Camden Chat: FanShots

The Orioles announced today that single-game tickets for 2009 home games will go on sale at 10 a.m....

2009-01-07T22:45:04Z

The Orioles announced today that single-game tickets for 2009 home games will go on sale at 10 a.m. Jan. 17.

Tickets can be purchased online at orioles.com and by phone at 1-888-848-BIRD.

O's single-game tickets on sale Jan. 17 -- baltimoresun.com

What Teixeira said: "Finally [my wife] said, 'I want you to be a Yankee.' That's when it was done....

2009-01-07T22:44:22Z

What Teixeira said: "Finally [my wife] said, 'I want you to be a Yankee.' That's when it was done. Once we got the contract figured out, it was a no-brainer to me."

What Teixeira meant: "Yeah, once the Yankees offered me $180 million, I was more than happy to go along with my wife's wishes. Just yesterday, she said: 'Mark, I want you to take the trash out.' And I will just as soon as she pays me $180 million."

Gallo: What Mark Teixeira actually meant - ESPN Page 2

Koji Uehara, the newest Oriole.

2009-01-07T02:59:01Z

Koji Uehara, the newest Oriole.

Mike Flanagan was executive vice president of baseball operations until his contract expired at the...

2009-01-06T18:02:51Z

Mike Flanagan was executive vice president of baseball operations until his contract expired at the end of the year, so it's fair to ask what he's going to be doing now. It's also fair to ask what exactly his role has been for the past year or so.

Nobody is willing to say anything publicly about this apparently sensitive situation, but sources have been telling us for a couple of months now that Flanny probably will return to the broadcast booth. Calls to Mike by O's baseball guys Jeff Zrebiec and Dan Connolly have not been returned, but sources said he's expected to meet with John Angelos soon to discuss new duties with the Mid-Atlantic Sports Network.

Flanagan's future (probably in the broadcast booth)

The launch of the MLB Network, which occured on January 1st, 2009 at 6pm.

2009-01-02T01:46:13Z

MLB Network Launch (1/1/09)Uploaded by gatecitycanes

The launch of the MLB Network, which occured on January 1st, 2009 at 6pm.

The Orioles officially added a veteran pitcher to their 40-man roster today, announcing that lefty...

2008-12-31T19:28:53Z

The Orioles officially added a veteran pitcher to their 40-man roster today, announcing that lefty Mark Hendrickson passed his physical and has agreed to a one-year contract worth $1.5 million.

It could increase to $2 million in 2009 if he reaches certain incentives for games pitched and started.

Hendrickson, 34, has a 50-63 record and a 5.07 ERA over parts of seven seasons. He went 7-8 in 2008 with a 5.45 ERA in 36 games (19 starts) for the Florida Marlins.

The Orioles, who are looking to add at least two starters, value Hendrickson's versatility and like him best as a long reliever and spot starter. However, he could get an opportunity to win a spot in the rotation behind Jeremy Guthrie.

Orioles, Hendrickson agree to one-year deal -- baltimoresun.com

Orioles: Sexson an option at 1B?

2008-12-31T03:28:08Z

Orioles: Sexson an option at 1B?

ARE YOU EFFING KIDDING ME?

Seriously, I'm trying to be patient. I'm trying to have faith. But if the Baltimore Orioles sign Richie effing Sexton I am going to vomit on Andy MacPhail first chance I get.

The Orioles are close to reaching an agreement with free-agent pitcher Mark Hendrickson, and an...

2008-12-29T03:41:41Z

The Orioles are close to reaching an agreement with free-agent pitcher Mark Hendrickson, and an annoucement could be made early this week pending the results of a physical.

Hendrickson would be joining his fifth organization since breaking into the majors with the Toronto Blue Jays in 2002. The 6-foot-9 left-hander is 50-63 with a 5.07 ERA in 215 career games. He was 7-8 with a 5.45 ERA with the Florida Marlins this season.

- MASNsports.com

Orioles right fielder Nick Markakis said today that he has turned down an offer to play for the...

2008-12-23T18:16:45Z

Orioles right fielder Nick Markakis said today that he has turned down an offer to play for the United States in the upcoming World Baseball Classic.

Markakis, who hit .306 last season with 20 homers and 87 RBIs, said he got a call this week from Billy Ripken, who is on the staff of the American team, which is managed by Davey Johnson. But he had to decline the invitation due to family concerns. Markakis was married earlier this offseason and he and his wife, Christina, are expecting their first child during the tournament.

"My first child is due on March 12 and that's right in the middle of it," Markakis said. "It was an easy decision. It's definitely a big honor and something I'd like to do. But with my first kid being born, I have other responsibilities to take care of. It was a hard decision, but an easy decision. They said I could have a couple of days leave, but you don't want to neglect a team like that."

Markakis turns down offer to play in World Baseball Classic -- baltimoresun.com

According to multiple sources, the Washington Nationals have sweetened their proposal to first...

2008-12-23T16:08:11Z

According to multiple sources, the Washington Nationals have sweetened their proposal to first baseman Mark Teixeira, offering him an eight-year deal worth $178 to $184 million.

The Nats were believed to have an eight-year, $160 million offer on the table. They apparently have increased the total value, putting them ahead of the other contenders, based on the numbers that have been reported.

I'm also told that they're willing to go nine years - and there's been talk of 10 - which could be one reason why agent Scott Boras is dragging along negotiations.

- MASNsports.com

LOS ANGELES (AP)—The Los Angeles Angels have pulled their eight-year offer to Mark Teixeira and w...

2008-12-22T18:00:48Z

LOS ANGELES (AP)—The Los Angeles Angels have pulled their eight-year offer to Mark Teixeira and will no longer go after the first baseman.

Team spokesman Tim Mead confirmed Sunday the Angels have withdrawn their offer and are "out of the Mark Teixeira derby." The team made its offer, reportedly worth about $160 million, during the winter meetings in Las Vegas earlier this month.

I'm told that a person close to Teixeira says the Orioles have offered the highest average yearly...

2008-12-21T07:11:52Z

I'm told that a person close to Teixeira says the Orioles have offered the highest average yearly salary, but not the highest overall amount. It's already believed they're the only club not offering an eight-year deal.

If this is true, and I certainly don't have confirmation from the Orioles, I'll speculate that they're willing to pay $150 million over seven years, which comes to $21.4 million per year.

Roch on the Teixeira derby
UPDATE per merdon below:
Angels have withdrawn their offer, which was 8/$160M.

WASHINGTON -- The Nationals and right-hander Daniel Cabrera have agreed to a one-year contract,...

2008-12-20T22:10:27Z

WASHINGTON -- The Nationals and right-hander Daniel Cabrera have agreed to a one-year contract, pending a physical, according to three baseball sources. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Nats, Cabrera agree to one-year deal | MLB.com: News

Watching him bat 35 games a year should be considered cruel and unusual punishment for Nats fans. As if just watching that team wasn't punishment enough...

O's, Ponson settle without arbitration

2008-12-19T05:51:07Z

O's, Ponson settle without arbitration

Fat Sid and the Orioles avoided arbitration and settled their three-year dispute today. Sir Tubby had been seeking $11.2M in uncollected salary. Terms were not released.

Red Sox Meet Boras, then Claim to Drop Out of Teixeira Race

2008-12-18T23:32:55Z

Red Sox Meet Boras, then Claim to Drop Out of Teixeira Race

BOSTON -- The Boston Red Sox may be close to signing Mark Teixeira, the premiere free agent available this off-season.
SportsCenter 5's Mike Lynch reported that team owner John Henry, CEO Larry Lucchino and General Manager Theo Epstein were in Texas Thursday evening meeting with Teixeira's agent Scott Boras.
Lynch reported the Red Sox were offering an eight-year contract with an annual salary of $23 million.

UPDATE: John Henry emailed the following to the media tonight: "We met with Mr. Teixeira and were very much impressed with him. After hearing about his other offers, however, it seems clear that we are not going to be a factor."

"It seems clear". Not, "we are dropping out."

Stay tuned....

Most disturbing Roch entry

2008-12-18T17:55:47Z

Most disturbing Roch entry

ESPN's Ravech: Teixeira Has "Enormous Attraction" to Orioles; Decision Near... (Editor's...

2008-12-16T17:16:36Z

ESPN's Ravech: Teixeira Has "Enormous Attraction" to Orioles; Decision Near...

(Editor's note—Also, if you haven't seen the additional news, the Red Sox have made an offer believed to be for eight years. There's one report of it being for $175M, but that's probably just Boras whispering into someone's ear, as the Sox are notoriously tight-lipped about dollar amounts...-zk)

Happy 20th aniversary, F--k Face

2008-12-16T15:41:54Z

Happy 20th aniversary, F--k Face

Billy Ripken finally tells the story behind the infamous "Fuck Face" baseball card.

Izturis passes his physical

2008-12-16T01:44:20Z

Izturis passes his physical

From Roch:

There's a new shortstop in town, and his name's Cesar Izturis.

Izturis made it through his physical without any problems. You can pencil him into the lineup. I'd suggest the ninth spot.

Olney's take on the O's interest in Tex

2008-12-15T15:53:38Z

Olney's take on the O's interest in Tex

Maybe in three years, it would make sense for the Orioles to consider such an enormous contract. But not now, not when both teams are miles away from contending, not when they need a whole lot more than Teixeira.