Friday Bird Droppings

Tillman's final 2010 start will come hours earlier than expected - The Sun
"Chris Tillman (1-5, 6.56 ERA) was tentatively slated for tonight, but instead will pitch the opener against Detroit's Jeremy Bonderman."

Orioles Insider: New free-agent deadlines shouldn't hamper Orioles' plans
Clubs will have only five days to have exclusive negotiations with their free agents after the World Series ends, down from the previous 15. Andy MacPhail says he wasn't planning on re-signing any of the seven O's free agents during that period, anyway.

Orioles Insider: O's minor leaguer suspended for failing drug test
"Alfredo Zambrano, a 17-year-old shortstop from Venezuela that played for the Orioles' Dominican Summer League team this year, was suspended for 50 games for failing a drug test, Major League Baseball announced today." And he batted .140. You're taking the wrong drugs, kid.

Revs owner looking into an Atlantic League franchise in Frederick, Md. - The York Daily Record
"York Revolution team owner Peter Kirk has talked with officials in Frederick, Md., about the possibility of bringing an Atlantic League franchise to a city that has long been the home of an Orioles affiliate." The Keys' stadium lease expires in March. This could get interesting.

Showalter’s father, grandfather set high standards - Explore Howard: The Driver's Seat
"But the last thing he will do is show up his players," Stankiewicz added. "He doesn’t motivate by fear. At the same time he is very competitive."

Steve Melewski: Buck Ball: O's hold their own vs. the AL East
"The Orioles went 1-14 in series vs. AL East foes before Buck and with Buck they won five of nine series vs. the East. Before Buck, they were 10-35 in games in the division and with Buck they went 14-13."

MLBPA and MLB agree on new free agency rules | HardballTalk
It's a fascinating read. OK, it's not. But here they are.