Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo's reasoning for trading reliable reliever Tyler Clippard to the A's on Wednesday night for infielder Yunel Escobar was simple: The deal, made from a position of relative strength and involving a player who would be a free agent after 2015, fills an immediate need at second base with a veteran that the Nationals can control for up to three seasons. "It was a good baseball deal between Oakland and us," Rizzo said Thursday afternoon during a conference call...

This week, there's been a lot of buzz surrounding Manny Machado's appearance at the Orioles' minicamp. After season-ending surgery in 2014, the third baseman explained that he's itching to get back out there. In just 82 games this season, Machado reminded fans about his flashy, award-winning defense. He also reminded Albert Pujols ... twice. In the second game of the Birds' home series against the Angels, Pujols hit a grounder down the third base line. Gary Thorne's play-by-play call says...

Last night, the Nationals traded Tyler Clippard to the A's for Yunel Escobar, ending the set-up man's seven-year stint in D.C. This week's Throwback Thursday takes a look back at one of Clippard's shutdown performances from 2014. With a one-run lead, Clippard came on in the eighth inning to face a lethal Brewers lineup. He struck out the side, taking care of Jonathan Lucroy, Khris Davis and Mark Reynolds, and received a standing ovation as he strolled to the dugout. As we all know, this was...

Another minicamp is in the books and the idea of organizing it seems more brilliant every year. Pitching coach Dave Wallace and bullpen coach Dom Chiti get to check out another collection of arms. New players get acclimated to the coaches and the facility, giving them a head start on spring training next month. The Orioles can check on players coming off injuries and surgeries. Everyone in the organization eases back into baseball mode after shutting off that part of their brains and...

Last night's trade that sent Tyler Clippard to the Athletics in exchange for Yunel Escobar probably was tough for a lot of people in the D.C. area to take. Clippard was beloved by many fans for his walk-out music, his pleasant nature and his consistency. He was highly regarded by those in the organization because of how genuine and stand-up he was, and his willingness to take the ball every single day if need be. He was greatly appreciated by reporters because of his honesty, patience and...

For now, Dan Duquette is the executive vice president of baseball operations for the Orioles and managing partner Peter G. Angelos told MASNSports.com's Roch Kubatko last night that he will continue to be. Duquette is under contract through 2018 and Angelos denied reports that the Orioles and Blue Jays have begun negotiating a compensation package that would allow him to leave to become president/CEO of the Blue Jays. This is the story that doesn't seem to go away. Duquette did not put an...

The Washington Nationals acquired infielder Yunel Escobar from the Oakland Athletics on Wednesday in exchange for right-handed reliever Tyler Clippard. President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Mike Rizzo made the announcement. Escobar, an eight-year Major League veteran, joins the Nationals after stops in Atlanta (2007-10), Toronto (2010-12) and Tampa Bay (2012-14). He was traded to the A's just four days ago (Jan. 10), along with infielder/outfielder Ben Zobrist, in exchange for...

The Nationals and Athletics have agreed to yet another trade. And this one involves more than just prospects or players that can fill out the back end of a roster. The Nats have acquired shortstop Yunel Escobar, and will send popular reliever Tyler Clippard to Oakland in exchange for the 32-year-old infielder. CBSsports.com first reported the Nats had acquired Escboar, and MLB.com first reported Clippard was heading to Oakland. This is now the ninth trade completed between the Nats and A's...

TAMPA - The Winter Meetings last month in San Diego began with reports that the Blue Jays wanted to hire Orioles executive vice president Dan Duquette as their president/CEO. The minicamp this week in Sarasota concluded today with reports that the Jays were nearing a deal to acquire Duquette. This story needs to reach its conclusion. The Orioles and Jays have discussed compensation, as FOXSports.com confirmed this afternooon. You can be certain that the Orioles have studied Toronto's farm...

SARASOTA, Fla. - The Ed Smith Stadium complex looks deserted now, with Orioles players and coaches heading to the airport after the three-day minicamp. Third baseman Manny Machado sat at his locker as manager Buck Showalter concluded his final media session. Machado is returning to Miami to continue his workouts "Manny looked good today," Showalter said. "Glad he came over. Didn't have to. Appreciated him making the trek. "Richie (Bancells) followed him around. He looked good. He's got...