SARASOTA, Fla. - We're only one day into the Orioles minicamp and manager Buck Showalter is accomplishing everything on the list. Pitchers coming off surgeries are checked, the newbies are evaluated, meetings are held with everyone who received an invitation. Chris Tillman's workouts while the club retains interest in re-signing him are an added bonus. I'll just assume that he remains out of view of the three beat writers who made the trip. "The criteria for being here, and we have a lot of...

Over the weekend, the Orioles were once again linked to free agent right-hander Andrew Cashner. When the free agent period began, MLBTradeRumors.com ranked him as the No. 27 free agent on a list of all available players. They projected he would get a two-year deal for $20 million from the Oakland Athletics. Here is what I have written previously about Cashner, when we looked at him here: He signed a one-year $10 million deal for Texas last winter and it paid off for the Rangers. After pitching...

SARASOTA, Fla. - The Orioles set up their yearly minicamps, initially at Camden Yards and for the past five years at the Ed Smith Stadium complex in Sarasota, in part to gather early impressions on pitchers they've mostly known through scouting reports, video and word of mouth. Manager Buck Showalter already held a favorable opinion of left-hander Nestor Cortes Jr. and it heightened after the first day of minicamp. "Cortes can spin the ball. Did you all see that?" Showalter asked following...

SARASOTA, Fla. - Orioles manager Buck Showalter continues to proceed as if Manny Machado will be part of his opening day lineup, though trade discussions haven't closed. There's no other way to handle the matter. Showalter has talked to Machado and Tim Beckham about the left side of the infield and how it might unfold. Machado could move over to shortstop, the spot where Beckham prefers to play. It's a delicate situation. "It's further along than it was," Showalter said. Any...

SARASOTA, Fla. - Pitcher Chris Tillman, who has a home here, is working out at the Ed Smith Stadium complex after receiving permission from the Orioles. Tillman is a free agent and manager Buck Showalter expressed interest today in bringing back the veteran right-hander. Showalter also said he'd like to hold onto free agent outfielder Craig Gentry, whose defense and speed are valuable assets. Showalter didn't dismiss the idea of bringing back Pedro Álvarez, but conceded it would be...

Single game tickets on sale March 1 at 12 p.m. Following the reveal of select promotional items on the team's Twitter account (@nationals), the Washington Nationals released the team's 2018 promotional calendar online at nationals.com/Promotions! "This season we have exciting offerings for fans of all ages and interests. From our expanded giveaway lineup for our younger fans - featuring a kids giveaway each month of the season - to more local College Days, Theme Nights and special-ticket...

SARASOTA, Fla. - The first day of Orioles minicamp wrapped up this morning with Rule 5 pick Nestor Cortes Jr. completing a bullpen session, pitchers running sprints and Dariel Álvarez playing catch on flat ground as he recovers from ligament-reconstructive surgery on his right elbow. Álvarez is converting from outfielder to reliever. Manager Buck Showalter is joined by pitching coach Roger McDowell, bullpen coach Alan Mills, bench coach John Russell, special assignment pitching instructor...

SARASOTA, Fla. - The Orioles announced this morning that assistant athletic trainer Brian Ebel has been promoted to the head position as Richie Bancells' replacement. Bancells retired in October after 41 seasons in the organization. Ebel, 51, has spent the last 21 seasons as the assistant and is entering his 34th year with the Orioles. He's only the fourth head athletic trainer in club history. A graduate of Eastern Kentucky University, Ebel began his career in 1985 at 19 when he served as...

The Baltimore Orioles have named Brian Ebel as the club's Head Athletic Trainer, and Mark Shires and Pat Wesley as Assistant Athletic Trainers. Ebel spent the last 21 seasons as the Assistant Athletic Trainer under former Head Athletic Trainer Richie Bancells. He is just the fourth Head Athletic Trainer in Orioles history since the franchise moved to Baltimore in 1954. The 2018 season will mark Ebel's 34th year with the Orioles organization. He began his career in 1985 at the age of 19 when...

The spotlight is shining now on a pair of Nationals prospects that pitched for the Mesa Solar Sox in the Arizona Fall League. Right-hander Kyle McGowin notched three wins in six starts for the Mesa. He recorded 27 strikeouts with no walks. His pitching coach in the AFL, Michael Tejera, said McGowin did well for himself as he prepares for 2018. The 26-year-old McGowin throws a fastball, slider and changeup. "Kyle has three pitches. All three pitches were working for him," Tejera said. "He was...