VIERA, Fla. - Yunel Escobar wasn't thrilled when he found out he was headed to the Nationals in a trade last month. That's because Nats general manager Mike Rizzo made the move to acquire Escobar not to play shortstop, but rather second base, a position the 32-year-old hasn't seen action at since his rookie season in 2007. "I had a conversation with him through his interpreter over the phone that day, the day the trade was official, and explained our desire to him," Nationals manager Matt...

Nationals outfielder Nate McLouth comes to spring training rehabbing an injury that ended his season prematurely in August. McLouth is recovering from a torn labrum in his right shoulder. The left-handed hitting utility outfielder is critical for a team that needs to ensure it has some offense coming from that side of the plate besides Bryce Harper and Denard Span, especially with the departure of Adam LaRoche. McLouth's value doubles with the uncertainty surrounding Jayson Werth and his own...

SARASOTA, Fla. - The Orioles clubhouse is closed to the media this morning because players are meeting with officials from Major League Baseball. Reporters will have access to them after the workout. Another group of pitchers warmed up on the side mounds yesterday and threw inside the covered batting cage. It won't be much longer before they're throwing live batting practice, with hitters taking their cuts. We're getting closer to the exhibition games, which gets us closer to the ones that...

SARASOTA, Fla. - Former Orioles outfielder Nick Markakis said today he regrets comments that appeared in a USA TODAY article and holds no animosity toward the organization. Markakis said he was responding to a specific comment from a reporter, which was passed along following an interview with a member of the Orioles' front office, regarding the team's failure to offer him a fourth guaranteed year during negotiations over the winter. The Braves signed Markakis to a four-year, $44 million...

VIERA, Fla. - Jayson Werth was on the field this morning as the Nationals began their first official full-squad workouts in preparation for the 2015 season. He was limited though, not participating in any throwing or hitting drills, while still recovering from right shoulder surgery early last month. Werth continues to focus on opening day as a return date with the initial rehabilitation period being two to three months after the procedure. "That's kind of my goal," he said today. "Again...

When ESPN's cameras and reporters were in Sarasota, Fla., to visit Orioles spring training earlier this week, they discussed which one player could be the X-factor for the club this year. Analysts Curt Schilling and Buster Olney had the same answer: Kevin Gausman. They feel the 24-year-old right-hander with 25 career big league starts and 161 innings under his belt could take a nice step forward this year - one that could lead to his becoming a top-of-the-rotation starter. "I like Kevin...

SARASOTA, Fla. - Ubaldo Jimenez says he's looking to get a fresh start. It begins on March 3 when he gets the start in the first exhibition game against the Tigers. "Last year was really tough," said Jimenez, who was 6-9 with a 4.81 ERA in his first season with the Orioles after signing a four-year, $50 million contract. "This is the beginning of 2015 and I'm excited to be part of the first game." This won't be Jimenez's last road game of the spring. "It puts him on the gray pants...

SARASOTA, Fla. - Orioles manager Buck Showalter said Ubaldo Jimenez will start the March 3 exhibition opener against the Tigers in Lakeland, Fla. The Orioles are playing only one intrasquad game, on March 1 on the Ed Smith Stadium field. The following day will be a normal workout. Matt Wieters will catch in the intrasquad game, as previously reported, but he won't throw. Showalter repeated that Wieters, Manny Machado and Chris Davis will get extra at-bats this spring, which means more road...

VIERA, Fla. - In January, general manager Mike Rizzo signed Mike Carp to a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training. Carp appeared in 41 games in left field and 29 games at first base for Boston in 2013 and was an important utility option for the Red Sox during their run to a World Series championship. While splitting time mostly between left field and first base that year, Carp hit .296 with nine home runs, 43 RBIs and an .885 OPS. However, his production submarined in 2014,...

After the national anthem in sunny Colorado, Aaron Barrett and Brandon Barnes remained standing with their caps on their chests. They were locked in an epic standoff. Barrett had the support of the Nationals bench as teammates treated the pitcher to water and sunscreen. Even Bryce Harper looked out for Barrett's safety with a helmet and elbow guard. Obviously, it was intense. Relive the amazing standoff in the video below. Trust me, it's worth watching.