SAN DIEGO - The Rule 5 draft takes place at 9 a.m. Pacific time (noon Eastern time) at the Manchester Grand Hyatt, and is the final official activity of this year's Winter Meetings. Unlike in past years, the Nationals won't be able to make a pick among players not included on teams' 40-man rosters. To do so, the Nats would have to have an opening on their 40-man roster, which is currently full. But the Nationals have to consider the possibility that players they chose not to add to their...

SAN DIEGO - Few if any know the First-Year Player Draft and the Rule 5 draft better than Jim Callis of MLB.com and MLBPipeline.com. With the Orioles holding four picks among the first 73 selections next June, I asked Callis today at the Winter Meetings about the 2015 draft. The O's highest picks are currently No. 26 and No. 33. If more teams sign players that received qualifying offers, the 26th pick could get even higher. "There is depth in the draft," Callis said. "You'd always rather...

SAN DIEGO - As further proof that the Orioles are willing to move Brian Matusz if satisfied with the return, executive vice president Dan Duquette met with Pirates officials this week to discuss a deal that would have sent the left-handed reliever to Pittsburgh for outfielder Travis Snider. An industry source confirmed the meeting. The teams aren't on the verge of consummating a trade, but the sides talked and could continue discussions at a later date. The Orioles would like to leave the...

SAN DIEGO - The relief dominoes are falling, and that makes it more possible that the Nationals will make a deal involving one of their bullpen arms. Overnight, the Astros agreed to terms with a pair of free agent right-handers, Pat Neshek and Luke Gregerson. Neshek, the low sidearmer who pitched last season for the Cardinals, gets a two-year, $12.5 million deal with an option for a third. Gregerson netted $18.5 million for three years. Both will help to fill voids at the back end of the...

SAN DIEGO - The wait is finally over. Jon Lester is officially off the table, which could make for a busy news day here at the Manchester Grand Hyatt. Late last night, Lester agreed to a six-year, $155 million contract with the Chicago Cubs. This deal changes the landscape here at the Winter Meetings, which should hopefully open the door to plenty of free agent action. If there's Nationals news to be reported, you can be sure we'll have you covered here. Headlines * Souza's stock rising...

SAN DIEGO - While the talk of Dan Duquette leaving the Orioles has certainly quieted and seems well on its way to becoming a non-issue or non-story, Duquette's respect around the industry may be at an all-time high. That is saying something since he produced winners in Montreal and Boston before he got to Baltimore. But for many years, Duquette was out of the game. When the Orioles hired him in November 2011, the hiring was questioned and ridiculed by some. Now, a short few years later,...

SAN DIEGO - The day is just getting started here in the media workroom of the Hyatt. Reporters and other media members are filing in after late-night news that Jon Lester will be pitching for the Chicago Cubs. The O's have been relatively quiet so far, but after the Lester news, will the dominos start to fall around here? Could the Orioles make a move today? Headlines * Sandy Leon on Orioles' radar again as they seek backup catcher - Roch Kubatko * Showalter on Red Sox/Yankees spending:...

SAN DIEGO - Day Two of the Winter Meetings finished with a flourish, as Jon Lester and the Cubs agreed to terms on a six-year, $155 million contract, a deal that could quickly shift the offseason landscape and lead to increased action during our remaining time in San Diego. Lester chose the Cubs over the Red Sox and Giants, and depending on who you believe, the Dodgers might have jumped in as a late candidate for the ace left-hander's services, as well. This contract immediately vaults the...

SAN DIEGO - On the Orioles' list of priorities at the Winter Meetings, finding another catcher ranks somewhere below outfielders and bullpen arms. Not a huge priority or a splashy move, but a perceived necessity with Matt Wieters' uncertain status for opening day. One name to keep in mind is Sandy Leon, a switch-hitter who's appeared in 34 games with the Nationals over parts of three major league seasons. The Orioles have liked Leon for a while and they've engaged in trade talks with the...

Of course, Baltimore admired Nick Markakis' on-field performance year in and year out, but it was his quiet leadership and charitable work in the community that made Baltimore fall in love with him. Just as Orioles fans began to love Markakis, the right fielder fell in love with Baltimore. A week after making the decision to sign with the Atlanta Braves, Markakis took out a two-page ad in the Baltimore Sun to give thanks for Orioles fans and the city he calls home. Click here to read...