SARASOTA, Fla. - The swings keep coming on the main and back fields. Baseballs are launched over fences, one slamming into the metal roof of the indoor batting cage beyond Camden Yards South. Failure to square them up brings a quick and audible scolding from the man who's holding the bat. The man who can't escape the attention and scrutiny as another spring training unfolds. Who's amused when told about the experts on social media who break down his stance and whether a toe tap or the...

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. - If he had his way, Anthony Rendon would never have to field a question about his pending free agency and ongoing talks with the Nationals about a long-term extension that would prevent him from ever becoming a free agent. But Rendon, as media-averse as anyone on the Nats roster, understands that won't be the case this year. Just as it was with Bryce Harper last season, this is going to loom over him throughout 2018. And that's just not his cup of tea. "Definitely. I...

SARASOTA, Fla. - Yefry Ramírez has been tabbed to start the Orioles' first exhibition game Saturday afternoon against the Twins at Ed Smith Stadium. "I feel great. Very excited when I was told about the news," Ramirez said via translator Ramón Alarcón. "It makes he feel really good having this opportunity, so I feel there's a priority in order and I'm looking to try to take advantage of that." Manager Brandon Hyde didn't say it, but you shouldn't read too much into it....

The Orioles have generated more than $360 million in cumulative economic impact in Sarasota since 2015, the first year Sarasota County Government analyzed comprehensive data on the team's impact. The county's analysis measures the total tourism impact created by the Orioles, combined with the club's business operations and spending in Sarasota County. At $92 million for the most recent reporting period, the Orioles' annual impact is nearly three times the figure projected when the Orioles...

MLBPipeline.com released its version of the Nationals' top 30 prospects list this week. The No. 1 prospect on this list is no surprise, and could very well be the starting center fielder this season with the big league club. Victor Robles has 34 games combined in two seasons with the Nats. This will be a huge season for him, especially with the likely departure of Bryce Harper. Juan Soto and Robles will be the future for the Nats outfield. If Robles can get his hitting to match every other...

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. - Brian Dozier and Trea Turner took their respective positions in the middle of the infield Tuesday morning and began the daily routine of fielding grounders. That soon morphed into double play turns, then drills that involved the entire Nationals infield, then the entire defense. Thus began the first step in building one of the most important relationships in baseball: second baseman and shortstop. Everyone has to go through it, and there's always a learning curve. It's...

SARASOTA, Fla. - The Orioles held their annual Photo Day this morning at Ed Smith Stadium before taking the field for stretching and workouts. No media access until later today. The schedule doesn't show any bullpen or live batting practice sessions for the pitchers. Jimmy Yacabonis is on a starter's routine in camp, including two turns of live BP. Relievers were held to one. As I wrote yesterday, manager Brandon Hyde is open to using Yacabonis in the rotation or as a long reliever and will...

SARASOTA, Fla. - A leisurely stroll for minor league infielder Drew Jackson turned into a joy ride. With a couple of crazy turns along the way. Jackson was left unprotected by the Dodgers in the Rule 5 draft, held on the final day of baseball's annual Winter Meetings, and the Phillies selected him with the 11th overall pick. "My phone started blowing up," he said. Then came the one call that blew up his visions of going to spring training in Clearwater. "Very weird day," said Jackson, who...

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. - It was both the greatest thing and the worst thing that could've happened from Victor Robles' perspective. Juan Soto's remarkable rookie season inspired his fellow Dominican outfielder, who knows he's about to get the same opportunity the Nationals gave the 19-year-old last year. But Robles also knows Soto set the bar so high as a rookie that some might just assume he's now capable of duplicating it himself. "It was very impressive, without a doubt," Robles said,...

In the end, Manny Machado got what he likely wanted most - a massive contract in length and dollars. He's expected to sign with the San Diego Padres for 10 years and $300 million. Pending what happens with Bryce Harper, it's the richest contract ever signed by a baseball free agent. Giancarlo Stanton signed a 13-year deal for $325 million, but that was an extension with the Marlins and not a free agent signing. Machado got his money even when it looked like he might not get a deal this big,...