(via blog.cleveland.com)

View full size photo uploaded June 24, 2009

The Orioles have picked up minor league first baseman Michael Aubrey from the Cleveland Indians in exchange for a player to be named later. Aubrey was the 11th pick in the 2003 draft, now 27 years old.

At Triple-A this season, Aubrey was hitting .292/.322/.448 with five home runs, so it's not like this is a deal being made to make room for an Aubrey Huff trade or anything, or at least that doesn't seem likely. Given his age, production, and status in the Indians system, this looks like nothing more than a deal made to reinforce the roster at Norfolk.

In 397 career minor league games, Aubrey has hit .295/.356/.475. He doesn't walk much, but he rarely strikes out. He was a college star at Tulsa, hitting .420/.505/.733 with 18 homers in 63 games in his final season there, and has never matched that home run total in a single minor league season. His high came in 2004, when he hit 15 between Kinston (High-A) and Akron (AA).

Nothing to get all excited about, nothing to read into. Just a minor move for an available player that hopefully helps Norfolk out.

With a dreadful start to his 2009 season at Frederick, things simply don't look good for former Orioles top draft pick Billy Rowell. (via www.baltimoresun.com)

View full size photo uploaded June 10, 2009

At what point does a prospect start to truly qualify as a bust?

Most times, I'd guess, it's when the hyped prospect reaches the majors and never gets off the schneid, or just doesn't pan out against huge expectations.

Other times, though, it happens far sooner -- and the light of Major League day is never even seen. Right now, Frederick Keys outfielder Billy Rowell is on the verge of being labeled as a flop. I hate to rag on a kid who's probably heard plenty in his own mind, and is being hard enough on himself most likely, but we have to face facts: One of the position prospects with upside in our system is Billy Rowell, and that upside is about to vanish.

The young man doesn't turn 21 until September, so that's a point in his favor. Still, anyone drafted ninth overall (2006) with talk of his "tremendous raw power" is expected to have hit by now. He hasn't. The 6'5" Rowell played shortstop in high school, moved to third base in the pros, and has since switched to outfield. New positions haven't helped. Injuries have plagued him. And he just hasn't produced.

This season, Rowell is hitting an anemic .240/.296/.404 through 56 games, with seven homers, 24 RBIs and 55 strikeouts in 208 at-bats. It's his second go-'round at Frederick (High-A) after hitting .248/.315/.368 in 111 games last season. As an 18-year old in the Sally League in 2007, he hit .273/.335/.426, which was decent given his age, but right then should have told us we had no phenom on our hands, but a work in progress.

The work has stopped progressing. That's the troublesome aspect.

Then-VP Mike Flanagan said of Rowell just after the pick in 2006, "We think a projection of two or three years and he'll be ready." He's obviously not going to meet that, and now it seems like total insanity.

The silver lining is this: Rowell has so lost his standing as one of the organization's best prospects that if pressure has played a part in his slow pro start, he should really just forget about it. I don't think anyone's really thinking about him other than, "Has he started hitting yet?" He's clearly not a blue-chipper, but that doesn't mean he can't still be a good player. Again: He's really young still.

Look at Brandon Snyder, a CC favorite who looked for all the world like a guy that would stall out and probably not ever really make it. Snyder battled some injuries, settled in at first base, and for a first baseman, his .776 OPS (Delmarva, 2000) and .848 OPS (Frederick, 2008) marks weren't tremendously encouraging.

What's he doing this season with Double-A Bowie? He's knocking the crap out of the ball: Snyder is hitting .343/.411/.605 with 10 homers and 41 RBIs in 49 games for the Baysox. Now those? Those are first baseman numbers. Those are something to work with.

What I'm really saying is not that Billy Rowell is already a bust, or that he's doomed, or that it's time to flat-out forget him. What I'm saying is look at Snyder and hope that Rowell can find that groove. No matter how they turned out, everyone drafted in a spot like Rowell's had legitimate baseball talent -- all of them. There are lots of other factors that come into play, from injuries to ability to handle the pressure to just plain losing it sometimes.

Billy Rowell's got time to make this thing work. Maybe he never does. But it's not quittin' time just yet.

Today is the first off day that the Orioles have had since May 18th, a span of 16 games. It's not the longest they'll go without an off day (that would be 20 games from mid-August through the beginning of September), but it seems like they have been playing baseball non-stop FOREVER.

I'm not going to say much about the epic failure of Dave Trembley and his rag-tag bunch of baserunners, that's been covered by zk and duck below. All I will say is that I hope Dave Trembley and the coaching staff use this day off to reevaluate their strategy and work on changes they need to make in the future. The beauty of the off day is it gives everyone a chance to take a breather and make a clean break from the past few games.

Baseball links, O's style:

• Hayden Penn has been designated for assignment by the Florida Marlins. Hayden had been used in relief for the Marlins without much success, and the final straw was last night in the 5th inning vs. the Brewers. Penn came into the game in the 5th inning with one out and two runners on. Hayden walked the first batter and then got an out, but couldn't get out of it as he then walked the next three batters with the bases loaded.
• It appears Jamie Walker is headed for DFA-land as well. We all know that JW has been terrible for the better part of a year, but if you watched him against the Mariners two nights ago you saw a pitcher so bad that it was comical.
  
• A topic that is discussed here every now and then is Luke Scott's ability to hit lefties. Some say he can't, some say he could given the chance. Amber Theoharis blogs about how both Luke and Terry Crowley think he's all about hitting the lefties. It doesn't really matter what people believe about it right now, because Luke is one of the only non-putrid hitters in the lineup. He's going to be in there until he proves he shouldn't be.
  
• This isn't O's related, but the Phillies have a new pitcher who's name is Antonio Bastardo. He made his major league debut this week and got the win. No real news about him, I just think he has a cool name.
  
• The Braves released pitcher Tom Glavine yesterday after his rehab start in the minors. It wasn't his pitching; he threw 6 shutout innings and his velocity was up (well, for him). More likely it's the money as Glavine's pay increases based on days on the roster. Leo Mazzone was on XM radio yesterday talking about Glavine and telling some pretty awesome stories about their days together. Leo is a cool dude. I wish the O's could have done better for him. Leo predicts that either the Phillies or Mets will take a chance on Glavine as both will need a pitcher to put them over the top in the division.
  
• Blog-O's-phere: Keep on top of all the recent roster changes at NumerOlogy.  Check out the "mail bag" at Roar from 34. It's much better than Corey's Corner. Baltimore Sports Report is in favor of dumping Jamie Walker as well. Lastly, over at Bugs & Cranks, the real story is that Brady Anderson appears to be commenting on Patrick Smith's blog about the Brady's e-mail in the Sun. I'm guessing that Brady doesn't read every Orioles related thing on the internet but rather googles himself from time to time. If that's the case, hi Brady Anderson! Brady Anderson, please comment on MY story. I love you Brady Anderson, I used to have a poster of you, Brady Anderson, in my bedroom as a teen!

via www.baltimoresun.com

View full size photo uploaded April 19, 2009

From Jeff Zrebiec:

The Orioles are planning to recall Brad Bergesen to start Tuesday's series opener against the Chicago White Sox at Camden Yards.

The club, which also considered recalling Triple-A left-hander Chris Waters, will likely hold off on making the announcement until Monday, when it will also have to make a roster move to accommodate Bergesen. However, multiple team sources confirmed that the plan is to give Bergesen an extended look in the rotation in place of injured right-hander Alfredo Simon, who is out at least a month, if not much longer, with elbow problems.

It will be the major league debut for Bergesen, a 23-year-old right-hander who was the organization's Minor League Pitcher of the Year last season.

So for all those hoping to see Bergesen sooner than later, here's his chance. But please do yourself a favor and don't get carried away. He's an extreme control specialist and most of these guys (Josh Towers was one, too) have some (or a lot of) trouble in the majors.

But I'm happy he's getting the chance. I don't really have anything against Chris Waters (I'll take Waters over Eaton), but Bergesen had a great 2008 at Bowie and a nice spring, and he's earned the look. Do it to it, Brad.

AHHHH!!!!!!

It's a minor injury to a Minor League player. And still it's major news.

Matt Wieters, Baltimore's top prospect, left Triple-A Norfolk's game against the Gwinnett Braves with cramping in his right hamstring on Friday. He singled in the first inning and pulled up lame, and the Tides pulled him for precautionary reasons. Wieters, who is batting .292, will be re-evaluated on Saturday.

AHHHH!!!!!!!!

HELP US, JESUS! HELP US, ALLAH! HELP US, JEWISH GOD! HELP US, TOM CRUISE!

The rotation: Brad Bergesen, David Pauley, David Hernandez, Chris Waters, and Chris Tillman.

Bergesen has started two games this year, pitching a total of 11 innings while giving up 6 hits, 3 walks, and striking out 9.  Brad is on the short list to be called up and will probably see action for the Orioles sooner or later. Sooner of course being this week due to Alfredo Simon's injury, later being whenever Trembley and MacPhail can't stand to see Adam Eaton any longer.

David Pauley has one start under his belt, taking the hard luck loss against the Charlotte Knights 3-1. He allowed 2 ER, 1 BB, and struck out 3 in 5.2 innings. Pauley couldn't impress enough in Spring Training to make the cut but my gut tells me he'll be one of the sacrificial lambs called upon while we continue to wait for the big guns.

David Hernandez allowed one run and struck out 9 in 4.2 innings in his only start so far this season. I've heard tell that Hernandez is more suited to the bullpen, which if true is fine. God knows the Orioles need the help in that department.

Chris Waters is who he is. The only Norfolk starter to have a rough outing so far, he's allowed 4 ER in 3 innings in his start, walking 3 and striking out 1.

The youngest member of our holy trinity is Chris Tillman, and he's also pitching at the highest level. Tillman is the youngest player on the Tides, with the next youngest, Matt Wieters, coming in at almost two years older. In his only start of the year, Chris Tillman threw 4 no hit innings, walking 3 and striking out 5. 

WIETERS WATCH!!

Matt hasn't done much with the bat this year, going just 4 for 18. But who cares? We're coming up on the magical day when Wieters can be called up to save us from Chad Moeller. I just don't think it'll be right away, although I can't for the life of me figure out why. I'm hoping it will be soon, though, because I'm going to the game Tuesday and would love to see his debut. Although, who am I kidding, I'll be there no matter when it is.

The other batters:

Nolan Reimold has been lighting up AAA. He's 10 for 25 with 2 HR and one 2B, posting a cool 1.124 OPS. This is Nolan's first go at AAA so let's hope he can keep it up.

Lou Montanez, the most controversial player in the Orioles' organization, has gone 12 for 26 and is doing everything he can to prove he belongs in the majors. He has spent part of two seasons at AAA before without much success. I know some might not believe me, but I really do want Montanez to be successful.

Other players of note on the Tides include Scott Moore (6 for 25, 1 HR, 1 2B), Justin Turner (3 for 16), and Oscar Salazar (7 for 25, 1 2B, 1 3B).

via www.whshistoryproject.org

Jackie Robinson Day is one of the few "PR" things that baseball has gotten right over the Bud Selig years, and with the players all wearing No. 42 around the entire league, the love will be more widespread than ever.

I won't go on and on about Jackie Robinson, because we all know the story. But perhaps a slight bit ignored is how good of a baseball player he was. He played 10 seasons in the majors, hitting .311/.409/.474, and he was an amazing glove man, too. He was a fierce competitor ("Above anything else, I hate to lose," he once said) and he was a man with natural talent rivaled by very few, and what he dealt with on a daily basis, especially early in his MLB career, would've broken a whole lot of good and even great players. The man could flat-out play. He was born to play baseball.

MLB Network will be running a day-long tribute to Jackie, too.

"The way I figured it, I was even with baseball and baseball with me. The game had done much for me, and I had done much for it."

-- Jackie Robinson, 1919-1972

via farm4.static.flickr.com

The recent tragic loss of 22-year old Nick Adenhart of the Los Angeles Angels was more than tough enough for the baseball community. Today, two more were lost as legendary Phillies broadcaster Harry Kalas and ex-Tigers phenom Mark "The Bird" Fidrych both died.

The 73-year old Kalas passed out in the broadcast booth prior to the Phillies game against the Nationals today. He was rushed to the hospital, but did not survive. Kalas had been the voice of the Phillies since 1971. It is unlikely in this day and age that the Phillies will ever again have such a long-running, distinctive play-by-play voice. Kalas is a member of a fraternity that is thinning all the time. The old game-callers are getting fewer and fewer.

Kalas' World Series final out call last year:

One strike away; nothing-and-two, the count to Hinske. Fans on the their feet; rally towels are being waved. Brad Lidge stretches. The 0-2 pitch — swing and a miss, struck him out! The Philadelphia Phillies are 2008 World Champions of baseball! Brad Lidge does it again, and stays perfect for the 2008 season! 48-for-48 in save opportunities, and watch the city celebrate! Don't let the 48-hour wait diminish the euphoria of this moment, and the celebration. And it has been 28 years since the Phillies have enjoyed a World Championship; 25 years in this city with a team that has enjoyed a World Championship, and the fans are ready to celebrate. What a night!

His final call ever, from April 12, 2009:

Bouncing ball to Chase Utley, this should be the game, Chase throws him out and that will be it as the Phil's win 2 out of 3 here at Coors Field, coming back to take this one by a score of 7 to 5.

To say Kalas will be missed by Phils fans is an understatement. Fans are sharing their comments over at The Good Phight.

Sadly, on the exact same day, 54-year old Mark Fidrych was found dead on his farm in Massachusetts. He is believed to have died working on a 10-wheel dump truck.

Fidrych, of course, was the 1976 AL Rookie of the Year for the Detroit Tigers, going 19-9 with a 2.34 ERA and 24 complete games. He finished second to Jim Palmer in the Cy Young voting that year.

Fidrych was famous for his huge personality. He talked to the ball, was maybe more animated than anyone in MLB history, and was pretty well loved by just about everyone. I was negative-six years old in '76, but just watching clips of Fidrych over the years, he seemed like a 21-year old kid having the time of his life and showing it as much as he possibly could.

"The Bird" never had another good season, suffering through injuries. His final game came on October 1, 1980. He tried to make a comeback with the Red Sox, but never got out of the minor leagues.

I dare say there is no player ever that really did so little (29-19 career, 412 IP) that has been so memorable, so beloved and such an enduring star.

Farewell to both men, neither soon to be forgotten.