Many Nationals fans are still feeling the sting of disappointment from 2015, when preseason World Series predictions dissolved in a cloud of injuries, disappointing performances and clubhouse dissension. The Nats finished out of the postseason and watched as the National League East rival New York Mets stole their division, playoff and pennant dreams. For all but the most optimistic fans, there are no such lofty dreams this season. With a new manager in Dusty Baker, a revamped bullpen and new...

The Orioles embark on the 2016 season following what is quite possibly one of the strangest offseasons in recent memory. There were more ups and downs over the last five months than on a roller coaster. Entering the offseason, no one expected the O's to bring back their free agents. There was no chance they were paying Matt Wieters, Chris Davis and Darren O'Day. Yet, here we are and all three remain on the roster. After an offseason where the franchise spent more money than ever, we're left...

As the season opens, here are thoughts, predictions and tips on how the season is going to go: * The Nationals are going to win the National League East by eight games over the Mets. Outside of Bronson Arroyo, what problems have there been? The offense will be much improved with the left-handed bats of Daniel Murphy and Ben Revere - players who seldom strike out - adding balance. And it helps that Jayson Werth, Ryan Zimmerman and Anthony Rendon are healthy. Last spring training, Rendon had four...

Right-hander Max Scherzer makes his second opening day start for the Nationals today at Atlanta and said he's not intimidated by taking the ball for the season's first game. Instead, he relishes the moment. "It's an honor," Scherzer said Friday. "It's a really cool thing to be the opening day starter because the opening day is kind of a celebration of baseball. It's a kick start to the year. So to be a part of that and be on the mound for game one it's really cool." Scherzer will be...

We've reached another opening day, my 20th on the Orioles beat. There's rain in the forecast, but I've covered openers in the snow. Rain isn't going to faze me. In 2003, the Indians' Ellis Burks hit a fly ball to right field in the third inning that Jay Gibbons lost in the flakes. Second baseman Jerry Hairston sprinted after the ball, knowing that Gibbons couldn't find it. First base umpire Chuck Meriweather ran up the line and ducked, unsure whether it was going to bounce off his...

Happy opening day, everyone - and welcome to the 2016 Orioles season! When they play ball today at 3:05 p.m. at Camden Yards against Minnesota, right-hander Chris Tillman (11-11, 4.99 ERA in 2015) faces right-hander Ervin Santana (7-5, 4.00 ERA in 2015). In his last seven starts last season, Santana went 5-1 with a 1.62 ERA. While Santana will be making his first opening day start, this is the third in a row for Tillman. In the last two openers, he went 1-0 with an ERA of 1.54. He pitched the...

ATLANTA - The day has arrived. At long last, it is officially baseball season. The Nationals and Braves will be taking the field later this afternoon for Game 1 of 162 (or possibly more). Which means it's time to make some official 2016 predictions. Many of you may remember this from previous years on previous websites, but for the uninitiated: My colleagues who cover the Nationals on a daily basis are kind enough to submit their predictions for a whole bunch of team-related questions. We...

Here are the Orioles' "break camp" rosters for their four full-season minor league affiliates. They are Triple-A Norfolk, Double-A Bowie, Single-A Frederick and Single-A Delmarva. These are preliminary rosters and not completely set for opening day in the minors on Thursday. These rosters are subject to some changes. NORFOLK Pitchers: Todd Redmond, Odrisamer Despaigne, Terry Doyle, Nick Additon, Oliver Drake, Pedro Beato, Richard Rodriguez, Andy Oliver, Jason Stoffel, Edgar Olmos, Cesar...

Vance Worley didn't know he made the club until noticing today that his jerseys and pants were hanging in his locker at Camden Yards. Nolan Reimold wasn't aware that he was part of the Orioles' 25-man roster until realizing that no one told him otherwise as morning turned to afternoon. The bubble guys didn't burst. Worley started Friday night's exhibition game in Philadelphia and had no idea whether the ensuing trip to Baltimore signified that he was staying for opening day. "Just trying...

The Orioles are continuing their workout today at chilly Camden Yards, many players wearing wool caps and hooded sweatshirts. Hyun Soo Kim is on the field with his teammates after the club failed to convince him to extend his spring training in the minors. "Kim's been on the roster and we asked him to take some more time to get the at-bats that we felt he needed to show the form that he had shown in international competition," said executive vice president Dan Duquette. "It was his option....