The Orioles finished the 2015 season with a .500 record, going 81-81. But they had a record of 26-37 (.413) against teams that made the 2015 playoffs. Here is the rundown: * 8-11 against Toronto * 10-9 against the New York Yankees * 3-4 against Kansas City * 1-6 against Texas * 3-4 against Houston * 1-3 against the New York Mets The Orioles did not play four teams that made the postseason - St. Louis, the Chicago Cubs, Pittsburgh and the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Orioles went 18-13 (.581) at...

Unable to reach an agreement on a new lease, the Sports Legends Museum is closing its doors immediately and formulating plans to relocate. Following several weeks of negotiations, the board of directors of the Babe Ruth Birthplace Foundation today unanimously voted not to accept a counter offer from the Maryland Stadium Authority to renew its Sports Legends Museum lease at Camden Station. The museum has been a primary tenant since 2005. The board will begin "an immediate search" for a new...

The Nationals announced Monday that three of the coaches that did not have their contracts renewed with the major league club will stay in the organization in different roles. Former bench coach Randy Knorr assumes the position of senior assistant to the general manager, player development. Knorr brings a wealth of knowledge and minor league managerial and coaching experience with the Nationals to the position, which will be critical to maintaining cohesion within the system. Knorr managed the...

Baseball is a game dictated by numbers, and we now know an important one that will help shape the offseason. Sports Business Journal reported late last week that the qualifying offer for pending free agents this year will be $15.8 million, up from $15.3 million last offseason. The figure is determined by averaging together the top 125 salaries in the major leagues. Teams have until five days after the World Series to extend a qualifying offer to their prospective free agents, and the players...

The Astros won yesterday and are one victory away from advancing to the American League Championship Series. The Rangers lost last night, but they're still one victory away from advancing to the ALCS. I spent most of September talking about an epic ALCS between the Blue Jays and Royals, unable to decide on a favorite. It may happen anyway, but the odds remain stacked against it. Meanwhile, Chase Utley is starting a new business venture for his post-baseball days. If your friends introduce you...

Major League Baseball came down swiftly on Dodgers infielder Chase Utley following his slide into second base Saturday night that broke Mets shortstop Ruben Tejada's leg in the National League Division Series between New York and Los Angeles. Utley was suspended for Games 3 and 4 of the series. Utley will appeal the suspension, and because the series shifts to New York, where MLB is headquartered, expect a speedy resolution to the appeal. "After thoroughly reviewing the play from all...

For 25-year-old right-hander Mike Wright, the 2015 season was a mixed bag. He pitched well at Triple-A and made the major leagues for the first time. Those were positives. But after initial success with the Orioles, there were struggles. He has proven he can get outs at Triple-A. Now, as he looks ahead to 2016, Wright has to prove he can consistently do that at the big league level. What role he will be in if and when he gets that next chance is also uncertain. With Norfolk this season, Wright...

As the American League playoffs resume today, Toronto faces elimination in one Division Series series. In the other, Dallas Keuchel will try to pitch Houston into a series lead in the first Astros home playoff game since 2005. Kansas City plays at Houston this afternoon in Game 3 of that series, which is tied 1-1. Right-hander Edison Volquez (13-9, 3.55 ERA) faces Keuchel (20-8, 2.48 ERA), the AL's only 20-game winner. Keuchel has a remarkable 15-0 home record with an ERA of 1.46 at Minute...

It was a crazy play at second base in the seventh inning last night. When the Dodgers' Chase Utley attempted to break up a double play, it led to an injury, a controversy, a critical out lost for the Mets and a confusing replay ruling. Utley barreled into Mets shortstop Ruben Tejada with runners on first and third and one out, with the Mets leading 2-1 in the seventh. Some thought it was clearly a late and dirty slide as Tejada fell hard to the turf and suffered a cracked fibula. There will be...

Cal Ripken Jr. is attending today's Browns-Ravens game at M&T Bank Stadium. However, he won't be coaching either team next season. He may answer the phone if they call, but he's not actively searching for a job. I've decided to start killing rumors before they gain steam. As I've written numerous times, the Orioles still must decide whether to make catcher Matt Wieters the $15.8 million qualifying offer in order to obtain a compensatory draft pick if he signs with another team....