The Nationals have finally reached the end - and yet just the beginning. Six weeks ago, it started with some of the game's elite pitchers reporting to the same clubhouse in Space Coast Stadium. You could probably say the hype machine officially commenced in mid-January when the Nats stunned the baseball world by signing right-hander Max Scherzer. But it was really the first day of spring training when the Nats embarked on this journey, as the barrage of never-ending questions regarding...

"It's opening day!" and "Play ball!" are some of the most beautiful words in sports, especially for baseball fans. The day is finally upon us. All 30 teams, including the Orioles, have the hope of a new season where anything can happen. For the O's, this comes with something they haven't experienced since the Clinton presidency - trying to repeat as division champions. If you remember, it's something they failed to do back in 1998. After winning 98 games and going wire-to-wire in 1997...

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - The games count starting today. No more Grapefruit League statistics and starters leaving early and interviews taking place outside the clubhouse before the final out. No more players busing over from minor league camp. No more Puerto Rico Development Program. Chris Tillman gets the opening day assignment for the second consecutive season, and it's assumed that he won't have a contract extension in his back pocket unless negotiations really heated up overnight. The...

Well, that was a fast offseason. Seriously, it did feel that way to me. It seemed like we had just gotten off the plane from Kansas City, had a few weeks to catch our breath and then it was off to San Diego for the Winter Meetings. Then it was Christmas, then FanFest was here and then spring training. Now, spring training did drag on. Seemed like it was the longest it has ever been. Glad that part is over. But finally today, the Orioles play a game that counts and begin the defense of their...

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla - The Orioles aren't done tweaking their 25-man roster before opening day. According to multiple sources, the Orioles will purchase catcher Ryan Lavarnway's contract on Monday. He accompanied the team to St. Petersburg despite being reassigned earlier today. The corresponding roster move could involve reliever Ryan Webb, a surprise addition to what's become a 14-man pitching staff. Webb could go on the disabled list - he was sidelined this spring with a sore knee - but...

The Nationals have established their plan of attack for opening day 2015. General manager Mike Rizzo confirmed the only remaining question marks when he announced the 25-man roster. Left-hander Xavier Cedeno made the team as a second southpaw out of the bullpen alongside Matt Thornton. And 35-year-old Dan Uggla, considered a longshot at the start of spring training, has secured a spot and might be the team's starting second baseman on opening day. The breakdown of the roster consists of 12...

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - The Orioles submitted their 25-man roster this afternoon, which should be viewed the same as any day during the regular season. It's subject to change. They won't carry 14 pitchers for long. In fact, they could get down to 13 before the first batter steps into the box Monday at Tropicana Field. Trades and other moves still are possible despite today's 3 p.m. deadline. The Orioles held onto reliever Ryan Webb, who's earning $2.7 million this season and was put on...

The Washington Nationals announced their 2015 Opening Day 25-man roster on Sunday. President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Mike Rizzo made the announcement. The Nationals' Opening Day roster is comprised of 12 pitchers (nine right-handed pitchers, three left-handed pitchers), two catchers, six infielders and five outfielders. Three players who joined Nationals' Spring Training as non-roster invitees made the club: INF/OF Clint Robinson, 2B Dan Uggla and OF Reed Johnson. The...

When the Orioles' minor league break-camp rosters were published here yesterday, I counted 22 members of the organization's top 30 prospects from Baseball America on the four rosters. Here is the breakdown: * Single-A Frederick with seven: Chance Sisco (4), Jon Keller (13), Drew Dosch (15), David Hess (20), Adrian Marin (21), Josh Hart (25), Trey Mancini (30). * Triple-A Norfolk with six: Christian Walker (3), Dariel Alvarez (5), Zach Davies (6), Mike Wright (8), Tyler Wilson (12), Henry...

The Orioles today announced several roster moves to finalize their 25-man roster. Four players have been placed on the 15-day disabled list: infielder J.J. Hardy (retroactive to March 27 - left shoulder strain), outfielder David Lough (retroactive to March 27 - left hamstring strain), infielder Jimmy Paredes (retroactive to April 1 - lower back strain), and catcher Matt Wieters (retroactive to March 27 - rehabilitation from "Tommy John" surgery). Additionally, left-hander T.J. McFarland has...