Wednesday Bird Droppings

Padres falter with runners in scoring position, lose 4-1 to Orioles - The Washington Post
"Adam Jones tied his career-high with four hits, including a home run, drove in two runs and scored twice against his hometown Padres and Bud Norris won his second straight start since joining the Orioles." And I saw about four pitches of it, so not a lot to add to that summary.

Orioles activate Brian Roberts, option Danny Valencia | orioles.com: News
"It worked out well," said Brian Roberts of being able to witness the birth. "You never know with our schedule and what goes on. Once we kinda go past that last road trip, I kind of had the feeling that I was in the clear. … I'm really thankful to have been there and support my wife as much as she's been there for me the past couple of years. To be able to be beside her and support her, it was great." Changing diapers for the first time at age 35? Good luck with that, Brian. You've got more energy than I do...

School of Roch: Orioles rotation missing Feldman in San Francisco
"The Orioles listed their starting pitchers for the three-game series against the San Francisco Giants that begins Friday at AT&T Park, and it doesn't include right-hander Scott Feldman." I'm as big a Feldman defender as we have here, and even I think this is a good idea.

School of Roch: Orioles in Baseball America's Best Tools Survey
"The Orioles were well-represented in the survey, including Chris Davis, who finished first in the AL for "best power" and third for "most exciting player." Adam Jones finished first for "best outfield arm" and second for "best defensive outfielder." J.J. Hardy placed first for "best defensive shortstop." Best OF arm? Really? Huh.

Orioles react to Biogenesis rulings - Carroll County Times: Baltimore Orioles
"There were no Baltimore Orioles suspended for their part in the Biogenesis scandal, and a day after the sanctions were handed out, a few players agreed to talk about the matter." read what J.J. Hardy and Brian Roberts had to say.

PressBox: Orioles Minor League Spotlight: Mike Wright, Wynston Sawyer
"A 14th-round draft pick for the Birds this year, Mike Yastrzemski was named Orioles Minor League Offensive Player of the Month for July -- his first full month in professional baseball." And some other MiLB news you've probably already read in Around The Minors here in the past two weeks.

After long rehab, Matt Hobgood humbled and still hoping to contribute - baltimoresun.com
"When Matt Hobgood stepped on the mound for the first time in rookie league on July 18, 2009, he couldn't find the arm strength that propelled his 98-mph fastballs and his rise to the fifth overall pick in that year's first-year player draft." So Hobgoblin was hurt from his very first pitch in MiLB, and it took TWO YEARS for everyone to figure our he needed surgery. Hmm...

MASN News & Information: Baltimore Orioles partner with KidsPeace for fourth annual Trick-or-Trot 5K/1-Mile walk walk at Camden Yards
"The Baltimore Orioles, OriolesREACH and Manager Buck Showalter and his wife Angela have partnered with KidsPeace to host the fourth annual Trick-or-Trot 5K/1-Mile Walk on Nov. 2." Great to see the O's contributing to the community.

Former Orioles celebrating birthdays (or would be if they weren't dead) include Geronimo Gil, Jason Grimsley, Tex Nelson, Don Larsen (yup, played with the O's in two separate stints to bookend his career) and Art Houtteman. In Orioles history today, 1901: Ban Johnson suspends Baltimore 1B Burt Hart for striking umpire John Haskell yesterday, stating "This is the first time a player in the American League has struck an umpire, and it is an offense that cannot be overlooked." The 31-year-old Hart will never play again. In 1998: The Orioles pound the Twins, 16 - 9, as OF Brady Anderson gets five hits, including two doubles and two homers, drives home four runs and scores three. In 2002: In a historic move, major league baseball players end their long-held opposition to mandatory drug testing by agreeing to be tested for illegal steroids beginning in 2003.