Minor Change, Big Results May. 11, 2008 If Jim Johnson can't crack a major league rotation, perhaps he can make a nice living in the bullpen. He certainly made an impression on the Orioles, who added him to the major league roster as a 13th pitcher and watched him thrive in a relief role. Johnson didn't allow a run in his first nine innings and might compel the club to keep him once it returns to a 12-man staff. [...] Continue Reading »
Improved Delivery May. 1, 2008 Being the organization's minor league pitcher of the year in 2007 didn't mean that righthander Radhames Liz was a finished product who would automatically crack the Orioles rotation this season. It simply reinforced how large the gulf can be between Double-A and the majors. [...] Continue Reading »
Sliver Of Hope Apr. 10, 2008 Once the Orioles begin interleague play in National League ballparks, where the designated hitter is not used, 29-year-old infielder Oscar Salazar finally could return to the majors. It's been a while. Salazar appeared in eight games with the Tigers in 2002, batting .190 in 21 at-bats. Injuries kept him down the next few years, but he's on the rise again. [...] Continue Reading »
Marginal Utility Apr. 1, 2008 Shortstop Blake Davis, an unexpected addition to the Orioles' major league spring training camp, is pouncing on an opportunity as deftly as he scoops up ground balls. [...] Continue Reading »
Orioles Organization Report Feb. 19, 2008 Changes in the Orioles organization are trickling down to the lowest levels of the minor league system, with five of the seven affiliates getting different managers in 2008. [...] Continue Reading »
Orioles Organization Report Jan. 25, 2008 Catcher Matt Wieters, the fifth overall pick in the June draft out of Georgia Tech, was trying to get into playing shape after a long layoff following the draft. He reported to short-season Aberdeen after signing his contract, but he didn't appear in a game until the Orioles assigned him to the Honolulu Sharks in Hawaii Winter Baseball. [...] Continue Reading »
Orioles Organization Report Jan. 4, 2008 One method the Orioles have chosen to improve a farm system that still requires major upgrades involves having a bigger presence in the Dominican Republic. [...] Continue Reading »