Orioles continue to conduct business despite vacancies
Orioles continue to conduct business despite vacancies
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
While the Marlins were showing off Victor Victor Mesa and younger brother Victor Mesa Jr. yesterday to their local media, making the international signings official at a press conference, Orioles fans wondered if the lack of top front office executives sabotaged the club's efforts. Don't get the impression that no one is minding the store. Director of player development Brian Graham has been assigned the duties that belonged to executive vice president Dan Duquette. As the Oct. 3 press...
#TBT to "Nationals Classics": A flair for the dramatic
#TBT to "Nationals Classics": A flair for the dramatic
Pete Kerzel
Nationals
Who doesn't like a little drama? OK, before you wonder whether you've accidentally clicked on a blog about HBO's latest Sunday night offering or the season's top Hollywood blockbuster film, rest assured that we're still all baseball all the time here at MASNsports.com. But along with incredible offensive performances, spectacular pitching efforts and historical moments aplenty, we like to think of "Nationals Classics" on MASN as your place to add a little diamond drama to your daily...
Storylines abound as disrespected Red Sox battle title-hungry Dodgers in World Series
Storylines abound as disrespected Red Sox battle title-hungry Dodgers in World Series
Mel Antonen
Orioles
The Brewers' run at making the World Series for the first time since 1982 was refreshing, but the 114th World Series that starts Tuesday has a rare storyline. The last time the Red Sox and Dodgers played in the World Series was 1916, and the Dodgers weren't even the Dodgers: They were the Brooklyn Robins, named for their manager, Wilbert Robinson. (The Robins became the Dodgers in 1932 and then moved from Brooklyn to Los Angeles in 1958.) The Red Sox won the 1916 series in five games. Babe...
AFL review: Kieboom again plays second, Braymer bounces back, Guilbeau shines
AFL review: Kieboom again plays second, Braymer bounces back, Guilbeau shines
Byron Kerr
Nationals
Arizona Fall League Salt River Rafters Week Two (3-3) Overall: 5-5 Last place, East Division Oct. 15: Peoria 13, Salt River 4 Shortstop Carter Kieboom went 0-for-2, scored a run and walked twice. Daniel Johnson played left field and went 0-for-4. He's hitting .083. Kieboom is at .154. Left-hander Ben Braymer got tagged for four runs on four hits while recording only one out. He allowed three walks and struck out none. Left-hander Jordan Mills came on later and recorded four outs, allowing one...
After "best season" of career, Scherzer will still try to improve
After "best season" of career, Scherzer will still try to improve
Mark Zuckerman
Nationals
As our offseason coverage kicks into high gear, we're going to review each significant player on the Nationals roster. We continue today with Max Scherzer, who even after back-to-back Cy Young Awards found ways to get better. PLAYER REVIEW: MAX SCHERZER Age on opening day 2019: 34 How acquired: Signed as free agent, January 2015 MLB service time: 10 years, 79 days 2018 salary: $15 million Contract status: Signed for $35 million annually from 2019-2021, with salaries deferred into $15 million...
After 2018 low point, odds are against Chris Davis being productive again
After 2018 low point, odds are against Chris Davis being productive again
Steve Melewski
Orioles
It may be very difficult - and perhaps almost impossible - at this point for first baseman Chris Davis to salvage his career and his frosty relationship with Orioles fans. It would seem about the only way that could happen would be for Davis to once again become one of the most productive hitters in the American League or something reasonably close to that. He can only win fans back by playing better. A lot better. After his performance of the last two years, that seems like a longshot and it...
Orioles geared toward signing Gastón (and other notes)
Orioles geared toward signing Gastón (and other notes)
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
The Orioles made an undisclosed offer to Cuban outfielder Victor Victor Mesa and couldn't keep him from signing with the Marlins, who also are introducing younger brother Victor Mesa Jr. at this morning's press conference in Miami. However, pitcher Sandy Gastón remains in play and the Orioles have regained a sizeable advantage in international signing bonus money. They can't match Little Havana and other geographical perks, but there are ways to entice the kid. Gastón, 16, is a...
O's miss out on Victor Victor Mesa, the World Series is set and more
O's miss out on Victor Victor Mesa, the World Series is set and more
Steve Melewski
Orioles
According to various reports, the Orioles will lose out on signing both Victor Victor Mesa and his younger brother, Victor Mesa Jr. Both are now likely to sign with the Miami Marlins and that is expected to become official during a press conference on Monday. It was fun while it lasted for fans in Birdland to think their club could actually sign the highest-rated international amateur after years of mostly neglecting that market. There is no prize for finishing second here, only frustration for...
His stock having tumbled, Severino faces uncertain future
His stock having tumbled, Severino faces uncertain future
Mark Zuckerman
Nationals
As our offseason coverage kicks into high gear, we're going to review each significant player on the Nationals roster. We continue today with Pedro Severino, whose opportunity to be the club's No. 1 catcher didn't go as well as hoped. PLAYER REVIEW: PEDRO SEVERINO Age on opening day 2019: 25 How acquired: Signed as international free agent, December 2010 MLB service time: 1 year, 90 days 2018 salary: $545,000 Contract status: Under team control through 2020, arbitration-eligible in 2021,...
Orioles won't sign the Mesa brothers
Orioles won't sign the Mesa brothers
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
The Orioles are conceding that they won't be able to sign brothers Victor Victor Mesa and Victor Mesa Jr., a harsh blow to an organization that is trying to upgrade its presence in the international market as an important facet of its rebuilding project. Multiple reports have the Cuban outfielders preparing to sign with the Marlins, who scheduled a press conference for Monday morning that will include chief executive officer and part owner Derek Jeter and president of baseball operations...