There has been some discussion about free agent pitcher Yovani Gallardo and his declining strikeout rates in recent years. But at the same time, while the strikeouts have declined, so has his ERA. Over the last four years, his two lowest seasons of strikeouts per nine innings have also produced his lowest ERAs in that stretch: 2012: strikeouts per nine innings rate of 9.0 and 3.66 ERA2013: strikeouts per nine innings rate of 7.2 and 4.18 ERA2014: strikeouts per nine innings rate of 6.8 and 3.51...

Will today be the day that the Orioles and pitcher Yovani Gallardo reach agreement on a three-year contract? I didn't get the sense from executive vice president Dan Duquette that a deal was imminent. There's still work to be done and it may extend negotiations into the weekend. He didn't give off a "stay close to your laptop" vibe, and I'm pretty good at picking up on them. During last night's "Hot Stove Show" on 105.7 The Fan, I asked manager Buck Showalter whether he expects at...

While the Orioles continue discussions with the agent for right-hander Yovani Gallardo, they're not expected to reach agreement tonight. More works remains as the Orioles attempt to sign Gallardo to a three-year deal. They've made progress, but they're still short of the finish line. Executive vice president Dan Duquette wouldn't comment on Gallardo or any other free agent or trade targets. However, when asked whether a move could be made later today, he replied, "I doubt it." "We're...

Still no word on an agreement between the Orioles and pitcher Yovani Gallardo. Negotiations continue on a three-year deal and the club remains optimistic, according to a source. My guess is the phrase "opt out" keeps coming up. Gallardo wants one in his contract and the Orioles are against it. Meanwhile, the Orioles have released their 2016 promotion and giveaway schedule, which includes a Manny Machado garden gnome on July 9. All fans are eligible to receive it. Will it be as popular as last...

Kids Run the Bases expands to include every Sunday home game The Orioles today released their 2016 promotional schedule highlighted by several new items, including an Orioles batting practice pullover, a Manny Machado garden gnome, an Orioles 1966 replica jersey to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the club's first World Series title, special Mother's Day and Father's Day-themed giveaways, and two Orioles bobbleheads, as well as the return of several fan-favorite events such as Kids'...

Pitchers and catchers report one week from today. That's one week until the return of baseball, and the Orioles are inviting their fans to watch the first workouts of the new season. The Orioles announced today that fans are welcome to watch the team's first workouts on the back fields of the Ed Smith Stadium complex each day from Feb. 19-29. There is no charge for attendance or parking, which will be available in the East Lot off 12th Street and Tuttle Avenue. A day after reporting,...

When reflecting on Max Scherzer's 2015 season, two no-hitters immediately come to mind - and rightfully so. However, I could argue that a performance that wasn't a no-hitter may have been his best start of the season. This game is a standout, as the Nationals ace simply made Brewer after Brewer look silly. In the shutout victory, Scherzer allowed just one bloop single and one walk while striking out 16. Yes, 16 batters! While he went on to record a nearly perfect no-hitter in his next start,...

The first official spring training workout day for Orioles pitchers and catchers at Ed Smith Stadium will be held on Friday, February 19. Fans are invited to watch the team's workouts on the back fields at the complex each day through February 29. There is no charge to attend, and free parking is available in the East Lot off of 12th Street and Tuttle Avenue. Orioles pitchers and catchers will take the field at approximately 10:00 a.m. on Friday, February 19. The club will work out from...

This spring training will be a big one for outfielder Henry Urrutia, who will try to show that he deserves a spot on the Orioles' 25-man roster. While O's fans have only seen Urrutia in two short stints in the big leagues - one in 2013 and one in 2015 - he has made an impact. Last season, he hit .265 (9-for-34) in 10 games with the Orioles. Of those nine hits, none topped the throwback moment we're looking at today. The Orioles and Mets were tied at 4-4 in the bottom of the ninth when...

There is a lot riding on this season for Stephen Strasburg as he enters the final year of his contract with the Nationals. Few players in recent memory have arrived in baseball with as much hype as Strasburg did after Washington made him the first overall pick in the 2009 First-Year Player Draft. Of course, we all remember his stunning 14-strikeout debut against the Pirates on that gorgeous night in June 2010. But then Tommy John surgery shelved the right-hander, and when he returned,...