--OF/LHP Adam Loewen, who has given up on pitching because of a fractured left elbow, was released. The 2002 first-round draft pick is attempting to come back as an outfielder. The Orioles, who rewarded him with a major league contract after he was drafted, hoped to re-sign him to a minor league contract, but instead the Canadian signed a minor league deal with the Blue Jays.
--OF Adam Jones will work out with 2B Brian Roberts at Athletes' Performance Institute in Arizona. Jones, who is attending the workout complex under the advisement of the Orioles, played regularly in his first full big-league season, save for a broken foot that cost him the month of August. --RHP Randor Bierd was outrighted to Class AAA Norfolk after spending the 2008 season in Baltimore. Bierd, a Rule 5 selection last December, went 0-2 with a 4.91 ERA in 29 appearances with the Orioles in 2008.
--INF Brandon Fahey was outrighted to Class AAA Norfolk. Fahey spent the majority of the 2006 season with the Orioles but bounced between Norfolk and Baltimore in 2007 and 2008. He has the option of becoming a free agent.
--C Omir Santos was outrighted to Class AAA Norfolk. The minor league journeyman had an All-Star season for the Tides before being recalled and appearing in 11 September games with the Orioles. He has the option of becoming a free agent.
BY THE NUMBERS: 2 -- Orioles prospects selected to play in the Arizona Fall League's Rising Stars Game. First-round draft picks C Matt Wieters (2007) and LHP Brian Matusz (2008) were chosen to represent the Orioles in the showcase.
QUOTE TO NOTE: "We are giving him an opportunity, and it would not be in his best interest to separate himself (from the Orioles). He needs to play, and that's the opportunity we will afford him." -- Orioles president Andy MacPhail, to The Sun, on the potential that pitcher-turned-outfielder Adam Loewen could sign elsewhere after being released.
