Jack Voigt

OAKLAND, Calif. -- He still lives in Columbia. He still earns a living playing baseball. He still is a utility player.Not much has changed for Jack Voigt, really. Not much except that until yesterday morning he was in the major leagues and now he's in the Eastern League.The Orioles optioned Voigt to Double-A Bowie yesterday, the same day they told Lonnie Smith his left knee had recovered. Voigt was optioned to make room for Smith, who spent three weeks on the disabled list with what was called a strained left knee.

It just isn't true that all the news coming out of Camden Yards is bad news these days.The Yankees lost to the Tigers yesterday, so the Orioles' Incredible Shrinking Lead held firm for a day at 4 1/2 games.And, in a particularly positive development, "Hammerin' " Jack Voigt left town last night after hitting another home run to help the Brewers complete a three-game sweep of the Orioles with a 6-4 victory yesterday.That's right, fans, it's safe to come out again: Voigt, a utility player whom the Orioles traded in 1995, finally is gone after hitting twice as many homers as his former club during the weekend series.

MINNEAPOLIS -- Chris Sabo, eligible to come off the disabled list May 22, has taken up a new exercise known as a back extension, in an attempt to curb a bulging disk."

Gutierrez takes 'big step,' although guy named Ripken 0) stands in pathROCHESTER, N.Y. -- Ricky Gutierrez plays an unenviable position: shortstop for the top minor-league team in the Orioles' organization.He may play in the shadow of Cal Ripken Jr. but in less than a third of a season with the Red Wings, Gutierrez has shown that he also is a prospect."He's taken a big step," said Wings manager Greg Biagini. "There was a lot of concern whether he could hold his own when he came up here. But he can play."

ARLINGTON, Texas -- The Orioles' ineffectiveness against left-handed starters continued last night in a 5-4 loss to the Texas Rangers.The Orioles managed only three hits -- including home runs by Cal Ripken and Jack Voigt -- in 7 2/3 innings against Kenny Rogers (13-7). He was the third left-hander to baffle the Orioles in the past four games.As was the case against the California Angels' Chuck Finley and Mark Langston, the Orioles seemed mesmerized by Rogers. After collecting only three hits (and two runs)

9 Brady Anderson OFEntering his third year as an everyday player after breakthrough season in 1992. Over last two years has more extra base hits (115) and RBIs (142) than any major league leadoff hitter and is second to Rickey Henderson in home runs (36- 34). He can become first player in club history to steal 10 or more bases in six straight seasons this year. He has reached base 515 times over last two years, sixth highest in the American League. Hit .297 over his last 88 games a year ago. His batting average against lefthanders was the same as his overall mark, after hitting .190 against them previously.

BaseballOrioles -- Optioned P Richie Lewis to Triple-A Rochester. Purchased the contract of OF/3B Jack Voigt from Rochester.New York Mets -- Activated P John Franco from the DL. Placed P Paul Gibson on the 15-day DL, retroactive to July 28.BasketballWorld Basketball League -- Announced it has suspended operations.FootballCleveland Browns -- Signed LB Clay Matthews. Agreed to terms with WR Lawyer Tillman.Denver Broncos -- Signed OT Jeff Davidson to a series of one-year contracts.Miami Dolphins -- Signed LB Marco Coleman to a four-year contract.

The Orioles have several options in trying to fill the fifth spot of their rotation until Ben McDonald is ready to pitch again.Rick Krivda (left-hander): He'll stay as long as he pitches well.Arthur Rhodes (L): Could go back into the rotation, although he has been solid out of the bullpen.John DeSilva (R): He won a game in June and could be promoted to pitch against a team that murders lefties.Jimmy Haynes (R): Top prospect who has pitched well in Rochester, but the Orioles would like to keep him at Triple-A.

On the field: The Orioles ran themselves out of the first inning. With Jeff Reboulet on second, Eric Davis on first and one out, Geronimo Berroa sent a long drive into the right-field corner. Milwaukee's Jeromy Burnitz made a running grab, then turned to find both Reboulet and Davis at third base. It was Milwaukee's 45th outfield assist, one shy of the club record.In the dugout: Milwaukee shortstop Jose Valentin was a late scratch because of a bruised foot, caused by a foul tip Saturday. Manager Phil Garner moved Mark Loretta from first base to shortstop and added Jack Voigt to the lineup.

Athletics: Kenny Rogers picked off Darren Lewis in the third inning for his AL-leading ninth pickoff of the season. Jason Giambi extended his hitting streak to a season-high 14 games. After the game, the Athletics activated second baseman Scott Spiezio from the disabled list and outrighted outfielder Jack Voigt to Edmonton of the Pacific Coast LeagueBlue Jays: Jose Canseco replaced traded Mike Stanley as the designated hitter. Jose Cruz Jr. was to be recalled from Syracuse to take Stanley's roster spot.