I'm keeping it simple today while thinking that we could have some news later this week. Just don't hold me to it. I also predicted that Christmas would come early and now I'm wondering if my source was mistaken. Go ahead and take the latest quiz while you wait. There's no pressure because I don't grade them. This is more of an exercise without the spandex and sweat. Chris Davis is going to hit: A). More than 20 home runs B). Fewer than 20 home runs C). The lottery again If a starter...

It has become something of an annual tradition for the Nationals: find a left-handed bat who can back up Ryan Zimmerman at first base and take over on a regular basis if (and when) the veteran starter gets hurt. Clint Robinson held that job in 2015-16. Adam Lind did it in 2017. Matt Adams became the guy in 2018. And now the Nats find themselves once again looking for someone to fill that secondary-yet-important role. It's kind of a tricky thing, because ideally the player who holds this role...

It's that time again: time for me to ask you some questions and get your responses. Once again today, I've thrown out 10 questions and am looking for your responses. Answer one question or all 10. Provide short answers or long. Respond to answers by other readers. It's all welcome. The first two questions are the same from last time as we're all still looking for answers from the team so let's get reader input on it. Here are the questions: 1. Who do you like to become the next general...

For the rebuilding Orioles, the outfield is a good place to start. There is some youth there that has shown promise, and four of the six players listed at outfield on the 40-man roster were drafted by the team. It is a position of some depth in the organization, and late last year we began to see some of that make its way to the big league roster. With Mark Trumbo listed as a designated hitter, the oldest player on the 40-man in the outfield is Joey Rickard at 27. The four home-grown...

The current offseason for the Orioles may not seem typical with hires pending in the front office, no manager in place and promises to revamp the entire scouting operation. This isn't business as usual across the board. However, there are certain tasks that await the club and aren't influenced by other circumstances. Building up minor league depth is one of the priorities. Trying to find hidden and inexpensive gems. The Orioles also might try to keep a few of their own. The list of Orioles...

The Nationals have acquired two players so far this offseason, and both were right-handed relievers: Trevor Rosenthal and Kyle Barraclough. In doing so, they began to address one of their areas of need, restocking a bullpen that was turned over by trades this summer and free agency once the season ended. The Nats' bullpen makeover isn't complete yet, though. They may still be in the market for another right-hander who can join Rosenthal and Barraclough in setting up closer Sean Doolittle. And...

The following nugget won't cause your head to snap back in disbelief or bring tremors or have you rushing off to tell your friends. It's been an assumption that's backed up by multiple people in the industry as the GM meetings closed this week. The Orioles won't be major players in free agency. Slow your heartbeats. There's been no indication that the Orioles will be "heavily involved" in free agency, as one person worded it. They met with agents at the GM meetings. They won't avoid it...

We have more updates from instructional league workouts as we turn the spotlight to the hitters. Shortstop Yasel Antuna, the Nationals' No. 8-rated prospect according to MLB.com, is recovering from Tommy John surgery, which could keep him out for about one year. Nationals hitting coordinator Troy Gingrich said Antuna did some stretching and strength training, but no baseball-related activities yet. Antuna, 19, played 87 games for low Single-A Hagerstown this summer before being shut...

While we know that the Orioles won't be chasing top free agents, they are tied to one, and that is infielder Manny Machado. Drafted No. 3 overall by the Orioles in 2010, he went on to play 860 games for the team until they traded him to the Los Angeles Dodgers in July. Three times, he would finish among the top nine in the American League MVP race while an Oriole. But now he's a free agent, and despite his controversial postseason, he's likely to get a huge contract via free agency. Maybe...

While there have been significant changes for the Orioles in baseball operations, player development and scouting, the turnover won't touch Kent Qualls. The Orioles intend to bring back Qualls as director of minor league operations. The same title that he's held since coming to the organization prior to the 2013 season. Qualls' past duties have included overseeing the administration of the club's player development department and minor league affiliates. His responsibilities broadened under...