Like most of the Nationals, there was far more rest than post-postseason shenanigans for reliever Sean Doolittle. And considering how much Doolittle pitched down the stretch and how much the Nationals relied on him in the postseason, the left-handed definitely needed the mental floss in the formative weeks of the offseason. But as the calendar turned to December and the bulk of baseball's roster machinations, Doolittle took careful note of what the Nationals were doing -specifically, how much...

Who's up for some baseball on a mid-January weekend? Yes, it's time for Nationals Winterfest, the annual offseason gathering of players, coaches, team executives and fans to whet everybody's appetite for the upcoming season. Not that this upcoming season is going to be difficult to get excited about. The date of this year's event was pushed back (it was Dec. 1-2 last year), but the location remains Nationals Park, which proved popular with fans after previous Winterfests were held at...

The Orioles did more today than work toward signing their remaining arbitration-eligible players. The club announced this afternoon that it claimed infielder Richard Ureña off waivers from the Blue Jays. In a swap at the position, the Orioles made room on the 40-man roster by designating Pat Valaika for assignment. The Blue Jays designated Ureña for assignment on Dec. 30 after signing Travis Shaw to a one-year deal. Ureña, who turns 24 next month, is out of minor league options. He...

It's risky business - and I'm not talking about a Tom Cruise movie. Lana won't be knocking at the door. No, we're talking about trying to predict a big league team's win-loss record. But's it's OK, even fun to predict and take a shot. If we're wrong, so what? Who will even remember? Sure, that is all true. I read preseason predictions, but seldom make any. I just don't think there is much of a formula to provide insight and I've watched the Pecota system miss by so much over the years...

Darren Holmes was the last of three coaches hired by the Orioles during the offseason, chosen to replace John Wasdin in the bullpen. Perhaps the delay can be blamed on the process that led to his signature on a contract. The Orioles said they weren't going to rush through the interviews and stayed true to their word. The first step was a phone call placed by Holmes to Orioles pitching coach Doug Brocail, which was followed by a series of conversations and face-to-face meetings that brought...

The Nationals worked out 2020 contracts with Trea Turner, Roenis Elías and Joe Ross before today's deadline, avoiding arbitration with all of their eligible players. Those three were the Nats' only remaining unsigned arbitration-eligible players entering today, the deadline for all such players across the sport to either agree to contract terms or submit competing offers for arbitration. Turner earned by far the biggest raise of the group, agreeing to a one-year deal worth $7.45 million,...

The Orioles have reached agreement with reliever Mychal Givens on a $3.225 million deal for the 2020 season to avoid arbitration, according to an industry source. Outfielder/first baseman Trey Mancini and infielder Hanser Alberto remain unsigned as the 1 p.m. deadline approaches. Negotiations are continuing, but the Orioles are prepared to go to hearings as "file and trial." Givens, 29, led the Orioles with 11 saves and their relievers with 86 strikeouts while earning $2.15 million. He was...

The Nationals avoided arbitration with Michael A. Taylor this evening, agreeing to a one-year contract that will pay the outfielder $3.325 million plus incentives in 2020. The deal was announced by the club; terms were confirmed by a source. Taylor was one of four Nationals who was unsigned heading into Friday's deadline for all arbitration-eligible players and teams to either come to terms or submit competing offers to Major League Baseball to then be settled by a three-person judge in...

When the Orioles signed José Iglesias to be their starting shortstop, it was easy to make the assumption that now the club would send Richie Martin to Triple-A to start the 2020 season. For one, Martin has never played at that level - jumping from Double-A to the majors last year as a Rule 5 pick. He could use the everyday batting reps. Even though his offense improved last year, it was still a challenge for him at the big league level. And Martin can start every day at Triple-A, while for...

The deadline for teams to reach agreements with their unsigned arbitration-eligible players is 1 p.m. today and the Orioles still have some unfinished business. They will be exchanging salary figures with Trey Mancini, Hanser Alberto and Mychal Givens unless they can resolve the situation. Hearing dates will be established between Feb. 3-21, with the Orioles vowing to go "file and trial" rather than continue to negotiate. I feel like I've been writing about this subject for months. (Checks...