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, February 23, 2015

Columns:

David Lough looking for a healthy start after concussion slowed him last spring The Sun

2/23

Travis Snider and Ryan Flaherty break down 'The Play' The Sun 2/23

Orioles notes on Darren O'Day, Dylan Bundy and Nolan Reimold The Sun 2/23

Out of options, Orioles' Brad Brach set himself up nicely with strong 2014 The Sun 2/22

Alejandro De Aza reports to Orioles camp, talks about losing arbitration hearing The Sun

2/22

Backup catcher role shouldn't be an open question The Sun 2/22

Orioles morning notes on Jason Garcia, Brian Matusz and today's bullpens The Sun 2/22

Orioles morning notes on Alejandro De Aza, Tyler Wilson and Paul Janish The Sun 2/22

Glove that young fan Jeffrey Maier used to sweep in Derek Jeter's fly ball sells for

$22,705 The Sun 2/22

Call him what you want, but Chris Tillman produces like a No. 1 starter The Sun 2/21

Orioles pitching prospects draw a crowd at bullpen sessions The Sun 2/21

Jimenez optimistic, O's win arbitration case with De Aza, Hendrickson continues

transition The Sun 2/21

Salary arbitration is a win-win for the players The Sun 2/21

Right-hander Steve Johnson feels healthy, looking for opportunity in return to Orioles

The Sun 2/20

Matt Wieters believes he'll have enough time behind the plate to be ready for Opening

Day The Sun 2/20

Baltimore's squad built on brilliance MLB.com 2/22

Veteran Birds taking Harvey under their wings MLB.com 2/22

De Aza has no hard feelings after arbitration loss MLB.com 2/22

Buck notes: Day 3, Sunday, Feb. 22 MLB.com 2/22

Ubaldo looking for success with simplified delivery MLB.com 2/22

Prospect Harvey draws a crowd for 'pen session MLB.com 2/21

O's prevail in arbitration case vs. De Aza MLB.com 2/21

Wieters on track for full clearance in March MLB.com 2/20

Nix on his new opportunity, Lough on his fresh start MASNsports.com 2/23

Webb hoping changes lead to more gems in 2015 MASNsports.com 2/23

Hearing from Showalter after the third workout MASNsports.com 2/22

De Aza putting arbitration loss behind him MASNsports.com 2/22

Ward hoping defense gives him edge in catching competition MASNsports.com 2/22

Goals for Gonzalez include rotation spot and 200 innings MASNsports.com 2/22

Hearing from Janish and Showalter following today's workout MASNsports.com 2/21

Concluding the second day of workouts MASNsports.com 2/21

Jimenez on new delivery and improved outlook (De Aza loses arbitration case)

MASNsports.com 2/21

Clevenger looking to get back up as the backup MASNsports.com 2/21

Brault PTBNL in Snider deal MASNsports.com 2/20

Showalter after the first workout MASNsports.com 2/20

Notes on Steve Johnson and pace of game rules MASNsports.com 2/20

Wieters: "I've been looking forward to this spring more than any other spring"

MASNsports.com 2/20

What happened when an opinion on a bullpen session and sabermetrics met on Twitter

MASNsports.com 2/23

Cruz and Markakis contracts called among worst deals of the offseason

MASNsports.com 2/22

A look at where Bundy and Harvey landed on another top 100 list MASNsports.com 2/21

Orioles catcher Wieters hopes to ready for opening day SI.com 2/21

Orioles beat Alejandro de Aza in salary arbitration SI.com 2/21

Orioles begin spring training with field of questions SI.com 2/20

Nix hoping for another chance with Orioles CSN Baltimore 2/23

Former Oriole recalls being "abused" by Cal Ripken Jr. CSN Baltimore 2/22

Showalter says Reimold has good chance to make Orioles CSN Baltimore 2/22

Where will Dylan Bundy start the season? CSN Baltimore 2/22

Clevenger tries to snatch backup job CSN Baltimore 2/22

Orioles veteran on losing to team in arbitration CSN Baltimore 2/22

Orioles have competition for starting roles CSN Baltimore 2/22

Here's a grandfather trying to make Orioles bullpen CSN Baltimore 2/21

Janish hopes injury doesn't affect his chances CSN Baltimore 2/21

Showalter talks clubhouse chemistry CSN Baltimore 2/21

Jimenez hopes that everything changes in 2015 CSN Baltimore 2/21

Outfielder loses arbitration hearing to Orioles CSN Baltimore 2/21

New O's outfielder trying to fit in with new team CSN Baltimore 2/20

Former Blue Jay trying to win job as Wieters' backup CSN Baltimore 2/20

Orioles pitcher fights back from injury CSN Baltimore 2/20

Showalter gives his take on MLB's replay changes CSN Baltimore 2/20

Orioles key player thinks Opening Day is realistic CSN Baltimore 2/20

Orioles' Pitching Prospect Dylan Bundy Eager To Get Back In Action

PressBoxOnline.com 2/23

Infamous Glove Used To Defeat Orioles In 1996 ALCS Sold At Auction

PressBoxOnline.com 2/22

Orioles Defeat Alejandro De Aza In Arbitration PressBoxOnline.com 2/21

Adam Jones in Semis for Face of MLB Baltimore Magazine 2/20

Alejandro De Aza on losing his arbitration hearing: “Honestly, I thought it was going to

be worse” NBCSports.com 2/23

Orioles defeat Alejandro De Aza in arbitration hearing NBCSports.com 2/21

Four O’s To Watch In 2015 CBS Baltimore 2/23

What Everth Cabrera Addition Could Mean for O’s CBS Baltimore 2/20

After much detour, Lavarnway lands with Orioles Herald-Tribune 2/22

http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/orioles/blog/bal-david-lough-looking-for-a-healthy-start-

20150223-story.html

David Lough looking for a healthy start after concussion

slowed him last spring

By Peter Schmuck / The Baltimore Sun

February 23, 2015

Speedy outfielder David Lough arrived in the Orioles organization a year ago looking like a

possible candidate to take over the leadoff role, but his first spring turned sour after he suffered a

concussion in an exhibition game against the Boston Red Sox.

"Obviously everyone knows what I did last spring with the concussion-like symptoms that kind

of went through the season for me,'' Lough said Monday. "Kind of had a rough start. I had a good

second half. Felt good at the plate. I told Dan [Duquette] the other day, it’s the guy that they

traded for. And hopefully he’s here to stay."

Lough, who had put up solid averages in Kansas City in 2013, got off to a very slow start at the

plate, batting just .159 through the first two months of the season. He would bounce back to bat

.337 the rest of the way, but the early slump clearly impacted his playing time. He had 88 at-bats

in April and May, but only 86 at-bats over the final four months of the season.

Clearly, he's hoping to show this spring that he can make a bigger impact on the club.

"I hope ... that Buck looks at the whole playing field here and sees what we got and feels that I’m

capable of doing a lot of things to help this ball club," he said. "Whether it’s leading off for the

team or doing something in a starting role."

It can be tough to get over a bad first impression, but Lough said he used that early slump as a

learning experience and believes that he's ready to show Orioles fans who he really is.

"I’ve done some good things, especially early on defensively, that I feel like I always have,'' he

said. "Offensively, people go through slumps and 100 at-bats is nothing in a full season. I look at

those 100 at- bats as a way of getting through it and pushing on and playing this game the right

way and showing these fans a little bit more this year."

http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/schmuck-blog/bal-travis-snider-and-ryan-flaherty-break-

down-the-play-20150223-story.html

Travis Snider and Ryan Flaherty break down 'The Play'

By Peter Schmuck / The Baltimore Sun

February 23, 2015

New Orioles outfielder Travis Snider wasn't around for FanFest because he's a huge Seattle

Seahawks fan and he attended the Super Bowl that weekend. So, he probably figured he was

going to get a question about "The Play" in his first interview session with the Baltimore

media covering spring training.

If you were in a cave three weeks ago and missed it. The Seahawks lost because Pete Carroll

called a pass play at the goal line instead of giving the ball to running back Marshawn Lynch,

sparking days of national second-guessing.

"My view of the play is, I believe in that team and I believe in the coaching staff,'' Snider said.

"It's tough to sit back here and try to dictate what should or should not have happened. I

understand that those guys trained a lot longer and a lot harder than any of us sitting back trying

to tell them what to do.

"So, for me as an athlete, it gives me that perspective, but it's frustrating when you're that close,

but I couldn't imagine how frustrating it is for those guys who put the work in. I try to keep that

respect with everything and hope that it's just fuel for the fire for next year."

Snider had a Super Bowl bet with new teammate and big Patriots fan Ryan Flaherty. He said

he'll be taking Flash out for a nice dinner during the regular season. Flaherty was gracious in

victory, but obviously he had a different view about "The Play."

"I was happy they passed it," Flaherty said. "You can sit there and say they should have run, but

who knows, he could have fumbled. But, I mean, I think the percentage was in running the ball,

but hindsight is 20-20."

Though Snider admitted the outcome was painful, he said that he got over it pretty quickly.

"It was tough,'' Snider said. "Flying home that Tuesday, some sadness, but I think I tweeted that

night 'It's baseball season so we're lucky that our job starts now and we can start focusing on

winning games and getting back in the playoffs."

Somebody asked Flaherty if he would have felt a bit "deflated" if the Patriots had not held on to

win.

"Too soon,'' he said.

http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/orioles/blog/bal-orioles-morning-notes-on-darren-oday-

dylan-bundy-and-nolan-reimold-20150222-story.html

Orioles notes on Darren O'Day, Dylan Bundy and Nolan

Reimold

By Eduardo A. Encina / The Baltimore Sun

February 23, 2015

Orioles right-hander Darren O’Day likely won’t see much action in Grapefruit League games

this spring.

Manager Buck Showalter indicated over the weekend that O’Day will be one of the pitchers who

will go through camp slowly, which means that his spring appearances likely will be few and far

between.

O’Day said he thinks he probably needs about nine or 10 innings to get ready for the season.

“We throw live BPs, throw bullpens,” O’Day said. “You’ve got to go back-to-back days and

you’ve got to go multiple innings because you’ve got to do it during the year.

"So as long as you get all that in and you get some regular work in and everything feels good,

you’re good to go. You throw a couple innings before the season starts. We’re going to get

plenty of work. We were in 70 games or so last year, so we’re going to get our work in.”

O’Day, who was 5-2 with a 1.70 ERA in 68 2/3 relief innings last year, undoubtedly will make

the team. So there’s no need to push him beyond the innings he needs to prepare for the season,

especially because you want to preserve him down the stretch.

“If you’ve got to come to spring training to make the team, you’ve got to come in midseason

form, and it’s a whole extra four to six weeks of wear on your arm,” O’Day said. “I’ve been

there and I’ve done it. If you’re going to play in October, you’re going to feel that.

"They’ve done a good job of identifying the guys who need to be held off a little bit and save the

bullets so we’ll be fresh in August, September and October. I know what I need, they know what

I need. So I’ll go throw in the minor leagues in some innings and I’ll throw there, so I’ll be

ready.”

Bundy bits

Showalter said top prospect Dylan Bundy is set to open the season in Double-A Bowie. And

while the right-hander will have no restrictions after undergoing Tommy John surgery in June

2013, Showalter indicated that the organization will limit Bundy's innings so that he can be

available to the major league club at the end of the season.

That’s no different than what the Orioles did with right-hander Kevin Gausman last season,

holding him to five-inning and 75-pitch limits for the first two months of the season. The move

paid off because Gausman became an integral weapon as a starting pitcher down the stretch and

allowed just one run in eight postseason innings.

Showalter hasn’t ruled out having Bundy help the major league club earlier.

“I have that scenario for everybody that figures in the mix,” Showalter said. “We have a list of

guys that might impact us at some point in the year if there’s a need. You might be surprised who

appears on [that list] depending on what the need is.

“Like I said all along, the governors are off on him. If you pitch well enough to be in the mix and

there’s a need, then yes. It’s all on the opposition now. They’re going to tell us how good he is.

He’s another one of the 28 here in camp, we’re not doing anything different with him before,

after, during [spring].”

Reimold 'going to make it tough'

Since the first full-squad workout isn’t until Wednesday, Nolan Reimold hasn’t done much

besides take batting practice, but Showalter is predicting a strong spring from Reimold.

"Nolan's going to have a good spring,” Showalter said. “He's going to make it tough on us. He

looks good. He's a different looking physical guy than the guy that left us. Our timing might be

real good here. He's 31 playing at about 28 as far as wear and tear."

Reimold hasn’t played in more than 87 games since hurting his Achilles tendon at the end of his

rookie season in 2009.

http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/orioles/bs-sp-orioles-brad-brach-0223-20150222-

story.html#page=1

Out of options, Orioles' Brad Brach set himself up nicely

with strong 2014

By Eduardo A. Encina / The Baltimore Sun

February 22, 2015

Brad Brach can trace the newfound confidence he gained in his first year with the Orioles back

to one game in mid-May of last season, a game that the team actually lost.

Brach was called into the action with no outs in the second inning on May 21 in Pittsburgh to

rescue the Orioles in long relief. At that point, the club was still trying to see what it had in

Brach, who had been acquired in a trade with San Diego in the previous offseason for minor

league left-hander Devin Jones.

Brach delivered four scoreless innings, by far the longest outing of his career, allowing the

Orioles remain in a game that they ultimately lost, 9-8, to the Pirates. Despite losing that night,

the Orioles saw they might have a new weapon in Brach.

Brach, who will turn 29 in April, went on to emerge as the Orioles' right-handed long-reliever

last season, helping the team — along with left-hander T.J. McFarland — when innings were

needed to protect the bullpen for the next day. Brach was briefly sent to Triple-A Norfolk in mid-

June, but he returned for good about a week later.

"That was a real contribution to our team, and it wasn't necessarily in a winning cause," Orioles

manager Buck Showalter said about the game in Pittsburgh. "To walk in that clubhouse and have

your teammates walk in and go, 'Nice going, kid. That was big. Now we're ready to fight

tomorrow. We've got our bullets back.' … To finish that game off, it made our team better, and

that's things that some analytical [observers] don't know.

"I've said it a million times, [at age] 27 to 31, they [sometimes] start to figure it out. He has a

different demeanor in camp because he's got some pelts. He's got some experience of success

that you can tell he carries with him. You can tell he's got a little more peacock working than

anything else. He knows he can do this and he did on a pretty big stage last year."

Brach's contribution to the 2014 Orioles easily could be overlooked. Including the playoffs, 24 of

his 48 major league appearances were at least one inning, and 12 were at least two innings. And

down the stretch, Brach earned more opportunities in the late innings, recording eight holds over

the final two months.

"He was like a Swiss Army knife," Orioles set-up man Darren O'Day said. "When you see a guy

who has the talent and is also a good person who wants to get better, when you see him make

that step, it's awesome. The way a guy like that helps the team, we have to have a good bullpen

and a deep bullpen to compete and win enough games to win this division. So it's important to

have guys make that step every year."

During a 25-appearance span from June 23 to Sept. 2, Brach was 5-0 with a 1.07 ERA, four

holds, 30 strikeouts and 10 walks while holding opposing hitters to a .142 batting average. And

now, after enjoying the most successful season of his four-year major league career — 7-1

record, 3.18 ERA in 62 1/3 innings, plus 2 1/3 scoreless innings in the playoffs — he has entered

spring training having established himself with the Orioles.

"Definitely feel really, really good," he said. "I feel stronger than I ever have. … From 2013 to

the end of 2014, going from San Diego where we really weren't in the playoff hunt to coming

here and winning the division and going to the playoffs, it's pretty crazy when you look back on

it.

"When you're going through it, you don't realize it. In the offseason, I was looking back on it and

realizing how long a year it had been and how much things can change in this game. It's really

exciting."

It was a far cry from some frustrating years in San Diego, where he couldn't find his niche on the

major league roster, often shuttling back and forth to Triple-A.

"I think if you don't deal with the downs, you don't know how to appreciate when you're doing

well," he said. "I took some bumps the last three or four years, and if I didn't have that, I don't

think I'd be where I am now.I think the last three years has really helped me develop as a pitcher.

I've done closing in the minors and now I've done longer outings. I've done everything in the

relieving role so I just feel really comfortable."

Brach also enters this season with a key caveat. He no longer has a minor league option, so he

joins a bullpen full of relievers who also can't be sent to the minor leagues without first clearing

waivers.

"The way I look at it, it's a little more comforting because as a reliever with options maybe you

can be replaceable at all times," said Brach, who didn't make last year's team out of spring

training and had three different stints at Triple-A Norfolk. "But being out of options, I feel like

I'm at a good point in my career. I had a decent year last year to kind of set me up.

"If I was coming off a rough year, it would be a little bit different situation, but I think I kind of

put myself in a good situation and wherever the chips fall, I'll just go from there. But I feel like

I'm definitely a little more at ease because I'm out of options."

Brach likely will make the major league team out of spring training, and Showalter said he could

earn more high-leverage, late-inning opportunities this season, especially when late-inning

pitchers like closer Zach Britton and set-up men Tommy Hunter and O'Day aren't available.

That's welcome news for Brach.

"Every reliever wants to close," Brach said. "Obviously, Zach did a great job last year, but if I

could set up or just pitch the sixth or seventh in a more meaningful role, that's my goal for this

year."

Last season, Brach had a 2.18 ERA in Grapefruit League games, but he didn't make the Opening

Day roster partially because he had an option at the time and could come and go between

Baltimore and Norfolk based on need.

Brach admits that his confidence wavered, but Orioles pitching coach Dave Wallace and bullpen

coach Dom Chiti reassured Brach that he was still in the team's plans.

"They told me it wasn't if, but when," Brach said about his promotion to the major leagues.

And when the Orioles needed some bullpen flexibility, Brach was one of the first additions.

Brach had never pitched more than two innings in a game in his major league career, but long

relief was the perfect place to build his confidence. He came into games when the starter was

knocked out early, so he could concentrate on attacking the strike zone. Wallace and Chiti

challenged Brach to get hitters out with three pitches or less in an at-bat to preserve his pitch

count.

"I didn't have to feel like I had to strike everybody out," Brach said. "That was the biggest thing

for me going for length. It was a lot different role than I was used to. It really gave me

confidence in knowing that if I keep stuff in the zone I can get outs. ... It was kind of a no-lose

situation because I was coming in when the game really wasn't in the balance, and I just went out

there and threw strikes."

O'Day points back to that four-inning outing in Pittsburgh as the beginning for Brach.

"He just kind of figured out that he was really good in that game because he had to be," O'Day

said. "From then on, he was pitching with confidence. He has three-plus pitches, so he should be

confident. I think you saw that the rest of the way. You saw he could do anything you asked him

to. He could go in for one inning, he could go in for three.

"Brad started out as a long guy, but then we realized he was so good we had to get him in there

more often. I think the informed baseball people and his teammates know. After that game in

Pittsburgh, everybody came up and said, 'Great job, man.' ... The guys in here know how

important he is."

http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/orioles/blog/bal-de-aza-reports-to-orioles-camp-one-day-

after-arbitration-loss-everything-is-going-to-be-the-same-20150222-story.html

Alejandro De Aza reports to Orioles camp, talks about losing

arbitration hearing

By Eduardo A. Encina / The Baltimore Sun

February 22, 2015

Orioles outfielder Alejandro De Aza had heard the horror stories about how arbitration hearings

go -- when the team you’re about to play for breaks down each of your flaws in an effort to win

the case.

But despite losing his arbitration case with the Orioles, De Aza actually expected his first

experience to be even more brutal.

“Honestly, I thought it was going to be worse,” De Aza said. “It was something that they needed

to do. It happened, and now [I have] a fresh mind going into spring training.”

De Aza, 30, reported to Orioles camp Sunday, a day after he lost his arbitration hearing against

the club. The sides weren’t far apart on the salary figures that were filed -- it was a difference of

$650,000 -- but De Aza will have to settle for a $5 million salary this season in his final year of

eligibility. The hearing was decided by an independent panel of three arbiters.

De Aza, who participated in some fielding drills with outfield coach Wayne Kirby and took

batting practice in the covered batting cages Sunday, said there were no hard feelings with the

club.

“Not at all,” De Aza said. “I know this is a business and it is what it is. … At the beginning of

the season, they said I was going to be in arbitration. Win or lose, life goes on. Everything is

going to be the same.”

The Orioles treated De Aza as a “file-and-go” player, meaning that once the two sides filed

salary figures, he was going to a hearing. Before the numbers were filed, the Orioles engaged

talk of signed De Aza to a multiyear deal that would have kept him in Baltimore beyond 2015.

He’s set to become a free agent after this season.

“I’m interested in the opportunity,” said De Aza, who said he didn’t know of any extension talks.

“Like I said before, this is a great team, and I’m excited about the opportunity here, and I want to

be here for a long time.”

After joining the Orioles in a trade with the Chicago White Sox on Aug. 31, De Aza hit

.293/.341/.537 with 11 extra-base hits (five doubles, three triples and three homers) and 10 RBIs

in 20 games.

“I was just trying to do my job every day, day in and day out,” he said. “I was just trying to do

my job and battle. Helping the team win, it was a big step.

Still, De Aza hasn’t been with the Orioles that long, so he’s looking forward to his first spring

with the club.

“It’s big,” De Aza said. “Now I get to know all my teammates better. A lot of people I didn’t

know last year. I got to spend time with them, especially in the outfield.

"I think we did a good job in the outfield communication, but now, after spending more time

with them, I’m going to know which balls I have to chase and all that kind of stuff.”

-- The team will keep a close eye on right-hander Dane De La Rosa, a nonroster invitee who had

surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his right knee Sept. 18. De La Rosa threw a bullpen session

Saturday. While pitching for the Los Angeles Angels’ Triple-A team, he missed more than six

weeks last season with the injury before having surgery. He was 3-2 with a 5.33 ERA in 27 relief

appearances in Triple-A. De La Rosa made just three major league appearances with the Angels

last season, allowing three runs in 2 1/3 innings.

-- Showalter said top pitching prospect Dylan Bundy is currently expected to open the season at

Double-A Bowie. There are no physical limitations on Bundy after he had Tommy John

reconstructive right elbow ligament surgery in 2013, but the club likely will project his innings

so that he can help the major league club down the stretch, much like the Orioles did with right-

hander Kevin Gausman last season.

http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/schmuck-blog/bal-backup-catcher-role-shouldnt-be-an-

open-question-20150222-story.html

Backup catcher role shouldn't be an open question

By Peter Schmuck / The Baltimore Sun

February 22, 2015

Every team brings a bunch of catchers to spring training to catch the countless bullpen sessions

and audition for roles at the upper levels of the organization, and every manager publicly

declares that the major league backup job is wide open.

That’s the case at the Ed Smith Stadium complex, where the Orioles have brought in former Blue

Jays and Rangers catcher J.P. Arencibia, and Buck Showalter is already extolling the defensive

virtues of minor league prospect Brian Ward.

Meanwhile, Caleb Joseph has to be the leader in the clubhouse after combining with Nick

Hundley last year to fill in for injured Matt Wieters and proving to be a very capable backup both

at and behind the plate.

Showalter acknowledged Joseph’s solid performance and said this weekend that it will be taken

into consideration when the time comes to choose the major league backup, but would not go so

far as to say the job is his to lose.

Well, it should be. Joseph has been a good soldier through a long minor league career and, when

he finally got a chance to contribute at the major league level, made a very important

contribution to a team that went deep into the playoffs.

Of course, it’s still possible that two of the candidates – and former Red Sox catcher Ryan

Lavarnway is also in the mix – make the club out of spring training if Wieters still needs more

time to get back from Tommy John elbow surgery.

http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/orioles/blog/bal-orioles-morning-notes-on-jason-garcia-

brian-matusz-and-todays-bullpens-20150222-story.html

Orioles morning notes on Jason Garcia, Brian Matusz and

today's bullpens

By Eduardo A. Encina / The Baltimore Sun

February 22, 2015

Orioles Rule 5 pick Jason Garcia realizes he needs to make an early impression on the

organization. So when the 22-year-old threw his first spring training bullpen session Saturday, he

didn’t hold back.

“It’s tough but for me, it’s a little different trying to make the team,” Garcia said. “I’m trying to

work my way into things and trying to hold myself back is pretty tough, especially on days like

yesterday when nerves were going and everything."

Garcia, who was the fourth pick in the Rule 5 draft by the Astros and was immediately dealt to

the Orioles, drew raves during last month’s minicamp with his high-90s fastball and smooth

delivery following Tommy John surgery in 2013.

That was his introduction to the team’s major league staff, but on Saturday, several coaches and

veteran pitchers watched Garcia throw his 32-pitch bullpen.

“To be honest, it wasn’t really much until I kind of got on the mound and realized how many

people there were,” Garcia said. “It was pretty exciting, but I was pretty nervous out there.”

Garcia said he prepared himself for the season earlier than in past years knowing that he must

make the major league roster as a Rule 5 pick.

“For the most part, games are just right around the corner,” Garcia said. “Normally, in bullpens

leading up to games, I like to let it go so it’s not too bad. … I felt like minicamp-wise, I felt like I

kind of got ready quicker than normal because big league camp is earlier. But I feel like I’m

pretty game ready.

“It’s not like if spring doesn’t go well, I’ll go to Double-A or Triple-A,” he said. “I have to kind

of feel the pressure a little.”

-- Orioles manager Buck Showalter said Saturday that left-hander Brian Matusz will be stretched

out this spring, partially to allow him to work on his changeup.

Even though he only logged six innings in Grapefruit League games last season, Matusz also

threw several games on the back fields, so he logged as many innings as most starters.

“With the way it worked out with the weather, there were a couple rainouts and I ended up

throwing a couple games on the back field that don’t show up in the scorecard as innings,”

Matusz said. “But yeah, this is my seventh year in camp, in professional baseball, and every year

I’ve started. I guess it’s just continuing the trend of starting and throwing innings. I guess the

only way to work on a pitch is to throw it more.”

-- The following pitchers will throw bullpens this morning: Ubaldo Jimenez, Darren O’Day, Bud

Norris, Tommy Hunter, Chris Tillman, Ryan Webb, Miguel Gonzalez, Zach Britton, Brad Brach,

T.J. McFarland, Kevin Gausman, Dylan Bundy, Mark Hendrickson.

http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/orioles/blog/bal-orioles-morning-notes-on-alejandro-de-

aza-tyler-wilson-and-paul-janish-20150221-story.html

Orioles morning notes on Alejandro De Aza, Tyler Wilson

and Paul Janish

By Eduardo A. Encina / The Baltimore Sun

February 22, 2015

Orioles outfielder Alejandro De Aza could report to spring training today, one day after losing

his arbitration hearing over a relatively-low sum of $650,000 dollars.

When De Aza arrives, expect manager Buck Showalter to pull him aside to give him a pep talk.

The arbitration process is one that must be maneuvered carefully. A player has to listen as the

team he plays for breaks down his every flaw. It can be humbling and sometimes it can peck

away at a player’s morale at the time of the year when confidence and optimism should be high.

De Aza had not gone through the process until Friday’s arbitration hearing. He'll make $5

million in 2014, a pay day that most of us would happily take. But these processes always take a

little bridge-building after the fact.

De Aza played extremely well since coming over from the White Sox in a trade last Aug. 30,

hitting .293 with a .341 on-base and .537 slugging percentage with 11 extra-base hits (five

doubles, three triples and three home runs) in 20 games with the Orioles. Still, he’s only played

26 games – including the postseason – in an Orioles uniform, so he doesn’t have a deep history

with the organization.

But he will have an instrumental role with the club this season. The starting left field job is his to

win and he is expected to get a good share of the team’s at-bats from the leadoff spot.

So, the Orioles would be smart to put De Aza in a good frame of mind from the time he steps

foot into the Ed Smith Stadium Complex. Trust that Showalter is already thinking about that and

has planned what he's going to say to De Aza.

Tyler Wilson a proven winner

Showalter came away from watching right-hander Tyler Wilson’s first bullpen session of the

season very impressed.

Wilson, who was the Orioles’ minor league pitcher of the year last season, enjoyed a

breakthrough 2014, going 14-8 with a 3.67 ERA at Double-A Bowie and Triple-A Norfolk. The

Orioles placed Wilson on the 40-man roster this offseason to protect him from being selected in

the Rule 5 draft.

The Orioles’ 10th-round pick in 2011 out of Virginia has also built a resume as a winner,

compiling a 32-24 minor league record and 3.73 ERA.

“The thing about a guy like Tyler Wilson and [Rule 5 pick Logan] Verrett and [left-

hander T.J] McFarland … if you look at their histories from high school on … [they’ve] been

Friday night pitchers at Virginia and they don’t get taken because they don’t throw 100 miles an

hour,” Showalter said. “But there’s probably not a plus-plus pitch in a guy like Wilson, but when

you put the repertoire together, you win baseball games. He locates his fastball. He’s got a good

delivery. He fields his position. He holds runners. He’s athletic. He’s smart.

"Guys like that, they fit us," Showalter said. "I’m glad we protected him. If you’re just basing

scouting on gun readings, you’re gonna miss a lot of guys. You look at his track record from

high school on, he’s done nothing but win."

Janish saw opportunity with Orioles

Infielder Paul Janish, who had surgery Feb. 13 to remove bone chips from his right elbow, is

optimistic he can play the last 2-to-3 weeks of spring games and have enough time to win a

utility roster spot.

Even if he does play well, it’s likely that he will open the season at Triple-A Norfolk, but he’s

definitely a big part of the organization’s plans.

Janish is known as a solid defender, especially at shortstop. He has a career 4.66 range factor per

nine innings in the majors.

The Orioles have been searching for better defense in Triple-A, especially at the shortstop

position. And they’ve upgraded with the additions of Janish, Rey Navarro and Ozzie Martinez.

Janish said he recognized an opportunity with the Orioles even if it wasn’t an immediate one. He

said knowing Orioles pitching coach Dave Wallace and bullpen coach Dom Chiti from his days

in Atlanta were a big part of why he signed. Janish said Wallace and Chiti sold him on the O’s,

particularly the opportunity to play for a contender.

“The team had a great year last year, so for somebody in my shoes, that’s pretty big for me,”

Janish said. “I want to be somewhere where every game is important. As I go down the stretch if

I’m not fortunate enough to make the team that they place value on having a veteran guy around

as opposed to calling up a younger guy to get him experience.”

http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/orioles/bs-sp-jeffrey-maier-glove-auction-0223-20150222-

story.html

Glove that young fan Jeffrey Maier used to sweep in Derek

Jeter's fly ball sells for $22,705

Associated Press / The Baltimore Sun

February 22, 2015

The glove Jeffrey Maier used to pull Derek Jeter's famous home run over the wall during the

1996 American League Championship Series against the Orioles has been sold at auction for

$22,705.

Heritage Auctions says the glove was purchased by an anonymous collector Saturday night, with

no mention of what the buyer plans to do with it. When Heritage announced the auction on

Monday, it didn't identify the owner, who it said had purchased the glove from Maier.

Maier was a 12-year-old fan in the right-field stands Oct. 9, 1996, when he reached over the

fence at Yankee Stadium and got his glove on Jeter's eighth-inning drive, preventing Tony

Tarasco from catching it.

Maier dragged the ball over the wall, fumbling it in the process, but umpire Rich Garcia declined

to call fan interference.

Jeter was awarded a home run that tied Game 1 of the ALCS, and the Yankees won in 11

innings. The Orioles' protest was denied by baseball's ruling executive council and AL president

Gene Budig.

New York went on to defeat the Orioles in five games and win the first of its four World Series

titles in five years.

"Even to this day, almost 20 years after the fact, this glove still continues to elicit smiles from

Yankees fans and curses from Orioles fans," said Chris Ivy, Director of Sports Auctions at

Heritage. "It's an innocuous enough little black leather Mizuno glove, but it still inspires big

emotions and commanded a big-time auction price."

Call him what you want, but Chris Tillman produces like a No. 1 starter

http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/orioles/bs-sp-schmuck-orioles-column-0222-20150221-

column.html

Call him what you want, but Chris Tillman produces like a

No. 1 starter

By Peter Schmuck / The Baltimore Sun

February 21, 2015

It's pretty hard to find fault with the rotation that carried the Orioles to the American League

Championship Series last season, but the perception remains that it lacks a true No. 1 starter.

Chris Tillman doesn't take offense, even though he has filled that role over the past couple of

years and has put together numbers comparable to those of other starters widely recognized as

"aces."

"It doesn't bother me in the least bit,'' he said Friday. "My job is to make the guys around me

better, and I feel like I'm doing my job when that happens. It's important to do the best you can

and be 'the ace,' but when we can collectively, as a group, be better than another team, we did it.

That's success to me."

Since Tillman landed in the rotation permanently in July 2012, he has made 82 starts and is a

combined 38-16 with a 3.42 ERA. For the sake of comparison, the Chicago Cubs signed Jon

Lester to a six-year deal worth $155 million this past winter. Since Tillman re-entered the

Orioles' starting rotation for good more than two seasons ago, Lester is a combined 35-28 (.556

winning percentage) with a 3.52 ERA.

Want another comparison? James Shields, the veteran starter known as "Big Game James" who

just signed a four-year, $75 million contract with San Diego Padres, is 32-22 (.614) with a 3.13

ERA over the same period.

Obviously, Shields has a longer track record and has established himself as a durable guy who

pitches a lot of innings. And Lester is a terrific starter who really wasn't himself during the

second half of 2012. They are rightfully considered among the top starting pitchers in the game.

Tillman isn't quite there yet, but there are very few pitchers who can boast a .704 winning

percentage over the past 2 1/2 seasons.

Tillman, like a lot of his teammates, takes a certain perverse pride in being underestimated

outside of Baltimore.

"Good. That's just the way we like it,'' he said. "I feel like, every team we go against, if we have

a three-game set and I go out the first game and I outpitch my guy, and the next guy outpitches

their guy, I feel like we did our job. Give our team a chance to win, get deep in the ballgame and

help our bullpen. That's the only way I look at it, and a lot of these guys are on the same page,

and that's important."

Maybe Tillman is just a solid No. 2 or No. 3 who has been pushed into the No. 1 slot in an

Orioles rotation that lacks a true ace. Time will tell. We can quibble about the semantics, but

catcher Matt Wieters, who knows Tillman and the rest of the rotation better than anyone, doesn't

care what other people think.

"To me, an ace is a guy who goes out there every fifth game, and you know he's going to give

you a good chance to win the game," Wieters said. "And Tillman has done that ever since he's

been up. Especially in our division, as competitive as this league is, you better feel like every guy

you send out there has a chance to be an ace that night.

"As far as Tillman, his mentality is something that people can't see in the stats. His mentality

allows him to go out there and compete against any hitter, go out there and beat any pitcher

who's on the mound, and that's what makes him so special."

Wieters says the critics of the Orioles' rotation — the ones who claim it has more depth than

quality — aren't looking behind the numbers and seeing what allowed it to tie the Angels for the

most wins in the American League and rank fifth in the league in ERA.

"This staff has steadily improved,'' Wieters said. "They come back ready to work. Everybody on

the staff wants what's best for everybody else in the clubhouse. It's really nice to be a part of a

group of guys who don't care about their personal numbers, don't care if they have to go out to

[pitch in] the 'pen. They only care about what's good for the team. That's pretty special."

http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/orioles/blog/bal-prospects-first-spring-bullpen-sessions-

draw-a-crowd-20150221-story.html

Orioles pitching prospects draw a crowd at bullpen sessions

By Eduardo A. Encina / The Baltimore Sun

February 21, 2015

Several of the Orioles’ young arms threw their first spring training bullpen session Saturday, and

the display drew quite the crowd.

As prospects Hunter Harvey, Tyler Wilson, Mike Wright and Tim Berry — as well as Rule 5

picks Jason Garcia and Logan Verrett — threw for the first time Saturday, several established

Orioles pitchers delayed their departures from the Ed Smith Stadium complex to watch, a rarity

in spring training.

“I don’t know if it’s curiousity at this point,” Orioles manager Buck Showalter said of a group

that included Chris Tillman, Miguel Gonzalez, Tommy Hunter, Darren O’Day, Zach Britton and

Kevin Gausman. "They’re looking for allies. They’re looking for guys who can help us. I think

everybody knows that’s where we’re going if there's a need.

“They’re engaged in the group. These guys don’t separate themselves. They’re looking for an

ally. They’re looking for help. They want to be good.”

The group of pitchers that threw Saturday also included Wesley Wright, Brian Matusz, Steve

Johnson, Chaz Roe, Dane De La Rosa, Chris Jones and Eddie Gamboa

“You see Hunter Harvey, a 20-year-old guy, he was pretty calm today,” Showalter said of the

club’s consensus No. 2 prospect, behind Dylan Bundy. “I thought that was good to see. He didn’t

try to overdo it. He didn’t try to overthrow. It was pretty good.”

The Orioles took a dip in rankings of baseball's minor league systems this offseason, falling into

the bottom third of Major League Baseball teams. They were ranked No. 22 overall by ESPN

and No. 28 by Baseball America.

Some of that slide is because top prospects such as Gausman and second baseman Jonathan

Schoop have made the jump to the majors, but Showalter likes a lot of what he has seen from the

organization's minor league arms.

“When you see some of the evaluations of systems or whatever, why do you pay any attention

[to it] if you believe what you’re going to believe?” Showalter said. “Who is critiquing the

critiquers? I’ll put what our guys have done over the last three or four or five years against

anybody.”

Other items of note

-- Showalter said the team will limit right-handed reliever Darren O’Day’s spring innings.

“Just slow it down a little bit,” Showalter said. “Darren’s going to make the club.”

Since joining the Orioles in 2012, O’Day hasn’t pitched more than 7 2/3 total innings in a

Grapefruit League season.

-- Left-hander Brian Matusz will be stretched out again this spring in order to allow him to work

on his changeup, Showalter said.

http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/orioles/blog/bal-early-orioles-notes-ubaldo-jimenez-has-

reason-to-be-optimistic-os-win-arbitration-case-with-de-aza-a-20150221-story.html

Jimenez optimistic, O's win arbitration case with De Aza,

Hendrickson continues transition

By Eduardo A. Encina / The Baltimore Sun

February 21, 2015

Right-hander Ubaldo Jimenez hopes that he can carry over the success he saw late last season

after making a few subtle mechanical adjustments to his delivery when he was sent to the

bullpen.

Jimenez drew praise from manager Buck Showalter for his first spring training bullpen session

on Monday. Last August, Jimenez adjusted his delivery, no longer lifting his hands over and

behind his head, which he said he helped him stay forward and improved his control.

"It was all about not going over the top of my head because I was going way too far and that

makes my mechanics go everywhere, so right now I'm able to simplify everything by grabbing

the ball and just going straight to home plate,” Jimenez said. “Once I saw everything was

working, I was staying with it and I'm not changing anything. I'm not trying to be like, 'Oh no,

this is not my mechanics. I'm going to go back.' No. I'm going to do everything that's made me

better."

"Felt really good,” Jimenez said of his first spring bullpen session. “Everything felt really

smooth. Something that I did, I threw like five bullpens before I came over here, back in the

Orioles' complex in the Dominican. I went there and threw bullpens and then I threw a live

batting practice to make sure when I got here my mechanics would be a little bit better. I stuck

with what I was doing at the end of last year and everything feels good."

Jimenez signed during spring training last year and said in retrospect it probably hurt him in

preparing for the season. He was 6-9 with a 4.81 ERA and 77 walks over 125 1/3 innings in his

first year of a four-year, $50-milion contract.

“It changed everything because I didn’t prepare as I used to,” he said. “I didn’t throw bullpens

until I came here to spring training. I didn’t throw in a game. I didn’t throw anything.

“The thing is I need to do that. Every year before I come to spring training, I usually throw a lot

of bullpens. I throw live batting practice. I throw even in games. Last year was the only time I

didn’t do that because I didn’t sign on time. That’s something that I put into my mind, too. I’m

trying to make new mechanics. Every time I get on the mound, it makes it easier to forget about

old mechanics.”

Jimenez was also asked about his decision to leave the club during last season’s ALCS when he

was left off the postseason roster.

“Yeah, it was tough because I wanted to be part of the team,” he said. “I wasn’t on the roster, and

then I had to go home and had some business to take care of.”

Orioles win arbitration hearing with De Aza

The Orioles won their arbitration hearing with outfielder Alejandro De Aza on Saturday. De Aza,

whose hearing was Friday in St. Petersburg, Fla., will make $5 million in 2015 in his final season

of arbitration eligibility.

De Aza was the only one of the Orioles’ 11 arbitration-eligible players to go to arbitration.

The Orioles and De Aza were just $650,000 apart on salary figures.

Orioles general counsel H. Russell Smouse improved his record to arbitration hearings to 8-0.

The Orioles have lost just one arbitration hearing since managing partner Peter G. Angelos took

over the team, a loss to Ben McDonald in 1995. The team is 11-1 under Angelos.

Along with Smouse, the Orioles' arbitration team also consisted of director of baseball operations

Tripp Norton and director of major league administration Ned Rice.

Hendrickson realistic with expectations

Veteran left-hander Mark Hendrickson, who was signed to a minor league deal with a spring

invite after having a tryout last month at minicamp, said he is open to starting the season in

Triple-A.

“I come in here with realistic expectations,” the 40-year-old Hendrickson said. “Obviously, I

know what they did last year and the guys should be commended on how far they got and how

much success they had. They’re going to get ready for the season. For me, if I start in Triple-A,

it’s one step closer than I was last season. I’m OK with that is that’s the case. Obviously, that’s

not going to change my preparation. It’s to continue to go out there and develop my pitches and

get ready. But I’ve always had the goal of April 1 [being] my target date every year just to be

ready to go, so that’s what I’m focusing on down here.”

Hendrickson is continuing his transition to throwing from a lower arm angle, an experiment

suggested to him by Showalter. He said he’s made tremendous strides since first tinkering with

his arm slot two years ago.

“It’s so much easier to have a feel , even if someone mentions a change, ‘Hey can you drop your

arm a little lower,’ I know how to do that,” Hendrickson said. “It’s kind of become second nature

for me. That’s the biggest change I’ve seen because last year and even this year. And that’s what

they saw in minicamp. … I went down and threw in the middle of June and they said it looked

completely different than it was even last year. That’s a good sign for me. The progression is

there. I’ve seen some results. Now it’s about continuing to get better.”

Around the horn

Showalter said the team will take it slowly with O’Day’s spring innings. “Just slow it down a

little bit,” Showalter said. “Darren’s going to make the club.” Since joining the Orioles in 2012,

O’Day hasn’t pitched more than 7 2/3 innings in Grapefruit League games. … Matusz will be

stretched out this spring in order to allow him to work on his changeup, Showalter said. Matusz

pitched just six innings last spring, but threw 24 in 2012 and 20 in 2013 as he competed for a

rotation spot. … Infielder Paul Janish said he hopes to return from surgery to remove bone chips

from his right elbow in enough time to compete for a spot on the club. “Hopefully it will kind of

be a three-to-four week time frame and I’ll be able to play the second half of camp ideally,” said

Janish, who had the procedure last Friday. “That’s kind of optimistic, but we’ll see … Hopefully

I’ll be able to play the last two, three weeks of camp and play well and hopefully have a shot.”

http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/schmuck-blog/bal-salary-arbitration-is-a-winwin-for-the-

playerws-20150221-story.html

Salary arbitration is a win-win for the players

By Peter Schmuck / The Baltimore Sun

February 21, 2015

The Orioles confirmed on Saturday that outfielder Alejandro De Aza lost his salary arbitration

case, but there’s really no reason to use that word – lost – in almost any arbitration situation.

Where else can you lose a salary dispute with your boss and still get a big raise? De Aza’s salary

increased from $4.25 million to $5 million after a season in which he batted just .252 with the

lowest on-base percentage of his career.

He was looking for a 41 percent raise and settled for an 18 percent raise, which would be a

fantastic bump for anybody in any industry other than big-money professional sports.

Though there is a lot of focus on free agency and the handful of giant contracts that are handed

out to premier players every year, it is the salary arbitration system that has fueled the dramatic

salary spiral that began in the collective bargaining aftermath of the Messersmith/McNally free

agent ruling in the 1970s.

Throughout the free-agent era, every out-sized arbitration ruling has created a new salary floor

for comparable players, which has created an economic stairway to heaven for the players who

are eligible for arbitration and the free agent players who also benefit from that salary

acceleration.

While we’re on the subject, congratulations to Orioles attorney Russell Smouse for improving

his lifetime record in arbitration cases to 8-0. The Orioles haven’t lost one since Ben McDonald

beat them in the 1990s.

http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/orioles/blog/bal-righthander-steve-johnson-feels-healthy-

looking-for-opportunity-in-his-return-to-orioles-20150220-story.html

Right-hander Steve Johnson feels healthy, looking for

opportunity in return to Orioles

By Eduardo A. Encina / The Baltimore Sun

February 20, 2015

Orioles right-hander Steve Johnson rejoined his hometown team this season in part because he

was comfortable with the organization. Johnson (St. Paul’s) signed a minor league deal this

offseason and is coming off surgery to remove a bone spur from the back of his right shoulder.

"I wouldn't say surprised,” Johnson said of being back. “I knew this was a place I felt

comfortable and that if no one else really blew me away, this would probably be a place I'd come

back to. I like being here. I'm comfortable with everybody, all the coaches. I think what helps is

that they know what I can do when I'm healthy and that's just mainly what I'm trying to be and

just staying on the field."

Johnson is confident he's ready to participate in spring training after having surgery in

September.

"I told them when I came down that I threw a couple bullpens at home and felt pretty good,”

Johnson said. “I said I'll continue with what everyone else is doing until I feel anything that says

I can't. So far so good and I'm scheduled to be right on pace. … I calmed it down a little bit [in

the offseason]. I usually throw a little bit more. I said mainly I'm trying to be ready for Opening

Day and make sure that happens, but if everything goes well I don't see myself holding back at

all. I might not have thrown as much before I got here, but I may not have needed all that. I

might just be fine the way I am right now."

Johnson was 4-2 with a 2.11 ERA in 2012, winning his first three big starts. He has also proven

to be successful as a reliever, but he’s made just nine major league appearances (one start) since

his rookie year.

“I’m going to try to make the team,” he said. “If there’s an opening and I’m pitching well, I

know there’s a possibility. If not, I’ll head to Norfolk and work my way up. … I’ve been a

starter. Hopefully continue to be a starter. If they need me to relieve, I’ll relieve. I don’t think it’s

really my call. Whatever they think is best to get back to the big leagues.”

http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/orioles/blog/bal-orioles-catcher-matt-wieters-believes-he-

will-have-enough-time-behind-the-plate-this-spring-to-be-re-20150220-story.html

Matt Wieters believes he'll have enough time behind the

plate to be ready for Opening Day

By Eduardo A. Encina / The Baltimore Sun

February 20, 2015

As the Orioles hold their first pitchers and catchers workout Friday morning at the Ed Smith

Stadium complex, catcher Matt Wieters has his eyes focused on being fully recovered from right

elbow ligament reconstruction surgery by Opening Day.

Wieters can do all catching activities with the exception of throwing – his throwing progression

has reached the point to where he entered Friday having thrown back-to-back days from 120 feet

– and he will participate in defensive drills and catch bullpens during spring training workouts.

He’s expected build at-bats as a designated hitter once exhibition games start, and Orioles

manager Buck Showalter said he will play in several road games -- a rarity for most established

starters -- to get the at-bats he needs to prepare for the season.

“Doing good,” Wieters said. “Rehab’s going. It’s kind of just slowly progressing, and like I said,

very excited to be in camp, get to go through camp. I think I’ve been looking forward to this

spring more than any other spring, just being able to go out there and play. … We did back-to-

back days yesterday of 120 feet plus. Today’s an off day, so today, we’ll let it rest and then get

back going, and I believe we have a couple of back-to-back days coming up soon.”

When Wieters had Tommy John surgery on June 17 – the procedure was performed by Dr.

James Andrews – the estimated recovery time was nine months. The Orioles remain on that

timetable as Wieters is projected to be able to throw in games on March 17.

“We’ve gone through and checked it and rechecked it as the time’s gone and everything has

checked out every time I’ve gone back to see Dr. Andrews or talked with Richie and Brian here,"

Wieters said. "It’s still always up in the air for change. Nine months was our best case scenario

when we first did it. So far, everything has fortunately gone well enough to wear nine months is

still our goal.”

Even though Wieters won’t throw in games until the middle of next month, he will build innings

behind the plate in intrasquad and simulated games in preparation for the season.

“I want to get every part of my body in as best shape as I can for being here early, and the arm is

the last thing to come,” Wieters said. “The big thing is just don’t want to have anything that is

getting fatigued or not get ready that helps us to get ready for the season. I think a lot of those,

we’re getting the swings in, getting a lot of things in. By getting behind the plate and just

catching without making a lot of throws to bases is going to help me get ready for the season.”

Wieters said the two weeks of full catching in games should be enough time to be ready to

opening the season with the club in Tampa Bay on April 6, especially considering he will already

be doing all catching activities other than throwing.

“There’s still a lot of ifs,” Wieters said. “God-willing, everything will keep going how it’s going

and keep progressing with it. We’ll be two weeks for being behind the plate, especially if I’ve

been able to hit and been able to really catch other than throw. It should be plenty of time if we

can get those two weeks in before Opening Day. This whole year is going to be a matter of how

the body feels. It’s a surgery I’ve never gone through and not many catchers have, so it’s going

to be seeing how the body feels and go from there.”

Fortunately for the Orioles, Wieters has caught many of the club's pitchers in spring training, so

he doesn’t have to get accustomed to many new arms while he works back to full health.

“The big part of it is getting to know your pitchers and what they like to do, and thankfully we

have a lot of guys who I’ve caught in the heat of the battle,” Wieters said. “At the same time,

there’s a lot of checkmarks you have to go through during spring training: catching nine innings,

catching back-to-back days, things that you go into spring training trying to get off that checklist.

So just mentally when Opening Day is here, you feel ready to play baseball.

“It’s going to look different this year than any other spring has to me. But there are ways that we

can get those checkmarks by a different route where at least whenever go time is whenever I’m

ready to catch in a game, we feel comfortable getting back there.”

http://m.orioles.mlb.com/news/article/110050996/richard-justice-baltimores-squad-built-on-

brilliance

Baltimore's squad built on brilliance

By Richard Justice / MLB.com

February 22, 2015

SARASOTA, Fla. -- On a sun-splashed Sunday morning, Orioles manager Buck Showalter is

proudly showing off a new bullpen area that was finished just before the beginning of Spring

Training.

He designed it himself -- three full mounds and two lower ones for rehabilitating pitchers.

Almost as important is its location, near three practice infield areas, so his guys can get their

work done more efficiently.

It's not a huge deal. It may not win a single game and will go mostly unnoticed. And yet it's one

of those little things that sends a not-so-subtle message.

"You want guys to know you're paying attention, that you're always looking for ways to get

better," said Showalter, who got the idea during a tour of Dodgertown years ago. Back then those

mounds had special meaning, because guys named Koufax and Drysdale had used them.

"Actually, it was kind of sacred to throw a bullpen session from one of those mounds," he said.

As Showalter has given tours of the new area this spring, he has usually included a money quote.

"You know what they say about the road to success always being under construction."

Bingo.

He smiles the smile of a happy man, a proud man. He has been one of the key figures in

resurrecting one of baseball's "crown jewel" franchises and making it one of the smartest, most

successful operations in the game.

It's not just that the Orioles have been to the playoffs twice in the last three seasons or that they

won the American League East by 12 games in 2014. It's not even that their 274 victories are the

second-most among AL clubs since 2012.

As impressive as all that is, it's how the Orioles have done it. That is, with brilliant baseball

people -- beginning with general manager Dan Duquette -- who have found talent in places

others haven't even looked and with a manager who long ago established himself as one of the

best of his generation.

One of Showalter's points of pride is giving every player a chance to prove himself. As he puts it,

"No one is going to out-opportunity us. We want this to be the place [where] a guy gets the most

out of his ability.

"When we send a guy down, we can look him in the eye and tell him if he takes care of his

business, he's most likely going to get a shot."

That's how a waiver claim named Steve Pearce got a chance to hit 21 home runs last season. And

that's how a pitcher signed out of the Mexican League, Miguel Gonzalez, got 69 starts and

compiled a 3.45 ERA in three years. That's how an unprotected Rule 5 Minor League Draft pick,

left-hander T.J. McFarland, got into 75 games over a two-year stretch.

To be fair, the Orioles also have stars: center fielder Adam Jones, catcher Matt Wieters,

shortstop J.J. Hardy and starter Chris Tillman. They have an assortment of coveted pitching

prospects: Kevin Gausman, Hunter Harvey and Dylan Bundy.

And it's the brilliance of Showalter, and of Jones and Wieters and the other veterans who

suffered through times when the Orioles lost 90 games routinely and Camden Yards was half-

full, that has made it all work.

"We've been together three, four years now," Jones said. "We've got a good group of guys that

understand the team philosophy. We've been able to accomplish some of our goals. Not all of

them. But some of them."

The Orioles also thrive on being overlooked. Showalter has noticed that his team is being picked

by many to finish last in the AL East. He's fine with that. Actually, he seems to thrive on it.

And the Orioles once more are doing it a different way. They lost three members of their 2014

team to free agency: outfielders Nelson Cruz and Nick Markakis, and reliever Andrew Miller.

Cruz led the Majors with 40 home runs, and his departure leaves a significant hole. How is he

being replaced?

Duquette added pieces from here and there, including a trade for Pirates outfielder Travis Snider.

The Orioles also took a pair of unprotected players in the Rule 5 Draft: right-handers Logan

Verrett and Jason Garcia. The Orioles think that both might make the club and contribute.

Duquette empowers his scouts and has asked them to focus on what available players can do

rather than what they can't. Perhaps that's why the Orioles have nine players in camp who were

once Rule 5 picks -- that is, players some teams felt comfortable leaving off their roster.

The Orioles also think that getting Wieters and third baseman Manny Machado back from

injuries and first baseman Chris Davis back from a 50-game suspension could offset the free-

agency departures.

"Hey, there are no experts," Jones said. "No one believed in us last year."

Added Tillman: "We're a work in progress. We've still got a long way to go. We came together

as a team last year, but we haven't played as well as we're capable of. We can still get better."

Though the Orioles led the Majors in home runs last season, it was pitching and defense that got

them into the AL Championship Series against the Royals.

"The biggest difference in our club last year was that our starting pitching got deeper into

games," Showalter said. "And we return those people, so I feel good about that. And the people

that caught the ball behind them, they're back, too."

Oh, and the Orioles have five of the first 102 picks in the 2015 First-Year Player Draft. That's

why Duquette spent the weekend on the road scouting.

"I think that's why there's a great morale right now among our scouts and player development

[staff]," Showalter said. "We know how we have to do this. We've got to nail these picks. These

are very big to maintain our continuity."

http://m.orioles.mlb.com/news/article/110013130/veteran-orioles-taking-hunter-harvey-under-

their-wings

Veteran Birds taking Harvey under their wings

By Brittany Ghiroli / MLB.com

February 22, 2015

SARASOTA, Fla. -- Orioles manager Buck Showalter does everything for a reason. So, it's

highly unlikely it's a coincidence that veteran pitchers Darren O'Day and Tommy Hunter have

been in pitching prospect Hunter Harvey's group during Spring Training's early workouts.

"In the PFP [pitchers' fielding practice] groups, having O'Day and Hunter, if they see something

I don't do right, they help me," said Harvey, 20, who is the youngest pitcher in camp. "They've

helped me a lot with just about everything."

Harvey threw his first bullpen session on Saturday, to quite the large crowd, and drew raves later

from Showalter for keeping calm. His secret? Pretending he was at home throwing to his regular

offseason catcher, his brother Chris.

While Harvey admitted being in his first big league camp is still "pretty nerve-wracking," he has

gotten a warm welcome since arriving. He walked off the field Saturday to handshakes

from Chris Tillman and Zach Britton. Bud Norris, another member of the rotation, made it a

point on Sunday morning to ask about how things went.

"I look up to just about all of those guys," Harvey said. "So, [seeing them there] was a really

good feeling."

Coming off his first full pro season, which was shortened by a right flexor mass strain, Harvey

has been fully cleared since mid-December and attended the Orioles' mini-camp in January.

Asked what he's learned from his limited time as a pro, Harvey said it's to control himself.

"In high school it's full-go every pitch. I probably got nine or 10 starts," said Harvey, who posted

a 3.18 ERA in 17 starts for Class A Delmarva last season. "In this, I'm getting around 30. So,

really, just taking care of myself and making sure I can make it through the full season."

http://m.orioles.mlb.com/news/article/110018456/alejandro-de-aza-has-no-hard-feelings-after-

arbitration-loss-to-orioles

De Aza has no hard feelings after arbitration loss

By Brittany Ghiroli / MLB.com

February 22, 2015

SARASOTA, Fla. -- Alejandro De Aza reported to camp early on Sunday and said there are no

hard feelings about losing in arbitration last week.

"Win or lose, life goes on," he said. "Everything is going to be the same."

Still, those hearings can be quite contentious, as the Orioles pointed out why he's not worth what

he's asking and his side argued why he is. De Aza will make $5 million in 2015, after he had

requested $5.65 million. But he still received a nice raise from the $4.25 million he made last

year. De Aza, who was arbitration eligible for the first time this winter, said it wasn't as bad as he

had heard from other players.

"I thought it was going to be worse," he said.

As for baseball, De Aza is excited to get a fresh start with Baltimore at the beginning of the year.

He will have a more prominent role after the departures of Nick Markakis and Nelson Cruz.

http://m.orioles.mlb.com/news/article/110016762/orioles-buck-notes-day-3-sunday-february-22

Buck notes: Day 3, Sunday, Feb. 22

By Brittany Ghiroli / MLB.com

February 22, 2015

SARASOTA, Fla. -- Caleb Joseph left Sunday's workout early, as his wife, Brooke, was taken to

a local hospital. She's due with the couple's first child on March 1 and manager Buck Showalter

said the hospital visit isn't anything serious.

• Dylan Bundy is slated to start the season at Double-A Bowie, Showalter said. Bundy threw his

second bullpen session on Sunday and has no physical restrictions this spring.

• Dane De La Rosa is coming off right meniscus surgery in September, but Showalter said he

thinks he will be fine. They'll probably just be a little cautious with him early.

• New Oriole Jayson Nix is expected to report to camp on Monday or Tuesday.

• Brad Brach, who is out of options, could have a "more significant role" this year. Showalter

said Brach -- coming off a breakout year -- has a different vibe about him in camp.

"He's experienced some success that you can tell he carries with him," Showalter said. "He

knows he can do this and he did it on a pretty big stage last year."

Brach is expected to make the team's bullpen.

• Ryan Webb has lost weight and Showalter noted that it's good weight, as Webb appears to be in

better shape. It's a big year for the right-hander, who is trying to make the team. He'll have to be

quicker to the plate than he was last year to help his chances.

http://m.orioles.mlb.com/news/article/109930788/orioles-right-hander-ubaldo-jimenez-looking-

for-success-with-simplified-delivery

Ubaldo looking for success with simplified delivery O's righty started working on keeping hands lower late last season

By Brittany Ghiroli / MLB.com

February 21, 2015

SARASOTA, Fla. -- Ubaldo Jimenez was among the Orioles pitchers who threw a bullpen

session on Friday, and the right-hander is sticking with the simplified delivery he incorporated

last year.

"My mechanics got so messed up. I was going way too far, and I was losing sight of home plate,"

Jimenez said of last year. "I mean, you are supposed to do that [overhead motion] and stay over.

I was going way over, and I didn't know it. I didn't know it until they showed me."

Jimenez's hands are now lowered and staying there, a delivery that looks more like what Chris

Tillman does. It's not a new delivery for Jimenez, as it was something he did in the Minor

Leagues. He only added the motion to go over his head as a way to stay back on the rubber in his

younger days.

The new delivery worked well for the final two months of the season, although it still wasn't

enough for Jimenez to be on the team's American League Championship Series roster. Jimenez

left the team during that time, which drew a lot of negative attention, though he said that it wasn't

sour grapes.

"I had some business I had to take care of personally back in my country," said Jimenez, who

returned to the Dominican Republic. "Everything is OK. It wasn't at that time."

"As a player, you are not going to be happy to not be on the roster, but as a player, I didn't take it

that way," Jimenez said. "I didn't start anything, and I said 'OK, I wish them the best'. And I saw

all the games. I made sure I kept myself ready in case they needed me after that."

So does Jimenez, who went 6-9 with a 4.81 ERA last year, think the O's and their fans have seen

what he can do?

"Not even a little bit. They haven't," Jimenez said. "I cant wait [to show them]."

"As a player, you are trying to do the best. The season wasn't the one you wanted it to be, of

course you aren't going to be happy. You know you have something that you have to prove."

Orioles manager Buck Showalter said Jimenez is very engaged this spring and that the quiet

righty has "a little burn going" as he approaches the season.

"It's the delivery he's used before," Showalter said of the changes. "We aren't going to force

something down his throat. It's got to be something he sees, he embraces. A lot of times, you are

looking for a hook. Sometimes it's as much mental as it is physical. This is, I think, a little bit of

both."

http://m.orioles.mlb.com/news/article/109939298/right-handed-orioles-prospect-hunter-harvey-

draws-a-crowd-for-bullpen-session

Prospect Harvey draws a crowd for 'pen session Tillman, Britton, O'Day among Orioles pitchers who stayed to watch righty

By Brittany Ghiroli / MLB.com

February 21, 2015

SARASOTA, Fla. -- Hunter Harvey, one of the Orioles' top pitching prospects, was among the

pitchers who threw a bullpen session at the Ed Smith Stadium complex on Saturday morning.

Not only were the prominent members of the organization on hand, but several players also

stayed to watch Harvey, who was in the last group, along with Rule 5 Draft pick Logan

Verrett. Chris Tillman and Zach Britton waited until Harvey finished to shake his hand,

and Darren O'Day, Tommy Hunter and Miguel Gonzalez also watched Hunter.

"They are engaged in the group. These guys don't separate themselves," manager Buck

Showalter said of the veterans who weren't pitching, but stayed to watch. "[The prospects] are

looking for an ally, they are looking for help. They want to be good."

Harvey, who was shut down last season because of a right flexor mass strain, is a full-go in camp

and is certainly on the O's radar. Showalter brought him up unprompted when talking with the

media on Saturday afternoon.

"You know what's impressive? You see Hunter Harvey, a 20-year-old guy. He was pretty calm

today," Showalter said. "Thought that was good to see. Didn't try to overdo it, overthrow. Pretty

good."

Other O's who threw Saturday included: Dane De La Rosa, Brian Matusz, Wesley Wright, Oliver

Drake, Steve Johnson, Chaz Roe, Chris Jones, Tyler Wilson, Mike Wright, Tim Berry, Eddie

Gamboa and Jason Garcia.

http://m.orioles.mlb.com/news/article/109927848/os-prevail-in-arbitration-case-vs-de-aza

O's prevail in arbitration case vs. De Aza

By Brittany Ghiroli / MLB.com

February 21, 2015

SARASOTA, Fla. -- The Orioles won their arbitration hearing on Friday against

outfielder Alejandro De Aza, which means he will make $5 million in 2015. De Aza's side had

requested $5.65 million, but he still gets a good raise from the $4.25 million he made last year.

De Aza was the Orioles only arbitration case that went to a hearing and continues the

organization's recent success in those cases.

Acquired in an August trade from the White Sox, De Aza flourished with Baltimore and is

expected to get fairly consistent playing time in the corner outfield spots this winter.

http://m.orioles.mlb.com/news/article/109824432/orioles-catcher-matt-wieters-on-track-for-full-

clearance-in-march

Wieters on track for full clearance in March Last step for Orioles catcher is throwing full-throttle to bases; Opening Day in sight

By Brittany Ghiroli / MLB.com

February 20, 2015

SARASOTA, Fla. -- Matt Wieters joked Friday morning that he's going to limit the number of

interviews he gives this spring. It may not be such a bad idea, as the All-Star catcher, who is

coming off season-ending Tommy John surgery in June, will have every step of camp chronicled

as he tries to get ready for the start of the season.

Wieters won't be cleared to throw full-throttle to the bases until at least March 17.

"There's still a lot of ifs," said Wieters of Opening Day. "God-willing, everything will keep

going how it's going and keep progressing. We'll [have] two weeks for being behind the plate,

especially if I've been able to hit and been able to really catch, other than throw. It should be

plenty of time if we can get those two weeks in before Opening Day. This whole year is going to

be a matter of how the body feels. It's a surgery I've never gone through, and not many catchers

have, so it's going to be seeing how the body feels and go from there."

Wieters threw back-to-back days, reaching up to 120 feet-plus, and took Friday off as a result.

He said his arm feels great and he wants to do everything possible to make sure his body is ready

for the grind of a 162-game season.

"I think I've been looking forward to this spring more than any other spring," Wieters said. "Just

being able to go out there and play."

Wieters, who was on pace for a career offensive year in 2014, underwent surgery on June 17.

Exactly nine months later, he's set to be cleared to throw out baserunners by the surgeon who

performed the procedure, Dr. James Andrews.

"Nine months was our best-case scenario when we first did it," Wieters said. "So far, everything

has fortunately gone well enough to where nine months is still our goal."

http://www.masnsports.com/school-of-roch/2015/02/nix-on-his-new-opportunity-lough-on-his-

fresh-start.html

Nix on his new opportunity, Lough on his fresh start

By Roch Kubatko / MASNsports.com

February 23, 2015

SARASOTA, Fla. - Infielders Jayson Nix and Rey Navarro have reported to camp, leaving

outfielder Delmon Young and infielder Michael Almanzar as the only Orioles still marked

absent.

Position players aren't due in camp until Tuesday.

If memory serves, Almanzar was the last Oriole to report in 2014.

Catcher Caleb Joseph returned to camp this morning after leaving yesterday to be with his wife,

Brooke, who's expecting their first child. She fine and the couple is still waiting for their baby to

arrive.

Going back to Nix, he told us that he signed a minor league deal with the Orioles last week

because it seemed like a good fit after facing them a lot over the past few years.

"It seemed like they have a pretty good thing going over here, a good team, good chemistry and a

team that most importantly is winning and wants to win and is in a position to win," he said.

Nix, 32, has played for eight teams in seven years and is a career .212/.282/.345. He's played

every position in the majors except center field and catcher.

He brings defense to the table.

"What I've done the last few years, doing a variety of things," he said. "Playing all over the field,

playing short, second and third mainly, but also being able to play in the outfield. Wherever they

put me, I'm very versatile in that way. And whatever need arises, whatever is needed, I can fill."

Going to an organization that stresses defense first does make it a potential fit for Nix.

"I take a lot of pride in my defense and that aspect of my game and I feel like I bring a lot of

value in that department," Nix said. "That's important. It's a good fit for me."

Nix wanted to play for a winning organization and he's noticed the turnaround in Baltimore over

the past three seasons. He's been on the playoff roster of the Yankees in 2012 and the Royals in

2014.

"Absolutely," he said. "I remember looking back to 2012 when I was in New York and coming

down the stretch that season in September, this team was really playing good and we were

fighting with them down the stretch and then in the playoffs that year. I could really see it turn

that year. That was the first year for me playing and seeing this team win seeing and Baltimore

come alive, and ever since then it's been that way.

"Yeah, I've definitely seen it, and I know for a team to be playing like that, they've got to have a

lot of good things going on in the clubhouse.

"For the team to be winning over the course of the last few years like they've been doing and just

seeing how the team plays as a group, as a whole, it's apparent that there's a lot of good things

going on here."

Outfielder David Lough is happy to be healthy this spring after dealing with concussion

symptoms last year, his first with the Orioles, and getting off to brutally slow start to the regular

season.

Lough batted .159 in his first 38 games (98 plate appearances), but he hit .337 after June 1.

"Obviously, everyone knows what I did last spring with the concussion-like symptoms that kind

of went through the season for me," he said. "Kind of had a rough start. I had a good second half.

Felt god at the plate. I told Dan (Duquette) the other day, it's the guy that they traded for and

hopefully he's here to stay.

"I think it was more of a mental thing. It was with me. I kind of felt it a little bit. And with

baseball you've got to have a clear mind a little bit. If it's stuck in your mind, it's just going to be

worse and that's how it was for the first half of the season. And after that, I was like you know

what? I've just got to get let it go, play baseball. And I ended up playing a lot better."

He certainly did over the second half.

"I felt good," Lough said. "I was on a roll and I was doing some good things for the ballclub. I

felt like that was the old me swing-wise and having my mental approach going up to the plate.

It's just trying to bring that into spring training and put those first 100 at-bats from last year aside

and have a good spring."

Lough knew the Orioles were looking for an outfielder during the winter, but he didn't take it

personally.

"It happens every single year," he said. "There's competition. But we're always together and I've

met (Travis) Snider already. Great guy. (Chris) Parmalee, great guy. We've already hung out and

talked and stuff. It is competition, but we're athletes and we embrace it."

Lough could get the chance to play more this season with Nick Markakis and Nelson Cruz

leaving as free agents.

"I hope so, that Buck (Showalter) looks at the whole playing field here and sees what we've got

and feels that I'm capable of doing a lot of things to help this ballclub, whether it's leading off for

the team or doing something in a starting role," Lough said.

"I've done some good things, especially yearly on defensively that I feel like I always have.

Offensively, people go through slumps. One hundred at-bats is nothing in a full season. I look at

those 100 at-bats as a way of getting through it and pushing on and playing this game the right

way and showing these fans a little bit more this year."

http://www.masnsports.com/school-of-roch/2015/02/webb-hoping-changes-lead-to-more-gems-

in-2015.html

Webb hoping changes lead to more gems in 2015

By Roch Kubatko / MASNsports.com

February 23, 2015

SARASOTA, Fla. - When I rule the world, the Oscar statue is going to look like Jack Klugman.

Orioles reliever Ryan Webb looks like a slimmed down version of himself. He reported to camp

at 228 pounds, compared to 245 last spring. The right-hander says he ended the 2014 season at

236 pounds.

How did he do it?

"I ate better," he said, instantly losing me. (I kid).

"I started eating healthy foods and trying to just cut down on breads and fats," he continued

while I felt even worse about myself. "I started drinking the juices and stuff and I was working

out."

Webb's offseason was interrupted by surgery in late October to tighten the capsule in his left

shoulder. Now he can tighten his belt a few more notches.

"I had the surgery, so I took a couple weeks off and that actually helped because I didn't eat as

much then," he said. "When I came back I tried to portion better and I was doing my rehab and

then I was going to Joe (Hogarty) at Camden Yards every day and working out hard over there

and then coming back. So, really it's a balance of training every day, eating right and it just kind

of took care of itself.

"I wasn't actually trying to slim down or anything like that. I was just trying to be healthier and it

feels great. I showed up and I feel like I'm more lean and fit and able to go run around like I was

younger. I'm getting older but I feel a little bit younger, which is nice."

Marriage agrees with Webb, who's expanded his support system.

"(Lauren) helps keep me on track for sure. Definitely," he said. "Getting married comes with a

little more responsibility, too. You use that in the right way and it works out. As much as I've

done trying to stay in shape and stuff, I've also applied that to a lot of things that Dom (Chiti) and

Wally (Dave Wallace) were working on with me at the end of the year with mechanics and stuff

and repeating what we were doing, which was shortening up my delivery and being quicker to

the plate, and that feels really good, too."

Surgery on a non-pitching shoulder might not seem like a big deal, but Webb needed the

procedure to feel like himself again on the mound and in the weight room.

"It affected the intensity that I could work out at," he said. "It affected trying to go for balls over

my head and stuff like that. I wasn't able to do really fast arm circles. It didn't affect my pitching

much. If it did, I didn't notice it. But now that it's fixed, it definitely just feels better to not worry

about it and not have that pain when I'm working out or have the shoulder give out when I'm

working out.

"The best thing about it is, having the surgery forced me to go back and do all those cuff

exercises to get my left shoulder back in shape, but I also did it for my right, so this offseason

was really just concentrating on cuff strength and shoulder strength and that kind of stuff. That

helps you in the long run, too. So, I feel really prepared coming into spring training after doing

all that."

Webb, 29, needs an edge as he competes for a spot in the bullpen. He's a pending free agent

who's out of minor league options and who spent a month last season at Triple-A Norfolk.

The bullpen is overflowing with candidates, including Rule 5 right-handers Logan Verrett and

Jason Garcia, and perhaps whichever starter is bumped from the rotation.

"Obviously, something has to happen," said Webb, who went 3-3 with a 3.83 ERA and 1.257

WHIP in 49 1/3 innings over 51 appearances in his first season with the Orioles.

"It's kind of been that way every single year I've played, though. You come into spring training

and good organizations try to get a lot of good guys and that's a good problem for them to have.

The interesting thing about this team and this group of guys is we all know it, but it's like we're

also all friends, so it's like a friendly competition. I think everybody realizes that everybody's

good enough to where, whatever happens, somebody's going to end up somewhere that's

hopefully going to benefit somebody. That's the attitude that you have to have and it's good to

have a little competition, a friendly competition. You all push each other and you all make each

other better.

"You try not to think about what they're thinking and what's going to happen. Just do everything

you can to put together a good spring and give yourself the best chance. If they don't see it here,

if it doesn't work out here, maybe it works out somewhere else. Or you just be ready when it's

your time. That's what they pay us to do. That's all we can do."

Webb was sent down after posting an 11.37 ERA in seven July appearances, with eight runs and

14 hits allowed in 6 1/3 innings. He registered ERAs of 1.76 in May and 1.50 in June while

holding opponents to .189 and .190 averages, respectively.

The Orioles no longer have the same flexibility with Webb. He'd have to clear waivers and be

outrighted.

"They love (options)," he said. "We don't like being able to be shipped back and forth, but we

have quite a few guys who are out of options. If they could take 10 guys, I'm sure they would

because everybody could pitch for this team and help in some way.

"For me, I'm just trying to come out and continue to improve on the things I've been improving

on. I feel good where I'm at, confident that if games were to start right now that I'd be ready to

go, so I'm excited."

Manager Buck Showalter has been hesitant to bring in Webb with runners on base because of his

slow times to the plate. Those concerns may be put to rest this season due to Webb's sessions

with Wallace and Chiti.

"We worked on my mechanics at the end of last year and basically all through the offseason I

tried to get in front of a mirror and just get a feel for how it would feel to be quicker. And quite

frankly, I'm struggling to try to do a leg kick right now if I had to," Webb said.

"I feel really quick to the plate. My arm action is good. I'm getting good tilt on the ball coming

from a good angle. Got a couple new pitches in my pocket that I'm not going to talk about, but

I'm ready to try those out in games. I think it's going to make a difference, so I'm excited to get

out there and see what happens with that."

I asked Webb if one of those pitches is a knuckleball. He replied, "Maybe," but I'm pretty sure

he's kidding.

Showalter is impressed by Webb's dedication to quickening his time to the plate, but he also

knows that the true test come in games, not in side sessions with coaches.

"There's a lot of things that play right now," Showalter said. "A lot of guys, when there's a little

hitch in the giddy up, they have a way of going back to those things. A lot of things play out in

the spring, but in the heat of battle, we'll see.

"Some guys lose weight and aren't in any better shape, but I think he's done both. He just wanted

to trim up a little bit and be a little quicker. Last year he got here and I remember kind of looking

and going, 'Woo,' so he's worked hard at it. I think he knows what this year means for him

individually if he can stay healthy. I think sometimes we don't realize how much that left

shoulder might have affected him the second half of the season."

http://www.masnsports.com/school-of-roch/2015/02/hearing-from-showalter-after-the-third-

workout.html

Hearing from Showalter after the third workout

By Roch Kubatko / MASNsports.com

February 22, 2015

SARASOTA, Fla. - Orioles manager Buck Showalter didn't eliminate the possibility that Dylan

Bundy could pitch in the majors this season.

Bundy is full-go in camp after recovering from ligament-reconstructive surgery on his right

elbow in June 2013. He threw a bullpen session today and looked better as it progressed.

"Like I said all along, the governors are off on him," Showalter said following today's workout.

"If you pitch good enough to be in the mix and there's a need, yes, so it's all on the opposition

now. They're going to tell us how good he is.

"He's one of the 28 here in camp. We're not doing anything different with him before, after or

during."

Bundy is scheduled to start the year at Double-A Bowie.

Showalter said he's hoping infielder Paul Janish, who had surgery nine days ago to remove bone

chips from his right elbow, can get "into the mix toward the end." Janish already has full range of

motion in the arm.

"We're not going to rush him," Showalter said. "He's a guy who could impact us. There's always

a place for people who can catch a baseball like that."

There should be a place in the bullpen for Brad Brach, 28, who went 7-1 with a 3.18 ERA in 46

appearances and led American League relievers with a .875 winning percentage.

"He was pretty good for an extended period of time," Showalter said. "A lot of those guys at 27-

to-31 start figuring it out. He has a different demeanor in camp because he's got some experience

of success that you can tell he carries with him. You can tell he's got a little more peacock

working. He knows he can do this and he did it on a pretty big stage last year."

Brach's season turned around when he tossed four scoreless innings on May 21 in Pittsburgh. He

posted a 1.07 ERA in a stretch of 25 games through Sept. 2.

"That was a real contribution to our team and it wasn't necessarily in a winning cause,"

Showalter said. "Walk in that clubhouse and have your teammates kind of go, 'Nice going kid,'

that was big. Now we're ready to fight tomorrow. We've got all our bullets back.

"Having guys like him and Mac (T.J. McFarland) and guys that can go out there and keep the

other pieces intact ... I can't think of any times that I had to get somebody up behind Mac when

we're behind 12-2 or ahead 12-2. To finish that game off makes our team better, and that's the

things that some analytics don't show, guys who take that.

"Brad might graduate to an even more significant role, especially when there's nights when

certain guys that you're counting on can't do it."

Showalter often talks about how the Orioles can "out-opportunity" other teams and allow players

to get the most out of their abilities, which enables the club to sign certain free agents. He used

outfielder Nolan Reimold as the latest example.

"That's why Nolan's here, that's why Nolan came back. He had three other opportunities,"

Showalter said.

"Nolan's going to have a good spring. He's going to make it tough on us. He looks good. He's a

different looking physical guy than the guy that left us. Our timing might be real good here. He's

31 playing at about 28 as far as wear and tear."

http://www.masnsports.com/school-of-roch/2015/02/de-aza-putting-arbitration-loss-behind-

him.html

De Aza putting arbitration loss behind him

By Roch Kubatko / MASNsports.com

February 22, 2015

SARASOTA, Fla. - Outfielder Alejandro De Aza walked out of the clubhouse today and headed

to one of the back fields around 11:40 a.m., stopping to hug a few teammates along the way.

De Aza has reported to camp after losing his arbitration hearing, insisting that the process is

behind him and there are no hard feelings.

I'd guess that earning $5 million this season eases some of the pain.

"I'm happy and excited to be here, a fresh start to spring training with the team," said De Aza,

who made $4.25 million last season and sought $5.65 million.

De Aza is done with the arbitration process and can become a free agent following the season.

"It wasn't difficult," he said. "It's part of the game. One has to win and one has to lose. It wasn't

that difficult.

"It's done and it's in the past. Let's start spring training fresh and go on to the season."

De Aza has a shot to be the leadoff hitter and starting left fielder after batting .293/.341/.537 with

five doubles, three triples, three home runs and 10 RBIs in 20 games with the Orioles.

"It's exciting," he said. "It's great if I get the chance to be the leadoff (hitter). Play the game the

right way and keep doing what I always do."

This is De Aza's first spring training with the Orioles after the Aug. 30 trade with the White Sox,

and he's looking forward to his first full season with them - assuming he isn't deal at the non-

waiver trade deadline. Anything is possible.

"I'm just going to try to continue what I was doing," he said, "and have the team win as many

games as possible."

Catcher Caleb Joseph left camp today to be with his wife Brooke, who's expecting their first

child on March 1. It's nothing serious and he could return to camp on Monday.

Manager Buck Showalter complimented Dylan Bundy on his bullpen session today and repeated

that the right-hander most likely will begin the 2015 season at Double-A Bowie.

Ubaldo Jimenez was impressive again today while pounding the strike zone during his bullpen

session. Tommy Hunter gave him a high-five when the session ended.

The Orioles will be cautious with pitcher Dane De La Rosa, who underwent meniscus surgery on

his right knee in September.

Infielder Paul Janish, who had bone chips removed from his right elbow nine days ago, is

exhibiting full range of motion. Showalter wants him available to compete for a utility role as a

plus-defender, especially at shortstop.

Infielder Jimmy Parades reported to camp today. Infielder Jayson Nix is expected to arrive

Monday or Tuesday.

http://www.masnsports.com/school-of-roch/2015/02/ward-hoping-defense-gives-him-edge-in-

catching-competition.html

Ward hoping defense gives him edge in catching competition

By Roch Kubatko / MASNsports.com

February 22, 2015

SARASOTA, Fla. - The Orioles' bullpen sessions today will feature many of the top pitchers on

the roster.

Ubaldo Jimenez, Darren O'Day and Bud Norris are in Group 1, Tommy Hunter, Chris Tillman

and Ryan Webb are in Group 2, Miguel Gonzalez, Wei-Yin Chen and Zach Britton are in Group

3, Brad Brach, T.J. McFarland and Kevin Gausman are in Group 4, and Dylan Bundy and Mark

Hendrickson are in Group 5.

Alejandro De Aza is in Sarasota and should be in camp later today.

Jayson Nix has a locker set up, but it doesn't include a number or uniforms. It's just an empty

locker with his nameplate above it.

Brian Ward sits among the other catchers in camp inside the Orioles' clubhouse, unsure whether

he's got a shot at a backup job. His chances improvement tremendously if Matt Wieters begins

the season on the disabled list.

Manager Buck Showalter has referred to Ward as "the best defensive catcher in the International

League." He was surprised that a team didn't take Ward in the Rule 5 draft.

"That feels good," Ward said. "I always knew that Buck takes great pride in the minor league

system, so to hear him say that feels good."

Ward is a career .240/.342/.318 hitter with 15 home runs in six minor league seasons. He turns

30 in October and he didn't play at the Triple-A level until last summer, when he batted

.227/.330/.286 in 65 games.

It's all about Ward's work behind the plate. The pitchers in Norfolk loved throwing to him.

"I feel like the pitchers like throwing to whoever they're throwing good to, but it's good to hear,"

Ward said. "I've got a good relationship with all the pitchers, so it's always good to hear."

Ward said he didn't feel that he needed to make a big adjustment moving up from the Double-A

level last season, "but I learned a lot more."

"Playing with (manager) Ron Johnson, he taught me a lot, and (pitching coach) Mike Griffin

talking about the hitters and stuff like that," Ward said. "As far as the speed of the game, there

wasn't that big of a difference, but as far as me learning, I learned a lot.

"I feel like I'm always going to develop every part of my game, and hitting is definitely

something I want to get a lot better at."

Caleb Joseph figures to have the inside track on the backup job if Wieters is ready on opening

day, but there are plenty of legitimate candidates on catchers row, including Steve Clevenger,

J.P. Arencibia and Ryan Lavarnway.

"If you're in big league camp, I feel like you've got a chance to make the team," Ward said, "so

that's my goal."

Note: The black leather glove that 12-year-old Jeffrey Maier used to deflect Derek Jeter's fly ball

into the right field seats for a home run against the Orioles in Game 1 of the 1996 American

League Championship Series sold at auction for $22,705.

No idea who bought it, but I'm rooting for Tony Tarasco.

http://www.masnsports.com/school-of-roch/2015/02/goals-for-gonzalez-include-rotation-spot-

and-200-innings.html

Goals for Gonzalez include rotation spot and 200 innings

By Roch Kubatko / MASNsports.com

February 22, 2015

SARASOTA, Fla. - Orioles executive vice president Dan Duquette continues his search for

another bullpen arm, hoping that one of the free agents will settle for a minor league deal as

more time passes.

It's been known to happen.

Miguel Gonzalez has no idea whether he's going to begin the 2015 season in the rotation or

bullpen. He has no idea whether the Orioles will option him to Triple-A Norfolk.

Posting a 2.19 ERA in his final 11 starts last year didn't necesarily put him on more solid ground.

The rug still can be pulled out from underneath him.

In case you missed it, the Orioles have six starters for five spots - Gonzalez, Chris Tillman, Wei-

Yin Chen, Bud Norris, Ubaldo Jimenez and Kevin Gausman. Gonzalez has done the math and he

has no idea what manager Buck Showalter will do about it.

"We were on the same page last year, having Gausman there, too," he said. "It's all going to

come down to whatever Buck wants. Obviously, some guys have the opportunity to become a

starter, like Gausman could be the starter. We don't know yet. We don't know what's going to

happen with Ubaldo, but Buck's going to have a guy out there that's going to try to do the best

things possible, so we'll see what's going to happen.

"This is going to be interesting."

Gonzalez won't let it become stressful.

"We'll see as it comes and take it day by day and see what happens," he said. "I think we have

talent, which is really good, something we haven't always had. The first year I came in, it was a

little different, and then we've been really good the past three years, so that's what we want."

Gonzalez went 10-9 with a 3.23 ERA and 1.296 WHIP in 27 games last season, including one

relief appearance. He allowed three earned runs or fewer in 23 of his starts.

"I feel confident," he said. "I finished really good the last half of the season and I was really

proud of what I did and what my teammates did, as well. It all comes down to whatever you do

this spring and how you feel. I think the most important thing is just being healthy."

The minor league option looms pretty important, as well.

"That's the thing," he said. "Guys that have options, they can be moving them around a little bit.

You've just got to stay focused and wherever they put you, you've got to do your job."

The primary knock on Gonzalez is his failure to consistently pitch deep into games. He logged

159 innings with the Orioles last season - completing the seventh in six of his starts - but he went

on the disabled list retroactive to May 31 with a strained right oblique and later made three starts

in the minors after being optioned on July 12 and Aug. 9.

Gonzalez worked a career-high 171 1/3 innings in 30 games in 2013. He wants to blow past that

mark this summer.

"I would love to throw 200 innings," he said. "I know Tillman has done it two years in a row, so

I think that's pretty impressive to do, especially in our division. That's one of the main points."

How can Gonzalez do it?

"Not skip too many starts," he said. "I had a couple setbacks with the oblique last year and I

think that's the only way I'll be able to get to where I want to get. If I have the opportunity to start

every five or six days, that's going to make it even easier."

In an attempt to stay strong and not require extra rest, Gonzalez again worked out over the winter

with vice president of baseball operations Brady Anderson.

"We had a good time again," said Gonzalez, who agreed to a one-year contract worth $3.275

million earlier this month in his first year of arbitration eligibility. "We got strong. My lower half

feels good, my arm feels great, I have no issues, so I'm ready to go.

"He makes it so much easier for us. He always has his home open for us. We really thank him for

what he's been doing the past couple of years. We're always happen to be around him. He knows

what he's doing."

http://www.masnsports.com/school-of-roch/2015/02/hearing-from-janish-and-showalter-

following-todays-workout.html

Hearing from Janish and Showalter following today's

workout

By Roch Kubatko / MASNsports.com

February 21, 2015

SARASOTA, Fla. - Infielder Paul Janish said the surgery to remove bone chips from his right

elbow took place eight days ago and he's hoping to be ready for the second half of camp.

"Surgery went well," he said. "It was just a few bone chips. Nothing serious. They were cleaned

out pretty efficiently. They didn't have to look around a whole lot, so not very invasive, if you

will. Hopefully, it will be a three or four week time frame and I'll be able to play the second half

of camp ideally. That's optimistic, but we'll see."

Janish, signed to a minor league deal in November, said he began to experience discomfort in his

elbow last month while working out. He assumed it was tendinitis.

"On one particular workout I kind of had it act up pretty, so the next few days I couldn't really do

a whole lot," he said. "I went and got it looked at and as it turned out, it was bone chips, which is

not really uncommon. But the timing for myself is obviously not very ideal, but we'll deal with it

and hopefully I'll get to play in the second half of camp."

Janish was signed due to his plus-defense at shortstop and ability to move around to other

positions. The Orioles signed Jayson Nix to a minor league deal after finding out about the bone

chips.

Janish still intends to fight for a spot on the opening day roster.

"Fortunately for myself I signed early in the offseason, which was kind of an indicator that they

had some interest and hopeful that I would fit the role in whatever capacity that may be pretty

well," he said. "So, hopefully I will get to play the last two or three weeks of camp and play well

and have a shot."

Janish has a past relationship with pitching coach Dave Wallace and bullpen coach Dom Chiti

from their days in Atlanta, which helped in his decision to sign with the Orioles.

"And obviously the team had a great year last year, and somebody in my shoes, that's pretty big

for me at this point," Janish said. "I want to be somewhere where every game is important, and

as you go down the stretch, if I'm not fortunate enough to make the team out of camp, that they

place value in having a veteran guy around as opposed to calling up a younger guy to get him

experience and that kind of thing.

"All those things combined, it seemed like a pretty good fit for me."

Manager Buck Showalter shared some observations from today's bullpen sessions, including

how new left-hander Wesley Wright is effective because of the way he hides the ball behind his

back during his delivery.

Reliever Darren O'Day will be brought along slower than other pitchers in camp because, as

Showalter quipped, "He's going to make the team."

Left-hander Brian Matusz will be stretched out again in camp so he can work on his changeup.

Ubaldo Jimenez has been "very engaged" in camp, according to Showalter. "He's got a little

burn."

Showalter said Mike Wright, a starter at Triple-A Norfolk, has "that potential" to be a late-inning

power arm in the bullpen.

Showalter also said it was apparent again why the Orioles selected Logan Verrett in the Rule 5

draft and traded for Jason Garcia.

Showalter noted that Tyler Wilson, selected in the 10th round of the 2011 First-Year Player Draft

out of the University of Virginia, was "pretty impressive today."

"The thing about a guy like Tyler Wilson and Verrett and (T.J.) McFarland, if you look through

their histories from high school on, which I've looked at, and Friday night pitchers at Virginia,

they don't get taken because they don't throw 100 mph," Showalter said.

"There's probably not a plus-plus pitch in a guy like Wilson, but when you put the repertoire

together, you win baseball games. He locates the fastball, he's got a good delivery, he fields his

position, he holds runners, he's athletic, he's smart. Guys like that, they fit us. I'm glad we

protected him.

"If you're just basing scouting on gun readings, you're going to miss on a lot of guys. You look at

his track record from high school on, he's done nothing but win everywhere he's gone. Same with

McFarland. There's a reason why that follows people around."

Showalter noted that Hunter Harvey, the first-round pick in 2013, was calm and didn't overthrow

during his session.

A group of veterans, including O'Day Chris Tillman, Zach Britton, and Tommy Hunter, stayed

around to watch the young pitchers' bullpen sessions. Tillman and Britton shook Harvey's hand

when he was done.

"What was impressive was the number of people who were non-throwers today that know they're

going to be on the club who were out there watching guys throw," Showalter said. "I don't know

if it's curiosity at this point. They're looking for allies. They're looking for guys who can help us.

I think everybody knows that's where we're going if there's a need."

http://www.masnsports.com/school-of-roch/2015/02/concluding-the-second-day-of-

workouts.html

Concluding the second day of workouts

By Roch Kubatko / MASNsports.com

February 21, 2015

SARASOTA, Fla. - The Orioles just concluded their second workout and are heading into the

clubhouse.

Rule 5 pick Jason Garcia and Triple-A Norfolk right-hander Mike Wright were especially

impressive today during their bullpen sessions.

Outfielder Alejandro De Aza, who lost his arbitration hearing, is expected to report later today.

He wants to get comfortable in a new spring training facility.

The Orioles are still hoping to finalize their deal next week with infielder Everth Cabrera. The

legal issues need to be addressed.

Reporters met with left-hander Mark Hendrickson earlier today. Here's a sampling:

On receiving a spring invite:

"It was good. It's an opportunity. I think if anything, the way I progressed the past couple years

that's all I'm looking for. It wasn't unexpected. This is where I wanted to be, my first choice. It's

good to be here. It's good to see the guys. Obviously, there's some change in the clubhouse but I

like what's here and what's going on."

On lowering his arm slot:

"It's probably as big a challenge as I've ever faced. You talk to Eddie (Gamboa) and the change

he's done with the knuckleball. You know when you're trying to revamp everything and it's

completely starting over. The only difference is possibly having better understanding my body

and my delivery to be able to pick it up quicker. But if it was something that was easy, I think

you'd see more guys do it. But it's not."

On adjustments made from last year:

"It's so much easier to have a feel, even if someone mentions a change, 'Hey can you drop your

arm a little lower,' I know how to do that. It's kind of become second nature for me. That's the

biggest change I've seen because last year and even this year. And that's what they saw in

minicamp. I went down and threw in the middle of June and they said it looked completely

different than it was even last year. That's a good sign for me. The progression is there. I've seen

some results. Now it's about continuing to get better."

On chances of making the ballclub:

"I come in here with realistic expectations. Obviously, I know what they did last year and the

guys should be commended on how far they got and how much success they had. They're going

to get ready for the season. For me, if I start in Triple-A, it's one step closer than I was last

season. I'm OK with that is that's the case. Obviously, that's not going to change my preparation.

It's to continue to go out there and develop my pitches and get ready. But I've always had the

goal of April 1 (being) my target date every year just to be ready to go, so that's what I'm

focusing on down here."

http://www.masnsports.com/school-of-roch/2015/02/jimenez-on-his-new-delivery-and-

improved-outlook-for-2015.html

Jimenez on new delivery and improved outlook (De Aza

loses arbitration case)

By Roch Kubatko / MASNsports.com

February 21, 2015

SARASOTA, Fla. - The Orioles have 14 pitchers throwing in the bullpen today, six more than

yesterday. Dane De La Rosa, Brian Matusz and Wesley Wright are in Group 1, Oliver Drake,

Steve Johnson and Chaz Roe are in Group 2, Chris Jones, Tyler Wilson and Mike Wright are in

Group 3, Tim Berry, Eddie Gamboa and Rule 5 pick Jason Garcia are in Group 4, and Hunter

Harvey and Rule 5 pick Logan Verrett are in Group 5.

Ubaldo Jimenez used a more compact delivery during yesterday's session, the same one he

unveiled in September.

"Felt really good," he said this morning before taking the field for the second day of workouts.

"Everything felt really smooth. Something that I did, I threw like five bullpens before I came

over here, back in the Orioles' complex in the Dominican. I went there and threw bullpens and

then I threw a live batting practice to make sure when I got here my mechanics would be a little

bit better. I stuck with what I was doing at the end of last year and everything feels good."

Jimenez has lowered his hands while raising expectations following a disastrous 2014 season,

when he was 6-9 with a 4.81 ERA and 1.516 WHIP in 25 games, with 77 walks in 125 1/3

innings, and lost his spot in the rotation. Not exactly a solid early return on the Orioles' $50

million investment.

"It was all about not going over the top of my head because I was going way too far and that

makes my mechanics go everywhere, so right now I'm able to simplify everything by grabbing

the ball and just going straight to home plate," Jimenez said.

Asked whether he wishes that he made the adjustment sooner, Jimenez replied, "Of course. You

make a way big difference. What can we do now? The only thing we can do is to stay with it."

Jimenez never questioned whether he should return to his old mechanics this spring.

"Not at all," he said. "Once I saw everything was working, I was staying with it and I'm not

changing anything. I'm not trying to be like, 'Oh no, this is not my mechanics. I'm going to go

back.' No. I'm going to do everything that's made me better."

Jimenez didn't sign with the Orioles last year until February, disrupting his normal preparation

for the season.

"It changed everything because I didn't prepare as I used to. I didn't throw bullpens until I came

here to spring training. I didn't throw in a game. I didn't throw anything," he said.

"Every year before I come to spring training I usually throw a lot of bullpens. I throw live batting

practice, I throw even in games. Last year was the only time I didn't do that because I didn't sign

on time. That's something that I put into my mind, too. I'm trying to make new mechanics. Every

time I get on the mound, it makes it easier to forget about old mechanics."

How will this year be different beyond his delivery?

"Hopefully, everything changes and I'm going to be able to compete better and be able to give

the team a chance to win," he said. "Last year was a disappointing year. It was a really bad year.

There's no doubt about it, but just changing my mechanics makes everything better and I'm going

to be able to compete."

Jimenez was included on the Division Series roster, but not on the Championship Series roster.

He chose to go home rather than stay with the team because he need to attend to personal

business.

"Yeah, it was tough because I wanted to be part of the team," he said. "I wasn't on the roster, and

then I had to go home and had some business to take care of. Of course I want to be there, but

you want to be there to play, to be there for the team. But I wasn't on the roster."

Note: The Orioles won their arbitration hearing with outfielder Alejandro De Aza. Executive

vice president Dan Duquette just offered confirmation in the media workroom.

De Aza, acquired from the White Sox in August, will receive $5 million instead of the $5.65

million that he requested. He made $4.25 million last year.

General counsel H. Russell Smouse is now 8-0 in these hearings.

http://www.masnsports.com/school-of-roch/2015/02/clevenger-looking-to-get-back-up-as-the-

backup.html

Clevenger looking to get back up as the backup

By Roch Kubatko / MASNsports.com

February 21, 2015

SARASOTA, Fla. - The Orioles are back on their normal schedule today with physicals no

longer eating up valuable hours in the morning.

They won't be taking the field at noon for the pre-workout stretch.

We'll find out whether outfielder Alejandro De Aza won his arbitration hearing and will be paid

$5.65 million this season or if he must settle for $5 million. He made $4.25 million last season.

It's not the sexiest competition in camp, but the Orioles must settle on a backup to catcher Matt

Wieters. Or they must choose two catchers if he's left behind at the minor league complex on

opening day.

Steve Clevenger broke camp last spring as Wieters' backup and was 5-for-20 with three doubles,

a triple, four RBIs, three walks and three runs scored in eight games in April. Manager Buck

Showalter preferred the defense provided by Caleb Joseph and Nick Hundley, and the Orioles

optioned Clevenger on May 27 after first baseman Chris Davis came off the paternity list.

Clevenger appeared in two games in July and one in August, and he received only 12 at-bats in

September. He threw out only three of 20 runners attempting to steal.

The message sent to Clevenger was crystal clear.

How is his approaching this camp? The only way that he should.

"I'm just coming in to play good defense," said Clevenger, a graduate of Mount St. Joseph's who

came to the Orioles in a July 2013 trade with the Cubs. "I'm really not going to concentrate too

much on my hitting. I'm just going to try to do the best that I can to work well with the pitching

staff and do what I can do out there, work on throwing a little bit better and like I said, playing

better defense."

Clevenger said it's not a drastically different mindset to the one he brought into last spring. He

knew that Showalter placed the greatest emphasis on how the catchers worked behind the plate,

not beside it.

"I kind of took that approach last year," he said. "I got the feel from them that it was more based

on defense and I think I took pride in my defense last spring training. I think I'm going to come

in with the same mindset.

"Last year, I really didn't worry too much about my offense. I just kind of worried about working

with the staff and trying to get comfortable with those guys, and this year I'm going to take the

same approach. I'm going to work a little bit harder on my defense and not worry too much about

my offense and hopefully I play good enough to make the team."

Clevenger said he never heard directly from the Orioles last season that his defense wasn't good

enough to keep him in the majors.

"It was never really brought up," he said. "It was kind of brought up but not brought up right to

me. All I heard was throwing and I've got to get better throwing, obviously, but it wasn't really

relayed to me that I really need to work much more on my defense. Just mainly throwing."

It's understandable that Clevenger has mixed feelings about the 2015 season. He made the club

out of spring training but didn't last the entire ride.

"It was good," he said. "It kind of keeps you honest a little bit and it makes you work harder, and

I feel that I gained a lot of things last year going back to Triple-A. Everybody wants to be in the

big leagues, but at the same time, everybody can't be in the big leagues. I went down and worked

hard and I played really well down there and I got back up in September, but the goal this year is

to make the team and stay up all year."

The Orioles reduced the number of catchers on their 40-man roster from five to three. Clevenger

has survived the cuts after wondering whether he still had a future in the organization.

"Definitely," he said. "Anytime they start bringing in other guys, especially when they bring

them in on the roster, it just puts a question mark in the player's head who's still on the roster.

Am I not doing a good enough job to keep my job? What's going on? It's just a line of

communication that needs to be open from the team to the player."

Note: Zion Lutheran Church will hold its fifth annual baseball talk at 7 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 23

in the church's sanctuary, 2215 Brandywine Lane, York, Pa.

This year's event features Fred Manfra, radio play-by-play broadcaster for the Orioles; Mel

Antonen, baseball writer for SI.Com and MASNsports.com, and Sirius/XM talk show host; and

Dan Connolly, Orioles/national baseball writer for The Sun. The panelists will discuss the

upcoming baseball season - including their thoughts on the Orioles and Phillies - and will answer

questions from the audience.

There's no admission fee, but a freewill offering will be accepted to benefit the church's youth

attending the National Youth Gathering this July in Detroit. In addition, signed copies of

Connolly's soon-to-be-released book, "100 Things Orioles Fans Should Know & Do Before They

Die," will be available for purchase for $15 following the event.

For more information, contact the church at 717-767-4673.

http://www.masnsports.com/school-of-roch/2015/02/brault-ptbnl-in-snider-deal.html

Brault PTBNL in Snider deal

By Roch Kubatko / MASNsports.com

February 20, 2015

SARASOTA, Fla. - The Orioles have completed last month's trade with the Pirates by sending

them minor league left-hander Steven Brault as the player to be named later.

Close the books on this one.

The Pirates earlier had received minor league left-hander Stephen Tarpley in exchange for

outfielder Travis Snider.

Brault, 22, was an 11th-round pick in the 2013 First-Year Player Draft out of Regis University in

Denver. He went 9-8 with a 3.05 ERA in 22 games (21 starts) with low Single-A Delmarva last

season and 2-0 with a 0.55 ERA in three starts at high Single-A Frederick.

Brault walked 28 and struck out 115 in 130 innings with the Shorebirds.

Baseball America rated Brault as the Orioles' 18th-best prospect. He was targeted for Frederick's

rotation this year before being sent to the Pirates.

Snider currently projects as the Orioles' starting right fielder, though manager Buck Showalter

has other options, including Steve Pearce and Delmon Young.

http://www.masnsports.com/school-of-roch/2015/02/showalter-after-the-first-workout.html

Showalter after the first workout

By Roch Kubatko / MASNsports.com

February 20, 2015

SARASOTA, Fla. - The Orioles concluded their first workout and manager Buck Showalter met

with the media in the prep room.

A photo of a pride of lions hangs on a wall above him with the caption: "Surround Yourself With

Those On The Same Mission As You."

Showalter was impressed that every player who took a physical was on the field today.

"That's one of the rare times when we didn't get any 'hold this guy off the field' type of thing

until we get something checked out," Showalter said. "Even the coaches."

Eight pitchers threw in the bullpen today: Ubaldo Jimenez, Ryan Webb and Mark Hendrickson

in Group 1; Zach Britton, T.J. McFarland and Dylan Bundy in Group 2; and Kevin Gausman and

Brad Brach in Group 3.

"You'll see more throwing tomorrow," Showalter said.

Jimenez appeared to be using the same, more compact delivery that he tried in September.

"He was good today," Showalter said. "You get little snippets of what guys did the last time.

Pretty tight. He's maintaining what he did. Wally (Dave Wallace) was kind of waiting to see if he

was going to go with the delivery he had in the last month of the season, which was a lot better.

He seemed to do a lot better out of it, something with his hands that he's doing.

"Boy, he was in the zone the whole day today. That was pretty good the first time out."

Gausman said he felt good today.

"Just getting back into it," he said. "Feel like the first couple days every year it's kind of more

about getting used to being in your cleats for a long period of time. I'm obviously not trying to

create anything new just yet. Just work on hitting my spots, and I think most importantly you just

kind of feel your body.

"The first two weeks before games you get used to throwing bullpens and feel your body. It's a

little different schedule so it usually takes a couple days for your body to get used to it."

Gausman threw to the plate with the strings running across it.

"Actually, during the season I always throw to strings, but today I just happened to hop on that

mound," Gausman said. "I wasn't working on hitting them or anything. I was just working on

feeling my mechanics more than anything. But during the season a lot of us use it just as kind of

a focal point to keep the ball there or below."

Matt Wieters caught some of the sessions and hit from both sides of the plate during batting

practice.

"I was talking to him today and he's already breaking down guys," Showalter said. "He was

talking about how, catching McFarland, you really see why he's successful. Matt is in midseason

analytical form.

"We missed him. I don't care how good our guys that took up the slack were. We missed him. A

lot of things he brought more than offensively and defensively. It's good to see him back and

smiling and knowing that the end game's not too far away.

"I talked to him about how he's going to catch in intrasquad games and he said, 'Beautiful.'"

Showalter praised his "good group of catchers."

"That was fun to see," he said.

Showalter was asked how many "brownie points" Caleb Joseph receives after last season, when

he cut down 40 percent of runners attempting to steal.

"It doesn't get thrown out," Showalter said. "Of course. That's part of the history and you give

him that. He did a nice job for us, as did Stevie (Clevenger). I don't think anybody had a better

defensive year than Brian Ward last year. He was the best defensive catcher in the International

League."

Showalter doesn't necessarily view Joseph as the favorite to back up Wieters and the other

candidates must beat him out for the job.

"I hadn't really thought about it that way," Showalter said. "We've got a lot of guys to pick from

for the most part that stay in the mix, whether they make it or not. I like that flexibility. But the

familiarity we have with the job that Caleb did last year certainly works for him, but that doesn't

mean it favors him and I don't think he expects that.

"There's still some unknown about what and when Matt's going to be ready to do. But once

again, I think it's when and not if where he's concerned.

"I like where we are catching. That's a good group. I was thinking about it today, how far we've

come at that position since three or four years ago. Not only in this group but some guys coming

that we think a lot of."

Steve Johnson was full-go in the fielding drills and he may throw a bullpen session within the

next few days.

"We'll use some caution from the standoint of knowing the history of it, but we'll kind of listen to

Steve," Showalter said, referencing the shoulder surgery. "I think everybody's familiar with him

and he's familiar with us, so we'll listen to what he's saying and his body's saying to him.

"It will be interesting to see how he feels next time out. I know Wally and them talked to him."

Showalter wasn't aware that Major League Baseball announced changes to the pace of game

program until told by a reporter.

"I'm in support of anything that enhances of game," he said. "In my job, I personally don't think a

lot about it, that part of it. People smarter than me that have researched it a lot more think it's

something we need to do, so I'm in support of that."

http://www.masnsports.com/school-of-roch/2015/02/notes-on-steve-johnson-and-pace-of-game-

rules.html

Notes on Steve Johnson and pace of game rules

By Roch Kubatko / MASNsports.com

February 20, 2015

SARASOTA, Fla. - Center fielder Adam Jones played catch and shagged fly balls on one of the

practice fields this morning before heading back indoors. He was the only visible Oriole outside

of the clubhouse at 11 a.m. The sound of batters taking their swings in the indoor cage echoed in

the distance.

Jones struck a pose for me as a parting shot, so to speak.

Pitcher Steve Johnson said his right shoulder feels good following surgery in September to shave

down a bone spur.

"I told them when I came down that I threw a couple bullpens at home and felt pretty good,"

Johnson said. "I said I'll continue with what everyone else is doing until I feel anything that says

I can't. So far so good and I'm scheduled to be right on pace."

Asked whether he's full-go in camp, Johnson replied, "I calmed it down a little bit. I usually

throw a little bit more. I said mainly I'm trying to be ready for opening day and make sure that

happens, but if everything goes well I don't see myself holding back at all. I might not have

thrown as much before I got here, but I may not have needed all that. I might just be fine the way

I am right now.

"I'm going to try to make the team. If there's an opening and I'm pitching well, I know there's a

possibility. If not, I'll head to Norfolk and work my way up."

The Orioles re-signed Johnson to a minor league deal after he drew serious interest from a

handful of teams, including the Phillies, Mariners and Blue Jays.

"I knew this was a place I felt comfortable and that if no one else really blew me away, this

would probably be a place I'd come back to," said Johnson, 27, a graduate of St. Paul's. "I like

being here. I'm comfortable with everybody, all the coaches. I think what helps is that they know

what I can do when I'm healthy and that's just mainly what I'm trying to be and just staying on

the field."

The Orioles must decide whether to use him out of the Triple-A rotation or bullpen.

"Hopefully, I continue to be a starter," he said. "If they need me to relieve, I'll relieve. I don't

think it's really my call. Whatever they think is best to get back to the big leagues.

"I'm thinking as far as right now, I feel good. If they think I can handle starting, then I'm pretty

sure I could. It's not my call at the moment, but I feel like I'm strong and I felt the whole

offseason working on it, so I feel good."

Meanwhile, Major League Baseball announced additions to baseball's pace of game program.

Here's the press release:

Baseball Commissioner Robert D. Manfred, Jr., Major League Baseball Players Association

Executive Director Tony Clark and Atlanta Braves President John Schuerholz, the Chairman of

Major League Baseball's Pace of Game and Instant Replay Committees, today jointly announced

additions to the sport's pace of game program, which will be effective in Spring Training, the

regular season and the Postseason, and a series of modifications to the instant replay system. The

World Umpires Association also has given its assent to the new efforts, which will be reviewed

by the parties following the conclusion of the 2015 World Series.

The pace of game program will enforce the batter's box rule, requiring that all batters must keep

at least one foot in the batter's box unless one of a group of exceptions occurs. The new rule at

the Major League level mirrors 6.02(d), which was in place in Minor League Baseball in 2014.

A second new component to the pace of game program is the addition of timers that will measure

non-game action and break time between innings and pitching changes during each Major

League game. One timer will be installed on or near the outfield scoreboard, and a smaller timer

will be installed on the façade behind home plate near the press box. Immediately following the

third out of each half-inning, the timer will count down from 2:25 for locally televised games

and from 2:45 for nationally televised games. An MLB representative attending each game will

operate the timers from the ballpark and will track the following events:

40 Seconds: PA announces batter and begins to play walk-up music

30 Seconds: Pitcher throws final warm-up pitch

25 Seconds: Batter's walk-up music ends

20 Seconds-5 Seconds: Batter enters the batter's box

20 Seconds-0 Seconds: Pitcher begins motion to deliver pitch

Pitchers will be permitted to throw as many warm-up pitches as they wish prior to the point

when 30 seconds remain on the clock; however, pitchers will be deemed to have forfeited any of

their traditional eight warm-up pitches that they are unable to complete prior to the 30-second

deadline. Exceptions to these rules will be made in a variety of circumstances, including if the

pitcher or catcher ended the prior half-inning at bat or on base.

Batters will be encouraged to get into the batter's box with 20 seconds remaining on the timer.

This is the same time that the broadcasters return from commercial. The pitcher is expected to

begin his motion to deliver the pitch as soon as the batter gets into the batter's box and becomes

alert to the pitcher. Batters who do not enter the box prior to five seconds remaining on the timer

and pitchers who do not begin the motion to deliver the pitch prior to zero seconds remaining on

the timer will be deemed to have violated the break timing rules.

These rules will be enforced through a warning and fine system, with discipline resulting for

flagrant violators. No fines will be issued in Spring Training or in April of the 2015 regular

season. Donations will be made to the Major League Baseball Players Trust charitable

foundation based on the level of adherence to the new rules.

Managers may now invoke instant replay from the dugout and will no longer be required to

approach the calling umpire to challenge a call. Managers may hold play from the top step of the

dugout by signaling to players and the home plate umpire that he is considering a challenge. A

decision can be communicated verbally or with a hand signal. To challenge an inning-ending

call, managers will be required to leave the dugout immediately in order to hold the defensive

team on the field.

Whether a runner left the base early or properly touched a base on a tag-up play will be

reviewable.

A manager will retain his challenge after every call that is overturned. Last year, a manager

retained his challenge only after the first overturned call.

A manager must use a challenge in order to review whether a play at home plate included a

violation of the rule governing home plate collisions. However, in the event that a manager is out

of challenges after the start of the seventh inning, the Crew Chief may still choose to review

whether there was a violation of the rule.

During postseason games, regular season tiebreaker games and the All-Star Game, managers will

now have two challenges per game.

Instant replay will not be utilized during 2015 spring training, but it will be in place for

exhibition games at Major League ballparks prior to the start of the 2015 regular season.

http://www.masnsports.com/school-of-roch/2015/02/wieters-ive-been-looking-forward-to-this-

spring-more-than-any-other-spring.html

Wieters: "I've been looking forward to this spring more than

any other spring"

By Roch Kubatko / MASNsports.com

February 20, 2015

SARASOTA, Fla. - Matt Wieters still can't provide any assurances that he's going to be behind

the plate for the Orioles on opening day at Tropicana Field. What he can do is detail his throwing

progression and continue to sound optimistic about his chances.

That will have to do for now.

Wieters threw from 120-plus feet on back-to-back days before resting today. That's progress.

"Doing good," he said this morning. "Rehab's going. It's kind of just slowly progressing, and like

I said, very excited to be in camp, get to go through camp. I think I've been looking forward to

this spring more than any other spring, just being able to go out there and play.

"We did back-to-back days yesterday of 120 feet-plus. Today's an off day, so today we'll let it

rest and then get back going, and I believe we have a couple of back-to-back days coming up

soon."

Orioles manager Buck Showalter indicated that Wieters could catch the intrasquad games on the

first two days of March.

"I want to get every part of my body in as best shape as I can for being here early, and the arm is

the last thing to come," said Wieters, who underwent ligament-reconstructive surgery on his right

elbow on June 17.

"The big thing is just don't want to have anything that is getting fatigued or not get ready that

helps us to get ready for the season. I think a lot of those, we're getting the swings in, getting a

lot of things in. By getting behind the plate and just catching without making a lot of throws to

bases is going to help me get ready for the season."

The plan calls for Wieters to catch his first Grapefruit League game on March 17.

"We've gone through and checked it and rechecked it as the time's gone and everything has

checked out every time I've gone back to see Dr. (James) Andrews or talked with Richie

(Bancells) and Brian (Ebel) here," Wieters said. "It's still always up in the air for change. Nine

months was our best-case scenario when we first did it. So far, everything has fortunately gone

well enough to where nine months is still our goal."

The question about his availability for opening day will continue to linger.

"There's still a lot of ifs," Wieters said. "God-willing, everything will keep going how it's going

and keep progressing. We'll be two weeks for being behind the plate, especially if I've been able

to hit and been able to really catch other than throw. It should be plenty of time if we can get

those two weeks in before opening day.

"This whole year is going to be a matter of how the body feels. It's a surgery I've never gone

through and not many catchers have, so it's going to be seeing how the body feels and go from

there.

"It's going to look different this year than any other spring has to me, but there are ways that we

can get those check marks by a different route where at least whenever go time is, whenever I'm

ready to catch in a game, we feel comfortable getting back there."

Showalter pointed out yesterday that Wieters' legs are stronger than usual for this time of the

year.

"That was the first time I was able to start working out hard in August last year as opposed to a

normal three-month offseason workout," Wieters said. "I've actually had six, seven months to get

the legs hard in the weight room, so definitely it's good there. At the same time, catching and all

baseball skills are different than anything you can do in a gym, so definitely would like to try and

get all those ready to go."

With most of the pitchers returning, Wieters doesn't have to concern himself with learning a new

staff.

"It's been a great and unique situation for me since I've been here that we've had a lot of guys

who have come up together and we know each other," he said. "That's always big in team

chemistry and as far as chemistry on the mound. It's good that all these guys I've caught before

and the ones I haven't caught as much I can put a little extra time with them.

"The big part of it is getting to know your pitchers and what they like to do, and thankfully we

have a lot of guys who I've caught in the heat of the battle. At the same time, there's a lot of

check marks you have to go through during spring training - catching nine innings, catching

back-to-back days, things that you go into spring training trying to get off that checklist. So just

mentally when opening day is here, you feel ready to play baseball."

Wieters is one of 11 pending free agents on the roster, but he doesn't feel a sense of urgency to

win based strictly on contract statuses.

"No, especially not as a team," he said. "Our goal every year no matter who's in this clubhouse is

to go out there and win the division and win it all. That's our goal no matter what contract

situations are up and it's the same thing this year.

"This year more than anything, I have more of an appreciation and more of a excitement about

the opportunity to go out and play."

Meanwhile, first baseman Chris Davis reported to camp today, the full beard still intact.

Players are taking their physicals and won't be on the field before 11 a.m.

http://www.masnsports.com/steve-melewski/2015/02/draft-for-monday.html

What happened when an opinion on a bullpen session and

sabermetrics met on Twitter

By Steve Melewski / MASNsports.com

February 23, 2015

So I had an interesting couple of hours on Saturday afternoon. It had nothing to do with the snow

that turned Baltimore into utter chaos for quite a while.

My "fun" came via Twitter.

My colleague, Roch Kubatko, wrote an entry where he mentioned this about young pitcher

Hunter Harvey:

"A group of veterans, including (Darren) O'Day Chris Tillman, Zach Britton, and Tommy

Hunter, stayed around to watch the young pitchers' bullpen sessions. Tillman and Britton shook

Harvey's hand when he was done."

That led me to Tweet this: “Pretty cool per @masnroch that guys like Tillman/Britton watched a

kid like Hunter Harvey throw today. Can't put a sabermetric stat on that.”

I think it was great that some veteran pitchers watched the kid throw and were around to lend

support or help anyway they could. It was a few minutes out of a long season, but to me that is

helpful to that kid and I file it away under the larger category of the Orioles have great team

chemistry and this is a part being a good team.

Since you can't put a stat on that - advanced, old-school or otherwise - I phrased it the way I did.

Can of worms, meet Steve's Twitter account. Within minutes, I was told I had taken an

unnecessary shot at the sabermetric community and some out there got real stirred up.

One fan wrote: "Them watching his bullpen in February DOES NOT make him a better pitcher."

Another wrote: "Stop. Just stop."

But here is my Tweet that sent some heads spinning and caused me to get 80-100 responses in

less than five minutes.

“Don't some of the saber guys see that by totally discounting chemistry, confidence and

teammwork you play to ur stereotype?”

Even though I wrote that some play to a stereotype, it seemed all were upset. At least it looked

that way on my timeline. The stereotype that some do have about some in the sabermetric world

is that they do rely only on numbers and feel you can run a team off a spreadsheet. That some do

feel chemistry and confidence are overrrated, and to me, discount some of these factors and they

probably do because you cannot put a stat on it. You can't wrap your hands around it.

I'm still waiting for a 60-minute show on the top 10 teams with clubhouse chemistry right now.

But it is an element of winning for this Orioles team. A big element. How much of one? No one

can say. I think that creates uncertainly for some that leads them to discount it and go back to the

numbers we can see and quantify.

If you are around the Orioles, you hear so many players talk about this and then you often hear

new players mention how great and welcoming this clubhouse is. At some point you have to

believe it has an impact. But again, we can't put a stat on it.

What happens when veteran players help a young player, even if it is in a very small way, can

have an impact on that player. But no, I can't answer if that will make one of his pitches better or

make him pitch deeper in games this year. Or get to the majors faster. Or win a Cy Young

Award. But some of us look beyond numbers sometimes.

Some of us don't see baseball only in stats, although the sport uses more numbers than any. I

love some of the stats and numbers and use them often in this blog and anyone that is a regular

here knows that.

But I also enjoy learning about and writing stories like this one from last Aug. 5. Tillman talked

about the pitchers helping each other during the season. They watched each other during bullpen

sessions - like with Harvey on Saturday - and during games.

"We've been a pretty tight-knit group and we know what makes each other click," Tillman said

in August. "When a guy is out there pitching, all the rest are sitting there watching. If something

is going wrong, you come back in the dugout and they are on you right away. 'This is what I see.'

It's been working and it's going to get better."

In that same article, Bud Norris said: "When you come into work every day and these guys are

putting out information to help everybody and the guy next to them, it speaks volumes about the

team and the chemistry."

With a few words that I wrote, I got some harsh words from many circles and some seemed to

feel they knew everything about me, my writing and my thoughts on the game. I guess that is

Twitter and the social media world we live in.

I am open to any criticism you have - I even read those on Saturday that came with venom and

bad language, and pretty much told me I was a complete idiot.

One fan accused me of "McCarthyism" and one national writer said, "You're not exactly raising

the level of debate by poking the bear, particularly in a forum where nuance is usually lost."

Later he wrote, "You have 13K followers, you don't expect to have dialogue with readers or

explain yourself when you say something without nuance?"

Well, if a bear doesn't want to be poked, I think he shouldn't leave the woods. I also explained

that I respond to just about every question I am asked about both here on my blog and on

Twitter. Maybe some were missing the nuance of me?

Sabermetrics and all baseball stats have an important place in today's game. If someone took

what I wrote Saturday to feel I discount or don't see that, well let me tell them now that I do.

Old-school scouts who may have little idea what FIP is also have a place. I think the best teams -

and the Orioles are one - should use all the data and information that is available to make the best

decisions. That includes poring over the spreadsheets and video, and listening to actual scouts

that still rely on the good, old-fashioned eye test.

Some organizations rely more on sabermetrics, some less. That is their choice. Some writers rely

more and some less. That is their choice.

Some see chemistry and teamwork as crucial elements to winning. But to this point no one has

been able to put a stat on that. In any community.

http://www.masnsports.com/steve-melewski/2015/02/Cruz-and-Markakis-contracts-called-

among-worst-deals-of-the-offseason.html

Cruz and Markakis contracts called among worst deals of

the offseason

By Steve Melewski / MASNsports.com

February 22, 2015

We've spent much time this winter discussing and debating the Orioles' losses from last season of

Nick Markakis, Nelson Cruz and Andrew Miller.

At least according to one writer, the signings of Markakis and Cruz were among the four worst

moves by all teams this winter. The Braves signed Markakis to a four-year deal worth $44

million and the Mariners signed Cruz to a four-year deal worth $58 million.

Dave Cameron of FanGraphs ranks these as the four worst moves of the offseason:

1 - Padres acquire Matt Kemp and Tim Federowicz

2 - Braves sign Markakis

3 - Nationals sign Max Scherzer

4 - Mariners sign Cruz

Of the Markakis deal he writes:

This deal just doesn't make sense for so many reasons. The Braves spent the winter blowing up

their roster, admitting that they're likely non-contenders for the next several seasons, and are

going to attempt to rebuild a winner by the time their new stadium opens in 2017. So why, in the

middle of going young, would you outbid win-now teams for the services of a mediocre low-

ceiling outfielder who, by the way, happens to need neck surgery? Markakis fits as the 6th or 7th

best position player on a winning team, the kind of solid role player that helps fill a hole, but

there's no reason for a rebuilding club to win an auction for his services. The Braves would have

been better off betting on an upside play, going with a short-term commitment that might land

them a guy they could flip at the deadline for more young talent. Markakis' deal is going to make

him difficult to ever trade for value, so instead, they're just going to be stuck with a declining

veteran taking up a significant amount of the payroll.

Of the Cruz deal he writes:

Yes, Nelson Cruz had a great year in 2014, and if he does anything close to what he did in

Baltimore, the Mariners will be fine with this deal. But his pre-Baltimore track record is filled

with mediocrity, and there is no worse place in baseball for an aging right-handed slugger than

Safeco Field. Perhaps he'll give the Mariners enough production to justify the salary for 2015,

and maybe even for 2016 if they're lucky, but the last two years of this deal are likely going to be

a disaster, and there just isn't enough value at the front to make up for it. Seattle decided they

wanted a very specific skillset, except that skillset isn't worth what it costs on the open market.

Now, they're left to hope that Cruz can keep having career years in his mid-30s rather than

reverting back to the average (or below average) player that his track record suggests.

I don't completely agree with either assessment or see either deal quite as harshly as Cameron,

but both teams did gamble when you consider the length and total dollars here. That is why the

Orioles, in the phrasing of some fans "let them go" or "let them walk."

It wasn't about not realizing what they brought to the team, which was a lot of course. It was

about the future commitment that would be required to keep them. In both cases I say the clubs

overpaid for these players.

By the way, since I know you will ask, Cameron did not have the Ubaldo Jimenez contract

among his 10 worst deals of last winter. Of course, Jimenez is trying to make that deal look

better and that process has begun in Sarasota.

Do you agree with Cameron? Cruz provided the Orioles with 40 homers last year, and Markakis

was a leader and good for this team for a long time. He was an O's draft pick and it was tough for

many fans to see him go.

But in the end, considering the cost of the players in both contract length and dollars, did the

Orioles do the right thing by moving on without them?

http://www.masnsports.com/steve-melewski/2015/02/a-look-at-where-dylan-bundy-and-hunter-

harvey-landed-on-another-top-100-list.html

A look at where Bundy and Harvey landed on another top

100 list

By Steve Melewski / MASNsports.com

February 21, 2015

As the opening of a new baseball season gets closer by the day, the end of prospects ranking

season is just about here.

At a time when many publications produce their top 100 prospects list, the Baseball America list

is still the granddaddy of them all - and still very respected.

Published for the first time in 1990 when Steve Avery was the No. 1 prospect in the sport,

Baseball America's 25th anniversary list was released Thursday night, with the top 50 presented

during a live telecast on MLB Network. By the way, the Orioles Ben McDonald was the

publication's No. 2 prospect in that first year.'

Two Orioles prospects were on the list this time and both were ranked lower by Baseball

America than other outlets. Right-hander Dylan Bundy was No. 48, a big fall from his No. 15

ranking on this list last year. Right-hander Hunter Harvey was No. 68 after being unranked last

year.

Bundy's drop was directly related to his comeback from Tommy John surgery performed on June

27, 2013. He returned to pitch last summer, but compiled just 41 1/3 innings between short-

season Single-A Aberdeen and Single-A Frederick.

His full velocity and the quality and command of his secondary pitches were not all the way back

by year's end. A lat strain cost Bundy his last four or five starts last summer.

Baseball America editor John Manuel said he had some concerns about the rate at which Bundy's

stuff was returning.

"He missed so much time and the Tommy John is a huge factor there for us," Manuel said.

"There are some concerns that the stuff wasn't ... it wasn't a full-on recovery.

"Comparing him and a guy like a (Lucas) Giolito, Giolito was further removed from his surgery,

not by much, but had livelier stuff with a stronger return. We did slide Dylan down the list."

I asked Manuel if there are concerns about Bundy coming back all the way and pitching the way

he did in 2012, before his surgery.

"I think so, it's not automatic, not a given," Manuel said. "Tommy John surgery has a strong

track record, but it's not foolproof. Doesn't mean the stuff won't come back, but really when are

we going to get the full Dylan Bundy? When are we going to know what we've got? I don't think

we know what we have yet. There is a little uncertainty and a little doubt.

"There is no right answer. These are informed opinions and you do the best you can when

ranking prospects. Try to have as much good information as you can, but people do love

rankings."

Manuel also talked about how Baseball America ranked the 20-year-old Harvey, who went 7-5

with a 3.18 ERA over 87 2/3 innings last year for Single-A Delmarva. He was shut down in late

July due to a flexor mass muscle strain, but surgery was not needed.

"I'm sure (ESPN's) Keith Law and Baseball Prospectus have their reasons for ranking Hunter

Harvey as high as they do," Manuel said. "We love the arm and the raw stuff, with the emphasis

on raw there. Hasn't thrown 100 innings in a season and that forearm stiffness, it's not a red flag,

but it is a concern. To be a starter in the majors you have to have the durability to take the ball

every five days 30 times a year and he hasn't done that yet."

Both Bundy, who is on the Orioles' 40-man roster, and Harvey, who is not, are now with the

Orioles in big league camp in Sarasota, Fla.

The Orioles have high hopes and expectations for both pitchers but Manuel stands behind his

publication's ranking of the pair, even though it is lower than most other outlets.

"I think skepticism is very justified in both cases," he said.

Where Bundy has been ranked: * No. 8 by Baseball Prospectus

* No. 20 by MLBPipeline.com

* No. 22 by FanGraphs

* No. 26 by ESPN.com

* No. 48 by Baseball America

Where Harvey has been ranked: * No. 16 by ESPN.com

* No. 20 by Baseball Prospectus

* No. 36 by FanGraphs

* No. 41 by MLBPipeline.com

* No. 68 by Baseball America

My take: I do think that ranking for Bundy is on the low side. I say that with all due respect to

the editors at Baseball America, who are the best at the prospect business, in my opinion.

We should point out that the O's brass seems quite pleased with Bundy's progress and they

pointed out to me several times last year that he has not had a single setback.

Bundy pitched to an ERA of 1.23 over his last three Frederick starts last summer and touched 96

mph in what turned out to be his last start, when he went 4 1/3 scoreless innings Aug. 5 against

Carolina with no walks and seven strikeouts.

That was Bundy's best start of last summer and we may have seen him do that four or five more

times before the year ended but a lat strain (which was unrelated to the Tommy John surgery)

ended his season. He is long since fully recovered from that. Had Bundy made those four or five

more starts, maybe he would have showed more and been rated higher on this list.

But I do expect to see Bundy pitching at some point during the 2015 season at the same high

level as he did in 2012, when he was dominant at times. I think he has a good chance to make it

back to the majors, most likely in the second half, this summer.

I understand the skepticism here about both Bundy and Harvey, however. They are going to have

to prove both that they are healthy and can pitch at the level that makes them the prospects they

are.

I expect to see just that from both during the season ahead.

As a final note, I was told that no O's players came close to making that top 100 besides Bundy

and Harvey. Both catcher Chance Sisco and first baseman Christian Walker would have fallen

somewhere in the 160-170 range had Baseball America rated that many players.

http://www.si.com/mlb/2015/02/21/ap-bba-orioles-wieters

Orioles catcher Wieters hopes to ready for opening day

AP News / SI.com

February 21, 2015

SARASOTA, Fla. (AP) Matt Wieters has a definite goal this spring. He wants to be ready to

catch on opening day.

The Baltimore Orioles star, who underwent Tommy John surgery on his right elbow last June 17,

is already catching bullpen sessions at spring training. He can hit, too. He just hasn't tried to

throw out baserunners yet.

Wieters is hoping he'll be ready to catch on the nine-month anniversary of his surgery, March 17.

That will give him enough time to be ready for the April 6 opener at Tampa Bay.

Last year, the Orioles won the AL East despite getting just 26 games out of the three-time All-

Star catcher. Manager Buck Showalter says that even though the time won without him, they're

better with him.

''We missed him. I don't care how good our guys that took up the slack were. We missed him. A

lot of things he brought more than offensively and defensively,'' Showalter said.

''It's good to see him back and smiling and knowing that the end game's not too far away,'' he

said.

Wieters traveled with the team in the last two months of the season, supplying moral support

when he could.

Now, he wants to put what he learned into action. He thinks that if he can catch some games

between mid-March and the opener that will be enough.

''It should be plenty of time if we can get those two weeks in before opening day. This whole

year is going to be a matter of how the body feels,'' Wieters said. ''The big part of it is getting to

know your pitchers and what they like to do, and thankfully we have a lot of guys who I've

caught in the heat of the battle.''

''At the same time, there's a lot of checkmarks you have to go through during spring training:

catching nine innings, catching back-to-back days, things that you go into spring training trying

to get off that checklist. So just mentally when opening day is here, you feel ready to play

baseball,'' he said.

Showalter will let Wieters catch in Baltimore's first intrasquad game on March 1, but will make

sure basestealing isn't allowed. He'll also have him catch bullpen sessions, and will have Wieters

serve as the designated hitter in early games.

''I don't want to get to the 17th and him catch three innings the first time. I want him to catch

five, six, seven out of the chute,'' Showalter said. ''He's doing everything except throwing 100

percent to the bases. That's it. He's ready. His legs should come quickly.''

Wieters is one of 11 Orioles who can be free agents after this season. That doesn't enter his mind,

he insists.

''Our goal every year no matter who's in this clubhouse is to go out there and win the division

and win it all. That's our goal no matter what contract situations are up and it's the same thing

this year. This year more than anything, I have more of an appreciation and more of an

excitement about the opportunity to go out and play,'' Wieters said.

NOTES: The Orioles completed their January trade to the Pittsburgh Pirates for OF Travis

Snider by sending minor league pitcher Steven Brault to Pittsburgh. . INF Paul Janish reported to

camp eight days after surgery to remove bone chips from his right elbow. He thinks he'll be

ready to play in three to four weeks.

http://www.si.com/mlb/2015/02/21/ap-bba-arbitration-orioles-de-aza

Orioles beat Alejandro de Aza in salary arbitration

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) Baltimore has beaten outfielder Alejandro de Aza in salary

arbitration.

De Aza was awarded the Orioles' $5 million offer rather than his $5.65 million request on

Saturday by James Oldham, Robert Herzog and Phillip LaPorte, who heard the case a day earlier.

De Aza hit .252 with eight homers and 41 RBIs last year for the Chicago White Sox and Orioles,

who obtained him on Aug. 30 for a pair of minor leaguers. He made $4.25 million.

http://www.si.com/mlb/2015/02/20/ap-bba-orioles-begin-1st-ld-writethru

Orioles begin spring training with field of questions

AP News / SI.com

February 20, 2015

SARASOTA, Fla. (AP) The temperature was barely into the 40s as the Baltimore Orioles began

their first official workout of spring. All of the pitchers and catchers reported on time, and nearly

all of the position players were there, too.

Baltimore opens spring training with several questions:

- How will Manny Machado and Matt Wieters recover from their surgery?

- Can Chris Davis regain his 2013 form?

- And, how can the Orioles choose five starting pitchers from the six they have on hand?

The Orioles have 11 potential free agents including Wieters, Davis, starting pitchers Wei-Yin

Chen, Tommy Hunter, Bud Norris, Darren O'Day and outfielder Steve Pearce.

It's clearly a big year for the defending American League East champions.

''We've got pitching depth, we've got good power up the middle, good defense at every position

and that's a pretty good recipe for a winning ballclub,'' Baltimore executive vice president for

baseball operations Dan Duquette said.

Duquette said that the biggest addition is the return of Machado, Wieters and Davis.

''That's significant because you're talking about three everyday ballplayers who are good

defenders,'' Duquette said.

On Friday, Wieters said he anticipated being ready for the Apr. 6 opener in St. Petersburg,

Florida. He underwent Tommy John surgery last June.

Over the last three seasons, the Orioles have had two playoff appearances. The three years were

their first winning seasons after 14 consecutive losing ones.

Several of the players who have contributed to the team's success in those years are eligible for

free agency at the conclusion of this season. But Wieters said that the team's economic future

doesn't faze the team.

''Our goal every year no matter who's in this clubhouse is to go out there and win the division

and win it all. That's our goal no matter what contract situations are up and it's the same thing

this year,'' Wieters said.

Manager Buck Showalter, entering his sixth season doesn't want to look too far ahead.

''It's reality. I know about it. You know about it. They know about it. We know we have one

more opportunity. We don't look at it that way,'' Showalter said.

''I found that if I'm on the 16th hole and I'm thinking about the 17th hole, I play the 16th hole real

bad. That's kind of how I look at it.''

After losing veteran Nick Markakis to free agency, the Orioles know that some of the others

could be walking out that door at the end of this season. Showalter some of those players could

be back.

''We're going to play this thing as good as we can play it and see where life takes us. What

enhances the ability to keep those people is win a World Championship,'' Showalter said.

NOTES: INF Jayson Nix, who was signed to a minor league contract on Thursday, has not yet

reported to camp. He was added after another veteran infielder signed to a minor league

contract, Paul Janish had surgery earlier this week for bone spurs in his right elbow.

http://www.csnbaltimore.com/blog/orioles-talk/nix-hoping-another-chance-orioles

Nix hoping for another chance with Orioles

By Rich Dubroff / CSN Baltimore

February 23, 2015

SARASOTA, Fla. – Jayson Nix arrived in the Orioles’ clubhouse on Monday morning as he

continued his travels around baseball.

The 32-year-old Nix signed a minor league contract last week with the Orioles, and he’s looking

forward to his chance.

“Played against these guys a lot the last few years and it seemed like a good fit possibly. Playing

against them, it seemed like they have a pretty good thing going over here, a good team, good

chemistry and a team that most importantly is winning and wants to win and is in a position to

win,” Nix said.

Last year alone, Nix who has played for eight major league teams, was with four organizations:

Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Kansas City and Tampa Bay. He didn’t play in the majors for Tampa

Bay.

"What I've done the last few years, doing a variety of things. Playing all over the field, playing

short, second and third mainly, but also being able to play in the outfield. Wherever they put me,

I'm very versatile in that way. And whatever need arises, whatever is needed, I can fill,” Nix

said.

“I take a lot of pride in my defense and that aspect of my game and I feel like I bring a lot of

value in that department. That's important. It's a good fit for me."

Nix was with teams that faced the Orioles in the postseason in 2012 and 2014. He played on the

Yankees in 2012 and 2013, and with Kansas City last year, but wasn’t on the roster for the

ALCS. He’s noticed the Baltimore turnaround.

“I remember looking back to 2012 when I was in New York and coming down the stretch that

season in September, this team was really playing good and we were fighting with them down

the stretch and then in the playoffs that year. I could really see it turn that year. That was the first

year for me playing and seeing this team win seeing and Baltimore come alive, and ever since

then it's been that way,” Nix said.

“For the team to be winning over the course of the last few years like they've been doing and just

seeing how the team plays as a group, as a whole, it's apparent that there's a lot of good things

going on here."

http://www.csnbaltimore.com/blog/orioles-talk/cal-ripken-jr-gregg-zaun-former-oriole-recalls-

being-abused

Former Oriole recalls being "abused" by Cal Ripken Jr.

CSN Baltimore

February 22, 2015

Former Major League catcher Gregg Zaun, who spent the early part of his 16-year career in

Baltimore from 1995 to 1996, recently detailed incidents when he was "abused" by Hall of

Famer Cal Ripken, something that he seemed to regard as regular clubhouse behavior.

By the point Zaun was in Baltimore, Ripken had long established himself as one of the leaders in

the clubhouse, and Zaun told Blue Jays blogger Andrew Stoeten recently that baseball's Iron

Man was so hard on young players that he resorted to physical abuse to keep them in line.

He recalled one specific incident when a ball he threw in practice sparked an incident, though

Zaun seems to regard it as less than a big deal.

They beat me on my ribcage, physically abused me on my way to the training table. They taped

me spread-eagle to the training table, they wrote “rookie” on my forehead with pink methylate,

and they shoved a bucket of ice down my shorts. I missed the entire batting practice, and you

know what? Phil Regan, the manager of the Baltimore Orioles, he did not care, because he knew

that what those guys were doing was ‘educating me.

He shared another story about his time with the Orioles and one particular run-in on a plane:

If I had a dollar for every time Cal worked me over, physically, I’d be a pretty wealthy guy. He

still owes me a suit! He told me flat out, he said, ‘You are never to come past this point into the

back of the plane, under no circumstances.’ So, I’m in my first suit that I paid for myself as a

Major League player, feelin’ real frisky, and Cal says, ‘I need you to come here.’ And all of a

sudden I crossed over that imaginary barrier line. He tackled me, wrestled me to the ground.

They had just got done eating a bunch of blue crabs in the back of the plane, so there was

nothing but mud and Old Bay seasoning everywhere. He throws me to the ground and he tears

my suit off of me, and I’m like, ‘What are you doing?’ And he goes, ‘Remember when I said that

under no circumstances do you come back here?’ I’m like, ‘Well you just told me to!’ ‘I said

under no circumstances, and that includes when I ask you to come back here.’

Zaun would later say in the interview that he never felt uncomfortable with how Orioles veterans

disciplined the clubhouse, even going as far to say that he wished teams still used those tactics

today. He has since apologized for those comments.

http://www.csnbaltimore.com/blog/orioles-talk/showalter-says-reimold-has-good-chance-make-

orioles

Showalter says Reimold has good chance to make Orioles

By Rich Dubroff / CSN Baltimore

February 22, 2015

SARASOTA, Fla. – Buck Showalter likes how Nolan Reimold looks so far this spring training.

Reimold was an early arrival in camp and has been one of the few position players to take batting

practice.

Reimold is in camp on a minor league contract, and Showalter likes how he looks.

“He’s a different looking physical guy than the one that left us. Our timing might be real good.

He’s 31 playing at 28 as far as wear and tear,” Showalter said.

Reimold played just 56 games for the Orioles in 2012 and 2013, and last year was placed on

waivers in July after starting the season on the 60-day disabled list.

“We want to out-opportunity people. We want to out-atmosphere. We’ve got to do the things

we’re willing to do to be a little better. If they’re capable, we want this to be the place that they

get the most out of their abilities,” Showalter said.

“That’s why Nolan’s here. That’s why Nolan came back. He had three other opportunities,”

Showalter said.

It will be difficult for Reimold, who had surgery on his neck in 2012 and 2013 to make the team

with all the competition in the outfield.

“Nolan’s going to have a good spring. Nolan’s going to make it tough on us,” Showalter said.

http://www.csnbaltimore.com/blog/orioles-talk/where-will-dylan-bundy-start-season

Where will Dylan Bundy start the season?

By Rich Dubroff / CSN Baltimore

February 22, 2015

SARASOTA, Fla. – Dylan Bundy was one of the last of 14 pitchers to throw on Sunday. Bundy

threw with manager Buck Showalter, pitching coach Dave Wallace and several other coaches

keeping an eye on him. All of the pitchers the Orioles have in camp have now thrown at least one

bullpen.

Bundy hasn’t pitched in the majors since Sept. 2012, and had a difficult time at Frederick last

year, one year removed from June 2013 Tommy John surgery. At Aberdeen, Bundy dominated,

allowing just one run in 15 innings.

With the Keys, Bundy was 1-2 with a 4.78 ERA in six starts, walking 13 in 26 1/3 innings.

Bundy will have an innings limit this season, but Showalter says it hasn’t seen set yet.

“They’re going to wait to see how it goes. He’s scheduled to start at Bowie,” Showalter said.

It’s hardly a surprise that Bundy will begin the season with the Baysox. In 2012, Bundy was 2-0

with a 3.24 ERA in three starts at Bowie. Perhaps he can pitch for the Orioles later this season.

“Dylan, the governors are off on him. If you pitch well enough to be in the mix, and there’s a

need, yes. It’s on the opposition now. They’re going to tell us how good he is,” Showalter said.

“He’s another of the 28 [pitchers] here in camp. We’re not doing anything different with him.”

http://www.csnbaltimore.com/blog/orioles-talk/clevenger-tries-snatch-backup-job

Clevenger tries to snatch backup job

By Rich Dubroff / CSN Baltimore

February 22, 2015

SARASOTA, Fla. – The Orioles have six catchers in spring training, and it’s conceivable that all

of them could play for the team this season.

A year ago, Steve Clevenger, the native Baltimorean, who was dubbed “The Pride of Pigtown”

was the favorite to win the job as Matt Wieters’ backup.

He did, but after Wieters was hurt, and Caleb Joseph and Nick Hundley were added, Clevenger

found himself back at Norfolk for most of the season.

Now, Clevenger is facing an uphill battle to stay with the Orioles.

“I’m running on my last option here. Everybody wants to play well and play in the big leagues,

but you have to go out and control what you can control,” Clevenger said.

“The plan is to play in the big leagues all year, but at the end of the day, I don’t make that

decision and Dan [Duquette] and Buck [Showalter] make the decision on who stays and who

goes. All I can do is go out there and show them why I should be on the team.”

The Orioles didn’t give Clevenger any specific guidelines this offseason on his conditioning or

defense.

“Every year I come into camp ready to go. Last year I had a pretty good camp. I feel that I don’t

need to prepare myself any more than I did in the past. This will be my 10th season in

professional baseball, and I kind of have an idea what to do in the offseason and how to come

into spring training ready to go,” Clevenger said.

“Do what I do in the offseason. I didn’t do anything different this year than I did last year or two

years previous to that. I got a routine that works for me, and that’s what I did last year, and that’s

what I’m going to continue to do.”

Showalter is looking for catchers who defend well. Hitting is secondary.

“I always work hard on defense. Everything but throwing in the big leagues has been pretty good

to me. I haven’t thrown the way I wanted to throw,” Clevenger said.

Seventeen of 20 runners were successful trying to steal last year, and that gnaws at Clevenger.

“You can’t throw three out of 20 and be a catcher in the big leagues. It’s that simple. Every other

aspect I think I’m fine at. I’m just going to throw a lot more this spring,” Clevenger said.

http://www.csnbaltimore.com/blog/orioles-talk/orioles-veteran-arrives-camp-says-arbitration-

behind-him-alejandro-de-aza

Orioles veteran on losing to team in arbitration

By Rich Dubroff / CSN Baltimore

February 22, 2015

SARASOTA, Fla. – Alejandro De Aza passed Buck Showalter on the field on Sunday morning,

and the manager stopped his golf cart to greet him.

“I need a loan,” Showalter joked with his outfielder.

De Aza received $5 million when he lost his arbitration case. He had asked for $5.65 million.

There are no hard feelings, De Aza insists.

“It wasn’t difficult. It’s just like the game. Someone has to win. Someone has to lose,” De Aza

said.

“It’s done. It’s in the past. Let’s start spring training fresh and go on to the season.”

De Aza, who was acquired from the Chicago White Sox, could be the Orioles’ leadoff hitter, and

it’s something he would savor.

“It’s exciting. It’s great if I get the chance to be leadoff,” De Aza said. “I’m just going to

continue what I was doing.”

NOTES: Caleb Joseph had to leave practice early to be with his wife Brooke, who is expecting

the couple’s first child. …. Showalter said that minor league free agent pitcher Dane Le Rosa

will be brought along slowly because of right knee surgery last September. … Infielder Jayson

Nix, who signed a minor league contract earlier this week is expected to arrive Monday or

Tuesday.

http://www.csnbaltimore.com/blog/orioles-talk/orioles-have-competition-starting-roles

Orioles have competition for starting roles

By Rich Dubroff / CSN Baltimore

February 22, 2015

SARASOTA, Fla. – Miguel Gonzalez has a new confident look as he walks into the Orioles

clubhouse. In his first year of arbitration, Gonzalez signed a one-year contract for $3.28 million,

and became one of several players who’s relocated to the Orioles spring training home.

“I’m healthy. It’s going to be a fun year again. The past three years have been awesome. The

guys are getting along. Let’s just keep that going. It’s exciting,” Gonzalez said.

In his first three years with the Orioles, he’s 30-21 with a 3.45 ERA, and now is one of six

starters competing for five spots.

“It’s amazing what we’ve done and what [executive vice president Dan Duquette] has been

doing. They’ve been bringing guys in and making this ballclub better. Having that competition

makes it interesting,” Gonzalez said.

For nearly all of his life, Gonzalez has lived in southern California, but recently moved to

Sarasota.

“It was a tough spot that I was in because I had my whole family down there and I lived there for

26 years,” Gonzalez said. “Now, I’m going to be a resident here, which is fun. I love it in

Florida, I love the beaches. We did that because we like it here. We want to be here for a couple

of years. Hopefully we’re here for a long time with the Orioles. That would be great.”

http://www.csnbaltimore.com/blog/orioles-talk/heres-grandfather-trying-make-orioles-bullpen

Here's a grandfather trying to make Orioles bullpen

By Rich Dubroff / CSN Baltimore

February 21, 2015

SARASOTA, Fla. -- Surely there haven’t been many grandfathers playing in baseball history.

Mark Hendrickson, who has a daughter born during 2013 spring training, has a five-month old

granddaughter, and at 40 he’s trying to make the Orioles.

The re-invented sidearmer, who impressed the team enough during last month’s minicamp to

earn a spring training invitation is trying not to be overly optimistic about his chances.

Hendrickson, who hasn’t pitched in the major leagues since Aug. 2011, was out of organized ball

in 2012 and 2014. He spent 2013 with Norfolk.

“I come in here with realistic expectations. Obviously, I know what they did last year and the

guys should be commended on how far they got and how much success they had. They’re going

to get ready for the season. For me, if I start in Triple-A, it’s one step closer than I was last

season. I’m OK with that is that’s the case,” Hendrickson said.

“Obviously, that’s not going to change my preparation. It’s to continue to go out there and

develop my pitches and get ready. But I’ve always had the goal of April 1 [being] my target date

every year just to be ready to go, so that’s what I’m focusing on down here.”

Hendrickson pitched for the Orioles from 2009-11, and he lives in nearby York, Pa. Many faces

are new, but he still feels comfortable.

“It’s an opportunity. I think if anything, the way I progressed the past couple years that’s all I’m

looking for. It wasn’t unexpected. This is where I wanted to be, my first choice. It’s good to be

here. It’s good to see the guys. Obviously, there’s some change in the clubhouse but I like what’s

here and what’s going on,” Hendrickson said.

http://www.csnbaltimore.com/blog/orioles-talk/janish-hopes-injury-doesnt-affect-his-chances

Janish hopes injury doesn't affect his chances

By Rich Dubroff / CSN Baltimore

February 21, 2015

SARASOTA, Fla. – Paul Janish was signed last fall to a minor league contract with the Orioles.

Unfortunately for him, his chances to make the team were hurt when bone chips were discovered

in his right elbow.

Janish, who played four years with Cincinnati and two with Atlanta, was not in the major leagues

last year. He signed with the Orioles because he knew pitching coach Dave Wallace and bullpen

coach Dom Chiti.

“The team had a great year last year, and somebody in my shoes, that's pretty big for me at this

point," Janish said.

"I want to be somewhere where every game is important, and as you go down the stretch, if I'm

not fortunate enough to make the team out of camp, that they place value in having a veteran guy

around as opposed to calling up a younger guy to get him experience and that kind of thing.”

Janish had surgery on his elbow eight days ago, and he says he hopes to play in three or four

weeks. He discovered the injury last month.

The Orioles signed Jayson Nix earlier this week because Janish was hurt. Janish is hoping it

doesn’t affect his chances.

"Fortunately for myself I signed early in the offseason, which was kind of an indicator that they

had some interest and hopeful that I would fit the role in whatever capacity that may be pretty

well," Janish said.

"Hopefully I will get to play the last two or three weeks of camp and play well and have a shot."

http://www.csnbaltimore.com/blog/orioles-talk/showalter-talks-clubhouse-chemistry

Showalter talks clubhouse chemistry

By Rich Dubroff / CSN Baltimore

February 21, 2015

SARASOTA, Fla. -– On the second day of spring training, the weather was much warmer, with

the temperature reaching in the high sixties.

The Orioles have been using their new bullpen area. Some of the more well-known names

haven’t thrown yet. Because they pitched in the postseason last October, manager Buck

Showalter is trying to make sure they don’t overdo it.

Several top-shelf pitchers watched as they threw, and when Showalter looks around the

clubhouse, he sees much better pitchers and catchers trying to make an impression.

“The quality has gotten a little better. It’s going to make it a little tougher,” Showalter said. “You

don’t want to sit here, handicapping and critiquing the first or second day they come.”

One of those catchers trying to make an impression, Brian Ward, notices that Showalter is

closely watching.

“I always knew that Buck takes big pride in the minor league system,” Ward said.

Ward has been in the Orioles system since 2009, and after his first year at Triple-A in 2014 feels

he can play in the majors this season.

“I feel like if you’re in big league camp, you’ve got a chance to make the team,” Ward said.

NOTES: Alejandro De Aza, who lost his arbitration case to the Orioles, has yet to report. …

Showalter said that Brian Matusz will be stretched out so that he can work on his changeup.

http://www.csnbaltimore.com/blog/orioles-talk/jimenez-hopes-everything-changes-2015

Jimenez hopes that everything changes in 2015

By Rich Dubroff / CSN Baltimore

February 21, 2015

SARASOTA, Fla. – Ubaldo Jimenez threw his first bullpen of spring training on Friday, and

manager Buck Showalter raved about how well he threw. Jimenez was happy about it, too.

"Felt really good. Everything felt really smooth. Something that I did, I threw like five bullpens

before I came over here, back in the Orioles' complex in the Dominican. I went there and threw

bullpens and then I threw a live batting practice to make sure when I got here my mechanics

would be a little bit better. I stuck with what I was doing at the end of last year and everything

feels good,” Jimenez said.

Jimenez had a bad 2014. By the time he signed his four-year, $50 million contract, spring

training was already underway, and he thinks that ended up hurting him.

He was 6-9 with a 4.81 ERA and walked 77 in 125 1/3 innings.

“It changed everything because I didn’t prepare as I used to. I didn’t throw bullpens until I came

here to spring training. I didn’t throw in a game. I didn’t throw anything,” Jimenez said.

Late in the season, Jimenez worked with pitching coach Dave Wallace and bullpen coach Dom

Chiti on adjusting his mechanics and was happy with the results.

"It was all about not going over the top of my head because I was going way too far and that

makes my mechanics go everywhere, so right now I'm able to simplify everything by grabbing

the ball and just going straight to home plate,” Jimenez said.

He’s confident that 2014 was an aberration.

"Hopefully, everything changes and I'm going to be able to compete better and be able to give

the team a chance to win. Last year was a disappointing year. It was a really bad year. There's no

doubt about it, but just changing my mechanics makes everything better and I'm going to be able

to compete,” Jimenez said.

Manager Buck Showalter is impressed with what he’s seen out of Jimenez so far.

“Ubaldo’s been very engaged. He’s got a little burn going,” Showalter said.

Jimenez was on the roster for the Division Series, but not for the American League

Championship Series. He came under some criticism because he didn’t travel with the team for

the ALCS.

“Yeah, it was tough because I wanted to be part of the team. I wasn’t on the roster, and then I

had to go home and had some business to take care of. I’m not on the roster,” Jimenez said.

http://www.csnbaltimore.com/blog/orioles-talk/outfielder-loses-arbitration-hearing-orioles

Outfielder loses arbitration hearing to Orioles

By Rich Dubroff / CSN Baltimore

February 21, 2015

SARASOTA, Fla. – The Orioles have beaten Alejandro De Aza in arbitration. De Aza, who

earned $4.25 million last year, asked for $5.65 million. The Orioles offered $5 million.

De Aza batted .252 with eight home runs and 41 RBIs last year. He began the season with the

Chicago White Sox and was traded to the Orioles on Aug. 30 for two minor league pitchers.

With the Orioles, De Aza batted .293 in 20 games.

Under general counsel Russell Smouse, who argued the case on Friday in St. Petersburg, Fla., the

Orioles have won eight consecutive arbitration rulings. They hadn’t had an arbitration case since

Brad Bergesen in 2012.

The Orioles had 11 arbitration-eligible players, and settled with 10 of them before they went to

hearings.

http://www.csnbaltimore.com/blog/orioles-talk/new-os-outfielder-trying-fit-new-team

New O's outfielder trying to fit in with new team

By Rich Dubroff / CSN Baltimore

February 20, 2015

SARASOTA, Fla. – Chris Parmelee is definitely not too cool for school. In his first days with the

Orioles after four years with the Minnesota Twins, Parmelee is trying to just fit in and go

relatively unnoticed.

"It's kind of like going to a new school. You've been in one school your whole life and meeting

new guys. My main thing is just to keep my mouth shut and try to make friends, just like you

would in school," Parmelee said.

“But these guys have come in with open arms and I know some of them, so it makes it a lot

easier transition.”

Minnesota designated Parmelee for assignment in December. He signed with the Orioles last

month.

“They're a winning organization. They've been winning the last couple of years and I want to be

a part of that. I want to do everything I can to help this team out any way I can and whatever that

may be, I'm up to the task and I'm looking forward to it."

The outfielder/first baseman has had some success playing in Baltimore. He’s 7-for-21 lifetime

with a home run at Oriole Park. That helped seal the deal.

“Every time I came to Camden Yards and even here in Sarasota, I liked the way they did things

around here and I took notice of that when it came time to make a selection where I was going to

go,” Parmelee said.

“I'm already taking a liking to a lot of the guys here. It's a lot of good guys, a lot of good players

and a great clubhouse to be in.”

NOTE: The Orioles sent minor league LHP Steven Brault to the Pittsburgh Pirates as the player

to be named later in last month’s Travis Snider trade. Brault was 11-8 with a 2.77 ERA for

Delmarva and Frederick last year.

http://www.csnbaltimore.com/blog/orioles-talk/former-blue-jay-trying-win-job-wieters-backup

Former Blue Jay trying to win job as Wieters' backup

By Rich Dubroff / CSN Baltimore

February 20, 2015

SARASOTA, Fla. – J.P. Arencibia has a most interesting resume. Major league catcher and new

husband of country singer Kimberly Perry.

Arencibia was signed to a minor league contract last month, and will compete for the backup

catcher’s job.

He spent last year with Texas after three seasons with Toronto. He’s delighted to move to the

Orioles.

“I think it’s a great opportunity, obviously. I’ve been in this league four years. I know this league

well. I’m familiar with it. It’s good to be back in the AL East and obviously on a team that’s had

great success,” Arencibia said.

“I had a really good feel of an opportunity here. I still feel like I have a real good ability to help

the team win, and that’s what I ultimately want to do, is come in and do whatever I can to help

this team win, and I know I’ve still got it.”

If Matt Wieters is ready to start the season, Caleb Joseph has the advantage to be his backup.

Arencibia said that wasn’t a deterrent.

“Obviously, Matt’s coming off an injury, so that’s something for him. You can’t go back in and

catch 150 games, and so that was another thing that was of interest to me. In other situations, it

could have been an easier path. One, I wanted to be able to go to one great team, and two, to a

situation where I know I can help a team win, and this is a team that wins, and I know I can be an

asset,” Arencibia said.

http://www.csnbaltimore.com/blog/orioles-talk/orioles-pitcher-fights-back-injury

Orioles pitcher fights back from injury

By Rich Dubroff / CSN Baltimore

February 20, 2015

SARASOTA, Fla. – After a lost 2014 season, Steve Johnson is back to try and recapture what he

found in the great year of 2012.

Johnson was injured much of the season, and last September, underwent surgery to remove bone

chips from his right shoulder.

He was outrighted after the season, and after contemplating offers from other teams chose to sign

a minor league contract with the Orioles.

“I knew this was a place I felt comfortable and that if no one else really blew me away, this

would probably be a place I'd come back to,” Johnson said.

“I like being here. I'm comfortable with everybody, all the coaches. I think what helps is that

they know what I can do when I'm healthy and that's just mainly what I'm trying to be and just

staying on the field."

Johnson said that he’s in good shape this spring, having worked out in Baltimore before coming

down south about two weeks ago.

"I told them when I came down that I threw a couple bullpens at home and felt pretty good. I said

I'll continue with what everyone else is doing until I feel anything that says I can't. So far so

good and I'm scheduled to be right on pace,” Johnson said.

‘I usually throw a little bit more. I said mainly I'm trying to be ready for opening day and make

sure that happens, but if everything goes well I don't see myself holding back at all. I might not

have thrown as much before I got here, but I may not have needed all that. I might just be fine

the way I am right now."

Johnson will probably start the season in Norfolk, but he isn’t ruling out leaving camp with the

Orioles.

“I’m going to try to make the team. If there’s an opening and I’m pitching well, I know there’s a

possibility. If not, I’ll head to Norfolk and work my way up,” Johnson said.

“I’ve been a starter. Hopefully continue to be a starter. If they need me to relieve, I’ll relieve. I

don’t think it’s really my call. Whatever they think is best to get back to the big leagues.”

http://www.csnbaltimore.com/blog/orioles-talk/showalter-gives-his-take-mlbs-replay-changes

Showalter gives his take on MLB's replay changes

By Rich Dubroff / CSN Baltimore

February 20, 2015

SARASOTA, Fla. -- Manager Buck Showalter had been on the field for most of Friday, and

wasn’t aware of the new rules to pick up the pace of the games.

Highlights are: Batters must keep one foot in the box, play will resume two minutes and 25

seconds after an inning ends for most games, and managers signal for replay challenges from the

dugout.

Runners leaving third base early will be reviewable, and managers will have to use a challenge

on home plate collision reviews.

“I’m in support of anything that enhances our game,” Showalter said. “In my job, I personally

don’t think a lot about it, that part of it. People smarter than me that have researched it a lot more

think it’s something we need to do, so I’m in support of that.”

Showalter has often said that the people who are most concerned about game times are those

who have to be at every game, and not the fans.

http://www.csnbaltimore.com/blog/orioles-talk/orioles-key-player-thinks-opening-day-realistic

Orioles key player thinks Opening Day is realistic

By Rich Dubroff / CSN Baltimore

February 20, 2015

SARASOTA, Fla. –- Matt Wieters thinks that he should be ready for Opening Day. Last year,

Wieters had Tommy John surgery on June 17, and nine months after that, should be ready to

catch. If everything goes well, Wieters will be catching on Apr. 6 in St. Petersburg.

“It should be plenty of time if we can get those two weeks in before Opening Day,” Wieters said

on Friday.

Wieters is happy with how his rehab is going. There have been no setbacks.

“It’s kind of just slowly progressing,” Wieters said. “I think I‘ve been looking forward to this

spring more than any other spring, just being able to go out there and play.”

Manager Buck Showalter said that he hopes Wieters will catch an intrasquad game on March 1

without throwing, and believes that the timetable set out is a wise one.

“We’ve gone through and checked it and rechecked it as the time’s gone,” Wieters said. “Nine

months was our best case scenario when we first did it. So far, everything has fortunately gone

well enough to where nine months is still our goal.”

It’s a big year for Wieters. He is one of eleven possible free agents on the Orioles. He says this

year is no different for him.

“Our goal every year no matter who’s in this clubhouse is to go out there and win the division

and win it all. That’s our goal no matter what contract situations are up, and it’s the same thing

this year. This year more than anything, I have more of an appreciation and more of an

excitement about the opportunity to go out and play,” Wieters said.

http://www.pressboxonline.com/2015/02/23/orioles-pitching-prospect-dylan-bundy-eager-to-get-

back-in-action

Orioles' Pitching Prospect Dylan Bundy Eager To Get Back

In Action

By Paul Folkemer / PressBoxOnline.com

February 23, 2015

At Orioles spring training camp in Sarasota, Fla., manager Buck Showalter told reporters Feb. 22

that right-handed pitcher Dylan Bundy could see some major league action in 2015.

And Bundy, for his part, will be doing everything he can during spring training to put himself

firmly into the Orioles' plans -- if not by Opening Day, then soon after.

"I'm just going to go into spring training showing them that I can pitch in the big leagues,"

Bundy said. And hopefully some point in the year or after spring training, I get called up. All I've

got to do is go out there and pitch.

"It feels like 2012. I knew I wasn't going to make the team in 2012, but I tried to. So that's my

plan coming into this spring, is I'm going to try to break camp with the team."

For Bundy, a return to the big leagues would be a long time coming. His last major league

appearance came Sept. 25, 2012, after he received a late-season call-up as a 19-year-old, capping

a meteoric rise from Low-A Delmarva to the majors.

Since then, Bundy, 22, hasn't spent much time on the baseball field. At spring training in 2013,

he suffered an arm injury that proved to be a career-altering event.

"I was just trying to tough it out in spring training, and it kept getting more and more sore,"

Bundy said. "It felt like it was on fire the next day when I threw in minor league camp, so I had

to finally say something."

After months of rest and rehab proved futile, Bundy's injury ultimately required Tommy John

surgery. He underwent the procedure June 27, 2013 and missed the entire year.

It was a painful setback for Bundy, the Orioles' first round draft pick during the 2011 amateur

draft. Before the injury, most national publications considered Bundy one of the top pitching

prospects in all of baseball and a future ace in the making. Even after Bundy's surgery, his stock

is still high -- Baseball America ranked him as the Orioles' No. 1 prospect for 2015 -- but the

ordeal cost him more than a year of valuable development time.

"It's been tough," Bundy said. "I've definitely had to learn how to be more patient. I do a lot of

hunting, so you'd think I'd be patient. But it's a whole new ball game when it comes to your

career and your arm. Doing what you love, you've got to be patient."

After months of rehabilitation, Bundy was finally able to return to a mound midway through the

2014 season, with mixed results. He blew away the competition during three starts at Low-A

Aberdeen, but struggled with his command after moving to High-A Frederick. Bundy posted a

4.78 ERA during six starts, issuing 13 walks in 26.1 innings.

"My command of [my pitches] wasn't as good as it was before 2012, and the sharpness of the

curveball and the changeup wasn't there," Bundy said. "So I still had to work on that, and that's

what I've been doing this offseason."

Bundy's velocity was down several mph in 2014, which is normal for pitchers first returning

from Tommy John surgery.

"I was mainly around 90, 92, I think," Bundy said. "I hit 95 or 96 a couple times. … They say it

takes 18 or 20 months to get your normal velocity back to what it was before. In Frederick last

year, I was only 14 months."

As 2015 spring training kicks off, Bundy is almost 21 months removed from surgery, and the

Orioles have insisted there will be no restrictions on him at camp. Pitching coach Dave Wallace

and bullpen coach Dom Chiti, both of whom joined the Orioles' staff in 2014, will get their first

real chance to work with him.

"Health standpoint, he's a 100 percent ready to go," Chiti said. "And Dylan is a guy we never

really had a chance to get to see a whole lot of, so it's kind of a learning curve for us with him."

Bundy, for one, is eager to get started now that he has a clean bill of health.

"It's been great," Bundy said. "This has actually been my first full offseason for like four months,

having that extra three months of rest and then being able to throw. Like I said, I'm a 100 percent

ready to go."

For now, Bundy is most likely to begin the 2015 season at Double-A Bowie, where he spent

three games in 2012 before his promotion to the Orioles. But if he's able to prove that his

command and velocity have returned to pre-surgery form, it might not be long before he finds

himself back in a big league uniform.

http://www.pressboxonline.com/2015/02/22/infamous-glove-used-to-defeat-orioles-in-1996-alcs-

sold-at-auction

Infamous Glove Used To Defeat Orioles In 1996 ALCS Sold

At Auction

By Justin Silberman / PressBoxOnline.com

February 22, 2015

The infamous black leather Mizuno glove that hung over the right-field wall and altered the

outcome during Game 1 of the 1996 American League Championship Series between the

Yankees and Orioles sold at auction Feb. 21.

The mitt worn by Jeffrey Maier Oct. 9, 1996, when he turned a Derek Jeter fly ball into a game-

tying home run was purchased by an anonymous bidder for $22,705, according to the Heritage

Auctions website. Five people placed bids during the auction. The value of the glove was

estimated to be worth about $50,000.

Maier, who was 12 at the time, reached over the fence as Orioles right fielder Tony Tarasco

camped underneath the ball and expected to catch it when Maier deflected it into the stands on its

decent.

Tarasco immediately pointed upward and argued Maier had interfered, but umpire Richie Garcia

ruled it a home run. Jeter’s round-tripper knotted the score, 4-4, during the bottom of the eighth

inning, and Yankees center fielder Bernie Williams belted a solo shot during the 11th to give the

Bronx Bombers a 1-0 series lead.

Baltimore protested the game, but was denied by baseball’s ruling executive council and then-

AL president Gene Budig.

The Yankees went on to defeat the Birds in five games before defeating the Atlanta Braves in six

games to capture the first of their four World Series titles during five seasons.

"Even to this day, almost 20 years after the fact, this glove still continues to elicit smiles from

Yankees fans and curses from Orioles fans," director of Sports Auctions at Heritage Auctions

Chris Ivy said, according to the Associated Press. "It's an innocuous enough little black leather

Mizuno glove, but it still inspires big emotions and commanded a big-time auction price."

http://www.pressboxonline.com/2015/02/21/orioles-defeat-alejandro-de-aza-in-arbitration

Orioles Defeat Alejandro De Aza In Arbitration

By Paul Folkemer / PressBoxOnline.com

February 21, 2015

The Orioles won their arbitration case against outfielder Alejandro De Aza Feb. 21, resolving the

last of their arbitration salaries for 2015.

Under the arbiter's ruling, De Aza will make $5 million in 2015, the salary the O's filed. De Aza

had requested $5.65 million. He made $4.25 million in 2014.

The case was heard Feb. 20. Orioles general counsel H. Russell Smouse is now 8-0 in arbitration

hearings.

The Orioles acquired the 30-year-old De Aza from the Chicago White Sox on Aug. 30, 2014. He

was an instant hit for the Birds, batting .293/.341/.537/.877 with three home runs and 10 RBIs

during 20 regular-season games, then going 7-for-21 with three RBIs during the postseason. He

became the Orioles' everyday left fielder against right-handed pitchers, a role that he'll likely

serve to begin the 2015 season.

However, De Aza struggled in 2014 before he joined the Orioles, a fact that the Birds likely

pointed out during their arbitration case against him. With the White Sox, he batted

.243/.309/.354/.663 during 122 games. He also struggled against left-handed pitchers, posting a

.138 average and .400 OPS against them in 2014, compared to .277 and .766 against righties.

Of the Orioles' 11 arbitration-eligible players this offseason, De Aza was the only one whose

case went to an arbitration hearing. It was the Orioles' first arbitration hearing since they defeated

right-handed pitcher Brad Bergesen in 2012.

The O's made another minor move Feb. 20, sending left-handed pitcher Steven Brault to the

Pittsburgh Pirates as the player to be named later in the Jan. 27 Travis Snider deal. Brault, 22,

was an 11th-round draft pick by the Birds in 2013. He spent most of 2014 at Low-A Delmarva,

going 9-8 with a 3.05 ERA during 22 games (21 starts). He also started three games at Single-A

Frederick, allowing one run in 16.1 innings.

http://www.baltimoremagazine.net/2015/2/20/adam-jones-in-semis-for-face-of-mlb

Adam Jones in Semis for Face of MLB MLB runs bracket-style contest to find a symbol for the league.

By Jess Mayhugh

February 20, 2015

Major League Baseball hosts an annual contest to ask the simple question: Who is the face of

baseball?

But the Face of the MLB contest is particularly interesting this year, in the post-Jeter era, as the

landscape seems more wide open than ever.

Well, the contest is down to the semi-finals and our very own Adam Jones is up against Mets

All-Star third baseman David Wright. Currently, the race is pretty tight, with Jones on top 55 to

45 percent. (It should be noted that Jones beat Big Papi in the first round.)

The other half of the bracket pits Bay Area rivals Buster Posey of the San Fransisco Giants

against Sean Doolittle of the Oakland A's.

Voting is pretty easy—you just have to go on Twitter and tweet #AdamJones and #FaceofMLB.

You can also go to their Facebook page and share a comment with the same hashtags. The results

will be announced on Hot Stove on the MLB Network on Monday at 9 a.m.

While the contest seems a little silly, really what it's testing is the most devoted fanbase in

baseball. So, let's be honest, we should have this thing on lock.

http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2015/02/23/alejandro-de-aza-on-losing-his-arbitration-hearing-

honestly-i-thought-it-was-going-to-be-worse/

Alejandro De Aza on losing his arbitration hearing:

“Honestly, I thought it was going to be worse”

By Aaron Gleeman / NBCSports.com

February 23, 2015

It’s often assumed that teams try to avoid going through with arbitration hearings because they

involve saying negative things about a player in front of that player, but Alejandro De Aza says it

wasn’t so bad.

De Aza lost his hearing with the Orioles last week and here’s what he told Eduardo Encina of the

Baltimore Sun about the experience:

Honestly, I thought it was going to be worse. It was something that they needed to do. It

happened, and now [I have] a fresh mind going into spring training. … I know this is a business

and it is what it is. At the beginning of the season, they said I was going to be in arbitration. Win

or lose, life goes on. Everything is going to be the same.

Of course, it helps that even in losing the hearing De Aza was awarded a $5 million salary for

2015 and based on those quotes he seems to have a pretty good attitude about things in general.

http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2015/02/21/orioles-defeat-alejandro-de-aza-in-arbitration-

hearing/

Orioles defeat Alejandro De Aza in arbitration hearing

By D.J. Short / NBCSports.com

February 21, 2015

Alejandro De Aza will make a $5 million salary in 2015 after the Orioles defeated the outfielder

in an arbitration hearing, reports Rich Dubroff of CSNBaltimore.com.

De Aza, who was arbitration-eligible for the final time this winter, filed at $5.65 million when

figures were exchanged last month. The two sides went to a hearing despite the minor gap

between them and the arbitration panel ultimately ruled in favor of the team.

De Aza turns 31 in April and batted .293/.341/.537 with three home runs and 10 RBI in 20

games after coming over from the White Sox last August. He figures to see at least part-time

duty in Baltimore’s outfield this season.

http://baltimore.cbslocal.com/2015/02/23/scott-garceau-four-os-im-watching/

Four O’s To Watch In 2015

By Scott Garceau / CBS Baltimore

February 23, 2015

With pitchers and catchers at work (and several position players) we’ve officially moved past the

hot stove season. With record low temperatures in Baltimore and no hot stove it would seem just

a matter of time before hypothermia does us in. If somehow we can survive, it should be another

bright and warm summer in Baltimore hon. Let’s deal with Spring first and the Orioles have

some obvious areas of interest as they gather in Sarasota.

There’s the rebound three of Matt Wieters, Manny Machado, and Chris Davis. When will

Wieters be ready to catch? Will he still throw like the guy who was one of the best in baseball at

cutting down base-stealers? Can Manny (he’s full go) get back to his 2013 form when he looked

like Brooks Robinson at third base and hit like an all-star?

Will Chris Davis (aka The Deputy) get back to being one of the game’s premier power hitters?

Then there’s the 6 starters for 5 spots in the pitching rotation, is this the year talented Kevin

Gausman’s career takes off, can Ubaldo Jimenez throw strikes and be relevant? FYI I’m not

concerned about the 6 for 5 It wasn’t too long ago that the Orioles would go to Spring training

with 1 or 2 solid starters for 5 spots. More is better, and with 2 or 3 starting candidates in the

minor league system the Orioles have developed what Earl Weaver would describe as “deep

depth.”

Above are some of the big stories this spring in Sarasota and we’ll hear a lot about them but I’ve

got my eyes on 4 under-the-radar guys. Most won’t break North with the Orioles but all four

could have impact on the Orioles future and I’m anxious to see them.

Dariel Alvarez — The 26 year old Cuban outfielder looks like he’s just about ready for the

show. He was very good last year splitting time between AA Bowie and AAA Norfolk he hit

.306 with 15 HR’s and 86 RBI. I’ve been told he has the best arm in the organization and that

includes the Orioles. He could improve plate discipline, but he only struck out 62 times in 532 at

bats. Alvarez isn’t much of a base-stealer with 8 in 13 attempts in 2014.

Dylan Bundy — The 4th pick in the 2011 draft has no physical restrictions after Tommy John

surgery on his pitching elbow in June of 2013. In limited work last season, Bundy had a 9.36

ERA in his first three starts at Frederick, but bounced back with a 1.23 ERA in his next three

starts before a lat injury ended his season. He’ll likely start this season in AA Bowie but could be

in Baltimore in late summer. Bundy is still only 22.

Mike Wright — The 6-6 right-hander was the organizations pitcher of the year in 2013. Wright

struggled last year, going 5-11 with a 4.61 ERA at Triple-A Norfolk. But he finished like Cy

Young, in his last 7 starts he had an 0.95 ERA with 37 strikeouts and only eight walks. He

throws a nasty mid 90’s sinkerball and if he can pitch like he did late last season Baltimore could

be in his near future.

Travis Snider — He may not qualify as an under the radar guy and unlike the other 3, Snider

should be in the lineup on opening day. He’s a former top 10 prospect in all of baseball and now

27 he’s likely the guy taking over in right field for Nick Markakis. Snider considered an above

average outfielder is coming off a good year with the Pirates. After a slow start, he hit .264 with

13 homers in 359 plate appearances. He was hot after the All-Star break, hitting .288/.356/.524 in

188 plate appearances.

You can hear The Orioles first Grapefruit League game (vs Detroit) Wednesday, March 4 at 1:00

on 105.7 The Fan.

http://baltimore.cbslocal.com/2015/02/20/jeremy-conn-what-everth-cabrera-addition-could-

mean-for-os/

What Everth Cabrera Addition Could Mean for O’s

By Jeremy Conn / CBS Baltimore

February 20, 2015

I really like this addition for the Orioles if & when it happens, but what does it mean? Will he

rotate in for Schoop at second base? Is he an insurance policy for one of the infielders?

J.J Hardy has had some back problems over the past few years. Could we see him DH

and lead off for the team when the situation works best for the lineup? Will he be a late inning

switch to pinch run and possibly steal a base?

I think he is all of the above. He is a low risk possible high reward player.

You are not paying a ton of money and he adds something to the team that is lacking… Speed!

The Orioles are hoping they get the Cabrera from 2 years ago. He was an All Star, hit .283 and

stole 37 bases. Last season was terrible for Cabrera and he would like to forget it. He received a

50 game suspension due to his involvement in BioGenesis and also had some off the field issues.

We are still waiting for the signing to be official, but it sounds like it will be done soon.

http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20150222/ARTICLE/150229901?p=3&tc=pg

After much detour, Lavarnway lands with Orioles

By Doug Fernandes / Herald-Tribune

February 22, 2015

SARASOTA — His name is Ryan Lavarnway, but for a stretch in December, it easily could

have been Ryan Lavarn-this-a-way. Ryan Lavarn-that-a-way.

A team player, Baltimore’s catcher/first baseman/DH went through a handful of them.

First, a little history on the 27-year-old graduate of Yale. Taken by the Boston Red Sox in the

sixth round of the 2008 draft, Lavarnway put up some impressive numbers in the minors.

Over seven seasons there, he hit 95 homers, knocked in 394 runs and batted .282. But that

success didn’t translate to the major-league level. From 2011-2014, in 279 at-bats with the Red

Sox, Lavarnway batted just .201 with five home runs.

But two of those came during one of the craziest finishes to any big-league season. The homers

helped the Red Sox defeat the Orioles 8-7 in game 161 of the 2011 season.

Lavarnway got the start the next night and went 0-for-5, a footnote in a Red Sox loss that kept

them out of the playoffs when Evan Longoria’s home run against the Yankees lifted Tampa Bay

in, the endings to both games separated by mere minutes.

After getting just 10 at-bats with the Red Sox last season, Lavarnway was designated for

assignment in November when Boston needed room on its 40-man roster for third baseman

Pablo Sandoval.

Soon thereafter, Lavarnway had a team. Then another. Then . . .

“I’m just thankful during the offseason I didn’t have to fly anywhere,” he said, “didn’t have to

relocate my family, so my phone rang a lot and my wife said, ‘you recognize the number or not?’

every time.”

The Dodgers claimed Lavarnway off waivers from the Red Sox on Dec. 5. On Dec. 19, the Cubs

claimed him off waivers from the Dodgers. And on Dec. 23, the Orioles claimed him off waivers

from the Cubs.

Merry Christmas, Ryan. That bulge in your stocking is the GPS.

“We were living in my house outside of Denver the whole time,” he said. “We had been so

spoiled being with one team for my entire career until this offseason. When we made our first

move to the Dodgers, we just went ahead and booked an apartment in Arizona and put a deposit

and didn’t give it a second thought.

“Then when we moved again, we were, ‘well, at least we’re still in Arizona, we can still live in

the same apartment’ and then we moved again and we lost our deposit there and then we were

like, ‘we’re going to wait to put a deposit on this one until the last minute.’ We didn’t know how

many times it was going to happen.”

Lavarnway doesn’t look at the moves as teams not wanting him, even before extending an

opportunity.

“I don’t think of it as a negative like that,” he said. “I think of it as a positive.”

A couple of years ago with the Red Sox, Lavarnway was behind the plate, catching the pitches of

Craig Breslow, another Yale grad. One Ivy Leaguer, throwing to another.

“They were looking into the archives pretty deep,” he said. “They thought they had seen

someone maybe over 100 years ago. But it was the first time in 100 years and it was pretty cool.”

The Orioles acquired Lavarnway as insurance with starter Matt Wieters having undergone

Tommy John surgery in June. But the team has a glut of catchers in camp, so Lavarnway may

project more as a first baseman/DH.

“He’s really had some good numbers in the minor leagues,” Baltimore manager Buck Showalter

said. “I expect him to hit in the spring. I want to see if he can catch. So far, so good catching.”

If Lavarnway fulfills Showalter’s expectation, the Orioles may have found themselves a right-

handed bat off the bench. He said he’s recovered from a fractured hamate bone suffered last year.

“Just looking forward to getting on the field and playing again,” he said. “I love playing the

game and I can’t wait for the games to start and get out there.”

With the Orioles. Ryan Lavarnway is pretty sure about that.