After a furious Friday of hot stove action, the baseball world is now taking holiday break. That includes the winter leagues, where several Nationals have been playing. Atop that list, of course, is Michael A. Taylor, who has been in the Dominican Republic putting some swing changes into practice in an attempt to come to spring training a new hitter. Taylor isn't off to a great start. In seven games so far for Gigantes del Cibao, he's batting just .143 (4-for-28) with one double, two RBIs,...

No matter who fills out the Orioles coaching staff in 2019, the ability to teach is going to be crucial, with so many young players vying for roster spots and assorted veterans in need of some tweaking, if not a complete overhaul. "I think the game in general has become a lot younger," manager Brandon Hyde said Thursday night on the "Hot Stove Show" on 105.7 The Fan. "The older-type veteran guys, it just seems like it's really becoming a younger game. Teams are giving younger players a...

If you think the Dodgers aren't interested in Bryce Harper ... well, you haven't been paying close enough attention. Long before they pulled off Friday's blockbuster trade that sent Yasiel Puig, Matt Kemp and Alex Wood to the Reds to create a sudden opening in their outfield, the Dodgers have loomed as a prime potential destination for Harper. Remember, this is the franchise that actually claimed Harper off waivers - per multiple reports back in late August - only to watch as the Nationals...

Brandon Hyde can speak in general terms about the players in the Orioles organization. He's been their manager for only a week. The specifics will come later after he's more familiar with everyone, a task that's going to occupy much of his winter. A full plate includes an education on personnel, which feels more like a crash course. That's why he's embarking this weekend on a working vacation. "I've got iPads loaded up right now in my hotel room," he said Thursday night on the "Hot...

Well, you survived Christmas. And if a frenzy of wrapping paper, egg nog and shooing the cats away from the tinsel has you feeling a little like Ebeneezer Scrooge, boy, do we have the perfect pick-me-up for you. Let's start with homers. Lots of 'em. Power displays, sluggers flexing their muscle and some late damage that turned the tide toward the Orioles. And if that wasn't enough, we've got a great New Year's Day present for you: the entire 1970 World Series, pitting the Birds against the...

Here are answers to questions that might come up at family gatherings over the holidays: Question: The White Sox haven't had a winning record since winning 85 games in 2012. Why would Bryce Harper or Manny Machado consider going to Chicago's South Side? Answer: The White Sox hope to have two things going for them: money and a team that is loaded with young talent. The White Sox, tired of playing in the shadow of the crosstown Cubs, have to get Harper or Machado to believe that they would be...

The No. 8 Nats prospect got to pitch at Nats Park during the club's preparation for the 2017 National League playoffs. Right-hander Sterling Sharp and a few of his minor league teammates helped Nats batters get ready for the Chicago Cubs with simulated games. Sharp, at 6-foot-4, 170 pounds, was a 22nd-round selection in the 2016 draft out of Drury (Mo.). Sharp, 23, pitched for Double-A Harrisburg in 2018, going 6-3 in 13 starts with a 4.33 ERA in 68-plus innings. An outstanding athlete, Sharp...

Place your bets now. Who will have the better season: Aníbal Sánchez or Tanner Roark? You know the comparisons are inevitable after the Nationals traded Roark to the Reds last week and then signed Sánchez Thursday evening to take his place as the club's No. 4 starter. As everyone said at the time, the Roark trade could only be judged after it was known who would occupy the spot he held for the better part of five seasons. This is the bet Mike Rizzo and the Nationals made, that...

New Orioles manager Brandon Hyde said he's reached out to coaches on this year's staff while in the process of making hires for the 2019 season. Hyde stated during last night's "Hot Stove Show" on 105.7 The Fan that he wouldn't offer any promises, but he's open to considering candidates from all corners of baseball. He isn't committed to bringing in an entirely new crew, though it could be the eventual outcome. Other potential hires were contacted besides the holdovers, but Hyde...

The Nationals, in need of a No. 4 starter since last week's trade of Tanner Roark, have agreed to terms on a two-year deal with veteran right-hander Aníbal Sánchez, according to a source familiar with the signing. The deal is pending a physical and also includes a club option for 2021. The Detroit Free Press reported Sánchez will make $19 million over the two guaranteed seasons (2019-20). A longtime Nationals nemesis during a 13-year career with the Marlins, Tigers and Braves,...