The Orioles aren't playing in the World Series and they still haven't received a Sporting News postseason award. Tough week. Baseball executives excluded the Orioles while choosing the American League All-Star team, which was announced this morning. Shortstop J.J. Hardy, outfielder Adam Jones and designated hitter Nelson Cruz received votes. Cruz batted .271/333/.525 with 32 doubles and 108 RBIs and he led the majors with 40 home runs, but executives selected the Tigers' Victor Martinez,...

It is still difficult to watch the World Series, or really any of the playoffs, with the Nationals not a part of the festivities. It is like being sick for a party you were invited to and have been looking forward to for months. But one thing that might bring some satisfaction to a few fans is a look back at the play of the Single-A Carolina League champion Potomac Nationals. In 2014, the P-Nats won another league title despite starting the season with a good set of arms and an offense that...

Until last night, the Royals had been a perfect 8-0 in this year's postseason. They'd thrived largely because of their speed and dominant back end of their bullpen. So how do you beat them? Keep them off the bases, and don't let Kelvin Herrera, Wade Davis and Greg Holland play any type of factor in the ballgame. The Giants kept on rolling last night, thanks to their balanced offense and ace Madison Bumgarner, who continues to establish himself as one of the best postseason pitchers in the...

At what point is James Shields required to hand over his nickname of "Big Game?" At what point will sportswriters refer to it only in jest? Shields was charged with five runs in three-plus innings last night in Game 1 of the World Series, leaving his career postseason ERA at 5.74 in 10 starts. "Big Game" may work if he's hunting in Africa. Otherwise ... Shields reportedly passed a kidney stone after the American League Championship Series. I wonder what was more painful. Shields is...

Since it's the offseason, it is time for the first edition of 10 questions for O's fans. You can expect about one of these blogs a month until opening day as we survey Birdland on a variety of Orioles topics. If you are somewhat new here, I throw out a bunch of questions and get your answers. Answer one question, two, three or all 10. Provide a one- or two-word answer or one that is longer. It is completely your choice. Please put the question number before your answer as it is easier to...

The league-endorsed end-of-season awards, voted on by the members of the Baseball Writers' Association of America, won't be announced until November. Matt Williams could find himself taking home the National League Manager of the Year award at that time. For now, Williams will add another award to his mantle courtesy of the Sporting News, which announced that Williams was voted its NL Manager of the Year for 2014. This award was voted on by Williams' fellow managers. The Nationals skipper...

Palm Beach County commissioners this morning voted 5-2 to approve $108 million in hotel bed tax revenues that will help fund the new spring training facility the Nationals and Houston Astros want to share. The teams now have 90 days to find a suitable site to build a new stadium, practice fields, offices and other facilities that would be used for both spring training and Grapefruit League games. "It's a critical step in the success of keeping Major League Baseball on the east coast of...

Orioles manager Buck Showalter finished second in voting for the Sporting News American League Manager of the Year award. The Angels' Mike Scioscia received six votes to edge out Showalter, who was runner-up with five. The Mariners' Lloyd McClendon placed third with three votes. The Nationals' Matt Williams was named National League Manager of the Year after receiving four votes. The Cardinals' Mike Matheny received two votes and the Marlins' Mike Redmond one. Ballots were submitted by...

It's easy to forget how young Anthony Rendon is, both in terms of age and how little big league experience he possesses. You watch Rendon play the game and you assume that he's an established veteran. He's immensely talented, never gets frazzled or visibly upset and seemingly keeps the same heart rate at all times, regardless of how intense a situation he's in. He appears to be the same guy with the bases loaded and the tying run in scoring position late in a key game as when he's getting...

Kansas City outfielder Jarrod Dyson said he believes the Royals will beat San Francisco in the World Series. He believes the Giants feel that way, too. Well, he didn't actually say that, but would anyone be surprised if he had? Has a player ever played less and talked more? Dyson is the mouth that roared, but he's no modern-day Joe Namath. You have to actually be a key player for that. If you've been in a cave, Dyson made some comments that irked Orioles fans and players after Game 2 of the...