Royals-Orioles series, and home-run marker, special to Alex Gordon and family

Royals outfielder Alex Gordon’s father and older brother grew up as Orioles fans, which makes this American League Championship Series special. But it goes beyond the matchup.

Gordon also has a permanent tribute at Camden Yards as one of the major-leaguers who’ve hit a ball onto Eutaw Street, which is beyond the right-field wall. Gordon hit a 425-foot shot in a 7-5 loss to the Orioles on July 1, 2008.

“I can tell you the wind was blowing out,” Gordon said when asked to recall the homer, “because I probably wouldn’t be able to do that otherwise.”

Gordon said his brother came to Baltimore for the ALCS and the baseball-shaped marker embedded into the street was the first thing he looked for.

“To have a piece of history out there on Eutaw Street definitely means a lot to me,” Gordon said.

Rain strategy

Baltimore manager Buck Showalter was asked for his strategy on using pitchers in a rain-delayed game; for example, would Orioles starting pitcher Chris Tillman come back in the game if was on the mound before a lengthy stoppage?

Showalter said Camden Yards has adequate indoor facilities where pitchers can throw to stay loose.

“You’re going to continue with whoever you think has the best chance,” he said.

A more complicated issue is the ALCS roster, which is set in stone once game one starts, even if just for a few innings.

“The rules are a little different, whatever you do for those two innings you’re going to be held accountable for,” he said. “The biggest issue is when you exchange lineup cards, you’re in, you can’t go back and go to 12 pitchers. But if you don’t exchange lineup cards, then you can readjust your roster and probably go with 12 pitchers because you’re going to need a fifth starter.”

Royals bullpen stands pat

Royals manager Ned Yost elected to keep the same roster before ALCS game one as the team used in the division series win over the Angels.

He said carrying 11 pitchers again was an easy decision.

“We just felt we had enough depth in our bullpen,” he said. “We have enough innings depth. (Tim) Collins can go two, (Brandon) Finnegan can go two.”

Hitter’s park

Gordon and Billy Butler were asked what it would like to hit in the cozier confines of Camden Yards instead of spacious Kauffman Stadium, but both said their swing wouldn’t change much.

“We kind of have our approach down to where we like it,” Gordon said. “It would add a couple home runs here and there, but it is what it is.

“We play in a big ballpark and our ballpark kind of fits our team as far as pitching and defense and our speed in the outfield.”

Hardy deal is signed

Shortstop J.J. Hardy officially signed a $40 million, three-year contract with the Orioles on Thursday night, the eve of Baltimore’s first appearance in the ALCS.

The contract, which comes with an option for 2018, goes into effect after his current deal expires at the end of this season.

TBS adds Physioc

For the ALCS, TBS added team-specific reports from commentators with local ties to the clubs involved. Steve Physioc (Royals) and Mike Bordick (Orioles) were expected to provide the latest in-game news and notes from their respective teams.

This story was originally published October 10, 2014 at 6:56 PM with the headline "Royals-Orioles series, and home-run marker, special to Alex Gordon and family."