There are a few good reasons that the Orioles have been reluctant to part with the No. 14 pick in the first round of next June's First-Year Player Draft. If the Orioles had signed or do sign a player that turned down a qualifying offer, they have to part with that draft pick. For one, the Orioles hope to get a player with that pick that will advance to the major leagues and help them win games for years. But beyond that, money to sign the picks is involved. The Orioles currently have six of...

During his introductory press conference earlier this month, the new Nationals infielder Daniel Murphy revealed that he pays close attention to the First-Year Player Draft. Murphy, a seven-year veteran, was asked which of his new, younger Nationals teammates stick out most from recent drafts. He chose Joe Ross, a pitcher he recalled from their encounters last season. "Ross was the easy one to remember because he punched me out a couple times on that slider on my back foot," Murphy recalled....

Former Orioles outfielder, first baseman and all-around good guy Steve Pearce sent out a couple of tweets last night after signing his one-year, $4.75 million contract with the Rays. While expressing excitement over his latest opportunity, he took the time to acknowledge his recent past. "While I am looking forward to the new challenge, I will forever remember my years in Baltimore with such great teammates, ownership, front office personal, members of the media, and especially, the tremendous...

When you compare the 2014 Orioles pitching staff to the 2015 version, the 2014 team wins easily. That certainly is no big surprise to anyone who watched the team drop from 96 to 81 wins. We've been hearing words like "bounceback" and "rebound," and we are not talking about basketball here. We're talking about the Orioles' ability to pitch as individuals and collectively as well as they did in 2014. Is that realistic? Comparing the pitching the last two seasons: 2014: 3.43 ERA, .244...

Right-hander Erick Fedde, 22, made a solid return from Tommy John surgery to pitch well for 60-plus innings in the Nationals system in 2015. The 2014 first-round selection went 4-1 with a 2.57 ERA in eight starts for short-season Single-A Auburn. He also made six starts for low Single-A Hagerstown. The Nationals measured his work, keeping him at 64 combined innings just over a year removed from the procedure. All indications point to Fedde making the next step in the system, similar to what top...

I think we have enough snow to last us until opening day, thanks to Winter Storm Jonas, which crushed the DMV area last weekend. If you want a comprehensive recap of the storm and its aftermath, check out MASN broadcaster Jim Hunter's Twitter timeline. All of it is fantastic, but I'll just show you my favorites. Kudos to all of our local TV reporters braving the blizzard to keep us informed. Thanks from us all ! Outstanding work. #snowmaggedon2016 -- Jim Hunter (@JimOriolesTV) January 24,...

Well, Winter Storm Jonas came through the area last weekend and crushed D.C. like Bryce Harper crushes fastballs. It also crushed MASN broadcaster F.P. Santangelo's elbow from all the snow it left for shoveling. Is there a Tommy John for shoveling snow? #leftarmprobs -- F.P. Santangelo (@FightinHydrant) January 25, 2016 Although Jonas left everyone stuck in their houses and exhausted from shoveling almost three feet of snow, the storm also left a pretty scene at Nationals Park. A beautiful...

Infielder Joey Terdoslavich cleared waivers and has been outrighted to Triple-A Norfolk, according to a tweet from the Orioles. The Orioles designated Terdoslavich for assignment last week to make room for first baseman Chris Davis on the 40-man roster. Terdoslavich, a switch-hitter who also plays the outfield, was selected off waivers from the Braves on Jan. 8. He didn't last long on the 40-man, but he remains in the organization. The Orioles designated outfielder L.J. Hoes for assignment...

Free agent right-hander Doug Fister has signed a one-year, $7 million deal with the Astros after pitching the last two seasons for the Nationals. Washington acquired Fister from the Tigers in December 2013 in exchange for infielder Steve Lombardozzi, left-hander Ian Krol and minor league lefty Robbie Ray. Fister became arguably the Nationals' most effective starter in 2014, going 16-6 with a 2.41 ERA and winning the only game for Washington in the National League Division Series. Fister, who...

So much for the Orioles signing Doug Fister to fill out their rotation. The Astros have agreed to terms with Fister on a one-year deal. The club confirmed it in a tweet this morning. SB Nation's Chris Cotillo reports that Fister will receive a guaranteed $7 million, and performance bonuses can push the total value to $12 million. The Orioles were interested in Fister, but they also had concerns about his health. He reportedly sought a two-year deal for around $22 million and the Orioles...