Saturday Bird Droppings

Orioles break out the offense in 9-8 win over Indians - The Washington Post
"Given their play of late, the Baltimore Orioles couldn’t possibly have expected to come out on the winning end of a high-scoring, back-and-forth duel. With some late-inning heroics, the Orioles did just that."

School of Roch: X marked the spot
"Xavier Avery actually smiled. "This is the about the first unabashed smile we've gotten out of him out in the public eye," Showalter said."

Cleveland Indians at Baltimore Orioles - June 30, 2012 | MLB.com Preview
"Baltimore will counter with left-hander Dana Eveland, who will make only his second start of the season after spending time in the bullpen. Eveland had a 2.57 ERA in 10 appearances as a reliever, the last one coming Wednesday against the Angels."

Orioles' three top draft picks agree to contracts - Wire Lifestyle - The Sacramento Bee
"The Orioles have agreed in principle with three of their top seven draft picks, including second-rounder Branden Kline, a right-hander who just finished his junior year at Virginia after graduating from Thomas Johnson High in Frederick."

Orioles set to honor Weaver with statue - Carroll County Times
"I think it’s been more fascinating spending time with (Earl Weaver) and talking with him," Buck Showalter said before last Sunday’s game against Washington. "The more you’re around the game, things don’t just happen. Certainly, he’d be the first to tell you he had good pitchers and good players, but he’s a brilliant man. He’s far ahead of his time."

Markakis eyes return to O's before All-Star break | orioles.com: News
"Although Nick Markakis is yet to resume baseball activities, he said it was still a possibility he could play during the O's series against the Angels on July 5-8."

Steve Melewski: Would Jim Thome be a good fit for the Orioles?
"Thome has always hit with plenty of pop at Camden Yards, where his career average is just .236, but he has 18 homers and an .859 OPS in 246 at-bats."

Steve Melewski: Could Robert Andino bring some stability to the hot corner?
"Whatever I have to do to help the team win, I'll do it. I don't care, to be honest with you," Robert Andino said (Friday) when asked if he could be the guy to provide some third base dependability."

School of Roch: Nick Johnson MRI comes back negative
"Nick Johnson received some good news regarding the MRI taken on his right wrist this morning. Johnson said the MRI didn't reveal any structural damage. No tears or broken bones. It only showed old scarring from his multiple surgeries."