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

Wednesday, February 22, 2017

Columns:

Adam Jones praises Orioles' defensive upgrades in outfield, but remains concerned The

Sun 2/22

New Orioles lefties Vidal Nuno and Richard Bleier arrive in camp eager for new

opportunity The Sun 2/22

Orioles closer Zach Britton not concerned about soreness in side The Sun 2/22

With 'switch-hitting Jesus' gone, a look back at Matt Wieters' Orioles miracles The Sun

2/22

When Machado and Schoop were pups, Robert Andino showed them how to be pros The

Sun 2/21

Schmuck: Nationals provide closure to Matt Wieters, Orioles The Sun 2/21

Orioles acquire left-hander Richard Bleier in trade with Yankees The Sun 2/21

Orioles about to play first spring intrasquad game The Sun 2/21

Schmuck: If Orioles had waited around, they probably could've re-signed Matt Wieters

The Sun 2/21

O's being cautious with Britton MLB.com 2/22

Left-handers Nuno, Bleier arrive at camp MLB.com 2/22

Machado, O's give young fan unforgettable day MLB.com 2/22

Wieters agrees to 2-year deal with Nats MLB.com 2/21

O's acquire lefty Bleier from Yanks for PTBN MLB.com 2/21

Pitching updates, Bourn’s arrival and more MASNsports.com 2/22

Nuño and Bleier hoping to head north with Orioles MASNsports.com 2/22

Britton on soreness: “I don’t think it’s anything serious” MASNsports.com 2/22

Jiménez putting thoughts of free agency on hold MASNsports.com 2/22

Britton scratched from intrasquad game (plus other notes) MASNsports.com 2/21

Orioles interrupt intrasquad by trading for Bleier (updated) MASNsports.com 2/21

Intrasquad lineups and Wieters news MASNsports.com 2/21

Appreciating Matt Wieters and scouting Richard Rodríguez MASNsports.com 2/22

Orioles generate record $89 million economic impact annually in Sarasota

MASNsports.com 2/21

Orioles acquire lefty Bleier from Yanks, add Bourn AP 2/21

MLB Rumor Central: Joey Rickard on shaky ground in Baltimore? ESPN.com 2/21

Five Things To Know About Orioles Pitcher Vidal Nuno PressBoxOnline.com 2/22

Orioles Continue Active February, Add Fourth Player In Past Four Days

PressBoxOnline.com 2/22

Spring Baseball Calendar Now Dictated By Arbitration PressBoxOnline.com 2/21

Orioles Share 2017 Spring Training Opening Day Plans CBS Baltimore 2/22

Report: Zach Britton Has Potential Oblique Injury CBS Baltimore 2/22

Orioles’ Chris Davis Looking For A Bigger Season In 2017 CBS Baltimore 2/22

Orioles Acquire LHP Richard Bleier From Yankees CBS Baltimore 2/21

Report: Wieters, Nationals Agree To Two-Year, $21 M Deal CBS Baltimore 2/21

Orioles re-sign Michael Bourn to a minor league deal NBCSports.com 2/20

Tap-In Question: It’s over, so what are your thoughts on Wieters as a Washington

National? BaltimoreBaseball.com 2/22

Spring Training Primer: Britton’s oblique; Intrasquad opener; Joseph on Wieters

BaltimoreBaseball.com 2/22

Thoughts on acquiring LHP Bleier and designating Christian Walker for assignment

BaltimoreBaseball.com 2/21

Wieters agrees to two-year, $21 million deal (with opt-out) from Nationals

BaltimoreBaseball.com

http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/orioles/blog/bal-adam-jones-praises-orioles-defensive-

upgrades-in-outfield-but-remains-concerned-20170222-story.html

Adam Jones praises Orioles' defensive upgrades in outfield,

but remains concerned

By Eduardo A. Encina / The Baltimore Sun

February 22, 2017

Orioles center fielder Adam Jones is excited about recent additions to improve the team’s

outfield defense, but still worries about the club’s range.

The team retained veteran outfielder Michael Bourn – who improved the Orioles’ corner outfield

defense for the final month of the season after they acquired him on Aug. 31 – by signing him to

a minor league contract Monday. That came two days after adding defensive-minded

outfielder Craig Gentry, also on a minor league deal.

The moves addressed Jones’ concern, which he expressed in his media session at FanFest last

month, that the Orioles still needed to add more athleticism to the outfield. His comments came

after the team retained slugger Mark Trumbo and traded for outfielderSeth Smith.

The addition of Bourn and Gentry will undoubtedly help address the Orioles’ outfield defense,

but Jones said the bats of Trumbo, Smith and outfielder Hyun Soo Kim will still see the most

playing time.

“Those are two guys who have great track records of catching the ball,” Jones said of Bourn and

Gentry. “I’m thrilled to have them in camp, but what you have to understand is that the everyday

players are probably going to be Trumbo and Kim or Seth and Kim.”

Last year, the Orioles' outfield defense was rated the worst in baseball, with a minus-11.2

cumulative ultimate zone runs per 150 games (UZR/150), according to FanGraphs. The statistic

rates a defender's value based on the plays he makes on batted balls in his vicinity. The Orioles

outfield also had a major league-worst minus-51 defensive runs saved (DRS) last season.

Jones said the moves indicate to him that the team is aware it needed to improve the outfield

defensively.

“You see that they’re here, so that means that the team is, not necessarily listening to me, but

they’ve been watching the game,” Jones said. “It’s reality. You watch the game and you see what

we’re lacking. And it’s not any jabs against any other person. It just is what it is. Some people

just excel at different things. It just is what it is. For us to be a very contending team and to get

out of that first round and past that wild card, we need to improve.”

“At the end of the day, whatever you have to do to win is what you got to," Jones added. "It

doesn’t matter who’s out there. Whatever you have to do, we’re going to have to do. If you look

at it, our efficiency is terrific. We catch the ball. We throw the ball to the right bases. We catch

everything that is in our vicinities. It just is what it is. The best thing about being a professional

athlete is that you figure out that you’re a professional, and you know how to make adjustments.

That’s just what we’re going to have to do, figure it out, somehow, some way.”

http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/orioles/blog/bal-new-orioles-lefties-vidal-nuno-and-richard-

bleier-arrive-in-camp-eager-for-new-opportunity-20170222-story.html#nt=oft03a-2gp2

New Orioles lefties Vidal Nuno and Richard Bleier arrive in

camp eager for new opportunity

By Eduardo A. Encina / The Baltimore Sun

February 22, 2017

The Orioles’ two recently acquired left-handed pitchers – Vidal Nuno and Richard Bleier –

reported to big league camp with their new team Wednesday.

The Orioles acquired Nuno from the Los Angeles Dodgers on Sunday in exchange for minor

league right-hander Ryan Moseley, then acquired Bleier from the New York Yankees on

Tuesday for a player to be named later.

Both will add left-handed pitching depth – one of the team’s offseason priorities – and both come

to the team with minor league options, which add valuable roster flexibility. Both also have

experience starting and relieving.

“Every day is something new and every team is trying to build to the top of their bullpen or

whatever piece they need,” Nuno said about being traded. "[The Orioles] needed me, so I’m

really thrilled to get the opportunity and I’m going to try to succeed to the fullest.”

Nuno was in Dodgers camp in Arizona for just a few days before being dealt to the Orioles, his

fourth big league team since 2014. He posted a 3.53 ERA in 58 2/3 innings working almost

exclusively in relief with the Seattle Mariners last season. Orioles manager Buck Showalter said

Tuesday that he sees Nuno as both a starter and reliever.

“Yeah, that’s my repertoire right there,” Nuno said of pitching in both roles. “Yeah, I’ve been

[pitching] the past year and a half in the bullpen role, so wherever they throw at me, I’ll try to do

my best and get these guys out.”

Nuno will leave camp on March 5 to join the Mexican World Baseball Classic team in Jalisco,

Mexico, so he will have just 11 days in camp before his departure. But Nuno said that should

leave plenty of time to get adjusted to a new organization.

“It’s no challenge,” Nuno said. “It’s just being around the clubhouse, being around the complex

day in, day out, just getting acclimated with the guys and go upon my daily routine.”

Bleier -- who spent most of the past nine seasons in the minors before getting his first major

league experience late last season with the Yankees -- pitched well in relief, posting a 1.96 ERA

in 23 innings. But he was mostly a starter last season at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, going

2-3 with a 3.72 ERA in 12 games (10 starts).

“I think the biggest thing for me was that I thought that I could get big league hitters out and

actually got to the big leagues and proved to myself that I can do it,” Bleier said. “That

confidence, knowing that I can compete. Everybody believes in themselves, me as well, but

proving to myself that I can do it is the biggest thing for me.”

Bleier held lefties to a .150 average in the majors, but right-handers batters hit .304 against him.

Orioles executive vice president Dan Duquette said Bleier’s development of a cutter could help

him against righties.

“I think I’d like to get as many people out as I can, lefties or righties, and see where the dust

settles,” Bleier said.

Bleier, who was designated for assignment by the Yankees on Thursday, said he wasn’t

necessarily surprised to be let go, especially given his age. He turns 30 in April.

“I think that regardless, someone in my situation, a 29-year-old rookie, kind of just -- whether

it’s between me and a 24-year-old rookie, I think it just makes more sense to get rid of the older

guy unfortunately,” Bleier said. “I try and be realistic. I didn’t think I was going to make it

through the offseason. I think that my numbers put me in front of a few other guys and then they

just got to me on the list of people where they needed a roster spot for.”

http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/orioles/blog/bal-orioles-closer-zach-britton-not-concerned-

about-early-camp-soreness-in-side-20170222-story.html

Orioles closer Zach Britton not concerned about soreness in

side

By Eduardo A. Encina / The Baltimore Sun

February 22, 2017

Orioles closer Zach Britton, who was scratched from his first scheduled intrasquad game

appearance Wednesday after feeling early symptoms of an oblique injury, said this morning that

he’s feeling better and didn’t think the discomfort was anything serious.

Coming off a season in which he converted all 47 of his save opportunities and placed fourth

in American League Cy Young Award voting, Britton threw a normal bullpen Monday, but felt

soreness in his side the following day and then talked to trainers Richie Bancells and Brian Ebel

about the pain.

“I didn’t feel it actually doing any throwing, which is, I guess, a good sign,” Britton said. “There

wasn’t one specific pitch or one thing I was doing that I can remember that gave me an issue, so

it was more the next day coming in a little sore.

“It was more just soreness in an area that I don’t normally get soreness. And it’s so early in camp

I figured maybe take a day or so, treat it and see how I feel. … I think it’s important [to get ahead

of it]. Kind of knowing where I am now and knowing where the finish line is, I think it’s

important. ... I figured we’d nip it in the bud right now.”

Britton has never had any oblique problems before, but the team wants to ensure it doesn’t

develop into a strain, which could push the left-hander back for at least a couple of weeks.

“I’ve never had any issues with lower back or oblique or anything like that,” Britton said.

“That’s why I brought it up to Richie. It was just a little sore. You’re sore right now anyway, but

it was in a spot where I’m normally not, so I figured I’d talk to them about it and then treat it and

kind of see how I feel the next few days.”

Britton rolled his left ankle coming off the mound to field a ball last April 30, and his recovery

didn’t require time on the disabled list. He returned on May 5.

“I would be pitching in the regular season,” Britton said. “I think my ankle injury was 100 times

worse than this last year and I pitched through that, so it was just something I didn’t see any

benefit to going out there and throwing all the time on this right now and possibly getting worse.

I finally did the smart thing and said something.”

Britton has been on the DL just one time in his big league career, a 60-day DL stint when he was

still a starter in 2012 in which he missed 72 days recovering from left shoulder impingement, an

injury that required a platelet-rich-plasma injection.

“That bullpen I threw [Monday] was really good,” Britton said. “I felt really good, so I was kind

of surprised when I came in and I was a little sore.

“[Guess I’m] getting old,” he joked.

The Orioles' 6 1/2-inning intrasquad game scheduled for Wednesday afternoon was postponed

because of rain. It is rescheduled for 11:30 a.m. Thursday.

http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/baltimore-sports-blog/bal-with-switch-hitting-jesus-gone-a-

look-back-at-matt-wieters-orioles-miracles-20170221-story.html

With 'switch-hitting Jesus' gone, a look back at Matt

Wieters' Orioles miracles

By Jonas Shaffer / The Baltimore Sun

February 22, 2017

To properly frame Matt Wieters' now-concluded Orioles career, consider these three

comparisons from early in the catcher's professional career:

November 2008, FanGraphs: "Matt Wieters: Joe Mauer With Power?"

May 2009, ESPN: "He is the switch-hitting Jesus."

March 2010, Sports Illustrated: "His teammates at Georgia Tech called him, simply,

God."

Boy, that really escalated, huh? We have comparisons to an American League batting champion

before Wieters ever reaches Triple-A, to the central figure of Christianity on the eve of

Wieters' Orioles debut and to a supreme being before the former first-round draft pick's first full

season.

Wieters ultimately was no divine force in Baltimore. Over eight years, he batted .256/.318/.421

with 117 home runs and 437 RBIs. It is not fair to call a four-time All-Star a bust. It is fair to call

his Orioles career a disappointment in some respects nonetheless.

Along the way, there were some miracles, good and bad, large and small. From his at-the-wire

signing in 2007 to his 2016 regular-season finale, there were many moments when Wieters tested

fans' faith. Did he live up to the prophecies? That depends on what you believe in.

Click on the photos above for a look back at Wieters' career.

http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/orioles/bs-sp-orioles-spring-training-0222-20170221-

story.html#nt=oft03a-2gp3

When Machado and Schoop were pups, Robert Andino

showed them how to be pros

By Eduardo A. Encina / The Baltimore Sun

February 21, 2017

Five spring trainings ago, Manny Machado and Jonathan Schoop's time in big league camp was

limited to cameo appearances. They were occasionally shuttled in from minor league camp at

Twin Lakes Park for the purpose of playing in mop-up innings of Grapefruit League games.

At the time, they were far from the cornerstone players they would become. The duo dressed in

the auxiliary clubhouse at the Ed Smith Stadium complex. The young players wore No. 85 and

No. 86 on jerseys that bore no names on the back because they were recycled daily for different

players coming in from Twin Lakes.

Those kind of things indicate that players don't completely belong in big league camp.

Orioles manager Buck Showalter refers to them as "JICs," minor league camp players who will

play in games "just in case."

Machado and Schoop acknowledged they felt out of place initially, but they found a friendly face

in infielder Robert Andino, who took it upon himself to show the duo the ins and outs of a big

league camp.

"When you first walk in, you're a little scared," Schoop said. "Not scared, but I remember

walking [through the hallways] here, and I didn't even want to pass by [the main clubhouse

entrance]. I didn't want people to see me.

"It's tough, but he made you feel welcome. He'd tell you, 'You belong here. You've got good

talent. Just work hard and you'll be good.' That makes you relax a little bit. And then we go

outside [on the field], he'd tell you things to get better, some little stuff, but it helped you a lot."

Fast forward to this year's spring training, where Andino, who will turn 33 in April, has been

reunited with Machado and Schoop in Orioles big league camp. Their careers are in an

interesting juxtaposition.

Machado and Schoop are now the club's top two young players, and perhaps the biggest reason

to believe in the franchise's future. Andino, who signed a minor league deal after playing last

season with the Miami Marlins' Triple-A team, is trying to extend his career with the team for

which he experienced his most success. He will likely start the season as the starting shortstop at

Triple-A Norfolk.

Andino, whose return comes after stops with three major league organizations and a stint in the

independent Atlantic League, smiles about how Machado and Schoop credit him for helping

them get their footing. He said he received the same treatment when he was a young player

coming up.

"I think everybody needs that," Andino said. "I know when I was coming up with the Marlins, I

had [infielders] Alex Gonzalez and Luis Castillo. My first couple years here [in Baltimore] I had

[Cesar] Izturis. These guys, they know what to do. They just sometimes need a little help getting

their feet wet.

"My last year here, Schoop was just like 19. They're monsters now. … The sky's the limit,

especially for them. So of course, I had nothing but smiles when I came in the locker room,

[seeing] them. And they're still young as hell. They've still got a lot of room for improvement."

Orioles fans remember Andino's game-winning hit in the final game of the regular season against

the Boston Red Sox in 2011 – a moment that helped eliminate Boston from playoff contention

now coined locally as the "Curse of the Andino." Many think of that as his greatest contribution

to the Orioles.

But the way he nurtured Machado and Schoop – helping them on their way to stardom – might

have been more important to the team's success, as they went on to three playoff berths in the

past five seasons.

"He helped me a lot," said Schoop, 25. "The first thing is he made you feel comfortable and

make you feel like you belong here, [saying] 'Hey, you're good. Just work hard and everything

will happen.' And that's what we did."

Machado, 24, said Andino impressed on him in the spring of 2012 that life in the big leagues is a

challenge, and that it's important to find a routine to get your daily work in.

"He just kept it loose for us," Machado said. "He told us, 'You can have fun and do what you

gotta do, but you're here to work. … As long as you work, everything will be fine.' I think him

saying that really softened up things for me and Schoopy. We just went out there and tried to

have fun."

When Machado was called up in August 2012, he said Andino – who started a career-high 96

games at second base that year with starter Brian Roberts hurt – took him under his wing.

"He told me, 'Let's go to the field. Let's go here. Let's go there,'" Machado said. "He just kind of

showed me the ropes of the big leagues. You've got to get to the ballpark. You've got to get here

early. You've got to do your work and then you have some time to chill and relax. Those are the

things that he could teach you. … Just knowing that, you just kind of create good habits of

working.

"You get those things down. That's the hardest thing to do. He was around for a while. He was

around great players. He was around [Miguel Cabrera] in Miami, and Dontrelle [Willis]. … He

knows what he's talking about. It's not just for [show]. He's been around, and he knows what to

do. And when he told me all that, that sticks. You learn from other guys. The big leagues is about

learning. You see how other people work and you say, 'I like that.' You take away little things.

You see another guys and say, 'Oh [man], I like that, too.' And then you start picking people's

brains and you create it into your own way."

After that 2012 season, the Orioles traded Andino to the Seattle Mariners for outfielder Trayvon

Robinson, partially because they saw Schoop as the second baseman of the future.

Now, Andino – whose locker is flanked by those of Machado and Schoop in the Orioles main

clubhouse in Sarasota – jokes around about how they've grown up. He joked with Machado

about how he came to camp in 2012 with a Wilson glove, and he needed a Rawlings glove

instead.

"I was telling him [back then], 'You gotta use a Rawlings, man,'" Andino said. "And he's got a

[Rawlings] Platinum Glove [award] now. He's signed [an endorsement deal] with Jordan and all

that. He's the man now. So I've just got to get back into it, fit back in again."

No longer are Machado and Schoop relegated to the auxiliary clubhouse in spring training.

They're front and center, and happy they have an old friend back in camp in Andino.

"He's the same person," Machado said. "I was telling him [Monday], we were taking balls at

short, 'Man, you haven't changed at all.' When you see good players like that, good defensive

players that are going to be impactful to the team, those are guys who don't come around all that

often."

"It's really good to have him back, sit down and talk with him, remember old memories," Schoop

said. "He's like, 'I helped you guys, now you help me,' and that's fine."

http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/schmuck-blog/bal-if-orioles-had-waited-around-they-

probably-could-have-signed-matt-wieters-20170221-story.html

Schmuck: Nationals provide closure to Matt Wieters, Orioles

By Peter Schmuck / The Baltimore Sun

February 21, 2017

Even though there was little chance Matt Wieters would re-sign with the Orioles this winter, the

news that he had agreed to a two-year deal with the Washington Nationals on Tuesday provided

some closure for his former manager and teammates.

Not that anyone was holding out hope that he would suddenly appear at the Ed Smith Stadium

complex and platoon with new catcher Welington Castillo, but Wieters was a much-loved figure

in the Orioles clubhouse. It had become painful for his longtime friends to see him twist in the

free-agent wind while they were back in camp.

Many of them kept in touch with him, and manager Buck Showalter phoned and texted him

regularly.

“On a personal level, I’m glad that he’s settled in some place,” Showalter said Tuesday. “They’ll

be happy with him. He’ll do well for them. I’m glad that Matt doesn’t have that unknown

hanging around him, and his family. There’s a lot more going on in his life than baseball.”

It has been a strange journey for a player who was projected out of college as “Joe Mauer with

power.” Wieters has been one of the top all-around catchers in the game. But it was almost

impossible to live up to the pre-draft hype, especially when his career trajectory was interrupted

after two All-Star selections and two Gold Gloves by the elbow injury that cost him most of the

2014 and 2015 seasons.

While he had once seemed destined to sign one of those multiyear mega-contracts upon

qualifying for free agency, he felt compelled to accept the Orioles’ one-year qualifying offer in

November 2015 in the hope of positioning himself for a big payday this time around.

Well, $21 million over two years (with a second year opt-out) qualifies as a big payday to most

anybody, but it certainly isn’t what agent Scott Boras had in mind when this past offseason

began. Why the market never really matched up with Wieters is a complicated question, but it’s

not like he’s going to spend the next year or two in exile.

He signed with one of the National League’s top World Series contenders and will be catching a

terrific pitching staff.

Everyone knows he’ll do just fine in Washington and the Orioles pitching staff is already

bonding with Castillo. But reserve catcher Caleb Joseph — whose place on this season’s major

league roster probably depended on Wieters not showing up here this week — still was hoping

he would return.

“They say that all good things come to an end, right? And I guess until it becomes official, you

hold out hope that he’d be an Oriole,” Joseph said. “I guess it’s new beginnings for both of us.

The good thing is he’s going to be right down the street. He’ll be playing on MASN2 maybe.

“Matt’s a great human first and foremost. I think that’s the best compliment you can give

somebody over the fact that he is such a tremendous baseball player. He’s a great defensive

catcher. He’s a leader. He’s a middle-of-the-order switch-hitting guy with power. But more than

that, he’s a tremendous guy and I think that’s what I’m going to miss most. Just his influence on

and off the field.”

No doubt, some local fans will wonder whether the Orioles might’ve re-signed Wieters if

baseball operations chief Dan Duquette had waited out the market the way he did when he signed

Nelson Cruz and several other free agents over the past few years. But the Orioles had a vacancy

at one of the most important positions on the field and he could not leave that to chance. He got

Castillo for a song and made it clear he was looking no further for major league help behind the

plate.

Draw your own conclusions. Wieters was a Showalter favorite, but Duquette clearly felt Castillo

was a suitable substitute at a time (mid-December) when the price for Wieters still figured to be

much higher. It was a decisive move, similar to the acquisition of slugger Mark Trumbo last

winter in anticipation of losing first baseman Chris Davis.

Of course, Davis came back anyway, but club officials repeatedly rebuffed any speculation that

the Orioles might bring Wieters back to share time with Castillo if the price fell far enough.

Meanwhile, the Nationals always were thought to be on Boras’ dance card, even though they

already had acquired veteran catcher Derek Norris this winter and also have major league-ready

backups Jose Lobaton and Pedro Severino.

The deal seemed to lend some credence to speculation that Boras might take advantage of his

good relationship with Nats ownership to find a landing spot for Wieters if he failed to get him

an acceptable long-term deal elsewhere.

True or not, that’s how it all turned out.

http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/orioles/blog/bal-orioles-acquire-left-hander-richard-bleier-

in-trade-with-yankees-20170221-story.html

Orioles acquire left-hander Richard Bleier in trade with

Yankees

By Eduardo A. Encina / The Baltimore Sun

February 21, 2017

The Orioles continued to shuffle their spring training roster Tuesday, acquiring left-hander

Richard Bleier from the New York Yankees for a player to be named later.

To make 40-man roster space for Bleier, the Orioles designated first

baseman/outfielder Christian Walker for assignment.

It marked the fourth straight day the Orioles have made a roster move. They signed

outfielder Craig Gentry to a minor league deal Saturday, acquired lefty Vidal Nuno from the Los

Angeles Dodgers on Sunday and re-signed outfielder Michael Bourn to a minor league contract

Monday.

“We’ve been trying to add to our pitching depth, which was on our offseason shopping list,”

Orioles executive vice president Dan Duquette said. “We were trying to add to the depth of our

pitching, starters and relief, and we were trying to add to our left-handed pitching. The last two

guys we got [Nuno and Bleier] were lefties. And we picked up [Gabriel] Ynoa, which was a

righty. We are trying to pick up a pitching staff with more depth, [one] that can pitch until

October.”

Bleier, who was designated for assignment by the Yankees on Thursday, spent parts of nine

seasons in the minors with the Texas Rangers, Toronto Blue Jays, Washington Nationals and

Yankees organizations before receiving his first big league opportunity last year. He made two

appearances against the Orioles in October last season, tossing a pair of scoreless innings.

Both Bleier and Nuno come to the Orioles with minor league options, which gives the club

added roster flexibility.

“It’s important for the management of the team during the season,” Duquette said. “The way we

utilize our pitching staff, we put all our resources into today’s game, and then we worry about

tomorrow after the game, so it’s a lot easier when you have these players whose contracts are

optionable. If you need to refresh your bullpen or replenish the number of outs that you need on

your pitching staff, it’s a lot easier to send a player on option unilaterally to the minors when you

have to make a couple of player moves."

Bleier, 29, posted a 1.96 ERA over 23 relief innings with the Yankees last season in his first

major league stint. He held left-handers to a .150 batting average, but right-handers batted .304

against him.

He spent most of last season at Triple-A as a starter, going 2-3 with a 3.72 ERA in 12 games (10

starts) for Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.

“He’s got a good sinker and he came up with a cutter last year which helped him get out righties

more effectively,” Duquette said. “Our hope is with his sinker and cutter he’ll be able to establish

himself as a solid major league pitcher. … We think he’ll help us, give us some more depth to

our pitching staff and his sinkerball should play pretty well with our infield and our ballpark.”

Duquette said the Orioles’ decision to designate Walker for assignment was a depth-motivated

move. Walker, an Orioles fourth-round pick in 2012 out of South Carolina, was at one point one

of the top prospects in the organization. He spent last season playing in left field for the first

time. But Walker fell deeper on the team’s depth chart when the team re-signed slugger Mark

Trumbo this past offseason. The emergence of first baseman Trey Mancini as one of the club’s

top prospects has also hurt Walker’s fortunes. Duquette pointed out that the Orioles also have

Cuban outfielder Dariel Alvarez in the minors as well.

“Christian Walker’s a young player,” Duquette said. “That [all] limited the opportunity for

Christian for the O’s. We like him, obviously. We expect him to develop into a major league

player.”

Walker was the Orioles minor league Player of the Year in 2014 after hitting .288/.357/.489 with

26 homers and 96 RBIs between Double-A Bowie and Triple-A Norfolk. But his future with the

organization, especially at first base, fell into question when Chris Davis signed a seven-year,

$161 million deal before last season. The Orioles shifted Walker to the outfield last season, when

he hit .264/.321/.437 with 18 homers and 64 RBIs, but his move remained a project heading into

this year’s spring training.

Walker was initially in the starting lineup for Tuesday’s intrasquad game but was scratched for

non-roster player David Washington.

The Orioles have 10 days to trade, release or pass Walker through waivers.

http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/orioles/blog/bal-orioles-about-to-play-first-spring-

intrasquad-game-20170221-story.html

Orioles about to play first spring intrasquad game

By Eduardo A. Encina / The Baltimore Sun

February 21, 2017

The Orioles play their first intrasquad game of the spring this afternoon on the Ed Smith Stadium

main field. The starting lineups will give World Baseball Classic-bound players Manny

Machado, Jonathan Schoop, Adam Jones and Welington Castillo important game at-bats as they

prepare for the international event.

Schoop, Jones and Machado will get their share of plate appearances today as the first three

hitters in the “home” starting lineup. Castillo will hit fifth for the same team.

First pitch is scheduled for 1:05 p.m.

Here are the starting lineups:

Home Jonathan Schoop 2B

Adam Jones CF

Manny Machado SS

Hyun Soo Kim DH

Welington Castillo C

Chris Johnson 3B

Trey Mancini 1B

Chris Dickerson RF

Joey Rickard LF

Mike Wright RHP

Other pitchers

LHP Jayson Aquino

RHP Logan Verrett

RHP Zach Stewart

RHP Jason Garcia

RHP Joe Gunkel

Visitors Aneury Tavarez LF

Johnny Giovotella 2B

Ryan Flaherty SS

Christian Walker 1B

Logan Schafer CF

Craig Gentry RF

Anthony Santander DH

Robert Andino 2B

Caleb Joseph C

Tyler Wilson RHP

Other pitchers

LHP Donnie Hart

RHP Gabriel Ynoa

RHP Oliver Drake

RHP Parker Bridwell

RHP Richard Rodriguez

http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/schmuck-blog/bal-if-orioles-had-waited-around-they-

probably-could-have-signed-matt-wieters-20170221-story.html

Schmuck: If Orioles had waited around, they probably

could've re-signed Matt Wieters

By Peter Schmuck / The Baltimore Sun

February 21, 2017

Orioles executive vice president Dan Duquette isn't normally known for being terribly proactive

during the offseason, but he moved so quickly to sign non-tender free-agent catcher Welington

Castillo that bringing back Matt Wieters obviously was not a serious consideration.

Instead, Wieters sat on the market all winter and, according to multiple reports, just agreed to a

two-year contract with the Washington Nationals worth $21 million, which also reportedly

includes an opt-out clause after the 2017 season and substantial deferred money.

Wieters made $15.8 million last year after surprising the Orioles by accepting their qualifying

offer. This year, the Orioles could not afford to wait around to see what the market would bear,

so Duquette got Castillo for a song and made it clear he was looking no further for major league

help behind the plate.

Draw your own conclusions. Wieters was a big favorite of manager Buck Showalter, but

Duquette clearly felt that Castillo was a suitable substitute at a time (mid-December) when the

price for Wieters still figured to be much, much higher. It was a decisive move, similar to the

acquisition of slugger Mark Trumbo last winter in anticipation of losing first baseman Chris

Davis.

Of course, Davis came back anyway, but club sources repeatedly rebuffed any speculation that

the Orioles might bring Wieters back to share time with Castillo if the price fell far enough.

It's not as if Wieters ended up being thrown into exile. He's joining one of the National League's

top World Series contenders and will be catching a terrific pitching staff.

The Nationals always were thought to be on agent Scott Boras' dance card, even though they

already had acquired veteran catcher Derek Norris this winter and also have major league-ready

backups Jose Lobaton and Pedro Severino.

The deal seemed to lend some credence to speculation that Boras might take advantage of his

good relationship with Nats ownership to find a landing spot for Wieters if he failed to get him

an acceptable long-term deal elsewhere.

http://m.orioles.mlb.com/news/article/216717990/orioles-exercising-caution-with-zach-britton/

O's being cautious with Britton

By Rich Dubroff / MLB.com

February 22, 2017

SARASOTA, Fla. -- Zach Britton says that he's not worried about the soreness in his oblique.

The Orioles left-hander, who converted all 47 of his save attempts in 2016, was scheduled to

throw in an intrasquad game on Wednesday, but manager Buck Showalter said the day before

that Britton would not pitch.

"It felt a little bit better today. It was a few days ago, just kind of normal soreness," Britton said.

Britton threw a bullpen session on Monday.

"I just felt a little more sore than I normally would, so I talked to [trainers Richie Bancells and

Brian Ebel] and kind of figured out what was going on. I don't think it's anything serious. It was

more just soreness in an area that I don't normally get soreness," Britton said.

Because it's early in Spring Training, Britton is being extremely cautious.

"I think it's important. Kind of knowing where I am not and knowing where the finish line is, I

think it's important," Britton said. "I figured we'd nip it in the bud right now, and I don't want to

deal with that."

It was unlikely that Britton was going to pitch in the first two Grapefruit League games because

those matchups, on Friday and Saturday, will be played on the road.

Britton didn't feel any immediate pain after Monday's bullpen.

"That bullpen I threw the other day was really good. I felt really good, so I was kind of surprised

when I came in and I was a little sore. Getting old," Britton said.

Britton has only been on the disabled list once, and it was early in the 2012 season when he had a

platelet-rich plasma injection for soreness in his left shoulder.

"I've never had any issues with lower back or oblique or anything like that. That's why I brought

it up to Richie. It was just a little sore. You're sore right now, anyway, but it was in a spot where

I'm normally not, so I figured I'd talk to them about it and then treat it and kind of see how I feel

the next few days," Britton said.

Last season, Britton missed three days with a left ankle injury he suffered on April 30.

"I would be pitching in the regular season. I think my ankle injury was 100 times worse than this

last year, and I pitched through that, so it was just something I didn't see any benefit to going out

there and throwing all the time on this right now and possibly getting worse," Britton said. "I

finally did the smart thing and said something."

http://m.orioles.mlb.com/news/article/216718004/vidal-nuno-richard-bleier-arrive-at-os-camp/

Left-handers Nuno, Bleier arrive at camp

By Rich Dubroff / MLB.com

February 22, 2017

SARASOTA, Fla. -- The Orioles added two left-handers this week, and both reported to the team

on Wednesday. Vidal Nuno, who was acquired from the Dodgers, and Richard Bleier, picked up

from the Yankees, were on hand.

Nuno and Bleier, who will both turn 30 this year, will give the Orioles additional options.

Manager Buck Showalter said that he could foresee the team carrying three left-handers, with

perhaps Nuno or Bleier coming north with Zach Britton and Donnie Hart.

"It's been amazing what they've been doing, and what the front office has been doing," Nuno

said. "I'm excited, I'm thrilled to be a part of the bullpen. I can't wait to start my day and

everything. They've been contenders, and I'm very excited and blessed to have this opportunity."

In four big league seasons with the Yankees, D-backs and Mariners, Nuno is 5-20 with a 4.02

ERA. The southpaw, who will leave camp on March 5 to pitch for Mexico in the World Baseball

Classic, is attractive to the Orioles because he can both start and relieve.

Bleier piqued the Orioles' interest this past season when he had a 1.96 ERA in 23 games with the

Yankees, but he was designated for assignment on Feb. 16 and traded for cash considerations.

"I try and be realistic. I didn't think I was going to make it through the offseason," Bleier said. "I

think that my numbers put me in front of a few other guys, and then they just got to me on the

list of people where they needed a roster spot for."

Bleier and Nuno will compete with Logan Verrett, Tyler Wilson and Mike Wright for the final

spots in the bullpen. All but Bleier have started and relieved in the big leagues, and all have

options.

http://m.orioles.mlb.com/news/article/216660750/manny-machado-and-os-make-young-fans-

day/

Machado, O's give young fan unforgettable day

By Brittany Ghiroli / MLB.com

February 22, 2017

SARASOTA, Fla. -- Eleven-year-old Nicole Parker, of Ellicott City, Md., had a once-in-a-

lifetime experience on Tuesday, as the aspiring sportswriter -- who started an Orioles blog of her

own about a month ago -- got to visit O's camp and meet some of her heroes.

Parker, who came down with her father, Alex, to take in a little Spring Training action, wore a

Manny Machado Orioles jersey and was surprised when the All-Star third baseman paid a visit to

the media workroom to do an interview.

Parker found out about Machado's best friends on the team, favorite parts of spring and how

much he loves Opening Day. The interview was one of several she did, including others with O's

pitchers Tyler Wilson and Oliver Drake, for her "Diamond Diaries" blog.

Parker was also presented with Mark Trumbo's broken bat after the outfielder/first baseman

broke it during Tuesday morning's batting practice.

Not bad for a first day at camp.

http://m.orioles.mlb.com/news/article/216631836/matt-wieters-signs-2-year-deal-with-nationals/

Wieters agrees to 2-year deal with Nats

By Brittany Ghiroli / MLB.com

February 21, 2017

SARASOTA, Fla. -- Orioles All-Star catcher Matt Wieters agreed to a two-year contract with the

Washington Nationals on Tuesday morning, Nationals manager Dusty Baker confirmed. The

contract is pending a team physical.

Wieters, who could make up to $21 million according to MLB Network's Ken Rosenthal, will

reportedly make $10 million in 2017 and has an $11 million opt-out for the following season.

The Baltimore Orioles have not yet confirmed the transaction.

Wieters -- whose unsigned stature so late in spring was puzzling -- spent the previous eight

seasons with Baltimore, which took him with their first-round choice in the 2007 Draft. The

backstop could have hit free agency for the first time last season, but instead opted to accept the

Orioles' one-year $15.8 million qualifying offer for 2016.

Wieters looked poised to have a career year in 2014, getting off to a hot start before he hit the

disabled list with a forearm issue. He later underwent season-ending Tommy John surgery. He

played in 75 games in '15 and completed his comeback last season, playing in 124 games and

posting a .243/.302/.409 slash line.

He hit 117 career homers with Baltimore and, while O's fans clamored for a return, Baltimore

instead signed free agent Welington Castillo in mid-December. Castillo, who also has a two-year

deal that includes an opt-out in the second year, will make a guaranteed $13 million if he opts

into the second year.

http://m.orioles.mlb.com/news/article/216627728/orioles-trade-yankees-for-richard-bleier/

O's acquire lefty Bleier from Yanks for PTBN

By Brittany Ghiroli / MLB.com

February 21, 2017

SARASOTA, Fla. -- The Orioles completed their fourth transaction in as many days on Tuesday,

trading for Yankees left-handed pitcher Richard Bleier in exchange for a player to be named

later.

To create room on the 40-man roster, Baltimore designated Christian Walker for assignment.

Walker was a late scratch at first base for Tuesday's intrasquad game as a result.

"Bleier is a left-handed pitcher, he's got a good sinker and he came up with a cutter last year

which helped him get out righties more effectively. Our hope is with his sinker and cutter he'll be

able to establish himself as a solid Major League pitcher," said Dan Duquette, Orioles executive

vice president of baseball operations. "[He's] got a lot of experience over the course of his career

and he did some good work last September in the [American League] East. Pitched pretty well

against us, actually, the last series."

Bleier, who has Minor League options remaining, made his Major League debut on May 30

against Toronto. He made seven relief appearances in the month of September, and posted a 0.00

ERA in 9 2/3 innings pitched, allowed three hits with two walks and seven strikeouts.

Bleier finishes scoreless inning

He should add some depth to an Orioles pitching staff that headed into the winter needing

exactly that. Duquette traded for lefty Vidal Nuno from the Dodgers on Sunday, and recently

traded for righty Gabriel Ynoa from the Mets, in what has been an active week for transactions.

Bleier joins Nuno and outfielders Michael Bourn and Craig Gentry as additions to big league

camp since Saturday. The 29-year-old Bleier is 55-57 with a 4.02 ERA in 241 career Minor

League games (123 starts).

It was a numbers game for Walker, who didn't really fit in given that the O's had re-signed Mark

Trumbo and also have Trey Mancini and Dariel Alvarez in camp. Walker batted .264/.321/.437

with 18 home runs and 64 RBIs in 131 games for Triple-A Norfolk last season. He has appeared

in 13 Major League games, posting a .148/.258/.296 line with one home run and an RBI.

http://www.masnsports.com/school-of-roch/2017/02/pitching-updates-bourns-arrival-and-

more.html

Pitching updates, Bourn’s arrival and more

By Roch Kubatko / MASNsports.com

February 22, 2017

SARASOTA, Fla. - Left-hander Wade Miley no longer will pitch in Thursday’s rescheduled

intrasquad game. Miley has been named the starter for Sunday’s home exhibition opener against

the Pirates.

Ubaldo Jiménez and Kevin Gausman are starting in the intrasquad game, which has been

reduced to five innings.

The Orioles begin Grapefruit League play on Friday in Lakeland with Tyler Wilson opposing the

Tigers’ Michael Fulmer. Gabriel Ynoa starts Saturday in Bradenton against the Pirates’ Steven

Brault.

Brault is the former Orioles farmhand who was part of the Travis Snider deal in January 2015.

Jiménez will start Monday against the Yankees in Sarasota and Mike Wright will start Tuesday

against the Phillies in Clearwater.

Second baseman Jonathan Schoop will play in Thursday’s intrasquad game and in the Saturday,

Sunday and Monday exhibition games before leaving camp for the World Baseball Classic.

Zach Britton won’t pitch in the intrasquad game, but manager Buck Showalter repeated that the

club is being cautious with its closer. Britton felt some discomfort on his left side and the Orioles

don’t want it to turn into a strained oblique.

“During the season, he might pitch, but we’re not going to let the symptoms of that turn into the

actual it,” Showalter said. “We call it the ‘O’ word. I hate those things. They’re so hard to deal

with. You can’t go throw because you’ll irritate it.”

Players are eager to do something besides participate in drills and face each other in intrasquad

competition. Let the real fake games begin.

“We’re here early because of the WBC,” said center fielder Adam Jones. “When your number is

called, you show up. The first game is Friday in Lakeland. Caleb Joseph is definitely going to

that game. I probably won’t. But Saturday’s the first game. I think we’ll be ready.

“I’m tired of getting on the back fields with (Wayne) Kirby sitting there screaming and yelling,

putting the balls in the ponds and making us run. It’s part of it. It gets yourself in shape. You get

ready to play in a game because at the end of the day, 162 games are a long season. It’s tough to

get through it. If you go into it in shape, you should be able to get through it.”

Outfielder Michael Bourn expressed his joy at returning to the Orioles after agreeing to a minor

league deal.

“It’s good to be here,” he said. “I knew it was mutual interest and I’m happy that it worked out.

You never know in free agency. My second time going through it, so you just never know. You

hope for the best, and I’m happy I landed here and have a chance to make the team.”

The Orioles re-signed Bourn after he batted .283/.358/.435 with two home runs in 24 games

following an Aug. 31 trade with the Diamondbacks.

“I had a pretty good, strong month at the end of the year,” he said. “It was fun. I was on a team

that was winning, a chance to make the playoffs, in the race. That all plays into it and it was a

good atmosphere to be in.

“I had never played in the AL East, really. I played against it a lot playing interleague and being

in the American League a little bit, but it was just fun to be in. Every game matters. When I was

in Arizona, we weren’t having a real good season at the time, but when I came over here, it was

just fun. You see everybody, a loose clubhouse, but it was serious at the same time and I liked

it.”

Bourn was counted among the many free agents who stayed on the board through January.

“You know, to be honest with you, in free agency you don’t know what to expect,” he said. “You

have to wait for the dominos to fall, so I had to wait for the dominos to fall. There still are some

great players out there right now who aren’t signed, so what can you say? I’m just thankful for

the opportunity, and just come out there and show what I’ve got, go out there and play. Get in

baseball shape and see what happens.

“You’ve got a sense of urgency as a human being. Just like anything else, when you want

something to happen your urgency starts to every day, wants to go, but you know you’ve got to

be patient at the same time. I’m just thankful that it happened.”

It happened because Bourn took a minor league deal.

“Of course, you would love to be guaranteed, but you know it’s hard to go that way sometimes,”

he said. “It just is what it is. You have to accept some things that you don’t want to accept. You

have to come in and try to do what you do to prove yourself and that’s it.

“It’s spring training. You’re trying to get ready and trying to make sure you try to do what you

can at the same time. It’s a different role for me because I haven’t had this role in a long time.

I’ll be prepared. I’ll be ready to play. We’ll see what happens.”

Bourn is part of the Orioles’ plan, voiced Jones, to become more athletic on the outfield corners.

It’s also why they traded for him last summer.

“Looking from afar, hearing that you’re about to get traded to a team, you kind of know a couple

of days before. You hear rumblings,” he said. “You kind of take a look at the team and see what

they need. When I came in last year, I already knew they had power. I knew they had pitching,

all that kind of stuff, defense, but when I came in, I didn’t know how the outfield defense was. I

didn’t know everything.

“I just want to add to it. We have good players in here already. I know what I bring, they know

what I bring. I just try to make the most of it.”

Bourn doesn’t feel like he’s behind other players in camp despite his late signing.

“Just have to see a few pitches,” he said. “A lot of people haven’t seen a lot of pitches at this

point. Just need to see pitching and after that I’ll get my timing and it’ll happen from there.”

Bourn is in the unusual position of having to earn a roster spot. It hasn’t really been an issue

since 2007 with the Phillies.

“It was my time then that I had to do it and I have to do it again now,” he said. “That just is what

it is. There’s no other option for me. You just show what you can do, show your skills

offensively and defensively, on the bases, and just show what you can show. Just try to be ready

to play when it’s time to play, try to get your work in at the same time. And I’m just up for the

challenge.”

Showalter didn’t know when Bourn would make his exhibition debut.

“It’s a pretty seamless fit,” Showalter said. “He’s been pretty active. He’s been playing. He’ll get

into the mix real quickly here. We didn’t go through a spring training with him. We know him

from the situation he was cast in last year, but there’s a lot of other things.

Our outfield situation has become, not a problem. It’s going to present some good challenges for

us. We’ve got some versatile pieces out there.

“Kirby’s talking to him today and we’ll sit down as a staff and see what we’ve got to catch up

on. (Kirby) did tell me that (Bourn) has been real active playing and he’s ready to go whenever

we feel comfortable with it, but I’ve got to figure out how much of that is false bravado a little

bit. Sooner rather than later. He’s a good addition.”

The Orioles also signed Craig Gentry to a minor league deal. They’re serious about improving

their defense in the outfield.

“Those are two guys who have great track records of catching the ball,” Jones said. “I’m thrilled

to have them in camp, but what you have to understand is that the everyday players are probably

going to be (Mark) Trumbo and (Hyun Soo) Kim or Seth (Smith) and Kim.

“You see that they’re here so that means that the team is, not necessarily listening to me, but

they’ve been watching the game. It’s reality. You watch the game and you see what we’re

lacking. And it’s not any jabs against any other person. It just is what it is. Some people just

excel at different things. For us to be a very contending team and to get out of that first round

and past that wild card, we need to improve.

“At the end of the day, whatever you have to do to win is what you got to. It doesn’t matter

who’s out there. Whatever you have to do, we’re going to have to do. If you look at it, our

efficiency is terrific. We catch the ball. We throw the ball to the right bases. We catch everything

that’s in our vicinities.

“The best thing about being a professional athlete is that you figure out that you’re a professional

and you know how to make adjustments. That’s just what we’re going to have to do, figure it out

somehow, some way.”

http://www.masnsports.com/school-of-roch/2017/02/nuno-and-bleier-hoping-to-head-north-with-

orioles.html

Nuño and Bleier hoping to head north with Orioles

By Roch Kubatko / MASNsports.com

February 22, 2017

SARASOTA, Fla. - Pitchers Vidal Nuño and Richard Bleier and outfielder Michael Bourn

reported to Orioles camp this morning, the three newest additions to a clubhouse that still has a

few empty lockers.

Let’s see what today brings besides rain and high winds.

Two of those lockers belonged to left-hander T.J. McFarland and outfielder/first baseman

Christian Walker, who have been designated for assignment and could return if they clear

waivers.

Nuño has joined his fifth organization since 2013, though he never pitched for the Dodgers. They

acquired him from the Mariners in November for catcher Carlos Ruiz and shipped him to the

Orioles on Sunday for minor league pitcher Ryan Moseley.

“Every day is something new and every team is trying to build to the top of their bullpen or

whatever piece they need,” Nuño said this morning. “They needed me, so I’m really thrilled to

get the opportunity and I’m going to try to exceed to the fullest.”

The idea of planting roots in Baltimore and maybe unpacking his bags hasn’t crossed his mind.

“I don’t think that daily,” he said. “It’s a business, so it’s a daily routine and whatever comes up,

comes up. I’m happy to be in Florida and I’m happy to be with the Baltimore Orioles.

“It’s been amazing what they’ve been doing and what the front office has been doing. I’m

excited, I’m thrilled to be a part of the bullpen. I can’t way to start my day and everything.

They’ve been contenders and I’m very excited and blessed to have this opportunity.”

Manager Buck Showalter said he views Nuño as a starter or reliever. It’s more likely that Nuño

breaks camp as the third lefty in the bullpen, a long man to complement closer Zach Britton and

specialist Donnie Hart. However, he could be a swingman in the mold of right-hander Vance

Worley, who signed a minor league deal with the Nationals last month.

“Yeah, that’s my repertoire right there,” said Nuño, who threw a bullpen session his morning

before another storm arrived. “I’ve been doing the past year and a half in the bullpen role, so

wherever they throw at me, I’ll try to do my best and get these guys out.”

Nuño, who’s 5-20 with a 4.02 ERA and 1.260 WHIP in 126 games, including 42 starts, will

leave camp on March 5 for the World Baseball Classic. Catch him while you can.

Getting adjusted to the Orioles and his new surroundings before the WBC is “no challenge,”

Nuño said.

“It’s just being around the clubhouse, being around the complex day in, day out, just getting

acclimated with the guys and go upon my daily routine,” he said.

Bleier arrived here under different circumstances. The Yankees designated the left-hander for

assignment last week and the Orioles acquired him yesterday for a player to be named later.

Bleier made his major league debut last year at 29, and he celebrates another birthday in April.

He wasn’t blindsided by the Yankees decision to designate him, though his production and

having two minor league options could have worked to his advantage.

“I think that regardless, someone in my situation, a 29-year-old rookie, whether it’s between me

and a 24-year-old rookie, I think it just makes more sense to get rid of the older guy,

unfortunately,” Bleier said.

“I try to be realistic. I didn’t think I was going to make it through the offseason. I think that my

numbers put me in front of a few other guys and then they just got to me on the list of people

where they needed a roster spot for.

“I’ve never been on a 40-man roster before. I’ve never been designated before, so I didn’t know

what to expect, to be honest with you. It’s definitely a new experience for me. I’m thankful that

there was another team interested in me.”

The Orioles faced him three times last season and failed to score a run in his three innings. He

posted a 1.96 ERA in 23 relief appearances and didn’t allow a run over 9 2/3 innings in

September.

“I think the biggest thing for me was that I thought that I could get big league hitters out and

actually got to the big leagues and proved to myself that I can do it,” he said. “That confidence,

knowing that I can compete. Everybody believes in themselves, me as well, but proving to

myself that I can do it is the biggest thing for me.”

There’s more to prove. Bleier held left-handers to a .150 average, with only six hits in 40 at-bats,

but right-handers batted .304. Triple-A left-handers hit .222 against him last summer, but right-

handers hit .325.

“I think I’d like to get as many people out as I can, lefties or righties, and see where the dust

settles,” he said.

http://www.masnsports.com/school-of-roch/2017/02/britton-on-soreness-i-dont-think-its-

anything-serious.html

Britton on soreness: “I don’t think it’s anything serious”

By Roch Kubatko / MASNsports.com

February 22, 2017

SARASOTA, Fla. - The rain arrived early this morning in Sarasota and caused the Orioles to

postpone their intrasquad game until Thursday at 11:30 a.m. Work must be done indoors today

unless it involves the backstroke.

Closer Zach Britton isn’t scheduled to throw after informing the club yesterday that he’s feeling

some soreness on his left side. Britton didn’t sound worried this morning while providing an

update at his locker.

Britton threw on one of the side mounds Monday before heading into the covered cage for his

bullpen session. The discomfort didn’t surface until yesterday and Britton informed head athletic

trainer Richie Bancells and assistant Brian Ebel.

Manager Buck Showalter made the decision to scratch Britton from the intrasquad game, passing

along his decision to the media inside the clubhouse yesterday afternoon following his usual

interview session in the prep room. Showalter said Britton had the symptoms of a possible

oblique injury.

“It felt a little bit better today,” Britton said. “It was a few days ago, just kind of normal soreness

from throwing. And then we threw in the cage the other day, and I came in and I just felt a little

more sore than I normally would, so I talked to Richie and Ebel and kind of figured out what was

going on.

“I don’t think it’s anything serious. It was more just soreness in an area that I don’t normally get

soreness. And it’s so early in camp I figured maybe take a day or so, treat it and see how I feel.”

Anything with the word “oblique” attached to it is going to raise concerns.

Britton tried to defuse the situation today, making jokes and pointing out that his sprained ankle

last season, suffered while fielding a bunt on April 30, was much worse. Britton pitched again

five days later.

The club just wants to get ahead of this injury, or whatever it’s called, rather than risk losing

Britton for a significant amount of time.

“Yeah, I think it’s important,” Britton said. “Kind of knowing where I am now and knowing

where the finish line is, I think it’s important. I figured we’d nip it in the bud right now.

“It was the next day. I didn’t feel it actually doing any throwing which is, I guess, a good sign.

There wasn’t one specific pitch or one thing I was doing that I can remember that gave me an

issue, so it was more the next day coming in a little sore.”

Britton has never sustained an injury to his lower back or oblique. He went on the disabled list in

2012 after receiving a platelet-rich plasma injection in his left shoulder, a few years before he

emerged as an All-Star closer.

“That’s why I brought it up to Richie,” he said. “It was just a little sore. You’re sore right now

anyway, but it was in a spot where I’m normally not, so I figured I’d talk to them about it and

then treat it and kind of see how I feel the next few days.

“I would be pitching in the regular season. I think my ankle injury was 100 times worse than this

last year and I pitched through that, so it was just something I didn’t see any benefit to going out

there and throwing all the time on this right now and possibility getting worse. I finally did the

smart thing and said something.

“That bullpen I threw the other day was really good. I felt really good, so I was kind of surprised

when I came in and I was a little sore. Getting old.”

http://www.masnsports.com/school-of-roch/2017/02/jimenez-putting-thoughts-of-free-agency-

on-hold.html

Jiménez putting thoughts of free agency on hold

By Roch Kubatko / MASNsports.com

February 22, 2017

SARASOTA, Fla. - Ubaldo Jiménez is back in his contract year, free agency looming like storm

clouds over one of the practice fields.

Will a team make it rain?

The Orioles were mighty generous on Feb. 19, 2014, giving Jiménez $50 million over four years

in the largest deal handed out to a free agent pitcher outside the organization. The return hasn’t

been acceptable, to say the least, though his contributions in September pushed the Orioles into

the wild card game and offered renewed hope that he can ride the wave into this summer.

Entering the market again in November isn’t a focal point for Jiménez.

“That’s crazy how time flies in baseball, especially when you are in the majors,” Jiménez said.

“In the minors, no. The year takes a long time. But I’m not even thinking about it. That’s what

I’m putting in my mind is to come here every day and try to help the team out. This is probably

my last chance to do what we came here to do. That’s why I’m putting it in my mind.”

“I think in baseball, you put too much pressure on yourself and if you put more, it’s going to

make it even worse.”

Because free agency isn’t occupying Jiménez’s thoughts in camp, he can’t gauge whether he

feels differently compared to the spring of 2013 with the Indians.

“No. I don’t think so, but like I said, I’m not even thinking about that,” he said. “That’s not what

I have on my mind.”

Jiménez has gone 26-31 with a 4.72 ERA and 1.466 WHIP in his three seasons with the Orioles,

moving in and out of the rotation and teasing them with the occasional dominant outing that

serves as a reminder of why they pursued him.

The quirky delivery can make Jiménez extremely difficult to hit - lots of moving parts - but it

also presents its own challenges to the man holding the ball. It’s easier to repeat the dialogue

from a three-hour movie.

“I’ve thrown two bullpens already and I feel really good,” he said. “Everything is working,

everything is where it’s supposed to be about my mechanics. Pitches are coming around and just

working hard every day.

“That’s everything for me, to get my mechanics down right away. Especially this year it’s going

to be even better because we came here earlier, so that’s going to allow me to get in a groove a

little bit faster.”

If only it were easy to just go out and do the same thing after retiring the side in order, but it’s

not as simple as 1-2-3.

“Especially with my mechanics,” said Jiménez, who retired only one batter and lasted 2 1/3

innings in back-to-back starts against the Blue Jays, went only 1 1/3 innings on July 8 versus the

Angels and again came out of the rotation.

“I have a lot of movement so everything has to be, I guess, in the perfect place for me to repeat

my mechanics and deliver the pitch as I want it.”

Each failed start seems to lead us back to his mechanics. The strike zone moves on him like a

water bug. He’s averaged 4.3 walks per nine innings with the Orioles and been showered with

boos at home - not the preferred method for making it rain.

“A lot of it has got to do with his delivery,” said manager Buck Showalter. “Like I said before,

there’s a lot of good things. I challenge you to find a guy who posted up like him for that many

years in a row. I think he’s probably one of one.”

Beginning in 2008 with the Rockies, Jiménez has made 34, 33, 33, 32, 31, 32, 22, 32 and 25

starts. He was selected to the All-Star team and finished third in Cy Young Award voting in the

National League in 2010.

“The pitch count gets him a lot, but for two or three years running, he might have been the best

pitcher in baseball,” Showalter said. “The command hasn’t been there as much for him to take

his experience and use it to stay in that same category, but curious to see what type of ...

“I know what year he’s capable of. Be nice to see him get in a groove.”

New pitching coach Roger McDowell will try to keep him in it. He’ll go where others have

failed, through no fault of their own. Former pitching coach Dave Wallace and bullpen coach

Dom Chiti worked on Jiménez’s special delivery, lowering his hands and reducing the

movement, but the results weren’t consistent. Old habits die hard.

“Also excited about, as good as Wally and Dom were, getting a fresh set of eyes on some of the

things he does mechanically,” Showalter said.

“It’s one of the things I like about Roger. He isn’t going to come here first day and see him

throw two pitches and go, ‘Oh, there’s what it is. I’ve got it. He puts his left leg over his right

ear. This is what it is.’ You’ve got to step back, you’ve got to watch the sides, you’ve got to get

to know the person, you’ve got to watch spring training games, you’ve got to watch major league

games in the season.

“Roger’s not coming in here trying to reinvent the wheel and everybody else is stupid and he’s

smart. But he knows the challenges of trying to keep that delivery, and more importantly, Ubaldo

does.”

Jiménez, 33, hasn’t noticed much of a difference between Wallace and McDowell. The transition

has been smoother than, yes, his delivery.

“Those guys have a lot of experience,” Jiménez said, “and especially this early they just want to

read you and to see how you do things and then after that they might find a way to help you out

with things you might need.”

The rotation held down the Orioles for much of the 2016 season, but it produced the lowest ERA

in the majors in September. Jiménez went 3-1 with a 2.31 ERA and 0.829 WHIP in five starts,

and his complete-game victory at Tropicana Field was worthy of a parade down Pratt St.

The key to Jiménez’s success takes us down a familiar road. His warmup music should come

from Mike + The Mechanics.

“It was the mechanics,” he said, singing a familiar tune. “I was working on stuff that I was able

to get down in the last month of the season and that was everything.”

Free agency beckons again for Jiménez and the Orioles likely will pass, hoping that they get the

best out of him this year, win a championship and lean more heavily on their younger starters

going forward.

“I wouldn’t want to say it’s a big year for him because he’s in a contract year, but he knows what

he could mean to our club if he could be as consistent as he can be,” Showalter said. “He’s gone

through periods since he’s been here where he’s been real good and some others where it’s been

a challenge for him. Ubaldo, he’s the kind of guy under the radar a little bit that may be a

difference-maker for us.

http://www.masnsports.com/school-of-roch/2017/02/britton-scratched-from-intrasquad-game-

plus-other-notes.html

Britton scratched from intrasquad game (plus other notes)

By Roch Kubatko / MASNsports.com

February 21, 2017

SARASOTA, Fla. - Closer Zach Britton has been scratched from Wednesday’s intrasquad game

with symptoms of a possible left oblique injury, according to manager Buck Showalter.

Showalter said the move is being made for precautionary reasons and suggested that Britton

could pitch if the Orioles had started the regular season. They’re not taking any chances with him

in February.

Britton was supposed to pitch in the same group as starter Wade Miley, Dylan Bundy, Mychal

Givens and Jed Bradley. Logan Ondrusek already was scratched because of an ankle injury.

With rain in the forecast, the game may be pushed to 11 a.m. Thursday.

Britton should be able to provide more details in the morning. He already left the complex before

the media reentered the clubhouse.

Tyler Wilson will start Friday’s exhibition opener against the Tigers in Lakeland, Fla., and

Gabriel Ynoa will start Saturday’s game against the Pirates in Bradendon.

Pitchers Vidal Nuno and Richard Bleier and outfielder Michael Bourn will report to camp on

Wednesday.

Bourn stays in the organization after agreeing yesterday to a minor league deal. He also keeps his

uniform No. 1.

“Mike is quality,” Showalter said. “I don’t even call him an extra outfielder. This is a guy who

played meaningful games for us last year and really responded and had some big executions.

Improved us defensively. And he’s a professional. He’s a guy who’s going to come in here and

compete for a job. That’s a good addition for us.”

Showalter was waiting to speak with Christian Walker after the Orioles designated the former

fourth-round pick for assignment today to create a spot for Bleier on the 40-man roster.

Executive vice president already had informed Walker of the club’s decision.

Walker was supposed to play first base in today’s intrasquad game, which ended after six innings

in a scoreless tie.

“Who knows, in a few days he could be back with us,” Showalter said. “I’ll talk to him. It’s

tough, but it’s got a chance to work out well for him. Until we get to that point, I’m not going to

start acting like he’s gone, because he’s not yet.”

Bleier has two minor league options remaining, giving the Orioles more flexibility.

“We had a lot of good reports on him and some people that really like him,” Showalter said.

“Added a pitch last year that really, you could see his numbers against left-handed hitters last

year in a short sampling in the big leagues. And some things he did in Scranton. Some people

who saw him thought he would be worthy of a ... And the options were very attractive, too. And

just another maneuverability piece that we’ve been challenged with in the past.”

The camp roster remains at 55 players. The Orioles have made four moves in the last four days.

Heads are spinning.

“Because of the offseason and the WBC and because of a little different landscape with the free

agents, as you can tell with the number of people out there, we knew. That’s why we came in

here so low with our numbers. One of the reasons,” Showalter said.

“We knew there were going to be a lot of additions once we got down here as soon as people

started looking around and seeing how many chairs there were. And also, it allows us by being

low to present that opportunity that we try to out-opportunity other people because they look

around and ... Chris Johnson had some options and he looked around and saw Manny (Machado)

wasn’t going to be here and he’s going to get a lot of at-bats. (Robert) Andino the same way, and

(Johnny) Giavotella. They all had options and because of the opportunity we were going to show

them ...

“If we don’t take them, you look at the at-bats and the people who are going to see them down

here, this bodes well for them. Stay tuned. Tomorrow’s another day.”

Much of the camp buzz today centered on catcher Matt Wieters’ two-year deal with the

Nationals, officially ending his tenure with the Orioles, who made him the fifth pick in the 2007

draft out of Georgia Tech.

“I talked with him a few days back. I texted with him. Maria and him and Maverick and their

new son,” Showalter said.

“The only thing he said to me is that this is really weird being home this time of year. Your

baseball clock is such. On a personal level. I’m glad that he’s settled in some place. They’ll be

happy with him. He’ll do well for them. I’m glad that Matt doesn’t have that unknown hanging

around him, and his family. There’s a lot more going on in his life than baseball.

“Don’t think I don’t think about it. I remember the first time I sat down with Matt in Baltimore

when I got there. I knew kind of what was going on there with him. First-round pick, bonus, all

the other stuff that had been talked about. I was talking to Matt. I got you. I need you to take the

governor’s off a little bit.

“Matt’s not the kind of guy who’s going to walk in like a peacock and spread his feathers. I just

wanted him to be what he became. I was trying to shorten that. He would have. I just wanted him

to know that I had it, and I wanted him to go... It was a great conversation. He took the ball and

ran with it. From that standpoint, it’s kind of tough.

“Everybody’s still kind of looks around waiting to see him again. He was such an integral part of

our organization for such a long time. That’s the game that we work in. It’s tough. He’s got to do

what’s best for him and we have to make the adjustments.”

Caleb Joseph may be impacted the most by Wieters’ departure, and not only from a professional

standpoint. They had become close friends.

“It was tough,” Joseph said. “They say that all good things come to an end and I guess until it

becomes official you hold out hope that he’d be an Oriole. I guess it’s new beginnings for both

of us. The good thing is he’s going to be right down the street. He’ll be playing on MASN2.

maybe.

“Matt’s a great human first and foremost. I think that’s the best compliment you can give

somebody over the fact that he is such a tremendous baseball player. He’s a great defensive

catcher. He’s a leader. He’s a middle-of-the-order switch-hitting guy with power, but more than

that, he’s a tremendous guy and I think that’s what I’m going to miss most. Just his influence on

and off the field.”

Wieters stayed on the market much longer than expected before agreeing to a two-year deal

worth a reported $21 million and including an opt-out after 2017.

“I’m glad for him because players, they want to get to free agency and they want to get that

security,” Joseph said. “He was probably looking for a little bit more, but I’m happy for him and

Maria that they can know for two years that they’re going to be in the D.C. area.”

Joseph referred to Wieters as “irreplaceable” when asked about the four-time All-Star’s impact

on him.

“He took me under his wing a couple years ago - actually more than a couple years ago - and

taught me a lot of what I know,” Joseph said. “Not only helped me get here but also stay here.

But off the field, he’s been even more. He’s been a mentor, a friend, a guy to lean on.

“That’s kind of the stuff you miss. People forget we develop relationships off the field. My wife

is close to his wife. Our kids are close in age. It’s those type of things that hurt the worse. You

understand it’s a business in baseball, but at the same time it’s not easy to say goodbye.”

http://www.masnsports.com/school-of-roch/2017/02/orioles-interrupt-intrasquad-by-trading-for-

bleier.html

Orioles interrupt intrasquad by trading for Bleier (updated)

By Roch Kubatko / MASNsports.com

February 21, 2017

SARASOTA, Fla. - Christian Walker was listed as the first baseman and cleanup hitter for the

visiting team in today’s intrasquad game, but he never took the field. David Washington replaced

him in the bottom of the first inning and lined a single into center field off Logan Verrett leading

off the top of the second.

There was a good reason for Walker’s removal from the lineup. He was designated for

assignment to make room for left-hander Richard Bleier, acquired from the Yankees today for a

player to be named later.

Another roster move for the Orioles, who have quite a streak going this spring.

Bleier, 29, is 55-57 with a 4.02 ERA in 241 career minor league games, including 123 starts. He

made his major league debut against the Blue Jays on May 30 and posted a 1.96 ERA in 23

games.

Bleier faced the Orioles three times last summer and allowed one hit in three scoreless innings.

Left-handers were 6-for-40 versus Bleier and right-handers hit .304.

“Bleier’s got a good sinker and he came up with a cutter last year, which helped him get out

righties more effectively, so our hope is with his sinker and his cutter he’ll be able to establish

himself as a solid major league pitcher,” said executive vice president Dan Duquette.

“Got a lot of experience over the course of his career and he did some good work last September

in the AL East. Pitched pretty well against us actually the last series. Got some of our proven

major league hitters out working both inside on the lefties and the righties. We think he’ll help

give us some more depth to our pitching staff and his sinkerball should play pretty well with our

infield and our ballpark.”

Bleier didn’t allow a run in seven September appearances covering 9 2/3 innings. He has minor

league options.

The Orioles have acquired outfielder Craig Gentry, left-hander Vidal Nuño, outfielder Michael

Bourn and Bleier in the past four days. Duquette said nothing else is imminent, but he might

have just been referring to today.

“We’ve been trying to add to our pitching depth, which was on our offseason shopping list,”

Duquette said. “We were trying to add to the depth of our pitching, starter and relief, and we

were trying to add to our left-handed pitching. The last two guys we got were lefties. And we

picked up (Gabriel) Ynoa, which was a righty. We’re trying to pick up a pitching staff with more

depth that can pitch until October.”

Duquette contacted the Yankees after they designated Bleier for assignment last week to create

roster space for Chris Carter.

“We registered our interest with the Yanks,” he said. “I’m not sure we were the Yanks first

choice, but we ended up getting the player. “

Walker, the organization’s minor league Player of the Year in 2014, became expendable over the

winter and didn’t make the necessary strides as a left fielder to increase his value.

“Christian Walker’s a young player,” Duquette said. “That was a depth consideration.

Once we re-signed Mark Trumbo, and then Trey Mancini developed, and we also have Dariel

Álvarez, that limited the opportunity for Christian for the O’s. We like him, obviously. We

expect him to develop into a major league player.”

Bleier and Nuno both have options and bring needed flexibility.

“It’s important for the management of the team during the season,” Duquette said. “The way we

utilize our pitching staff, we put all our resources into today’s game, and then we worry about

tomorrow after the game, so it’s a lot easier when you have these players whose contracts are

optionable if you need to refresh your bullpen or replenish the number of outs that you need on

your pitching staff. It’s a lot easier to send a player on option unilaterally to the minors when you

have to make a couple of player moves.

“Building a roster with players that has options is one of the considerations. We took (Francisco)

Peña off. We also designated T.J. McFarland for assignment. We have been able to pick up two

left-handers this week that should give us the depth required that McFarland gave us the last

couple of years.”

Mike Wright retired the side in order for the home team in the first inning, throwing 10 of his 17

pitches for strikes. He struck out Rule 5 pick Aneury Tavárez.

Tyler Wilson retired the first two batters in the bottom half, getting Jonathan Schoop on a fly ball

and Adam Jones on a grounder to short. Manny Machado poked a single into right field

and Hyun Soo Kim blooped a single to shallow left, but Tavárez threw out Machado at third.

Wilson threw 12 pitches, 10 for strikes.

Verrett gave up Washington’s single, but he retired the next two batters and was done at 11

pitches. Manager Buck Showalter kept the team on the field long enough to run one bunt drill,

rolling the ball to the infield. This is also how you know it’s only intrasquad.

Welington Castillo threw out Washington trying to steal second base.

Ynoa struck out Castillo and Chris Johnson to start the bottom of the second inning, and Mancini

grounded to short. Ynoa threw 13 pitches, nine strikes, and he was popping the mitt, the sound

echoing through a mostly empty Ed Smith Stadium.

Rule 5 pick Anthony Santander flied out while batting from the left side against right-

hander Zach Stewart leading off the top of the third. Showalter indicated yesterday that

Santander, coming off shoulder surgery, might be restricted to hitting right-handed.

Stewart was allowed to face four batters, retiring all of them, and run his pitch count to 12. Seven

were strikes. Robert Andino popped up, Caleb Joseph grounded out and Tavárez popped up.

Left-hander Donnie Hart surrendered a leadoff double to left-handed hitting Chris Dickerson, the

ball traveling to the base of the fence in left field. Joey Rickard struck out and Dickerson was

thrown out at third base on Schoop’s grounder to Andino at short. Jones popped up and Hart was

done at 16 pitches, including 11 strikes.

Still no runs on the board in the top of the sixth. Jason Garcia, Oliver Drake, Jayson

Aquino and Parker Bridwell each threw a scoreless inning.

Update: The intrasquad game ended scoreless after six innings. Joe Gunkel and Richard

Rodríguez each threw a scorelees inning. Continue to breathe normally.

http://www.masnsports.com/school-of-roch/2017/02/intrasquad-lineups-and-wieters-news.html

Intrasquad lineups and Wieters news

By Roch Kubatko / MASNsports.com

February 21, 2017

SARASOTA, Fla. - The Orioles have posted their first lineup for 2017. It’s an intrasquad game,

but let’s not quibble.

Don’t read too much into it. Jonathan Schoop probably isn’t going to bat leadoff on opening day.

But he needs the at-bats this spring before leaving Feb. 28 for the World Baseball Classic.

Home Team Jonathan Schoop 2B

Adam Jones CF

Manny Machado SS

Hyun Soo Kim DH

Welington Castillo C

Chris Johnson 3B

Trey Mancini 1B

Chris Dickerson RF

Joey Rickard LF

Mike Wright RHP

Visiting Team Aneury Tavárez LF

Johnny Giavotella 2B

Ryan Flaherty 3B

Christian Walker 1B

Logan Schafer CF

Chris Gentry RF

Anthony Santander DH

Robert Andino SS

Caleb Joseph C

Tyler Wilson RHP

The home reserves include Chris Davis, Seth Smith, Francisco Peña, Mark Trumbo, Adrian

Marin and Garabez Rosa, the last two coming here from minor league camp. J.J. Hardy also is

listed, but he isn’t cleared to play.

The visiting reserves include Chance Sisco, David Washington, Dariel Álvarez, Audry

Pérez, Yermín Mercedes and Erick Salcedo, the latter coming here from minor league game.

In much bigger news, Matt Wieters is set to join the Nationals on a two-year, $21 million

contract that includes an opt-out after 2017, according to reports.

The Nats kept denying interest in Wieters, but his price dropped and agent Scott Boras has a

tremendous relationship with the organization. This shouldn’t come as a shocker. Anyone could

have connected those dots.

On the day prior to the start of the Winter Meetings, I wrote that the industry buzz had the

Nationals still a possible destination for Wieters and they could flip catcher Derek Norris, who

was obtained in a trade with the Padres. General manager Mike Rizzo shot down the idea to local

reporters.

Well, Wieters is headed to D.C. and the Nationals will likely trade from their surplus of catching.

FOXSports.com reports that Wieters will receive $10 million this year and $11 million in 2018 if

he doesn’t opt out.

The Orioles signed Castillo as Wieters’ replacement. They didn’t make the $17.2 million

qualifying offer to Wieters and weren’t going to invest significant money in the catching position

while paying Castillo $6 million this year.

Boras told reporters at the Winter Meetings that Wieters wasn’t going to sign before January and

the Orioles couldn’t afford to wait, which led to their Dec. 16 agreement with Castillo, who was

non-tendered by the Diamondbacks.

Castillo’s contract includes a $7 million player option for 2018. Wieters has an opt-out. Sounds

like the same thing.

Joseph and Peña are the prime candidates to back up Castillo. The camp roster also includes

Pérez, Sisco and Mercedes.

The Orioles host the Nationals on May 8-9 and play in D.C. on May 10-11.

http://www.masnsports.com/steve-melewski/2017/02/appreciating-matt-wieters-and-scouting-

richard-rodriguez.html

Appreciating Matt Wieters and scouting Richard Rodríguez

By Steve Melewski / MASNsports.com

February 22, 2017

The team’s first-round draft pick (fifth overall) in the 2007 draft, he came amid plenty of hype to

the major leagues for the first time in May 2009. Heck, then team exec Andy MacPhail even

announced his promotion from Triple-A live on MASN days in advance. It became an event and

must-see TV.

Baseball’s No. 1-rated prospect was coming to the Orioles. He would throw out runners like

Johnny Bench. On offense, he would be “Mauer with power.” On off-days, he would probably

drive around the Beltway selling tickets and spreading goodwill.

No one could live up to such expectations, and even though he made All-Star teams and won

Gold Glove Awards with the Orioles, catcher Matt Wieters never quite did.

But as he heads to the Washington Nationals, Orioles fans hopefully have some solid

appreciation for Wieters’ time in Baltimore. He was part of a core group of players that, led by

Buck Showalter, turned a losing team into a winner - one that made the playoffs three times in

five years after missing it for 14 consecutive seasons. We should never take that for granted or

underestimate it. Anyone that remembers all the losing probably never will.

Some fans kept waiting for that 30-homer, 100-RBI year and it never came. But Wieters had

some decent years along the way and some very big hits. His defense was often criticized on the

blogs and message boards, but at the same time, pitchers in the same clubhouse were swearing

by his work and his decisions. They said they loved throwing to him.

Most fans don’t care when we tell you how important it is from a media standpoint when a

player is almost always available for interviews. But when you do so many interviews - almost

every day once the year starts - reporters sure appreciate it. Wieters was always a pleasure to deal

with. I can remember some quiet clubhouses after games the Orioles lost where some players

preferred not to be interviewed. But Wieters posted by his locker to speak for his teammates. If

he had a bad day, he never ducked a question about it. While Wieters was never known as a great

quote, if you hit him with a pointed question, he often had an answer providing good information

and valuable insight.

So after a winter where we heard at times that the Nationals were interested in Wieters and at

other times that they were not, in the end, he is a National. Of course, he did not get a huge deal,

but per Spotrac, his 2017 salary ranks sixth-highest among all majore league catchers.

Maybe fans can forgive Wieters for never turning into “Mauer with power.” But hopefully they

never forget the impact he had as a once-proud franchise finally turned the losing around and

became a winner again.

Could this guy help this year?: There are probably few pitchers that have flown under the radar

on the Orioles’ farm more than right-hander Richard Rodríguez. A non-roster invitee to O’s

spring training, Rodríguez threw a scoreless inning in Tuesday’s intrasquad game.

Sure, Rodríguez is a longshot to make the opening day roster, but after a strong year and a half

since they traded for him, he could provide the Orioles solid bullpen depth later this summer.

Rodríguez, out of Santiago, Dominican Republic, turns 27 on March 4. Houston originally

signed him out of the Dominican as an amateur in April 2010. The Astros traded him to the

Orioles for cash considerations on June 25, 2015.

Last summer at Triple-A Norfolk, Rodríguez pitched in 48 games, going 6-2 with a 2.53 ERA.

Over 81 2/3 innings, he gave up 65 hits with 25 walks and 81 strikeouts. Lefty batters hit just

.208 off him and right-handers hit .221. After the season, he pitched in the Dominican Winter

League, going 3-0 with a 2.13 ERA. Over 17 games, he pitched 25 1/3 innings, allowing 22 hits

with four walks and 24 strikeouts.

I asked Orioles director of player development Brian Graham for a scouting report on Rodríguez.

“Live arm and a good body,” he said. “Plus velocity and plus life on the fastball with a slider and

sometimes a changeup. Most important is just the live arm. When you get a live arm like that, if

it locks in, he has a chance to be really good.”

During the 2015 season when he was dealt to Baltimore, Rodríguez pitched in Triple-A for

Houston before working at Double-A Bowie and Norfolk for the Orioles. He went 7-4 with a

2.47 ERA with 22 walks and 74 strikeouts in 83 2/3 innings. In his career, he has a walk rate of

2.37 per every nine innings, a strikeout rate of 8.93, a 1.10 WHIP and ERA of 3.17. So, yeah,

pretty solid resume.

Rodríguez is a multi-inning reliever and his fastball sits between 93-96 mph. The Orioles have

some real talent from the right side in their bullpen, but Rodríguez is another option who could

be needed and provide a lift during the long season.

O’s impact on Sarasota: An independent economic impact analysis commissioned by the

Sarasota, Fla., county government, has concluded that the Orioles generate approximately $89

million in annual economic impact back to taxpayers and residents through the club’s marketing

and promotion of Sarasota tourism to its fan base across seven mid-Atlantic states combined with

the commercial activity and corporate presence of the Orioles’ athletic training headquarters,

production of public sporting and other entertainment events, and management of youth sports

tournaments and recreational programs.

Check out more on that here.

http://www.masnsports.com/orioles-buzz/2017/02/orioles-generate-record-89-million-economic-

impact-annually-in-sarasota.html

Orioles generate record $89 million economic impact

annually in Sarasota

By Bobby Blanco / MASNsports.com

February 21, 2017

The Orioles concluded their first intrasquad game of spring training today, meaning exhibition

games against real opponents are coming soon. (Here’s your friendly reminder that MASN’s

firstspring training broadcast is Monday, Feb. 27 at 1 p.m. when the Orioles host the Yankees at

Ed Smith Stadium.)

But as the Orioles continue to put in work on the field at the Ed Smith Stadium complex in

Sarasota, Fla., this spring, you may not realize that they put in work in the Sarasota community

year-round.

An independent economic impact analysis commissioned by the Sarasota county government

concluded that the Orioles generate approximately $89 million in annual economic impact

through the club’s marketing and promotion of Sarasota tourism to the team’s fan base across

seven mid-Atlantic states along with the commercial activity and corporate presence of the O’s

athletic training headquarters, production of public sporting and other entertainment events, and

management of youth sports tournaments and recreational programs in the community.

The $89 million economic output is a record for sports tourism creation in Sarasota County, far

surpassing any current or past sports facility or private sports operator. The Orioles’ annual

economic impact result has grown every year it has been measured by the government’s annual

study. The Orioles’ current impact is more than two and a half times the $35 million impact the

Orioles projected in testimony given before the Florida State Senate in 2004 and the Sarasota

Board of County Commissioners in 2009, prior to the relocation of the club’s year-round training

headquarters, unique tourism marketing and community sports park concept to Sarasota.

“As a company that has been doing business in the Sarasota community since 1989 and that

consolidated our year-round training headquarters and complex here in 2010, we are proud of

our record as a corporate leader in developing family entertainment and applying marketing

expertise that drove home $89 million of annual economic impact in 2016 and at least $400

million in estimated impact over just the past seven years for Sarasota residents and taxpayers,”

said Orioles executive vice president and MASN president John P. Angelos. “It is gratifying

when independent, objective studies conducted through state and county efforts expertly verify

the importance of the Orioles as the preeminent sports tourism industry leader in creating public

return on investment from our private efforts at levels far exceeding all community

expectations.”

The analysis, conducted by Research & Marketing Strategies, Inc., measured the Orioles’ total

tourism impact and its positive impact on the residents and taxpayers of Sarasota County. The

team generates a quantitative economic impact in the following ways:

* Year-round professional event management, including production of major league baseball

games, commerce, training and rehabilitation during spring training and year-round

* Year-round production of minor league games, commerce and training throughout the spring,

summer and fall months, including presentation at the Ed Smith Stadium of the home schedule of

the Rookie-level Gulf Coast League Orioles, along with minor league training throughout the

year

* Presentation of a series of arts, culture and community events and programming, including the

Orioles’ “Arts in the Ballpark” series, featuring the Sarasota Orchestra, “Nashville’s Music Row

Comes to the Ballpark” fundraising event to benefit the Library Foundation for Sarasota County,

the Orioles’ “Eat, Live, and Train like the O’s Health and Fitness Challenge,” and youth baseball

tournaments held for tens of thousands of tourists and locally-based families

* Sarasota 365 marketing and promotion campaign executed by the Orioles to benefit Sarasota

County’s “Visit Sarasota” tourism agency and employing Orioles multimedia television, digital,

social media and radio platforms, as well as at Camden Yards, driving fans based in the mid-

Atlantic to vacation in, invest in and retire to Sarasota County

The Orioles’ results in the impact analysis were bolstered by record attendance at spring training

games in 2016. Last year, the Orioles set a franchise record with 11 sellouts, drawing more than

119,000 fans over 16 home games. That figure is more than double the average spring training

attendance at Ed Smith Stadium prior to the Orioles’ arrival in Sarasota. (The Orioles have 17

home games at Ed Smith Stadium in 2017, so breaking that record is something for fans to strive

for this spring.)

As a result of the unique and valuable tourism-focused media and promotional programs

pioneered by the Orioles to support Visit Sarasota, the number of yearly first-quarter visitors

from the mid-Atlantic region has grown by more than 300 percent since 2009. In the first quarter

of 2015, the Orioles were credited by Sarasota travel authorities for making history in yet another

way, when the club’s Sarasota 365 campaign catapulted the Orioles’ mid-Atlantic region to

become the No. 1 source of Sarasota tourism. In 2016, the Baltimore-Washington market

generated the second most out-of-state visitors to Sarasota County, surpassed only by the New

York City market.

“Through an aggressive, year-round, multi-platform marketing effort, the Orioles continue to

drive tourists from the mid-Atlantic to Sarasota County,” said vice President, Orioles-Sarasota

David Rovine. “And while we focus significant resources on tourism creation to drive economic

return to taxpayers, the Orioles are even more focused on successfully providing local families,

retirees and young single residents with a year-round slate of high-value major league and minor

league sports, arts and cultural events, and recreational, educational, civic and philanthropic

programming that has entertained nearly 550,000 visitors and local residents alike in just the past

four years.”

“The Orioles and Sarasota have created a unique partnership that produces an outstanding year-

round impact and showcases the community as an ideal destination to millions annually,” said

Florida Sports Foundation president John Webb.

Since the Orioles moved their major league spring training operations to Sarasota in 2010, more

than 765,000 fans have enjoyed O’s spring training games at Ed Smith Stadium. Additionally,

each year more than 25,000 participants and spectators visit the Orioles complex to participate in

youth tournaments, baseball clinics, sports leagues, and other family-friendly and charitable

events, which are professionally managed, supported and frequently financially subsidized by the

Orioles.

The infographic below provides additional details about the year-round impact of the Orioles’

Sarasota 365 initiatives through which the Orioles, MASN and OriolesREACH demonstrate the

ballclub’s 365-days-a-year engagement with the Greater Sarasota Community. For more

information on the Orioles’ year-round activities at Ed Smith Stadium and the Buck O’Neil

Baseball Complex, visit www.orioles.com/sarasota.

http://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/18734813/baltimore-orioles-acquire-left-handed-pitcher-

richard-bleier-new-york-yankees

Orioles acquire lefty Bleier from Yanks, add Bourn

Associated Press

February 21, 2017

SARASOTA, Fla. -- Baltimore acquired its second left-handed pitcher in three days when

the New York Yankees dealt Richard Bleier to the Orioles for a player to be named or cash.

Bleier had a 1.96 ERA in 23 games for the Yankees last season. He was designated for

assignment last week when New York finalized a contract with first baseman Chris Carter.

To make room for Bleier on the 40-man roster, the Orioles designated first

baseman/outfielder Christian Walker for assignment. Walker batted .148 in 13 games with

Baltimore in 2014 and 2015.

The move Tuesday was the Orioles' fourth in four days. They agreed to minor league contracts

with outfielders Craig Gentry on Saturday and Michael Bourn on Monday and acquired left-

hander Vidal Nuno from the Los Angeles Dodgers on Sunday.

Bourn would get a $2 million, one-year contract if added to the 40-man roster.

http://insider.espn.com/blog/mlb/rumors/post/_/id/33791/mlb-rumor-central-joey-rickard-on-

shaky-ground-in-baltimore

MLB Rumor Central: Joey Rickard on shaky ground in

Baltimore?

By Doug Mittler / ESPN.com

February 21, 2017

Joey Rickard could be the odd man out on the Baltimore Orioles' roster following Monday's

signing of Michael Bourn to a minor league deal.

While Bourn may no longer be an everyday player, the 34-year-old should make the Orioles'

Opening Day roster "with little trouble," writes Dan Connolly of Baltimorebaseball.com. An 11-

year veteran, Bourn hit .264 with five homers, 38 RBIs and 15 stolen bases with the Orioles and

Diamondbacks last season.

Rickard, Baltimore's Opening Day left fielder in 2016, now faces stiff competition in a crowded

outfield that also includes Craig Gentry, who agreed to a minor league deal over the weekend.

Connolly suggests Hyun Soo Kim, Adam Jones, Seth Smith and Mark Trumbohave made the

team, leaving one or two outfield spots on the 25-man roster. The club might also look to keep

one of its two Rule 5 outfielders -- Aneury Tavarez or Anthony Santander.

The 25-year-old Rickard hit .268/.319/.377 in 85 games as a rookie last season. He has minor

league options remaining and is coming off a thumb injury, adding to the likelihood he will

begin the season in Triple-A.

https://www.pressboxonline.com/2017/02/22/five-things-to-know-about-orioles-pitcher-vidal-

nuno

Five Things To Know About Orioles Pitcher Vidal Nuno

By Scott Gelman / PressBoxOnline.com

February 22, 2017

The Orioles acquired left-handed pitcher Vidal Nuno from the Dodgers in exchange for minor

league reliever Ryan Moseley Feb. 19. Nuno gives the Orioles another reliever capable of getting

both left-handed and right-handed hitters out. Here are five things to know about the 29-year-old

from National City, Calif.

1. Can Relieve Or Start

Though the Orioles will likely use Nuno as a reliever, he also has experience starting games.

During his first four major league seasons, Nuno made 42 starts, pitching to a 4.40 ERA. He had

more success in 84 relief appearances, pitching to a 3.14 ERA.

Nuno pitched out of Seattle's bullpen in 2016, posting a 3.53 ERA and 1.33 WHIP in 55 games

spanning 58.2 innings. He averaged 7.8 strikeouts per nine innings last season, the second-best

mark in his major league career.

Nuno still has one minor league option left, and as a result, if he doesn't earn a 25-man roster

spot out of spring training, he can open the season with Triple-A Norfolk.

2. Relies Upon His Slider

Nuno features a slider, fastball, changeup and curveball, with his slider reaching 85 mph and his

fastball averaging about 90 mph, according to a PITCHf/x analysis of Nuno's pitches from the

2013-16 seasons. His arsenal also features a sinker that reaches 89 mph, though he hasn't thrown

it much throughout his career.

Nuno's slider didn't induce many swing and misses in 2016, but his changeup generated a notable

number of groundballs compared to changeups other left-handed pitchers threw last season,

according to Brooks Baseball.

When the Indians drafted Nuno in the 48th round of the 2009 amateur draft, he didn't have

experience throwing a changeup. He struggled with Single-A Lake County after the club drafted

him, posting a 4.96 ERA in 21 games. Cleveland subsequently released him and recommended

he develop his changeup if he wanted to extend his professional pitching career.

3. More Effective Vs. Lefties, Though Not In 2016

Nuno might have been attractive to the Orioles because he is a left-handed reliever, as the

Orioles don't have much left-handed bullpen depth beyond Donnie Hart and closer Zach Britton,

but his numbers against lefties and right-handed hitters were about the same in 2016.

Left-handers hit .286 in 82 at-bats against Nuno last season, and right-handers hit .287 in 150 at-

bats. However, Nuno has held left-handed hitters to a .217 average and .285 OBP in his career.

Right-handed hitters have hit .270 with a .320 OBP against Nuno in his career.

4. American League East-Tested

Though the Indians drafted him, Nuno made his major league debut with the Yankees in 2013,

when he pitched to a 2.25 ERA and 1.10 WHIP in 20.0 innings. He struggled with New York in

2014, posting a 5.42 ERA while averaging three walks per nine in 78.0 innings. Nonetheless, he

has experience pitching in the American League East.

After his two seasons with the Yankees, Nuno was traded to the Diamondbacks for right-hander

Brandon McCarthy in 2014.

Nuno didn't allow any of the 10 Orioles hitters he faced in 2016 to reach base.

5. Orioles Beat Him First

Nuno's first career loss came May 21, 2013, when Orioles outfielder Nate McLouth led off the

bottom of the 10th inning with a walk-off home run. He pitched six innings in each of his next

two outings against the Rays and Mets, respectively, before he was optioned back to the minors.

https://www.pressboxonline.com/2017/02/21/orioles-continue-active-february-add-fourth-player-

in-past-four-days

Orioles Continue Active February, Add Fourth Player In

Past Four Days

By Rich Dubroff / PressBoxOnline.com

February 22, 2017

SARASOTA, Fla. -- It's been a busy four days for Orioles executive vice president of baseball

operations Dan Duquette. Since Feb. 18, Duquette has added two left-handed pitchers and two

veteran outfielders.

In his latest move, Duquette acquired left-handed pitcher Richard Bleier from the New York

Yankees Feb. 21 for a player to be named later. To make room for Bleier on the 40-man roster,

the Orioles designated first baseman/outfielder Christian Walker for assignment.

Bleier, who had a 1.96 ERA in 23 games for the Yankees last year, was attractive to the Orioles

because he has options remaining. So does fellow left-hander Vidal Nuno, who was picked up

from the Los Angeles Dodgers Feb. 19.

In between picking up two left-handers, Duquette signed veteran outfielders Craig Gentry and

Michael Bourn to minor league contracts.

"We've been trying to add to our pitching depth, which was on our offseason shopping list,"

Duquette said. "We were trying to add to the depth of our pitching -- starter and relief -- and we

were trying to add to our left-handed pitching. The last two guys we got were lefties. We are

trying to pick up a pitching staff with more depth that can pitch until October."

Bleier and Nuno joins Logan Verrett, Tyler Wilson and Mike Wright as pitchers who can be

optioned. All but Bleier can start.

It's the first time the Orioles made a deal with the Yankees since they purchased Steve Pearce in

June 2012.

"I'm not sure we were the Yanks' first choice, but we ended up getting the player," Duquette said.

The Bleier trade was announced during the first of two scheduled intrasquad games. The Feb. 21

game ended in a six-inning scoreless tie.

Manager Buck Showalter said he was prepared for this dizzying period, which began Feb. 9

when the Orioles traded for New York Mets right-hander Gabriel Ynoa.

In the last two weeks, the team also added minor league free agent infielders Robert Andino,

Johnny Giavotella and Chris Johnson. It's been a confusing time, especially since six Orioles, --

including Nuno, who has yet to report -- will leave the team for the World Baseball Classic.

"Because of the offseason and the WBC and because of a little different landscape with the free

agents, as you can tell with the number of people out there, we knew," Showalter said. "That's

why we came in here so low with our numbers.

"We knew there were going to be a lot of additions once we got down here as soon as people

started looking around and seeing how many chairs there were. And also, it allows us, by being

low to present, ... to out-opportunity other people."

Andino, Giavotella and Johnson will benefit, Showalter said, because Manny Machado and

Jonathan Schoop will play in the WBC, leaving playing time available.

"They all had options," Showalter said. "Stay tuned. Tomorrow's another day."

This probably ends Walker's Orioles career. A fourth-round draft pick in 2012 and the

organization's minor league player of the year in 2014, Walker had 27 major league at-bats in

2014 and 2015.

Walker could have some trade value, and his path to the majors was clearly blocked when the

Orioles re-signed Chris Davis in 2015. Walker played the outfield in 2016, but he was never

called up to Baltimore.

"We re-signed Mark Trumbo, and then Trey Mancini developed," Duquette said. "We also have

Dariel Alvarez. That limited the opportunity for Christian for the O's. We like him, obviously.

We expect him to develop into a major league player."

WIETERS GONE: Showalter was extremely close with Matt Wieters, the longtime Orioles

catcher, who has reportedly agreed to a two-year $21 million contract with the Washington

Nationals.

"Everybody's still kind of looks around waiting to see him again," Showalter said. "He was such

an integral part of our organization for such a long time. That's the game that we work in. It's

tough. He's got to do what's best for him, and we have to make the adjustments."

Caleb Joseph, who backed up Wieters the last two seasons, will miss him greatly.

"For me, 'irreplaceable' is the best word," Joseph said. "He took me under his wing a couple

years ago -- actually more than a couple years ago -- taught me a lot of what I know. Not only

helped me get here but also stay here. But off the field, he's been even more. He's been a mentor

... a friend ... a guy to lean on."

BRITTON RESTING: Showalter will rest left-handed closer Zach Britton for the scheduled

intrasquad Feb. 22 because of a possible oblique injury.

The intrasquad game is supposed to begin at Ed Smith Stadium at 1:05 p.m. There is a chance of

rain. If the game is rained out, the Orioles will play an intrasquad game Feb. 23.

Wade Miley and Ubaldo Jimenez are scheduled to start the intrasquad game.

NOTES: Bleier, Nuno and Bourn are scheduled to report Feb. 22. … Wilson will start the

Orioles' first Grapefruit League game Feb. 24 against Detroit in Lakeland, Fla. … Ynoa will start

Feb. 25 against Pittsburgh in Bradenton Fla. Former Orioles farmhand Steven Brault starts for

the Pirates.

https://www.pressboxonline.com/2017/02/21/spring-baseball-calendar-now-dictated-by-

arbitration

Spring Baseball Calendar Now Dictated By Arbitration

By Jim Henneman / PressBoxOnline.com

February 21, 2017

You don't have to be an old-timer to remember when the first official baseball phrase of spring

was "Pitchers and Catchers Report," but it would probably help. Shortly thereafter, usually

within 24-48 hours, would come the casualty reports similar to the ones we've seen or heard

recently -- "Sore Shoulder Stifles Starter" or "Spasms Slow Shortstop" -- normal warning signs

of a testy spring season.

Such trivial news now is so yesteryear it's beyond old fashioned. In the cyber age, the baseball

calendar is now dictated by modern terms like "Filing Date Set," "Hearings Scheduled" and

"Owners Beat Players, Again."

Welcome to the wonderful, wild and whacky world of baseball arbitration, where very often the

only losers are the winners. "The settling of disputes between two parties by an impartial third

party, whose decision the contending parties agree to accept," is an accepted translation of the

arbitration term.

In baseball lingo that means eligible players (generally with three or more years of service)

submit a salary figure they feel their service deserves, while that player's team counters with one

they feel it's worth. The submissions generally come after a couple of rounds of gentle sparring,

which in most cases result in "split-the-difference" settlements.

As a for instance, there were 189 players eligible for arbitration this year. Of those, only 29

actually reached the filing stage, and eight of those were resolved before going to a hearing. The

other 15, less than 10 percent of those eligible, went to "trial" in what proved to be one of the

most combative arbitration years ever.

With so few players actually having their cases heard, you'd think the process was little more

than routine. But as your mother would say, you better think again. It was at about the midpoint

of the process when USA Today ran a story under the headline: "Orioles beat catcher [Caleb]

Joseph for 9th straight arbitration win." Wow, nine straight. That sure gets your attention. At

least until the next line, which informed the last time the Orioles lost an arbitration case was in

1995, meaning the streak was really more than 22 years, which is impressive stuff when you

consider Cal Ripken Jr.'s streak of 2,632 consecutive games took less than 15 years.

Double wow ... at least until reality struck.

That's when the realization hit that those nine straight wins represented less than one case every

two years. What's the big deal about that? Joseph, who had to rely on medical rather than playing

records, had asked for a $1 million salary in his first year of arbitration eligibility. The club,

using the no-RBI argument, countered with an offer of $700,000, which amounted to a 42.2

percent raise. Net savings for the O's: $300,000. No big deal, especially considering the

compromise made on the next deal.

When the O's avoided a hearing by granting all but $100,000 of the $3.55 million Kevin

Gausman requested (as opposed to the club's $3.15 million offer), it began to look like "the

streak" might continue in perpetuity. If Gausman has a grandfather who's a baseball fan, he

might tell the right-hander the "chump change" left on the table is equivalent to top dollar back in

the day.

Once the O's practically capitulated with Gausman, reality came into play again -- this time in

the form of a financial windfall of more than a half-million dollars for right-hander Brad Brach,

who was awarded the $3.05 million he asked for instead of the club's $2.52 million offer.

Suddenly this became a "man-bites-dog" kind of story, with the O's arbitration dominance ended

after 22 years. Bottom line: the "file-and-trial" strategy came in at a net loss of $500,000 for the

Orioles. However, it was learned one streak remained intact -- H. Russell Smouse, the club's lead

arbitration spokesman for more than two decades, had retired with a streak of eight straight

wins.

It has been verified there is no truth to the report Smouse retired because he wanted a four-year

extension and the Orioles wouldn't go beyond three. That's just another unconfirmed rumor.

The Orioles did come out ahead in one important aspect: Both Joseph and Brach sat through their

arbitration hearings and neither came away any worse for wear. That's something right-hander

Dellin Betances certainly couldn't say, after he not only lost his case to the Yankees but then saw

the club berate his agent for allegedly trying to change the structure of the process.

There is only one logical reason why any player would choose to sit through one of these

proceedings: Agents universally feel the presence of players at hearings will influence teams to

go softer in their arguments out of fear of ruffling the sometimes fragile egos, thereby indirectly

influencing the three-judge panel charged with giving a verdict. If there is any reason for an

owner to follow up with extensive criticism the day after winning the battle (and possibly losing

the war), it escapes logical reasoning.

It always seems like a reckless gamble whenever a player steps inside what amounts to a

courtroom, but in Brach's case, it at least provided a degree of humor. He revealed that the club

used some analytical data he'd never heard of and presumably didn't understand.

It's more than a little refreshing to know players are in the same boat as some of the rest of us on

this stuff.

When it was all said and the 15 cases that went to trial were done, the owners were winners once

again but by the narrow margin of 8-7. Meanwhile, the bottom line for the entire process told a

more accurate story. The 189 players involved from the start of the process (with only 15 going

through a hearing) pocketed $945.25 million, an average of $4.975 million.

For the losers, it was an easy walk to the bank.

http://baltimore.cbslocal.com/2017/02/22/orioles-share-2017-spring-training-opening-day-plans/

Orioles Share 2017 Spring Training Opening Day Plans

CBS Baltimore

February 22, 2017

BALTIMORE (WJZ) — The Orioles shared their plans for Opening Day of the 2017 Spring

Training season on Sunday, February 26, when the Orioles host the Pittsburgh Pirates at 1:05

p.m. at Ed Smith Stadium.

All fans in attendance will receive a 2017 Spring Training schedule magnet, additionally, the

first 1,000 female fans in attendance will receive a Birds of Paradise flower, courtesy of Beneva

Flowers.

Athletic Director of Sarasota County Middle Schools Bethany King will throw out the

ceremonial first pitch, while Sarasota Middle School seventh-grade student Michelle DiPuma

will perform the national anthem before the game and “God Bless America” prior to the seventh-

inning stretch.

During pre-game ceremonies, each club’s manager and starters will be introduced and

recognized along the first and third base foul lines. Reserve players and uniformed personnel will

join the starters along both foul lines.

Opening Day Times (Gates Open at 11:05 a.m.; 10:50 a.m. for season plan holders)

10:15 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Orioles Batting Practice

11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Pirates Batting Practice

1:05 p.m. Play ball!

Tickets for the Orioles Spring Training home opener are still available and can be purchased at

the ticket box office at Ed Smith Stadium from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. In the seven years since

the Orioles moved Major League Spring Training to Sarasota, more than 765,000 fans have

enjoyed Orioles games at Ed Smith Stadium.

http://baltimore.cbslocal.com/2017/02/22/report-zach-britton-has-potential-oblique-injury/

Report: Zach Britton Has Potential Oblique Injury

CBS Baltimore

February 22, 2017

BALTIMORE (WJZ) — Baltimore Orioles relief pitcher Zach Britton has been showing

symptoms of a potential oblique injury, according to MLB.com’s Brittany Ghiroli.

The two-time All-Star will not be pitching in the intrasquad game because the Orioles don’t want

to “take any chances.”

“I don’t think it’s anything serious. It was more just soreness in an area that I don’t normally get

soreness. And it’s so early in camp I figured maybe take a day or so, treat it and see how I feel,”

Britton told Roch Kubatko.

Buck Showalter and the coaches will be monitoring Britton over the next few days.

The Orioles’ closer, who was a perfect 47-for-47 in save opportunities last season, finished his

second All-Star season in 2016 with 0.54 ERA in 67 innings.

http://baltimore.cbslocal.com/2017/02/22/orioles-chris-davis-looking-for-a-bigger-season-in-

2017/

Orioles’ Chris Davis Looking For A Bigger Season In 2017

CBS Baltimore

February 22, 2017

SARASOTA, Fla. (AP) — Chris Davis is trying to forget last year. For many players, hitting 38

home runs and driving in 84 runs would be a season to celebrate, but not for Davis.

Early in the first year of a $161 million, seven-year contract, the Baltimore Orioles first baseman

injured his left hand while diving into a base, the effects of which he felt throughout the season.

Davis still played 157 games — second most in his major league career — but hit just .221 and

struck out 219 times.

He says the offseason was what he needed.

“I think the biggest thing was really the rest and the time off and not having the physical contact

and the beating that I did every day when I was swinging and taking balls at first base,” David

said. “Really, after the first three or four weeks the swelling went completely away and I haven’t

had anything, any issues or swelling since I started hitting. So, I think the biggest thing is just

rest and obviously didn’t have time to rest during the season last year.”

Manager Buck Showalter knew how much Davis was hurting but that there was little he could do

about it. The slugger would have had to take many weeks off, and he was still helping the team,

both offensively and defensively.

“It would be different if it was like, he could take two weeks off and it’s going to be fine, but

when you get that deep . an injury like that, nothing but a real extended period (helps),”

Showalter said. “It certainly impacted him.”

In the first few days of batting practice, Davis has felt strong.

“It was kind of an eye-opener for me because I hadn’t realized the impact that it really had on

me. I had almost forgotten what it felt like to be 100 percent and be able to swing with both

hands,” Davis said. “It was really a big relief to not have any pain and I’m looking forward to

getting started again.”

Baltimore hit a major league-best 253 home runs last year, and its top five power hitters, who

accounted for 177 long balls, have returned. Two of the Orioles’ new players, catcher Welington

Castillo and outfielder Seth Smith, combined for 30 homers. One of the attractions of Smith is

his ability to get on base. His .342 on-base percentage in 2016 would have been the third highest

on the team.

“I think Seth is going to be good for us because he knows how to work the count, he knows how

to get on base,” Davis said. “That’s the thing, we know we can hit the ball out of the yard. But

I’d rather see us do it with one or two runners on, or even three — instead of going up there

hitting solo shots.

“I think a lot of times when you hit a two or three-run homer it’s really deflating to the other

team as opposed to a solo shot. Really, there’s no one person in our lineup who has more power

than the other guy. I think everyone 1-9 has the potential to hit the ball out of the ballpark.”

NOTES: LHP Zach Britton won’t pitch in Wednesday’s intrasquad game because of a possible

oblique injury. . LHP Richard Bleier, who was acquired from the New York Yankees on

Tuesday for a player to be named or cash, is scheduled to report on Wednesday. LHP Vidal

Nuno, picked up from Los Angeles Dodgers on Sunday, and OF Michael Bourn, who agreed to a

minor league contract on Monday, also are scheduled to report on Wednesday.

http://baltimore.cbslocal.com/2017/02/21/orioles-acquire-lhp-richard-bleier-from-yankees/

Orioles Acquire LHP Richard Bleier From Yankees

CBS Baltimore

February 21, 2017

BALTIMORE (WJZ) — The Baltimore Orioles have acquired LHP Richard Bleier from the

New York Yankees in exchange for a player to be named later. To make room on the 40-man

roster, INF/OF Christian Walker has been designated for assignment.

Bleier, 29, went 55-57 with a 4.02 ERA (413 ER/925.1 IP) in 241 career minor league games

(123 starts). He made his Major League debut on May 30, 2016 against Toronto. In the month of

September, he made seven relief appearances, posting a 0.00 ERA (9.2 IP) while allowing three

hits with two walks and seven strikeouts. He was originally drafted by the Texas Rangers in the

sixth round of the 2008 First-Year Player Draft.

Walker, 25, batted .264/.342/.449 with 18 home runs and 64 RBI in 131 games for Norfolk last

season. He has appeared in 13 Major League games, batting .148/.258/.296 with one home run

and one RBI.

http://baltimore.cbslocal.com/2017/02/21/catcher-matt-wieters-nationals-close-to-an-agreement/

Report: Wieters, Nationals Agree To Two-Year, $21 M Deal

CBS Baltimore

February 21, 2017

BALTIMORE (WJZ) — The Washington Nationals have reached agreement with former

Baltimore Orioles catcher Matt Wieters on a two-year, $21 million deal, a source confirmed to

ESPN’s Jim Bowden on Tuesday.

Wieters hit 117 home runs in his eight-year career, all with Baltimore, and batted .243 with 17

home runs in 2016.

He accepted the Orioles’ qualifying offer after the 2015 season, playing on a one-year, $15.8

million deal as he completed a comeback from Tommy John surgery on his throwing elbow.

The Nationals are looking to replace Wilson Ramos, who departed as a free agent after tearing

knee ligaments late last season.

http://mlb.nbcsports.com/2017/02/20/orioles-re-sign-michael-bourn-to-a-minor-league-deal/

Orioles re-sign Michael Bourn to a minor league deal

By Bill Baer / NBC Sports

February 20, 2017

The Orioles have re-signed outfielder Michael Bourn to a minor league contract with an

invitation to major league camp, MASN’s Roch Kubatko reports.

Bourn, 34, joined the Orioles last year in a trade from the Diamondbacks on August 31. Though

he compiled a meager .669 OPS with the Diamondbacks, Bourn hit a solid .283/.358/.435 in 55

plate appearances with the O’s through the end of the season.

Bourn, a non-roster invitee to camp, will try to play his way onto the Orioles’ 25-man roster. If

he does make the roster, Bourn will receive a $2 million salary, Jon Heyman of FanRag Sports

points out.

http://www.baltimorebaseball.com/2017/02/22/tap-question-thoughts-wieters-washington-

national/

Tap-In Question: It’s over, so what are your thoughts on

Wieters as a Washington National?

By Dan Connolly / BaltimoreBaseball.com

February 22, 2017

I hope you are in a sharing mood today.

Because your barkeep is about to get all touchy-share-y here. OK, not really. But I’m gonna

throw some observations your way, lots of them, and then I want you to return the favor.

On Tuesday, former Orioles’ catcher Matt Wieters agreed to a two-year, $21 million deal with

the Orioles’ geographic rival, the Washington Nationals. There is an opt-out after this season, so

he can leave Washington at the end of 2017 and enter the wild world of free agency again next

year if he desires.

For me, there’s a whole lot to say about this deal, this guy and this free-agent market. So, sit

back, grab a cold one from the bar and act interested. Then it will be your turn to opine.

Here are some thoughts:

Wieters will be missed in the Orioles’ clubhouse

I don’t think that can be questioned. He took that “veteran leader” tag seriously. Sometimes he

rubbed people the wrong way. Heck, he and I had some fiery discussions over the years. Because

he cared about his craft and the people around him, and sometimes my objective and his clashed.

But I respected the guy. I respected how he handled the pressure of being the so-called “Joe

Mauer With Power,” how he handled the criticism when he didn’t meet the public’s lofty

expectations and how he dealt with a career-threatening injury.

And I wasn’t around the guy all the time the way his teammates were. There truly was a mutual

respect there. Remember when Chris Davis was suspended at the end of the 2014 season? Well,

Wieters was one of the guys who immediately contacted Davis and got on him for letting his

teammates down. Davis said it was one of the toughest conversations he’s ever had. But Wieters

– and Darren O’Day – could say those things to Davis. Because they had earned that credibility.

That’s going to be hard to replace, like it was when Nick Markakis and Nelson Cruz left.

Wieters will be missed on the field

Yeah, I’ve seen the numbers. I know he’s 30 now and his offense sputtered in 2016 and his

pitch-framing metrics aren’t good. Tough to argue with stats, I suppose.

But I also know that most pitchers really liked throwing to him. And I know he worked

tirelessly. And I know he played hurt. And I know he seemingly dialed-up his game when a big

hit was needed.

Personally, I think Wieters is going to have a tremendous 2017 in Washington. Not spiteful

thinking, I don’t get wrapped up in that kind of stuff. I just think he’ll want to prove a lot of

people wrong about his much-discussed declining skills.

Additionally, I think Welington Castillo is really going to have to play well, because Wieters is

now 50 miles away, but his shadow will linger here – especially if Wieters gets off to a hot start.

The hype machine was his biggest downfall

I think part of the reason for the Wieters-bashing I’ve heard in the last few years has more to do

with the hype surrounding Wieters’ career than his actual performance. Catcher is a brutal

position, and Wieters was one of the better ones in the majors during the last decade.

You can make an argument that he is the best all-around catcher in Orioles history – see this

piece for more on that – if you combine offense, defense and leadership. But many view Wieters

as a disappointment because he wasn’t Johnny Bench 2.0.

He didn’t create those expectations (besides his performances as an amateur and minor leaguer).

He never seemed to care about all those accolades when he arrived or the fact that some cheers

turned to jeers when he proved to be a mere mortal.

Why didn’t the Orioles re-sign him?

Many people have asked me this question, and there are plenty of theories. But I think the

simplest one is the most accurate: Orioles executive vice president Dan Duquette believed the

slightly younger Castillo would provide better offensive production than Wieters and adequate

defensive capabilities while costing less.

The financial assessment is correct. Castillo signed for one-year, $6 million with a $7 million

player option for 2018. The Orioles could get Castillo for two years at a price that’s only $2.5

million more than what Wieters will command in 2017.

Also, in November no one thought Wieters would settle for two years, and the Orioles didn’t

want to completely block top prospect Chance Sisco, who should start this year at Triple-A

Norfolk. But once it became clear that Wieters’ overall market was dropping and that he could

be had for a shorter-term deal, the Orioles didn’t seem to be more interested.

The bottom line is that Duquette, who is all about most bang for the buck, believes Castillo is a

better value for 2017 (and potentially 2018). He might be wrong. But he’s paid to make those

calls. And he made the call. Pretty simple.

Boras did what he does

Maybe Wieters’ agent, Scott Boras, didn’t win this one, but, ultimately, he didn’t lose it either.

Wieters didn’t get a five-year, $85 million deal like Brian McCann in 2013 or a five-year, $82

million deal like Russell Martin in 2014. But Wieters also didn’t have to settle for a one-year

deal either, like many thought he would once his unemployment dragged into February.

In fact, Wieters still ended up with a contract worth more annually (albeit one-year shorter) than

what Jason Castro, poster boy for pitch framing, received from the Minnesota Twins (three

years, $24.5 million) this offseason.

Boras knows how to read the market as well as anyone, and the sudden collapse of this

offseason’s free agent carousel threw just about everyone off. But Boras rebounded by landing

another client in a familiar environment: the deep pockets of the Nationals and aggressive GM

Mike Rizzo. It certainly wasn’t Boras’ finest moment playing the free-agent market, but, in the

end, he brokered a solid deal in a shaky landscape.

Why the catcher-heavy Nationals?

Wieters had been rumored to the Nationals for months, partially because of the relationship

between Boras’ clients and the team, and also because the Nationals had some questions behind

the plate despite having five catchers on their 40-man roster, including Derek Norris, Jose

Lobaton and promising youngster Pedro Severino. Now, it looks like Norris may be dealt,

Lobaton will settle in as the backup and Severino will wait his turn in the minors.

Another reason for the Nationals: They are an East Coast team, and that was always a preference

for Wieters, who grew up in South Carolina and lives in Atlanta. The fact that the Nationals are

technically a rival of the Orioles surely didn’t play into Wieters’ decision. And I’m not sure how

much that resonates with the Orioles’ fan base, anyway. From what I culled from social media

Tuesday, some fans are disappointed that he’s with the Nationals while most are just glad he

didn’t land in the AL East and can still be watched locally.

That’s one of the questions I have for you today. But it’s really an open-ended query. I just want

you to share a little. I’ll dim the lights.

Tap-In Question: It’s over, so what are your thoughts of Matt Wieters as a Washington National

— and not a Baltimore Oriole for life?

http://www.baltimorebaseball.com/2017/02/22/spring-training-primer-brittons-oblique-

intrasquad-opener-joseph-wieters/

Spring Training Primer: Britton’s oblique; Intrasquad

opener; Joseph on Wieters

By Rich Dubroff / BaltimoreBaseball.com

February 22, 2017

What’s happening: The Orioles are scheduled to play their second intrasquad game today at

1:05 p.m. at Ed Smith Stadium. Rain is forecast, and if the game can’t be played, it will be

moved to Thursday morning.

Wade Miley and Ubaldo Jimenez, both projected to be in the club’s 2017 rotation, are today’s

scheduled starters. Dylan Bundy and Mychal Givens are also among those scheduled to pitch.

Manager Buck Showalter said that nearly all the pitchers who didn’t work in Tuesday’s game

would pitch today.

What’s happened: Midway through Tuesday’ scoreless, six-inning intrasquad game, the Orioles

announced a trade, acquiring left-hander Richard Bleier from the New York Yankees for a player

to be named later.

First baseman/outfielder Christian Walker, who was designated for assignment to make room for

Bleier on the 40-man roster, was a late scratch from Tuesday’s lineup and was replaced at first

base by non-roster infielder David Washington.

Bleier’s acquisition took the attention away from the first game of camp, which was dominated

by pitching.

Non-roster outfielder Craig Gentry made an excellent catch on Welington Castillo’s fly ball,

leaning over into the stands to snare it. Gentry also stole two bases.

What’s up with: Closer Zach Britton, who was scheduled to pitch in today’s intrasquad game,

will be held out due to a potential oblique injury, according to Showalter. If this were in-season,

Showalter suggested that Britton could continue to pitch with the soreness.

What they’re saying: “For me, ‘irreplaceable’ is the best word. He took me under his wing a

couple years ago — actually more than a couple years ago — taught me a lot of what I know.

Not only helped me get here, but also stay here. But off the field, he’s been even more. He’s

been a mentor … a friend … a guy to lean on. That’s kind of the stuff you miss.” — Orioles

catcher Caleb Joseph on Matt Wieters signing with the Washington Nationals.

What’s the number? 8 — That’s how many new players the Orioles have added in the past two

weeks. Three of them, right-hander Gabriel Ynoa and left-handers Vidal Nuno and Bleier, are on

the 40-man roster. The other five — infielders Robert Andino, Johnny Giavotella and Chris

Johnson and outfielders Gentry and Michael Bourn — are veteran players signed to minor league

contracts.

http://www.baltimorebaseball.com/2017/02/21/thoughts-acquiring-lhp-bleier-designating-

christian-walker-assignment/

Thoughts on acquiring LHP Bleier and designating

Christian Walker for assignment

By Dan Connolly / BaltimoreBaseball.com

February 21, 2017

In an attempt to add more left-handed relief to the roster, the Orioles acquired 29-year-old

southpaw Richard Bleier from the New York Yankees on Tuesday for a player to be named later

or future cash considerations.

Bleier, who posted a 1.96 ERA in 23 appearances for the Yankees last year, was designated for

assignment Thursday when the Yankees signed first baseman/designated hitter Chris Carter.

A former sixth-round pick of the Texas Rangers in 2008, Bleier wasn’t scored upon in his last 13

appearances for the Yankees in the second half of 2016 and, for the year, lefties hit just .150

against him (6-for-40) with an on-base-plus-slugging percentage of just .409 in 43 plate

appearances.

The move makes plenty of sense for the Orioles on the surface, but it also comes with a side

order of surprise. Because to make room for Bleier on the 40-man, the Orioles designated first

baseman/outfielder Christian Walker for assignment.

The former fourth-round pick and former University of South Carolina star was, at one point,

thought to be the Orioles’ first baseman of the future. But Walker was passed on the depth chart

by Trey Mancini, and then the Orioles re-signed Chris Davis before the 2016 season.

With his path at first blocked, Walker, 25, switched to left field last season at Triple-A Norfolk,

did an adequate job defensively and hit fairly well, batting .264 with 18 homers and 29 doubles

while playing half his games in a pitchers’ park.

Walker, however, never received a call-up in 2016, and when the club re-signed outfielder/DH

Mark Trumbo in January, Walker’s chances of getting a shot with the Orioles diminished greatly.

Before Tuesday, the Orioles had nine outfielders on their 40-man roster, and that didn’t include

Michael Bourn, Craig Gentry or three other non-invitees in spring camp.

Not a traditional outfielder, Walker became the odd man out. The Orioles now have 10 days to

trade, release or ask waivers on Walker. If he clears waivers, the club can send him back to

Triple-A Norfolk.

My guess is the Orioles will try hard to find a taker for Walker, because it would be surprising if

he didn’t get claimed on waivers.

You never know in these situations, but Walker is still young, has a right-handed-power bat and

has made himself into a pretty solid defender at first base from what scouts and other observers

have told me. Add in some defensive versatility in left – at least in a pinch — and you’d think

some struggling team would take a flier on Walker.

Here’s one thought: Walker is from Suburban Philadelphia, and there are a whole lot of Orioles

connections in the Phillies’ front office (though most were out of Baltimore before Walker was

drafted).

If Walker’s days in Baltimore are over, some Orioles fans won’t be happy – simply based on the

hype that was once associated with him. Walker reached as high as No. 3 on Baseball America’s

Orioles’ prospect list in 2015, a few months after he homered against the Boston Red Sox in just

his third start in the majors in September 2014 (his post-game pie celebration is pictured above).

That same month Walker was named the organization’s Brooks Robinson Player of the Year,

given annually to the minor-league position player that had the best season.

But Walker had just four hits in 31 plate appearances with the Orioles in 2014 and 2015, and the

re-signing of Davis and Trumbo buried him further – ultimately leading to today’s news.

As for Bleier, he’s definitely another solid option to be a lefty specialist in 2017, a spot currently

held by second-year reliever Donnie Hart.

If Bleier doesn’t make the team out of spring training, he has minor league options remaining, so

he is a fallback if Hart suffers a sophomore slump during the year.

It’s hard to argue with the Orioles’ decision to grab another lefty reliever that’s had some success

in the big leagues. This week, they’ve added Vidal Nuno and Bleier to shore up a weakness.

And who knows if Walker is ever going to be more than a 4A player?

Acquiring Bleier is another low-risk, sensible move by the Orioles.

But if Walker turns into a legitimate major leaguer, the decision to essentially swap one for the

other understandably will be scrutinized.

http://www.baltimorebaseball.com/2017/02/21/wieters-agrees-two-year-21-million-deal-opt-

nationals/

Wieters agrees to two-year, $21 million deal (with opt-out)

from Nationals

By Dan Connolly / BaltimoreBaseball.com

February 21, 2017

Looks like catcher Matt Wieters will get a multi-year deal after all – and will stay in the area, a

source confirmed this morning.

He just won’t be in an Orioles uniform for the first time since making his big-league debut in

May 2009.

According to various reports, including FanRag Sports and Fox Sports and confirmed by

BaltimoreBaseball.com, Wieters has agreed to a deal with the Washington Nationals that will

pay him $21 million for the next two years. He’ll receive $10 million in 2017 and $11 million in

2018 if he decides to return to Washington.

There is an opt-out included after this season, which would allow the 30-year-old, four-time All

Star to re-enter the free agent market again next year if he desires.

It certainly wasn’t a fun place this offseason for Wieters, who made $15.8 million in 2016, when

he accepted the Orioles’ qualifying offer. The Orioles didn’t make the qualifying offer this

winter – allowing Wieters, their fifth overall pick in 2007, to become a free agent.

Although the team initially said it wanted Wieters to return, there never was much of an effort

made toward that end, especially once the Orioles agreed to a one-year, $6 million deal (with a

$7 million player option for 2018) with catcher Welington Castillo.

The Orioles and executive vice president Dan Duquette decided that Castillo, who is younger

and ultimately cheaper, could provide more offense than Wieters and be sufficient behind the

plate.

There was a sense that maybe Wieters could return at a highly reduced rate once February began,

but that rate never fully came down. And, despite the wait, Wieters’ agent Scott Boras secured a

multi-year deal worth seven figures each season from a Nationals club that often has signed

Boras’ clients in its rise to prominence.

Once considered baseball’s next superstar catcher, Wieters had his season cut short in 2014 due

to Tommy John elbow surgery and did not fully rebound offensively. He missed a chunk of 2015

and then hit .243 with 17 homers in 2016. His arm bounced back, and he threw out 35 percent of

would-be basestealers last year, slightly better than his career average.

But he received poor marks for pitch framing, which has become a key advanced stat within

baseball circles, and perhaps cost him money on the free-agent market.