners, and the Orioles
have a tentative timetable to prepare for the Apr. 4 season opener.
“I know he’s planning on it,” manager Buck Showalter said.
Wieters was the designated hitter on Mar. 24, but won’t appear in a Grapefruit League game
until the team is confident his injury won’t prevent from starting the season on the active list.
If a player appears in an exhibition game for which admission is charged after Mar. 25, the injury
cannot be backdated.
Brian Matusz, was one of several pitchers who threw to Wieters. Matusz has thrown just two
official innings this month because of a lower back injury, and the Orioles don’t know if he’ll be
healthy enough to begin the season on the active roster.
Matusz is scheduled to throw in a minor league game again on Monday, Showalter said.
Jimmy Paredes says his wrist feels stronger, but he doesn’t know when he’ll play again or if the
Orioles will leave him in Florida for rehab when they go north on Friday.
NOTES: Showalter said the team, which still has 42 players on the active list, will make cuts
prior to Monday’s game. … Mike Wright pitches on Monday in Fort Myers against Boston’s
Rick Porcello. Miguel Gonzalez starts on Tuesday, Chris Tillman on Wednesday and Yovani
Gallardo is scheduled for the final Grapefruit League game on Thursday against former Oriole
Bud Norris, who now pitches for Atlanta.
http://www.csnmidatlantic.com/blog/orioles-talk/showalter-noncommittal-kim-oriole
Showalter noncommittal on Kim as Oriole
By Rich Dubroff / CSN Mid-Atlantic
March 27, 2016
SARASOTA, Fla. – Hyun Soo Kim says he’s unaware of the reports that the Orioles are
considering letting him return to South Korea, and that he’s happy with the decision he made to
accept a two-year, $7 million contract to come to the U.S.
Kim, who began the spring without a hit in 23 at-bats, has gone 8-for-21 since, and is batting
.182 without an extra-base hit.
“There’s much more I have to show, so as far as performance-wise, there’s more to go. I don’t
want to complain or anything. I’ll just do whatever I can,” Kim said through his interpreter.
“Struggles are always struggles for anybody. I’m just going to follow along and face whatever is
coming in front of me and try my best to overcome it.”
Kim was asked if he was happy he came to the Orioles. He answered: “Yes.”
Manager Buck Showalter had no comment on the Foxsports.com report.
When Showalter was asked if Kim would make the Orioles, he said: “He’s competing. You
know what? That’s not completely true. We’ll see what the next few days bring. We’ve got some
tough decisions to make,” Showalter said.
Showalter said that Rule 5 draft pick Joey Rickard’s performance would “probably not” factor
into any decision on Kim.
He said he didn’t have an opinion on Kim before watching him play.
“I really didn’t have one. I came into it kind of formulating, listening to a lot of people coming in
here that had an opinion on him, telling me what they thought he would be and what he would
not be, and then you try and formulate your own,” Showalter said.
http://www.csnmidatlantic.com/blog/orioles-talk/report-orioles-discussed-kim-return-south-
korea
Report: Orioles discussed Kim return to South Korea
By Rich Dubroff / CSN Mid-Atlantic
March 26, 2016
SARASOTA, Fla. – Is the Hyun Soo Kim era reaching an end before it really began? According
to a report by Foxsports.com’s Ken Rosenthal, the Orioles have had internal discussions about
allowing the South Korean outfielder to return to his homeland.
Kim, who began spring training 0-for-23, has improved somewhat, and is batting .182 in 16
games with the team. He has yet to have an extra-base hit.
He signed a two-year, $7 million contract with the Orioles last December.
In 2014, the Orioles signed another Korean free agent, pitcher Suk-min Yoon to a three-year
contract, but after he spent his first season in the minors, the Orioles reached an agreement to
send him back to South Korea.
The Orioles could pursue a similar arrangement with Kim, who contractually cannot be sent to
the minors without his consent.
“I don’t know if we’re at that point, yet,” Duquette told Foxsports.com.
At this point, Kim is set to be the Orioles’ regular left fielder though they are impressed with
Joey Rickard, who the team selected in the Rule 5 draft. Rickard is batting .392.
Duquette could not be reached for comment on Saturday night.
Meanwhile, Dale Thayer, who signed a minor league contract with the team last month, has
opted out of his deal.
Thayer, who hadn’t pitched since Mar. 17, allowed three runs on seven hits in six innings.
He was standing by the bullpen in street clothes near the end of Saturday’s game, presumably to
say goodbye to his teammates.
The 35-year-old Thayer has a lifetime record of 11-17 with a 3.47 ERA in seven seasons with the
Rays, Mets and Padres.
The Orioles now have 42 players in camp including seven with minor league contracts.
http://www.csnmidatlantic.com/blog/orioles-talk/there-place-vanimal-orioles
Is there a place for the 'Vanimal' on the Orioles?
By Rich Dubroff / CSN Mid-Atlantic
March 26, 2016
SARASOTA, Fla. – Will the “Vanimal” be a part of the Orioles this season? With the Orioles
leaving Florida next Friday morning, Vance Worley isn’t sure where he’ll be.
“I’ve got nothing. Just do as I’m told,” Worley said on Saturday morning.
The Orioles acquired Worley, whose Twitter handle is “Vanimal_46” on waivers from
Pittsburgh in October.
“I’m just doing what I can to contribute here, whether it’s as a starter or go to the pen. I’m trying
to make the club. That’s why I play the game because I like to compete. Being a part of this club
with these guys means a lot to me. That’s what I’m shooting for,” Worley said.
Entering Saturday’s game, Worley has a 5.56 ERA in 11 1/3 innings. He’s given up nine runs,
seven earned and 14 hits.
“I’m here to have a good time and play this game. Whether I’m starting or relieving, that’s on
them,” Worley said.
“I pretty much have shown everything I can do. It’s up to them what they want to do.”
The 28-year-old Worley is happy with how he’s thrown, but the Orioles have a difficult decision
because Worley is out of options.
“I think I’ve thrown the ball really well with the exception of a couple of pitches. Everything’s
been coming out, doing what I want it to do. For the most part, been down in the zone, so I can’t
complain,” Worley said.
He seems happy with the Orioles, who would be his fourth major league team and says he’s
comfortable in the clubhouse.
“It all starts in here. If we’re having a good time, and enjoying each other’s company and
pushing one another, it’s going to translate out there,” Worley said.
NOTES: Matt Wieters said that he’s moving towards catching. He hasn’t caught a game since
leaving one two weeks ago. He’s planning on throwing to bases for the first time.
“We’re getting to the point now where it feels as good as it did before I hurt it two weeks ago.
Hopefully, get back out there, keep it strong and keep it healthy,” Wieters said.
-Ubaldo Jimenez starts on Sunday night at Bradenton against Pittsburgh. Mike Wright is Monday
starter in Fort Myers against Boston, and Miguel Gonzalez is scheduled to face Atlanta on
Tuesday.
http://www.csnmidatlantic.com/blog/orioles-talk/how-fatherhood-made-jj-hardy-stronger
How fatherhood made J.J. Hardy stronger
By Rich Dubroff / CSN Mid-Atlantic
March 25, 2016
SARASOTA, Fla. – J.J. Hardy is enjoying a pain free spring, and he credits fatherhood. Last
October, his son Jay was born, and coming off two injury-plagued years, Hardy decided that he
wanted a change in his workouts.
Instead of leaving in the morning and working out for three or four hours as he’d been doing for
the last 15 years, Hardy decided to maximize his time at home with his infant son.
Under the direction of Orioles strength coaches Joe Hogarty and Ryo Naito, Hardy got to spend
more time at home and feel stronger. Hogarty helped him design a gym and Naito devised
exercises.
“Whenever Jay would take a nap or whatever, I’d go out and work out. It was totally different
from any workout I’d ever done. There was a lot more weight than I’ve ever done. I’ve always
done rehab-type workouts because my body has never felt good. I’ve always had knee pain, and I
had to do light weight because if I did more weight, my knees would flare up and get worse,”
Hardy said.
“The last two years kind of got me to a breaking point where I was going to work harder and lift
heavier weights and see if I can get stronger and see if it helps some of the pain, and I feel like it
has so far.”
In 2012 and 2013, Hardy missed just seven games, but injuries cost him 21 in 2014 and 48 last
year.
“Two years ago, I had back spasms when I was having to put my shoes on on the floor. I
couldn’t swing that year. I tried playing through it, but I wasn’t able to swing like I wanted to.
Last year with my shoulder, same thing, I wasn’t able to swing like I wanted to. It comes down
to just staying healthy, and if I can stay healthy and feel strong, I feel like I’ll be able to swing
like I want to,” Hardy said.
On Thursday, Hardy hit his first home run of the spring to straightaway center, a rare occurrence,
and followed it on Thursday with another one on Friday. His body is feeling stronger, and it
shows.
“I’ve come into spring training plenty times and said that I felt good, and this is the best my body
has ever felt, but this is three, four weeks into spring training, and my body is still feeling good,
which hasn’t happened before. I feel optimistic that these workouts that I’ve been doing have
really been paying off,” Hardy said.
Hardy is one of six Orioles who’ve hit at least 30 home runs in a season. Pedro Alvarez, Chris
Davis, Adam Jones, Manny Machado and Mark Trumbo each have hit at least 30.
“On paper, if you take my most home runs in a season, and say I’m a 30 home run hitter, but I’ve
done it once in 11 years. A lot of these guys are capable of it. I’m capable of it. [Jonathan]
Schoop is capable of it, so yeah if everyone can reach their potential and do what they’re capable
of, then yeah, it can be pretty special, but it’s a lot easier said than done. It’s not like it’s a
guarantee that we’ve got guys who have done it, and they’re going to do it again,” Hardy said.
http://baltimore.cbslocal.com/2016/03/28/orioles-name-chris-tillman-as-opening-day-starting-
pitcher/
Orioles Name Chris Tillman As Opening Day Starting
Pitcher
CBS Baltimore
March 28, 2016
BALTIMORE (WJZ)– For the third consecutive season Chris Tillman will take the mound as
the starter in the Baltimore Orioles home opener.
Last season, Tillman became the 16th Orioles pitcher to record at least three seasons of 30 or
more starts and 10 or more wins in the same season, MASN Sports reports. He finished 10-10,
the fourth year in a row that he avoided a losing record.
The O’s take on the Twins at Camden Yards on April 4th at 3:05 p.m. You can watch right here
on WJZ.
http://baltimore.cbslocal.com/2016/03/28/orioles-1st-baseman-chris-davis-is-happy-free-agency-
brought-him-back-to-baltimore/
Orioles 1st Baseman Chris Davis Is Happy Free Agency
Brought Him Back To Baltimore
CBS Baltimore
March 28, 2016
Chris joined Ed and Steve live from Orioles Spring Training in Sarasota, FL.
Chris started off by talking about re-signing with the Orioles saying “I’m happy and I’m back
where I want to be, the free agency process was grueling but it was worth it.” As for how much
his love of Baltimore played into coming back he said “it was a big part of my decision, looking
back toward the end of the season last year the way the fans embraced me and wanted me
back…this is a first class organization and I wanted to stay in a place I was comfortable and a
place I could win.”
When asked if the new big contract was putting pressure on him and if he could feel the pressure
Chris said “there is a lot of accountability that goes on in our clubhouse and that’s where the
pressure comes from…for me it’s a weight off my shoulders knowing where I’m going to be for
the next couple years.”
Chris also talked about Twitter and whether or not he allows trolls to get to him or if he pays
attention to the keyboard haters at all, and the use of smokeless tobacco in the majors.
http://baltimore.cbslocal.com/2016/03/25/orioles-announce-os-zone-events-for-fans/
Orioles Announce ‘O’s Zone’ Events For Fans
CBS Baltimore
March 25, 2016
BALTIMORE (WJZ) — The Orioles announced dates for their first three O’s Zone events,
including the annual “Birds are Back” rally in Westminster, for fans to celebrate the opening of
the 2016 season.
The first O’s Zone, presented by Budweiser, will take place on Wednesday, March 30 at the
Hard Rock Café Pier in the Inner Harbor from 4 to 6 p.m.
On Saturday, April 2, Orioles fans can attend the second O’s Zone event courtesy of Pennington
Seed inside the Home Depot located at 9190 Baltimore National Pike in Ellicott City from 11
a.m. to noon and will feature trivia and prizes and photo opportunities with the Oriole Bird.
105.7 The Fan will be on site with our promotions team and former Orioles pitcher Rick Krivda
will be available to sign autographs for fans.
On Saturday, April 9, the annual “Birds are Back” rally will take place at Westminster Island
Green from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
http://baltimore.cbslocal.com/2016/03/25/orioles-to-auction-spring-training-jerseys/
Orioles To Auction Spring Training Jerseys\
CBS Baltimore
March 25, 2016
BALTIMORE (WJZ) — The Orioles today announced that an onlinecharity auction for the
orange Spring Training jerseys worn this spring beginning today at noon and will run until
Friday, April 1, at 10:00 p.m.
The orange Spring Training jerseys feature the new 2016 design, which includes a Florida patch
on the right sleeve and sublimated lettering and numbers on the back of the jerseys, featuring
various MLB and Spring Training logos.
The jerseys of select players and manager Buck Showalter were autographed and authenticated
following the March 7 game vs. the Minnesota Twins.
Proceeds from the auction will benefit the Orioles Charitable Foundation, which raised nearly
$320,000 through game-used memorabilia and online auctions in 2015.
You can find the jerseys and auction information here and here!
https://www.pressboxonline.com/2016/03/28/with-one-week-until-opening-day-orioles-outfield-
still-unsettled
With One Week Until Opening Day, Orioles Outfield Still
Unsettled
By Stan Charles / PressBoxOnline.com
March 28, 2016
BRADENTON, Fla. -- When I arrived in Sarasota, Fla., a week ago, there seemed to be a
crossroads looming for Orioles outfielder Hyun Soo Kim, a free-agent signee from South Korea.
However, during the last seven days, there apparently is a third, more severe option that implies
the O’s may be looking to cut their losses as they did last spring with former Korean free-agent
right-hander Suk-min Yoon.
When I got down to Sarasota, Kim was just a couple days into a stretch during which he had
started to rebound from his 0-for-23 start in Grapefruit League play to eventually go 8-for-21.
That brief hot streak raised his batting average to .182 with a .229 OBP and .182 slugging
percentage. Kim has no extra-base hits and just two RBIs in 44 total at bats this spring.
His total performance before I arrived to spring training left me ready to see him up close and
make my own judgement. However, with the news that the club is now reportedly holding
internal dialogue on whether to return Kim to South Korea rather than get him to accept a minor
league option gives context to the fact that Kim didn't play with the big league club in Fort
Myers, Fla., March 22, in Bradenton March 23 or in Sarasota March 24. Then, Kim made three
weak outs during a home game against the New York Yankees March 25 and was benched
against during a home game against the Boston Red Sox March 26.
On March 27, before an exhibition game versus the Pittsburgh Pirates in Bradenton, a lineup
compromised of mostly minor leaguers and no Kim seemed to lend credence to these rumors
surrounding Kim.
If Kim and the Orioles indeed part ways, the team could look to add another outfielder from
outside the organization.
After Dexter Fowler spurned the Orioles to re-sign with the Chicago Cubs, one player I projected
the Orioles could sign to fill the void was David Murphy, who later joined the Red Sox on a
minor league deal with an opt-out clause. According to reports, Murphy opted out of his deal
with the Red Sox March 27, meaning he will become a free agent March 29 if Boston doesn't
place him on its 25-man roster for Opening Day.
Loaning some credence that Murphy could land in Baltimore if he's released by the Red Sox
could be the embrace the outfielder had with Orioles first baseman Chris Davis in Sarasota about
90 minutes before the March 26 game. The two spent time together with the Texas Rangers as
teammates from 2008-2011. After Davis and Murphy embraced, they walked together for about
five minutes.
The one difference now for the Orioles as opposed to earlier in spring training regarding Murphy
is where he would fit in, as outfielder Joey Rickard has seemingly run the table to go from a Rule
5 guy, to having made the 25-man roster, to being a very serious candidate to start in left field.
Murphy would still offer some nice defensive protection in right field for Mark Trumbo late in
games and give manager Buck Showalter another left-handed hitter off the bench, which is
something the O’s lack.
***
Kudos to veteran reporter and baseball savant Jim Henneman for pointing out the notion that
Kim and right-hander Miguel Gonzalez appear to be on the Orioles' roster bubble. Before my
arrival in Sarasota, I wouldn’t have said one or both of those scenarios would have been likely.
With Kim's chances perhaps fading, he seems like a distant long shot to open the season with the
Orioles, and Gonzalez may have just one more chance to save his roster spot with the big league.
It's highly questionable the O's would want to pay Gonzalez $3.2 million to work on getting
things straightened out at Triple-A Norfolk. That is unless his pitching coaches go to bat for him
in that scenario.
https://www.pressboxonline.com/2016/03/27/mike-wright-looking-for-spot-in-orioles-starting-
rotation
Mike Wright Looking for Spot in Orioles’ Starting Rotation
By Kyle Stackpole / PressBoxOnline.com
March 27, 2016
There's a lot Baltimore Orioles right-hander Mike Wright has enjoyed since arriving in Sarasota,
Fla., Feb. 18 for the start of spring training.
For much of the past five weeks, there have been sunny skies and temperatures in the mid 70s.
Wright, a self-proclaimed country-music fan, and the rest of the Orioles received a personal
concert from LoCash during the team's talent show March 18.
But on the diamond, the 26-year-old hurler has been fighting for a spot in the rotation after
spending the majority of his first five years in the minors. Wright started nine games last season
after the Orioles called him up from Triple-A Norfolk in May, and MLB.com has him sixth on
the starting pitcher's depth chart with Opening Day less than two weeks away.
"Obviously, I would like to go to Baltimore, stay in Baltimore for good, but it's a competition,"
Wright said March 24 on Glenn Clark Radio. "So I'm just out here trying to do my best and fight
for that spot."
Wright finished his first stint in the major leagues with a 6.04 ERA and 26 strikeouts in 44.2
innings. He's made five starts so far this spring, going 1-2 with a 5.74 ERA, and he'll likely have
one more start before the Orioles open against the Minnesota Twins at Camden Yards April 4.
Wright said his numbers don't reflect how he's felt about his performance, though.
After the Orioles drafted him out of East Carolina during the third round of the 2011 MLB Draft,
Wright said this spring is the best he's ever been in terms of executing his pitches and following
the process the Orioles' staff has created for him.
"I'm pretty positive, and coach is always saying, 'Be positive with the process,'" Wright said. "So
if I keep this process, I hope that the organization sees, just like I see, that if this process stays
the same, it's going to start getting some good results."
Should the Orioles name Wright one of their five starters, he'll join a rotation with one of highest
ERAs in the league last year. Baltimore's starters combined for a 4.53 ERA a season ago, the
second-worst mark in the American League behind the Detroit Tigers (4.78).
In an attempt to bolster the starting rotation, the Orioles signed veteran right-hander Yovani
Gallardo, who MLB.com projects will be the No. 2 starter behind right-hander Chris Tillman. As
it stands now, right-handers Miguel Gonzalez, Ubaldo Jimenez and Kevin Gausman round out
the rotation.
Wright thinks manager Buck Showalter should consider him for one of those positions, too.
"My goal this offseason was to come into camp and end up in the rotation," Wright said. "I don't
want to be the sixth, seventh, eighth guy, but I will if I have to be. But right now, I want to be on
the Opening Day roster, and I want to stay there."