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 2016, 2012, 1996

Monday, February 13, 2017

Columns:

Orioles pitchers having to adjust to life without mainstay Wieters The Sun 2/13

On report day, Orioles' spring training catching situation offers several curiosities The

Sun 2/13

Former Orioles left-hander Brian Matusz signs minor league deal with Diamondbacks

The Sun 2/13

Orioles sign infielder Chris Johnson to minor league deal The Sun 2/13

Orioles' new bullpen coach Alan Mills praised by those who have worked with him The

Sun 2/12

5 storylines to watch as the Orioles open spring training The Sun 2/11

O's extend Minors deal, spring invite to Johnson MLB.com 2/13

Duquette discusses ways to improve OF defense MLB.com 2/13

O's begin title quest as Spring Training hits Sarasota MLB.com 2/12

Orioles' roster will look familiar MLB.com 2/11

Improved rotation could prove difference-maker MLB.com 2/10

Notes on the WBC, catchers, Givens and more MASNsports.com 2/13

Early notes from the first day of spring training MASNsports.com 2/13

Orioles sign Chris Johnson MASNsports.com 2/13

Mancini among the early arrivals at spring training MASNsports.com 2/13

Plenty to ponder as pitchers and catchers set to report MASNsports.com 2/12

More Ynoa and Mancini on possibility of playing outfield MASNsports.com 2/11

Hope springs eternal on Day One of camp MASNsports.com 2/13

Is it time for Major League Baseball to alter the rules for extra innings?

MASNsports.com 2/12

Chance Sisco is ranked No. 57 by Baseball America MASNsports.com 2/11

Orioles invite fans to Sarasota SpringFest at Ed Smith Stadium MASNsports.com 2/13

MLB Rumor Central: Will extension talks with Chris Tillman heat up? ESPN.com 2/13

Dan Duquette Thinks Adam Jones Could Improve Orioles' Outfield Defense

PressBoxOnline.com 2/13

Spring Training Notebook: Orioles Sign Son Of Triple-A Manager PressBoxOnline.com

2/13

Led By Matt Wieters, Several 2016 Orioles Still Unsigned PressBoxOnline.com 2/12

Orioles' Catching Situation Suddenly More Complicated PressBoxOnline.com 2/11

Inside PressBox 02/12/17: VisitSarasota.org's Virginia Haley PressBoxOnline.com 2/12

Three Orioles Land On Top 200 MLB Prospects List CBS Baltimore 2/13

Buck Showalter Talks Pitchers, Catchers & Prepping For Spring Training CBS Baltimore

2/13

Orioles Sign Chris Johnson To A Minor League Deal CBS Baltimore 2/13

Orioles Expect To Welcome A Familiar Cast To Spring Training CBS Baltimore 2/13

http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/schmuck-blog/bs-sp-schmuck-column-20170213-story.html

Orioles pitchers having to adjust to life without mainstay

Wieters

By Peter Schmuck / The Baltimore Sun

February 13, 2017

Everybody knew that free agent Matt Wieters would not be reporting to the Ed Smith

Stadium spring training complex along with the Orioles pitchers and catchers on Monday, but he

was still conspicuous by his absence.

The locker that he had occupied every spring since the Orioles moved into the facility now

has Welington Castillo's name above it and Castillo's new O's jersey hanging in it, which just

made it all the more real.

"It's different, that's for sure, but it happens," said Zach Britton, who developed into the top

closer in baseball over the past two years with Wieters as a regular presence behind the plate.

"We've had a lot of turnover with some big guys that have been here for a long time. We saw

Nick [Markakis] leave and we saw B-Rob [Brian Roberts] in a Yankees uniform, so it's not

something new but it's obviously not something you want to have happen.

"You want to have him be part of the cast forever, but that's not realistic. Just hoping that he

finds a team and has a good season."

Wieters has been one of the top catchers in baseball since breaking into the Orioles lineup in

2009, but remains unsigned as training camps open in Florida and Arizona. That has allowed for

some fans to hold out hope he still might rejoin the Orioles, but baseball operations chief Dan

Duquette seemed to dismiss that possibility again on Monday morning.

"We made a choice when we went to sign Castillo," Duquette said. "We liked him. We liked his

experience. We liked his capability. We like the way he had checked all the boxes on the key

catching components over the last couple years. So, we made a value choice to go sign him and

we'll see how that works out for us."

Of course, that choice figures to have a significant impact on the preparation of the Orioles

pitching staff this spring, since Castillo is set to play for the Dominican Republic in the

upcoming World Baseball Classic.

"It's a nice honor for Welington, but it's not the best development for the Orioles because we

have a new catcher in camp and he needs to learn our pitchers and learn how to work with them,"

Duquette said, "so that process is going to take a little more time to develop."

The Orioles are going to be depending heavily on Castillo to help advance the development of

young starting pitchers Kevin Gausman and Dylan Bundy, but neither believes that the time he

spends playing in the WBC will prevent them from getting comfortable with him.

"I'm looking forward to it," Gausman said. "It's kind of a fun process getting to know a new

catcher. Sometimes, when you have different guys they kind of bring new ideas and insight to

you on how you can pitch and get these guys out."

Duquette said that Castillo will need a "crash course" to get familiar with all of the pitchers he

may have to catch this season, but Bundy thinks there will be enough time to get everyone in

sync.

"I've seen him catch and he knows what he's doing back there so I'm sure it won't take him long

to figure us out," Bundy said. "We just have to get used to it."

They'll also have to get used to not seeing Wieters in the clubhouse.

"It happens … it's baseball," Bundy said. "Once you get to free agency, sometimes you have to

go other places. I'm looking forward to seeing what [Castillo] brings and getting to know him a

little better."

"It's a little weird," said Gausman. "He's been here obviously before I came here and since I've

been here, so it's a little different seeing a different guy's name [above his locker], but that's kind

of part of the process and shows you the business side of baseball, I guess."

http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/orioles/blog/bal-on-report-day-orioles-spring-training-

catching-situation-offers-several-curiousities-20170212-story.html

On report day, Orioles' spring training catching situation

offers several curiosities

Eduardo A. Encina / The Baltimore Sun

February 13, 2017

SARASOTA, Fla. – Since the Orioles’ season ended suddenly in that ugly walkoff loss in

Toronto in the American League wild card game in October, this is the day that coaches, players

and fans have been looking toward on their calendars. Today’s report day for pitchers and

catchers is the unofficial beginning of spring training, and with it comes the anticipation of a new

season.

Over the past week, plenty has happened regarding the club’s catchers. On Wednesday, it

became official – in somewhat of a surprise – that new starting catcher Welington Castillo will

play for the Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic, and he could miss up to 18 days

of a spring in which he will have to get accustomed to a new team and a new staff.

On Friday, catcher Francisco Pena, who was to battle Caleb Joseph for the backup job, was

surprisingly designated for assignment. And that peculiar move led to speculation that the team

could forge a reunion with former starting catcher, Matt Wieters, who is still unsigned as spring

training opens.

Wieters’ return is still highly unlikely. There’s not much space for him either behind the plate or

in the designated hitter spot. And while Wieters will likely have to either wait for a spring

training injury or settle for a club-friendly deal, that potential discount hasn’t reached the

Orioles’ comfort zone enough to find a spot for Wieters. But as I’ve written often, until Wieters

lands with another team, however unlikely a reunion is, it’s still possible. But the Orioles’

decision to designate Pena had little to do with Wieters.

At this point in the offseason, most teams have their catching situations settled. Because of the

importance of the position, it’s not one that clubs often wait to fill, which is why it’s remarkable

that Wieters is still out there.

But up until last week, it seemed like Pena had a reasonable chance to make the Orioles’

Opening Day roster as Castillo’s backup because he was out of minor league options. Keeping

Pena on the 25-man roster and sending Joseph to Triple-A Norfolk would allow them to keep

both in the organization.

But because many teams have their catchers in tow, the Orioles left Pena available through the

waiver claim process. Instead of facing a difficult late spring training decision in choosing

between Pena and Joseph, they decided making him expendable now was better than the

possibility of doing it in late March. And if Pena clears, he would have to accept an outright

assignment to the minor leagues, meaning he can be easily sent to the minors to open the season.

Even if the Orioles lose Pena on waivers – which is possible – they believe that have capable

depth behind Castillo and Joseph. Audry Perez, who will play at Triple-A Norfolk, is well

regarded defensively and some believe he’s a better catcher than Pena. And top prospect Chance

Sisco is waiting in the wings as the heir apparent once he gets more seasoning behind the plate.

Even 26-year-old Austin Wynns, who played at three different levels last year, offers depth even

though he injured his ankle playing in winter ball this offseason.

Having said all that, the Orioles could still sign another catcher to add more depth if they lose

Pena.

Castillo could be away from the club from March 6-24 if the Dominican Republic defends its

WBC title in the championship game, meaning he will miss valuable time getting accustomed to

his new team. That opens an opportunity for the Orioles to get a closer look at Sisco behind the

plate to assess how far away he is, but it also is costing Castillo valuable time.

He won’t be the only one who could potentially miss extended time by participating in the WBC.

Second baseman Jonathan Schoop – a Curacao native who will play for the Netherlands – will

have just 11 days of full-squad workouts before he departs on Feb. 28 to play the pool play round

in South Korea. Center fielder Adam Jones and right-hander Mychal Givens, who will play for

the USA, as well as third baseman Manny Machado, another Dominican representative, could

also miss from March 6-24 depending on how far their teams advance. And both the USA and

Dominican Republic are expected to go far.

Even though the Orioles’ first full-squad workout isn’t until Friday, it will be interesting to see

how many of those players get an early start to spring training in Sarasota.

The Orioles won’t only miss players because of the WBC. Advance scouting coordinator Ben

Werthan will work with Team Israel, which will also play in South Korea. And bullpen catcher

Jett Ruiz is expected to accompany Jones with Team USA.

http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/orioles/blog/bal-former-orioles-left-hander-brian-matusz-

signs-minor-league-deal-with-diamondbacks-20170213-story.html

Former Orioles left-hander Brian Matusz signs minor league

deal with Diamondbacks

By Jonas Shaffer / The Baltimore Sun

February 13, 2017

Former Orioles left-hander Brian Matusz has signed a minor league deal with the Arizona

Diamondbacks, the club announced Monday, his fourth organization in the past year.

The fourth overall pick in the 2008 draft, Matusz also was invited to Arizona's major league

camp.

Matusz appeared in seven games for the Orioles last season, allowing eight earned runs in six

innings of relief while walking seven batters and striking out one. In May, the Orioles sent

Matusz along with their competitive-balance pick (76th overall) in the 2016 draft to the Atlanta

Braves for minor league right-handed starter Brandon Barker and minor league left-handed

reliever Trevor Belicek.

The Braves immediately designated Matusz for assignment and released him shortly

thereafter. In June, the Chicago Cubs signed him to a minor league contract. He made one spot

start for the team in the big leagues, giving up six earned runs in three innings in July.

Over eight seasons in the big leagues, Matusz has a 4.92 ERA in 280 games (69 starts) and a

career 3.47 ERA in relief.

With a good showing this spring, Matusz could break camp with the Diamondbacks, who have

only two experienced left-handers on their 40-man roster in Andrew Chafin and Steve Hathaway.

http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/orioles/blog/bal-orioles-sign-chris-johnson-to-minor-

league-deal-20170213-story.html

Orioles sign infielder Chris Johnson to minor league deal

By Eduardo A. Encina / The Baltimore Sun

February 13, 2017

The Orioles signed veteran infielder Chris Johnson to a minor league deal that includes a major

league spring training invitation, the club announced on Monday morning.

Johnson, 32, is a .275/.313/.404 career hitter over eight major league seasons with the Astros,

Diamondbacks, Braves, Indians and Marlins. He played in 113 games for Miami last year, hitting

.222/.281/.319 with five homers and 24 RBIs.

He is the son of Triple-A Norfolk manager Ron Johnson and projects to be the starting third

baseman with the Tides this season.

Johnson also figures to get plenty of playing time this spring at third base during Grapefruit

League play while starter Manny Machado is absent playing for the Dominican Republic World

Baseball Classic team for up to 18 days next month.

Johnson signed a three-year, $23.5 million extension with the Braves in May of the 2014 season

and is still being paid $9 million this season, so if he makes the Orioles' major league roster, the

club would pay him the league minimum of $535,000.

The Orioles recently shored up their projected starting infield at Norfolk, signing second

baseman Johnny Giavotella and infielder Robert Andino to play shortstop. First base will be

manned by either Trey Mancini or David Washington.

http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/orioles/bs-sp-orioles-mills-0213-20170212-story.html

Orioles' new bullpen coach Alan Mills praised by those who

have worked with him

By Eduardo A. Encina / The Baltimore Sun

February 12, 2017

It didn't take long for the Orioles to realize that Alan Mills would one day make a good major

league coach. The former Orioles right-handed reliever had a successful 12-year major league

career, and more importantly, he had an astute ability to relay his experiences to teach young

pitchers in the minor leagues.

He has ascended through the Orioles' minor league system, from his first job as a pitching coach

in short-season rookie league Aberdeen in 2012 to the proving ground of Double-A Bowie,

where he was the pitching coach for the past three years, playing an instrumental role in the

development of major league relievers such as Mychal Givens and Donnie Hart.

"He's the most focused guy I've been around," said Givens, who has used Mills as a sounding

board since reaching the majors. "And he knows there are times when you're basically going to

fail, and at the same time there are going to be a lot more times when you're going to succeed. So

it's about balancing both things out so you can be successful."

And now, six years into his professional coaching career, the 50-year-old Mills will open spring

training this week — pitchers and catchers report to the Ed Smith Stadium complex Monday and

have their first workout on Tuesday — as the Orioles' bullpen coach. He replaced Dom Chiti, a

popular figure who departed for a job as the Atlanta Braves' director of pitching.

Mills inherits one of the best and most stable bullpens in the majors, one that includes three All

Stars in closer Zach Britton and set-up men Brad Brach and Darren O'Day.

Though the Orioles celebrate promoting from within, Mills is one of the few major league

coaching staff hires to be promoted from the minor league system in recent years.

As a player, Mills wore a Fu Manchu and steely glare that combined to create an intimidating

presence on the mound. His greatest strength as a coach has been a nurturing personality. Much

of his coaching is rooted in discussions rather than mechanics. He coaches players on

overcoming the mental hurdles of attacking hitters.

"His baseball conversations are very deep," Orioles player development director Brian Graham

said. "He talks a lot about being aggressive and pitching inside and changing speeds and being

able to throw your off-speed pitch ahead in the count and having confidence in your fastball. Use

your fastball. Have confidence in it."

In the minors, pitchers such as left-hander John Means are quick to praise Mills. Means said

Mills helped immensely in adjusting his pitch sequencing when he was making a difficult

adjustment from high Class-A Frederick to Bowie.

"With every pitcher in the organization, nobody has a bad thing to say about Mills," Means said.

"He's just helped so many guys' careers, and his track record with helping guys make the big

leagues is unbelievable. He's open to everybody. He'll try to help everyone."

Mills, himself, dodges the credit he is given in the organization, that his coaching style is more

about guiding pitchers in the right direction but not trying to do too much.

"Coaching, it's a funny animal," Mills said at last month's FanFest. "Sometimes, when people

think you are doing well as a coach, usually it's the players [who are doing well]. When I get

complimented that, 'You did a great job with this guy, you did a great job with that guy.' Usually

those guys are talented. For me, I try to stay out of their way and help them in any way I can.

"When I do the most coaching, it's usually with a guy that is struggling — a guy that is not

having a lot of success," Mills added. "Then, you kind of strap your boots on, you go back to the

drawing board and start over. But the guys that are doing well, you sit back and try and not get in

their way."

That will be very much in line with his new duties as bullpen coach, working with new pitching

coach Roger McDowell.

In his bullpen, he will have two relievers he helped develop in Givens and Hart. Both enjoyed

breakout seasons under Mills in Bowie, Givens in 2015 and Hart last year. Hart, a side-arming

left-hander pretty much rose through the Orioles organization along with Mills, having him in

Aberdeen in his first year of pro ball.

Then there's the mentoring he has given Givens, who finally emerged as a prospect in his third

year of his transition from being a middle infielder to a pitcher.

"He knows everything about the grind you have to go through," Givens said. "He brings the kid

out in you, so he makes it a lot of fun and not too stressful. It's a job, and it's going to be hard

work, but at the same time, it's a childhood game. That's the thing about him. When you start

having fun and you start winning, it's a good time at the ballpark. He understands everything that

comes with pitching and just knowing how to talk to guys and how to communicate and have fun

doing it. He's good at bringing that mental part of the game to you, but at the same time he's a

grinder. He's going to help you as best as possible."

http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/orioles/blog/bs-sp-orioles-spring-training-advance-0212-

20170211-story.html

5 storylines to watch as the Orioles open spring training

By Eduardo A. Encina / The Baltimore Sun

February 11, 2017

After an offseason in which the Orioles kept most of their team intact from last season's playoff

squad, they enter the start of spring training this week with fewer questions than most teams.

With the exception of catcher Matt Wieters — a free agent still looking for a home — they bring

back their entire core. The starting rotation is set and all of their top bullpen arms return.

Still, as the Orioles report to the Ed Smith Stadium complex in Sarasota, spring training won't be

void of storylines. On the eve of pitchers and catcher report day Monday, we take a look at the

five pressing topics entering spring training.

Who bats leadoff?

Manager Buck Showalter hates lineup questions, but he's often on the receiving end of them as

he tinkers with his batting order throughout the Grapefruit League schedule. Over recent years,

Showalter hasn't had many traditional leadoff hitter options to choose from. But from Nick

Markakis to Manny Machado to Adam Jones, he's made it work.

This season, there's emphasis on who serves as the leadoff man because the Orioles' winning

philosophy remains — at least for the next two seasons — centered around their middle-of-the-

order power bats. The Orioles led the majors with 253 homers last season, but 152 of those came

with the bases empty, so having a catalyst who can get on base and make opposing pitchers

uncomfortable would help the team's impressive power numbers translate into more run

production.

Showalter would rather have Jones and Machado in the heart of the order, and it's undoubtedly

where they most belong. Rule 5 draft pick Joey Rickard filled the leadoff spot well early, making

40 of his 64 rookie-season starts atop the batting order, but he cooled off after a quick start,

hitting just .240/.297/.347 from the leadoff position. A mid-season thumb injury prevented the

Orioles from seeing whether Rickard could handle the long haul of a major league season.

Hyun Soo Kim might be best suited after leading the team with a .382 on-base percentage in 95

games in his first big league season, but Kim still needs to show an ability to hit left-handed

pitching — something he really didn't get the opportunity to do in 2016 — before he can be

considered an everyday option. Offseason trade acquisition Seth Smith, a left-handed platoon

bat, could also be a leadoff option, but only against right-handers.

Even though Showalter wants to avoid it, if the power bats go cold, don't be surprised if he turns

to Jones to spark the lineup again. For now, possibly the most curious question going into the

offseason is whether Showalter can find one leadoff hitter or will resort to matchups atop the

batting order.

Starting rotation reserves

The Orioles entered the offseason with six projected starters for five rotation spots. That quickly

solved itself when they dealt right-hander Yovani Gallardo, and his contract, to the Seattle

Mariners for Smith. What it left, however, was an unsure cabinet of starting pitching depth

beyond the club's projected Opening Day rotation.

There are candidates aplenty, and the conversation has to start with right-handers Mike Wright

and Tyler Wilson, who both made the Opening Day 25-man roster and the starting rotation early

in the season before going through growing pains that landed them a seat on the shuttle to Triple-

A Norfolk.

They have to earn a roster spot again, but Wright and Wilson might be better prepared for the

physical and mental challenges of the big leagues without the pressure of being pushed into the

rotation early on.

But the Orioles have addressed their need for pitching depth this offseason by acquiring

young swingmen who can serve different roles in a pinch and don't handcuff the roster, reuniting

with former Rule 5 pick Logan Verrett and acquiring right-hander Gabriel Ynoa this week

through painless trades with the pitching-rich New York Mets.

Like Wright and Wilson, those two have plenty to prove, and other alternatives in the minors

such as left-hander Chris Lee and right-hander Joe Gunkel are plenty green as well. But there

will be an opportunity for most because the rotation is likely to change.

Whether it's through injury or poor performance, every team's rotation depth is tested at some

point. This spring, one of the Orioles' primary focuses will be determining their best options

when that scenario arises.

Sorting out the outfield mix

The most interesting comment coming out of last month's FanFest was Jones' saying the team's

outfield defense must get better. His assessment isn't off base, at least according to FanGraphs

numbers that ranked the Orioles' outfield defense as the majors' worst with a cumulative ultimate

zone runs per 150 games (UZR/150), an indicator of range and plays made on batted balls, of

minus-11.2.

They have plenty of bodies. Including the team's two Rule 5 picks, there are nine outfielders on

the organization's 40-man roster entering camp, but it's a group, with the exception of Jones, that

doesn't impress anyone defensively. The Orioles believe there are ways to compensate for that,

but that's yet to be seen.

Though Mark Trumbo will see most of his at bats in the designated hitter spot, he might be

forced to play right field on occasion against left-handed pitchers because Smith will only play

against right-handers.

The biggest question is whether Kim can start to hold his own against left-handers after he was

0-for-17 with four walks against them last season. If he can, it would allow for more flexibility

and possible playing time in right field, where it might be easier to play defense at Camden

Yards.

One thing is for sure: Showalter will get his looks at all of his outfield candidates early on in

spring training. Because of this year's longer spring — a result of this year's World Baseball

Classic — Showalter said he won't play his veteran regulars often early on, which will provide

plenty of innings to sort out who fits where at the corners.

Continuing to build into spring training

One of the annual rites of spring training under executive vice president Dan Duquette is when

the Ed Smith stadium complex media room transforms into a makeshift news conference room

for the Orioles' latest spring training addition.

Over the years, it's where the team announces 11th-hour signings. Duquette reaped the benefit of

patience by netting team-friendly deals with Nelson Cruz and Pedro Alvarez. Others haven't

worked out quite as well, such as deals with Gallardo, Ubaldo Jimenez and Suk-Min Yoon.

But Duquette is consistent in his message that he is intent on building the Orioles on a year-

round basis, and that means he will still be working to add in spring training. There are no more

players tied to qualifying offers to sign to below-market deals, and even though this year's free-

agent market was slow to develop, there's been some quick movement in recent days as players

look to find homes.

Still, there's plenty of bargain-bin shopping to be had, especially among veteran pitching. With

the clock ticking until spring training, many unsigned arms might have to settle for minor league

deals, which are low-risk, high-reward signings. Those free-agent swingmen still waiting calls

include right-hander Doug Fister and left-hander Travis Wood. There's plenty of relievers

unsigned as well, including former Oriole Tommy Hunter. Outfielder Michael Bourn, despite

being another left-handed bat, could add an element this club lacks.

Staying on the subject of reunions, Wieters remains looking for a job, and the longer he stays

unsigned, the more likely a reunion becomes possible. With the addition of catcher Welington

Castillo and Trumbo returning to fill the DH spot, there aren't many available at bats for Wieters.

But until Wieters is in another uniform, a possible return can't completely be dismissed.

The annual Rule 5 dilemma

The Orioles have done an exemplary job of plucking players out of the Rule 5 draft, and they

only need look to last spring to see an example of that success in Rickard. The Grapefruit League

season opened with the Orioles wondering how they'd be able to carry Rickard on the roster, and

it ended with them unable to find a reason why he shouldn't be in the Opening Day lineup.

The Orioles face the same situation with two Rule 5 picks — outfielders Aneury Tavarez and

Anthony Santander. As mentioned above, the outfield mix is crowded, so it will be difficult to

carry one, let alone both.

Tavarez, 24, is the easier fit because he provides an on-base and speed element the Orioles don't

have. He had a .374 on-base percentage and seven triples and stole 20 bases between Double-A

and Triple-A with the Red Sox, so he naturally fills a need.

Despite not playing beyond the Class-A level, Santander, 22, will draw comparisons to fellow

Venezuelan Victor Martinez, but he's coming off surgery on his throwing shoulder. That could

play in the Orioles' favor because if he's not completely healthy, he could open the season

stashed on the disabled list.

The Orioles open the regular season with three off days in their first eight days, so don't be

surprised if they take advantage and carry one fewer pitcher to get a longer look at the Rule 5

picks in the opening week.

http://m.orioles.mlb.com/news/article/215857880/orioles-ink-chris-johnson-to-minor-league-

deal/

O's extend Minors deal, spring invite to Johnson

By Brittany Ghiroli / MLB.com

February 13, 2017

SARASOTA, Fla. -- Looking to bolster their infield depth, the Orioles signed infielder Chris

Johnson to a Minor League contract with an invite to big league camp, they announced on

Monday.

Johnson, 32, is the son of Triple-A Norfolk manager Ron Johnson. With infielders Manny

Machado and Jonathan Schoop headed to play in the World Baseball Classic, Johnson -- who has

played first and third -- should see plenty of playing time in the Grapefruit League.

"We needed some more veteran options around the infield to provide us some options for the

Major League club," executive vice president of baseball operations Dan Duquette said of adding

Johnson, who joins a group of recent infield signings that includes Robert Andino and Johnny

Giavotella.

The trio should form a nice group at Triple-A for Ron Johnson's infield.

"In a personal matter, I haven't really been around the baseball environment with my son ever.

When he was playing high school, college, all this kind of stuff, I've always been working," Ron

said. "From a personal manner, I think it's really cool. And my grandson is coming with him, and

he's only a year old, so I'm happy about that. As far as the baseball stuff, he's trying to get

himself back on track, and hopefully play well and do the things he needs to do to get back to the

big leagues.

Johnson has played eight seasons in the big leagues, including in 2016 with Miami. He batted

.222/.281/.329 in 113 games there. Johnson owns a career .275/.313/.404 slash line and has

played mostly in the National League.

After a breakout season with Atlanta in 2013, Johnson signed a three-year, $23.5 million

extension with the Braves on May 2, 2014. But he couldn't replicate his success, and he was

traded to the Indians in August 2015.

http://m.orioles.mlb.com/news/article/215879032/dan-duquette-responds-to-adam-jones-

comments/

Duquette discusses ways to improve OF defense

By Brittany Ghiroli / MLB.com

February 13, 2017

SARASOTA, Fla. -- Orioles center fielder Adam Jones made headlines at FanFest in January

when he called for better, more athletic personnel in the outfield. On Monday, O's executive vice

president of baseball operations Dan Duquette said Jones hadn't talked to him about his

displeasure with the team's attempt to improving outfield defense, and he suggested that Jones

could help by making his own adjustments.

"I noticed Doug Glanville recommended Adam could play a little bit deeper in one of his

columns, shortly after that, to improve the Orioles' outfield defense," Duquette said. "I don't

know if Adam saw that column or not. Doug Glanville is a former center fielder who takes a

really close look at the metrics of players, right? And he studies them as an analyst for ESPN,

and he thought it was important enough to write an entire column on how the Oriole outfield

defense could start to improve as soon as Adam moved back 10 feet.

"I thought that was a pretty interesting comment from a pretty learned spectator, particularly a

center fielder. He was a center fielder who went to the University of Pennsylvania, who follows a

lot of our ballgames."

Orioles manager Buck Showalter said what Glanville proposed is nothing new for the

organization, and that those things come up often in staff meetings and with outfield coach

Wayne Kirby and the club's own analytics team.

"Adam's very approachable about that stuff. But I also can show you a bunch of balls that he

catches in front of him that no other center fielder does," Showalter said. "The analytics is that

balls over your head are doubles and triples, and balls in front of you are singles. I got the math

of it. But there's an add and subtract to that, too. Adam's approachable. He's also one of the better

center fielders in the game. He does a lot of things for us that other people can't do. Also, the arm

comes into play a lot more when he's a little shallower. There's a lot of ways to look at it."

Jones, a multiple All-Star and Gold Glove winner, said at FanFest that the club's additions --

including a pair of Rule 5 picks and Seth Smith, as well as retaining Mark Trumbo -- haven't

been enough to warrant upgrades in the corner spots.

When told that Duquette felt like the team could improve by using better metrics and working

with their current roster, Jones disagreed.

"I don't necessarily buy that idea," Jones said last month. "Sometimes, athletic personnel does

help. You can play where you want, but if you don't have the guys to get to a certain spot, it

doesn't matter. It's basically saying you can plug anything in an equation and get an answer. Me

and you can play in the exact same spot and our reaction would be different. That goes for

anyone around baseball. I would say just get more athletic guys, not saying that Trumbo and Seth

Smith aren't athletic. They're very good athletes, but they're not top-of-the-line defensive players

first."

Showalter said Jones' positioning, often a result of helping the players he was around last year,

will be discussed again this spring. Jones is expected to start in center field for Team USA at

next month's World Baseball Classic.

"I want to get his input, his feelings about it and the respect I have for him, and we'll see if

there's a way we can improve at every place," Showalter said. "But [Glanville is] not saying

anything that we haven't talked about in detail since I've been here for five years.

"I had Doug. He played real shallow," Showalter said.

http://m.orioles.mlb.com/news/article/215779096/orioles-to-open-spring-training-in-sarasota/

O's begin title quest as Spring Training hits Sarasota

By Brittany Ghiroli / MLB.com

February 12, 2017

With Spring Training fast approaching, MLB.com will take a look at a different aspect of this

year's Orioles squad each day this week. Today's topic: Spring Training is here.

SARASOTA, Fla. -- The offseason is over.

The Orioles will open Spring Training at Ed Smith Stadium on Monday as pitchers and catchers

report in advance of Tuesday's first workout. Joined shortly by the position players, this is a

group of players largely familiar with each other and ready to put the bitter taste of last season's

loss in the American League Wild Card Game behind them.

Gone are catcher Matt Wieters, designated hitter Pedro Alvarez (both to free agency) and Yovani

Gallardo (traded to Seattle). But make no mistake, this O's club is largely intact and optimistic in

what looks to be another tough year in the AL East.

While there aren't many roster battles, there's still some intrigue and plenty to satisfy that

baseball thirst before Opening Day.

Here is a glance at the Spring Training picture for the Orioles as camp opens.

Pitchers/catchers report date: Monday

Full squad report date: Thursday

First Grapefruit League game: Feb. 24 at Tigers (Lakeland, Fla.)

New faces

Outfielder Seth Smith joined the team in the Gallardo trade, while the Orioles also signed

catcher Welington Castillo to take Wieters' spot. Always active in the Rule 5 Draft, the Orioles

selected two outfielders, Anthony Santander and Aneury Tavarez, and there will be plenty of

eyes on them as Baltimore looks to continue its recent success of keeping Rule 5 players.

Interesting non-roster invitees

With the Orioles' thin infield depth, Robert Andino and Johnny Giavotella could be in

competition for a bench spot. Outfielder Chris Dickerson, like Andino, has suited up for the

Orioles before and has a good amount of outfield experience.

Prospects to watch

Catcher Chance Sisco, who is considered to be the organization's top prospect, is a non-roster

invitee. While he's slated to start the season at Triple-A -- and he'll likely remain there this

season with Castillo's signing -- his progress is still a major storyline.

Gabriel Ynoa, the young pitcher the O's acquired last week from the Mets, is another prospect to

keep an eye on. The righty is on the 40-man roster and the team believes he can be a successful

big league pitcher.

http://m.orioles.mlb.com/news/article/215701788/baltimore-orioles-roster-will-look-familiar/

Orioles' roster will look familiar

By Brittany Ghiroli / MLB.com

February 11, 2017

SARASOTA, Fla. -- It's never too early to start predicting the 25-man roster. And while there's

not a whole lot of roster intrigue for the Orioles -- assuming there are no major injuries -- there

are still some spots that will be up for grabs when camp starts next week.

We'll revisit this a few times before the O's head north, but here's the first stab at the Opening

Day roster. Consider the list below an educated guess, with some fringe guys noted below.

Catcher (2): Welington Castillo, Caleb Joseph

Francisco Pena being designated for assignment on Friday makes the backup spot Joseph's with

no real competition as the O's are intent on top prospect Chance Siscogetting some seasoning at

Triple-A.

First base: Chris Davis

A no-brainer.

Second base: Jonathan Schoop

Schoop will presumably be backed up by Ryan Flaherty again.

Third base: Manny Machado

Unless the Orioles find a better third baseman, of course. (Kidding.)

Shortstop: J.J. Hardy

Hardy will once again captain the infield.

Utility man: Ryan Flaherty

Flaherty is versatile and defensively sound, though the recent signing of Robert Andino, who

will be a non-roster invitee, could make things interesting.

Designated hitter (2): Mark Trumbo, Trey Mancini

Trumbo should get a lot of DH at-bats. Mancini isn't a lock to make the team -- he's one of those

fringe guys -- but he has shown the ability to crush left-handed pitching, which is a weakness for

the O's.

Outfield (4): Adam Jones, Seth Smith, Hyun Soo Kim, Joey Rickard

It will be interesting to see how former Rule 5 Draft pick Rickard plays into this equation. He

could compete for a bench role with Mancini and the Orioles two new Rule 5 Draft picks --

Aneury Tavarez and Anthony Santander -- for one of the last spots.

Starting rotation (5): Kevin Gausman, Chris Tillman, Wade Miley, Dylan Bundy, Ubaldo

Jimenez

Trading away Yovani Gallardo made the starting rotation pretty much set, barring injury. Still,

the O's will need better performances to be competitive.

Bullpen (7): Zach Britton, Darren O'Day, Brad Brach, Mychal Givens, Donnie Hart, Logan

Verrett, Logan Ondrusek

The first four are locks. Hart should also have a spot -- he did well last year and gives the club

another lefty option. That leaves two spots to fill. Verrett looks, early on anyhow, to be the long

guy to replace Vance Worley. If so, early favorites for that last spot include Mike Wright, Tyler

Wilson and Ondrusek.

http://m.orioles.mlb.com/news/article/215622384/os-starters-hold-key-to-perfect-2017-season/

Improved rotation could prove difference-maker

By Brittany Ghiroli / MLB.com

February 10, 2017

BALTIMORE -- The Orioles plan to be competitive, there's no doubting that. The hope in

bringing back largely the same group from a year ago is that the starting pitching can use an

improved second half to build on in 2017.

Imagine a world where Baltimore's rotation can hold its own. That, coupled with the bullpen and

offense, could very easily put the O's back atop the American League East for the first time since

2014.

Should Kevin Gausman and Dylan Bundy continue to improve, the O's rotation -- which also

features Chris Tillman, Wade Miley and Ubaldo Jimenez -- may not be a weakness. Keep in

mind, most nights a six-inning start will be enough as the O's turn to a bullpen that includes Brad

Brach, Zach Britton, Mychal Givens and Darren O'Day, who missed most of last year.

The offense returns Mark Trumbo, who led the Majors in home runs in 2016, and the lineup

should be a threatening presence again. Manny Machado, who finished fifth in AL MVP voting,

is coming off a career season and Chris Davis -- when hot -- is capable of carrying the club

through stretches.

The key for the O's -- who jumped out to a fast start in 2016 -- will be health as the pitching

depth in the organization remains an issue and a few injuries could really derail things. Late in

the game, they figure to be very tough to be beat and the power throughout the lineup means

they're never truly out of any game.

A group eliminated in the AL Wild Card in extra innings against Toronto is hungry to get back to

the postseason and advance. And should their pitching cooperate there's no reason to think this

Orioles team can't do better than that.

http://www.masnsports.com/school-of-roch/2017/02/notes-on-the-wbc-catchers-givens-and-

more.html

Notes on the WBC, catchers, Givens and more

By Roch Kubatko / MASNsports.com

February 13, 2017

SARASOTA, Fla. - Outfielder Hyun Soo Kim also is an early arrival at spring training. He’s

been working out at the Ed Smith Stadium complex and the media saw him walk down the

hallway this morning toward the weight room.

How’s that for confirmation?

The Orioles added infielder Chris Johnson today on a minor league deal and they’re expected to

sign a few more players this week, though not necessarily with invitations to spring training.

They could go directly to the minor league complex at Twin Lakes Park and be used later to fill

out game rosters.

Second baseman Jonathan Schoop will leave camp Feb. 28 to join the Netherlands in the World

Baseball Classic. Third baseman Manny Machado and catcher Welington Castillo leave March 5

to play for the Dominican Republic, and center fielder Adam Jones and reliever Mychal Givens

leave March 6 to play for Team USA.

The Orioles would prefer to keep Castillo in camp as he gets acclimated to a new pitching staff,

but they remain supportive of his decision.

“I know the culture they take great pride in it,” said executive vice president Dan Duquette. “It’s

a nice honor for Welington, but it’s not the best development for the Orioles, who have a new

catcher in camp. And he needs to learn our pitchers and learn how to work with them. So that

process is going to take a little more time to develop.

“We’re going to have a crash course. A lot of the work is done in the bullpens. We’re going to

have to keep that in mind. Castillo knows that, he knows he has to learn the pitchers and gain the

confidence of the pitchers and the staff.

“I like our catching. I like Castillo, I like (Caleb) Joseph’s capability. I think he’s going to

bounce back and have a good year. I also like Chance Sisco. Looking forward to seeing how he

does in camp.”

Any chance that the Orioles could re-sign Matt Wieters? Of course, the question came up again.

“We made a choice when we went to sign Castillo,” Duquette said. “We liked him. We liked his

experience and we liked his capability. We liked the way he had checked all the boxes on the key

catching components over the past couple of years, so we made a value choice to go sign him

and we’ll see how that works out for us.

“I’m a little surprised about the free agent market this offseason for a number of players. There

seems to be more depth with the position players in the market and it’s taken a while for a

number of them to find a home for this season.”

Manager Buck Showalter said he exchanged text messages with Wieters a few days ago.

Meanwhile, Castillo is now using the spring locker that previously belonged to the four-time All-

Star and two-time Gold Glove Award winner.

“I haven’t gotten that nostalgic about it yet,” Showalter said. “I’m trying to have respect for

Welington. They have a lot of guys to pick to be there to catch for the Dominican and they

picked him, OK? That tells you a little bit about his stature and I have respect for what he brings,

too. Matt would be the first to say that.

“He’s a humble kid. He’s a pleaser. Big shoes to fill, but I think he can do it. But I want to be fair

to him. He’s the guy who’s wearing our uniform this year. We’ll embrace him. This is a good

group about making ... Everybody loved Matt, but they will also find things to like about

Welington.”

The Orioles should find out Wednesday whether a team claimed Francisco Pena off waivers. If it

happens, they’ll probably bring catcher Stuart Levy to the Ed Smith Stadium complex after

inviting him to minicamp last month.

Austin Wynns sustained an ankle injury in the Dominican Winter League and may not be

available until late March, though Showalter sounded a little more optimistic.

Pena could slip through waivers based on the timing, with teams already setting their camp

rosters.

“I see the waiver wire every day that comes over and there are a lot of catchers who have been

put on waivers the last two weeks, and they’re all going through, which lends me to think that a

lot of people have their catching situation, they think, under control,” Showalter said. “Now, he

may get claimed. He doesn’t have a prior outright, so he’d be here Thursday if he cleared. So

we’ll see. I hope not for our sake and I hope so for his sake. Nothing would change here about

the competition factor if he clears. Be in the same boat.”

Showalter didn’t consider it a gamble for Pena to be designated for assignment and expressed

satisfaction in the organization’s catching depth.

“We’re fine,” he said. “Obviously, we like Sisco and we like Audry (Perez) a lot. I think Wynn’s

coming quickly. I think he’ll be ready to go sometime in March. And we’ve got some other guys

we like a lot, Stuart Levy. I think if Pena gets claimed, we’ll probably bring Levy over.”

The infield depth improved with the recent additions of Johnson, Johnny Giavotella and Robert

Andino.

“Getting there,” Showalter said. “Chris and Robert and John Giavotella helped. A couple guys

over there in our (minor league) camp we get to see a lot. I know one thing, those guys are going

to get a lot of playing time here. I know the lineup in Lakeland.”

Showalter was referencing the Feb. 24 exhibition opener against the Tigers. He isn’t expected to

start Castillo for the first time until the Feb. 26 home opener against the Pirates.

Duquette noted how the Orioles needed more veteran infield options, which led to Johnson’s

signing today.

“That’s kind of filling out our roster depth,” Duquette said. “We had a real need for veteran

infielders to help us and that’s coming along.”

Johnson is the son of Triple-A Norfolk manager Ron Johnson.

“In a personal matter, I haven’t really been around the baseball environment with my son ever,”

Ron Johnson said. “When he was playing high school, college, all this kind of stuff, I’ve always

been working. From a personal manner, I think it’s really cool. And my grandson is coming with

him and he’s only a year old, so I’m happy about that.

“As far as the baseball stuff, he’s trying to get himself back on track and hopefully play well and

do the things he needs to do to get back to the big leagues.”

The organization was worried about Givens risking injury in the WBC, but those fears were

reduced after pitching coach Roger McDowell reached out to Team USA pitching coach Jeff

Jones.

“Roger talked with Jones about Mychal’s usage,” Showalter said. “He mapped out exactly what

we want him to do and not do. He’s not going to pitch an inning and go out and pitch another

inning. It’s one up and one inning with X-number of days off in between, so he’s protected.

“We wanted to get that out there. Not that they wouldn’t protect him, but it’s good to get it on

paper. It’s something Roger and I sat down during the minicamp and wrote it up. He talked to

Jeff and Jim (Leyland) to let them know here’s what we’d really like to see happen.”

Zach Britton’s older brother, former minor league infielder Buck Britton, will serve as hitting

coach at Single-A Delmarva.

New Orioles assistant hitting coach Howie Clark is in camp, though his hiring still hasn’t been

announced.

“I’m excited about it,” Showalter said. “Another hire from within. A guy that’s well-respected by

everybody in the organization. They think he’s a perfect fit for us. I’ve already gotten a couple of

texts from coaches around the league that say what a great hire that is. He fits us well. I think

he’s going to do real well at that job. I know Scott (Coolbaugh) is excited about it.

“We liked the situation we had last year, but things change. I’m glad to have him and Alan

(Mills) from our system. He’s good. You’ll like him. He’s a hard worker, very knowledgeable. I

think the players will really like him. He brings a perfect skill set for that job.”

http://www.masnsports.com/school-of-roch/2017/02/early-notes-from-the-first-day-of-spring-

training.html

Early notes from the first day of spring training

By Roch Kubatko / MASNsports.com

February 13, 2017

SARASOTA, Fla. - Orioles reliever Brad Brach said he still expects to go to his arbitration

hearing on Thursday in St. Petersburg, Fla. He isn’t aware of any negotiations to strike a deal.

Talks could resume, of course. The Orioles made a late effort to reach agreement with Caleb

Joseph before winning their case, and they signed Kevin Gausman prior to his hearing.

Brach is seeking $3.05 million and the Orioles countered at $2.525 million.

Only pitchers and catchers are required to report today, but the group of position players arriving

early include J.J. Hardy, Ryan Flaherty, Trey Mancini, Christian Walker, Joey Rickard, David

Washington and Rule 5 pick Anthony Santander.

Pitchers spotted in the clubhouse during the one-hour media access included Brach, Chris

Tillman, Zach Britton, Gausman, Wade Miley, Dylan Bundy, Chris Lee, Donnie Hart, Jason

Garcia, Jesús Liranzo, Tyler Wilson, Mike Wright, Oliver Drake, Logan Ondrusek, Parker

Bridwell, T.J. McFarland, Logan Verrett, Jed Bradley, Jayson Aquino and Richard Rodriguez.

Bradley is assigned No. 73. He joked that he wore No. 72 with the Braves and is moving up.

Executive vice president Dan Duquette said he’s still looking to improve the club’s pitching

depth. However, he seemed to be satisfied with the catching depth despite Welington

Castillo leaving camp for the World Baseball Classic and an ankle injury that could keep Austin

Wynns out of camp until late March.

Duquette said Wynns needs a six-week recovery period from the time of the injury.

Duquette said it’s a “great honor” for Castillo to represent the Dominican in the WBC, but “it’s

not the best development for the Orioles.”

Asked again if there’s any chance that Matt Wieters returns to the Orioles, Duquette said they

made “a choice” when deciding to sign Castillo. It continues to sound as though Wieters won’t

be back.

Duquette noted how PECOTA again picked the Orioles to finish last and said with a smile,

“We’ve still got a lot of work to do.”

Duquette also said Adam Jones hasn’t talked to him about the club needing to get more athletic

in the outfield corners. He did, however, reference an article from former major league outfielder

and current ESPN analyst Doug Glanville suggesting that Jones should play deeper in center to

improve his defensive metrics.

I’ll pass along quotes in my next blog entry. The media is ready to sit down with manager Buck

Showalter.

http://www.masnsports.com/school-of-roch/2017/02/orioles-sign-chris-johnson.html

Orioles sign Chris Johnson

By Roch Kubatko / MASNsports.com

February 13, 2017

SARASOTA, Fla. - The Orioles made another move to improve their infield depth, signing Chris

Johnson to a minor league deal with an invitation to spring training. The announcement came

this morning.

Johnson, 32, is the son of Triple-A Norfolk manager Ron Johnson.

The Tides infield is taking shape with Johnson likely to start at third base, Robert Andino at

shortstop and Johnny Giavotella at second base. David Washington could play first base if Trey

Mancini breaks camp with the Orioles.

Johnson is a career .275/.313/.404 hitter in eight major league seasons with the Astros,

Diamondbacks, Braves, Indians and Marlins. He appeared in 113 games with Miami last summer

and hit .222/.281/.329.

Johnson’s best season came in 2013 with the Braves. He hit .321/.358/.457 with a career-high 34

doubles, 12 home runs and 68 RBIs in 142 games.

The Braves signed Johnson to a three-year, $23.5 million extension in May 2014.

Though he’s primarily a third baseman, Johnson also has played first base in the majors and five

innings in the outfield.

The Orioles need extra infielders with Manny Machado and Jonathan Schoop leaving camp for

the World Baseball Classic. Johnson can replace Machado at third base.

Note: Former Orioles left-hander Brian Matusz has signed a minor league deal with the

Diamondbacks.

http://www.masnsports.com/school-of-roch/2017/02/mancini-among-the-early-arrivals-at-spring-

training.html

Mancini among the early arrivals at spring training

By Roch Kubatko / MASNsports.com

February 13, 2017

SARASOTA, Fla. - We’ve reached the official day that Orioles pitchers and catchers are

supposed to report to the Ed Smith Stadium complex. However, it’s more of a formality. Lots of

guys already have shown up, and that includes position players who aren’t due until later in the

week.

Trey Mancini arrived on Thursday and began his workouts the following day, unsure whether

he’s going to head north with the team or how the Orioles will use him. The possibility of

spending most nights on the bench doesn’t concern him. It beats a regular presence in a minor

league lineup.

“If that’s my role, then I’m absolutely great with that,” Mancini said last week on the “Hot Stove

Show” on 105.7 The Fan. “My goal is to make the team on opening day and to be an Oriole on

opening day. If it’s in a part-time role like that, then great with me.

“I came up in that role at the end of the season last year, DHing every so often whenever a lefty

would pitch or being ready every game to come in and pinch-hit. It was something that I had a

little bit of experience with in the minors, but I definitely got thrown in the fire there. It was

exciting to have that role last year and I think it gives me confidence this year that if that’s my

role, I can perform it to the best of my ability.”

Just don’t expect him to keep hitting home runs at the same rate. Three in his first five major

league games. Three in his first three starts.

Mancini became the third player in major league history since 1913 to homer in each of his first

three starts. Trevor Story homered in his first four starts from April 4-8, 2016 and Carlos Quentin

did it in three starts from July 20-25, 2006.

“I’m hoping my first three games of this year nobody’s expecting the same thing,” Mancini said

with a chuckle. “It would be great, but it’s a tough act to follow. But I’ll try my best to do it.”

Mancini launched 13 home runs in 536 plate appearances last summer with Triple-A Norfolk. He

isn’t sorry to leave Harbor Park, which has frustrated its share of prospects over the years.

Brandon Snyder wanted to demolish the place with every bat in his bag. Hitters embrace Camden

Yards. They want to use every bat in their bags to erect a shrine.

“It was nice. I’m not going to lie,” Mancini said. “Harbor Park can be tough, but at the same time

that’s just how the cookie crumbles. You’re going to play at some parks where the ball just

doesn’t carry as well for whatever reason.

“I think a lot of it there is you have the harbor out in right field and the wind blows in there a lot.

It makes it a little more challenging, but even there if you hit a ball really well you can get it out.

But it’s definitely preferable and nicer to hit at Camden, I’d say.”

Mancini has been a huge hit since the Orioles chose him in the eighth round of the 2013 draft out

of Notre Dame. It started with the .328/.382/.449 slash line in 68 games at short-season Single-A

Aberdeen and kept snowballing.

“Coming out in 2013, if you had told me that I’d make my major league debut in 2016, I would

have been very thrilled with that,” he said. “A lot of it is a testament to the development that I

received coming out of college. I got so much better as a player with my approach and just my

physical skills, and defensively, too. I’ve come a long way, I think, and a lot of that is the

instruction I’ve gotten from countless people in the organization.

“It’s really been a pleasure so far and I’m very happy with how everything has been turning out.”

Mancini will be wearing an offensive lineman’s number again this week, which seems backward

considering that he’s the one being blocked at first base.

(See what I did there?)

“I walked into the locker room and they had a 67 jersey hanging up and a 67 by my name, so I

said, ‘I guess I’m 67.’ So yeah, I’m just going to roll with it,” Mancini said. “It treated me well

last year, so why change it, I guess.”

Never tempt the baseball gods.

“I’m going to leave it be,” he said.

http://www.masnsports.com/school-of-roch/2017/02/plenty-to-ponder-as-pitchers-and-catchers-

set-to-report.html

Plenty to ponder as pitchers and catchers set to report

By Roch Kubatko / MASNsports.com

February 12, 2017

SARASOTA, Fla. - One day remains before pitchers and catchers are due to report to spring

training at the Ed Smith Stadium complex. One day and a healthy assortment of storylines and

curiosities.

The Orioles’ roster is mostly set, but it’s always subject to change while executive vice president

Dan Duquette lets the market play out. We’re usually good for at least one press conference in

Sarasota, and that includes the intimate gathering in the media room after left-hander Johan

Santana agreed to a minor league deal on March 4, 2014.

Pitchers Ubaldo Jimenez, Yovani Gallardo and Suk-min Yoon arrived in the spring. So did

outfielder Nelson Cruz and designated hitter Pedro Alvarez. The Orioles considered Kendrys

Morales before Cruz agreed to terms, and rumors persisted that they still could work out a deal.

Dexter Fowler got lost on the way. It happens. Not everyone has a GPS.

A veteran starter and defensive-minded outfielder remain on the current shopping list. Another

reliever could join the bullpen competition. Duquette isn’t done. Turn away at your own risk.

In no particular order, here are some of the above-mentioned storylines/curiosities that warrant

monitoring as the clubhouse doors open to the media on Monday morning. I’m not including

bench and bullpen competitions and who’s batting leadoff. Let’s dig a little deeper here:

Does the backup catching job really belong to Caleb Joseph? It’s a competition until manager Buck Showalter says it isn’t, though Francisco Pena’s removal

from the 40-man roster seems to increase Joseph’s odds. And let’s not get too hung up on the

RBI drought. This isn’t how Joseph is judged in the organization. He’s solid behind the plate,

exactly what the Orioles seek from their backup. Let him up already.

What happens to Matt Wieters?

This is going to be newsy no matter where he signs after the Orioles made him the fifth overall

pick in the 2007 draft. The list of players hyped with more intensity than Wieters is an extremely

short one. His new home will be of interest to the local and national media and to most fans. I’m

still not expecting him to stay in Baltimore - I wrote last week that there hadn’t been recent

contact with agent Scott Boras - but I reserve the right to leave myself the tiniest bit of wiggle

room.

How long will it take for Welington Castillo to familiarize himself with the pitching staff?

Showalter will be asked about Castillo’s decision to play in the World Baseball Classic and he’ll

be diplomatic, saying that he’s supportive of any player’s desire to represent his country.

However, and there’s going to be one of those, he’d surely prefer to keep Castillo in camp now

that the Orioles apparently have moved on from Wieters. We have no idea exactly how long

Castillo will be gone and how much it will impact his preparation. The Orioles didn’t want to

find out.

Will Mychal Givens make it through the WBC without injury?

Givens is the guy who brings the most concern for the most obvious reason. He’s a young

pitcher. He’s going to be thrust into a competitive environment and therefore is deemed more

vulnerable to health issues. Showalter will be carrying his trademark fungo bat with fingers

crossed.

Will Givens keep throwing his changeup against left-handed hitters? The Orioles talked him into it late last season as a way to defend himself. Left-handers batted

.366 against Givens and the Orioles aren’t interested in using him as a right-handed specialist.

He needs to be brought into exhibition innings with lefties lined up to face him. Easier said than

done, of course, with all the substituting.

Will Hyun Soo Kim break camp as an everyday player? Every at-bat against a left-hander will be scrutinized because Kim had 22 plate appearances

against them last season and didn’t get a hit. The Orioles need to determine whether he can stay

in the lineup and avoid another platoon situation, especially with one happening in right field. A

few Grapefruit League hits won’t solve the riddle, but it’s a start. If the opponent is starting a

southpaw, Kim needs to play. He also should be sent to the minor league complex and fed a

steady diet of them. It can be Wade Miley. It can be T.J. McFarland. It can be Scott McGregor.

Just do it.

Will Trey Mancini take fly balls in the outfield? The Orioles have given no indication that they want to experiment with Mancini, but he’s been

preparing for the possibility by performing certain drills that could make him a more viable

option. I’ll state again that it couldn’t hurt to hit him fly balls on one of the back fields, unless he

pulls a hammy or groin. That would hurt. He’s blocked at first base. Let’s find out if he can play

another position. But also try to find a plus-defender to place beside center fielder Adam Jones.

Will Dariel Alvarez step on a mound? I don’t mean as he’s jogging from the outfield to the dugout. There are members of the

organization who are intrigued by the idea of converting Alvarez into a pitcher. Showalter

wouldn’t fight it. Alvarez is 28 years old and not projected to break camp as one of the spare

outfielders unless he’s replacing an injured player. If he isn’t on the 40-man bubble, he’s close

enough to touch it. The guy’s got a plus-plus arm. Doesn’t mean he can use it to throw strikes

and retire big league hitters, but I’d be curious to find out. Why not let him throw off one of the

bullpen mounds? It can be done out of the media’s view if the Orioles want to downplay it. But

he’d obviously have to build up to it.

Will David Washington be worthy of the Jake Fox Award? Washington is big and he hits lots of home runs. He also strikes out plenty. Every camp needs at

least one of these guys. I’m pretty sure it’s the law. Like not veering your car into the bike lane at

the last instant to make a right-hand turn. Learned that one the hard way a few springs ago.

Will the Orioles keep a Rule 5 pick?

Also the law. They have two outfielders to choose from in Aneury Tavarez and Anthony

Santander. If I had to guess, I’d say Santander is placed on the disabled list - “stashed” is such an

ugly word - after undergoing shoulder surgery. Tavarez is more polished because he’s played at

the Triple-A level and he hit .335/.379/.506 last year at Double-A Portland. He also brings an

element of speed similar to me in a spring rental car. Hopefully, neither one of us runs through a

stop sign. The addition of another outfielder naturally would decrease Tavarez’s chances, though

as I’ve written multiple times, Showalter may break camp with only 10 or 11 pitchers and an

expanded bench due to three early off days. It would be a temporary solution. And of course,

keeping Mancini and Joey Rickard would further complicate the situation.

Will the Orioles keep Logan Ondrusek? They declined his option in 2017, then re-signed him to a one-year deal with an option for 2018.

I scratched my head until it bled. Nothing against Ondrusek. I just didn’t immediately get the

reasoning and thought I stumbled across an old tweet. The bullpen has room for Ondrusek, but

not if left-handers again go 6-for-11 against him. He’s worth tracking this spring.

Will Chris Lee regain his full health and reposition himself for a call up?

Lee was on the fast track to the majors before his lat injury limited him to eight games (seven

starts) at Double-A Bowie. The last time we saw Lee, he was at minicamp and nearing a return to

the mound. I’d be surprised if the Orioles assigned him to Triple-A Norfolk, but no matter where

he starts the 2017 season, he’s a candidate to make his major league debut later this summer if

healthy. Anything he does in camp will be worthy of our attention unless it’s picking a sushi

restaurant. (Yume Sushi on Main St. and Pacific Rim on Hillview St. are fine choices, but I

digress ...)

Just how good is Jesus Liranzo? The Orioles must think highly of the 21-year-old right-hander or they wouldn’t have protected

him in the Rule 5 draft. He was a priority. The Orioles won’t put him on the opening day roster,

but he’s squarely on Showalter’s radar and that’s always a good thing. I look forward to

watching his bullpen sessions and taking blurry photos with my phone.

Just how good is Joe Gunkel? We’ve seen the numbers in the minors. Everyone wants to know how his stuff translates in the

majors. He needs to pitch early in games on the road before teams start removing their starters.

Keep those gray pants handy and find a comfortable seat on the bus. He wouldn’t be a bad

choice as a dark horse pick. The bullpen needs a long reliever/swingman and Vance Worley isn’t

walking through that door. Does this put him in direct competition with Logan Verrett?

Will Brad Brach avoid an arbitration hearing? The Orioles made a final attempt with Joseph and reached agreement with Kevin Gausman.

Brach presents more of a challenge because the gap is bigger. He wants $3.05 million and the

Orioles are offering $2.525 million. A hearing is scheduled for Thursday in St. Petersburg, Fla.

It’s not a huge deal in the grand scheme. Brach’s under team control through 2018 and his salary

isn’t coming out of your savings account. Why do we really care? But a hearing isn’t a pleasant

experience and it’s best to avoid it. Just not at any cost.

Is what’s happening with Chris Tillman off the field more interesting than anything that’s

happening on it? The Orioles need to talk contract extension with Tillman’s representatives before starting the

season. Don’t be surprised if they sneak into camp. The lines of communication have reopened,

but nothing serious. Now, it’s time to get serious if they truly want to bring him back. Tillman

isn’t pitching for a spot on the team and guys like him tend to work on things and not obsess over

their ERAs. His pending free agency is why we should pay close attention to him, though I

already feel bad about the number of times he’s going to be asked about it.

When is it OK to ask Showalter about his opening day starter? No time like the present. Well, the complex doesn’t open to the media until Monday. So, no time

like Monday. Showalter will make us wait a little while before confirming Tillman. He’ll ask

reporters when they need news on a slow day and we’ll actually confer. It’s become a nice little

tradition.

Will Zach Britton stop being perfect? The games don’t count down here, but Britton went 47-for-47 in save chances last season and

hasn’t failed since Sept. 20, 2015 at Tropicana Field. Any blown save will be blown out of

proportion. Not because it matters, but because anything can qualify as a story. Remember

Joseph’s truck, Ronny Paulino’s car and Brian Matusz’s wart? I actually raced to my laptop last

March after reliever Dale Thayer opted out of his contract, hurdling an elderly woman so she

wouldn’t take a charge. Then again, Britton may not be used in a save situation. It makes sense

to insert him into a game before the starters are replaced by a bunch of Double-A hitters who

may decide to go into coaching or real estate after taking a few hacks at his sinker.

http://www.masnsports.com/school-of-roch/2017/02/more-ynoa-and-mancini-on-possibility-of-

playing-outfield.html

More Ynoa and Mancini on possibility of playing outfield

By Roch Kubatko / MASNsports.com

February 11, 2017

With the Orioles completing another cash transaction with the Mets yesterday, acquiring young

right-hander Gabriel Ynoa, is it safe to assume that executive vice president Dan Duquette is

focused only on finding another outfielder?

Don’t get too comfortable with that notion.

Duquette could add a veteran starter - the preference is still on a minor league deal, though it’s

not the only avenue - and strengthen the rotation’s insurance in case of an injury.

To project Triple-A Norfolk’s rotation, you need to determine how manager Buck Showalter will

fill the openings in his bullpen. Tyler Wilson, Mike Wright and Joe Gunkel would join Ynoa if

they don’t head north. Jayson Aquino is a candidate if he stays on the 40-man roster. He’s one of

those bubble guys.

Left-hander Chris Lee could start at Norfolk, but he may be assigned to Double-A Bowie after

appearing in only eight games last summer due to a lat injury. Logan Verrett has a good shot at

replacing Vance Worley as a long reliever. Otherwise, he’s in Norfolk’s rotation.

I don’t see any downside to the trade. Ynoa is only 23, he can be optioned, the club’s scouts like

him and he didn’t cost the Orioles a player. There’s no gamble. Ynoa what I mean?

(Don’t become alarmed. I’m not going to spend all spring coming up with puns. Just getting it

out of my system.)

Francisco Pena’s removal from the 40-man roster came as a surprise, considering how he was

supposed to compete with Caleb Joseph for the backup job and Welington Castillo is leaving

camp to play in the World Baseball Classic. But if the Orioles want to get him through waivers,

they may find it easier in the coming days as teams report to spring training.

The Orioles have 10 days to trade Pena or go through the waiver process. If they lose him, they

still have top prospect Chance Sisco and Audry Perez to handle the catching duties at Norfolk.

Was three a crowd?

Meanwhile, first baseman Trey Mancini arrived in Sarasota on Thursday and began working out

yesterday. The first full-squad workout won’t be held until Feb. 17, but no sense waiting.

Mancini is vying for a spot on the bench and could work into a platoon role at designated hitter.

“It definitely excites me,” he said Thursday night on the “Hot Stove Show” on 105.7 The Fan.

“Whoever you are in this game, it comes with the pressure. Even the guys making the most

money in Major League Baseball, he’s going to feel pressure. It is a little bit of pressure, but it

also adds to the excitement, and it’s kind of like using that pressure and good energy to push you

and drive you to work harder and make the team on opening day. It’s definitely a great

opportunity.”

The addition of another outfielder could further crowd the bench and possibly impact Mancini’s

chances of sticking with the team, depending on how the Orioles decide to construct their roster.

Keep in mind that they may have an extra position player or two on opening day if they go with a

reduced pitching staff.

It’s understandable if Mancini tracks the transactions and wonders how he’s affected.

“Every move will impact you in some way,” he said. “I don’t keep too close of an eye on it.

Whatever happened, happened. I didn’t have control over it. But there’s always going to be a

spot or two at least open and there’s always a chance of making it.

“It’s not really focusing as much on what other people are doing or what moves are made. It’s

just kind of preparing yourself and getting yourself better to make the team.”

Mancini is a career .306/.357/.472 hitter in four minor league seasons. He’s totaled 21 and 20

home runs the past two years. He won’t come out and say that he’s got nothing left to prove on

the farm, but there are people in the organization who believe it.

“Every year in the minors I’ve gone through a couple of bad streaks,” Mancini said, “but at the

same time, I do feel like I’ve done a great job overall in my minor league career and I do think

I’m ready to be a regular major league player. But I wouldn’t say that I don’t think I have

anything left to prove. But I do think that my career maybe down in the minors speaks for itself a

little. I feel confident with how I’ve done down there.”

The Orioles still haven’t given any indication that Mancini will be tried in the outfield in spring

training, but he’s been preparing in the event that they decide to experiment.

“I’ve been working on it this offseason,” he said. “I’ve been doing a lot of agility work and

trying to get a little faster, better jumps. I think the big part for me would more or less just be

getting good jumps and reads off the bat. It’s totally different in the outfield. But I’ve been

working at it and keeping my arm in shape, so if it’s asked of me, I’m ready to give it a shot out

there.”

Good luck getting comfortable in the outfield during Grapefruit League games. Gold Glove

Award winners have been known to misjudge fly balls due to the “high sky” and the wind.

“All of that goes into account,” Mancini said. “It’s different being at first base than the outfield.

The wind and the sun are going to affect you more in the outfield, even though it does at first

base sometimes on popups. You have a much better general idea where the ball is going to land

on an infield popup than you would, say, on an outfield fly ball. But again, it’s something that

I’m capable of learning and I’m ready to learn and that I’ve been working at, too. I don’t think

I’d exactly be starting from scratch, either.”

Mancini watched another first baseman, Norfolk teammate Christian Walker, make the transition

to left field last summer. Of course, they discussed it and Mancini filed away information in case

he needed it later.

“Throughout the year at Norfolk, I’d ask him about playing in the outfield, how much different it

was, and it’s definitely different,” Mancini said. “As the year went on, you could see how much

better and more comfortable Christian was out there. He did a great job.

“I think (manager) Ron Johnson said at some point during the year you definitely didn’t notice

that Christian was out in left because he was just as good as any other outfielder that would be

out in left in our league there, so he did a really good job and he’s somebody I talked to about it.”

Note: The Orioles are expected to announce their minor league staffs, plus the hiring of Howie

Clark as assistant hitting coach, by the beginning of next week. They’re working on “getting a

couple of those things organized,” according to an official.

http://www.masnsports.com/steve-melewski/2017/02/hope-springs-eternal-on-day-one-of-

camp.html

Hope springs eternal on Day One of camp

By Steve Melewski / MASNsports.com

February 13, 2017

Pitchers and catchers report today.

Those are five words that get most baseball fans excited and they are being heard by all Orioles

fans today. Yes, a new season is about to begin. And yes it does seem like just weeks ago we saw

the 2016 season end at Rogers Centre in Toronto.

There will be a few more days to provide some excitement along the way. Like the day of the

first full-squad workout and the day the exhibition season begins. But the real excitement, of

course, truly begins April 3 at Camden Yards when the Orioles host Toronto to start the 2017

season.

We’re all likely going to reach a point when the spring games seem endless and we are all just

ready to see a game that counts. But the first major step toward that day is this day. So welcome

back, baseball.

Barring a surprise of some sort - and there are usually a few along the way - this could be a

mostly uneventful Orioles spring training. Most of the roster is set and so is the rotation. We

could probably take a stab at predicting the 25-man opening day roster right now and get most of

the names right.

But here a few things fans/reporters could be watching for this spring:

* Who will get playing time in the corner outfield spots?

* Which players will earn the final bullpen spots?

* Will Chris Davis’ left hand no longer be a problem?

* After they spent time on the disabled list late last year, are Chris Tillman and Darren O’Day

fine?

* Will there be any news about potential contract extensions for players like Tillman, Manny

Machado and Zach Britton?

* Who will emerge as leadoff hitter or hitters?

* How will the pitching staff mesh with new pitching coaches Roger McDowell and Alan

Mills and new catcher Welington Castillo?

* What pitcher will emerge with the Vance Worley long relief/swingman role?

* Will the Orioles improve their outfield defense?

The Boston Red Sox, after adding left-hander Chris Sale, are the clear favorite to win the

American League East. But the other four teams all see themselves as contenders and are

conceding nothing. Division championships are not won on paper. (First cliche of the new year?)

It was at FanFest that manager Buck Showalter issued his statement that just winning is no

longer good enough. This one got some fans stoked, but it’s going to take more than words.

The skipper said of the 2017 season: “We played so well for the majority of our games (last

season). We went 0-9 or 0-10 to start spring and no one even remembers that. Some of those

evaluations we made through that 0 and whatever last spring helped us.

“For me, personally, I’m really looking forward to this spring because I think our guys are ready

to get on with it. Now that they know what’s ahead of them, they know the grind. And how many

things have to be committed to get it right. This is real hard to do.

“I was telling the fans today and our players know this, but just being competitive and in the

playoffs isn’t good enough for us anymore. They talk about how tough our division is and what

the other clubs have done. Our guys have heard that every year. Hopefully we’ll be there.”

The first step on the long road to finding that out has come. Pitchers and catchers report today.

http://www.masnsports.com/steve-melewski/2017/02/is-it-time-for-mlb-to-alter-the-extra-

innings-rules.html

Is it time for Major League Baseball to alter the rules for

extra innings?

By Steve Melewski / MASNsports.com

February 12, 2017

It may be something that we never see in the major leagues, but Major League Baseball officials

like it enough that they will experiment with it this year in the lower level of the minor leagues.

This summer, in the Gulf Coast League, where the Orioles have an affiliate, and in the Arizona

League, a runner will be placed at second base to start every extra inning.

That’s a pretty dramatic rule change that seemed to be met with some public resistance over the

last few days. A similar rule has been used in international baseball and a similar rule will be

used in the World Baseball Classic.

Here is the WBC rule: For any inning beginning with the 11th inning, the team at bat shall begin

the inning with runners on first and second base. The batter who leads off an inning shall

continue to be the batter who would lead off the inning in the absence of this extra-innings rule.

The runner on first base shall be the player (or a substitute for such player) in the batting order

immediately preceding the batter who leads off the inning. The runner on second base shall be

the player (or a substitute for such player) in the batting order immediately preceding the runner

on first base.

That’s even more drastic than the rule change that MLB will experiment with in the minors this

year. Former manager Joe Torre, who’s now MLB’s Chief Baseball Officer, is a strong

proponent of the testing.

“Let’s see what it looks like,” Torre told Yahoo Sports. “It’s not fun to watch when you go

through your whole pitching staff and wind up bringing a utility infielder in to pitch. As much as

it’s nice to talk about being at an 18-inning game, it takes time.

“What really initiated it is sitting in the dugout in the 15th inning and realizing everybody is

going to the plate trying to hit a home run and everyone is trying to end the game themselves. I

don’t know what inning is the right inning. Maybe the 11th or 12th inning. But there are a

number of reasons.”

First thing to understand is that testing the rule in the minors does not ensure it will eventually or

ever be used in the majors. And, even if it does eventually come to the majors, that could be

years away. Remember when there was discussion about eliminating defensive shifts? Yeah, that

never got very far.

But my biggest issue is that it seems MLB is addressing a problem that doesn’t exist. How many

long extra innings games do teams really play? They are just one team and we are looking at just

one season, but the Orioles played only eight extra-innings games last year, which represents

about five percent of their schedule.

Those Orioles games that went past nine innings last year lasted 10, 10, 13, 10, 14, 10, 12 and 12

innings. In the rest of the division, New York and Tampa Bay played seven extra innings games,

Boston played 11 and Toronto 13. The Los Angeles Angels played just four, the fewest in the

league and Houston had the most extra innings games with 18.

Again, is playing too many innings really a problem? Has anyone expressed this as a concern

before?

A team that has to play a 14- or 16-inning game just has to deal with it. If that club has to call up

fresh arms for the next game, so be it. Those are the current rules and depth through your

organization to offset injuries and a situation like a long game is always important. Position

players sometimes called on to pitch has long been a part of the game and it doesn’t happen very

often.

Proponents of the potential change seem to feel it could force more action in the game, end

games sooner to preserve the use of pitchers and it might bring the bunt back as a bigger element

of the sport. There is also talk that it will help the game attract more younger fans. But will it do

that when this happens only about 10 percent of the time?

The new rule would mean a pitcher could take a loss in a game by allowing a runner to score that

he never put on base. And a runner could add a run scored to his total, scoring but never having

earned his way on base. Is this real baseball?

Maybe if the rule did get implemented, we’d find out it provides more excitement and we’ll

wonder why anyone was ever concerned in the first place. But for now it appears to be that MLB

is trying to fix something that isn’t broken.

WBC odds: The online sportsbook Bovada.lv has listed these odds to win the 2017 World

Baseball Classic. Team USA, which has advanced to the semi-finals just once in three tries and

has never played in the championship game, is the favorite.

2-1: United States

5-2: Dominican Republic

3-1: Japan

9-1: Venezuela

10-1: Puerto Rico and South Korea

18-1: Cuba

25-1: Mexico and the Netherlands

66-1: Canada

80-1: Chinese Taipei

150-1: Australia, China, Colombia, Italy

200-1: Israel

http://www.masnsports.com/steve-melewski/2017/02/chance-sisco-is-ranked-no-57-by-baseball-

america.html

Chance Sisco is ranked No. 57 by Baseball America

By Steve Melewski / MASNsports.com

February 11, 2017

Baseball America released its 2017 listing of the top 100 prospects in the sport during a

broadcast on MLB Network last night. The Orioles, as expected, placed just one player on the

list with catcher Chance Sisco ranked No. 57. Last year, the Orioles had no players make this

list.

Earlier, Sisco was ranked No. 69 on ESPN’s top 100 and No. 99 by MLBPipeline.com. He’s

been rated as the clear No. 1 Orioles prospect by several outlets, including Baseball America,

Baseball Prospectus and ESPN. But he is No. 2, behind pitcher Cody Sedlock, for

MLBPipeline.com.

In September, Sisco was named the 2016 Orioles minor league Player of the Year, taking the

award named after Brooks Robinson.

Sisco, who turns 22 on Feb. 24, has hit .300 or better at four different minor league levels. In

2016, he played 112 games at Double-A Bowie and four at Triple-A Norfolk, batting

.317/.403/.430 with 28 doubles, a triple, six homers and 51 RBIs. He homered in the Futures

Game last July and his career slash line is .323/.403/.435. His defense has continued to improve

and he showed a bit more power last summer. Sisco is among the non-roster invitees to Orioles

major league camp that starts Monday, but he is expected to begin the new season at Triple-A.

“We definitely had a wide spread of opinion in our office about Chance Sisco,” Baseball

America’s editor-in-chief John Manuel said. “There are definitely people who believe he will be

a catcher and ranked him in their top 50s, and others that don’t believe he will be a catcher. And

even if they do believe he can catch (at the big league level), they don’t believe in his power, so

they ranked him lower.”

But Manuel feels No. 57 is a solid rating for Sisco.

“I do think so. Having him in our top 60 prospects works for me. I believe he’s No. 4 in catchers

we ranked behind Francisco Mejia of the Indians, Jorge Alfaro of the Phillies and Zack Collins

of the White Sox. These four guys are the best hitting catchers in the minor leagues.

“I think scouting defense for catchers is very difficult. A lot of guys get better at the big league

level. Where I do think Chance gets a little undersold - I think he’s a pretty solid athlete. And

usually the athletes that want to catch, those guys wind up being alright defensively.

“I think Sisco at the very least will wind up as a solid-average defender and fringy thrower. And

I think the bat has a chance to be above average. I think he’s ranked in a good spot. That 40-60

range is packed with a lot of 2016 draft picks and we do like the shiny new toys.”

Sedlock, a 21-year-old right-hander that is ranked as the Orioles’ No. 2 prospect by Baseball

America, was close to making the top 100.

“We had some folks on the staff who voted for Sedlock for top 100,” Manuel said. “I had him in

my 90 to 110 range. He is a guy I strongly considered for the list. The back of the top 100 had

some really big performers. He’s right on the cusp of the top 100 for me.”

Baseball America has produced 28 top 100 lists since its first edition in 1990. Just five times

have the Orioles had one or less on this list. There were no Orioles ranked in 2003 and 2016, and

one this year and also in 2001 (Keith Reed at No. 96) and 2002 (Erik Bedard at No. 90).

So what does it mean for the Orioles organization and its future having just one prospect ranked

combined in the last two years by Baseball America?

“You know it’s like the PECOTA projections in a way,” Manuel said. ” I mean, PECOTA

always undersells the Orioles and it’s probably fuel for Dan Duquette, Buck (Showalter) and the

players to be underrated.

“We’ve talked about this before - the Orioles have had a productive farm system. It is just

generally not wave after wave. It’s usually one guy or some role players. They’ve gotten

(Jonathan) Schoop and (Manny) Machado and that is awesome.

“But their margin for error is pretty slim. If Chance Sisco doesn’t hit as a big league regular, I’m

not sure scouts see many other regulars in the organization. (Ryan) Mountcastle is an interesting

player, but we don’t think he’s a big league shortstop (defensively). They have less margin for

error because they have fewer guys.”

If you can’t get enough Sisco, earlier this offseason we’ve had stories here and here.

Ynoa ranked: The Orioles acquired right-hander Gabriel Ynoa from the Mets Friday for cash

considerations. The 23-year-old Ynoa, who has one option remaining, adds some starting

pitching depth. He went 12-5 with a 3.97 ERA in Triple-A last year and 1-0 with a 6.38 ERA in

18 1/3 innings in the majors late in the season.

Baseball America ranked him as the No. 9 Mets prospect this fall and he was ranked in their

Mets top 20 every season since 2012, when he was No. 20 followed by No. 15 the next year,

then No. 16 and then No. 13 after the 2015 season. He walked just 2.33 per nine innings in the

minors last season and has a career walk rate of 1.52.

Here is the Baseball America scouting report: “Ynoa relies on pitch movement, control and

changing speeds to succeed. He pitches with an average fastball at 93 mph that features heavy

sinking and tailing action. He mixes two- and four-seam fastballs at velocities ranging from 85-

95 mph to keep hitters off balance.

“Ynoa’s 83-85 mph slider has developed into an above-average neutralizer that generates both

swinging strikes and ground balls with its quick, late tilt. His above-average mid-80s changeup

features late drop and some fading action. Ynoa exhibits focus on the mound and knows how to

read opponents’ swings, yet he struck out just 4.5 per nine innings at Triple-A. Some scouts

project future growth for Ynoa based on his clean mechanics.”

http://www.masnsports.com/orioles-buzz/2017/02/orioles-invite-fans-to-sarasota-springfest-at-

ed-smith-stadium.html

Orioles invite fans to Sarasota SpringFest at Ed Smith

Stadium

By Bobby Blanco / MASNsports.com

February 13, 2017

Today’s the big day when pitchers and catchers finally report to the Ed Smith Stadium complex,

marking the end of the offseason and the official start of the 2017 baseball season.

And to celebrate the first week of spring training, the Orioles are inviting all fans to the second

annual Sarastoa SpringFest at Ed Smith Stadium this Saturday, Feb. 18. The free family-friendly

event for all ages will allow fans to watch Orioles players practice on the back fields and enjoy

games and interactive activities in the East Parking Lot from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The games and activities include corn hole, giant Jenga and a speed pitch machine, topped off

with a Q&A session with Orioles catcher Caleb Joseph at approximately noon.

Fans can also visit the photo booth for a free photo featuring a custom Ed Smith Stadium

background, and the booths of local partners Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, Sarasota County

Parks and Recreation, Sarasota Herald-Tribune, Sarasota Orchestra and the Suncoast Blood

Bank. Z105 Suncoast Classic Rock will be on hand to provide music, contests and games.

I know what you’re thinking: “So many activities, what about food?” Well, Tampa Bay Food

Truck Rally will be on-site offering a variety of food truck options for purchase including:

* Merica, serving gourmet burgers, award-winning gourmet hot dogs and hand-cut fries

* Vanchetta, serving Porchetta (slow-roasted Italian pork) and other fresh roasted items cooked

on their rolling rotisserie

* Dochos Latin Bistro, offering their award-winning Cubans as well as other Latin-inspired

menu selections

* Jimmy’s Famous Seafood, offering their award-winning crab cakes inspired by Baltimore’s

popular seafood restaurant

Fans are invited to watch Orioles workouts on the back fields at the complex every day from

Feb. 14 through Feb. 23 from approximately 9:30 p.m. to 12:30 p.m., leading up to the team’s

first spring training game against the Tigers in Lakeland, Fla., on Friday, Feb. 24. The first full-

squad workout will be this Friday, Feb. 17, free of charge and with free parking available in the

East Lot off of 12th St. and Tuttle Ave.

Spring training game tickets, as well as Orioles merchandise, will be available for purchase

during SpringFest. Tickets are also available at www.orioles.com/spring and at the Ed Smith

Stadium Box Office each day from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

SpringFest is part of Sarasota 365, a host of initiatives through which the Baltimore Orioles and

OriolesREACH demonstrate the ballclub’s year-round engagement with the Greater Sarasota

community. For more information on Sarasota SpringFest, visit www.orioles.com/springfest.

http://insider.espn.com/blog/mlb/rumors/post/_/id/33645/mlb-rumor-central-will-extension-talks-

with-chris-tillman-heat-up

MLB Rumor Central: Will extension talks with Chris

Tillman heat up?

By Doug Mittler / ESPN.com

February 13, 2017

One of the ongoing story lines in Baltimore Orioles' camp this spring will be whether a contract

extension can be reached with staff ace Chris Tillman.

With pitchers and catchers officially scheduled to report Monday to Sarasota, Florida, Roch

Kubatko of MASNSports.com reports “the lines of communication have reopened, but nothing

serious.”

Kubatko said it would not be a surprise if talks picked up this spring given Tillman’s roster spot

already is secure.

Tillman will earn $10.05 million this season before being eligible for free agency next winter.

The 28-year-old right-hander went 16-6 with a 3.77 ERA and 1.28 WHIP over 172 innings (30

starts) last season.

The Orioles reportedly engaged in “preliminary talks” with Tillman’s camp at the winter

meetings in December. If Tillman balks at an extension, he would join a free agent pitching class

that could also include Chicago Cubs right-hander Jake Arrieta.

https://www.pressboxonline.com/2017/02/13/dan-duquette-thinks-adam-jones-could-improve-

orioles-outfield-defense

Dan Duquette Thinks Adam Jones Could Improve Orioles'

Outfield Defense

By Rich Dubroff / PressBoxOnline.com

February 13, 2017

SARASOTA, Fla. -- When Adam Jones spoke at FanFest Jan. 28 about the Orioles' chances in

2017, he said it was important the team improve its outfield defense.

As pitchers and catchers reported to Sarasota, Fla., Feb. 13, executive vice president of baseball

operations Dan Duquette said the team needs better outfield defense, but his star center fielder

hasn't talked to him about his concern.

"I noticed [former major league player and current ESPN analyst] Doug Glanville recommended

Adam could play a little bit deeper … to improve the Orioles outfield defense," Duquette said.

"Doug Glanville is a former center fielder who takes a really close look at the metrics of players,

right? And he studies them as an analyst for ESPN … how the Oriole outfield defense could start

to improve as soon as Adam moved back 10 feet."

Manager Buck Showalter said he isn't sure Jones needs to change his positioning.

"Adam's very approachable about that stuff. But I also can show you a bunch of balls that he

catches in front of him that no other center fielder does," Showalter said. "The analytics is that

balls over your head are doubles and triples, and balls in front of you are singles. I got the math

of it. But there's an add and subtract to that, too.

"… Adam's approachable. He's also one of the better center fielders in the game. He does a lot of

things for us that other people can't do. Also, the arm comes into play a lot more when he's a

little shallower. There's a lot of ways to look at it. We'll sit down and talk. I want to get his input,

his feelings about it and the respect I have for him, and we'll see if there's a way we can improve

at every place. But he's not saying anything that we haven't talked about in detail since I've been

here for five years. It's something we weren't quite as good at it last year as we've been in the

past. And I'm not talking about Adam, just our coverage in general. A lot of that had to do just

with ability as opposed to positioning."

As training camps around baseball open, one longtime Oriole, catcher Matt Wieters, remains a

free agent, and there has been chatter he could still return.

It's not something Duquette seemed to endorse. The Orioles signed Welington Castillo Dec. 16

to be the starting catcher. Castillo will be the starting catcher for the Dominican Republic's entry

in the World Baseball Classic.

"We made a choice when we went to sign Castillo," Duquette said. "We liked him. We liked his

experience, and we liked his capability. We liked the way he had checked all the boxes on the

key catching components over the past couple of years, so we made a value choice to go sign

him, and we'll see how that works out for us."

Wieters has been a longtime Showalter favorite, and for spring training, Castillo has inherited his

corner locker.

"I haven't gotten that nostalgic about it, yet. I'm trying to have respect for Welington," Showalter

said. "They have a lot of guys to pick to be there to catch for the Dominican, and they picked

him, OK? That tells you a little bit about his stature, and I have respect for what he brings, too.

He's a humble kid. He's a pleaser. He's ... [got] big shoes to fill, but I think he can do it. But I

want to be fair to him. He's the guy who's wearing our uniform this year. We'll embrace him. …

Everybody loved Matt, but they will also find things to like about Welington."

Duquette said he's not yet completed his construction of the club.

"You never know which players yet are going to end up contributing to your team. We're still

looking around," Duquette said. "This is a tough division, and you look at what some of the other

clubs have done in the offseason to beef up their clubs, and we've got to hang in there and slug it

out and get our team ready to start this season.

"… I do like the returning pieces of our team. I like the way our rotation pitched the last six

weeks of the season, particularly the way those young kids pitched. Also, [left-hander Wade]

Miley came up with a more consistent breaking ball, which helped him over his last several

starts. The bullpen remains a strength, the infield is top notch, both offensively and defensively,

and we're going to have to find some solutions through better defensive outfield play. We still

have power at pretty much every position around the diamond. We have a good field manager, so

we have a lot of strengths to our ballclub, but we have a lot of work to do. [ Baseball

Prospectus'] PECOTA picked us last again. I think this is the sixth year they've picked us last, so

I know we have more work to do. We've got more work to do. There's no question about that."

Duquette has an aim for the 2017 Orioles.

"I think when you take a look at what the club's done over the last couple years, there seems to

be a pretty consistent theme that yeah, we'd like to make the playoffs again, but we'd like to do

better than that," Duquette said. "There's a sense of fulfillment that would be resolved when the

team would progress in the playoffs to a championship."

https://www.pressboxonline.com/2017/02/13/spring-training-notebook-orioles-sign-chris-

johnson-son-of-triple-a-manager

Spring Training Notebook: Orioles Sign Son Of Triple-A

Manager

By Rich Dubroff / PressBoxOnline.com

February 13, 2017

SARASOTA, Fla. -- Chris Johnson, the son of Triple-A Norfolk manager Ron Johnson, was

signed to a minor league contract Feb. 13 with an invitation to major league camp.

The 32-year-old infielder, who has played for Houston, Arizona, Atlanta, Cleveland and Miami

in an eight-year major league career that began in 2009, is owed $9 million in the final year of a

three-year, $23.5 million deal he signed with the Braves in 2014. Should he make the Orioles,

Cleveland, which released him in December 2015, would be responsible for all but $535,000 of

his salary.

Ron Johnson said he wasn't directly involved in bringing his son to the Orioles.

"In a personal matter, I haven't really been around the baseball environment with my son ever.

When he was playing high school, college, all this kind of stuff, I've always been working,"

Johnson said.

"From a personal manner, I think it's really cool. And my grandson is coming with him, and he's

only a year old, so I'm happy about that. As far as the baseball stuff, he's trying to get himself

back on track and hopefully play well and do the things he needs to do to get back to the big

leagues."

Chris Johnson has played third and first base in the major leagues.

WBC DEPARTURES: Five Orioles will leave camp for what could be several weeks to

participate in the World Baseball Classic. Second baseman Jonathan Schoop (Netherlands)

leaves Feb. 28, third baseman Manny Machado and catcher Welington Castillo (Dominican

Republic) leave March 5 and center fielder Adam Jones and right-handed pitcher Mychal Givens

(USA) leave March 6.

PENA ON WAIVERS: Catcher Francisco Pena, who was designated for assignment when the

Orioles acquired right-handed pitcher Gabriel Ynoa from the New York Mets Feb. 10, has been

placed on waivers.

If Pena is unclaimed, he will return to the Orioles later this week. If Pena is claimed on waivers,

the Orioles may bring minor league catcher Stuart Levy to big league camp.

NOTES: Right-handed pitcher Brad Brach said his arbitration hearing is still scheduled for Feb.

17, and he hasn't had any further contact on his contract with the Orioles. Fellow right-hander

Kevin Gausman settled ahead of arbitration, and catcher Caleb Joseph lost his hearing. ... Former

Orioles left-hander Brian Matusz has signed a minor league contract with Arizona. … Infielder

David Washington, who was signed to a minor league contract, is from San Diego but says he's

yet to meet his fellow San Diegan, Jones. … New assistant hitting coach Howie Clark is in camp.

… Former Orioles farmhand Buck Britton, brother of lefty closer Zach Britton, will be Single-A

Delmarva's hitting coach.

https://www.pressboxonline.com/2017/02/12/led-by-matt-wieters-several-2016-orioles-still-

unsigned

Led By Matt Wieters, Several 2016 Orioles Still Unsigned

By Rich Dubroff / PressBoxOnline.com

February 12, 2017

SARASOTA, Fla. -- With the opening of spring training less than 24 hours away, there’s still a

feeling of incompleteness around the Orioles.

Outside of the final spots in the bullpen and the possible inclusion of a Rule 5 pick in the

outfield, barring injuries nearly the entire ballclub is set and almost everyone from the 2016

Orioles will return in 2017.

Executive Vice President of Baseball Operations Dan Duquette continues to try and add to the

club, and will do so during camp, too.

But, is having nearly everyone—except Matt Wieters and Pedro Alvarez and a few others—back

such a good thing?

When the news of Welington Castillo’s temporary departure and Francisco Pena’s designation

for assignment was reported, many fans began calling for the Orioles to re-sign Wieters.

I had hoped that Wieters’ return would have been a high priority for the team, but just like the

fan base, the Orioles showed ambivalence towards one of the best—if not the best—catchers in

team history.

It’s fascinating to hear from fans who are now clamoring for Wieters’ return especially since so

many couldn’t wait for the Orioles to rid themselves of him just a few months ago.

When the free agency season began, I would have thought that Wieters would have had his

choice of lucrative offers, but three months later, he still doesn’t have one to his liking.

Some blame the disinterest in Wieters to the reported injury to his left arm some months ago.

Others attribute it to his substandard pitch framing stats, and some claim that his hitting isn’t

good enough.

Wieters was seemingly the most attractive catcher on the free agent market, and once Wilson

Ramos tore his ACL late last season with Washington, his stock seemed to rise.

But, Jason Castro, late of Houston, signed a three-year, $24.5 million contract with Minnesota,

based mostly on his reputed pitch framing skills, and even Ramos, who won’t be ready to start

the season, found a new home in Tampa Bay.

Why couldn’t Wieters and Castillo split the Orioles' catching job with one of them as the

designated hitter?

It’s a popular fan question, but unless Wieters is willing to settle for a bargain contract (he made

$15.8 million last year thanks to a qualifying offer), it wouldn’t happen. And, the Orioles payroll

is already at nearly $164 million, according to BaseballReference.com.

If the Orioles still have some money to spend, and it doesn’t look like they have much, they’re

likely to spend it to better their starting rotation, bullpen or outfield rather than on Wieters.

While Wieters can play first base, the Orioles have Chris Davis, Mark Trumbo and possibly Trey

Mancini there. Trumbo was re-signed to be the principal designated hitter, and having Wieters in

the fold could make for an unwieldy mix.

If a frontline catcher is hurt during spring training, that would help Wieters find a job. Unless or

until that happens, his name will keep popping up as an Orioles possibility.

As camps open, some names from last year will be in different places: left-handed pitcher Brian

Duensing (Chicago Cubs), infielder-outfielder Steve Pearce (Toronto) and Drew Stubbs

(Minnesota).

Alvarez, Wieters, right-hander Tommy Hunter and outfielder Michael Bourn are among the most

accomplished free agents still available. Shortstop Paul Janish and outfielder Nolan Reimold

don’t have 2017 baseball homes, either.

At December’s Winter Meetings, Scott Boras, who represents Alvarez and Wieters, said that

Alvarez, who was primarily a designated hitter last year, was working on playing the outfield. As

a defensively challenged infielder, Alvarez doesn’t want to be typecast as an all-or-nothing DH-

type.

The most recent chatter has Alvarez landing in Minnesota, but last year, his market was cool and

he didn’t sign with the Orioles until Grapefruit League play actually began.

There’s been mutual interest with Bourn and the Orioles, but nothing has developed. He could be

a useful outfield piece.

If there’s to be a reunion with Hunter, it will likely have to be on a minor league contract,

something that doesn’t appeal to him. The Orioles have a couple of open spots in the bullpen, but

some of those candidates for them (Logan Verrett, Tyler Wilson, Mike Wright, Logan Ondrusek)

have options remaining. Others (Oliver Drake and T.J. McFarland) are younger and less

expensive than Hunter would be.

Some within the Orioles organization wanted Janish, a slick defensive shortstop to return for a

third year. But Robert Andino, who was signed on Feb. 6, will apparently go to Norfolk as the

Tides’ starting shortstop.

There’s been no talk of a third Nolan Reimold iteration with the Orioles.

https://www.pressboxonline.com/2017/02/11/orioles-catching-situation-suddenly-more-

complicated

Orioles' Catching Situation Suddenly More Complicated

By Rich Dubroff / PressBoxOnline.com

February 11, 2017

Ever since the Orioles signed free agent catcher Welington Castillo on Dec. 16, the team’s

catching alignment seemed fairly set.

Castillo would be the starting catcher and Caleb Joseph his backup. Francisco Pena, who was out

of options, would challenge Joseph who has options, for the backup job.

But this week, Castillo was announced as a catcher for the World Baseball Classic’s team from

the Dominican Republic. This came as a surprise to the Orioles, who assumed Castillo was going

to bypass the WBC even though he was listed on the tentative roster in late November.

Spring training, which begins on Feb. 13, will be critical for Castillo, who has to learn a new

pitching staff before he departs for the WBC. If the Dominican Republic plays in the

tournament’s final game, Castillo could have only a week of spring games to get reacquainted

before exhibition games end.

For Chris Tillman, it could be critical because he’s been caught by Matt Wieters through nearly

all his professional career, and Castillo could need the time to get used to Zach Britton’s ninth-

inning sinker and slider.

On Feb. 10, things got even more complicated when the Orioles acquired right-handed pitcher

Gabriel Ynoa from the New York Mets for cash considerations. To make room for Ynoa on the

40-man roster, the Orioles designated Pena for assignment.

That came as a surprise to many who thought that after Joseph took the Orioles to arbitration—

and lost—that Pena had a real shot to back up Castillo.

After last season’s offensive nightmare, perhaps the Orioles wanted to make sure Joseph could

contribute with the bat and would send him down to Triple-A Norfolk at the start of the season to

make sure that his swing was strong.

Now, the Orioles have a promising young pitcher, who was 1-0 with a 6.38 ERA in 10 games,

three of them starts, with the Mets last season. Ynoa will probably go to the Tides, and he

provides depth for this year and beyond.

Pena may well be claimed on waivers if the team doesn’t try and get something for him and work

out a trade. But, the Orioles could try to get him through waivers now because rosters are full at

the beginning of spring training.

If they wanted to send Pena to Norfolk at some point, they’d have to get him through waivers, so

perhaps now is the best time to try. The guess here is that he will be claimed, but if he isn’t,

manager Buck Showalter has another reliable backup catcher.

With Castillo gone for several weeks, Joseph will get lots of time to improve his stock, and other

catchers will get lots of face time with the manager and coaching staff. Non-roster catcher Audry

Perez whose defense Showalter admires could end up getting the first call should Castillo or

Joseph be injured.

Chance Sisco, the presumed catcher of the future, could get more time with major league

pitchers he may work with in the near future. Sisco and Perez now form the logical catching duo

at Norfolk. Sisco will work on his defense in Triple-A. His offense is considered his strong suit.

Yermin Mercedes, who hit .345 in 122 games with Delmarva and Frederick will be camp, too.

Mercedes replaced Austin Wynns, who suffered an ankle injury.

It wouldn’t be a surprise if the Orioles add another minor league catcher.

NOTE: MASN will televise seven Grapefruit League games, all in Sarasota. The first game will

be Feb. 27 (Yankees). Also televised are Mar. 5 (Phillies), Mar. 8 (Blue Jays), Mar. 11 (Pirates),

Mar. 19 (Tigers), Mar. 22 (Rays) and Mar. 30 (Tigers). The Mar. 22 game begins at 6 p.m. Other

games begin at 1 p.m.

https://www.pressboxonline.com/films/title/inside-pressbox-02-12-17-visitsarasotaorgs-virginia-

haley

Inside PressBox 02/12/17: VisitSarasota.org's Virginia Haley

By Stan Charles / PressBoxOnline.com

February 12, 2017

See link for video

http://baltimore.cbslocal.com/2017/02/13/three-orioles-land-on-top-200-mlb-prospects-list/

Three Orioles Land On Top 200 MLB Prospects List

CBS Baltimore

February 13, 2017

BALTIMORE (WJZ) — Minor League Ball shared their list of Top 200 MLB Prospects for

2017 and three Orioles players landed on the list.

At No. 111 is catcher Chance Sisco, at No. 119 RHP Cody Sedlock and at No. 179 is first

baseman Trey Mancini.

Sisco was a second round pick in 2013. He hit .317/.403/.430 in 426 at-bats between Double-A

and Triple-A with 61 walks, 88 strikeouts.

Cody Sedlock was a first round pick last year from University of Illinois. He posted 3.00 ETA in

27 innings in New York-Penn League with 25/13 K/BB.

Mancini was an eighth round pick in 2013 from Notre Dame. He hit .282/.357/.458 with 20

homers, 58 walks, 140 strikeouts in 546 at-bats between Double-A and Triple-A. When he made

his MLB debut last season, he went 5-for-14 with three homers.

Minor League Ball says the rankings are based on a combination of scouting reports (including

publicly available reports and private reports), video, in-person views when possible and “some

measure of intuition.”

http://baltimore.cbslocal.com/2017/02/13/buck-showalter-live-from-sarasota-as-pitchers-and-

catchers-report-to-spring-training/

Buck Showalter Talks Pitchers, Catchers & Prepping For

Spring Training

CBS Baltimore

February 13, 2017

Manager of the Baltimore Orioles Buck Showalter joined Ed and Rob to talk about the start of

Spring Training as pitchers and catchers report today.

Showalter began by talking about re-signing Mark Trumbo in the off-season and a possible new

nickname for Trumbo saying, “they call him the ‘wind turnarounderer,’ spell that…now we’re

excited and Mark’s excited we were letting him pick out his Silver Slugger picture with the rest

of the clubhouse.”

As for the timeline of the Trumbo re-sign Buck said, “Mark is more about playing the game…he

wasn’t going to sit around until mid February trying to figure out where he was going to be.”

Buck went on to talk about the Orioles’ possible young starters in the rotation, and how this

Orioles team could be better and improve from last year.

With players like Adam Jones, Mychal Givens and Welington Castillo all participating in the

World Baseball Classic this year, Buck joked about wanting his players back early saying, “I’ll

go on record and say I’m not pulling for the Dominican to win I want them out in the first

round.”

http://baltimore.cbslocal.com/2017/02/13/orioles-sign-chris-johnson-to-a-minor-league-deal/

Orioles Sign Chris Johnson To A Minor League Deal

CBS Baltimore

February 13, 2017

BALTIMORE (WJZ) — The Baltimore Orioles have signed Chris Johnson to a minor league

deal with an invitation to spring training.

Johnson, 32, is the son of Triple-A Norfolk manager Ron Johnson. Though he’s primarily a third

baseman, Johnson also has played first base in the majors and five innings in the outfield.

Johnson is a career .275/.313/.404 hitter in eight major league seasons with teams like the Astros,

Diamondbacks, Braves, Indians and Marlins.

Johnson’s best season came in 2013 with the Braves. He hit .321/.358/.457 with a career-high 34

doubles, 12 home runs and 68 RBIs in 142 games.

http://baltimore.cbslocal.com/2017/02/13/orioles-expect-to-welcome-a-familiar-cast-to-spring-

training/

Orioles Expect To Welcome A Familiar Cast To

Spring Training

CBS Baltimore

February 13, 2017

BALTIMORE (AP) — There probably won’t be much intrigue for the Baltimore Orioles at

spring training. When the team holds its first workout next week in Sarasota, Florida, most of the

roster spots already will be decided. That’s because very little has changed since Baltimore lost

to Toronto last October in the AL wild card game. Dan Duquette, the Orioles executive vice

president of baseball operations, retained free agent slugger Mark Trumbo as part of a power-

laden lineup that led the majors in home runs.

Duquette also kept intact a bullpen that ranks among the best in the majors and did very little

tinkering with the starting pitching.

Spring training for the Orioles will be about filling out the back end of the roster, lining up his

rotation for April and, most of all, staying healthy.

Here’s what it won’t be: A glimpse of what might happen in the regular season.

A year ago, the Orioles their Grapefruit League schedule with 10 straight losses wrapped around

a pair of ties — a development that made the fan base in Baltimore more than a little uneasy.

“In spring we were 0-8 or 0-9. Nobody even remembers that,” manager Buck Showalter said.

“Some of the evaluations we made during that time really helped us. I’m really looking forward

to this spring because I think our guys are ready to get on with it.”

That includes Korean outfielder Hyun Soo Kim, who batted .178 during spring training last year

but found his groove in May. Now that he’s comfortable in the big leagues, Kim won’t have

anything to prove or learn at camp.

The games start early (Feb. 24) this year because of the World Baseball Classic, but Showalter

says he probably won’t play his regulars until the first week of March.

“We’ve got plenty of games and plenty of time,” he said.

Some things to know about the Orioles this spring:

NEW LOOK: The Orioles were unwilling to retain pricey free agent catcher Matt Wieters, so

they signed Welington Castillo. So a key component of camp is making sure Castillo and the

pitching staff are in sync. Showalter also must determine how to use corner outfielder Seth

Smith, who came from Seattle in a trade for right-hander Yovani Gallardo. Left-hander Wade

Miley will attend his first spring training with the Orioles, seeking to earn a spot in the rotation

after struggling with Baltimore over the final two months last season.

ROOKIES TO WATCH: Rule 5 additions Aneury Tavarez and Anthony Santander, both

outfielders, will receive an extensive playing time this spring. “We have some young kids I

really want to take a look at, especially those two Rule 5 guys,” Showalter said. Hard-hitting

Trey Mancini will also be scrutinized after hitting three homers in five games last September.

THEY’RE SET: The infield — Chris Davis at first base, Jonathan Schoop at second, J.J. Hardy

at shortstop and Manny Machado at third base — won’t change. Nor will the back end of the

bullpen, anchored by closer Zach Britton and setup men Brad Brach and Darren O’Day. Half-

kidding, O’Day suggested he might be pitching in the fifth inning after the impressive 2016

performances of relievers Mychal Givens (8-2, 3.16 ERA) and Donnie Hart (0.49 ERA in 22

games).

THEY’RE NOT: Center fielder Adam Jones wants to be surrounded by stronger gloves than

Kim (LF) and Trumbo (RF). “We don’t need more power. I think that’s prevalent. We don’t

need more offense. I think we need to improve the outfield defense,” Jones said.

ON DECK: Showalter will tinker with his outfield defense, go easy on the starting rotation and

leave behind a vast majority his starting position players when the team is on the road.