_____From The Post_____
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A strong spring has moved Daniel Cabrera up two spots in the rotation.
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Notebook: The O's may not have a role for John Parrish.
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| _____ Baseball '05 _____
• It will be tough for the Orioles- Nationals matchup to join the ranks of great baseball rivalries.
• A closer look at the Nationals' rivals in the NL East.
• Thomas Boswell: The old rivalry between Washington and Baltimore should not take long to heat up.
• The Red Sox-Yankees rivalry is the best in sports and only figures to get more intense this season.
• A timeline of the Red Sox and Yankees' shared history.
• Many teams have laid claim to being the top rival of the Yankees.
• Started in New York City and continued in California, the Giants- Dodgers rivalry is one for the ages.
• Baseball Preview Section
_____ Nationals Basics _____
• Player Capsules
• Roster
• Schedule
_____ Orioles Basics _____
• Player Capsules
• Roster
• Schedule
_____ Team Capsules _____
PREDICTED ORDER OF FINISH
NL East | NL Central | NL West | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | AL East | AL Central | AL West | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
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Several teams have inquired about Parrish, and some believe the 27-year-old left-hander is a future closer. Parrish said part of his success so far this spring is due to a change in his delivery. He now throws almost exclusively out of the windup when pitching with no runners on base.
"I'm in a comfort zone right now," Parrish said. "This is a big year for me as far as fixing my mechanics and learning the windup."
Parrish said pitching coach Ray Miller and Manager Lee Mazzilli suggested he stop throwing out of the stretch.
"We just talked about slowing me down," Parrish said. "I tend to get too fast and that's when my balls get up."
Parrish, who started his career as a starter, has been a reliever for only two seasons. Last year he went 6-3 with a 3.46 ERA in his first full year in that role. Parrish said he won't worry about his role this year.
"That's for them to decide," Parrish said.
Meantime, Mazzilli said he is close to a decision on the fifth spot in the rotation. The favorite appears to be Rick Bauer, who will start Thursday against the St. Louis Cardinals in Oklahoma City. Matt Riley, considered the leader at the start of spring, pitched one scoreless inning of relief on Tuesday.
Taking Their Hacks
Enrique Wilson was hitless in two at-bats Tuesday, lowering his average to .340.
Chris Gomez was 4 for 4 yesterday against the Dodgers, raising his average to .327. He appears to have solidified the backup infielder job.
Gomez is signed to a major league deal, meaning the Orioles would have to pay his entire salary if he were released. Wilson, signed to a minor league deal, can be released without any future financial obligations.
© 2005 The Washington Post Company
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