VIERA, Fla. - Saturday's workout, the first official one of the Dusty Baker era in D.C., didn't look all that different from previous workouts run by former Nationals managers in Viera. Pitchers threw for 10 minutes off the bullpen mounds, while others took fielding practice. Fundamentals were stressed. Everybody was in a good mood, combining serious preparation with plenty of lighthearted moments. "It was a very good first day," Baker said afterward. As a newcomer to the organization,...

SARASOTA, Fla. - While the Orioles continue their offseason spending spree, they apparently haven't reopened extension talks with the agent for pitcher Chris Tillman. The sides discussed an extension in January 2015 and agreed to shut it down if an agreement couldn't be reached by opening day. The Orioles tossed out a preliminary figure, a source confirmed at the time, and nothing else came of it. Tillman avoided an arbitration hearing last month by signing for $6.225 million. He can become a...

So it is done and this time it seems pretty final, if not yet official. The Orioles have agreed to sign free agent pitcher Yovani Gallardo to a three-year deal worth $35 million with an option for a fourth year. A $35 million deal will bring the Orioles' free agent spending this offseason to a total of $249.8 million. They previously re-signed Chris Davis to a seven-year deal worth $161 million. They re-signed Darren O'Day to a four-year deal worth $31 million. They re-signed Matt Wieters to...

Left-hander Sean Burnett has returned to the Nationals looking for a chance to reignite his career. He is certainly antsy to get going again after missing all of last season as he recovered from Tommy John surgery, looking to switch back from the red and white of an Angels uniform to that of the Nationals. Following the Nationals' 2012 playoff run, Burnett appeared in only 16 games in two seasons with the Los Angeles Angels. He continued to have elbow problems that limited his ability to...

VIERA, Fla. - Though the Nationals bullpen underwent a near-complete makeover this winter, there really aren't many spots up for grabs this spring. Jonathan Papelbon, Shawn Kelley, Oliver Perez and Yusmiero Petit all have guaranteed contracts and track records to suggest each is a lock to make the club. And Felipe Rivero and recently acquired Trevor Gott both are coming off promising rookie seasons that leave each young reliever in a strong position to head north. Which leaves, in all...

SARASOTA, Fla. - Everyone scheduled to throw a bullpen session today took the mound to conclude the second official workout at the Ed Smith Stadium complex. Todd Redmond is expected back in camp on Sunday after leaving for a few days to attend to a family matter. Center fielder Adam Jones is expected to report on Sunday. Hunter Harvey impressed this afternoon, displaying a smooth, repeatable delivery and popping the catcher's mitt. Manager Buck Showalter noted how Harvey's arm slot is higher...

VIERA, Fla. - There are 21-year-olds who look totally out of place in their first big league camp. And then there's Lucas Giolito, who stands out in the Nationals' spring clubhouse like a sore thumb, not because he looks young and timid, but because he looks and acts the part of an established major leaguer. At 6-foot-6, 255 lbs., Giolito towers over most of the other pitchers in this camp. And with a soft-spoken, yet confident demeanor, he already displays the poise of a ballplayer far more...

SARASOTA, Fla. - Orioles executive vice president Dan Duquette reported to camp yesterday afternoon, bringing his work with him from the third floor of the warehouse at Camden Yards. He met with the media for about 10 minutes today while pitchers and catchers worked out on various fields. There's no news to pass along except that the Orioles don't appear especially close to signing free agent pitcher Yovani Gallardo or outfielder Dexter Fowler. Nothing is imminent. However, as always,...

SARASOTA, Fla. - Rule 5 outfielder Joey Rickard reported to camp this morning, another position player arriving early. Dylan Bundy mentioned yesterday that he's counting on the veteran relievers to assist in his transition to a bullpen role. Darren O'Day is the obvious choice as the leader of the group. Bundy made two relief appearances with the Orioles in September 2012. O'Day was there. So were the laughs. "I wonder if he talked about the first time we mentored him in Fenway when he made...

VIERA, Fla. - The Nationals clubhouse at Space Coast Stadium was buzzing this morning, packed with pitchers and catchers in advance of their first official workout of the spring. Jonathan Papelbon took control of the stereo and blasted country music throughout the room, which came alive with players, coaches and others laughing and introducing themselves to newcomers. There are plenty of position players here already, as well, including Bryce Harper, who strolled in this morning. (No, he...