Since the day that Nick Markakis made his decision to accept a four-year offer from the Braves, I've been asked about the leadership void in the Orioles clubhouse and how it will be filled. Does it even exist? Let's take a look. Adam Jones is the vocal leader, and younger players also can turn to J.J. Hardy, Matt Wieters and Darren O'Day, among others. But Markakis was a highly respected and popular figure whose absence will be felt. Wieters has a home in the Atlanta area and he's been...

If anyone in the Orioles organization truly knows Scott Coolbaugh, it's got to be first base coach Wayne Kirby. Room with a guy for four years in spring training and you're going to learn plenty about him. Kirby and Coolbaugh were paired up while they worked in the Rangers organization. The Orioles hired Coolbaugh on Friday to replace Jim Presley as hitting coach, a move that has been met with favorable reviews by the people closest to him. "Cooley is a low-key type," Kirby said. "He's...

This week's trade that sent outfielder Steven Souza Jr. to the Rays as part of a three-team deal creates a possible vacancy on the Nationals bench. If Souza was to have competed for a backup role as the fifth outfielder, part-time first baseman and pinch-hitter in spring training, as manager Matt Williams said at NatsFest, which player benefits most from his departure? For at least the time being, it appears that guy is outfielder Michael A. Taylor, who enjoyed a breakout 2014 season at...

The subject of the Nationals' possible vacancy at second base has been a top offseason story for the club. Ryan Zimmerman's move from third base to first base answers one infield question. But when Anthony Rendon took over third base and Asdrubal Cabrera was not immediately re-signed to play second, the question of who would fill the opening gained some traction. Then, from a purely power argument, Adam LaRoche signed with the Chicago White Sox and the question gained a new dimension: Where...

Orioles manager Buck Showalter targeted Scott Coolbaugh early in the process of interviewing for a new hitting coach. Once the Rangers granted permission yesterday, the decision practically was made. Coolbaugh sealed the deal after sitting down today with Showalter and vice president of baseball operations Brady Anderson. He walked away already having the job, and the Orioles made the announcement around 6 p.m. "He's very dependable," Showalter said. "He's got a pure heart and he's not a...

The Orioles today announced that they have named Scott Coolbaugh as Major League Hitting Coach. Coolbaugh, 48, has been in the Texas organization for the last eight seasons, most recently serving at Minor League Hitting Coordinator in 2014. He was also Major League Hitting Coach through 2012 after being named to the post on June 8, 2011 by the Rangers. In 2012, Texas led the majors in runs scored (808) and ranked 2nd in the American League in total bases (2493) and average (.272). Prior to...

The Orioles interviewed Scott Coolbaugh this afternoon for the hitting coach position, rushing to set up a meeting in Dallas while the Rangers were willing to grant permission, and he is expected to get the job. An announcement should come later today. Coolbaugh, 48, met for almost two hours with manager Buck Showalter and vice president of baseball operations Brady Anderson. The decision came down to a hire from outside the organization and the Orioles made up their minds quickly after meeting...

Orioles pitchers and catchers aren't due to report to the Ed Smith Stadium complex in Sarasota for another two months. The first game won't be played until April 6 at Tropicana Field. Matt Wieters has no idea whether he's going to be in the lineup, only that it remains his primary goal. Wieters started a light throwing program immediately after Thanksgiving and has stayed with it, heading outdoors every other day to play catch with physical therapist Lloyd Van Pamelen in Atlanta. The...

Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo just finished a conference call with the local media to make official what we've known for the past couple of days: The Nationals have dealt outfielder Steven Souza Jr. and minor league left-hander Travis Ott to the Padres for right-handed pitching prospect Joe Ross and a player to be named. Souza and Ott are then going from the Padres to the Rays as part of the deal that will bring 2013 American League Rookie of the Year Wil Myers to San Diego. Rizzo's...

There's a tendency for fans to judge every trade made on its face value in the moments immediately after the deal is consummated and announced. This can be tricky, since raw emotion, rather than careful consideration, takes over. It's often better - and more useful - to judge a trade in three ways: immediate impact, short-term results and long-term gains or losses. Yes, it's natural to have an opinion once a deal is struck. But how a deal plays out for the coming season, even a few seasons...