News And Notes

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Still trying to figure out why David Newhan wasn't in the lineup yesterday, and was only pinch-hitting. :notme: *sigh* Oh, well. I'm not the manager. (Thank God! :hmm: ..... not with everybody injured! :no: )

Orioles are hurting for healthy bodies
Mora, Bigbie, Surhoff give Mazzilli few options; Palmeiro slides to No. 5
By Roch Kubatko
Sun Staff
Originally published July 5, 2004
PHILADELPHIA - Orioles manager Lee Mazzilli must feel as though he's running a delicatessen instead of a baseball team. His roster has been sliced extra thin.

Luis Lopez started at third base again yesterday with Melvin Mora still unavailable because of a strained right hamstring. The Orioles must decide if they should continue playing short or put Mora on the disabled list.

"I'm still debating whether I want to ride it out for a couple days or if it's a DL situation," Mazzilli said.

Larry Bigbie hasn't started since leaving Friday's game with a sprained right ankle, though he pinch-hit in the ninth inning yesterday. With a doubleheader scheduled today at Camden Yards, the Orioles need him for more than spot duty.

"We've got to get through it," Mazzilli said.

B.J. Surhoff remains on the disabled list with a strained left calf muscle. Eligible to come off it yesterday, he also is a health riddle.

"He might be ready tomorrow," Mazzilli said. "I asked him yesterday when he thought he'd be ready and he didn't even know yet."

Surhoff hasn't attempted to run at full speed. He jogged in the outfield yesterday and shagged fly balls.

"There's no way to put a number on it," he said. "Fifteen days is an artificial deadline. I can't even give you an educated answer. It would be speculation."

Jay Gibbons went on the disabled list June 29 with a strained left hip flexor, punching another hole in Mazzilli's lineup.

"We've got four starters out. That's the reality of it," Mazzilli said. "You do the best you can to get through it. You've got to fight through it."

Executive vice president Jim Beattie made the trip to Philadelphia and has spoken with Mazzilli about possible alternatives outside the organization.

"We're searching," Mazzilli said.

The Orioles could use another pitcher besides David Borkowski, who will have his contract purchased from Triple-A Ottawa today and start Game 2 against Tampa Bay, but not at the expense of a position player. That rules out putting Mora on the DL to bolster the staff.

The bullpen was light yesterday because Mazzilli wanted to avoid using Jason Grimsley and B.J. Ryan in four straight games. He also had to avoid rookie Eddy Rodriguez, who went three innings in Friday's 16-inning win.

"I don't want to blow the kid out," Mazzilli said.


Palmeiro tries No. 5

The heart of the Orioles' batting order was beating at a different rhythm yesterday.

Rafael Palmeiro, who is hitting .174 (15-for-86) in his past 23 games, slid from fourth to fifth in the lineup, trading spots with catcher Javy Lopez. It marked the first time this season that Lopez batted ahead of Palmeiro.

The change was made with the Orioles set to face Phillies left-hander Eric Milton, which was no coincidence. Palmeiro is hitting .165 (14-for-85) against lefties.

"We spoke about this a week ago, Javy and Raffy," Mazzilli said. "I might continue to do that against left-handers. We'll just switch it around and see how it goes. I don't think it's a big deal for either guy. They're both fine with it. They both want to do it."

It worked for Lopez, who hit his 11th home run in the second inning. Palmeiro went 0-for-4 and grounded into a double play in the eighth after the first two batters reached.

Palmeiro has 12 RBIs in his past 16 games, but his average is down to .245.

"I'm not feeling the way I want to feel," he said. "I come out every day and try to find it. I'm working hard to see what I'm doing different. One of these days, I'll get it."


Around the horn

David Newhan's hitting streak ended at 15 games when he flied out as a pinch hitter in the ninth inning. ... Phillies shortstop Jimmy Rollins committed his first error in 48 games.




Copyright © 2004, The Baltimore Sun

[Panzram]

Melvin Mora
The Orioles activated Melvin Mora from the DL on Sunday. He's been out since July 2 with a hamstring injury.

[Panzram]

David Newhan
The Orioles will still find at-bats for the red-hot David Newhan even though Melvin Mora has now returned from the DL. Newhan served as the DH on Sunday and was 2-for-3.

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Luis Matos
Luis Matos did not play on Thursday due to a shin injury. He banged his right shin against the Red Sox left field scoreboard on Wednesday. X-rays were negative, and he is expected to return this weekend.

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Interesting what Beattie says about the current Hairston-Roberts situation.


No trading of proven vets
Gary Washburn / MLB.com (http://baltimore.orioles.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/bal/news/bal_news.jsp?ymd=20040728&content_id=812619&vkey=news_bal&fext=.jsp)

BALTIMORE -- The Orioles have been burned in the past by dealing impending free agents or proven Major League veterans for prospects who never panned out. So don't look for the Orioles to ship veterans to playoff contenders for lower-level prospects before the July 31 trade deadline. Executive vice president Jim Beattie has fielded a number of calls about players on his roster -- such as Jorge Julio, Buddy Groom, Brian Roberts and Jerry Hairston -- but the GM said Wednesday that the club is not going to trade a proven veteran for unproven minor leaguers.

"The players clubs have talked to us about aren't players we have to move," Beattie said. "We are going to look at Major League players, too. The main deals that are going to get done are trading free agents-to-be to a contending team or trading for a veteran to help you in the pennant race. We're not in that close of a (pennant) race, so we aren't going to be looking for players who won't be there past this year."

Groom, a left-handed reliever, has a team option for next season that the team is not expected to honor. The interest in Groom has been lukewarm because of his season numbers -- 5.29 ERA and his .294 average against left-handed batters.

Beattie said he does not feel obligated to trade Hairston or Roberts just to clear up the second-base situation. The Orioles want a starting pitcher in return but it's questionable whether they could get a frontline starter in return from a playoff contending team.

Beattie anticipates that contenders will be reluctant to part with starting pitching during a pennant race. So he is content to wait until the offseason.

Regarding Julio, club officials are reluctant to deal a power arm, especially since Julio is only 25 and already has 2 1/2 years of closing experience. The San Francisco Giants, looking for another right-handed setup man, are believed to be interested in Julio.

"I would assume most of our moves and upgrading of the roster will occur in the offseason," Beattie said. "We don't feel like we have to do anything. I think there may be something done before the trade deadline but you don't know how these things change."

No change in rotation: Manager Lee Mazzilli said Rodrigo Lopez will not be moved up in the rotation and will start Sunday against the Yankees. Club officials considered moving Lopez to give Daniel Cabrera an extra day off but the scheduling did not work.

Cabrera is scheduled to start Friday at New York and Aug. 4 against Seattle. The Orioles have Monday and Thursday off next week but would have to go with Erik Bedard on three days' rest on Wednesday to give Cabrera a break.

Lineup changes: Mazzilli gave David Newhan (3-for-23 slump) and Larry Bigbie the night off against Boston right-hander Curt Schilling. Luis Lopez (5-for-9 against Schilling) got the nod and Roberts returned to the lineup after missing Tuesday with a sinus infection.

New York series: The tentative pitching matchups have been set for the Yankees series beginning Thursday night at Yankee Stadium. Right-hander Sidney Ponson (5-12, 5.93 ERA) will take on right-hander Jose Contreras (8-4, 5.36) who will be pitching on three days' rest; Cabrera (8-4, 3.65) will face Kevin Brown (7-1, 4.13); Bedard (4-5, 4.42) will take on right-hander Javier Vazquez (11-6, 4.06) on Saturday while right-hander Rodrigo Lopez (8-6, 3.61) will oppose Orlando "El Duque" Hernandez (2-0, 2.37).

Farm report: Keith Reed hit his 12th home run and Kris Wilken added three hits but Double-A Bowie dropped a 9-3 decision to Erie on Tuesday. Brian Forystek allowed eight runs in 4 2/3 innings in the loss. Triple-A Ottawa was off on Tuesday.

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Why not keep Raffy? At least he stays healthy as opposed to Bubble Boy! ... Plus the obligatory daily Gibby update :)



Notes: Raffy under contract for '05?
Games-played clause could kick in extra year on deal
Gary Washburn / MLB.com (http://baltimore.orioles.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/bal/news/bal_news.jsp?ymd=20040801&content_id=816350&vkey=news_bal&fext=.jsp)

NEW YORK -- Rafael Palmeiro was back in the starting lineup Sunday, a day after getting a rest against a right-handed starter. The Orioles are hoping Palmeiro can quickly solve his offensive ills and emerge as a main contributor in the final two months. Palmeiro is in the midst of a career-worst season, hitting just .244 with 13 homers and 56 RBIs. He is on pace to hit 21 home runs and drive in 89 runs, solid production for more 39-year-old players, but well below Palmeiro's high standards.

The skid has been hard on the proud veteran, who is facing increasing questions about whether his skills are diminishing. The Orioles did not have Palmeiro on the trade block last week, but there is no guarantee he will be back next season. But there is a good possibility he will be.

According to a team source, Palmeiro has a vesting option on his contract that automatically triggers for next season if he reaches a certain number of games played. Palmeiro has played in 101 of the team's 102 games and he said the number that triggers the option is near 140 games. So if Palmeiro continues to play at his current pace, he is almost certain to trigger the option. Palmeiro, who is 11th on the all-time home run list with 541, is making $4.5 million this season.

"The option is based on games played," he said. "So I haven't considered (it not being picked up). I just haven't considered that."

Fans lauded Palmeiro's signing last January because it brought back one of the club's all-time favorite players. He hit 182 home runs in his five previous seasons in Baltimore and helped the Orioles to two playoff appearances.

"I didn't anticipate struggling like this," he said. "Everybody struggles a time or two during the season, but I never anticipated struggling for such a long time. I am not going to tell you it's ruined my comeback. I have enjoyed Baltimore this time around as much as I did the first time around. I just wish I could contribute more because I know that I can."

With such a smooth but methodical swing, sometimes it's difficult for Palmeiro to detect glitches or mechanical problems.

"It's tough, but my mind is strong, I can handle it mentally," he said. "I'd like to think I know what I am doing (wrong), I just need to fix it. I have to come out and keep working on it."

Orioles manager Lee Mazzilli said he doesn't anticipate Palmeiro getting an increased number of days off in the final two months.

"He's been playing a lot, he's playing every day and when it gets in the summer time, it's very easy to drag for a few days," Mazzilli said. "I don't think his problem is mechanical. I think he is hard on himself now. I think when you struggle a little bit you really fight yourself. You are talking about a Hall of Fame guy, so there's a lot to live up to."

Gibbons update: Right fielder Jay Gibbons will began a rehabilitation assignment with Class-A Frederick on Tuesday and then will move to Double-A Bowie on Friday. Gibbons has been out since June 29 with a torn hip flexor and had a previous stint on the disabled list with a herniated disc in his back.

Gibbons has reported no discomfort after three days of workouts but Mazzilli wants his right fielder to get a handful of ad-bats before activating him.

"We'd like to see him get 15 to 20 at-bats, get his timing back," Mazzilli said. "I don't think two or three days is enough."

It's been a miserable season for Gibbons, who was expected to flourish the most from the presence of Palmeiro, Miguel Tejada and Javy Lopez. Instead, he struggled mightily with his swing -- hitting .223 with six home runs and 28 RBIs -- and then couldn't stay healthy.

"I just want to go out and make up for the last three months," he said. "I am feeling great. I am anxious about getting back and helping the team.

Lineup changes: Mazzilli stuck with Jerry Hairston batting leadoff and in center field for Sunday's game with the Yankees. Lopez, who had caught the past three games, served as the designated hitter and Robert Machado was the catcher.

B.J. Surhoff, despite a .474 career average against Orlando Hernandez, was not in the lineup.

Seattle series: The pitching matchups have been announced for the three-game Seattle series beginning Tuesday afternoon at Camden Yards with a day-night doubleheader. Right-hander Sidney Ponson (6-12, 5.60 ERA) will take on left-hander Ron Villone (3-2, 2.88) in Game 1, right-hander Dave Borkowski (2-2, 3.07) will take on former Oriole Jaime Moyer (6-7, 4.29) while right-hander Cabrera (8-5, 3.60) takes on right-hander Gil Meche (1-5, 6.93) on Wednesday.

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Nice story about the kid playing for Greece, then a strange story about Villone going ballistic for apparently no reason at all. :notme:



Notes: Orioles go Greek
Gary Washburn / MLB.com (http://baltimore.orioles.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/bal/news/bal_news.jsp?ymd=20040803&content_id=817925&vkey=news_bal&fext=.jsp)

BALTIMORE -- The Greek Olympic Baseball team, partially sponsored by Orioles owner Peter Angelos, will have an exhibition game on Wednesday against the Canadian team in preparation for the Olympic Games in Athens, Greece. The two teams will play at 10 a.m. ET at Camden Yards. It is the final prep before both teams begin Olympic competition. The Greek club worked out Tuesday at Camden Yards before the Orioles faced the Seattle Mariners.

The Greek team is still suffering after the loss of coach Rob Derksen, who died of a sudden heart attack on June 15. Admission to the game is free but fans are urged to contribute $5 Derksen Education Fund and the Greek Baseball Federation. The Derksen Education Fund has been established to assist the teenage children of Derksen, who also was an international scout for the Orioles.

The Orioles Charitable Foundation will match all funds raised at the event.

The Greek team includes former Orioles' No. 1 draft pick Nick Markakis and Triple-A shortstop Clay Bellinger. Fans may enter Camden Yards at Gate D beginning at 9:30 a.m. Free parking for the game is available in Lot B and C. Refreshments will be on sale.

Confrontation: A strange exchange occurred between several Orioles players and Seattle starting pitcher Ron Villone after Villone was removed from the game in the fourth inning.

According to third baseman Melvin Mora, Villone began yelling at him from the Seattle dugout as he played catch in the infield before the fifth inning. Villone continued yelling and shortstop Miguel Tejada had to calm Mora down.

Villone continued to yell at Orioles players from the dugout and even got into an exchange with pitcher Sidney Ponson while he was on the mound. Ponson returned to the Orioles dugout and flapped both hands as if to motion that Villone was "chattering."

"I don't know what happened," Mora said. "All of a sudden he started yelling at me. Miguel just said to ignore it and I did. I don't know what was wrong with him, maybe he was frustrated because he threw like 100 pitches in three innings.

"But maybe he feels better now because he didn't lose the game." :laff:

Villone allowed seven earned runs in 3 2/3 innings and threw 104 pitches. Apparently, Villone said he had an "on field" problem with Mora but would not reveal the source of his anger. Mora was the final batter Villone faced in the fourth inning. He walked Mora on a full count.

"He was saying something to Melvin and I just told him to shut the [heck] up," Ponson said. "It's only 50 [feet] away from third base, if he has something to say, go say it. Nobody knows. He sat all game there and kept signaling to our dugout and I told him, 'Take a shower and calm down dude.'"

Hairston injury: Center fielder Jerry Hairston left Game 1 before the top of the eighth inning after fouling a ball off his upper knee in the seventh inning. He would eventually single in that at-bat and score on a double by Larry Bigbie. Hairston slid into a home plate and also had a slight collision with Seattle catcher Miguel Olivo.

Hairston said he would be available for Game 2.

Williams update: Right-handed reliever Todd Williams, who was hit on the back of the neck by a Gabe Kapler line drive on July 26, threw out of the bullpen for five minutes Sunday and was available for Tuesday's doubleheader with Seattle.

Williams had a series of headaches after the incident and team doctors wanted to wait for those to subside before clearing Williams for baseball activities.

Farm report: Bruce Chen pitched six scoreless innings and Edwards Guzman knocked in two runs as Triple-A Ottawa as rallied for two runs in the 13th inning to edge Rochester, 3-2 on Monday. Chen, who struck out five and walked none, lowered his ERA to 2.92.