SARASOTA, Fla. - Hall of Famer Cal Ripken Jr. and others today have disputed recent remarks made by former catcher Gregg Zaun that detailed alleged rookie hazing in the Orioles clubhouse. And Zaun is backing off those claims, which upset some of his ex-teammates who insist that the stories were greatly exaggerated or fabricated. Zaun said today that accusations he made on a Toronto radio station last week of harsh treatment supposedly led by Ripken actually was nothing more than "a little...

VIERA, Fla. - No player has been in the Nationals organization longer than Ian Desmond, who was selected by the Expos in the third round of the 2004 First-Year Player Draft. But Desmond's tenure as Nats shortstop is threatened by his looming free agency at the end of this season. Desmond spent this offseason in the vulnerable position of hearing his name floated in trade rumors. That speculation intensified after Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo acquired infielder Yunel Escobar from...

VIERA, Fla. - Ryan Zimmerman has traded his third baseman's glove for a first baseman's mitt - and last season's crash course at a new position for more intensive hands-on instruction. Though Nationals position players aren't required to be in camp until tomorrow, Zimmerman arrived at Space Coast Stadium just before 8 a.m. this morning. About 90 minutes later, even before pitchers and catchers headed over to their scheduled workouts, Zimmerman trotted out to first base to reacquaint himself...

SARASOTA, Fla. - The X-rays on pitcher Steve Johnson's right middle finger today came back clean. It's just a bruise and he's day-to-day like the rest of us. Johnson can resume throwing once the discomfort subsides. Today's workout was cut short, ending at 11 a.m., so the Orioles could play in the annual charity golf tournament. Bullpen sessions were thrown by Dane De La Rosa, Brian Matusz and Wesley Wright in Group 1, Oliver Drake and Chaz Roe in Group 2, Tim Berry, Eddie Gamboa and...

The Nationals have long been a team that loves to stack tall imposing starting pitching that comes down off the mound with a delivery that intimidates would be batters. The 6-foot-6 Lucas Giolito fits into that category. The trajectory of his fastball, coupled with his daunting frame, makes it difficult for hitters to see the ball come from 9-to-6 or 12-to-6 toward the plate. His teammate last season, 6-foot right-handed starter Reynaldo Lopez, came on strong when called up from short-season...

The Nationals and Orioles are basically the same teams as last season, minus a few key players. Here's a look at players that helped the two local nines win division championships last season and how they fit into the plans of their new teams: * Nick Markakis - Signing Markakis to a $44 million contract is a good deal for a contending team that wants to add an experienced left-handed bat. But the Braves aren't that anymore. They were a weak offensive team last season and they traded their...

SARASOTA, Fla. - Orioles pitcher Steve Johnson didn't throw his bullpen session this morning after jamming his right middle finger yesterday during a fielding drill. Johnson said the finger is feeling better after two days of icing it, though it's noticeably bruised and swollen. He's headed to a local hospital for X-rays later today. Johnson, signed to a minor league deal, was hit on the tip of his finger while trying to grab a high chopper to the mound. Manager Buck Showalter is listing him...

VIERA, Fla. - Ryan Zimmerman and Ian Desmond strolled into the clubhouse at Space Coast Stadium this morning, a day before position players are required to show up. After some high fives and hugs with teammates and coaches, Zimmerman settled into his far corner locker. It was no surprise when the Nationals opted not to bring free agent first baseman Adam LaRoche back. Zimmerman has battled injuries the past few years and the best option was to move him across the diamond to first base -...

Raise you hand if you're done with Old Man Winter. Yeah, me too. After yet another snowstorm, the sights coming out of Sarasota are looking better every day. While we're still five days away from Orioles spring training games, you can enjoy three "Orioles Classics" this week on MASN HD. Here's what's on deck: Monday, Feb. 23, 7 p.m.: You don't want to miss the Orioles' 60th anniversary game from Aug. 8. Chris Tillman pitched 6 2/3 innings and allowed just two earned runs. Manny...

SARASOTA, Fla. - Infielders Jayson Nix and Rey Navarro have reported to camp, leaving outfielder Delmon Young and infielder Michael Almanzar as the only Orioles still marked absent. Position players aren't due in camp until Tuesday. If memory serves, Almanzar was the last Oriole to report in 2014. Catcher Caleb Joseph returned to camp this morning after leaving yesterday to be with his wife, Brooke, who's expecting their first child. She's fine and the couple is still waiting for their...