O's EVP @JohnPAngelos, @1brianroberts & more discuss the O's Health & Fitness Challenge program w/ @sarasotaschools. https://t.co/imlQcWbK1w -- Baltimore Orioles (@Orioles) January 20, 2016 While opening day in Birdland is still a few months away, opening day for the Orioles Health & Fitness Challenge kicked off Tuesday, Jan. 19 in Sarasota, Fla. The new program, developed in partnership with Health Fit - Powered by Sarasota Memorial Hospital, helps motivate middle school-aged...

The one-year anniversary of the Nationals shocking the baseball world by signing right-hander Max Scherzer to blockbuster seven-year, $210 million contract just passed. At the time, the deal had many scratching their heads, with the Nats already boasting the National League's top rotation from top to bottom. Fast-forward to this January and rumors of another free agent signing has left some baffled. USA Today's Bob Nightengale reports that the Nationals showed interest in Justin Upton before...

Here are a few items to carry you through the morning between trips to the grocery store, where I was greeted yesterday by an Orioles fan who asked whether Chris Davis was going to cook dinner. The Orioles continue to search for another outfielder and a starting pitcher. There's more work to do following the agreement with Davis. "We're still looking around and seeing how we can improve our team," said executive vice president Dan Duquette. Asked whether he still believes he can find a...

You can now officially map out your road trips, plan your holidays and get the excuses ready for your bosses. The Nationals schedule was announced last September, but today Major League Baseball released the game times. The Nationals begin the season in Atlanta on April 4 at 4:10 p.m. Three days later, opening day is celebrated at Nationals Park with a 4:05 p.m. matinee against the Marlins. The defending National League Central Champion Cardinals travel to D.C. for a four-game series over...

When we report on minor league players in this space, we are often talking about the top prospects and up-and-coming young talent. But there are also times that the more veteran players who don't get ranked on those prospects lists deserve some attention, too. That would include two vets who helped Double-A Bowie win the Eastern League title last September - outfielder Quincy Latimore and infielder/outfielder Garabez Rosa. Both had strong seasons in winter ball. In 68 games in the Mexican...

Orioles first baseman Chris Davis is flying into Baltimore tonight and will take his physical Wednesday and Thursday after agreeing to a seven-year, $161 million contract. With snow in the forecast this weekend, the Orioles are hoping to hold a press conference Thursday or early Friday. "That would be ideal," said executive vice president Dan Duquette. Orioles manager Buck Showalter is in Florida and said he's looking forward to getting back to Baltimore for the press conference. "If you...

As spring training nears and big-name free agents such as Justin Upton and Yoenis Cespedes look for contracts, free agent shortstop Ian Desmond is lost in the shuffle. Desmond, 30, who was the last link to the Nationals' history in Montreal, is facing a looking for a tight for shortstops. Desmond turned down a long-term contract worth at least $100 million from the Nationals. Then, he turned down their qualifying offer, meaning that the team that signs him has to give up a draft pick to the...

Orioles minor league pitcher Zack Dodson has been suspended 100 games without pay for a third positive test for a drug of abuse, according to a press release from Major League Baseball. If you're not familiar with Dodson, 25, the Orioles signed him last month as a minor league free agent. The Pirates selected him in the fourth round of the 2009 draft out of Medina Valley (Texas) High School. Dodson spent seven seasons in the Pirates system, going 31-45 with a 4.23 ERA in 131 games, including...

It is exciting to see the potential of an outstanding defensive center fielder who knows what it's like to win fall to the Nationals in the draft. In June, the Nationals selected LSU center fielder Andrew Stevenson in the second round of the First-Year Player draft. He is an aggressive, rangy and speedy outfielder who played in the College World Series and is the top-of-the-order lefty bat that the Nationals always respect. He is locked in as Baseball America's No. 8 Nats prospect for...

The Orioles again will open and close their season with 3:05 p.m. games, according to the master schedule released earlier today by Major League Baseball. Opening day for the Orioles arrives on April 4 against the Twins at Camden Yards. The regular season concludes on Oct. 2 against the Yankees in the Bronx. This is the second consecutive year that MLB has arranged for every team to play at 3:05 p.m. on the final day in case playoff spots need to be determined. The times for the other games are...