The Nationals have set their early-camp roster for prospects as spring training continues in Viera, Fla. The minicamp schedule includes a game March 14 against the Mets and then a second game on the road March 15 against the Mets. The roster includes the likes of pitchers Erick Fedde and Reynaldo Lopez, catcher Jakson Reetz, infielders Osvaldo Abreu, Anderson Franco, Edwin Lora, Jose Marmolejos, Stephen Perez, Shawn Pleffner, Ian Sagdal, Max Schrock and Drew Ward, outfielders Rafael Bautista,...

Maybe today we find out if Yovani Gallardo will be in the Orioles rotation or not. Just when fans were getting used to the thought of the right-hander being about to join the team came the news of additional medical tests taking place. The physical is not complete, the signing is not final. The Orioles did get one of the two players they have been pursuing last night when they agreed to a three-year deal with outfielder Dexter Fowler. Meanwhile, over the last few days, several fans have...

One player who has made an early impression in spring training is flamethrower Felipe Rivero. "Boy, that lefty out there throwing 100 mph, he's got a pretty good chance," manager Dusty Baker said earlier this week. Last season, over 49 appearances, Rivero pitched to a 2.79 ERA. Headed into his sophomore season, will the 24-year-old be able to keep up his reputation as a staple in the bullpen? Leave a comment with your predictions and check out one of the Nationals' best plays from last...

Reliever Mychal Givens made quite the impression in his rookie season. The shortstop-turned-pitcher appeared in 22 games for the Orioles in 2015 and pitched to a stellar 1.80 ERA. Now heading into his sophomore campaign, there are many questions surrounding Givens. Although the 25-year-old is expected to break camp with the team, he is one of the few optionable pieces that make up the Orioles bullpen. Will he be with the O's to begin the 2016 regular season or will he be shuttled back and...

MiLB.com came out with its rankings of the top position players by organization. The Nationals were rated No. 13 out of the 30 teams for their talent level of position players. MiLB.com said it measured these players based on the "quality and quantity of top talent in each system." Nationals prospects mentioned for this ranking included Trea Turner, Victor Robles, Wilmer Difo and Pedro Severino. The write-up was glowing regarding Turner and how close he is to being an everyday major league...

SARASOTA, Fla. - While the Yovani Gallardo drama plays out, we're left to ponder the repercussions as they relate to the roster and the continuing perception that the Orioles' physical is harder to pass than a 10-lb. kidney stone. A few pitchers expressed frustration over it yesterday. Guys were genuinely excited by the news that Gallardo agreed to terms. They didn't like having the rug pulled out from under them. Not that the deal is dead as I post this blog entry. The Orioles are giving up...

As one deal potentially may be falling apart, another came together. Tonight, for what look to be the same terms offered to free agent pitcher Yovani Gallardo, the Orioles added free agent outfielder Dexter Fowler. They've agreed to terms with Fowler on a three-year deal worth $35 million, according to reports first from MASNsports.com's Roch Kubatko and then from ESPN. Last year for the Chicago Cubs, Fowler hit .250/.346/.411 with 29 doubles, eight triples, 17 homers (a career high), 46...

SARASOTA, Fla. - While the Orioles await the results of the next round of tests administered to pitcher Yovani Gallardo, they filled another need by reaching agreement with outfielder Dexter Fowler on a three-year deal worth about $35 million, according to an industry source. The deal doesn't include an option or an opt-out clause. It's pending a physical, which is always an important notation. Fowler, who turns 30 next month, projects as the everyday right fielder and leadoff hitter,...

VIERA, Fla. - Close your eyes and conjure up an image of Dusty Baker, watching his team from the top step of the dugout - cap on, sunglasses perched on his nose, hand to his chin as he ponders his next move. Now what does Baker have in his mouth? A toothpick, right? It has become synonymous with the Nationals' new manager. For decades, he's rarely been seen at work without a toothpick twirling between his lips. But why? How and when did this all start? Baker shared the story Tuesday from his...

VIERA, Fla. - With only four days of official pitchers and catchers workouts in the books, Dusty Baker is still trying to get a full sense of what exactly he has to work with at Nationals camp. Some players' names still elude him, and his scouting reports are far from complete, but the new manager does have a strong overall impression on the state of his pitching staff. "I've had some good teams, but these are the toughest pitching decisions I've ever had to make," said Baker, who has two...