World Champions 1983, 1970, 1966 Champions 1983, 1979, 1971, 1970, 1969, 1966 American League East Division Champions 2014, 1997, 1983, 1979, 1974, 1973, 1971, 1970, 1969 American League Wild Card 2012, 1996

Friday, October 2, 2015

Game Stories:  Manny Machado joins 20-20 club, carries Orioles to 6-4 win over Blue Jays The Sun 10/1  Machado blasts 2 HRs as O's down Jays MLB.com 10/1  leaves game with bruised hand (O's win 6-4) MASNsports.com 10/1  O's overcome delay and Blue Jays, top Toronto 6-4 MASNsports.com 10/1  AL East champ Blue Jays rest starters in rainy loss to O's AP 10/1  Tiny crowd sits through long rain delay for Orioles win CSN Mid-Atlantic 10/1

Columns:  Orioles notes and observations on free agency, arbitration eligibles, Machado and Schoop The Sun 10/2  What went wrong: Inconsistent Orioles offense lacking in versatility The Sun 10/2  X-rays on Orioles second baseman Jonathan Schoop's hand come back negative The Sun 10/1  Orioles notebook: Trey Mancini, Oliver Drake and Mychal Givens take minor league awards The Sun 10/1  : should be 'probably the highest priority' for Orioles The Sun 10/1  Orioles shortstop J.J. Hardy says he has played entire season with torn labrum in left shoulder The Sun 10/1  Davis voted Most Valuable Oriole for 2nd time MLB.com 10/2  Out to secure home field, Yanks face O's MLB.com 10/2  Machado 2nd O's player to post 30/20 season MLB.com 10/1  Jones wants Davis back with O's next season MLB.com 10/1  Mancini named O's top Minor League player MLB.com 10/1  Chris Davis named Most Valuable Oriole MASNsports.com 10/2  Orioles fighting for third place MASNsports.com 10/2  Showalter on Schoop and a 6-4 win MASNsports.com 10/1  Showalter trying not to think about potential loss of free agents MASNsports.com 10/1  Adam Jones: "You have to go out and spend some of the money" MASNsports.com 10/1  Orioles lineup vs. Jays MASNsports.com 10/1  Caleb Joseph: "I'll be the first one to hope that Matt signs back here" MASNsports.com 10/2  Manny Machado on his 20/20 season, Jonathan Schoop on his hand injury MASNsports.com 10/1  O's game blog: Mancini, Drake and Givens take top honors, plus Machado on playing 162 MASNsports.com 10/1  Yankees-Orioles Preview SI.com 10/2  J.J. Hardy reveals he has played entire season with torn labrum SI.com 10/2  Chris Davis voted Most Valuable Oriole for second time CSN Mid-Atlantic 10/2  Chen likely starting his final game with Orioles CSN Mid-Atlantic 10/2  Matusz says Monday shoulder surgery no big deal CSN Mid-Atlantic 10/1  Machado explains why he wants to play 162 CSN Mid-Atlantic 10/1  Jones hopes Orioles will be active in free agent market CSN Mid-Atlantic 10/1  Chris Davis voted 2015 Most Valuable Oriole PressBoxOnline.com 10/2  Blue Jays turn table on Orioles, clinch AL East crown in PressBoxOnline.com 10/1  Chris Davis Voted 2015 Louis M. Hatter Most Valuable Oriole CBS Baltimore 10/2  J.J. Hardy admits he’s played entire season with torn labrum NBCsports.com 10/1  Was injured Hardy O's best shortstop? Fox Sports 10/1  Orioles' Jones: re-signing Davis should be team's top priority USA Today 10/1

http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/orioles/bal-manny-machados-two-homers-two-steals-carry- orioles-to-64-win-over-blue-jays-20151001-story.html

Manny Machado joins 20-20 club, carries Orioles to 6-4 win over Blue Jays

By Dan Connolly / The Baltimore Sun October 1, 2015

The Orioles’ postseason hopes might be gone, but third baseman Manny Machado is still playing like these October games mean something.

Machado homered before and after a 3-hour, 25-minute rain delay Thursday in the Orioles’ 6-4 victory over the , who weren’t using any regulars after clinching the American League East on Wednesday.

The Orioles (78-81) kept alive hopes of avoiding a losing season with the victory before an announced 18,257 -- though by the time the game resumed at 4:04 p.m., there were only a few hundred people remaining at Camden Yards.

The start time had been moved up seven hours to shortly after noon to accommodate expected rain, but the teams managed to get only one inning in before play was delayed. Thursday’s saga continued a challenging week that included a rainout Tuesday and a lengthy doubleheader Wednesday, though the victory allowed the Orioles to improve to 8-11 this season against the Blue Jays (92-67).

“You think about the time spent here the last two days. I'm real proud of them after that first game [of the doubleheader, a 15-2 loss], the way they came back and responded,” Orioles manager Buck Showalter said. “Obviously, Manny, he was the difference-maker today on both sides of the ball.”

As part of a three-run first, Machado homered to left against Toronto starter Drew Hutchison (13-5). In the sixth, Machado hit a solo homer to center against Toronto reliever Chad Jenkins. It was Machado’s 33rd homer of the season, the fourth time this year he has gone deep twice in a game and the sixth multi-homer performance of his career.

The 23-year-old made a little club history in between those two blasts.

In the fourth inning, Machado singled and then stole second and third, for his 19th and 20th stolen bases of 2015.

It’s the seventh time in modern Orioles history in which a player reached at least 20 homers and 20 stolen bases in one year and just the second time an Oriole has had 30-plus homers and 20 stolen bases in one campaign.

Current club vice president Brady Anderson hit 50 homers and stole 21 bases in 1996. Anderson also accomplished the 20-20 feat in 1992 and 1999. The others were (1969), Don Baylor (1975) and Reggie Jackson (1976).

“It’s an honor. It’s something I worked hard for. First of all, I want to thank my coaches. … They’ve helped me out. They’ve helped me out through the process,” Machado said. “At the end of the day, I’ve worked hard to get here to this position and it’s just an honor to go out there and put myself in that position.”

Rookie Tyler Wilson started Thursday and pitched one scoreless inning before the rain delay. Lefty T.J. McFarland (1-2) replaced him to start the second -- almost four hours after Wilson’s first pitch -- and threw four innings, allowing just one run, for the win.

With a scoreless ninth, Orioles closer Zach Britton notched his 35th save of the season in a game that lasted 3:12 and ended nearly seven hours after it started.

“It’s been a long day. We weren’t supposed to play today until 7 o’clock and we almost played at seven,” Machado said. “It’s just part of the grind, part of the game. It sucks that it happened so late, but it’s just stuff we have to deal with.”

http://m.orioles.mlb.com/news/article/152679620/manny-machado-homers-twice-in-orioles-win

Machado blasts 2 HRs as O's down Jays

By Gregor Chisholm and Brittany Ghiroli / MLB.com October 1, 2015

BALTIMORE -- Manny Machado went 3-for-4 with a pair of home runs and three RBIs as the Orioles dealt a slight blow to the Blue Jays' chances of securing home-field advantage throughout the postseason with a 6-4 victory on a rainy Thursday at Oriole Park.

Toronto's lead over the Royals for the best record in the American League disappeared with the Royals' 6-4 victory on Thursday night. Although the teams are tied, the Blue Jays, who clinched the AL East on Wednesday, own the tiebreaker between the two teams because of a better head- to-head record.

The team that finishes with the best record will face the winner of Tuesday's Wild Card Game presented by Budweiser. The second-place team will get the winner of the AL West. Toronto previously secured home-field advantage in the AL Division Series, which is scheduled to start next Thursday.

Thursday's game was delayed at the end of the first inning for three hours and 25 minutes because of rain. Play resumed at 4:10 p.m. ET, but by then both starters had to be removed from the game because of the long layoff. Blue Jays right-hander Drew Hutchison allowed three runs in his lone inning of work, while O's righty Tyler Wilson pitched a scoreless frame.

"You think about the time spent here the last two days. I'm real proud of them after that first game [Wednesday], the way they came back and responded," Orioles manager Buck Showalter said. "Obviously Manny, he was the difference-maker today on both sides of the ball."

The Blue Jays went with their "B" lineup for the second consecutive game as the club opted to rest its regulars. All nine starting position players received the day off after Toronto celebrated clinching the division title the night before. Left-hander previously was scheduled to pitch Thursday, but he also received the day off and won't start againuntil Game 1 of the ALDS. He will instead get his work in with bullpen sessions.

"We want to win home field, but we had a doubleheader yesterday and they've been going hard all year," Blue Jays manager John Gibbons said. "They clinched in the first game, it made perfect sense not to play in the doubleheader after you clinch. Instead of coming back and playing the early game today, it would have been like no day off at all for them.

"My job is taking care of these guys, make sure they're ready when it comes, not what other people think."

In addition to Machado's home runs, Baltimore also received an RBI double by Steve Pearceand RBI singles from Nolan Reimold and Paul Janish. Rookie Dalton Pompeyled the way for Toronto with three hits, while added an RBI double.

MOMENTS THAT MATTERED

Hutch struggles early: Hutchison made his spot start under less than ideal circumstances as the rain was pouring down and he noticeably had difficulty gripping the baseball. His outing was cut short after one inning because of the weather, but by then the damage had already been done. Hutchison faced nine batters in the first, surrendered four hits, walked one and hit another. The big blow came on a two-run blast by Machado, while Pearce also added an RBI double.

Manny makes history: Machado's pair of stolen bases in the bottom of the fourth inning gave him the seventh season in Orioles history with 20 stolen bases and 20 home runs. He's also just the second Orioles player to have 30 homers and 20 stolen bases in one season.

"I was just trying to get it over with," Machado said of his 20th . "Not too worried about it. Basically go out there and put myself in a good scoring position and get it out of the way. I thought those were two perfect situations to go and do it and really take advantage of the situation."

Signs of life: The Blue Jays entered the seventh inning trailing 6-1, but they pieced together a rally to climb back into the game. Munenori Kawasaki got things started with a leadoff walk and scored on a single by Jonathan Diaz. Pompey and Carrera followed with doubles as Toronto pulled within two runs, but that was as close as the club would get.

QUOTABLE

"We've been playing the regulars for quite a while trying to win this thing, and they got a chance the last two days and that's good for them. They needed that and some of them performed very well. We didn't pitch particularly well, but it's good to see. You come to the big leagues, you're not a regular yet, you're dying to get in there and they handled themselves well." -- Gibbons, on starting his part-time players and September callus

SOUND SMART WITH YOUR FRIENDS

Pompey has had three games with three hits in his career and all of them have happened against the Orioles. He previously did it on Sept. 26, 2014, and April 21, 2015.

SCHOOP DOESN'T RETURN

Orioles second baseman Jonathan Schoop was hit in the right hand by a pitch in the first inning and did not return following the lengthy delay. Schoop was ruled to have a contusion and was replaced by Janish. An X-ray done after the game came back negative and he's considered day to day.

WHAT'S NEXT

Blue Jays: Left-hander Mark Buehrle (14-7, 3.76 ERA) will take the mound when the Blue Jays open their final series of the regular season on Friday in St. Petersburg against the Rays at 7:10 p.m. ET. Buehrle is 8 2/3 innings shy of reaching 200 innings for the 15th consecutive year in his career. The only pitchers to accomplish that are Warren Spahn, Gaylord Perry and Don Sutton.

Orioles: Baltimore will host the Yankees in a three-game set to conclude its season starting on Friday at 7:05 p.m. Lefty Wei-Yin Chen (10-8, 3.35 ERA) will take the mound for the O's. Chen's ERA is a career best, and his 150 are four shy of his career high, achieved in 2012. He will be a free agent for the first time in his career this offseason.

http://www.masnsports.com/school-of-roch/2015/10/jonathan-schoop-leaves-game-with-bruised- hand.html

Jonathan Schoop leaves game with bruised hand (O's win 6- 4)

By Roch Kubatko / MASNsports.com October 1, 2015

Jonathan Schoop left today's game against the Blue Jays with a bruised right hand. He's day-to- day with three games remaining on the schedule.

The Orioles announced the injury but not his status. I just made the bold assumption.

Schoop was hit on the hand by a Drew Hutchison pitch in the bottom of the first inning, as six consecutive batters reached. Steve Pearce followed with an RBI double to increase the Orioles' lead to 3-0.

Schoop stayed in the game, with manager Buck Showalter and assistant athletic trainer Brian Ebel walking him to first base, before the rain intensified and play was halted. He's batting .279 with 17 doubles, 15 home runs and 39 RBIs in 85 games, his season interrupted by a trip to the disabled list on April 18 with a sprained right knee.

Paul Janish has replaced Schoop at second base. He's played the position in 21 major league games, including 13 starts, the most recent appearance coming in 2013 with the Braves.

Tyler Wilson was removed after a 3 hour, 25 minute rain delay. He allowed one hit, walked two batters and struck out one. He threw 23 pitches, 11 for strikes.

Left-hander Jeff Francis will work the bottom of the second inning for the Blue Jays after Hutchison allowed three runs and four hits in the first.

The Yankees haven't announced their starter for Friday night's game at Camden Yards, but it's expected to be some combination of Adam Warren, Luis Severino and Ivan Nova.

Update: The Jays scored off McFarland in the fourth on two singles, a wild pitch and Munenori Kawasaki's grounder to Janish.

Janish drove in a run in the second when his single scored Manny Machado, who walked with two outs.

Update II: Machado stole second and third base in the fourth inning to give him 20 steals on the season. It's the seventh time in Orioles' history that a player has totaled at least 20 home runs and 20 steals in a season. Brady Anderson did it three times.

Machado and Anderson are the only Orioles with a 30/20 season.

Update III: What's better than one ? How about two?

Machado went deep again leading off the sixth for his fourth multi-homer game of the season and sixth of his career. Orioles 6, Jays 1

McFarland allowed one run and five hits in four innings, with no walks, two strikeouts and a wild pitch. Mychal Givens struck out the side in the sixth.

Update IV: The Orioles defeat the Blue Jays 6-4 and move three games under .500 with three to play.

McFarland gets the win and Zach Britton earns his 35th save.

The Orioles tied their season high with 12 runners left on base.

http://www.masnsports.com/steve-melewski/2015/10/os-overcome-delay-and-blue-jays-top- toronto-6-4.html

O's overcome delay and Blue Jays, top Toronto 6-4

By Steve Melewski / MASNsports.com October 1, 2015

A rain delay of 3 hours, 25 minutes could not stop the Orioles today. Manny Machado hit homers before and after the delay and went 3-for-4 with two stolen bases as the Orioles beat Toronto 6-4. When Zach Britton got the game's last out for his 35th save, it was nearly seven hours after it started.

The game began at 12:10 p.m., but went into a long delay after a first inning where the Orioles took a 3-0 lead.

The Orioles won the last two games to split this four-game series and improve to 78-81 with three games left in the 2015 season.

In the last of the fourth, Machado singled and then stole second and third base, his 20th steal of the season. With that, it was just the seventh time in club history that a player had 20 steals and 20 homers in a season, and the second time a player had 20 SBs/30 HRs.

Machado joins Paul Blair, Don Baylor, Reggie Jackson and Brady Anderson (three times) as Orioles with 20/20 seasons. He joins Anderson with 50/21 in 1996 as the second Oriole to reach 30/20.

O's second baseman Jonathan Schoop left the game when it resumed in the second inning. He suffered a right hand contusion when hit by a pitch in the first. Paul Janish replaced him.

Before the delay, the O's took the lead in opening frame off right-hander Drew Hutchison. Gerardo Parra singled with one out and scored on Machado's 32nd homer for a 2-0 lead. Later, Steve Pearce's RBI double scored Chris Davis, who had doubled, and it was 3-0. When play resumed, the Orioles made it 4-0 in the second against Jeff Francis. Davis walked with two outs, advanced to second on a wild pitch and scored on Janish's single.

Nolan Reimold added an RBI single in the fifth and Machado drilled his 33rd homer, a solo blast, in the sixth for his fourth multi-homer game of the season and the sixth of his career. Down 6-1 in the seventh, Toronto scored three to close the gap. Ezequiel Carrera's two-run double off Brian Matusz made it 6-4.

Tyler Wilson walked two, but pitched a scoreless first inning. He was replaced by T.J. McFarland after the delay. McFarland got the win, going four innings and allowing five hits and one run.

Now the Orioles get set for the final series of the year, weather-permitting. On Friday night, they host the Yankees with Wei-Yin Chen (10-8, 3.35 ERA) facing Adam Warren (7-7, 3.37 ERA).

http://www.si.com/mlb/2015/10/01/ap-bba-blue-jays-orioles-1st-ld-writethru

AL East champ Blue Jays rest starters in rainy loss to O's

Associated Press / SI.com October 1, 2015

BALTIMORE (AP) As the regular season winds to a close, John Gibbons must make choices that no Toronto Blue Jays manager has faced over the past two decades.

One day after Toronto won its first AL East title in 22 years, Gibbons opted to rest his starters Thursday in a rain-marred 6-4 loss to the .

Although the Blue Jays are still dueling with Kansas City for the best record in the AL - a distinction that provides home-field advantage through the postseason - Gibbons has to balance that objective with the need to keep his players fresh.

After Toronto clinched the division crown in the opener of a doubleheader Wednesday, Gibbons fielded a starting unit consisting entirely of reserves in the nightcap. He posted a similar lineup Thursday, in part because the Blue Jays had celebrated their division crown with champagne, beer and cigars late into the night.

''We want to win home field,'' Gibbons said. ''We had a doubleheader yesterday, and we've been going at it hard all year. It made perfect sense not to play (in the) doubleheader after you clinch. Then, coming back and playing an early game today would be like no day off at all for them.

''My job is to take care of these guys. Yes, we'd love to win it but I've got to do what's best for these guys - not what some bozo out there in fantasy land thinks.''

The Blue Jays started the day with 92 wins, one more than Kansas City.

Blue Jays ace David Price was scratched from his scheduled start. Slugging stars Jose Bautista, Josh Donaldson and Edwin Encarnacion also sat out.

''These guys have, most of them play every single day,'' Price said. ''When you get to this point in the season ... if you can give those guys a day off or a couple days off, it goes a long ways.''

Price won't pitch again until the postseason. He will throw live batting practice while the team finishes its season with three games in Tampa Bay, beginning Friday.

''I'm fine with it,'' the left-hander said. ''We have a plan, and we know what we're going to do.''

Manny Machado homered twice for the Orioles, who took a 3-0 lead in the first inning against Drew Hutchison (13-5) before a delay of 3 hours, 25 minutes.

The game was originally slated to start at 7:05 p.m. but was moved up to 12:05 because of the threat of rain at night. As it turned out, the rain started early in the day and didn't let up until around 4 o'clock.

Attendance was announced at 18,257, but that was tickets sold. At the outset, there was only a smattering of fans, mostly because of the dismal weather, the switch of the starting time and the Orioles' late-season fade.

After the lengthy delay, only a few hundred remained.

It became apparent early that the Blue Jays were going to experience a figurative hangover from their big day. Hutchison gave up a one-out single in the first inning and Machado followed with a home run to center.

Chris Davis and Steve Pearce then sandwiched doubles around a hit batter for a 3-0 lead.

Not long after that, the game was halted. Neither starting pitcher returned.

T.J. McFarland (1-2) took over for Tyler Wright and pitched four innings to earn his first win since July 27, 2014.

Zach Britton worked the ninth for his 35th save.

It was 5-1 before Machado hit a solo shot in the sixth off Chad Jenkins. Machado also stole two bases, giving him 33 homers and 20 steals and making him the seventh 20/20 player in Orioles history. He is only their second 30/20 player (Brady Anderson in 1996).

''It's something Manny should be very proud of, and we're proud of him,'' Orioles manager Buck Showalter said. ''You can see why so few people have been able to do it.''

Ezequiel Carrera drove in two runs and Dalton Pompey had three hits for the Blue Jays, who won the season series 11-8.

TRAINER'S ROOM

Blue Jays: SS Troy Tulowitzki (shoulder, back) could return Friday night ''or definitely Saturday,'' Gibbons said.

Orioles: 2B Jonathan Schoop bruised his right hand after being struck by a pitch from Hutchison.

ON DECK

Blue Jays: Toronto needs to win two of three in Tampa Bay to finish with a winning record on the road.

Orioles: The Orioles finish the season with a three-game series at home against the Yankees beginning Friday night, although Hurricane Joaquin could shuffle that schedule.

http://www.csnmidatlantic.com/blog/orioles-talk/tiny-crowd-sits-through-long-rain-delay- orioles-win

Tiny crowd sits through long rain delay for Orioles win

By Rich Dubroff / CSN Mid-Atlantic October 1, 2015

BALTIMORE – A little after four o’clock, perhaps 200 fans were left at Oriole Park. They sat through a three hour, 25 minute rain delay, and finally the Orioles were back on the field.

The Orioles, Toronto Blue Jays and agreed on Wednesday to try and play the originally scheduled 7:05 p.m. start a full seven hours earlier, hoping to escape an ominous forecast.

Light rain fell at the start, then intensified in the bottom of the first.

By the time the game ended, more than six ½ hours after its start, the Orioles had a 6-4 win over the Blue Jays before what was left from an announced crowd of 18,257 on Thursday.

The teams already played a doubleheader on Wednesday and had an unusually early start time.

Manny Machado hit a two-run home run in the first inning off Drew Hutchison (13-5). Steve Pearce’s RBI double made it 3-0, and then the rain came.

“It’s tough. It’s been a long day. We weren’t supposed to play today until 7 o’clock and we almost played at seven. It’s just part of the grind, part of the game. It [stinks] that it happened so late, but it’s just stuff we have to deal with,” Machado said.

“We all kept ourselves going in here and trying to finish strong and win a ballgame. It’s frustrating with the rain coming down and the field not in the perfect condition but these are things you have to just deal with.”

Tyler Wilson, who pitched the first inning, didn’t come out for the second. T.J. McFarland came out to pitch, and Jonathan Schoop, who was hit in the right hand by a pitch, came out of the game with a bruised right hand.

“It was a little numb running around the bases. I was hoping it would feel better, but it didn’t. I really couldn’t squeeze. Then they decided to take me out and go get an X-ray. It came out negative so that’s good news, but it’s still stiff a little bit and swelling up a little bit,” Schoop said.

Paul Janish, who replaced Schoop, had an RBI single to make it 4-0 in the second against Jeff Francis, who replaced Hutchison.

Toronto scored a run in the fourth on Munenori Kawasaki’s infield out, and Nolan Reimold’s RBI single in the fifth made it 5-1.

Machado’s second homer, his 34th, made it 6-1 in the sixth.

McFarland (1-2) allowed one run in four innings.

"That was huge, but that's T.J.," Showalter said. "It's little things you take this time of year. He got his ERA under 5. He's not a guy if you're looking for hits-to-innings and a bunch of strikeouts, but he's a very valuable guy on a club. He's been very instrumental the last three years on our club.”

Mychal Givens struck out the side in the sixth.

Brad Brach allowed three runs in the seventh as Toronto (92-67) closed to within 6-4.

Darren O’Day recorded the final out of the seventh and pitched a scoreless eighth while Zach Britton worked the ninth for his 35th save.

Machado stole two bases. He joins Brady Anderson as the only Orioles with more than 30 homers and 20 stolen bases.

“It's something Manny should be very proud of and we're proud of him. It's hard to do. You can see why so few people have been able to do it,” manager Buck Showalter said.

It was the first time in Machado’s career he hit two homers and stole two bases in a game.

“I was just trying to get it over with. Not too worried about it. Basically go out there and put myself in a good scoring position and get it out of the way. I thought those were two perfect situations to go and do it and really take advantage of the situation,” Machado said.

NOTES: The Orioles signed Australian left-handed pitcher Alexander Wells to a minor league contract. Wells was given a $300,000 bonus and will report to the Instructional League. … Adam Jones is a finalist for the Marvin Miller Man of the Year Award given by the Players Association for community service. … Trey Mancini was named the Orioles’ top minor league player. Oliver Drake and Mychal Givens, who are currently with the Orioles, share the minor league pitcher award. Mancini hit .341 with 29 home runs and 86 RBIs for Frederick and Bowie. … Wei-Yin Chen (10-8, 3.35) starts for the Orioles on Friday night against the . New York hasn’t named its pitcher yet. … The Orioles left 12 runners on base and walked eight times, both for the third time, equaling season highs. … Machado had his fourth game with two home runs this year, the sixth of his career.

http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/orioles/blog/bal-orioles-notes-and-observations-free- agency-arbitration-eligibles-machado-schoop-20151001-story.html

Orioles notes and observations on free agency, arbitration eligibles, Machado and Schoop

By Dan Connolly / The Baltimore Sun October 2, 2015

Since the Orioles were knocked out of playoff contention earlier this week, there has been a whole lot of speculation about what this club is going to look like in 2016.

Much of that talk is centering on the Orioles’ six pending free agents: Chris Davis, , Darren O’Day, Wei-Yin Chen, Gerardo Parra and Steve Pearce.

The sense is that the Orioles certainly won’t keep them all -- and might only re-sign one or two. And it wouldn’t surprise anyone if all six go elsewhere.

Orioles manager Buck Showalter said he knows it’s a topic of conversation, but he tries not to consider it, at least not while there are games to be played.

“It's tough. It's the world we live in,” Showalter said. “It does tug at me, so I try to stay away from it.”

** In talking about the potential changes in the Orioles roster for 2016, Showalter makes a great point: It’s not just the six potential free agents that could be gone.

The Orioles have a bevy of arbitration-eligible players, and several might not be tendered contracts.

Pitchers Chris Tillman, Zach Britton and Brad Brach and third baseman Manny Machado are slam dunks to be tendered. But others -- such as lefty reliever Brian Matusz, starter Miguel Gonzalez, infielders Ryan Flaherty and Paul Janish and Nolan Reimold and David Lough -- are much more tenuous. It’s not as much whether they are useful parts, but whether they are worth the money that they’ll get in arbitration.

“A lot of decisions,” Showalter said. “I'm sure our guys have it wired about the order in which those decisions need to be made.”

** Machado keeps adding to what has been a tremendous season for the 23-year-old third baseman.

He now has done what only one Oriole in modern club history has accomplished. And that’s hit at least 30 homers and steal at least 20 bases. The only person to do that was Brady Anderson in his seminal 1996 campaign.

Anderson, by the way, was 32 that year -- almost a decade older than Machado is now. But Showalter still connected the dots between the two players.

“Brady was a well-above-average defender, really good thrower, came to play every day,” Showalter said. “It's something Manny should be very proud of and we're proud of him. It's hard to do. You can see why so few people have been able to do it.”

After the game, Machado said he wanted to give “props” to all of his coaches for keeping him focused for a whole season. Nice touch to a nice accomplishment for Machado.

** There was a scary moment in the first inning when second baseman Jonathan Schoop was hit in the right hand by a Drew Hutchison pitch. He stayed in the game then, but didn’t return in the second after the 3-hour, 25-minute rain delay.

Schoop left with what the team described as a right hand contusion and X-rays were negative. But Showalter said athletic trainer Richie Bancells “didn’t like some of the descriptions [Schoop] was giving here. So, see what tomorrow brings.”

Schoop told reporters he experienced some numbness in his hand and had trouble making a fist during the game. Afterward, he said it was a little stiff and swollen.

There might only be three games remaining, but the Orioles certainly don’t want Schoop’s season to end on a rough note, especially after he missed so much time with a knee injury earlier this year. He has been a bright spot since the All-Star break, and the club wants the year to end that way for their 23-year-old infielder.

http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/orioles/bs-sp-orioles-what-went-wrong-offense-1002- 20151001-story.html

What went wrong: Inconsistent Orioles offense lacking in versatility

By Peter Schmuck / The Baltimore Sun October 2, 2015

Editor's note: One year after the Orioles won 96 games and their first American League East title since 1997, they can finish no better than .500 and will miss the postseason. In the coming days, The Baltimore Sun will break down what went wrong in 2015 and how to fix it.

It is a simple enough matter to break down the past season and find all the reasons the Orioles did not score enough runs — or distribute them more evenly — to deliver their fans a fourth consecutive winning season.

The Orioles offense was consistently inconsistent because it was not built with enough versatility and connectivity to overcome the predictable ebb and flow of a free-swinging lineup with an inordinate dependence on the home run.

That's the opinion of observers inside and outside the organization. Major league scouts who observe the Orioles on a daily basis (but are not allowed to comment on them publicly) point to the high and low walk totals to explain the team's meager on-base percentage. Manager Buck Showalter would rather dwell on a long list of positive individual performances, but he doesn't have to look hard for another big reason his team's OBP receded this year.

"You lose two guys who walk as much as Nelson and Nicky did, it will," he said.

Indeed, the departures of Nelson Cruz and last winter had a huge impact on the Orioles' ability to produce runs. Everybody knows that. The inability of the front office to find anyone to replace an adequate percentage of that production left the Orioles with gaps in the lineup that widened as the season wore on.

The Orioles came into 2015 with the intention of improving on last year's .311 OBP to offset losing Cruz and Markakis, but entered the final weekend of the season looking up at that number and 27 other major league teams.

It is not a new problem, but the Orioles were able to gloss over it in previous years because of their huge power numbers.

"Sometimes you get kind of a false sense of security thinking that's kind of your safety blanket," hitting coach Scott Coolbaugh said. "I would like to see us a little better manufacturing runs. For me as a hitting coach, I feel like an offense should be like a golf bag. You have different clubs for different lengths and different positions on the course. I think that's the same way you look at an offense. You have some guys that have some power and you have some guys that can get on base.

"Moving forward, I think those are some things we want to try to improve on."

Trouble is, the Orioles appear to be on the verge of perhaps trading one problem for another. They already seriously downgraded their power potential when they let Cruz leave last winter. Now, they face an uncertain offseason in which they are expected to lose both Chris Davis and Matt Wieters to free agency. If so, that would mean that over a span of two winters, they will have removed nearly 100 home runs from their offensive equation.

Coolbaugh walked into the middle of this and — predictably — has become an easy target on the fan blogs and message boards, but Showalter bristles at the suggestion that he has had anything but a positive impact on the club.

"That's the least of our problems," Showalter said. "He's as good as you want to find. I don't even think about it. Articulate. Smart. Good relationship. Knows hitting backwards and forwards. That's a hot button for me. This is the best coaching staff I've ever had. They're really good. They were good last year and they'll be good next year. They were good this year."

If anyone is still looking for proof, Showalter points to some of the offensive highlights of the 2015 season.

"You've got Manny [Machado] having a career year and Jon Schoop having a career year," Showalter said. "Chris Davis … who was one of the reasons Scott was attractive because of the past relationship there. Matt [Wieters] was hurt for a lot of the year. The rest of the guys are doing what they are supposed to do and we have some guys doing more than they've ever done."

And yet, Showalter concedes the club has lacked offensive versatility and that has reduced his ability to force the action on the bases.

"I don't think I've ever given less signals," he said. "If you see where we are with stolen bases, it got to the point where the percentage is just not there. You're just throwing outs away. And when you swing and miss a lot, and you don't steal a lot of bases, that's the two combinations you look for in hit-and-run situations."

The Orioles' contact issues are well known. There are only three major league teams that have struck out more this year, but the Orioles went to the American League Championship Series with nearly the same number of strikeouts last season. That's an area Coolbaugh wishes he could have fixed, but he was not in a position to dictate new approaches to the established hitters in the lineup.

"I think one of the things coming in as a first-year coach, you don't want to disrupt what has been successful with the organization over the last few years," Coolbaugh said. "The offense has been what it is. It has been that way for the last four years and, consequently, getting to the American League Championship Series last year, you don't want to come in and say, 'OK, we're going to completely change something that they do well.'"

So, where do the Orioles go from here? They say they want to re-sign Davis, which would keep their power base largely intact, but they would still need to add some hitters who can provide that connective tissue that keeps the offense humming between home runs.

Presumably, they will pursue a quality corner outfielder and try to re-sign midseason acquisition Gerardo Parra. That would certainly help. They also could use another contact guy to provide some more position depth and join the revolving role.

"We know this team is based a lot on the power end of it and that can be a detriment sometimes against some of the better pitchers in the American League East," Coolbaugh said. "In the American League in general, you're not always going to be able to go up there and be able to hit home runs off them to win ballgames."

http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/orioles/blog/bal-xrays-on-orioles-second-baseman- jonathan-schoops-hand-were-negative-20151001-story.html

X-rays on Orioles second baseman Jonathan Schoop's hand come back negative

By Eduardo A. Encina / The Baltimore Sun October 1, 2015

Second baseman Jonathan Schoop’s right hand was wrapped as he left the Orioles clubhouse following Thursday’s rain-delayed 6-4 win over the Toronto Blue Jays, covering a sizable bruise on the bottom side of his hand.

After Schoop was hit by a Dustin Hutchison 91-mph fastball under heavy rain in the first inning of Thursday's game, he was examined by team trainer Brian Ebel and manager Buck Showalter. Schoop remained in the game for that inning, but was replaced following a 3-hour, 25-minute rain delay.

Schoop said X-rays taken on the hand came back negative.

“It was a little numb running around the bases,” Schoop said. “I was hoping it would feel better, but it didn’t. I really couldn’t squeeze. Then they decided to take me out and go get an X-ray. It came out negative so that’s good news, but it’s still stiff a little bit and swelling up a little bit.”

Schoop said he didn’t know whether he’d be able to play in Friday’s series opener against the New York Yankees at Camden Yards. The Orioles have three games remaining this season, all against the Yankees.

“It’s just getting the swelling down a little bit,” Schoop said. “Ice, treatment, it depends on how I feel tomorrow. … It’s pretty stiff right now. I’ll ice it, ice it and get treatment, come in tomorrow early and get treatment and see where we are. Tomorrow, we’ll see. For right now, it’s swollen and a little stiff, but with treatment maybe it will get better."

Schoop said once the numbness in his hand remained during the delay, the club decided to take him out. He was replaced by Paul Janish at second base when play resumed.

“They came in and checked me out and I was still numb a little bit and they took me out of the game for that,” Schoop said.

http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/orioles/bal-orioles-notebook-trey-mancini-oliver-drake- and-mychal-givens-take-minor-league-awards-20151001-story.html

Orioles notebook: Trey Mancini, Oliver Drake and Mychal Givens take minor league awards

By Eduardo A. Encina and Dan Connolly / The Baltimore Sun October 1, 2015

First baseman Trey Mancini, who excelled at High-A Frederick and Double-A Bowie, has won the Orioles’ Minor League Player of the Year Award while the organization split its top minor league pitching award for the first time since 1993.

Triple-A Norfolk closer Oliver Drake and Double-A Bowie closer Mychal Givens, both of whom contributed at the big league level this season, were named the 2015 Award co- winners.

Since the organization began giving out separate minor league pitching awards in 1988, co- winners have occurred just one other time — in 1993, when Garrett Stephenson and Armando Benitez both won it.

It’s hard to separate the achievements of Drake, 28, and Givens, 25.

Drake, a Navy product and 43rd-round draft pick in 2008, allowed just four runs (a 0.82 ERA) on 23 hits and 16 walks (0.886 WHIP) while striking out an impressive 66 batters in 44 innings for the Tides.

Givens, who was drafted in the second round in 2009 as a shortstop and is in just his third season as a pitcher, posted a 1.73 ERA, allowing 38 hits and walking 16 while striking out 79 batters in 57 1/3 innings for the Baysox.

Both made their major league debuts this year and have done well in the Orioles bullpen.

Mancini, 23, hit a combined .341 with a .375 on-base percentage, 21 homers and 43 doubles at Frederick and Bowie. An eighth-rounder out of Notre Dame in 2013, Mancini had been a finalist for various Player of the Year honors this season.

The trio will receive their awards during an on-field ceremony before Friday’s game versus the New York Yankees.

Also winning organizational awards are: Baysox outfielder Glynn Davis, the Minor League Community Service Award; Norfolk manager Ron Johnson, the Cal Ripken Sr. Player Development Award; and scouts Ernst Meyer (international) Rich Morales (mid-Atlantic area), the Jim Russo Scout of the Year Awards.

Jones to receive Governor’s Award

Orioles Adam Jones will receive the Governor’s Service Award on Friday. The honors are presented by the Governor's Office on Service and Volunteerism each year to “recognize Maryland citizens for their significant volunteer contributions to the life and health of the state and its people during a particular period of time.”

Jones has been heavily active in promoting programs for underprivileged youth, assisting organizations such as the Boys and Girls Clubs of Metropolitan Baltimore, MLB’s RBI program, the Jackie Robinson Foundation, the Cool Kids Campaign Foundation and the Y in Central Maryland, among others.

“Anytime you are recognized by the leader of the state, which is the governor, not for what I do between the lines but what you do outside the lines in terms of community outreach, community programs and trying to influence and help out the youth, that’s pretty good,” Jones said. “I don’t do anything like that for attention. I do it to help kids. And to be recognized for that again — by the governor — that’s high praise.”

Around the horn

Second baseman Jonathan Schoop did not return to the game in the second inning after the 3- hour, 25-minute rain delay. Schoop was hit in the right hand by a Drew Hutchison pitch in the first inning, but went to first base after being checked by athletic trainer Brian Ebel. He was removed because of a “right hand contusion.” Initial X-Rays were negative, but Showalter said he'll wait to see if Schoop is available Friday. … Jones (back spasms) is not giving up hope that he’ll play this season, but that possibility is becoming increasingly unlikely. … Also being recognized Friday as part of the minor league recognition night at Camden Yards will be the Eastern League champion Baysox, as well as athletic trainer Trek Schuler (2015 South Atlantic League Trainer of the Year), Bowie’s head groundskeeper Matt Parrott (Eastern League Diamond Pro Sports Field Manager of the Year) and Frederick’s head groundskeeper Mike Soper ( Sports Turf Manager of the Year). … The first 20,000 fans ages 15 and older at Saturday’s game versus the Yankees will receive an Orioles “bomber knit hat.” ... Major League Baseball announced a scoring change from Sunday’s game at Boston. Jones was originally charged with an error on a dropped fly ball in center. The error was taken away, Mookie Betts was awarded a single and Ubaldo Jimenez was charged with another hit allowed. … The Orioles officially announced the signing of 18-year-old left-hander Alex Wells from Australia. He will report to the club’s instructional league in Sarasota, Fla.

http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/orioles/bs-sp-orioles-jones-davis-1001-20151001- story.html

Adam Jones: Chris Davis should be 'probably the highest priority' for Orioles

By Dan Connolly / The Baltimore Sun October 1, 2015

Orioles center fielder and team leader Adam Jones has said repeatedly that he will make his opinions known to management and ownership on what he would like to see happen this offseason.

On Thursday, while holding court with reporters, he was asked specifically about his feelings toward slugger Chris Davis potentially leaving the team after four-plus seasons as an Oriole.

In his typical style, Jones didn't shy away, calling Davis "probably the highest priority" for the Orioles.

"I love playing with him. He plays a hell of a first base," Jones said of Davis. "I've grown to admire the way he goes about his business and obviously, the production, that's just icing on the cake. To me, I think he's probably the highest priority, but he's earned himself a right to go and hear all 29 other offers."

The 29-year-old Davis is one of six Orioles' pending free agents, joining Matt Wieters, pitchers Wei-Yin Chen and Darren O'Day, infielder-outfielder Steve Pearce and outfielder Gerardo Parra.

There's no question that Davis is the big fish of the group. He's leading the majors in home runs with 45 and is among the league leaders in RBIs and . He has hit 45 or more homers in two of his past three seasons, has 159 long balls in his Orioles career, which began in 2011, and 201 overall in his career.

His potential departure could mark the second consecutive season in which an Oriole led the majors in home runs and then immediately left vis free agency. Nelson Cruz went to the after slugging 40 homers in 2014.

"It doesn't matter where he plays. It's like Cruz. You play in the Grand Canyon, you're still going to go out there and hit 40. You can't replace 40. That's been proven by this year's offense," Jones said. "You can't replace 40, no matter how you do it. [Davis] likes it here, but it's not about what you like when it comes to business. You have to make a tough decision."

Jones has spent much of the past few seasons hitting in front of or behind Davis, and said he believes part of his success has to do with Davis' presence in those lineups.

"We've been 3-4 tandem, 3-4, 4-5 … for four years," Jones said. "Most of all, we've both fed off each other and had success by feeding off each other. We've both had career years with each other."

Orioles manager Buck Showalter was told about Jones' comments regarding Davis during his pregame news conference Thursday. Showalter wouldn't address his specific feelings about bringing back Davis, taking more of an overall approach to the pending free agents. But it's apparent that Showalter also sees the lineup hole that would be created if Davis were elsewhere.

"We'd like to keep everybody, obviously. I think everybody shares that. Let's see where it goes," Showalter said. "We all have our own personal feelings about it. You can probably guess what mine are. Some things you reach for because, let's be frank, it makes your job easier. But you also know what your job description is."

The Orioles briefly discussed an extension with Davis earlier this year, but the sides were not close. For their part, Davis has expressed interest in signing an extension since 2013 and Orioles executive vice president has said previously that re-signing Davis is a priority.

But it will come down to how much money Davis can command on the open market — and whether that will blow away any Orioles offer. If recent history is an indicator, with Cruz, Nick Markakis and Andrew Miller as primary examples in 2014, the Orioles won't meet Davis' market price.

"Markakis had to make a tough decision and do what's best for his family. Chris has got a family. He's got to do what's best for him and his family," Jones said. "Wieters has to do the same thing. O'Day has to do the same thing. These are guys who earned the right to become free agents. And that's the luckiest thing in sports. You earned the right to do whatever you want to do, whatever option you want to pick is at your disposal. Hey, you've got to respect that."

Jones was also asked if he would consider recruiting players to join him in Baltimore this offseason. The specific example mentioned to Jones was Toronto Blue Jays lefty ace David Price, who will command a huge payday. Jones chuckled at the thought.

"He's going to be commanding $25 to $32 million [per year]. I don't foresee that happening in Baltimore. That's reality. And he's definitely earned it," Jones said. "I'd love to play with David Price. He's one of the game's best people and best pitchers, but I'm going to probably be an opponent of his for my entire career."

Ultimately, Jones reiterated his position that he believes the Orioles should have money from their free-agent losses, and therefore should be able to spend on players they want, whether it's their own pending free agents or others.

He wouldn't say whether he has met with team managing partner or whether a meeting has been set up. But he said he believes his message has been heard — that he wants the Orioles to be competitive in 2016 and beyond.

"They heard my point," he said. "They heard my side, and at the end of the day, all you can do is get your point out, right?"

http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/orioles/blog/bal-orioles-shortstop-jj-hardy-says-he-has- played-entire-season-with-torn-labrum-in-left-shoulder-20151001-story.html

Orioles shortstop J.J. Hardy says he has played entire season with torn labrum in left shoulder

By Eduardo A. Encina / The Baltimore Sun October 1, 2015

Orioles shortstop J.J. Hardy revealed Thursday that he has been playing the entire season with a torn labrum in his left, non-throwing shoulder.

Hardy said he does not plan to have surgery in the offseason. Instead, he plans to rest the shoulder initially, then strengthen it in the offseason in preparation for next year. In 2004 as a minor leaguer, Hardy had major surgery on the same shoulder that included repairing his labrum and said he does not want to go through that procedure again.

“I’m just going to get it stronger,’’ Hardy said. “That’s the plan. Just get it stronger.”

Hardy missed the first 25 games of the season with what the Orioles called a left shoulder strain that occurred during , but Hardy said the injury was a torn labrum all along.

The 33-year-old Hardy has dealt with a variety of other injuries this season, including lower back spasms, a sore oblique and a right groin strain.

Hardy, who won the AL Gold Glove at shortstop the past three years, had another stellar year defensively, committing three errors in 112 games and posting a .993 fielding percentage. That includes just one error over his first 81 games since returning from the shoulder injury.

But Hardy said the shoulder injury has hindered him offensively all season long, which might explain why he’s having one of the worst seasons of his 11-year career at the plate. With four games remaining in the regular season, Hardy is hitting just .213/.246/.306 -- all of those numbers career lows -- with eight homers and 36 RBIs.

Hardy said he’s restricted his swing all season, overcompensating with his top hand because of concern of re-aggravating the shoulder on his backswing. He took several measures to overcome the injury, tinkering with his swing and his stance and reducing his swings in batting practice throughout the season, but admits it has led to some bad habits at the plate.

“It’s swinging a bat in the game,” Hardy said. “Doing a controlled swing is different than 100 percent in a game.”

Hardy -- who signed a three-year, $40 million extension last October, is signed through the 2017 season with a $14 million vesting option for 2018 based on plate appearances.

Hardy said that if the shoulder ailments persisted next year, it could impact how long he plans to continue playing.

http://m.orioles.mlb.com/news/article/152833952/chris-davis-named-2015-most-valuable-oriole

Davis voted Most Valuable Oriole for 2nd time

By Cash Kruth / MLB.com October 2, 2015

Chris Davis was named the 2015 Louis M. Hatter Most Valuable Oriole Award winner on Friday by members of the local media, and he will be recognized in an on-field ceremony prior to Sunday's regular-season finale against the Yankees.

Davis entered Friday with a Major League-leading 45 home runs and 112 RBIs, which ranks fourth. He is the first Orioles player to post two 40-homer seasons (he hit 53 in 2013), and he ranks 10th on the Orioles' all-time home run list.

Davis leads all Baltimore hitters in home runs, RBIs, slugging percentage, on-base plus slugging percentage and walks, and he is second in runs scored.

Davis (2015, '13) is the 13th Orioles player to win the award multiple times, joining Adam Jones ('12, '11), (2009, '05), Miguel Tejada (2006, '04), Rafael Palmiero (1998, '96, '95), Cal Ripken Jr. (1991, '90, '88, '83), (1988, '85, '84, '83, '82, '81, '78), (1979, '77, '75), Jim Palmer (1973, '72), Brooks Robinson (1971, '64, '62, '60), (1971, '67, '66), (1970, '69) and (1965, '63).

The Most Valuable Oriole Award is named in honor of the late Lou Hatter, a former sportswriter for the Baltimore Sun who covered the Orioles for 27 years. Zach Britton, Jones, Caleb Joseph, Manny Machado and Darren O'Day also received votes.

http://m.orioles.mlb.com/news/article/152694328/chen-os-out-to-dent-yanks-home-field-plans

Out to secure home field, Yanks face O's

By Grace Raynor / MLB.com October 2, 2015

The Yankees have already clinched a spot in Tuesday's American League Wild Card Game Presented by Budweiser, so their next mission is to secure home-field advantage.

Their magic number to do so is 1, and they can lock that down Friday with a win against the Orioles in the opener of a three-game set. A loss by the Astros would also do the trick. In the Wild Card Game, the Yanks' possible opponents are the Rangers, Astros, Angels or Twins.

After Baltimore, the winner of Tuesday's game will take on either the Blue Jays or the Royals, whichever ends the season with the AL's best record. If the Blue Jays and Royals are tied, the winner of Tuesday's game will face the Blue Jays, as they won the season series.

As they look to clinch home-field advantage, the Yankees send rookie righty Luis Severino to the mound Friday. Severino hasn't faced the Orioles in his brief career that began in August, but he's proven he's not fazed by high-pressure situations.

The Orioles will counter with lefty Wei-Yin Chen, whose current 3.35 ERA is a career best.

Three things to know about this game

• Chen has struggled with the Yankees, going just 3-5 in 13 career starts. He has one win and one loss against them this season.

• With 10,000 franchise wins since 1903, the Yankees are the American League's winningest team.

• The Yanks' relievers have tallied 589 strikeouts, which ties a Major League single-season record for the most strikeouts by any bullpen.

http://m.orioles.mlb.com/news/article/152702618/manny-machado-steals-20th-base-of-the- season

Machado 2nd O's player to post 30/20 season

By Brittany Ghiroli / MLB.com October 1, 2015

BALTIMORE -- With a pair of stolen bases in the bottom of the fourth inning of Thursday's 6-4 win against the Blue Jays, Orioles third baseman Manny Machado joined an elite club, becoming just the second player in franchise history to post 30 home runs and 20 stolen bases in a season.

"I could tell early in the game he was runnerish," Orioles manager Buck Showalter said. "Manny, it's amazing to have ... It reminds me what it's like to be 23. Your legs actually feel that good after 158 games."

Machado joins Paul Blair, Don Baylor, Reggie Jackson and Brady Anderson -- who did it three times -- in the 20/20 club. Anderson, who is the club's vice president of baseball operations, is the other Orioles player to have a 30/20 season (1996).

"It's an honor. It's something I worked hard for," said Machado, who thanked all of the Orioles' coaches. "I've got to give props to them for keeping me going every day and getting myself to realizing what routine works for me and what I need to do every day to go out there and perform. I want to thank them for making this possible. At the end of the day I've worked hard to get here to this position, and it's just an honor to go out there and put myself in that position."

Machado, who is hoping to play all 162 games this season, has had a career year offensively in returning from back-to-back season-ending knee surgeries. On Thursday, he homered in the first and sixth innings for his 32nd and 33rd home runs. Machado stole second on leftyJeff Francis and third on righty Bo Schultz.

"I was just trying to get it over with. Not too worried about it," Machado said of the 20 steals. "Basically go out there and put myself in a good scoring position and get it out of the way. I thought those were two perfect situations to go and do it and really take advantage of the situation."

http://m.orioles.mlb.com/news/article/152665764/adam-jones-hopes-chris-davis-stays-on-orioles

Jones wants Davis back with O's next season

By Brittany Ghiroli / MLB.com October 1, 2015

BALTIMORE -- Chris Davis, the Major League leader in home runs, is set to become a free agent, and Orioles center fielder Adam Jones said on Thursday that re-signing Davis should be the club's top priority.

"Obviously, I love playing with him. He plays a hell of a first base. He plays the game, he games up every day no matter what. I've grown to admire the way he goes about his business and, obviously, the production, that's just icing on the cake," Jones said of Davis, who entered Thursday with 45 homers and has eclipsed the 40-homer mark twice in the past three seasons. "Because I get to see the guy inside here. To me, I think he's probably the highest priority, but he's earned himself a right to go and hear all 29 other offers.

"Forty-five [homers] and [112 RBIs], that's video game numbers. He's earned his right to hear everybody out."

While addressing season-ticket holders earlier this season, Orioles executive vice president of baseball operations Dan Duquette said that bringing back Davis was tops on the club's list. Though with every home run the slugger hits, his free-agent stock goes up.

"The thing is, I'm not an accountant, I don't know what the books show. I just know when we have a lot of free agents that means money is coming off the books," Jones said of a club that could also lose Wei-Yin Chen, Matt Wieters, Darren O'Day and Gerardo Parra, among others. "I don't know if they have 20, 30, 40, 50, 60 million to spend. That's dependent on how you want to go at it. You can get a lot of players for that much money. It depends how much money you have. Like I said, I'm not an accountant, I'm trying to balance my own books. Just say if you're interested in guys and … you want to keep the fans interested and you want to keep the product on the field interested, you have to go out and spend some of the money."

The Orioles were criticized by some last winter for not re-singing Andrew Miller, Nelson Cruz or Nick Markakis, and the organization will again be faced with some pivotal decisions this offseason. Jones, who has made it clear he would like to voice his opinion to ownership, was mum on if he had anything specific in the works.

"You can't replace 40 [home runs]. That's been proven by this year's offense," Jones said. "You can't replace 40, no matter how you do it. [Davis] likes it here, but it's not about what you like when it comes to business. You have to make a tough decision. Markakis had to make a tough decision and do what's best for his family. Chris has got a family. He's got to do what's best for him and his family. Wieters has to do the same thing, O'Day has to do the same thing. These are guys who earned the right to become free agents."

http://m.orioles.mlb.com/news/article/152672308/trey-mancini-honored-by-orioles

Mancini named O's top Minor League player

By Brittany Ghiroli / MLB.com October 1, 2015

BALTIMORE -- Infielder Trey Mancini was named the Brooks Robinson Minor League Player of the Year and right-handed pitchers Oliver Drake and Mychal Givens were co-recipients of the Jim Palmer Minor League Pitcher of the Year Award, the Orioles announced on Thursday. The winners will be honored in an on-field ceremony prior to Friday's game against the Yankees, with awards presented by Orioles director of Minor League operations Kent Qualls and director of scouting Gary Rajsich.

Mancini is the O's 12th-ranked prospect according to MLBPipeline.com. Givens is No. 6.

Mancini hit a combined .341/.375/.563 with 43 doubles, six triples, 21 home runs and 89 RBIs in 136 games between Double-A Bowie and Advanced Frederick. The Orioles' eighth- round pick in the 2013 Draft out of the University of Notre Dame, Mancini led all Orioles Minor Leaguers in batting average, home runs and RBIs, and he won the Eastern League batting title with an adjusted .330 batting average. Mancini didn't have enough plate appearances to qualify, but after adding on hitless at-bats to meet the minimum, he still led the league and therefore won the title.

Drake went 1-2 with a 0.82 ERA and was a perfect 23-for-23 in save opportunities with Triple-A Norfolk. He ranked second in saves and tied for fourth in games finished (34) among International League pitchers. Drake led all Orioles Minor Leaguers in saves and logged a 26- game scoreless streak from April 27-Aug. 6 with the Tides.

Givens went 4-2 with a 1.73 ERA and 15 saves in 35 games with Bowie this season. He was named to Baseball America's Minor League All-Prospect Mid-Season Team, Minor League First Team and was rated by the publication as the Best Reliever in the Eastern League. He made his Major League debut on June 24 and has been a bright spot for the Orioles.

Additionally, outfielder Glynn Davis was named the recipient of the Elrod Hendricks Minor League Community Service Award. Signed by the Orioles as a non-drafted free agent in 2010, Davis made numerous appearances throughout the community, including medical centers, youth baseball camps and hitting and fielding clinics as part of his outreach efforts.

Norfolk manager Ron Johnson will be honored with the Cal Ripken Sr. Player Development Award, presented to a Minor League staff member who exemplifies the qualities of the late Oriole who is regarded as the architect of "The Oriole Way." Johnson earned the award due to his success in player development, including being named International League Manager of the Year, guiding the Tides to their first division title since 2005 and becoming the winningest manager in Tides history following his 285th career victory on Aug. 14.

International scout Ernst Meyer and area scout Rich Morales will receive Jim Russo Scout of the Year Awards, named in honor of the man who spent 33 years in various scouting capacities with the Orioles beginning with their move from St. Louis in 1954.

The Orioles will also recognize the 2015 Eastern League Champion , who were managed by Gary Kendall. The Baysox won the first Eastern League title in franchise history after defeating the Reading Fightin Phils, 3-2, in the best-of-five Eastern League Championship Series.

Additionally, Delmarva athletic trainer Trek Schuler, Bowie Baysox head groundskeeper Matt Parrott and head groundskeeper Mike Soper will be honored for winning the 2015 South Atlantic League Trainer of the Year Award, Eastern League Diamond Pro Sports Field Manager of the Year Award and Carolina League Diamond Pro Sports Field Manager of the Year Award, respectively.

http://www.masnsports.com/school-of-roch/2015/10/chris-davis-named-most-valuable- oriole.html

Chris Davis named Most Valuable Oriole

By Roch Kubatko / MASNsports.com October 2, 2015

First baseman Chris Davis has been selected as the winner of the 2015 Louis M. Hatter Most Valuable Oriole Award by members of the local media who cover the team on a regular basis.

Davis also won the award in 2013 after leading the majors and setting a club record with 53 home runs. He's the 13th Oriole to win the award multiple times, joining Adam Jones ('12, '11), Brian Roberts ('09, '05), Miguel Tejada ('06, '04), ('98, '96, '95), Cal Ripken, Jr. ('91, '90, '88, '83), Eddie Murray ('88, '85, '84, '83, '82, '81, '78), Ken Singleton ('79, '77, '75), Jim Palmer ('73, '72), Brooks Robinson ('71, '64, '62, '60), Frank Robinson ('71, '67, '66), Boog Powell ('70, '69) and Stu Miller ('65, '63).

Balloting was conducted with voting on a 5-3-1 basis. Also receiving votes were Jones, Manny Machado, Zach Britton, Darren O'Day and Caleb Joseph. The Orioles don't reveal the second and third-place finishers, but it's probably safe to assume that Machado was runner-up to Davis.

Davis enters tonight's scheduled game against the Yankees leading the majors with 45 home runs, ranking fourth with 112 RBIs and ninth in slugging percentage at .549. His 45 homers are the fifth-highest single-season total in Orioles history. He's the first Oriole to post two separate 40-homer seasons.

Davis currently leads all Orioles hitters in multiple offensive categories, including home runs, RBIs, slugging percentage, OPS (.904) and walks (81), and he ranks second in runs scored (96).

Since the All-Star break, Davis leads the Orioles with 26 home runs, 60 RBIs, 43 walks and 52 runs scored, while also ranking second in doubles (14). He's tied for second in hits (73).

Davis leads the club with a .285 average (73-for-256), .398 on-base percentage and .645 slugging percentage in that span.

There's more, of course. Davis recently passed Brady Anderson for sole possession of third place on the Camden Yards all-time home runs list with 93, and he ranks 10th on the Orioles home runs list with 159. He's hit two walk-off home runs this year and has accounted for three of the Orioles' nine walk-off hits.

Davis will receive the MVO award during an on-field ceremony prior to Sunday's regular season finale against the Yankees at Camden Yards.

http://www.masnsports.com/school-of-roch/2015/10/orioles-fighting-for-third-place.html

Orioles fighting for third place

By Roch Kubatko / MASNsports.com October 2, 2015

The Orioles will try to play a game tonight at its regular starting time and without the aid of a tarp or 5,000 tons of drying compound.

Are they asking too much?

We're down to the final series of the season, as long as Joaquin lets them play. The Orioles need to sweep the Yankees to finish at .500 and avoid their first losing season since 2011.

The Orioles are 7-9 against the Yankees this season, but 4-2 at Camden Yards. They're 36-37 versus the American League East.

They still didn't know yesterday which Yankee was starting against them. Manager Joe Girardi didn't tell the New York media, leaving the group to assume that the winner will come from a pool consisting of Adam Warren, Luis Severino and Ivan Nova.

The wild card race was influencing Girardi's decision. The Yankees have clinched a playoff spot, but there's still the matter of home field advantage.

There's no race for the Orioles besides trying to finish in third place and avoid falling into last. It could go either way. The Orioles, Red Sox and Rays are tied for third at 78-81.

Wei-Yin Chen could be making his final start as an Oriole. Informal polls, as opposed to the ones that require a tuxedo, show Chen as being the least likely of the pending free agents to stay in Baltimore.

Chen could be at the top of the second tier of free-agent pitchers. He's not in the David Price class, but he's going to get paid.

Chen is 10-8 with a 3.35 ERA in 30 starts, not including his outing at Single-A Frederick, which remains a sore subject in his camp. He's 1-1 with a 3.70 ERA in four starts against the Yankees this season and 3-5 with a 4.88 ERA in 13 career starts.

Chris Young is 6-for-14 with two doubles and a home run against Chen, Stephen Drew is 4-for- 13 with two doubles, Jacoby Ellsbury is 8-for-26 with two doubles, Chase Headley is 5-for-12 with a double, Jose Pirela is 5-for-7 with a triple and is 4-for-21 with two home runs.

The Breathe Deep Baltimore LUNGevity walk at Camden Yards to honor Monica Barlow has been moved to Oct. 18 due to weather concerns on Saturday.

The LUNGevity Foundation still will hold a silent auction during Saturday's 7:05 p.m. game against the Yankees that features various Orioles memorabilia items and takes place by Gate E through 9 p.m.

Monica's husband, Ben, said the latest fundraising effort has been a success.

"It's going great," he said. "I want to make sure that you make fundraising targets. They set the fundraising goal up really high last year, and then when I logged in this year and saw the goal was $125,000 for the walk, I was thinking, 'How are we going to do that?' But I looked a couple days ago and they were up over $90,000 raising it for the walk, and I think they've got the other money coming in, so it looks like they're going to surpass the fundraising goal.

"Things are going really good, but a lot of that is due to the tie-in with the Orioles and the awareness that the Orioles have been able to bring to LUNGevity and lung cancer research over the last few years."

The walk ends inside Camden Yards and again is heavily impacted by the Orioles.

"I think it really helps," Barlow said. "Selfishly, I think it buoys me and the family because of the special connection. So many of the other charities that everybody knows about that do cancer research advocacy, they really get a lot of traction because of their connection with either sports leagues or teams, and that's really how they're able to get a lot of awareness out.

"In our culture, if you don't have entertainers or a sports team behind you, it's hard for any of these causes to really get a lot of traction. The Orioles and the Angelos family and then MLB last year, it just makes a world of difference to an organization like LUNGevity that's doing really great work dealing with a seemingly insurmountable issue.

"I think about a couple of lung cancer survivors who have the same thing Monica had and are season-ticket holders here with the O's. When they see a connection with something else that means a lot to them, it provides a lift. It's hard to explain it any other way than that."

http://www.masnsports.com/school-of-roch/2015/10/showalter-on-schoop-and-a-6-4-win.html

Showalter on Schoop and a 6-4 win

By Roch Kubatko / MASNsports.com October 1, 2015

X-rays on Jonathan Schoop's right hand this afternoon came back negative and he's day-to-day. Manager Buck Showalter had no idea whether Schoop would play this weekend.

Blue Jays starter Drew Hutchison hit Schoop in the bottom of the first inning of the Orioles' 6-4 win at Camden Yards, a game delayed 3 hours and 25 minutes by rain. Schoop said the hand was swollen and stiff, and he'll arrive early on Friday for treatments.

"It was a little numb running around the bases," he said. "I was hoping it would feel better, but it didn't."

The Orioles met their latest weather challenge by pulling within three games of .500 with three left. Starter Tyler Wilson lasted one inning before play was halted and six relievers covered for him, with closer Zach Britton recording his 35th save.

"It is what it is," Showalter said. "There's really good reasons why MLB and us and Toronto had to do it that way. No other way around it.

"Unbelievable job by Nicole (McFadyen) and her group. I can't tell you how hard it is to do what they did. Watching them since really last night before we left here until the time we're going to leave here. I wish they could take a day off, but that was pretty impressive. They're the best I've seen. They do some kind of job. It's so hard and that field was wet to start with. I was surprised they got it in the shape they did."

Manny Machado homered twice and became only the fifth Oriole to record a season of 20 or more home runs and 20 or more stolen bases. He swiped two bags today to reach the milestone.

"I could tell early in the game he was runnerish," Showalter said. "It reminds me what it's like to be 23. Your legs actually feel that good after 158 games.

"You think about the time spent here the last two days. I'm real proud of them after that first game, the way they came back and responded. Obviously Manny, he was the difference-maker today on both sides of the ball."

Machado and Brady Anderson are the only Orioles with 30-plus home runs and 20-plus steals in the same season.

"Brady was a well above-average defender, really good thrower, came to play every day," Showalter said. "It's something Manny should be very proud of and we're proud of him. It's hard to do. You can see why so few people have been able to do it."

T.J. McFarland picked up his first win this season by holding the Jays to one run over a season- high four innings.

"That was huge, but that's T.J.," Showalter said. "It's little things you take this time of year. He got his ERA under 5. He's not a guy if you're looking for hits-to-innings and a bunch of strikeouts, but he's a very valuable guy on a club. He's been very instrumental the last three years on our club.

"Good for him. You like to see good people leave with a good taste in their mouth. Not to say he won't pitch again. He pitched well against the Yankees."

Paul Janish replaced Schoop and delivered an RBI single in the second inning.

"Paulie, he's a pro," Showalter said. "He's the kind of guy that everybody needs. I'm glad we got to see what R.J. (Ron Johnson) and them have been raving about all year and what other teams that have had him have been raving about."

http://www.masnsports.com/school-of-roch/2015/10/showalter-trying-not-to-think-about- potential-loss-of-free-agents.html

Showalter trying not to think about potential loss of free agents

By Roch Kubatko / MASNsports.com October 1, 2015

The tarp came off the field briefly while the grounds crew applied more drying compound. Rain continues to fall, though not as heavy, and the game remains in a delay. The obligatory Bugs Bunny cartoon already has run.

Pitching prospect is in Baltimore today after having his right elbow examined by team orthopedist Dr. Michael Jacobs. Kline seemed to be in good spirts as he awaited next week's appointment with Dr. James Andrews.

Kline, who turned 24 yesterday, felt some tightness in the elbow while throwing in the fall instructional league. He received a platelet-rich plasma injection in May after Andrews examined him, and he may need to undergo ligament-reconstructive surgery.

Adam Jones is a finalist for the Marvin Miller Man of the Year Award as voted upon by his peers. Miami's Dee Gordon and the White Sox's David Robertson also are finalists.

The Orioles confirmed the signing of Australian left-hander Alexander Wells, who will report to the instructional league. He received a $300,000 bonus.

Manager Buck Showalter stays focused on the remaining games on the 2015 schedule while more attention shifts to the pending free agents and possibility of drastic changes inside his clubhouse. He tries not to think about it. The media leaves him no choice.

"We'd like to keep everybody, obviously. I think everybody shares that," he said. "Let's see where it goes. We all have our own personal feelings about it. You can probably guess what mine are. Some things you reach for because, let's be frank, it makes your job easier. But you also know what your job description is."

Comments made last night by Matt Wieters and Chris Davis came across as though they're soaking in what could be their final days in Baltimore. Wieters hit his 100th career home run in Game 2 and stated, "I wanted to hit 100 before this year's over, so no matter what happens in the future I hit 100 as an Oriole."

Showalter said he didn't see the quote. He avoids reading newspapers and websites.

"I would be real glad if he got his 101st as an Oriole and his 102nd and 103rd. That's the way Matt feels, too," Showalter said.

"That's a mature thing. We always take things in that you don't know how things are going to work out. They're not oblivious to the way baseball business world works after the season, but I also know what personally they mean to all of us and to me especially. I can talk about that for hours. And I don't become cold to it. Sometimes, I wish I was a little more.

"I sat down with Matt before this homestand, wanted to know how he wanted to handle this last week. I know he wants to catch on Sunday if Joaquin cooperates. I try not to think about it too much. It's tough, it's tough. It's the world we live in. It does tug at me, so I try to stay away from it."

Showalter has gone through the process with the other teams that he's managed, but it feels different in Baltimore. He's managed here longer than anyplace else.

"Yeah, there are some differences. There are some differences," he said after a long pause. "Everything is different.

"I have a lot of confidence that Dan and everybody has their arms around that. My job is to manage these four games and try to put our best foot forward, which we didn't do in the first game. We sat down together a little bit between games real quickly yesterday and that's where I've got to stay focused, on that stuff. Sometimes, it happens before it gets to this point, sometimes it doesn't. We are where we are."

The Orioles extended shortstop J.J. Hardy last year right before the playoffs, but so far they haven't reached agreements with any of their pending free agents.

"Monday we'll talk," Showalter said. "That's not my area. We'd all like to have everything. Part of us in society just don't like change, period. If you knew if not this, than what, you might look at it in a different way, but we don't know what. So we like things that we know are pieces. I'm very careful about trying to critique things that I'm not supposed to be in on, but we all play that way. We all talk about it. We don't know. You don't like to talk about it but it's real and it's there and you've got to ask about it.

"You're talking about a lot more than (Davis and Wieters). Steve Pearce, Brian Matusz. I could go on and on. Guys that are arbitration eligible. Miguel (Gonzalez). It's not just those five, four, three guys everybody wants to talk about. There's a lot more than that.

"I know them all. I think Brad Brach is arbitration eligible, (Zach) Britton is arbitration eligible, (Ryan) Flaherty, (Jimmy) Paredes. I know (Junior) Lake's out of options next year. A lot of decisions. I'm sure our guys have it wired about the order in which those decisions need to be made."

Meanwhile, Showalter continues to write out his lineups without Jones, who's being treated for spasms and tightness in his back. The Orioles could just shut him down, but they haven't reached that point.

"I plan on day-to-day being the way it is," Showalter said. "There's nobody who posts up through tougher challenges than Adam. I talk to him every day about it. 'How are you doing? Better, worse, what are you feeling?' And if he doesn't play the rest of the season, he doesn't play the rest of the season. I may ask him today if he wants me to do that."

http://www.masnsports.com/school-of-roch/2015/10/adam-jones-you-have-to-go-out-and-spend- some-of-the-money.html

Adam Jones: "You have to go out and spend some of the money"

By Roch Kubatko / MASNsports.com October 1, 2015

Orioles center fielder Adam Jones is out of the lineup again today due to tightness in his back. He isn't ready to shut down for the remaining three games. He's taking it day by day, knowing that the cold, wet weather and his aggressive style of play are working against him.

Jones sat at this locker, surrounded by reporters and other media types, and talked about an offseason that figures to bring serious change to the Orioles with six pending free agents and a host of arbitration-eligible players.

Jones said re-signing first baseman Chris Davis, who hit his 44th and 45th home runs last night in Game 2 of the doubleheader, should be the top priority of the front office. He's already seen friend and outfield mate Nick Markakis leave for Atlanta last winter. He isn't ready to watch Davis walk out the door for the last time.

"It wouldn't be easy because obviously I've been playing with him since 2011," Jones said. "We've been 3-4 tandem, 3-4, 4-5, for four years. Most of all, we've both fed off each other and had success by feeding off each other. We've both had career years with each other. We're practically the same age.

"Obviously, I love playing with him. He plays a hell of a first base. He plays the game, he games up every day no matter what. I've grown to admire the way he goes about his business and obviously, the production, that's just icing on the cake. Because I get to see the guy inside here. To me, I think he's probably the highest priority, but he's earned himself a right to go and hear all 29 other offers.

"Forty-five (home runs) and 120 (RBIs), that's video game numbers. He's earned his right to hear everybody out."

Jones talked to Markakis about free agency and the possibility of leaving last winter. He hasn't been as vocal with Davis.

"It's a different relationship," he said. "I know Kakes differently than I know Chris. But Chris has expressed he likes being in Baltimore. It's a nice place to play. He's a big, strong guy. He can flick it out anyplace. It doesn't matter where he plays. It's like (Nelson) Cruz. You play in the Grand Canyon, you're still going to go out there and hit 40.

"You can't replace 40. That's been proven by this year's offense. You can't replace 40, no matter how you do it.

"He likes it here, but it's not about what you like when it comes to business. You have to make a tough decision. Markakis had to make a tough decision and do what's best for his family. Chris has got a family. He's got to do what's best for him and his family. (Matt) Wieters has to do the same thing, (Darren) O'Day has to do the same thing. These are guys who earned the right to become free agents. And that's the luckiest thing in sports. You earned the right to do whatever you want to do, whatever option you want to pick is at your disposal. Hey, you've got to respect that."

Jones plans on meeting with owner Peter G. Angelos after the season and push for more spending to keep the clubhouse intact.

"Yeah, but the thing is, I'm not an accountant, I don't know what the books show," he said. "I just know when we have a lot of free agents that means money is coming off the books. But do I know the exact amount? Hell no, I just know what I make. I don't know if they have $20, $30, $40, $50, $60 million to spend. That's dependent on how you want to go at it. You can get a lot of players for that much money.

"It depends how much money you have. Like I said, I'm not an accountant. I'm trying to balance my own books. Just say if you're interested in guys and ... You want to keep the fans interested and you want to keep the product on the field interested. You have to go out and spend some of the money."

Jones is counted among many Orioles wondering how much the club will change in 2016.

"It's going to be a different offseason, a lot of money coming off the books, which means a lot of money to spend," he said. "Honestly, we have a lot of guys that like playing here, but guys that have been very, very deserving and very, very rewarding to take care of themselves and their family beyond. At the end of the day, we're going to see what situations lie for the Orioles in 2016 and beyond."

What do the Orioles need to get back into the playoffs?

"You talk about needs," Jones said. "I like the way this clubhouse is right now. Obviously, you can add a few pieces, so if we bring this team back and add a few pieces, I'd like that. But the reality is, this clubhouse is going to be very different, especially with the number of free agents. Bring back who you really, really want and you really think is going to be the most effective for the next five years, at least three of four years, until I'm up, Manny (Machado) is a free agent. There's a lot of things. I think the next three years are going to be very important to this organization."

Jones doesn't know whether talking to ownership and executive vice president Dan Duquette will make an impact, but it doesn't hurt to try.

"At least they heard it," he said. "They heard my point, they heard my side, and at the end of the day, all you can do is get your point out, right?"

If Jones wants to recruit left-hander David Price, he needs only to walk down to the visiting clubhouse at Camden Yards.

"He's going to be commanding $25 to $32 million. I don't foresee that happening in Baltimore," Jones said with a chuckle.

"That's reality. And he's definitely earned it. He's going to be in the $25 to $32 million salary range, especially next year. He's making $19 million this year. I'd love to play with David Price. He's one of the game's best people and best pitchers, but I'm going to probably be an opponent of his for my entire career. That's perfectly fine with me. He's one of the game's best competitors."

Jones also provided an update on his back, saying he's feeling better and able to move more freely.

"But I still don't know how to react to my spasm," he added. "I'm not comfortable doing my normal routine with the spasms. Until it's comfortable with that ...

"I'm not going to ever say shut it down unless the doctors say shut it down. I'm still out there supporting my guys. That's not going to change. I'm getting treatment, trying to get better. The last thing you want is to go into the offseason treating something. You'd rather relax and than being able to get your strength back rather than rehab."

Jones didn't watch the Blue Jays celebrate their division title yesterday on the Camden Yards field, and again following Game 2.

"Congrats to them," he said. "It was ours for the taking. We were the one to beat and they beat everybody in our division. It's the game, tip our cap and move on. Come back in 2016 ready to beat the Blue Jays, who are the division champs."

The question is which players will be back to take up the fight.

Update: The Orioles scored three runs off Drew Hutchison in the bottom of the first inning.

Machado hit a two-run homer, his 32nd of the season, as the rain intensified. Davis doubled and later scored on Steve Pearce's double. The Orioles loaded the bases with one out, but didn't pad the lead.

Hutchison hit Jonathan Schoop on the right's. Schoop was in obvious pain, but he stayed in the game.

Tyler Wilson walked two batters and allowed a hit in the top of the first, but the Blue Jays didn't score. He threw 23 pitches.

And now we're in a rain delay in the top of the second.

http://www.masnsports.com/school-of-roch/2015/10/orioles-lineup-vs-jays-5.html

Orioles lineup vs. Jays

By Roch Kubatko / MASNsports.com October 1, 2015

Adam Jones is out of the lineup for the finale against the Blue Jays. Nolan Reimold will play center field.

Jones said his back is feeling a little better, but that the weather and wet field aren't helping.

Manny Machado is back at third base on a quick turnaround after playing both ends of yesterday's doubleheader.

Tyler Wilson will make his fifth start (ninth appearance) today. He's 2-2 with a 3.60 ERA on the season. As I wrote earlier, in his one appearance against the Jays, he allowed one run over 5 2/3 relief innings.

For the Orioles:

Nolan Reimold CF Gerardo Parra LF Manny Machado 3B Chris Davis DH Jonathan Schoop 2B Steve Pearce 1B J.J. Hardy SS Ryan Flaherty RF Caleb Joseph C

Tyler Wilson RHP

http://www.masnsports.com/steve-melewski/2015/10/caleb-joseph-ill-be-the-first-one-to-hope- that-matt-signs-back-here.html

Caleb Joseph: "I'll be the first one to hope that Matt signs back here"

By Steve Melewski / MASNsports.com October 2, 2015

With Matt Wieters potentially playing his last few games as an Oriole - he is a pending free agent - what might the catching position look like for the Orioles next year?

Caleb Joseph has certainly done a solid job behind the plate. At the plate, he is batting .237 with 11 homers and 49 RBIs in 317 at-bats. His slugging percentage and OPS have increased from last season to this year, from .354 to .397 slugging and from .618 to .699 in OPS.

If - and it's a big if right now - but if Wieters leaves via free agency, does Joseph feel ready to become the Orioles' No. 1 catcher?

"I'll be the first one to hope that Matt signs back here," Joseph said in the Orioles clubhouse Thursday. "We've become great friends and he has taught me so much. I don't even want to think about him not being here.

"But this year, especially in the first half, I was pretty much the starter until Matt returned. I think I do have an idea of what it takes mentally and physically. Understand the routine and what pitchers need.

"But hopefully that is not the case. Hopefully Matt is here and we continue to be teammates and buddies. But the Orioles have to do what is best for them and Matt has to do what is best for him as well. That is strange to think about. This is a guy I tried to model my game after when I was in the minors. To think about him not being in that corner over there is kind of weird. I hope he signs back here."

Joseph has thrown out 29.4 percent (15-of-51) of baserunners trying to steal on him this year and 33.3 percent in his career. The Orioles are 39-9 in his career when he drives in at least one run.

As Joseph looked around the clubhouse yesterday, he thought back to the fun of the 2014 American League East title run and how very different it is now for the Orioles.

"It's disappointment," he said. "You set out with a goal in mind first day of spring of playing meaningful games in October again. Anything less is a disappointment.

"It's a weird feeling right now seeing all these boxes. When we were done last year, it was just over, there was no planning for it to be over. We had high hopes for this season and it didn't happen for multiple reasons. Watching another team celebrate is a tough pill to swallow. No good."

Several players have said this week they are savoring the final games of the 2015 season as they are very aware that several players may be playing somewhere else next April.

"You form a lot of friendships each year. We understand that people have to do what is best for their family and their situation. But it's a weird feeling knowing some of your friends may not be back. It is weird thinking about what could happen over the next few months. Looking at these boxes, it's like a breakup. A pre-planned breakup with a high school sweetheart," Joseph said.

http://www.masnsports.com/steve-melewski/2015/10/manny-machado-on-his-2020-season-and- jonathan-schoop-on-his-hand-injury.html

Manny Machado on his 20/20 season, Jonathan Schoop on his hand injury

By Steve Melewski / MASNsports.com October 1, 2015

Orioles third baseman Manny Machado hit two homers and stole two bases today in the O's 6-4 win over Toronto. The stolen bases were his 19th and 20th on the year and he became the fifth Oriole to have 20 homers and steals, and the second to eclipse 30 homers and 20 steals.

"It's an honor," Machado said. "Something I've worked hard for. First off I want to thank my coaches. (Wayne) Kirby, Bobby D. (Dickerson), Cooley (Scott Coolbaugh), J.R. (John Russell) and Buck (Showalter). They've helped me through the process.

"Kirby with baserunning. Bobby with defense and Einar (Diaz) and Cooley with my hitting. I have to give props to them for keeping me going every day. Getting me to realize what routine works for me. Want to thank them for making it possible, and it's an honor to put myself in that position."

Machado stole second and third today in the fourth to get to 20 steals.

"I was trying to get it over with. Not to worry about it. Just put myself in a good scoring position," he said.

Other Orioles to go 20/20 were Paul Blair in 1969, Don Baylor in 1975, Reggie Jackson in 1976, and Brady Anderson in 1992, 1996 and 1999. Machado joins Anderson in the 30/20 club, who had 50 homers and 21 steals in 1996.

Adding speed and the stolen bases just makes the Orioles' budding superstar third baseman an even more complete player.

"That was my mindset throughout the whole year and coming into spring. I wanted to come out here and show what I can do. Went out there and did everything they ask for - play every day and bring everything to this team to try and win. I've worked hard with the coaches and trainers to put myself in that situation," Machado said.

On a day with a very sparse crowd, Machado threw some props to the O's fans who did make it to Camden Yards and waited out the 3 hour, 25 minute delay.

"The people that were there were rooting for us and giving their all, I want to thank them on behalf of the Orioles and everyone in this clubhouse for staying out there and helping us win this game today," he said.

Meanwhile O's second baseman Jonathan Schoop provided an update on his right hand. He was hit by a pitch in the first inning, suffered a contusion and had to come out of the game.

"It's pretty stiff right now. We'll ice it and take treatment. I'll come in tomorrow early and see where we're at. If the swelling goes down a little bit and I'll get some ice treatments. Depends how I feel. Hope it doesn't get worse tomorrow," Schoop said about playing Friday.

Schoop had an X-ray and said that showed no structural issue with the hand.

"They did (take an X-ray) and everything came out negative," he said.

Right-hander Tyler Wilson made the start today, pitched a scoreless first on 23 pitches but then did not return after the long delay.

"Definitely a strange day," he said. "Moved the time up to noon to see if we could get it in without interruption. Rain is not a fun factor. I was disappointed I could not continue, but our bullpen did an unbelievable job."

As the delay went on, Wilson was trying to do all he could to stay in the game.

"Initially about every 15 to 20 minutes, we were throwing simulated innings in the visiting batting cage. I think about two hours in was when we decided it had been too long and we didn't want to go any farther, especially given the conditions," he said.

Wilson said he hoped to be available to pitch this weekend since he went just one inning today.

http://www.masnsports.com/steve-melewski/2015/10/os-game-blog-mancini-drake-and-givens- take-top-honors-plus-machado-on-playing-162.html

O's game blog: Mancini, Drake and Givens take top honors, plus Machado on playing 162

By Steve Melewski / MASNsports.com October 1, 2015

The Orioles announced that first baseman Trey Mancini is their minor league Player of the Year and that Oliver Drake and Mychal Givens are co-Pitchers of the Year today.

The Orioles also announced that Double-A Bowie outfielder Glynn Davis has been named this year's recipient of the Elrod Hendricks Minor League Community Service Award. Triple-A Norfolk manager Ron Johnson has been named the winner of the Cal Ripken Sr. Player Development Award, presented to a minor league staff member who exemplifies the qualities of the late Oriole who is regarded as the architect of "The Oriole Way".

International scout Ernst Meyer and area scout Rich Morales will receive Jim Russo Scout of the Year Awards, named in honor of the man who spent 33 years in various scouting capacities with the Orioles.

The winners will be honored in an on-field ceremony before Friday's game against the Yankees, with awards presented by Orioles director of minor league operations Kent Qualls and director of scouting Gary Rajsich. Also that night, the Orioles will recognize the 2015 Eastern League Champion Bowie Baysox managed by Gary Kendall. Baysox general manager Bria Shallcross and assistant general manager Phil Wrye will present the championship trophy to members of the team.

Mancini, the Brooks Robinson minor league Player of the Year, hit a combined .341/.375/.563 with 43 doubles, six triples, 21 home runs, and 89 RBIs in 136 games between Bowie and Single-A Frederick. He led all Orioles minor leaguers in batting average (.341), home runs (21) and RBIs (89), and won the Eastern League batting title with an adjusted .330 batting average.

Drake, the co-Jim Palmer Minor League Pitcher of the Year, went 1-2 with a 0.82 ERA and was 23-for-23 in save opportunities over 42 games with Norfolk, ranking second in saves and tied for fourth in games finished among International League pitchers. Drake led all Orioles minor leaguers in saves and logged a 26-game scoreless streak from April 27-August 6 with the Tides. He was also named an International League midseason and postseason All-Star and was rated by Baseball America as the best reliever in the International League.

Givens, also the co-Jim Palmer Minor League Pitcher of the Year, went 4-2 with a 1.73 ERA and 15 saves in 35 games with Bowie. He was named to Baseball America's minor league All- Prospect midseason team and minor league first team, and was rated by the publication as the best reliever in the Eastern League. Givens was named the organizational Pitcher of the Month in April after going 2-0 with a 0.71 ERA (12.2 inning pitched, one earned run) and two saves, while striking out 19 over seven games before being selected as an Eastern League midseason All-Star.

Davis displayed outstanding dedication to the community while spending his season with the Baysox. Davis made numerous appearances throughout the community including medical centers, youth baseball camps and hitting and fielding clinics as part of his outreach efforts Johnson earned the award due to his success in player development, including being named International League Manager of the Year, producing four International League midseason All- Stars and two postseason All-Stars, and guiding the Tides to their first division title since 2005.

Meyer has been an Orioles scout for 21 years. He has recommended and signed more than 15 players from Curacao for the Orioles, including Jonathan Schoop. Morales has been an Orioles scout for 10 drafts, having started with the organization in 2006. His draft signings include catcher Caleb Joseph.

Additionally, Delmarva athletic trainer Trek Schuler, Bowie head groundskeeper Matt Parrott and Frederick Keys head groundskeeper Mike Soper will be honored for winning the 2015 South Atlantic League Trainer of the Year Award, Eastern League Diamond Pro Sports Field Manager of the Year Award, and Carolina League Diamond Pro Sports Field Manager of the Year Award, respectively. As for today's game against Toronto, when Manny Machado takes the field, he will play in his 159th straight game this year. He is the current MLB leader in consecutive games played. He has not missed one and he wants to play all 162 this year.

"I mean it is just something I've set my goals since Day 1, I wanted to come out here and play every game," Machado said. "If I'm healthy, I'm going to go out there and play. I want to go out and play and see what I can do. You know 162 is a big goal for everyone. If I'm so close, finish it now. Why take a day off now at the end? Just enjoy it. Never know what happens next year."

Does it give Machado a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment to play every game?

"I mean, I guess you could say that in a way. I'm just taking it as my personal goal. I want to play every game that I can and that is what I'll keep doing," he said. "Hopefully I don't get hurt within these next couple of days. I'll go out there and try to help my team win, like I've been doing."

On the mound this afternoon to wrap up this four-game series, Tyler Wilson (2-2, 3.60 ERA) pitches against Toronto right-hander Drew Hutchison (13-4, 5.33 ERA).

http://www.si.com/mlb/2014/07/11/ap-bba-yankees-orioles-preview

Yankees-Orioles Preview

SI.com October 2, 2015

The New York Yankees are back in the postseason, and Luis Severino is willing to start the AL wild-card game.

While the chances of that happening are slim, the 21-year-old rookie can make sure that game is played in the Bronx.

Severino will try to help the Yankees clinch home-field advantage for the winner-take-all matchup Friday night when he takes the mound against the Baltimore Orioles to open this season-ending three-game set.

New York (87-72) ended a two-year playoff absence by beating Boston 4-1 on Thursday to avoid being swept in the four-game home set.

"You're in the dance, anything can happen. I think any team that gets in is capable of winning a championship," third baseman Alex Rodriguez told MLB's official website. "The one thing about baseball is you play for eight months and there is no lucky breaks.

"You've got to prove that you've got be a postseason team. So, the fact that we have a good brotherhood, that we play together as a team, I like our chances."

The Yankees also like their chances of having Masahiro Tanaka start Tuesday's wild-card game against Houston, Los Angeles or Minnesota. The right-hander has been bothered by a hamstring injury that forced him to go 12 days between starts, allowing four runs in five innings of a 9-5 loss to the Red Sox on Wednesday.

Severino (5-3, 2.77 ERA), however, made himself available if needed.

"I'd be happy to," Severino said. "I wouldn't be (overwhelmed). I'd be happy to (start) over there."

While that's unlikely, the right-hander has a chance to help make sure New York hosts the game, which would be accomplished with one more win.

Severino certainly seems capable of that heading into his first meeting with Baltimore (78-81). He's allowed two runs or fewer in six of his last seven starts, going 2-0 with a 1.53 ERA over his last three.

He tossed six scoreless innings in Sunday's 6-1 win over the .

"He can pitch," catcher Brian McCann said. "Everyone around here already knew that. He's very impressive. He's a professional. He works hard. He does a lot of things right. He's lights-out."

New York will need that since it has a 5.60 ERA while losing 10 of its last 13 games at Camden Yards.

Manny Machado has played a part in that, hitting .386 with seven RBIs and 12 runs during a 12- game home hitting streak against the Yankees. The third baseman enters this series after homering on three of his four hits with four RBIs while Baltimore won back-to-back games over division champion Toronto, including Thursday's 6-4 victory.

Machado's 33 homers and 20 stolen bases make him the second Orioles to reach 30 and 20 in a single season, joining Bradley Anderson (1996).

"Manny, it's amazing to have ... It reminds me what it's like to be 23. Your legs actually feel that good after 158 games," manager Buck Showalter said.

Showalter hands the ball to Wei-Yin Chen (10-8, 3.35). The left-hander is 2-1 with a 2.29 ERA in three starts after giving up five runs and nine hits - two homers - in five innings while not figuring in the decision of an 8-6 loss to the Yankees on Sept. 7.

Chen is 1-1 with a 5.46 ERA in five career home starts against New York.

http://www.si.com/mlb/2015/10/01/baltimore-orioles-jj-hardy-played-entire-season-with-torn- labrum

J.J. Hardy reveals he has played entire season with torn labrum

SI Wire / SI.com October 1, 2015

Baltimore Orioles shortstop J.J. Hardy told The Baltimore Sun on Thursday that he has played with a torn labrum in his left shoulder this season.

Hardy, 33, did not play in the first 25 games of the season after injuring his non-throwing shoulder during training camp, but the team reported the injury as a sprain rather than a tear.

Hardy says that the injury has negatively affected his offensive performance. The shortstop is having a dismal season, batting .213, which is the worst percentage of his career.

Hardy does not plan on having surgery, but instead says he will rest his shoulder and then strengthen it in the offseason. He previously injured the same shoulder as a minor leaguer in 2004 and underwent an extensive surgery that included repairing his labrum.

The Orioles finish a series against the Toronto Blue Jays on Thursday before completing the regular season with a three-game series against the Yankees.

http://www.csnmidatlantic.com/blog/orioles-talk/chris-davis-voted-most-valuable-oriole-second- time

Chris Davis voted Most Valuable Oriole for second time

By Rich Dubroff / CSN Mid-Atlantic October 2, 2015

BALTIMORE -- For the second time in three seasons, Chris Davis has been named the Most Valuable Oriole. Davis also won the award, which is voting on members of the local media, in 2013.

Davis leads the major leagues with 45 home runs and has 112 RBIs, and this year became the first Oriole to hit more than 40 home runs in two separate seasons.

Zach Britton, Adam Jones, Caleb Joseph, Manny Machado and Darren O’Day also received votes.

DISCLOSURE: I voted for Machado, Davis and Jones.

Davis is the 13th player to win the award multiple times. Jones won the award in 2011 and 2012.

He will be presented with the award before Sunday’s game.

http://www.csnmidatlantic.com/blog/orioles-talk/chen-likely-starting-his-final-game-orioles

Chen likely starting his final game with Orioles

By Rich Dubroff / CSN Mid-Atlantic October 2, 2015

Tonight’s Game:

New York Yankees (97-72) vs. Baltimore Orioles (78-81), Oriole Park at Camden Yards, Baltimore, 7:05 p.m.

Starting pitchers:

Luis Severino (5-3, 2.77) vs. Wei-Yin Chen (10-8, 3.35)

Keys to the Game:

Can the Orioles sweep to Yankees to prevent a losing season?

How will Chen pitch in what is likely to be his final start with the Orioles?

News and Notes:

Jonathan Schoop bruised his right hand when he was hit by a pitch on Thursday.

Adam Jones is unlikely to play in any of the remaining three games because of back spasms.

The Yankees clinched a wild-card spot on Thursday night.

Chen is 3-5 with a 4.88 ERA in 13 starts against the Yankees.

Severino has yet to pitch against the Orioles.

http://www.csnmidatlantic.com/blog/orioles-talk/matusz-says-monday-shoulder-surgery-no-big- deal

Matusz says Monday shoulder surgery no big deal

By Rich Dubroff / CSN Mid-Atlantic October 1, 2015

BALTIMORE – Buck Showalter announced on Wednesday that Brian Matusz will undergo right shoulder surgery on Monday.

The left-hander, who pitched in Wednesday night’s first game, will have arthroscopic surgery performed by Ravens team orthopedist Dr. Leigh Ann Curl.

“It’s an arthritic right AC joint,” Matusz said.

“We want to do it early, right when the season ends, so just to get it done and get it out of the way, just to get it done and get back to training and get ready for next year.” Matusz is 1-4 with a 2.94 ERA in 57 games.

“It’s a pretty minor procedure. I think the rehab is pretty minimal for the most part. It’s the external part of the shoulder so there’s nothing internal or anything serious,” Matusz said.

“Usually spend the first month of the offseason just chilling. That way we want to get it done right away so we can use that time as a grace period to give it rest and allow it to recover.”

Matusz said on Wednesday night that it had bothered him all season.

“We got a cortisone shot in spring training and that kind of eliminated the pain for a while and then the cortisone shot wore off it and the pain started to come back…shortly after the all-star break, but it wasn’t anything that hindered performance on the field. If anything it resulted in backing off workouts. Basically we restructured workouts around the shoulder,” Matusz said.

http://www.csnmidatlantic.com/blog/orioles-talk/machado-explains-why-he-wants-play-162

Machado explains why he wants to play 162

By Rich Dubroff / CSN Mid-Atlantic October 1, 2015

BALTIMORE – Manny Machado told Buck Showalter how much he wanted to play all 162 games this year, and after Wednesday night’s second game, Machado reaffirmed his determination to do so.

I’ve set my goal since Day One; I wanted to come out and play every game. If I’m healthy, I’m going to go out and play. Whenever you take days off, it’s because you’re hurting or you’re on the [disabled list] or whatever,” Machado said.

Machado is the only major leaguer to play in each of his team's games this season.

"It’s something I want to do. I’m healthy, so I’m going to go out there and play and see what I could do. 162 is a big goal for everyone. If I’m so close, why not finish it right now? I played every game since. Why take a day off now at the end? I think this is the best part of the year. You get to play on the field with your teammates for the last couple of days and you just enjoy it. You never know what happens next year.”

Because Machado had his second knee surgery in as many years last season, he has special satisfaction in playing through.

“I guess you can say that in a way. I’m taking it as my personal goal. I’ve said it since Day One I want to play every single game that I can if I could possibly play. That’s what I’m going to do. I’m going to keep playing here and hopefully I don’t get hurt in these next couple of days. Other than that, I’m going to go out there and help my team win, like I’ve been doing,” Machado said.

http://www.csnmidatlantic.com/blog/orioles-talk/jones-hopes-orioles-will-be-active-free-agent- market

Jones hopes Orioles will be active in free agent market

By Rich Dubroff / CSN Mid-Atlantic October 1, 2015

BALTIMORE – Adam Jones isn’t playing again on Thursday because of back spasms. He’s played just once since Sept. 20, and may not play again this year.

But, Jones doesn’t want to toss in the towel on 2015—even if playing in cold, damp weather isn’t the best thing for his back.

“I am feeling better, able to move a lot better. But I still don’t know how to react to my spasm, I’m not comfortable doing my normal routine with the spasms,” Jones said.

“I’m not going to ever say shut it down unless the doctors say shut it down. I’m still out there supporting my guys. That’s not going to change. I’m getting treatment, trying to get better. The last thing you want is to go into the offseason treating something. You’d rather relax and than being able to get your strength back, rather than rehab.”

The off-season will be a big one for the Orioles, and Jones, who is completing the third year of a six-year contract, is hoping they’ll be active.

Wei-Yin Chen, Chris Davis, Darren O’Day, Gerardo Parra, Steve Pearce and Matt Wieters are all free agents, and Jones would like to see at least some of them retained.

“It’s going to be a different off-season, a lot of money coming off the books, which means a lot of money to spend,” Jones said.

“But the thing is I’m not an accountant, I don’t know what the books show. I just know when we have a lot of free agents that means money is coming off the books.”

The six have combined salaries of nearly $40 million.

“You can get a lot of players for that much money,” Jones said. “You want to keep the fans interested and you want to keep the product on the field interested. You have to go out and spend some of the money.”

Last month, executive vice president of baseball operations Dan Duquette told season ticketholders that retaining Davis was the club’s top priority.

Davis and Jones have neighboring cubicles and have hit next to each other in the batting order for the last four years.

“Most of all, we’ve both fed off each other and had success by feeding off each other. We’ve both had career years with each other. We’re practically the same age. Obviously, I love playing with him. He plays a hell of a first base. He plays the game, he games up every day no matter what. I’ve grown to admire the way he goes about his business and obviously, the production, that’s just icing on the cake because I get to see the guy inside here,” Jones said.

“To me, I think he’s probably the highest priority, but he’s earned himself a right to go and hear all 29 other offers. 45 [home runs] and 120 [RBIs}, that’s video game numbers. He’s earned his right to hear everybody out.”

A year ago, Jones wanted the Orioles to maintain Nick Markakis, with whom he played for seven seasons. He spoke with Markakis, and was confident he would return. Markakis moved on as did major league home run leader Nelson Cruz.

“It's a different relationship. I know Kakes differently than I know Chris, but Chris has expressed he likes being in Baltimore. It's a nice place to play. He's a big, strong guy. He can flick it out anyplace. It doesn't matter where he plays,” Jones said.

“You can't replace 40 [home runs]. That's been proven by this year's offense. You can't replace 40, no matter how you do it. He likes it here but it's not about what you like when it comes to business. You have to make a tough decision.

“Markakis had to make a tough decision and do what's best for his family. Chris has got a family. He's got to do what's best for him and his family. Wieters has to do the same thing, O'Day has to do the same thing. These are guys who earned the right to become free agents.”

Jones is comfortable with the Orioles.

“I like the way this clubhouse is right now. Obviously, you can add a few pieces, so if we bring this team back and add a few pieces, I’d like that. But, the reality is, this clubhouse is going to be very different, especially with the number of free agents,” Jones said.

Jones has expressed his desire to meet with the team’s managing partner, Peter Angelos, about the team and his hopes for an aggressive winter.

What happens if nothing happens?

“At least they heard it. They heard my point. They heard my side, and at the end of the day, all you can do is get your point out, right.”

http://www.pressboxonline.com/2015/10/02/chris-davis-voted-2015-most-valuable-oriole

Chris Davis voted 2015 Most Valuable Oriole

By Paul Folkemer October 2, 2015

Despite a disappointing year for the Orioles as a team, first baseman Chris Davis' outstanding 2015 season didn't go unnoticed.

Davis was named the winner of the 2015 Louis M. Hatter Most Valuable Oriole award Oct. 2, as voted on by members of the local media. Davis -- who previously earned MVO honors in 2013 -- becomes the 13th player in franchise history to win the award more than once.

Davis has returned to form this season after a disappointing 2014, leading MLB with 45 home runs and ranking fourth with 112 RBIs. He also leads the Orioles in slugging percentage (.549), on-base plus slugging percentage (.904) and walks (81) and is tied for the team lead in total bases (309). Davis did much of his damage during the second half of the season, collecting 26 home runs and 60 RBIs since the All-Star break.

Davis beat out third baseman Manny Machado, who some believed had perhaps an even stronger case for MVO honors considering his all-around offensive and defensive contributions. Machado's two home runs and two stolen bases against the Toronto Blue Jays Oct. 1 gave him 33 long balls and 20 steals for the season, making him the seventh player in franchise history to reach the 20/20 mark. He became just the second Oriole to collect at least 30 homers and 20 stolen bases during a season, joining Brady Anderson, who accomplished the feat in 1996 (50 homers, 21 steals).

Machado leads the Orioles in nearly every major offensive category that Davis doesn't. Machado leads in games played (159, leading all of MLB), runs (98), hits (178), doubles (30), stolen bases (20), batting average (.287) and on-base percentage (.360), and his 309 total bases are tied with Davis. In wins above replacement, which factors in defense, Machado ranks above Davis, according to both Baseball-Reference.com (Machado 6.9, Davis 4.6) and FanGraphs (Machado 6.7, Davis 4.9).

In addition to Davis and Machado, other players receiving votes included center fielder Adam Jones, catcher Caleb Joseph, left-handed closer Zach Britton and right-handed setup man Darren O'Day.

MULTIPLE MOST VALUABLE ORIOLE AWARD WINNERS

Chris Davis (2015, 2013) Adam Jones (2012, 2011) Brian Roberts (2009, 2005) Miguel Tejada (2006, 2004) Rafael Palmiero(1998, 1996, 1995) Cal Ripken Jr. (1991, 1990, 1988, 1983) Eddie Murray (1988, 1985, 1984, 1983, 1982, 1981, 1978) Ken Singleton (1979, 1977, 1975) Jim Palmer (1973, 1972) Brooks Robinson (1971, 1964, 1962, 1960) Frank Robinson (1971, 1967, 1966) Boog Powell (1970, 1969) Stu Miller (1965, 1963)

http://www.pressboxonline.com/2015/10/01/blue-jays-turn-table-on-orioles-clinch-al-east- crown-in-baltimore

Blue Jays turn table on Orioles, clinch AL East crown in Baltimore

By Paul Folkemer October 1, 2015

In 2014, the Orioles clinched the American League East title by defeating the Toronto Blue Jays in Baltimore. A year later, the Blue Jays have gotten their revenge.

The Blue Jays officially won the 2015 AL East pennant by trouncing the Orioles, 15-2, during the first game of a Sept. 30 doubleheader at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. It marked Toronto's first division title -- and first postseason berth of any kind -- since 1993, when they went on to win the World Series. The Blue Jays' 21-year postseason drought entering 2015 was the longest active streak in the majors.

The Blue Jays are the fourth different AL East winner during the past four seasons, following the Orioles in 2014, the in 2013 and the New York Yankees in 2012. The won the division in 2010, so all five teams in the AL East have at least one division championship under their belt during the past six seasons.

The Orioles didn't put up much of a fight in ceding their AL East crown to the Blue Jays. Their Sept. 30 loss was one of their most poorly played games of the season. The O's committed four errors -- their most during a single game since Aug. 12, 2008 -- and surrendered a season-high 10 walks. Seven O's pitchers combined to allow 15 runs on 18 hits, while the Birds' bats were stymied by Blue Jays right-hander .

When Ryan Flaherty struck out to end the game, the Blue Jays poured onto the field, mobbing each other near the pitcher's mound to celebrate their pennant-clinching victory. The Blue Jays had to cut short their celebration to prepare for the second game of the doubleheader, which began 30 minutes after the opener ended. But at the conclusion of the nightcap -- an 8-1 Orioles win -- the Blue Jays picked up their festivities where they left off. They wildly doused each other with champagne in the visitors' locker room, then returned to the field to continue the party, long after the fans had left.

The Blue Jays not only clinched the division against the Orioles, but they also officially knocked out the O's from postseason contention earlier during the series. The Blue Jays came back to win the Sept. 28 series opener, 4-3, which -- combined with the Houston Astros' win -- mathematically eliminated the Birds from the wild-card race.

Additionally, the Sept. 30 loss was the Orioles' 81st of the season, meaning they won't finish the season with a winning record. They'll have to win each of their remaining four games Oct. 1-4 just to reach .500. Otherwise, they'll be saddled with their first losing record since 2011.

It was a very different story on the same field, against the same opponent, one year earlier. Camden Yards was a festive atmosphere Sept. 16, 2014, when the Orioles' 8-2 win against the Blue Jays kicked off a raucous celebration of the Birds' first AL East title since 1997. That year, the O's were the division behemoth, and the Blue Jays were a forgotten also-ran. The Orioles and their fans partied long into the night with champagne, beer and more than a few pies to the face.

This time, the Orioles were the team slinking silently off the field while the Blue Jays painted the town red.

Adding to the Orioles' frustrations is that it might not be the last time an AL East opponent celebrates on the Birds' home field. The Orioles' final series of the season Oct. 2-4 will be against the Yankees, who currently hold the first AL wild-card spot, 2.5 games ahead of the Astros and three ahead of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Depending on how those teams' current series play out, the Yankees could arrive in Baltimore with a chance to clinch a postseason spot during the O's series.

The 2015 season has already been a disappointing one for the Orioles. But watching two AL East rivals clinch playoff spots in the Birds' own backyard could represent one final punch to the gut.

http://baltimore.cbslocal.com/2015/10/02/chris-davis-voted-2015-louis-m-hatter-most-valuable- oriole/

Chris Davis Voted 2015 Louis M. Hatter Most Valuable Oriole

CBS Baltimore October 2, 2015

Chris Davis has been voted the 2015 Louis M. Hatter Most Valuable Oriole Award winner by members of the local media.

The Most Valuable Oriole Award is named in honor of the late Lou Hatter, a former sportswriter for the Baltimore Sun who covered the Orioles for 27 years.

Davis leads the Major Leagues with 45 home runs, ranking fourth with 112 RBI, and ninth in slugging percentage. His 45 homers are the fifth-highest single-season total in Orioles history (since 1954) and he is the first Oriole to post two separate 40-homer seasons.

He has hit two walk-off home runs this year and has accounted for three of the Orioles nine walk-off hits this season.

He is one of two players in the Major Leagues to post seven or more multi-home run games this season. Davis hit three Eutaw Street home runs this season including his eighth career Eutaw Street home run on August 14 vs. Oakland, the most by an individual player in Oriole Park history.

http://mlb.nbcsports.com/2015/10/01/j-j-hardy-admits-hes-played-entire-season-with-torn- labrum/

J.J. Hardy admits he’s played entire season with torn labrum

By Aarong Gleeman / NBCsports.com October 1, 2015

J.J. Hardy has had a miserable season, hitting .213 with eight homers and a career-worst .552 OPS in 111 games, and today the Orioles shortstop admitted to Eduardo Encina of the Baltimore Sun that he’s played the entire season with a torn labrum in his left shoulder.

Hardy suffered the injury during spring training and missed the first 25 games of the season, but the Orioles called it merely a “sprain” the entire time. It was a torn labrum.

This would be a prime example of a player wanting to be tough and wanting to help the team by remaining in the lineup despite a significant injury, but the decision actually hurting the player and the team. Hardy has been one of the worst hitters in baseball this season, including batting .198 in the second half. His playing through the injury didn’t help the Orioles one bit.

Hardy previously had shoulder surgery as a Brewers prospect back in 2004 and the difficult recovery process has him wanting to avoid going under the knife again, so he told Encina that he plans to simply rest the shoulder: “I’m just going to get it stronger … that’s the plan, just get it stronger.”

Hardy has two years remaining on a three-year, $40 million contract extension signed last October, so the Orioles better hope his preference to avoid surgery pays off.

http://www.foxsports.com/mlb/just-a-bit-outside/baseball-joe/blog/was-injured-hardy-o-s-best- shortstop-100115

Was injured Hardy o's best shortstop?

By Rob Neyer / Fox Sports October 1, 2015

Remember when J.J. Hardy was a power-hitting shortstop? Yeah. Not so much anymore. Still, his numbers this season are pretty shocking. Well, turns out he’s been playing hurt – playing badly hurt – since coming off the DL back in early May. From The Baltimore Sun’s Eduardo A. Encina:

Hardy missed the first 25 games of the season with what the Orioles called a left shoulder sprain injury that occurred during spring training, but Hardy said the injury was a torn labrum all along.

The 33-year-old Hardy has dealt with a variety of other injuries this season, including lower back spasms, a sore oblique and a right groin strain.

--snip--

Hardy said he’s restricted his swing all season, overcompensating with his top hand because of concern of re-aggravating the shoulder on his backswing. He took several measures to overcome the injury, tinkering with his swing and his stance and reducing his swings in batting practice throughout the season, but admits it has led to some bad habits at the plate.

“It’s swinging a bat in the game,” Hardy said. “Doing a controlled swing is different than 100 percent in a game.”

You think?

Hardy’s been just terrible at the plate this season. Among the 205 major leaguers with at least 400 plate appearances, Hardy’s wOBA ranks 204th (only Omar Infante’s been worse, if you must know).

So this is a classic case of a player hurting his team by playing hurt, right?

No, not really.

For one thing, we typically save that category for guys who don’t tellanyone they’re hurt, thus taking the decision out of the team’s hands. But in this case, it seems clear that the Orioles knew the severity of Hardy’s injury.

And for another, he hasn’t actually been a terrible player this season. Because somehow he's still been solid in the field. I don’t know that Hardy’s deserved to win the last three Gold Gloves (as he did) or that he’ll win his fourth (he probably won’t). But the numbers suggest that he’s been quite good again this season.

And the Orioles’ alternatives? As bad as Hardy’s been with the bat this season, backups Everth Cabrera and Paul Janish have been at least as bad. And while Cabrera’s probably a better hitter than he’s showed, he’s not Hardy’s equal with the glove. And while Janish might be as good as Hardy in the field, he’s no better with the bat. On balance, the Orioles essentially had three replacement-level shortstops on the roster this season, and reasonably went with the one making $11.5 million.

I think the only good argument against Hardy playing so much would be the possibility that taking a few weeks off might have helped him heal up enough to get back to some semblance of his former hitting self. If so, the O’s screwed up. But if not, hard to fault them. Especially considering they’re going to finish far, far, far out of contention for a playoff spot.

http://www.thescore.com/news/843074

Orioles' Jones: re-signing Davis should be team's top priority

By Ben Whyte / USA Today October 1, 2015

Adam Jones will once again be out of the Baltimore Orioles lineup Thursday against the Toronto Blue Jays despite saying his ailing back was feeling "a little better."

Although he told reporters he isn't ready to shut it down for the season, the 30-year-old outfielder may already be looking ahead to the offseason, saying the organization's top priority should be re-signing first baseman Chris Davis.

"You can't replace 40 homers, that's been proven," Jones said,seemingly referring to the Orioles' failure to bring Nelson Cruz back after the 2014 season. He added that in order to keep fans engaged, teams "have to spend some of the money."

Davis currently leads the majors with 45 home runs. The 29-year-old hit a career-high 53 in 2013. Jones has three years and $50 million remaining on his current contract.

The Orioles were eliminated from playoff contention this season after qualifying twice in the past four seasons. Following their four-game set with the Blue Jays, which wraps up Thursday, they'll finish the season hosting a series against the New York Yankees.