Recent stories by Jeff Zrebiec

12:32 AM EDT, May 9, 2012

Ravens sign wide receiver Jacoby Jones, extend safety Pollard's contract

It was Ravens safety Bernard Pollard who first broke the news Tuesday on his Twitter account, announcing that a former teammate with the Houston Texans, wide receiver and kick returner Jacoby Jones, would join him and fullback Vonta Leach in Baltimore.

8:31 PM EDT, May 23, 2012

Joe Flacco's focus is on field and Ravens teammates, not contract status

Joe Flacco took a couple of steps to his right, spotted Ed Dickson about 10 yards down the field and lofted a pass between two defenders that the young tight end hauled in.

11:24 PM EDT, May 8, 2012

Suggs has successful surgery; 2012 availability still in doubt

Ravens outside linebacker Terrell Suggs, the reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year, underwent successful surgery on his torn Achilles tendon Tuesday afternoon, but his availability for the 2012 season remains a significant question mark.

5:30 PM EDT, May 1, 2012

John Harbaugh says New England Patriots' Super Bowl titles are 'stained'

Ravens coach John Harbaugh clarified comments he made on a local radio station Tuesday in which he said that Super Bowl championships won by the New England Patriots were "stained" and have "asterisks" because of the Spygate scandal in 2007.

7:47 PM EDT, April 25, 2012

With a number of needs, Ravens head into one of the most important drafts in franchise history

For an organization that considers the NFL draft its lifeblood — which is how Ravens director of player personnel Eric DeCosta characterized it earlier this month — there is always a sense of urgency at this time of year.

2:51 PM EDT, April 21, 2012

Zach Brown keeps his focus as NFL draft approaches

The physical gifts and athleticism have never been in question.

3:43 PM EDT, April 19, 2012

Jah Reid hopes to earn spot as Ravens' guard

Jah Reid has only been a professional football player for about a year now, but he knows that a lot could change in the NFL in the span of a couple of weeks.

9:23 PM EDT, April 4, 2012

With a long list of needs, upcoming NFL draft will be crucial to Ravens

The first round of the 2012 NFL draft is three weeks away, and the Ravens have a similar list of needs as they did when free agency began four weeks ago.

10:01 PM EDT, March 26, 2012

Q&A with Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti

Seated outside Monday afternoon at the posh Breakers hotel, the site of this week's NFL owners meetings, Steve Bisciotti, well-tanned and sharply-dressed, appeared as relaxed as ever.

11:10 PM EDT, March 12, 2012

Ravens expected to exercise patience when free agency opens Tuesday

The Ravens' goal was to re-sign Pro Bowl left guard Ben Grubbs before he officially hits the open market with hundreds of other NFL free agents Tuesday at 4 p.m. Now almost out of time and with seemingly no indication that Grubbs is willing to eschew free agency, they say their focus hasn't changed.

9:27 PM EDT, March 13, 2012

Ravens remain quiet on first day of free agency

 

9:49 PM EST, February 26, 2012

Potential Ravens target Peter Konz enjoys being center of attention

Most of his offensive-line brethren would absolutely hate this.

3:47 PM EDT, March 27, 2012

Ravens' Harbaugh: 'We have to upgrade the offensive line'

Three weeks into free agency, the Ravens have retained starting linebacker Jameel McClain, added to their defensive back depth and upgraded their special teams. But one of their glaring offseason needs remains virtually untouched.

6:45 PM EDT, March 23, 2012

Ravens practice patience with free agency

Relatively quiet over the first 10 days of free agency, the Ravens dipped into the open market [Friday], signing four players in moves that will upgrade the team's linebacking and secondary depth and bolster special teams coverage units that struggled last season.

9:21 PM EDT, March 15, 2012

Ravens left scrambling for offensive linemen

The Ravens were several hours into trying to recruit Ben Grubbs' potential replacement when they learned Thursday morning that their Pro Bowl left guard had reached a long-term agreementon with the New Orleans Saints.

9:19 PM EDT, March 14, 2012

Ravens see two starters leave in free agency, brace to possibly lose Grubbs

The Ravens have long prided themselves on their organizational depth and their teamwide philosophy of "Next man up," believing no injury and no defection big enough to challenge their status as one of the league's elite teams.

7:49 PM EST, February 25, 2012

One day Ravens will have to prepare for life without Ray Lewis

The question is seemingly asked every year at this time, as if there is a handbook on how you confront the loss of a 13-time Pro Bowl performer, one of the best ever at his position and a player that has served as one of the faces of the franchise since the day the NFL returned to Baltimore.

4:33 PM EST, February 19, 2012

Ravens' pursuit of new deal with Ray Rice starts now

Ravens officials watched, occasionally with jaws dropped, as Ray Rice danced and darted around opposing defenders in his first four NFL seasons. Now the time has come for the Ravens to wrap up Rice and make sure that the diminutive running back remains one of the focal points of their offense going forward.

7:25 PM EST, February 4, 2012

Terrell Suggs selected AP Defensive Player of the Year

The award that Terrell Suggs really wanted will be handed out Sunday as the New York Giants and New England Patriots play for the Lombardi Trophy. The Ravens outside linebacker got a nice consolation prize Saturday night when he was named the Associated Press NFL Defensive Player of the Year for the 2011-12 season.

9:15 PM EST, February 21, 2012

Ravens will do more than scout next generation at combine

The football world's focus returns to Indianapolis this week, where more than 300 NFL hopefuls will participate in the annual scouting combine at Lucas Oil Stadium.

9:01 PM EST, February 23, 2012

Interior linemen take center stage for Ravens at NFL combine

INDIANAPOLIS — The Ravens have drafted an interior offensive lineman in the first round just once in team history, taking Auburn left guard Ben Grubbs with the 29th pick in the 2007 draft.

9:18 PM EST, February 1, 2012

Ravens focused on extensions for Rice, Flacco; Grubbs' status unclear

Owner Steve Bisciotti made one thing clear at the annual State of the Ravens address Wednesday: The face of the Ravens' offense will not change this offseason.

9:07 AM EST, January 27, 2012

Ravens keeping quiet about coaching staff changes

On a day where Chuck Pagano was introduced as the new head coach of the Indianapolis Colts, the Ravens remained mum on the status of their own coaching staff Thursday.

1:50 PM EST, January 31, 2012

Figuring out a contract for Joe Flacco will be difficult

A little over 10 months ago, Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti provided a timetable for negotiations with quarterback Joe Flacco on a long-term contract extension.

10:20 PM EST, January 19, 2012

Ravens defensive coordinator Pagano thrives under pressure

The two-a-day practices were always fun because there was so much for an 8-year-old to do. There were cones to set up, tackling dummies to wrestle with, footballs to gather and water bottles to squirt. Young Chuck Pagano did it all for his father, spending hours under the Colorado sun.

7:52 PM EST, January 18, 2012

Years later, Pollard still connected to Brady injury

Bernard Pollard insists his NFL legacy will be more than being the man who toppled Tom Brady.

11:02 PM EST, January 1, 2012

Playoff football returns to Baltimore as Ravens win AFC North

For the first time since 2007, Baltimore will host an NFL playoff game.

7:02 PM EST, January 16, 2012

Reed has taken to badgering Webb as a motivation tool

By the end of last week, Ravens cornerback Lardarius Webb was hearing teammate Ed Reed's voice in his sleep.

9:35 PM EST, January 5, 2012

Quietly, Pitta emerges as clutch pass catcher for Ravens

Joe Flacco and Dennis Pitta emerged from the tunnel at mostly empty Paul Brown Stadium about three hours before kickoff last Sunday and began what has become a game-day ritual.

9:31 PM EST, January 9, 2012

After resting, Ravens turn focus to upstart Texans

Ravens defensive end Cory Redding had managed to stay calm and avoid an emotional attachment to the Denver Broncos-Pittsburgh Steelers Wild Card game Sunday. But when Broncos' wide receiver Demaryius Thomas caught Tim Tebow's pass on the first play of overtime and ran 80 yards for a touchdown, Redding admitted that he jumped off his couch.

9:00 PM EST, January 2, 2012

Ravens will use bye week to heal, complete 'self-study,' and work with young players

Ravens coach John Harbaugh was reminded again of the importance of getting a first-round bye late in the fourth quarter Sunday as player after player walked gingerly to the sidelines, unable to return to a game they knew that they needed to win.

11:20 PM EST, January 16, 2012

Ravens know onus is on offense to dictate pace vs. Patriots

As the Ravens arrived at their team complex in Owings Mills today, overjoyed that they still have more football to play, the euphoria surrounding their victory over the Houston Texans Sunday and a berth in the AFC Championship game had been replaced by a sobering reality.

3:08 PM EST, December 31, 2011

Mammoth matchup for Ravens' Suggs

Ravens linebacker and NFL Defensive Player of the Year candidate Terrell Suggs has 6 1/2 sacks against the Cincinnati Bengals, his third most against any NFL team. But only one of them has come against the man who will line up opposite Suggs on Sunday.

8:30 PM EST, December 20, 2011

49ers' win over Steelers leads to improved mood for Ravens

Ravens running back Ray Rice promised himself that he wasn't going to go to sleep before the final whistle had blown.

8:44 PM EST, December 17, 2011

Ravens' McClain 'has no choice but to shine'

There was a time Jameel McClain couldn't do this. He'd search for the right words, and they'd never come out. He'd worry about how his thoughts would be perceived and that it would sound like he was making a cry for help.

9:38 PM EST, December 31, 2011

With home-field on the line, Ravens will treat Sunday like a playoff game

The banner stands about 70 feet high behind the far goal posts at the Ravens' indoor practice facility. Outlined in purple and black, a replica of the Lombardi Trophy looms overhead, serving as a daily reminder of what the Ravens are perennially after.

8:18 PM EST, December 7, 2011

Zbikowski looking to contribute in limited time

It was only about six hours after the team charter had touched down from Seattle when Tom Zbikowski, who still hadn't gotten any extended sleep, drove to the Ravens' complex in Owings Mills, and headed to the practice field.

10:17 AM EST, December 3, 2011

Ravens training camp move hits Westminster, McDaniel hard

Restaurant owner Harry Sirinakis got a taste of summer in Westminster without the Ravens this year during the NFL lockout. When the team canceled its annual training camp at McDaniel College, fewer people visited Sirinakis' place on Main Street. He didn't hire the extra servers he had in summers past.

11:22 PM EST, November 19, 2011

Ravens coaching tree has many branches

Marvin Lewis and Mike Smith talk nearly every week, discussing football and family and continuing a friendship that started more than a decade ago in Baltimore while coaching a championship defense.

9:45 PM EST, January 14, 2012

Joe Flacco ready to answer his critics during Ravens' playoff run

Joe Flacco says that he doesn't hear much of the criticism. He abstains from reading about the Ravens in the local papers. He mostly ignores watching all the NFL pundits on television and he certainly doesn't listen to talk radio, where his merits as a quarterback are tediously debated on an hourly basis.

10:40 PM EDT, November 2, 2011

Suggs stokes Ravens-Steelers rivalry with verbal blitz

Terrell Suggs didn't wear an inflammatory T-shirt, as he is known to do before the Ravens' showdowns with the Pittsburgh Steelers. But Suggs stoked the rivalry just fine with his mouth: an eight-minute interview today with reporters added plenty of intrigue heading into Sunday night's showdown at Heinz Field.

9:00 PM EDT, October 31, 2011

As second Steelers game nears, season-opening win is a distant memory for Ravens

As he listened to his quarterback Joe Flacco speak to reporters and waited his turn at the podium following his team's 30-27 comeback victory over the Arizona Cardinals Sunday, Ravens coach John Harbaugh stole a couple of quick glances at a corner television, which was tuned in to the Pittsburgh Steelers' eventual victory over the New England Patriots.

12:30 AM EST, December 6, 2011

Next generation of Ravens linebackers showing they can fill in for Ray Lewis

It was one of the few times all afternoon a Cleveland Browns player had the football with space and blockers in front of him.

9:59 PM EST, December 3, 2011

Alongside Ed Reed, Ravens' Pollard living the dream

They sit next to each other in every defensive meeting and occupy back-to-back rows on team charter flights. But even when Bernard Pollard and Ed Reed go their separate ways for the day, the Ravens' two starting safeties likely haven't heard the last from each other.

11:15 PM EST, November 21, 2011

Ravens must try to heal, remain focused during buildup to 'Harbaugh Bowl'

John Harbaugh celebrated his team's latest victory by returning to his office at the Ravens' headquarters in Owings Mills and watching game tape until very late into Sunday evening.

8:10 PM EST, November 30, 2011

Evans ready to integrate with Ravens offense

Lee Evans, who made his first catch in more than two months in last week's 16-6 win over the San Francisco 49ers, says he is ready for whatever responsibilities the Ravens throw his way.

6:12 PM EST, November 26, 2011

Ravens remain unsettled on site for 2012 training camp

As the vice president of administration and finance at McDaniel College, Ethan Seidel negotiates a variety of contracts. He learned long ago that no matter how promising things look, there is always reason for a little angst until signatures have been put to paper.

11:25 PM EST, November 12, 2011

Ravens running a little behind

For about 15 seconds last Sunday night, everything seemingly clicked.

7:44 PM EST, November 9, 2011

Ravens notes: Lewis to appeal fine for hit on Steelers' Ward

Ray Lewis' hit on Hines Ward on Sunday was costly not only to the Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver, but to the Ravens linebacker as well.

9:20 PM EST, November 7, 2011

Flacco matures as Ravens look toward securing home playoff game

The 23-20 comeback victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers Sunday night represented the defining moment of quarterback Joe Flacco's young career, and could mean much more to the Ravens as they enter the second half of their season.

7:41 PM EDT, October 25, 2011

Once again, Ravens offense cause for concern

It took an abysmal 60 minutes of offense, and a performance that Ravens coach John Harbaugh admitted was about as "bad as you can play" for the familiar questions to return, and the doubt to seep in after what had been an encouraging start to the 2011 season.

6:57 PM EDT, October 27, 2011

Cody now handling his share of the load alongside Ngata

Watching video, Terrence Cody's eyes gloss over the other members of the Ravens' defense until he homes in on a familiar figure.

4:18 PM EST, November 18, 2011

Ray Lewis could miss his first game since 2007 Sunday against Bengals

The Ravens are prepared to go into Sunday's AFC North showdown against the Cincinnati Bengals without their emotional leader and top tackler. However, they learned long ago that it would be foolish to rule out middle linebacker Ray Lewis too early.

3:57 PM EDT, November 3, 2011

Bolstered pass rush stems from more than just additional blitzes

When Chuck Pagano was promoted from secondary coach to defensive coordinator by the Ravens in January, he said that his defensive philosophy was, "Let's go out and wreak havoc."

8:25 PM EDT, October 26, 2011

Rice, Suggs moving on from Ravens' loss to Jaguars

Running back Ray Rice said that he's not going to point any fingers, and linebacker Terrell Suggs wasn't sure what all the fuss was about.

8:20 PM EDT, October 23, 2011

Ravens take center stage against Jaguars

Whenever Ray Lewis got the opportunity this past week, the Ravens' middle linebacker and vocal leader approached one of his younger teammates and delivered a message he learned long ago.

10:10 PM EDT, October 10, 2011

Ravens injuries lingering — but don't tell the Texans

The  Ravens were hoping that all of their injured players would return after the bye week ready to face a Houston Texans team that will likely be without arguably their top offensive (Andre Johnson) and defensive (Mario Williams) players.

10:30 PM EDT, October 17, 2011

Ravens not looking too far ahead … but if they would, they'd like the path

Before he even had an opportunity to digest his team's fifth game of the season, Ravens coach John Harbaugh was asked about the importance of getting home-field advantage in the playoffs.

8:03 PM EDT, October 15, 2011

A philanthropist and jokester, fullback Leach almost never puts himself first

Vonta Leach has played 37 games since he last got an opportunity to run the football in the NFL.

9:46 PM EDT, October 21, 2011

Ravens look to continue trend of roughing up young quarterbacks

When Jacksonville Jaguars rookie quarterback Blaine Gabbert stands under center Monday, he'll be confronting one of the NFL's elite defenses and a trend that suggests that he's in for an extremely long night.

5:32 PM EDT, October 14, 2011

Ravens notes: Evans, Carr, J. Smith, Zbikowski to miss Sunday's game

The Ravens had hoped the bye week would allow them to get healthy, but they'll enter Sunday's game against the Houston Texans still without several key contributors.

2:29 PM EDT, September 24, 2011

Scouting report: Ravens vs. Rams

RAVENS RUN OFFENSE VS. RAMS RUN DEFENSE: The Rams' rush defense is last in the NFL, having surrendered an average of 177.5 yards. St. Louis could be the ideal opponent for the Ravens to reestablish their running game, which was ineffective last week in the loss to the Tennessee Titans. To get Ray Rice going, the Ravens will have to account for Rams middle linebacker James Laurinaitis, who made 14 tackles last week and led the Rams with 129 tackles last season. Veteran defensive tackle Fred Robbins' main responsibility is occupying blockers and keeping them off Laurinaitis. The return of guard Ben Grubbs would certainly be a nice boost for the Ravens. If he remains out with a toe injury, the Ravens could start Mark LeVoir, who got the call last week, or use Andre Gurode. The Ravens have averaged 107.5 yards on the ground, 12th in the NFL

8:04 PM EDT, October 8, 2011

Poly, Maryland grad LaQuan Williams has found his way with Ravens

The day before he got the phone call that he had been anticipating for months, LaQuan Williams' patience, tried and tested throughout his football-playing life, had just about run out.

2:10 PM EDT, September 24, 2011

Ravens vs. Rams: 3 things that need to go right, 3 that could go wrong

Three things that NEED to go RIGHT …

October 2, 2011

Ravens learned the hard way to focus on Holmes

Santonio Holmes had just one catch last Sunday and three the week before that, but if you are worried that the Ravens might overlook the New York Jets' speedy wide receiver Sunday night, you obviously have a selective memory.

7:08 PM EDT, September 28, 2011

Achy knee forces Foxworth to IR for rest of season

Cornerback Domonique Foxworth was placed on injured reserve, ending his season and leaving the Ravens with five healthy cornerbacks.

8:10 PM EDT, October 7, 2011

How the Ravens got here: A recap of the first four games

The Ravens are in an enviable position as they head into their bye weekend. They are 3-1 and in first place of the AFC North. They have already beaten the two teams — Pittsburgh Steelers and New York Jets — that played for the conference championship last season, and they've done it by a combined 69-24 score. Up next are the Houston Texans in another potential playoff preview game.

2:10 PM EDT, September 24, 2011

Jackson or not, Ravens run defense will be ready

St. Louis Rams star running back Steven Jackson wasn't ruled out of Monday's game against the New York Giants until about two hours before kickoff, when his on-field workout didn't produce the necessary comfort level for the player or his team.

8:04 PM EDT, September 20, 2011

Ravens, Haloti Ngata agree to five-year deal

With little more than an hour remaining before the deadline to accomplish one of their top priorities, the Ravens on Tuesday reached agreement on a five-year, $61 million deal with Haloti Ngata, ensuring that one of the game's most dominant interior linemen will be a fixture on their defense for the foreseeable future.

8:57 PM EDT, September 18, 2011

Joe Flacco and his wide receivers not clicking

The addition of wide receivers Lee Evans and Torrey Smith presented quarterback Joe Flacco with two more weapons, and was supposed to make the Ravens more dynamic on offense. But after two weeks and one discouraging loss, the Ravens are already facing familiar questions about their downfield passing attack.

8:01 PM EDT, October 3, 2011

Early results show Ravens' defense could be special

After watching his New York Jets' offense get steam rolled in a 34-17 loss Sunday night, Rex Ryan paid the Ravens' defense the ultimate compliment, saying the group reminded him of the 2000 and 2006 units that he helped coach.

3:56 PM EDT, October 1, 2011

No shortage of motivation for Ravens, Jets

There have been more signs of revelry than a heated rivalry. Compliments have been shared, as have T-shirts, and the closest thing to trash talk between the two sides has centered on a meeting that never took place.

10:15 PM EDT, September 26, 2011

Flacco: Super Bowl offenses are built around passing game

Maligned in past seasons for being too predictable and conservative, the Ravens offense was neither in Sunday's 37-7 rout of the winless St. Louis Rams.

3:58 PM EDT, September 17, 2011

Scouting report: Ravens at Titans

RAVENS RUN OFFENSE VS. TITANS RUN DEFENSE: The Titans worked out six defensive linemen Tuesday as injuries and ineffectiveness have taken a toll on a unit they hoped would be improved after several offseason additions. In their season-opening 16-14 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars, the Titans allowed 163 rushing yards. The Jaguars' game-opening 11-play touchdown drive featured nine runs totaling 49 yards. Defensive ends Derrick Morgan and Jason Jones, who both missed the opener with knee injuries, are back, so that could help stabilize a run defense that finished 20th in the NFL last season. But after rushing for 170 yards against the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Ravens feel that they can run the ball against anybody. An offensive line that didn't play together the entire preseason exceeded the most optimistic expectations last week, and the additions of left tackle Bryant McKinnie and fullback Vonta Leach paid immediate dividends in front ofRay Rice.

9:55 PM EDT, September 19, 2011

Ravens must make fixes in three key areas

As far as Terrell Suggs was concerned, the Ravens' 26-13 loss to the Tennessee Titans at LP Field Sunday was neither humbling nor groundbreaking. In fact, the outspoken linebacker didn't feel that it revealed anything that shouldn't have already been obvious.

7:50 PM EDT, September 21, 2011

Ngata's deal pleases teammates; Rice, Flacco next

Haloti Ngata, the mammoth All-Pro defensive tackle who draws extra attention every Sunday, found himself attracting similar treatment today in the Ravens locker room a day after signing a five-year, $61 million deal.

10:59 PM EDT, September 4, 2011

Orioles notes: Reynolds commits two more errors at third base

Mark Reynolds is making the Orioles' pending decision this offseason on whether he'll play first or third base in 2012 an easy one.

8:51 PM EDT, September 11, 2011

Suggs decimates Steelers as new scheme ratchets up pressure

It was fitting that the Ravens' 35-7 victory today over their archrival ended with Terrell Suggs' arms wrapped around Ben Roethlisberger and the Pittsburgh Steelers' quarterback on the M&T Bank Stadium turf.

5:09 PM EDT, September 16, 2011

Ravens say there's 'no such thing' as letdown vs. Titans

From the second they walked off the field after their 35-7 dismantling of the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday, the Ravens have said all the right things.

6:52 PM EDT, September 12, 2011

Rookie corner Smith could miss several games

Ravens rookie cornerback Jimmy Smith has officially been diagnosed with a high left ankle sprain and will be out a "few weeks," Ravens coach John Harbaugh said Monday.

7:28 PM EDT, September 14, 2011

Ravens notes: Carr has hamstring re-examined; status for Sunday unknown

Ravens cornerback Chris Carr saw a specialist in Texas this week to get another opinion on his injured left hamstring, an ailment that forced him out of Sunday's victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers.

6:27 PM EDT, September 4, 2011

Rays pound Guthrie in Orioles' 8-1 loss

During another difficult season in which losses have piled up at a dizzying rate, Orioles starter Jeremy Guthrie has managed to keep his composure, or at least hold off his frustration until he was well outside the camera's view.

12:11 AM EDT, September 3, 2011

Hardy, Orioles rally late to beat Rays, 3-2

None of it would have mattered -- not the six strong innings from resurgent rookie Zach Britton, not J.J. Hardy's latest clutch hit, not the Orioles' stirring comeback against a seemingly in-control David Price -- had first baseman Mark Reynolds not made the right decision on the game's final play Friday.

8:50 PM EDT, August 20, 2011

Guthrie still moving toward return to rotation

Jeremy Guthrie, the only Oriole who has managed to stay in the rotation from Opening Day until now, will throw a bullpen session Sunday and if all goes well, he'll face the Minnesota Twins on either Tuesday or Wednesday.

7:35 PM EDT, September 2, 2011

Emotional Brian Roberts acknowledges 2011 return to Orioles not looking good

It is only about a 45-minute ride from Brian Roberts' house in Sarasota to Tropicana Field, but the trip represented yet another difficult hurdle in the veteran second baseman's return from a concussion.

5:31 PM EDT, September 3, 2011

Struggling Orioles pitcher Brian Matusz likely to face Yankees on Monday

Brian Matusz won't have to wait long to return to the Orioles' rotation.

8:11 PM EDT, August 17, 2011

Orioles notebook: Bell says playing every day 'just what I need'

Third baseman Josh Bell got his opportunity to start on a regular basis last season when Miguel Tejada was traded to the San Diego Padres.

August 26, 2011

Friends saw Flanagan's pain, still shocked by suicide

Scott McGregor worried about his old Orioles teammate, Mike Flanagan.

8:36 PM EDT, August 21, 2011

Orioles fail in every facet of game in 7-1 loss to Angels

Over 13-plus years of losing baseball, the Orioles have seemingly hit rock bottom so many times that it's impossible to recount.

12:21 AM EDT, August 31, 2011

MacPhail stays quiet on future with Orioles

Orioles president of baseball operations Andy MacPhail remains mum about his future with the club even as a report surfaced Tuesday night that he will leave the organization when his contract expires Oct. 31.

4:40 PM EDT, August 14, 2011

As deadline to sign nears, Orioles' Jordan feels good about Bundy

With the deadline to sign his 2011 draft class now down to hours rather than months or weeks, Orioles director of amateur scouting Joe Jordan remains resolute in the belief that the organization will sign top pick Dylan Bundy, a high school pitcher out of Oklahoma.

11:58 PM EDT, August 10, 2011

Reimold's walk-off homer lifts Orioles over White Sox, 6-4

The Orioles so badly needed to avoid the sting of another close loss that it wouldn't have mattered who got the game-winning hit. But it was particularly satisfying for them to gather around home plate in the 10th inning Wednesday night, awaiting Nolan Reimold's helmet-tossing arrival.

9:31 PM EDT, August 21, 2011

Orioles notebook: Wieters 'comfortable' in first start at first base

The Orioles had perhaps their worst defensive game of the season in a 7-1 loss to the Los Angeles Angels on Sunday, and Matt Wieters' playing a new position had nothing to do with it.

9:54 PM EDT, August 19, 2011

Berken latest O's pitcher to experience arm troubles

Experiencing discomfort in his right elbow, reliever Jason Berken will become the fourth Oriole within a 10-day span to see renowned orthopedist Dr. Lewis Yocum.

11:12 PM EDT, August 16, 2011

Orioles' C. Davis heads to DL with shoulder strain

Orioles first baseman Chris Davis, who was going to get a chance to play every day over the final month and a half of the season, was placed on the disabled list Tuesday with a right shoulder strain, an injury that could put the rest of his season in doubt.

7:32 PM EDT, August 9, 2011

Cal Ripken Jr. reaffirms interest in joining Orioles organization

Hall of Fame former Oriole Cal Ripken Jr. acknowledged again Tuesday having an "itch to come back to the big league scene" now that his son is closer to heading off to college.

7:50 PM EDT, August 6, 2011

Davis and Hardy still sore, but injuries don't appear to be serious

First baseman Chris Davis and shortstop J.J. Hardy remained out of the Orioles' lineup for a second straight day, though early tests on each revealed no significant concerns.

8:42 PM EDT, August 17, 2011

Orioles turn in ugly performance in 6-5 loss to A's

The final, frantic moment of another discouraging and depressing afternoon of Orioles baseball featured pinch runner Blake Davis sprinting around third base and eyeing the Oakland Athletics' catcher and his former Cal State Fullerton teammate, Kurt Suzuki.

8:33 PM EDT, July 21, 2011

Pitcher Jim Johnson is Orioles' renaissance man

About two weeks after his 2010 season ended, Jim Johnson walked into a classroom at the State College of Florida-Bradenton campus, settled his 6-foot-5, 230-pound frame behind a table, and put his right arm through an entirely different test.

7:14 PM EDT, August 13, 2011

Bordick becomes 49th member of Orioles Hall of Fame

Mike Bordick, who was part of an infield that included Rafael Palmeiro and Hall of Famers Roberto Alomar and Cal Ripken Jr., was fine with being consistently overshadowed by his higher-profile teammates.

10:42 PM EDT, August 15, 2011

Orioles notebook: Matusz ready to make big league return

Forty-seven days since he last faced a major league hitter, Orioles left-hander Brian Matusz will take the mound Tuesday night at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum with a lot more confidence in his health and his ability to get big league hitters out.

10:21 PM EDT, August 16, 2011

Roberts plans to be part of Orioles' future

In the midst of what he called the "toughest stint" of his career, Orioles veteran second baseman Brian Roberts isn't sure whether he'll play baseball again this season, but he remains confident that he'll be a productive member of the team in the future.

6:05 PM EDT, August 7, 2011

Orioles' Mark Reynolds faring well at first base

Knowing that there was a possibility that Derrek Lee would be traded, Orioles third baseman Mark Reynolds took it upon himself to order a first baseman's mitt late last month.

12:08 AM EDT, August 6, 2011

Hunter struggles as Orioles fall to Blue Jays

The Orioles' starter Friday night hadn't pitched in that capacity since October, when Tommy Hunter took the ball for the Texas Rangers in Game 4 of the World Series.

1:06 AM EDT, August 16, 2011

Orioles agree to terms with top draft pick Dylan Bundy

The Orioles expected their negotiations with Dylan Bundy to go right down to Monday night's midnight deadline for signing 2011 draft picks.

7:54 PM EDT, August 12, 2011

Tigers reliever Alburquerque struck in the head by line drive during batting practice

Orioles batting practice came to a standstill Friday afternoon when Detroit Tigers reliever Al Alburquerque was struck in the side of the head by a Robert Andino line drive.

11:21 PM EDT, August 5, 2011

Orioles place Zach Britton on disabled list

The Orioles' beleaguered rotation lost another member Friday when struggling rookie Zach Britton was placed on the disabled list with a left shoulder strain.

7:41 PM EDT, July 27, 2011

Orioles notebook: Brian Matusz says he wasn't 'mentally prepared' for the start of the season

TORONTO – Struggling left-hander Brian Matusz acknowledged Wednesday that he wasn't "mentally prepared" for the start of the season and that he lost confidence in himself after being asked to make mechanical changes that he wasn't comfortable making.

9:04 PM EDT, July 24, 2011

Orioles' Uehara aware of trade talk

Orioles reliever Koji Uehara's English is still a work-in progress, but that doesn't mean that he's not aware of the ongoing speculation about his future in Baltimore.

8:31 PM EDT, July 28, 2011

Notebook: Amid trade rumors, Lee focuses on finishing strong

Derrek Lee has been in this situation before, so he is probably the last guy who is going to be affected by hearing his name in trade rumors.

10:36 PM EDT, July 26, 2011

Orioles hit four homers, pound Blue Jays, 12-4

TORONTO — For one night, the Orioles got real comfortable in what has been their own house of horrors, turning the series opener against the Toronto Blue Jays into a glorified round of batting practice.

10:58 PM EDT, August 16, 2011

Orioles' top pick Bundy plans to reach majors by 2013

When Orioles director of amateur scouting Joe Jordan went to sleep Sunday night, less than 24 hours before the deadline to sign his 2011 draft picks, he had an idea of what would constitute a productive Monday.

8:49 PM EDT, July 19, 2011

Orioles' Scott sidelined again, hopes to return this season

With his right shoulder not improving as much as he would like, Orioles left fielder Luke Scott will be shut down for a couple of days, but he still hasn't abandoned hope of playing again this season.

9:57 PM EDT, July 17, 2011

Matusz's Triple-A outing pleases Showalter, Adair

The reports were still coming Sunday in from Brian Matusz's Saturday night start for Triple-A Norfolk, but Orioles manager Buck Showalter and pitching coach Rick Adair said they had heard only positives about the outing.

8:18 PM EDT, July 20, 2011

Orioles playing waiting game with unsigned draft picks

With fewer than four weeks remaining to sign his 2011 draft picks, Orioles director of amateur scouting Joe Jordan finds himself in a familiar position in late July.

7:28 PM EDT, July 17, 2011

Unlikely heroes spur Orioles over Indians, 8-3

When the Orioles broke spring training 31/2 months ago to heightened expectations and growing excitement, Robert Andino and Mark Hendrickson grappled with opposite emotions.

July 9, 2011

MRA shows no additional damage on Scott's shoulder

BOSTON —Luke Scott got positive news on the state of his right shoulder, as an MRA — an MRI with dye injected into the shoulder — showed no additional damage to his partially-torn labrum.

12:22 AM EDT, July 19, 2011

Orioles lose slugfest to Red Sox, 15-10

There was no on-field animosity that carried over from earlier this month, but that's not to say the Orioles didn't feel the effects of their ejection-marred previous series with the Boston Red Sox.

9:06 PM EDT, July 17, 2011

Orioles demote Atkins, set to add Bell, Worrell

Continuing to tinker with their roster on a daily basis, the Orioles optioned starter Mitch Atkins to Triple-A Norfolk after Sunday's game and are planning to add right-handed reliever Mark Worrell and third baseman Josh Bell before Monday's series opener against the Boston Red Sox.

11:55 PM EDT, June 28, 2011

Britton's rough stretch continues in Orioles' loss

Orioles prized left-hander Zach Britton won five of his first six starts, emerging as the team's biggest early-season success story and a legitimate American League Rookie of the Year candidate.

1:14 AM EDT, July 2, 2011

Orioles one-hit by Braves' Jurrjens in 4-0 loss

This time, there was no flurry of missed opportunities to lament, no rash of runners left in scoring position or rally-killing double plays.

4:49 PM EDT, July 12, 2011

With another Orioles season derailed, focus again shifts to future

They entered the All-Star break last year with an interim manager, 27 games out of first place in the American League East and with a 29-59 record that had them on pace for a franchise-worst 109 losses.

12:05 AM EDT, July 8, 2011

Orioles allow six homers in 10-4 loss to Red Sox

A change of venue and a stern post-game lecture from manager Buck Showalter about 18 hours earlier did nothing to curb the Orioles' losing ways -- or even hide the team's countless inadequacies for one night.

10:12 PM EDT, July 3, 2011

Orioles' Britton shows off his power stroke

Zach Britton returned to the dugout after the first home run by an Orioles pitcher in five seasons and found no one ready to celebrate.

6:38 PM EDT, June 23, 2011

A hit in Orioles clubhouse, Lee looks to get bat going

Derrek Lee, who had been an Oriole for all of 31/2 months, summoned his struggling teammates together and delivered a message that was a mix of encouragement, insight and advice.

7:07 PM EDT, July 9, 2011

Orioles demote Zach Britton to Double-A Bowie

BOSTON — Zach Britton, who won five of his first six starts to emerge as an American League Rookie of the Year candidate, was demoted to Double-A Bowie Saturday, a move that not only could extend his season, but could gain the Orioles an extra year of the pitcher's service time.

9:46 PM EDT, July 10, 2011

Orioles' Guthrie, Showalter criticize umpiring in Red Sox series

A contentious four-game series with the Boston Red Sox ended Sunday with four more ejections, Michael Gonzalez's not denying that he threw a purpose pitch behind David Ortiz, and Buck Showalter and Jeremy Guthrie criticizing the umpiring crew.

6:52 PM EDT, June 25, 2011

Ramon Hernandez returns to face a changed Orioles squad

Cincinnati Reds catcher Ramon Hernandez was peering at the Orioles lineup card posted in the visiting clubhouse before Friday's series opener, and he was reminded of just how much things have changed since the last time that he played at Camden Yards.

8:02 PM EDT, July 9, 2011

Notebook: Ortiz apologizes for role in Friday's scuffle

BOSTON — A day after four players were ejected in a benches-clearing incident that featured Kevin Gregg and David Ortiz throwing punches, the Orioles closer maintained that he had no regrets, while the Red Sox All-Star designated hitter apologized for his actions.

7:20 PM EDT, July 10, 2011

Orioles limp into All-Star break on 7-game losing streak

The Orioles quietly packed their belongings late Sunday afternoon and dispersed to various parts of the country, carrying more baggage into the All-Star break than they could have possibly imagined.

7:52 PM EDT, June 21, 2011

Orioles' Roberts to be out until after All-Star break

Orioles second baseman Brian Roberts was not cleared Tuesday to begin baseball activities during his third appointment with concussion specialist Dr. Michael Collins, a development that pushes back his return to the team's lineup until late July at the earliest.

11:14 PM EDT, June 29, 2011

Carpenter shuts down Orioles in Cardinals' 5-1 win

It has become a trend that these Orioles appear powerless to break: the starter puts the team in an early hole, the bullpen is called on far earlier than should be necessary and the offense squanders numerous opportunities to get back in the game.

11:19 PM EDT, July 2, 2011

Orioles can't get out of own way, lose to Braves, 5-4

The Orioles finally did tonight what recently looked like an impossibility for them when they took their first lead in 39 innings on Mark Reynolds' towering two-run homer over the center-field wall in the top of the fourth.

12:40 AM EDT, June 25, 2011

Lee's walk-off homer in 12th pushes O's past Reds

Derrek Lee hadn't hit a homer since May 8, but he certainly remembers what it feels like to make good contact with a pitch.

6:40 PM EDT, July 2, 2011

O's expect to have only one All-Star, though more are worthy

When the 2011 American League All-Star team is revealed Sunday afternoon, the Orioles expect one trend to continue.

7:30 PM EDT, June 22, 2011

All Orioles' problems come to forefront as they close road trip with 5-4 loss to Pirates

With Blake Davis' decisive error in the fifth inning Wednesday, the Orioles had their defining play on a highly disappointing road trip and an easy scapegoat for another avoidable loss.

6:08 PM EDT, June 18, 2011

Bergesen strong in return to Orioles

When he was demoted to the minor leagues May 28 for the fourth time in less than two full seasons, Brad Bergesen was given two specific things to work on: limiting his pitch count and improving his slider.

7:55 PM EDT, July 7, 2011

Showalter gives angry speech to Orioles

Orioles manager Buck Showalter has spoken to his team on several occasions this season, but none of the speeches was as harsh or intense as the one he delivered late Wednesday night.

7:38 PM EDT, June 20, 2011

Guthrie will start for Orioles Tuesday vs. Pirates

Knowing how little Jeremy Guthrie likes to come out of starts, the Orioles were concerned when the right-hander exited his last outing after five scoreless innings because of back discomfort. As it turns out, Guthrie won't even miss a start.

11:58 PM EDT, June 20, 2011

Orioles' offense breaks out in 8-3 win over Pirates

For weeks, they promised that an offensive outburst like this one was coming. Even as the scoring opportunities vanished amid ill-timed strikeouts and double-play balls, the Orioles maintained that they were a good offensive club and it was only a matter of time before they showed it.

1:13 AM EDT, June 18, 2011

Orioles open Nationals series with a dud

There have been plenty of times this season when it would have been easy to sum up another Orioles loss by looking at just one play or one statistic. But not Friday night, not when there was so much bad baseball to choose from, not when the Orioles all but gift-wrapped the Nationals their seventh straight win and presented it to them with a tidy bow.

12:29 AM EDT, June 18, 2011

Orioles get positive news from Guthrie's MRI

The Orioles got some rare good news on the injury front Friday as starting pitcher Jeremy Guthrie was diagnosed with a muscle strain in his back after an MRI and a consultation with team orthopedist Dr. John Wilckens.

9:16 PM EDT, June 13, 2011

Orioles look to pursue extension for J.J. Hardy

On his third team in as many seasons, J.J. Hardy said he would like to stay in one spot for a while. The Orioles have seen enough from the shortstop over the past couple of months to want to accommodate his wishes.

6:04 PM EDT, June 22, 2011

Orioles push Arrieta's start back to Wednesday

Jake Arrieta's next start will be pushed back four days as the right-hander deals with inflammation related to the bone spur in his right elbow.

6:33 PM EDT, June 18, 2011

Orioles see injury added to insult in 4-2 loss to Nationals

There was no consistent or significant spike in Brian Matusz's velocity, but for five innings Saturday afternoon, the young left-hander made enough quality pitches to provide encouragement for a team desperately in need of it.

8:19 PM EDT, June 12, 2011

Early exit for Matusz in Orioles' 9-6 loss to Rays

Third baseman Mark Reynolds made two errors -- both leading to Tampa Bay Rays runs -- and center fielder Adam Jones played Evan Longoria's tailing liner into a two-run, inside-the-park home run.

9:14 PM EDT, June 12, 2011

Jones 'just missed the ball' on Longoria's inside-the-park home run

The Orioles' series finale with the Tampa Bay Rays had already included a series of unusual plays when Evan Longoria came up in the eighth inning and lined a Jeremy Accardo pitch to center field.

8:02 PM EDT, May 20, 2011

Orioles activate Simon from restricted list

With their bullpen taxed after another abbreviated outing by a starting pitcher, the Orioles have decided to activate right-hander Alfredo Simon from Major League Baseball's restricted list a day earlier.

7:54 PM EDT, June 21, 2011

Orioles pitching prospect Klein has shoulder tear

Orioles pitching prospect Dan Klein has been diagnosed with a small SLAP tear in the labrum of his right shoulder, an injury that won't require surgery but could end his season.

6:20 PM EDT, June 11, 2011

Notebook: Instead of being lockdown closer, Gonzalez is mopping up

When Michael Gonzalez signed a two-year, $12 million deal before the 2010 season, he envisioned entering the game in the ninth inning and closing out an Orioles' victory against a tough divisional foe.

11:31 PM EDT, May 27, 2011

Orioles have decision to make with Matusz

Brian Matusz felt like he needed one more rehab start before rejoining the Orioles. Now, it's up to the Orioles to decide whether he was right.

2:30 AM EDT, May 19, 2011

Orioles fall apart in 15th inning, lose to Yankees, 4-1

The Orioles could have been talking about another strong outing from rookie left-hander Zach Britton, another comeback off future Hall of Fame closer Mariano Rivera and a string of successful relief outings that held the New York Yankees' offense to just one unearned run over the first 14 innings.

12:39 AM EDT, June 11, 2011

Markakis busts out of slump in Orioles' 7-0 win

Nearly four hours before Friday night's game, struggling right fielder Nick Markakis, clad in shorts and a white T-shirt, stood in the batter's box and sprayed balls around the field at a mostly empty Camden Yards.

11:17 PM EDT, May 27, 2011

Wieters: Injury to Giants catcher Posey 'can happen to anyone'

Orioles catcher Matt Wieters knows the San Francisco Giants' Buster Posey well.

8:36 PM EDT, May 1, 2011

O's Pie makes rare start, gets two hits

— Outfielder Felix Pie hadn't started a game since April 17, and he had just three at-bats in the Orioles' previous 11 games.

8:01 PM EDT, April 15, 2011

Orioles' Gregg hangs on to closer's role

A day after Kevin Gregg squandered a one-run lead in a loss to the New York Yankees, Orioles manager Buck Showalter wouldn't change his stance on the team's closer situation.

2:32 AM EDT, May 20, 2011

Orioles place Derrek Lee, Brian Roberts on the DL

As it turns out, the Orioles not only blew a six-run lead on Monday against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park, they lost the right side of their infield for what could be an extended period.

9:56 PM EDT, April 4, 2011

Roberts' three-run homer lifts Orioles to first 4-0 start since 1997

Brian Roberts has played in eight home openers at Camden Yards, and none has felt quite like this one.

10:17 PM EDT, March 24, 2011

Arrieta uneven as O's top Pirates, 11-7

Right-hander Jake Arrieta turned in the longest big league outing this spring for an Orioles starter, fluctuating between unhittable and utterly shaky Thursday evening.

8:09 PM EDT, April 22, 2011

Rainout allows Orioles to skip Tillman's next start

The Orioles series opener against the New York Yankees on Friday night was postponed because of rain, allowing the club to skip Chris Tillman's next start.

11:57 PM EDT, May 12, 2011

Orioles waste Britton's gem but win on Hardy's single in 12th

Orioles rookie Zach Britton kept waiting and waiting in the hope that one run would come and the finest start of his young career would turn into his sixth victory.