What’s happening – As the Orioles wait for Chris Tillman’s signing to become official, manager Buck Showalter watched his newest starter, Andrew Cashner, throw his first bullpen Tuesday.
Cashner’s work was viewed by fellow starters Dylan Bundy and Kevin Gausman as well as pitching coach Roger McDowell. Showalter said that the 31-year-old Cashner won’t be scheduled for a Grapefruit League start until he throws a couple bullpen sessions.
“He’s pitched well against us and you’re always kind of curious of completely why, because you’re not allowed to stand behind him during games or while he’s warming up, but you can see why,” Showalter said.
“We do a sheet on the pitcher we’re facing that night, percentage of pitches thrown, a lot of facts and different stuff, holding runners and all the stuff. It’s a lot of information and I gave it to him yesterday. I said, ‘Tell me if we were off,’ and he said, ‘No, you all were right on it.’ He said, ‘How did I stick it up your butts?’ I said, ‘It’s a great example of, you can know what a guy’s doing or is going to try to do, and if they can execute it, it doesn’t really matter.”
Because Tillman’s signing hadn’t been made official, he couldn’t work out with the team on the second day of full-squad drills. He was at the facility, but wasn’t in the clubhouse during the time it was open to the media.
Once Tillman is signed, a player must be dropped from the 40-man roster, which is currently full.
** The Orioles will play a four-inning intrasquad game Thursday, and their first Grapefruit League contest is Friday against Tampa Bay.
** Catcher Andrew Susac was released from the hospital. He was diagnosed with a staph infection and will spend the next few days at home, Showalter said.
Something to think about – Susac’s illness has put him behind in the jockeying to back up starting catcher Caleb Joseph.
Besides Susac, who was acquired from Milwaukee on Feb. 2, the Orioles have rookies Chance Sisco and Austin Wynns on the 40-man roster.
It appears the Orioles would like Sisco to start the season at Triple-A Norfolk to get him additional defensive experience even though he’s a left-handed hitter, something the club is short on.
Wynns is a highly thought of defensive catcher, but he’s yet to play above Double-A Bowie. Also in camp is Audry Perez, who’s played for the Tides and Bowie the last three seasons, but Perez isn’t on the major league roster.
Over the last two days, the Orioles have brought several minor league catchers into camp due to Susac’s absence.
The only backstops remaining on the free agent market have substantial big league experience and are out of the Orioles’ price range.
A name to consider – Luis Sardinas is one of several candidates for the Orioles’ utility infielder spot. He was acquired last May from San Diego and spent the rest of the season at Norfolk.
“I think this organization wants to win,” Sardinas said through a translator. “They’re very active, transaction-wise, adding players, trying to make the team better, and making the playoffs, eventually winning the World Series.”
The 24-year-old switch-hitter, who has played second, third and shortstop, is a .229 hitter in parts of six seasons with the Padres, Rangers, Mariners and Brewers.
What they are saying — “I’m definitely excited to get it going. I think people have got a lot to look forward to. Whoever is doubting me at third base, I think they’ve got a lot to look forward to. I’m ready to get out there and play some ball.” — Tim Beckham on his transition from shortstop to third base.
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View Comments
It's good to hear Tim Beckham is excited to play some hot corner. Wheeeeww ... what a relief!
(To think we were all worried about his attitude ... Tim is obviously all about the team.)
Indeed. Beckham has said all the right things.
I guess sarcasm often isn't apparent in print ....
I've had a morning beverage. It's clear to me now. ;)
I’m just gonna smile and nod here.
I'm super curious about the leanings for Sisco to be in AAA. Wouldn't you want to throw him into as many ST games as possible before you make that call?
I think the leaning has been there since end of last year. He’s not gonna play every day in the majors this year. Have him play every day in the minors for a few more months. He made strides defensively last year. He’s 23. Catcher is baseball’s hardest position. But all that said I don’t think a decision has been made until ST shakes out. Mancini wasn’t making the club in Feb last year.
I think Sardinas would do a adequate job taking over for Ryan Flaherty , atleast in the infield. Neither one is going to win a silver slugger.
No. But he can play SS and that’s key.
Nobody will take Flaherty's spot in my heart. (unless JJ want's one more go-round)
Sardiñas is the clubhouse leader for the 2018 utility IF spot. He has been since the 2017 ended.
Beckham took a step forward in professional maturity and as a ball player the instant he was told he was traded. He has shown that EVERY step along the way in his time with the Orioles.
Agreed.
Beckham has that energy & enthusiasm every team needs, especially over a long 6 month season. It's something the Os really needed when he arrived last year IMO and should continue to have a positive affect going forward.
Honestly, there is a lot of energy in the infield with Schoop, Manny and Beckham. They don’t have a bad time playing baseball.
everyone is down on the pitchers we have but I have to wonder if the problem is the lack of having that pitching coach guru like George Bamburger was. any one who could make Pat Dobson into a 20 game winner has to be a good teacher. Plus look at all the talented pitchers that came up through the organization while he was in charge. I truly believe that is what we need instead of the carousel of coaches we have had lately.
Dobson actually won 14 the previous year for an abysmal Padres team. His ERA improved dramatically under Bamberger, but he also joined a much better team. Incidentally Dobson later won 19 for the Yankees.