Providing a few thoughts on a few different topics today: Is Pedro Alvarez still a fit for the Orioles?: Probably only in the sense that they could use another left-handed bat. But when Chris Davis re-signed, that put a real dent into the possibility of Alvarez as an Oriole - unless the O's are OK with a lineup of Davis at first, Mark Trumbo in right and Alvarez at DH or one that would leave Trumbo on the bench. It seems pretty unlikely that Alvarez would ever use his glove much as an...

Being selected as one of the top three prospects in Nationals organization puts a player in elite company. Outfielder Victor Robles, 18, displayed his talents for the short-season Single-A Auburn Doubledays, slashing an impressive .343/.424/.479 in 38 games, drawing praise from scouts, managers, players and baseball publications. Baseball America believes he is one of the best prospects in the minor leagues. No. 3 Victor Robles Baseball America editor-in-chief John Manuel said recently his...

Orioles Executive Vice President of Baseball Operations Dan Duquette issued the following statement today on the death of Orioles minor league infielder Ramon Ramirez, who was killed in a motorcycle accident in the Dominican Republic on Saturday evening. "Our entire organization is deeply saddened by the sudden and tragic death of Ramon Ramirez. As a member of the Orioles organization, Ramon worked tirelessly to make the most of his opportunity to play professional baseball. Our thoughts are...

Orioles minor league infielder Ramon Ramirez was killed yesterday in the Dominican Republic when his motorcycle was struck by a vehicle. He was 23. The club is still gathering information on the accident, which occurred as Ramirez was leaving a softball game. His friends were arranging a farewell party before his return to the United States. Ramirez's girlfriend was riding on the back of the motorcycle and survived the crash. She sustained a broken leg, according to a team official. "We're...

This is the last day of the last month without baseball for a long time. Pitchers and catchers report on Feb. 18 and then it's on. Barring injury, the Nationals appear set at every position around the diamond. But what about shortstop? With Ian Desmond - though still unsigned - departing in free agency, Danny Espinosa is expected to get his first full-time shot at shortstop. But just a year ago, the Nationals were so down on Espinosa's offense that they tried to make him drop switch-hitting...

The acquisition of outfielder/first baseman Efren Navarro from the Angels has raised a few questions in relation to the Orioles' motives for making the deal. Why a player who's regarded as a plus defender at first base? Should we read anything into it? I've heard a few theories tossed around that can be debated here this morning. Maybe the Orioles targeted Navarro while searching for another left-handed hitting outfielder. He has an option, which could put him on the shuttle between Triple-A...

Yes, it is indeed time for the latest edition of "10 questions." Answer one, two, three or all of them. Give a short answer or long one. I look forward to the responses. Now, on to the questions: 1) What is Matt Wieters' future with the team? Does he get signed to a new long-term deal, get a qualifying offer after the 2016 season or get traded? 2) If the Orioles can eventually sign Manny Machado to a new contract, how huge will that deal be? 3) How would you rank the American East starting...

From a perception standpoint, it hasn't been a most favorable winter for the Nationals. A dugout brawl between eventual National League MVP Bryce Harper and hothead Jonathan Papelbon in the final days of the season set the stage for piling on. But general manager Mike Rizzo strapped up and went for it, attempting to make a statement that the Nationals were still the big, bad boys to contend with in the NL East. The problem was that nobody bought it. First, they reportedly swung and missed...

If you like random rankings, here's one to start your morning. MLB Network rated Manny Machado as the fourth-best third baseman in baseball, slotting him between the Rangers' Adrian Beltre and the Dodgers' Justin Turner. The press release stated that a number of offensive and defensive metrics were considered while compiling the list, along with projections for the upcoming season. Here's the Top 10: 1. Josh Donaldson, Blue Jays 2. Kris Bryant, Cubs 3. Adrian Beltre, Rangers 4. Manny...

Former Orioles pitcher Steve Johnson, the local product who made his major league debut four years ago at Camden Yards, has signed a minor league deal with the Rangers that includes an invitation to spring training. The Orioles designated Johnson for assignment on Dec. 2 while making a flurry of roster moves at the deadline to tender contracts to their arbitration-eligible players. They needed to create a spot for left-hander C.J. Riefenhauser on the 40-man roster. Johnson, 28, allowed six...