An economic impact analysis by Sarasota County Government has concluded that the Orioles' corporate presence through Spring Training and year-round baseball activities, as well as the club's promotion of entertainment and tourism, generated approximately $81 million in the Greater Sarasota community in the past year. The figure far exceeds the $40- to $50-million estimate reported by the State of Florida in a 2009 analysis of communities that host Major League Baseball Spring Training. The...

I'd like to challenge readers here to pick their favorite camp competition, but it's hard to do without having a set roster. I'm still putting Yovani Gallardo in the rotation until told otherwise. I won't bore you with another non-update update. Sides still talking, working out a few details, press conference would be held in Sarasota, etc. OK, I just bored you with another non-update update. Gallardo would join Chris Tillman, Ubaldo Jimenez, Miguel Gonzalez and Kevin Gausman. The only...

When Baseball Prospectus released its latest PECOTA projections for the 2016 season, it basically predicted a strong race in the American League East this year - but not one that will include the Orioles. PECOTA, which stands for Player Empirical Comparison and Optimization Test Algorithm, is Baseball Prospectus' proprietary system that projects player performance based on comparison with historical player seasons. There are three elements to PECOTA: * Major league equivalencies, to allow the...

When last we saw them assembled on a baseball field, the Nationals were managed by Matt Williams. Ian Desmond was their shortstop. Jordan Zimmermann was their most-consistent pitcher over a period of five years. Drew Storen was a key part of their bullpen. When next we see them assembled on a baseball field, none of that will be true. Williams was fired less than 24 hours after the season finale, ultimately replaced by Dusty Baker (after a brief fling with Bud Black went awry). Desmond and...

Veteran Washington, D.C., baseball journalist Mark Zuckerman has joined MASNsports.com as the site's Washington Nationals beat writer. He will be responsible for day-to-day coverage of the Nationals, beginning this week at spring training in Viera, Fla., and will appear regularly on MASN programming. "We're excited to add Mark to our staff as our Nationals beat writer," said Jim Cuddihy, MASN's executive vice president for marketing, programming and affiliate relations. "Mark has covered...

Taking a closer look at the non-roster invitees to Nationals spring training offers an intriguing list of veterans. Some have pitched or hit well in the past, some have previous Nationals experience, and the list includes the organization's top prospect, who is close to tasting the major leagues for the first time. The biggest name, by far, is baseball's top pitching prospect, right-hander Lucas Giolito. He will obviously be the biggest name to watch in spring training, to see how he fares...

It seems like just yesterday that Stephen Strasburg made one of the most anticipated professional sports debuts in history. But in a couple of days, the 27-year-old may be approaching his final spring training with the Nationals. Strasburg avoided arbitration with the Nats last month, agreeing to play the final year of his contract in Washington for a reported $10.4 million. At the Winter Meetings in December, Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo was asked about the possibility of signing...

I've been asked whether the Orioles are waiting until they reach agreement with pitcher Yovani Gallardo and outfielder Dexter Fowler before announcing both deals simultaneously, as if it's more economical that way. Like they might have found a two-for-one sale. I don't believe that the Orioles are putting anyone on hold. I don't see the logic in keeping a Gallardo agreement under wraps until Fowler also signs. But all theories are accepted here. Keep floating 'em while we wait for pitchers...

Pitchers and Catchers to report to Viera, Fla. by February 18 The Washington Nationals have agreed to terms with right-handed pitcher Bronson Arroyo, left-handed pitcher Sean Burnett, right-handed pitcher Paolo Espino, left-handed pitcher Aaron Laffey, right-handed pitcher Nick Masset, catcher Jhonatan Solano, infielder Brendan Ryan, infielder Scott Sizemore, outfielder Chris Heisey, outfielder Reed Johnson and outfielder Logan Schafer on minor league contracts with invitations to 2016 major...

There has been plenty of debate as to whether the Orioles should or should not sign pitcher Yovani Gallardo and/or outfielder Dexter Fowler. One big reason in favor of doing so for me is that they could push the Orioles over the hump in the American League East. Right now, the division looks very even and open from top to bottom. You could rank teams in almost any order and who could argue? If you see the Orioles in last place with 78 wins, you have some justification to say so. You see them as...