Oriole Post - A Baltimore Orioles Blog
Finally, the speculation is over. It was a formaility that Jake Arrieta was going to be named the Opening Day starter, but made official today.
From the Orioles.com: SARASOTA, Fla. -- Manager Buck Showalter announced on Monday that Jake Arrieta will be the Orioles' Opening Day starter. Baltimore will begin the season on Friday at home against the Minnesota Twins.
"Jake will pitch on that day and we will go from there," Showalter said in a press conference at the club's Spring Training complex. "We're real proud of him and the way he's gotten back. He's experienced with that environment, as are some other guys we considered. We're hoping he pitches well enough that he does it again next year and the year after that and the year after that. ... He was one of our better pitchers last year before he had the surgery."
It's a quite a cool honor for Arrieta, as he will pitch on Friday against the Minnesota Twins. He counters against veteran Carlo Pavano. Considering how Arrieta's season ended in 2011 and how he has rebounded is quite an accomplishment.
I sometimes think a little much is made of the first day of the baseball season; however, it's still a day I look forward to.
This Opening Day will be quite memorable because it celebreates the 20th anniversary of the first game at Camden Yards. It opened on Aptil 6th, 1992.
no commentsFrom the good folks with the Baltimore Orioles. If you're curious about Opening Day - which is sold out -- here's a rundown of activities, information, plus additions to Oriole Park at Camden Yards.
***
Orioles announce Opening Day plans for 20th Anniversary Season
The Orioles have announced plans for the first game of their 59th season and the 20th anniversary celebration of Oriole Park at Camden Yards -- The Ballpark That Forever Changed Baseball. The team will face the Minnesota Twins on Friday, April 6, at 3:05 p.m., 20 years to the day that Camden Yards hosted its first regular season game in 1992.
PRE-GAME FUN AROUND THE YARD
To allow fans the opportunity to experience the excitement of Opening Day, the entire ballpark will open at noon on Friday. Each fan will receive a 2012 schedule/car magnet at the gates. Roving musical groups will entertain fans on Eutaw Street and the main concourses.
PRE-GAME CEREMONIES
PLAYER INTRODUCTIONS
Fans are encouraged to be in their seats by 2:30 p.m., when pre-game ceremonies will begin. MASN personality JIM HUNTER will serve as emcee for the pre-game festivities.
In a continuation of the Opening Day tradition, Orioles players and coaches will be introduced prior to the game. Orioles players will run through the center field gate on an orange carpet and take their places between first and second base. Manager BUCK SHOWALTER, coaches and staff will be introduced from the Orioles dugout. Members of the Twins will be announced and will run from their dugout to line up between second and third base.
OriolesREACH has arranged for 80 youth from local Girl Scout troops to line the orange carpet holding Orioles flags during player introductions. The Girl Scouts are celebrating their 100th anniversary in 2012.
For the 19th straight season, one fan will be chosen to represent all Orioles fans as the team’s “10th man”. The fan will be introduced as a part of the Orioles starting lineup during the pre-game ceremonies.
FIRST PITCH
In a pairing of 1992 Opening Day batterymates, former Orioles pitcher RICK SUTCLIFFE will throw out the ceremonial first pitch to Orioles Hall of Fame catcher CHRIS HOILES. Sutcliffe was the first pitcher to take the mound at Camden Yards in 1992, throwing a five-hit shutout in a 2-0 Orioles’ win over the Cleveland Indians. Hoiles went 1-for-3 with an RBI double in the game.
NATIONAL ANTHEM & GOD BLESS AMERICA
Representing The Modell Performing Arts Center at the Lyric, tenor Rolando Sanz will perform the National Anthem and God Bless America. Sanz recently made his Carnegie Hall debut singing the role of Kostik in the world premiere of Prokofiev’s lost opera Dalëkie Morja (Distant Seas).
During the anthem, a 30’x 42’ American flag from Fort McHenry will be unfurled over the batter’s eye wall in center field. The flag is a replica of the one that flew over Fort McHenry when Francis Scott Key wrote the National Anthem.
Colors will be presented by the Fort McHenry Guard in celebration of the bicentennial of the War of 1812. The group consists of men and women, National Park Service personnel and volunteers, who represent the defenders of Baltimore and Fort McHenry: the Field Music in scarlet and white; the Corps of Artillery, the Baltimore Fencibles, the Sea Fencibles, and the citizens of Baltimore who supported them.
GOLD GLOVE AWARDS PRESENTATION FOR MARKAKIS AND WIETERS
Rawlings established the Rawlings Gold Glove Award in 1957 to recognize the best fielders at each position; it has evolved into baseball’s greatest measure of defensive excellence. Every year, managers and coaches of each Major League Baseball team select a squad of the best defensemen in their respective leagues, excluding their own teams.
In 2011, right fielder NICK MARKAKIS and catcher MATT WIETERS were named Gold Glove Award winners at their respective positions. Both were first-time recipients. In a pre-game ceremony, a representative from Rawlings will present Markakis and Wieters with their Gold Glove Awards.
NEW IN 2012
COMMEMORATIVE BASEBALLS
In recognition of the 20th anniversary of The Ballpark That Forever Changed Baseball, the Orioles will use baseballs stamped with the 20th anniversary logo for all home games during the 2012 season. The baseballs will be available for purchase in the Orioles Official Team Store at the ballpark and at www.orioles.com.
ORIOLES LEGENDS SCULPTURES
Larger than life bronze sculptures of the six greatest Orioles of all-time – FRANK ROBINSON, BROOKS ROBINSON, EARL WEAVER, JIM PALMER, EDDIE MURRAY and CAL RIPKEN, JR. – will be unveiled during the course of the 2012 season. The sculptures will be located in the improved bullpen picnic grove, which received significant upgrades and additional landscaping. As with Eutaw Street, this area has been renovated to allow fans access during non-gameday hours all year round.
The six sculptures will each be dedicated at a different Orioles home game during the 2012 season – Frank Robinson on April 28, Brooks Robinson on May 12, Earl Weaver on June 30, Jim Palmer on July 14, Eddie Murray on August 11 and Cal Ripken Jr. on September 6. All six sculptures are being created by renowned Maryland sculptor Antonio Tobias “Toby” Mendez. The six Orioles sculptures will be cast into bronze by Baltimore’s New Arts Foundry and will range from seven to eight feet in scale and weigh between 600 and 1,500 pounds each.
ROOF DECK
A new Roof Deck has been added on top of the batter’s eye wall in center field, featuring drink rails, a bar and deck seating. This new area will showcase the view of downtown Baltimore and Eutaw Street, as well as provide a unique vantage point to watch the game. Any fan with a game ticket will be able to enjoy this unique vantage point to watch all or a portion of the game, as space permits. This area was previously inaccessible to fans.
FLAG COURT
The out-of-town scoreboard on the right field wall has been modified to reduce the height of the wall by approximately four feet and thus improve views of the game from the Flag Court and Eutaw Street. Food service and retail in the Warehouse has also been renovated to take advantage of this improved visual connection to the playing field.
ART OF THE GAME
Located at the south end of Eutaw Street near Gate A, Art of the Game is a sports art gallery open on gamedays. Highlights include many one of a kind paintings, autographed memorabilia, and limited edition prints of sports stars with both a national and local interest.
MAIN CONCOURSE
The Orioles and the Maryland Stadium Authority have improved the main concourse with new flooring and wall coverings. Following a trend in ballparks for a more finished look, the new flooring, which debuted last year in the lower concourse behind home plate, improves not only aesthetics but makes for easier cleaning and a less slippery surface when wet. Select Orioles design elements have also been added to lower concourse walls and murals have been added to stairwells.
WAREHOUSE CANOPY
As a part of MSA’s restoration of the B&O Warehouse brickwork, a replica of the original canopy has been added to the Warehouse to shelter portable concessions and additional seating, as well as fans on Eutaw Street searching for shade or to escape inclement weather.
NEW FOOD ELEMENTS COMING TO CAMDEN YARDS
The Orioles and their concessionaire, Delaware North Sportservice, have made extensive additions to the food offerings at Camden Yards, highlighted by the opening of Dempsey’s Brew Pub and Restaurant and Baltimore favorites Gino’s and Stuggy’s.
DEMPSEY’S BREW PUB AND RESTAURANT
Named for Orioles Hall of Fame catcher and 1983 World Series MVP RICK DEMPSEY, Dempsey’s is a full-service brew pub and restaurant located on Eutaw Street. Dempsey’s is in the final phase of construction and will be open on a limited basis on Opening Day and only during games until late April. A full opening is planned for that time, after which the restaurant will be open year round, on gamedays and non-gamedays. The menu will feature upscale American fare and specialty beers brewed on-site.
GINO’S AND STUGGYS AT THE BALLPARK
Popular Baltimore establishments Gino’s and Stuggy’s will be available at Oriole Park starting this season. Both will be located below the Roof Deck in center field, at the north end of Eutaw Street.
Gino’s is a chain originally founded by Baltimore Colts Gino Marchetti and Alan Ameche. The Camden Yards location will feature the Camden Giant, a crab cake on top of a hamburger, in addition to chicken tenders, fries and shakes.
Fells Point favorite Stuggy’s will offer an assortment of specialty hot dogs at Oriole Park, including the Crab Mac ’n’ Cheese dog, the Motor City dog, the Chicago Style dog, and a rotation of other selections available from their Fells Point location.
EUTAW MARKET
Eutaw Market, located just south of the Orioles Team Store on Eutaw Street, will offer fans quick and convenient service. The Market features wrapped sandwiches, chips, bottled drinks and fresh fruit and will soon be open year-round.
MORE THAN PEANUTS AND CRACKER JACKS
Other unique concession items that will be available at Oriole Park in 2012 include bacon on a stick; the return of the Birdland Dog, featuring smoked beef brisket hash, fried onions and stewed tomato relish; deep fried Old Bay sausage; a variety of UTZ chips; and pulled pork sliders.
UPPER DECK CONCESSIONS
All upper deck concessions have been upgraded with renovated food service equipment, allowing for an expanded menu and more freshly prepared options as well as a new look, similar to what was completed on the lower level prior to the 2011 season.
BY THE NUMBERS
On Opening Day the Orioles’ concessionarie, Delaware North Sportservice, expects to serve the following:
· 53,000 ESSKAY hot dogs
· 52,000 sodas
· 20,500 orders of French fries
· 15,000 jumbo pretzels
· 14,700 Boog’s BBQ sandwiches
· 14,500 orders of chicken tenders
SECURITY MEASURES
The Orioles have one of the most liberal food policies in professional sports. Outside food and beverages may be brought into Camden Yards, subject to the following guidelines:
· Soft-sided and paper bags are permitted at Oriole Park, as long as they fit into a 16” x 16” x 8” container. Hard-sided coolers, thermoses, glass bottles, cans or alcoholic beverages are not permitted into the ballpark.
· Non-alcoholic beverages in plastic bottles are permitted into the park. All items will be checked at the gates and any beverage that has been opened or partially consumed prior to entry is subject to confiscation if it is thought to contain alcohol. In addition, no plastic or paper cups of beverages are permitted into the park at the entry gates.
Other security measures include the following:
· All items permitted into the ballpark will be inspected. No bags or items exceeding the maximum size of 16” x 16” x 8” are allowed into the ballpark. Bags on wheels are prohibited.
· No containers or unauthorized items can be left at any park entrance.
· No re-entry will be permitted once a fan has entered the ballpark gates.
· Only vehicles dropping off or picking up guests with disabilities are permitted to stop curbside at the ballpark. No other vehicles are permitted curbside, nor are people able to stand and wait with vehicles.
· The Orioles welcome fan support in the form of handmade banners and signs. To ensure that all fans will have an unobstructed view of the ballgame, the Orioles do not permit the hanging or carrying of banners anywhere in the ballpark. Banners may be displayed before and after the game and between innings only. Banners and signs are subject to confiscation if the content is commercial, political, and/or in bad taste according to the Orioles’ discretion.
OPENING DAY TIMING
Noon Gates Open
12:25-1:25 Orioles Batting Practice
1:25-2:05 Twins Batting Practice
2:05-2:25 Field Preparation
2:30 Ceremonies Begin
3:05 Play Ball!
no commentsThese days, it is complicated and very hard to find a gaming site that is fun, trust-worthy, but also pays out well.
Bingo Hideout is a vast, informative online bingo portal providing information, resources and reviews of the based bingo sites out of the United Kingdom. It also has a very comprehensive list of the best bonuses available to new players at each of the bingo sites.
As well, Bingo Hideout also has a social network and community forum allowing members to discuss everything related to online bingo and more! Well, there hundreds of bingo sites – some good, some bad out there – on the internet; however, Bingo Hideout will give you information on the most secure and reputable ones out there to give you piece of mind.
They work hard to ensure that you constantly benefit from the most up to date information available from all the sites out there. Also, if you are looking for free bingo no deposit
bingo games, you will find the latest games and deals on Bingo Hideout.
So, if you’re a serious bingo player and want find the best site out there, check out Bingo Deposit – the best resource out there for you all!
no commentsThe Orioles closed out their Grapefruit League portion of the spring as they lost to the Tampa Bay Rays, 8-5 on Sunday in Sarasota.
Wei-Yin Chen had a rough afternoon as he gave up seven runs – only three earned. He did give up three homers – two to Desmond Jennings, who had three on the day; Evan Longoria also homered off of him.
A enormous J.J. Hardy error in the fourth inning opened up the flood gates for the Rays; however, Chen’s outing was not as terrible as it looked.
Despite Hardy’s miscue in the field, did homer twice – once in the first inning and again in the sixth. Nick Markakis and Nick Johnson also hit homers, as well. Johnson, who should make the squad as a bench player, or part-time designated hitter drove in four runs.
With that all being said, it looks like the Opening Day roster is taking shape despite Buck Showalter not finalizing anything. Heck, he has not even named a starter for April 6th although most in the media are speculating Jake Arrieta will be tabbed.
Here is what I think the roster will be:
C: Matt Wieters
IF: Chris Davis, Robert Andino, J.J. Hardy, Mark Reynolds
OF: Adam Jones, Nick Markakis, Nolan Reimold
DH: Wilson Betimit/Nick Johnson
Bench: Endy Chavez, Ronny Paulino
SP: Jake Arrieta, Jason Hammel, Wei-Yin Chen, Tommy Hunter, Brian Matusz,
BP: Jim Johnson, Kevin Gregg, Luis Ayala, Matt Lindstrom, Pedro Strop
The members of the bullpen who are on the bubble are Darren O’Day, Pat Neshek, Zach Phillips, Tsuyoshi Wada and Troy Patton. I think Phillips makes the team as a long reliever who is a southpaw, while Patton starts at Triple-A.
I think Wada start on the disabled list and either O’Day or Neshek ends up in the minors.
When it comes to the outfield, Jai Miller will probably be the odd man out. If he passes through waivers – he has no options left – Miller will be a formidable bat to have in Triple-A. If he can hit there, much like he did last, his bat will be an intriguing option if it is needed.
Ryan Flaherty is battling for an infield spot; however, I think he is a lock for the roster considering what he has done in Florida.
no commentsI think this Orioles team is going to be better than last year's. I think the best case scenario for this team is .500, I think the worst case is 66, so middle ground I'm putting them at 75. I think there is too much talent on this team to lose 100+ games even if everything goes wrong. You need to be a special kind of bad to have that happen and I don't think the Orioles are that kind of bad.
Orioles All-Star: Adam Jones and Matt Wieters. Yes TWO All-Stars for the Orioles this year. I think both are going to have good enough first halves that you simply can't keep them both out.
Which Pitcher will win the most games? Arrieta with 17.
Who Will Lead the Team With RBI? Adam Jones
Who Will Lead the Team in Homers? Reynolds with 40
Saves Leader: Jim Johnson. But you will also see Pedro Strop and maybe even Chris Tillman record saves this year.
Who Will Be the Orioles MVP? Matt Wieters
Does Brian Roberts Play? No. He will eventually be transferred to the 60 Day-DL and some sort of agreement will be worked out regarding the remainder of his contract.
Attendance: 2.5 million. The team is better.
***
How the AL East will shape up at the end of the season: Tampa Bay, Boston (WC), New York , Toronto, Baltimore ** As mush as I think that the Orioles will be a better team this year and have a non-zero chance of finishing over .500 I can't in good conscience put them anywhere but fifth. This is more a function of their division than anything else. For the Orioles to not finish fifth one team above them will have to fall apart.
How the AL Central will shape up at the end of the season: Detroit (by a mile), Minnesota, Kansas City, Cleveland, Chicago
How the AL West will shape up at the end of the season: Texas, Los Angeles/Anaheim (WC), Seattle, Oakland
How the NL East will shape up at the end of the season: Philadelphia, Atlanta (WC), Washington, Miami, New York ** I know that Washington is a sexy pick for the WC but I honestly don't think they are going to have the offense to make it happen as is. Harper could change all of that and Prince Fielder would have changed that.
How the NL Central will shape up at the end of the season: St. Louis, Milwaukee, Cincinnati, Pittsburgh, Chicago, Houston.
How the NL West will shape up at the end of the season: Arizona, San Francisco (WC), Los Angeles, Colorado, San Diego.
Your World Series Matchup: Texas vs. San Francisco
Winner: Texas
no commentsThis afternoon, the Baltmore Orioles and Pittsburgh Pirates played to a 6-6 tie in Bradenton, Fla and pitcher Jake Arrieta has a rough day; however, the news of the day involved Chris Tillman.
Well, the young hurler was once again demoted as he was optioned to Triple-A Norfolk.
According to the press release by the team, “Tillman posted a 2.92 ERA (12.1IP, 4ER) in five games (one start) for the Orioles this spring.”
That being said, it’s hard to determine why Tillman got sent down; however, it might have been a numbers game with the Orioles, struggled and knowing that he has options – perhaps that’s why the decision was made.
Overall, he has been an extraordinarily inconsistent pitcher with the franchise (at least in the majors) and fans – along with executives – have been wondering “will this guy ever figure it out?
Is Tillman a major league-caliber pitcher, or a Four-A guy?
Tillman has had problems being efficient on the mound with his pitches, making it to the fifth inning, walking batters and confidence on the mound. Not good.
It drove people crazy to see Tillman pitch like an ace in one game, and look painful the next.
I was watching “Wall-to-Wall Baseball” on MASN today, and panelist Dave Johnson brought up an important point – why don’t the Orioles just allow Tillman to pitch in the majors for an extended period of time?
Good question. I don’t know.
The Orioles will not be competitive this season – or next, or the one afterwards, so why not throw him out to the fire and see if he could sink or swim? Dan Duquette in the off-season brought in more arms to shore up a rotation that ranked statistically at the bottom of every ranking last season, and pitchers like Tillman were part of the problem.
However, how can Tillman learn how to pitch in the majors if he is being shuffled umpteen times?
Now, one has to wonder has his time run short with the Orioles?
I know that he might be considered an organizational guy at this point or could be dangled in a trade, but why not see what he’s got as a member of the big league squad?
no comments
As the Oriole roster is starting to take shape, they made yet another move last night. Alfredo Simon, who has been a mainstay of the pitching staff for the past few years has been put on waivers.
Britt Ghiroli of the Orioles.com says: In a somewhat surprising move, the Orioles placed right-hander Alfredo Simon on outright waivers, two baseball sources confirmed on Friday evening.
Orioles executive vice president of baseball operations Dan Duquette said the waiver process is confidential and confirmed in a text message that Simon is "on the roster."
Technically, that is true. Simon is still on the 40-man roster and will be until he is claimed by another team or cleared, with the latter an unlikely scenario.
I'm a little surprised Simon was put on waivers; however, his career with the Orioles has been filled with ups and downs.
Simon has a got a power arm for sure, but he's been woefully inconsistent for the organization and dogged by injuries. He struggled badly this week in an outing, and perhaps with the season starting next week, there was not a easily defined role for him
The bottom line is that there were many pitchers better than Simon in camp this time around and he was expendable.
Ghiroli - and seemingly a lot of media - believe that Simon would be claimed by another organization if the Orioles did waive him.
no commentsThis afternoon, the Orioles lost to the Detroit Tigers, 6-4, at Ed Smith Stadium in Sarasota, Florida.
Brian Matusz – who I think has earned a spot in the rotation, and may be the 5th starter right now - allowed three runs in the first inning; however, he settled down thereafter. Overall, he pitched five innings, walked one and struck out four.
Much has been said about Matusz’s struggles last year, but I think he has going to bounce back in a big way. I do not know if he will be an ace, or a top of the rotation guy who could anchor a staff now; however, but he is a unquestionably still part of the Orioles future.
He will be fine this season. I hope.
The story of the game was Adam Jones. I have been intrigued him this Spring Training and wonder what he can accomplish in 2012. Considering Jones is in his fifth year, and one of the big bats in the Orioles lineup, eyes will be on him.
He is not signed to a long-term deal with the Orioles, and I think this season is critical for him – and the team. So far in the exhibition season, Jones has hit four homers and has driven in 12 runs.
At this point, Jones will bat either third or cleanup when the season starts. While he has put up some impressive numbers so far, he needs to cut down on the strikeouts, improve his on-base percentage and walk more.
I do think that Jones will improve his numbers in 2012, hit for more power, and drive close to 100 runs in. He has got the ability to be a real five-tool player, but can it be harnessed?
Jones will be the man in the Baltimore lineup starting next week; therefore, he has to take his game to another level.
no commentsI said this week the Orioles will in 66 games, and I have a few more predictions to throw out there with the team, but also baseball…
Orioles All-Star: Nick Markakis or Matt Wieters. I do think Jones is ready for a breakout season.
Which Pitcher will win the most games? I’m not too sure, but I am going to say Jake Arrieta with 13.
Who Will Lead the Team With RBI? Adam Jones
Who Will Lead the Team in Homers? Good chance it may be Mark Reynolds again. I do think Adam Jones’ numbers will pick up and he’ll get close to 30 homers.
Saves Leader: Jim Johnson, 25
Who Will Be the Orioles MVP? Matt Wieters
Does Brian Roberts Play? Yes. Though it may be a while, and won’t be on an everyday basis.
Attendance: 2.3 million. Fans flock the stadium for the Orioles Hall of Fame Events, promotions and the weather will be fairly good this season.
***
How the AL East will shape up at the end of the season: New York, Tampa Bay (WC), Boston, Toronto, Baltimore
How the AL Central will shape up at the end of the season: Detroit (by a mile), Cleveland, Chicago, Kansas City, Minnesota,
How the AL West will shape up at the end of the season: Texas, Los Angeles/Anaheim (WC), Seattle, Oakland
How the NL East will shape up at the end of the season: Philadelphia, Washington (WC), Florida, Atlanta, New York
How the NL Central will shape up at the end of the season: St. Louis, Milwaukee, Cincinnati, Pittsburgh, Chicago, Houston.
How the NL West will shape up at the end of the season: Arizona, San Francisco (WC), Los Angeles, Colorado, San Diego.
Your World Series Matchup: Texas vs. Philadelphia
Winner: Philadelphia
I do know at the end of the season, some team will celebrating in the clubhouse with beer, champagne, cigars, and clothing indicating that they are 2012 World Champions.
If you love cigars, you can buy them from Famous Smoke cigars and have a good old time. Famous Smoke Shop has the variety of your favorite cigars at the price and quality you like.
There's no point waiting, shop at Famous Smoke today!
no comments
Well, it looks like the Orioles made another move, gaining an infielder; meanwhile, pitcher Dana Eveland was designate for assignment. He wants to stay with the organization according to the Baltimore Sun if he passes waivers or isn't released.
no commentsOrioles claim INF Zelous Wheeler off waivers
The Orioles today announced that they have claimed INF ZELOUS WHEELER off of waivers from the Milwaukee Brewers and optioned him to Triple-A Norfolk.
Wheeler, 25, is a career .271/.371/.408 hitter in 538 minor league games over five seasons. He spent last season with Double-A Huntsville (65 games) and Triple-A Nashville (17 games), hitting a combined .272/.378/.459 with 33 extra-base hits in 329 at-bats.
Wheeler was originally drafted by Milwaukee in the 19th round of the 2007 draft out of Wallace State Community College in Hanceville, AL.
To make room for Wheeler on the 40-man roster, LHP DANA EVELAND was designated for assignment.
