The Orioles signed infielder Steve Tolleson to a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training. A team official confirmed the move, which first appeared in Baseball America's minor league free agent tracker. I'm told that Tolleson actually signed a few weeks ago, but it must have slipped under the radar. He's always wanted to return to them and finally got his wish. Tolleson appeared in 29 games with the Orioles in 2012 and has always been a favorite of manager Buck Showalter,...

Orioles outfielder Henry Urrutia says he will begin playing again on Tuesday in the Venezuelan Winter League now that he's recovered from a virus that produced severe flu-like symptoms. Urrutia's last game for Leones del Caracas was on Wednesday, before he came down with a fever and felt pain throughout his body. Urrutia's 19-month-old son developed the same symptoms and was taken to the emergency room at a local hospital the following day. They're both doing fine now. You may recall that...

The Nationals may not have to look far to solve some of their bullpen issues this winter. Darren O'Day is widely considered the best free agent reliever available after making his first All-Star team with the Orioles in 2015. ESPN.com reports the Nats and Dodgers are chasing O'Day harder than any other ballclubs, though the Braves, Tigers and Red Sox are also reportedly in the mix for the right-hander's services. O'Day went 6-2 with a 1.50 ERA and 0.93 WHIP over 65 1/3 innings in 68...

One issue for the Orioles in 2015 involved a bullpen that didn't provide enough flexibility. Too many relievers without minor league options. Too many instances where the club was challenged to bring up a fresh arm. Tommy Hunter was shipped to the Cubs at the non-waiver deadline to free up a spot. It was a risky move for a team still in contention. A fan suggested Saturday on "Wall to Wall Baseball" on MASN that the Orioles could solve the problem by having seven good relievers, eliminating...

The hot stove season is about to really heat up and there is so much focus on potential additions to all teams. Which players can they add and how much better will that make them? There has been plenty of discussion about the Orioles and whether they can retain some of their own free agents. If not, which players might they pursue through trades and/or free agency? But what about the core group the Orioles to have to build around and/or add to? Is that at least a good starting point for the...

The Salt River Rafters did well in Arizona Fall League play, finishing second to eventual champion Scottsdale. At 16-13, the Rafters were 1 1/2 games back of the Scorpions in the East Division. Second baseman Chris Bostick had the best surge to finish the fall season. He had nine hits in his final six games, including three doubles, a triple and a home run. It was a whirlwind 2015 season for Bostick. Last season, he was with high Single-A Myrtle Beach and then traded to the Nationals. He played...

Without a doubt, the Nationals bullpen has the most questions on the team's roster this winter. General manager Mike Rizzo's decisions with his core of relievers begins with whether to forge forward or part ways with veteran right-handers Jonathan Papelbon and Drew Storen after stormy conclusions to both of their seasons. Right-hander Casey Janssen had a nightmare of a year and the Nationals declined his 2016 option, making him a free agent. Left-hander Matt Thornton also entered free agency...

I wrote last month that the Orioles would have interest in bringing back outfielder L.J. Hoes if the Astros made him available. Well, the Astros designated Hoes for assignment on Friday to clear a spot on their 40-man roster. To update my earlier post, the Orioles still have interest in Hoes and I still relish the headline possibilities. The Orioles traded Hoes, minor league left-hander Josh Hader and a competitive balance pick to the Astros on July 31, 2013 for starter Bud Norris, who won 15...

He became the 1,000th player in Orioles history when he made his debut with the club on Aug. 1. But now will he will be among the first to leave this offseason? What to do with free agent outfielder Gerardo Parra? The day before that debut, Parra was acquired from Milwaukee for Triple-A right-handed pitcher Zach Davies to help shore up the O's corner outfield. While Parra struggled at times with the Orioles, the 22-year-old Davies went 3-2 with a ERA of 3.71 in six starts with Milwaukee. He...

The Nationals can't swing another blockbuster deal for a top starting pitcher this offseason. Or can they? Coming off 2014, where their rotation led the National League, the Nats showed an ultra-aggressive approach by signing Max Scherzer to record $210 million contract for a right-hander. That move bumped 15-game winner Tanner Roark out of the starting five. But with right-handers Jordan Zimmermann and Doug Fister likely heading elsewhere in free agency, Roark is seemingly set to resume his...