Stability has not been the case with the Nationals infield as of late. Last winter, general manager Mike Rizzo made a bold trade, bringing shortstop Yunel Escobar into the fold. Except the plan was for Escobar to play second base, a position mostly foreign to the veteran besides a few games in his 2007 rookie season. Escobar bristled at the move and eventually ended up at third after Anthony Rendon hurt his knee, then his oblique and finally his quad in a frustrating season. Beyond that...

As we move closer to 2016, the Orioles still aren't sure who's batting leadoff for them on opening day, a game that marks the major league debuts of Korean outfielder Hyun Soo Kim and first baseman Byung Ho Park. How convenient that the Twins visit Camden Yards for the first series. Manny Machado hit atop the order in 111 games this year, but the Orioles would like to move him down and take better advantage of his run-producing skills. Kim, signed to a two-year, $7 million deal on Wednesday,...

Merry Christmas and happy holidays, Birdland! Here's a hope that this is your best ever and that you get to spend it with family and friends. Enjoy the season even if you are in the warm Baltimore area, where this weather would be fully conducive for a doubleheader this afternoon. As for a quick baseball thought today, how about comparing two pitchers the Orioles have been linked to in left-hander Scott Kazmir and right-hander Yovani Gallardo? Both were projected to get four-year deals worth...

The Nationals have been searching for an everyday second baseman since the 2015 campaign came to a close. With the departure of shortstop Ian Desmond and Yunel Escobar moving on, Anthony Rendon was set at third base. So it became obvious that the Nationals needed to find a solid, veteran presence at second. They were not going to go into the season with the untested - but gigantic upside of - Trea Turner at that spot. Danny Espinosa looks like the choice at shortstop, and Turner will certainly...

The Nationals have reportedly crossed two needs off their holiday wish list on Christmas Eve, agreeing to terms on a three-year deal with second baseman Daniel Murphy, pending a physical. The 30-year-old brings a much-needed left-handed bat along with a veteran infield presence. Terms of the deal are not yet known. Following a monstrous postseason, Murphy rejected the Mets' one-year $15.8 million qualifying offer, choosing free agency. By signing Murphy, the Nats forfeit their first round pick...

Vance Worley said he's just looking for a fresh start. I guess he's keeping the hairstyle, black-rimmed glasses and funny nickname. Worley is a bit of a character. We don't know yet whether he's going to be part of the rotation or bullpen. His status could be determined by other moves made before pitchers and catchers report to spring training. The Orioles claimed Worley off waivers from the Pirates knowing that he'd started and pitched out of the bullpen, offering them choices if he...

Merry Christmas to everyone who observes the holiday. I hope your stockings are stuffed, your chestnuts are roasted, your lights are blinking only if you want them to and your credit card bill is lost in the mail. The Orioles shopped early and picked up Korean outfielder Hyun Soo Kim. No assembly required, though I started to wonder as the days passed without any word on his physical. I'm wondering how much we can read into the Orioles' desire to sign another left-handed hitter. When I asked...

Santa Claus arrived early today, which leaves me perplexed. I don't have a chimney and I haven't left the house all day. How did this happen? Note to the bearded one: Don't scarf all the Double Stuf Oreos, especially after going into the pantry to get them. If they're not on a plate in the living room next to a glass of milk, they're not for you. One box was marked "non-update updates," which hadn't been on my list. I opened it anyway and found the following: * The warehouse is closed...

Loaded with talent, the 2015 Nationals fell woefully short of expectations. Disappointment led to public embarrassment and unnecessary finger-pointing. A year after being named National League Manager of the Year, Matt Williams was shown the door in a desperate need for a breath of fresh air. Enter Dusty Baker, not exactly fresh in age at 66, but exuding cool in style. With 19 strong seasons as a player and 20 more as a major league manager, Baker's reputation preceded his arrival in the...

With the Orioles still pursuing outfielders, Hyun Soo Kim now seems like their best option to start in left field. On Wednesday, the club officially announced that Kim signed a two-year contract. The Orioles must be hoping that Kim could be to their outfield what left-hander Wei-Yin Chen was to their pitching staff when they nabbed Chen in the international market in January 2012. Chen was signed to a three-year deal with an option for the 2015 season. His initial deal was worth about $12...