WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. - So much mental energy has been spent this winter trying to figure out how the Nationals are going to account for the loss of Anthony Rendon's production. Here's one potential way they could do it: by having a better bullpen. It may not seem one has anything to do with the other at first glance, but the Nats actually do view this as a realistic way to make up for the loss of Rendon without adding another big bat to their lineup. The idea is simple: If you can't score...

SARASOTA, Fla. - The maneuvering that's going to be necessary by April to fill out the rotation at Triple-A Norfolk won't involve only prospects as pieces. The Orioles are prepared to hold onto a veteran or two and figure out later how it's going to work. I've heard the six-man rotation idea and I've heard the word "piggyback." It's a bit complicated. Because they aren't going to rush a young pitcher, someone else will be used if there's an injury to a major league starter or some...

In Major League Baseball, 10 teams currently make the playoffs with three division winners and two wild card teams in each league. Under a new proposal from MLB that came out this week, that number would jump to 14 teams. Each league would have a top seed getting a first-round bye. The other six teams would play each in other in best-of-three series, all in one city. Teams seeded second and third would pick their opponents with the fourth seed playing the remaining team not selected. The three...

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. - He came bounding through the doors around 8:30 a.m., announcing his presence with authority in an otherwise sleepy clubhouse partially filled with pitchers and catchers. Position players are not required to report to Nationals camp until Monday, but a handful have already found their way here, staying mostly quiet and staying mostly out of the way. Victor Robles, however, wasn't worried about letting everybody know he's here. And he's ready to go. "I was having a...

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. - Aaron Barrett was working out in his hometown in Mississippi three weeks ago when he got a text message from a friend with an odd question included: "Have you seen the Budweiser commercial?" Barrett, completely confused, replied that he hadn't and then asked why. "You're in it," the friend responded. Thus did the Nationals reliever, learn he was part of Budweiser's annual Super Bowl commercial. The 60-second ad, titled "Typical Americans," including clips of...

SARASOTA, Fla. - Catcher Pedro Severino had a light workout today, finally able to get on the field after reporting to Orioles camp with a stomach virus. Severino hit in the cage and threw, and he also watched the bullpen sessions while the other six catchers took their positions behind the plate. "He's getting better every day," said manager Brandon Hyde. Relievers Hunter Harvey and Mychal Givens were sent home again today, but Hyde said their health is improving. "They're still feeling a...

Brandon Hyde met with the media following Saturday's spring training workout.

Renato Núñez spoke in the clubhouse before Saturday's spring training workout.

David Hess spoke in the clubhouse before Saturday's spring training workout.

Tommy Milone met with the media before Saturday's workout in Sarasota.