Jesse Garcia

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. -- With Jesse Garcia, it's the little things that seem to get him noticed.Like the time he began shouting commands at the other infielders just as Orioles coach Sam Perlozzo was about to apprise Garcia of the given situation. Or during the 11th inning of Sunday's exhibition in Havana, when Garcia made a diving stop at second base with two outs and had the presence of mind to wipe his hand on his pants leg as he spun to throw."His knowledge of the game and his calm under pressure are what impresses me every bit as much as his physical skills," Perlozzo said.

Each time it appears that Jesse Garcia's professional life is coming into focus, the lines begin to blur. Each time the path seems straight and uncluttered, he must navigate a few bumpy curves. So far, he has yet to be tripped up. Compile an impressive record as an amateur boxer, then heed baseball's calling. Field almost as many plaudits for defensive excellence as ground balls, then switch positions. See yourself as a starter at the major-league level, then prepare for life in a utility role.

Each time it appears that Jesse Garcia's professional life is coming into focus, the lines begin to blur. Each time the path seems straight and uncluttered, he must navigate a few bumpy curves. So far, he has yet to be tripped up. Compile an impressive record as an amateur boxer, then heed baseball's calling. Field almost as many plaudits for defensive excellence as ground balls, then switch positions. See yourself as a starter at the major-league level, then prepare for life in a utility role.

From the standpoint of wins and losses, the Orioles farm system had a very lean year indeed, but director of player development Tom Trebelhorn sees encouraging signs for what lies ahead."

From the standpoint of wins and losses, the Orioles farm system had a very lean year indeed, but director of player development Tom Trebelhorn sees encouraging signs for what lies ahead."

Five years ago, a group of wide-eyed minor-leaguers stood near the door of the Orioles' spring-training clubhouse in Sarasota, Fla., waiting to catch a glimpse of Cal Ripken.Jesse Garcia was 20 then, starting his second professional season. Summoning all his courage, he asked Ripken to sign two baseballs that day, one for himself, one for his father."I was so nervous, I dropped one of the balls right in front of him," Garcia said.For all anyone knew at the time, meeting Ripken might have turned out to be the highlight of a career that looked less than promising.

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. -- Orioles manager Ray Miller said he had a "little discussion" yesterday with left-hander Arthur Rhodes, who turned in one of the worst performances by an Orioles reliever this spring in Tuesday's 11-10 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals. Given a five-run lead to protect in the ninth, Rhodes allowed four runs and walked three in two-thirds of an inning. By the time Jesse Orosco got the final out, Rhodes already had stormed into the clubhouse. It was the second straight time Rhodes couldn't close a game in the ninth.

PitchersRicky Bones: Once projected as a spot starter, will remain in middle/long relief.Scott Erickson: Winless with an 8.38 ERA in five spring starts, could his preferred pairing with Lenny Webster return?Mike Fetters: Managed to dispel health concerns. Saved Cuba exhibition.Juan Guzman: Second in AL in exhibition ERA. Best pitcher in camp.Doug Johns: Third left-handed reliever barely hung on to 11th spot.*Scott Kamieniecki: "Strained" hamstring continues to resist treatment. Will likely miss April.

Needing to make room on the 25-man roster before yesterday's game against Toronto, the Orioles optioned rookie infielder Jesse Garcia and left-hander Doug Johns to Triple-A Rochester. In corresponding moves, second baseman Delino DeShields came off the disabled list, and pitcher Doug Linton was activated and given his first major-league start since 1996.DeShields didn't have much to say about his return. "I'm just ready to play ball. That's it," he said before going 0-for-3 with a walk in the Orioles' 9-5 loss.

Frank Wren has instituted an uncommon rule for his minor-league staff in Sarasota, Bluefield, Delmarva and Frederick: regarding the Orioles' top prospects, the less said the better."

DETROIT-- His team playing short, playing fatigued and playing badly, Orioles manager Ray Miller followed yesterday's 4-3 loss to the woebegone Detroit Tigers by criticizing his clubhouse's "dysfunctional" makeup and suggested the same shortages that trashed the team's 1998 season torment it to this day.The 57-72 and free-falling Orioles suffered their fourth consecutive loss on what is now assured to be a losing road trip against the league's two worst...

Frank Wren has instituted an uncommon rule for his minor-league staff in Sarasota, Bluefield, Delmarva and Frederick: regarding the Orioles' top prospects, the less said the better."

Needing to make room on the 25-man roster before yesterday's game against Toronto, the Orioles optioned rookie infielder Jesse Garcia and left-hander Doug Johns to Triple-A Rochester. In corresponding moves, second baseman Delino DeShields came off the disabled list, and pitcher Doug Linton was activated and given his first major-league start since 1996.DeShields didn't have much to say about his return. "I'm just ready to play ball. That's it," he said before going 0-for-3 with a walk in the Orioles' 9-5 loss.

PitchersRicky Bones: Once projected as a spot starter, will remain in middle/long relief.Scott Erickson: Winless with an 8.38 ERA in five spring starts, could his preferred pairing with Lenny Webster return?Mike Fetters: Managed to dispel health concerns. Saved Cuba exhibition.Juan Guzman: Second in AL in exhibition ERA. Best pitcher in camp.Doug Johns: Third left-handed reliever barely hung on to 11th spot.*Scott Kamieniecki: "Strained" hamstring continues to resist treatment. Will likely miss April.

Five years ago, a group of wide-eyed minor-leaguers stood near the door of the Orioles' spring-training clubhouse in Sarasota, Fla., waiting to catch a glimpse of Cal Ripken.Jesse Garcia was 20 then, starting his second professional season. Summoning all his courage, he asked Ripken to sign two baseballs that day, one for himself, one for his father."I was so nervous, I dropped one of the balls right in front of him," Garcia said.For all anyone knew at the time, meeting Ripken might have turned out to be the highlight of a career that looked less than promising.

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. -- With Jesse Garcia, it's the little things that seem to get him noticed.Like the time he began shouting commands at the other infielders just as Orioles coach Sam Perlozzo was about to apprise Garcia of the given situation. Or during the 11th inning of Sunday's exhibition in Havana, when Garcia made a diving stop at second base with two outs and had the presence of mind to wipe his hand on his pants leg as he spun to throw."His knowledge of the game and his calm under pressure are what impresses me every bit as much as his physical skills," Perlozzo said.

DETROIT-- His team playing short, playing fatigued and playing badly, Orioles manager Ray Miller followed yesterday's 4-3 loss to the woebegone Detroit Tigers by criticizing his clubhouse's "dysfunctional" makeup and suggested the same shortages that trashed the team's 1998 season torment it to this day.The 57-72 and free-falling Orioles suffered their fourth consecutive loss on what is now assured to be a losing road trip against the league's two worst...

Moves Baseball BRAVES: Placed SS Mark DeRosa on the 15-day DL. Called up IF Jesse Garcia from Triple-A Richmond. ORIOLES: Placed 1B David Segui on the 15-day DL. Purchased the contract of 1B Ryan McGuire from Triple-A Rochester. ROYALS: Activated P Darrell May from the 15-day DL. Placed P Chris George on the 15-day DLdldl. TIGERS: Activated P Matt Anderson from the 15-day DL. Optioned P Fernando Rodney to Double-A Erie. Basketball CLEVELAND ROCKERS (WNBA): Waived F Tatum Brown, G Marche Strickland and C Angie Welle.

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. -- Orioles manager Ray Miller said he had a "little discussion" yesterday with left-hander Arthur Rhodes, who turned in one of the worst performances by an Orioles reliever this spring in Tuesday's 11-10 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals. Given a five-run lead to protect in the ninth, Rhodes allowed four runs and walked three in two-thirds of an inning. By the time Jesse Orosco got the final out, Rhodes already had stormed into the clubhouse. It was the second straight time Rhodes couldn't close a game in the ninth.