Around AL East Spring Training, 3/30: Pie Named Orioles Starting Left Fielder

Blue Jays: The Jays sent three players to the minors today. Pitchers Jesse Carlson, David Purcey and outfielder Jeremy Reed were the unlucky ones to not break camp with the team. ... Bluebird Banter takes a look pitcher by pitcher at the Jays’ potential rotation for 2010.

Orioles: Despite strong competition, Felix Pie was named the Orioles starting left fielder for the regular season on Tuesday. Pie is hitting .393 on the spring. ... The Orioles have also nailed down their starting rotation, giving David Hernandez the nod in the No. 5 spot. He beat out 21-year-old prospect Chris Tillman.

Rays: The Rays have nailed down their rotation as well, giving the No. 3 spot to Jeff Niemann and the No. 4 spot to David Price. The Rays’ full rotation starts with James Shields and continues with Matt Garza, Niemann, Price and Wade Davis. ... The bullpen is almost in place for Tampa Bay. The Rays sent down Heath Rollins, leaving the final bullpen spot to either Joaquin Benoit or Mike Ekstrom.

Red Sox: The Red Sox have reportedly offered Josh Beckett a four-year contract extension that is “close,” but Beckett says himself he has no idea of a pending deal. Beckett will start Opening Night for the Sox on Sunday. ... Pitching prospect Junichi Tazawa may need Tommy John surgery, according to Will Carroll. Tazawa was signed as an international free agent before the 2009 season.

Yankees: Everyone wanted to see ambidextrous pitcher Pat Venditte pitch on Tuesday and he didn’t perform too well. Venditte allowed a run, a hit and a walk in 1.1 innings of work. ... Mark Teixeira has a bruised right elbow, but is expected to play on Thursday.