Baltimore Orioles Wiretap

Hardy Unsure What Machado Means For His Future

J.J. Hardy isn't sure what impact youngster Manny Machaco will have on him playing shortstop for the Orioles going forward.

"Does it cross my mind? Yeah. I'm not going to lie. I was in the same situation in Milwaukee with Alcides Escobar coming up," Hardy said. "I don't know what's going to happen. He's 20 years old. He is going to be really big. He's doing a great job at third base right now, so I feel like all I need to worry about is playing shortstop as good as I can and things will take care of themselves. If I'm too old, if he is 22 years old and he's a better shortstop and has more range, well that's just the way the game works. You pick your spots, but I feel like right now all I am doing is worrying about playing the best shortstop I can and he is doing a great job at third base."

While Machado has been playing third for Baltimore since a recent promotion, they drafted him as a shortstop.

Via Dan Connolly/Baltimore Sun (via Sulia)

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Orioles Head To New York Just Three Games Back Of Yankees

The Orioles, who have won seven of their last 10 games, will battle the Yankees in New York this weekend in a series with major playoff implications.

With a win on Thursday night, Baltimore picked up a half-game on idle New York. They are now just three games back of first place in the American League East.

Via RealGM Staff Report

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Randy Wolf To Sign With Orioles

The Orioles are adding Randy Wolf to their pitching staff for the stretch run.

Baltimore has focused on upgrading their staff this month. They acquired Joe Saunders in a trade with the Diamondbacks just a few days ago.

Via Jon Heyman/CBS Sports (via Twitter)

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Orioles Equal 2011 Win Total In 36 Fewer Games

The Orioles equaled their 2011 win total of 69 in 36 fewer games this season.

Baltimore, however, has their sights set on a playoff berth.

"I don't think you're going to find anybody in that locker room who knows that unless you tell them," manager Buck Showalter said.

The Orioles are in contention for a Wild Card spot in the American League and within striking distance of first-place in the AL East.

"We're not playing to try and beat last year," Matt Wieters said.

"Last year was not the year we wanted to have this year. We wanted to have a chance for the postseason. We wanted to have a chance for the playoffs."

Via Rich Dubroff/CSN Baltimore

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Bundy Wouldn't Feel Pressure Of Playoff Race If Promoted

There are rumors that the Orioles will promote right-hander Dylan Bundy to start on Tuesday night. The 19-year-old is their top pitching prospect.

"It's going to be great. It's going to be an exciting day for me and my family and hope I can help the team win in whatever role it is," Bundy said when asked what it would be like to get promoted in the middle of a playoff race.

"Not any pressure at all, it's just the same game. Little bit better hitters. Someone told me the other day, it's the same distance between the rubber and home plate no matter where you are. Just little bit bigger stands, little bit better hitters in the box. More media, but it's all the same."

Via MASN Sports

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