The Orioles would need to make an abrupt turn in order to remove Kevin Gausman from their 2016 rotation plans. The type of turn where brakes are slammed, the wheel is cut, the vehicle ends up on two tires, coins fly out of the change compartment and you have lots of explaining to do in traffic court. Or so I've been told. Cover your ears and shield your eyes from any trade rumors that include Gausman, and that's sound advice in any year. The Orioles haven't put him on the table in the past...

Outfielder Victor Robles continues to progress well after fall instructional league last month in Florida. I got an update on one of the more talked about Dominican prospects in the Nationals system this week. The 18-year-old Robles has displayed advanced batting skills at a young age. Nationals minor league hitting coordinator Troy Gingrich was impressed with Robles from the first time he saw the youngster swing. "The first time I saw him was two years ago at the (Nationals) Dominican...

It would appear almost a certainty that Orioles closer Zach Britton will return to the team in that role for the 2016 season. But there are some fans and readers who have wondered if Britton could help the team as a starting pitcher. Others wonder what he could bring back in a trade after seeing the Craig Kimbrel deal. On Nov. 13, the Red Sox acquired Kimbrel from San Diego and gave up a package of four prospects - a haul some felt was too much for Boston to give up. Boston traded two of its...

The Orioles announced the signings of eight players to minor league contracts with invitations to spring training. Most of the agreements already have been reported, including the deal with Korean first baseman Ji-Man Choi, who spent the last five years in the Mariners organization. Also signed were right-handers Pedro Beato and Todd Redmond, left-handers Cesar Cabral and Ashur Tolliver, infielders Steve Tolleson and Ozzie Martinez, and catcher Audry Perez. Choi is the only player with no...

Orioles pitcher Kevin Gausman can see clearly now and he's doing it without prescription glasses. He's regained his focus and his fashion sense. Gausman underwent LASIK surgery at the Johns Hopkins Wilmer Eye Institute three days after the season ended. He's so happy with the results that he recommended it to teammate Darren O'Day. "They're one of the best places in the country to do it," said Gausman, who is back home in Baton Rouge, La. "I was kind of skeptical, just because any time...

The Founders Club will host event to benefit the Miracle League of Manasota On Monday, February 22, the Orioles will hold the sixth annual OriolesREACH Birdland Golf Classic at The Founders Club to benefit the Miracle League of Manasota, an organization dedicated to providing an opportunity for every person to play baseball, regardless of their ability. Registration is now open for golfers and corporate partners. The event begins with registration at 11:00 a.m., with a shotgun start set for...

When Matt Williams was fired as Nationals manager, his entire staff was also informed that their contracts were not being renewed. However, shortly after, general manager Mike Rizzo made it clear that some coaches were welcome back if the new manager wanted their services. This morning, the Nationals announced that Bob Henley will coach third base on Dusty Baker's staff in 2016, assuming the same position he has held the previous two seasons in Washington. Last week, Baker chose Rick Schu,...

Hearing the names associated with Bryce Harper's historic National League Most Valuable Player season was like touring through Cooperstown. Only two players 22 or younger had a better OPS than Harper's major league-leading .460 mark - Hall of Famers Ted Williams and Jimmie Foxx. The Nationals slugger became the youngest player in the history of game to smash 42 homers and draw 124 walks. The previous youngest was Babe Ruth, arguably the greatest player ever, at 25 in 1920. Harper also became...

Pondering some questions today. They are about three key members of the 2015 Orioles, only two of whom we can be fairly certain will be on the 2016 team. Is there any reason to be concerned about Adam Jones?: He did hit .269, his lowest batting average since 2007, and produce his fewest doubles (25) and homers (27) since 2010 and 2011, respectively. But Jones played banged-up for several periods of time during the 2015 season and clearly played at less than 100 percent. He probably even played...

The Orioles are expected to announce later today that they signed Korean first baseman Ji-Man Choi to a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training. I've been told that the club is waiting for "confirmation" following a report over the weekend by South Korean media outlet Ilgan Sports that the deal was done. Look for it to arrive today. Choi, a switch-hitter, will earn $650,000 if he makes the club, and his contract includes a possible $350,000 in incentives. He's a career...