In June 2012, current Orioles general manager Mike Elias was a key contributor to what was a strong draft for the Houston Astros. It was one that got them shortstop Carlos Correa and pitcher Lance McCullers Jr. for their first two picks. Houston's fifth pick in that 2012 draft was a California high school infielder named Rio Ruiz. He played for the Astros until they traded him to Atlanta in January 2015. During the Winter Meetings this December, the Orioles claimed Ruiz on waivers from...

The inviting storylines awaiting the media at spring training, less than a week before it begins, include the competitions at third base and right field and behind the plate. Other candidates can be tossed into the mix as executive vice president and general manager Mike Elias attempts to swing a few trades and/or snatches up a couple of free agents lingering on another sluggish market. One-year deals become more attractive to players as we move through February. Manager Brandon Hyde can figure...

Fans of all ages can fully immerse themselves in the spring training experience a week from Saturday at Sarasota Springfest at Ed Smith Stadium. The chance to see pitchers and catchers going through their workouts in the sunshine in February has always drawn fans, but from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 16, they can do more than watch. The day will include a behind-the-scenes tour of the Orioles' spring training home, and the opportunity to have a catch on the field, take part in a "Pitch...

The Orioles invite fans of all ages to celebrate the start of Spring Training at Sarasota Springfest, a free family-friendly event at Ed Smith Stadium on Saturday, February 16. Along with watching Orioles pitchers and catchers practice on the back fields, fans can also enjoy games and interactive activities in the stadium from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. ET. The fourth annual Sarasota Springfest event will feature a question and answer session with Orioles outfielder Cedric Mullins at approximately...

As spring training fast approaches, it's time to break down the state of the Nationals roster, position by position. The series continues today with the catching corps ... The Nationals didn't get enough production from their catchers the last two seasons. Of this, no one can deny. Matt Wieters, well-liked as he was by members of the pitching staff and the rest of the clubhouse, simply could not hit well enough to justify as much playing time as he received. Trouble was, none of the Nats'...

Give Orioles lefty pitching prospect Keegan Akin credit for being smart enough to know that while he had a strong 2018 season, hitters won't care about that when they face him in 2019. And Akin did have one impressive 2018 season. For Double-A Bowie, he went 14-7 with an ERA of 3.27 in 25 starts. Over 137 2/3 innings, he allowed 114 hits with 58 walks, 142 strikeouts and a .225 batting average against. Akin was named co-Minor League Pitcher of the Year by the Orioles, winning the Jim Palmer...

With exactly one week remaining before pitchers and catchers report to spring training, the Orioles are applying the finishing touches to the construction of their minor league staffs and an announcement is coming within the next few days. Certainly before I board my Monday flight to Sarasota. What do we know? Well, let's start with Gary Kendall, who's replacing Ron Johnson as manager at Triple-A Norfolk. Mike Griffin returns as Tides pitching coach. Buck Britton moves up from low Single-A...

The Austin Brice era with the Orioles was fleeting. It lasted about a month. The Marlins have claimed Brice off waivers after the Orioles designated him for assignment on Jan. 28 to create a spot for infielder Jack Reinheimer on the 40-man roster. Reinheimer was claimed off waivers from the Rangers. The Orioles claimed Brice from the Angels on Jan. 4 and designated infielder Breyvic Valera for assignment. They traded Valera to the Giants the following day for cash considerations. Brice, 26, is...

OK, Nationals fans, a friendly reminder from your friends at MASN: We're all psyched that pitchers and catchers report to West Palm Beach in six days, and that the Nats' first spring training game - which you can watch on MASN - takes place in two weeks and change, on Feb. 23. But we'd hate to see you neglect your sweetheart in the excitement. Valentine's Day is one week from today, and if you forget to pick up those chocolates, order those flowers or get that Alfa Romeo in the driveway -...

After a busy offseason, 2019 is sure to be thrilling both on and off the field. Fans coming to Nationals Park will be treated to an exciting National League East Division race, and there will be several new promotions and special events for fans to enjoy. The Washington Nationals are excited to announce the team's full 2019 promotional calendar, which can be found online at nationals.com/Promotions! Single game tickets for all 2019 regular season games, excluding Opening Day, will go on sale...