As our offseason coverage kicks into high gear, we're going to review each significant player on the Nationals roster. We continue today with Howie Kendrick, who as a part-time player in the regular season put up some of the best numbers of his career and then became a postseason legend. PLAYER REVIEW: HOWIE KENDRICK Age on opening day 2020: 36 How acquired: Signed as free agent, January 2018 MLB service time: 13 years, 91 days 2019 salary: $4 million Contract status: Free agent 2019 stats:...

In part one of our visit with Nick Banks, an outfielder in the Nationals system, we spoke about his experience in the Arizona Fall League. A valuable part of that experience is meshing with and learning from new coaches. In part two, we look into what Ken Joyce, a hitting coach from the New York Yankees organization, was able to do to help Banks with his swing and his approach at the plate. "I loved him. He really did help me a lot this offseason and in the fall league," Banks said. "Just...

As our offseason coverage kicks into high gear, we're going to review each significant player on the Nationals roster. We continue today with Ryan Zimmerman, who after an injury-plagued regular season came up big in the postseason to win his first World Series title. PLAYER REVIEW: RYAN ZIMMERMAN Age on opening day 2020: 35 How acquired: First-round pick, 2005 draft MLB service time: 14 years, 32 days 2019 salary: $18 million Contract status: Free agent 2019 stats: 52 G, 190 PA, 171 AB, 20 R,...

The most important reminders about pop quizzes are that they're distributed without warning and have nothing to do with your fathers. Also, they can be handed out on a Sunday. Go figure. I've provided 20 questions. Check back in October and see how many you got right. The opening day starter will be: Alex Cobb John Means Dylan Bundy None of the above The first prospect to be called up to the majors will be: Keegan Akin Dean Kremer Ryan Mountcastle None of the above Trey Mancini will make most...

The technology in baseball is moving fast. In this recent entry, O's minor league hitting coach Tom Eller gave us a bit of a primer on some of the technology that is in place as of 2019 on the Orioles farm. For most of us, it was probably both educational and enlightening. Eller was new to the O's organization in the 2019 season. He started it as hitting coach at Single-A Delmarva and later moved to join short-season Single-A Aberdeen when its season began last June. Some fans that watch the...

The topic came up again during yesterday's Orioles Q&A session on this blog: How long will this rebuild take? The fans want to know. That is a very reasonable question, but it just doesn't have an answer. You can guess, but that's really all you will be doing. No one knows for sure, including general manager Mike Elias, who is heading up this rebuilding, how long it will take to work or even if it will work. This is the American League East, home of two big spenders, one sharp cookie and...

As our offseason coverage kicks into high gear, we're going to review each significant player on the Nationals roster. We begin today with Kurt Suzuki, who at 35 enjoyed one of the best offensive seasons of his career and became a trusted batterymate for the team's two aces. PLAYER REVIEW: KURT SUZUKI Age on opening day 2020: 36 How acquired: Signed as free agent, November 2018 MLB service time: 12 years, 113 days 2019 salary: $4 million Contract status: Signed for $6 million in 2020. Free...

As the Orioles decide which players to put on the 40-man roster prior to the Rule 5 draft, they also must consider the increased risks of losing the ones who are left unprotected. Rosters are expanding to 26 players next season, leaving more room to stash someone at the back of a bullpen or the end of a bench. And more teams are slipping into rebuild mode, placing less emphasis on wins and building the courage to carry a prospect throughout the summer. Whether or not he's overmatched. Without...

Rebuilding, as the Orioles are doing now, requires persistence and the patience to endure a sometimes painful process. In such times, remembering better ones can help to soothe a fan's fevered brow and perhaps give us all a glimpse of glories yet to come. In this round of "Orioles Classics," MASN brings you some true feel-good moments from both the recent and distant pasts. You'll thrill at the exploits of Hall of Famers, role players and one of the most unlikely winning pitchers ever...

The accolades continue to arrive for Nationals utility infielder Howie Kendrick. Last night in New York City, Kendrick was honored for the first time in his career as the recipient of the 2019 Heart and Hustle Award. The award, voted on by former players, is given to "active players who demonstrate a passion for the game of baseball and best embody the values, spirit and tradition of the game." Kendrick, the National League Championship Series Most Valuable Player, worked off the field with...