Another September has arrived with the Orioles buried deep in the cellar of the American League East. But this month also brings the potential for expanded rosters, which makes it a time of interest as it pertains to this site. The O’s have already called up four players from AAA Norfolk, three of whom have been here before in ‘09: relievers #24 Alberto Castillo, #34 Matt Albers, and #45 Dennis Sarfate. The fourth player has not been seen in Baltimore since 2006. Outfielder Jeff Fiorentino, affectionately known as “Screech” for his resemblance to the nerdy character from “Saved by the Bell”, had worn #16 in previous cups of coffee in 2005 and 2006. However, he has now made history as the first Oriole player to ever wear #70 in the regular season, which he did in replacing Adam Jones during Tuesday night’s loss to the Yankees. Wild stuff.
A little bit of news on the coaching staff, as John Shelby left the team over the weekend due to a death in the family. Minor league instructor Don Werner filled in for him (wearing #58) and will stay with the club until next Tuesday, when minor league pitching coach Mike Griffin will take his place. (All teams are allowed to carry an extra coach this month as well.) The O’s are also expected to add a few more players that day, including an infielder (likely Justin Turner), a catcher, and probably twenty or thirty pitchers. So I’ll be back next week with more updates, and I bet you can’t wait.
…That’s what Matt Albers spent the last week riding. The Birds’ first transaction of the new season came last Saturday, when they sent #34 down to AAA to make room for fifth starter/uniform filler #24 Adam Eaton. Eaton traded down from #56, which he wore in Spring Training. Much as Brian Bass was the 25th Oriole player to wear #25 on Opening Day, Adam is now the 24th to wear #24. Go figure!
Some more changes to the expanded roster, not that any of them should set your loins aquiver.
The young man pictured on the left made Orioles history tonight. Recalled from AAA Norfolk to make the start against the Twins, Radhames Liz became the first O’s player to ever suit up in #62. The number was previously worn by ex-bullpen catcher and batting practice pitcher Rudy Arias. Liz wore #58 in his first exposure to big league hitters in 2007. The photo on this card shows him in the #74 that he wore last Spring. He becomes lucky player number 33 on the O’s MLB roster this season.
Well, the first roster cuts of Spring Training came on Friday, as Matt Wieters, Chris Tillman, Kam Mickolio, Esteban Yan, and Ryan Keefer were assigned to minor league camp. So it looks like the Opening Day roster won’t feature the numbers 58, 76, 82, 75, or 81.
It seems like only yesterday that pitchers and catchers reported to Fort Lauderdale for the Orioles. That’s probably because it was yesterday. As soon as I see more pictures and everyone gets to camp, I’ll try to roll out a Spring Training Roster, so we can keep ourselves occupied with numerical comings and goings from now until the games start to count. We already have one confirmed number change for 2008;