We've seen predictions about where some of the key free agents may sign and predictions for the contract values, but one element we would have a hard time predicting is exactly when these contracts will be signed. The timing of the deals could impact other moves teams make. Take the Orioles, for instance. If they are truly going to be a player for first baseman Chris Davis, they must be prepared first of all to sign a player to a deal in excess of $100 million for the first time. But what if...

The first day of the general managers meetings concluded in Boca Raton, Fla., and nothing newsy developed with the Orioles. Again, that's how it's expected to be with a month remaining before the Winter Meetings in Nashville. It would go against the norm for executive vice president Dan Duquette to swing a major deal or sign a free agent this early in the process. But he'll continue to meet with other officials and get a feel for whether they could evolve into trade partners. Agent Scott...

Bryce Harper was named the National League Outstanding Player of the Year at tonight's Major League Baseball Players Choice Awards. Harper smashed 42 homers, tying Colorado's Nolan Arenado for tops in the league. He led the NL in on-base percentage (.460) and slugging percentage (.649), while his .330 batting average was second best in the league to Miami's Dee Gordon. "I'm definitely very fortunate to play this game every single day," Harper said after receiving the honor on MLB Network....

The latest baseball Hall of Fame ballot is in the mail to eligible voters - and this time, there is a new twist. The Hall of Fame cut the number of eligible voters from the Baseball Writers' Association of America, so how a smaller electorate will affect the voting is yet to be determined. Last year, there were 549 ballots cast, meaning that 412 votes - 75 percent - were needed to make Cooperstown. This year, 475 writers are eligible for ballots. The ballots are due Dec. 21 and results will be...

Orioles center fielder Adam Jones was recognized tonight for his work away from Camden Yards instead of his production at the plate and in the field. Jones has been named recipient of the Marvin Miller Man of the Year award, given annually to the player "who inspires others through his on-field performances and contributions to his community." Jones finished ahead of Marlins second baseman Dee Gordon and White Sox reliever David Robertson in voting by his peers. Jones is the only Orioles...

This morning in West Palm Beach, Nationals principal owner Mark Lerner and president of baseball operations Mike Rizzo were joined by Major League Baseball commissioner Rob Manfred and representatives of the Houston Astros at a groundbreaking ceremony for the new spring training complex the two teams will share. If there are no delays in construciton, the $135 million facility is expected to be ready in time for Grapefruit League action in 2017. Manfred and the Nationals and Astros officials...

Five former Orioles return to the latest Hall of Fame Ballot, which has been released today by the Baseball Writers' Association of America. Mike Mussina, Tim Raines, Curt Schilling, Lee Smith and Sammy Sosa are included among the 32 candidates for election. Outfielder Ken Griffey Jr., a 13-time All-Star who ranks sixth on the all-time home run list with 630, and closer Trevor Hoffman, who ranks second to Mariano Rivera with 601 career saves and 856 games finished, are counted among 15...

Orioles top pitching prospect Dylan Bundy has been scratched from his scheduled start today in the Arizona Fall League. It was to be his third outing in the AFL. "He has a little tightness in his forearm," said Orioles director of player development Bran Graham, who is in Arizona today. "He's fine, no injury. Just some tightness, so we backed off. It's day to day. With tightness in his forearm, obviously, we're not going to push him through that. There is no major concern." Bundy had...

The highly publicized issue with the Nationals bullpen, especially in the second half of last season, figures to be the most pressing problem general manager Mike Rizzo faces this offseason. Whether or not closer Jonathan Papelbon and disgruntled former closer Drew Storen remain on the team is obviously the first order of business that must be sorted out. Besides the bullpen woes, the Nationals offense lacked fluidity while dealing with countless injuries throughout the year. Veterans Jayson...

Right-hander Abel del los Santos took the loss in the Arizona Fall League Rising Stars Game on Saturday night as the West beat the East 8-3. With the game tied at 2-2 in the fifth inning,, de los Santos allowed a couple of hits, a wild pitch, a passed ball and a sacrifice fly. He did finish the inning, allowing only the one run. The Salt River Rafters (12-8) are one game back of Scottsdale for first place in the East Division as the second half begins in AFL play. The Rafters have lost two in a...