Intrasquad Game

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. -- Two bullpen sessions brought different levels of encouragement yesterday for two injured pitchers in Orioles camp. George Sherrill sounded optimistic about his strained right hamstring. Troy Patton became more discouraged about the tightness in his left shoulder - and perhaps his chances of pitching this year. Sherrill will throw on the side again tomorrow and could appear in his first exhibition game Monday. "I threw somewhere around 30 pitches and I felt fine," he said.

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. -- Injured reliever Chris Ray has expanded his throwing program to include 25 tosses from 60 feet to go along with 25 tosses from 45 feet. He is expected to leave major league camp Sunday to continue his rehabilitation from ligament-reconstruction surgery at the club's minor league facility in Sarasota. "I'm just sticking to the schedule," Ray said yesterday. "I'm not sure when the next jump is, but I'll probably be on this a few more times. I feel really good. I'm pleased how my elbow is feeling right now."

JUPITER, Fla. - A judge postponed the assault case in Aruba against Sidney Ponson yesterday, giving the Orioles pitcher until May to reach an out-of-court settlement and likely bringing an end to the proceedings. Ponson faces three assault charges for allegedly punching a local judge Dec. 25, an incident that left him in police custody for 11 days. If convicted, he would face a maximum sentence of four years in jail, though he was expected to receive a fine and/or community service. Taking into account how a criminal record might jeopardize Ponson's livelihood - the pitcher could lose his work visa - Judge Bob Wit gave both sides until May 10 to reach an agreement.

Minor league second baseman Mike Fontenot hit a two-run, opposite-field homer in the eighth inning off Mike Flannery to give the Orioles a 6-5 win over the world champion Florida Marlins in the exhibition opener for both clubs. The Orioles used a fielder's choice grounder from Eddy Garabito and a double by Geronimo Gil in the seventh to tie the game, 4-4, but the Marlins went ahead in the eighth against Dave Crouthers. Florida chased starter Sidney Ponson in the second inning and catcher Ramon Castro homered twice, but the Orioles overcame four errors to win. They finished with 16 hits.

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. - Though he worked out with the team yesterday, Orioles second baseman Jerry Hairston was scratched from the second intrasquad game and later underwent some tests at a local hospital as a follow-up to his physical examination. Hairston insisted again yesterday that he's bothered by flu-like symptoms, but the Orioles scheduled EKG and stress tests as a precaution. "Obviously, he's not limited in what he can do," said Jim Beattie, executive vice president of baseball operations.

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. -- The Orioles' competition at second base took an unexpected turn yesterday in the first intrasquad game. How did Mark McLemore wind up in the mix? Jerry Hairston was scratched because of flulike symptoms and Brian Roberts remained unavailable because of back spasms, so McLemore joined the lineup that contained all the regulars. Eddy Garabito, who homered off left-hander Ryan Hannaman, started at second for the other team. "I've just been feeling real sick with the flu," Hairston said.

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. - Chris Richard is a new husband and a homeowner. That part of his life is complete. It's the baseball aspect that still lies in pieces. Richard is trying to fit into the Orioles' crowded outfield, and numbers aren't the only deterrent. He still hasn't regained full range of motion in his left shoulder after arthroscopic surgery last winter to reattach the capsule and clean some fraying in the rotator cuff. Though finally able to throw, something he couldn't do after returning to the lineup July 31, Richard said he continues to experience some mild discomfort.

If the past two years serve as precedents, tonight's intrasquad scrimmage will have its share of newsworthy happenings. Last year, the Ravens lost tackle Leon Searcy for the season with a torn triceps muscle, but also found a solid player in running back Jason Brookins. Two years ago, in a scrimmage with the Washington Redskins, the Ravens lost running back Jamal Lewis for most of the preseason with a dislocated elbow. Ravens coaches are hoping to get through tonight largely unscathed while finding a playmaker amongst a host of young faces.

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. - Making it through two weeks of camp without incident, David Segui started at first base last night in the Orioles' exhibition opener against the Montreal Expos. How long he stays there largely is up to his left knee. Segui was listed at first base for Wednesday's intrasquad game, but he served instead as the designated hitter. Manager Mike Hargrove said the switch had nothing to do with Segui's knee, which required surgery in October to remove particles from a cartilage tear and clean some fraying where a tendon attaches.

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. - The loose infield dirt on the main field claimed an Oriole yesterday when first baseman David Segui had to be scratched from the intrasquad game with a strained right hamstring. Segui's foot apparently slipped in a hole while doing a cutoff-relay drill and he didn't play as a precaution. He'll be evaluated again today, when the Orioles will conduct an abbreviated workout before tomorrow's exhibition opener against the St. Louis Cardinals in Jupiter, Fla. "The dirt gave and he strained the hamstring a little bit. We don't think it's anything bad. We just decided to keep him out the rest of the day and see where he's at [today]