Glenn Davis

SARASOTA, Fla. -- Todd Frohwirth issued four walks in the 10th inning to take the loss in yesterday's 4-3 game with the Pittsburgh Pirates. But that wasn't the worst thing he did to hurt his chances of making the Orioles' pitching staff.That came earlier, when the righthander, signed as a minor-league free agent out of the Philadelphia Phillies' system, cut his pitching hand while warming up."I don't know if he cut it on the ball, or what," said bullpen catcher Sammy Snider, "but he stopped throwing so he could wipe it off."

Former Orioles first baseman Glenn Davis will attempt to resume his major-league career with the New York Mets, who signed him to a minor-league contract yesterday and invited him to spring training as a non-roster player.Davis, whose three seasons with the Orioles became a continuing physical nightmare, will compete with former Orioles outfielder Joe Orsulak for playing time at first base. Terms of the contract were not disclosed, but he likely will sign an incentive-laden, one-year contract if he earns a place on the Mets' 25-man Opening Day roster.

Five winners ... December 1965: Acquired OF Frank Robinson from Reds for P Milt Pappas, P Jack Baldschun and OF Dick Simpson. Comment: Pappas was a solid starter, but what a small price to pay for a Hall of Famer, a Triple Crown, four pennants and two world championships. June 1976: Acquired P Scott McGregor, P Tippy Martinez, P Rudy May, P Dave Pagan and C Rick Dempsey from Yankees for P Ken Holtzman, P Doyle Alexander, P Grant Jackson, P Jimmy Freeman and C Elrod Hendricks. Comment: Deadline deal by GM Hank Peters did a lot more than dump a couple of pending free agents.

What was supposed to be a relaxing evening in Virginia Beach, Va., for three teammates resulted in a broken jaw for Glenn Davis -- and likely ended Davis' troubled season.Davis, whose struggles with the Orioles this season led to his reassignment with the Triple-A Rochester Red Wings, underwent surgery at 3 p.m. yesterday in Norfolk, Va., after his jaw was broken, apparently by a punch from a nightclub bouncer late Sunday night. Kevin Harmon, the Red Wings trainer, said Davis' jaw was broken in two places and is expected to be wired shut for six to eight weeks.

MILWAUKEE -- The disabled list loses $6.5 million worth of talent, give or take a few thousand, when the Orioles open a three-game series in Texas tonight (8:35, Ch. 2).Glenn Davis ($3.275 million) is scheduled to make his long awaited return to the Orioles' lineup after an absence of almost four months. Call it the luck of the draw, but all things considered, the righthanded slugger probably could've picked an easier spot for his comeback.Nolan Ryan ($3.25 going on $4.1 million) is coming off a much shorter stay on the disabled list to rejoin the Rangers' starting rotation.

It took an extra 24 hours for Roland Hemond to get his man, but, after five years, he figures it was worth the wait.The Orioles officially obtained Harold Baines from the Oakland Athletics for two minor-league pitchers yesterday. For Hemond, the deal culminated a five-year pursuit of the veteran outfielder-designated hitter."Since the time that I've been here [1987], we've made attempts from time to time to obtain him," said Hemond, "so I'm especially happy to announce that Harold Baines is now an Oriole."

For worried call-in fans, bailing out O's beats basement any 0) timeYou're worried about the Orioles. This start wasn't what you expected. And the team's problems have affected your outlook on life.Maybe you find yourself a little short-tempered. Maybe you get into silly arguments with your spouse, who should realize that you'll get around to cleaning up all the water in the basement from the last rain just as soon as Gregg Olson saves a few more games.And, anyway, what difference does it make if that box with her wedding dress got wet -- what, she's going to be wearing it again soon?

OAKLAND, Calif. -- For the first time in almost three months, Glenn Davis has been cleared to resume certain baseball activities.The injured first baseman traveled with the Orioles to the West Coast yesterday after taking batting practice for the first time in almost three months. Davis will participate in pregame workouts and continue his rehabilitation exercises with all activities closely monitored by trainer Richie Bancells.Davis took about 25 controlled swings during a regular batting practice workout before the Orioles' departure yesterday.

The memories tend to get a little fuzzy, but it's true that Glenn Davis, the former Orioles first baseman and magnet for bad luck, broke his jaw outside a Virginia Beach bar when a bouncer with a nasty reputation decided to add to it. Davis was on an injury rehab assignment with Triple-A Rochester. And it's true that in his first game back with the team, he was hit in the head by a line drive while sitting on the bench. Before having the injury confirmed, reporters joked in the press box that the ball probably hit Davis.

In a bold move, the Baltimore Orioles today acquired slugging first baseman Glenn Davis from the Houston Astros in exchange for pitchers Pete Harnisch and Curt Schilling and outfielder Steve Finley.The trade was the culmination of intense negotiations that begalast month during the winter meetings and were completed late last night. The deal was made without any assurance that the Orioles can retain Davis beyond the 1991 season, when his current contract expires. At that point, he would be eligible for free agency.