The Baseball Hall of Fame grew by four members yesterday, its largest new class since 1955, as Randy Johnson, Pedro Martinez, John Smoltz and Craig Biggio all received the call that they are heading to Cooperstown. The selection process and the voting strategies of many baseball writers who receive a ballot (I am not one of them) have come under fire in recent years, and rightfully so. I've seen some submitted ballots that I strongly disagree with, and some viewpoints that I feel are futile at...

When the Orioles drafted three high school catchers among their top seven picks in the 2013 draft, they knew it was going to take time to develop the trio and for them to advance through the farm system. So far, the process is going quite well for Chance Sisco, taken in the second round (61st overall) in 2013; Jonah Heim, taken in round four (129th overall); and Alex Murphy, selected in round six (189th overall). Sisco won the South Atlantic League batting title this season at Single-A...

Yesterday's Hall of Fame announcement was followed by the usual kicking and screaming over how the voters got it wrong again by denying players accused of cheating. Or they got it right by excluding those players. Either way, lots and lots of kicking and screaming. Always a good time. What's worse, deserving players failing to receive the required number of votes, or Darin Erstad receiving one? I'm going with the latter. That's what makes a mockery of the process. Next time, just sell your...

For the first time since 1955, the Baseball Writers' Association of America has elected four players to the Hall of Fame. Pitchers Randy Johnson, Pedro Martinez and John Smoltz, as well as Craig Biggio, will be inducted into the Hall of Fame on July 26 in Cooperstown, N.Y. The BBWAA has not voted in four players in one vote since electing Joe DiMaggio, Gabby Hartnett, Ted Lyons and Dazzy Vance six decades ago. The three pitchers were elected on their first try, Biggio on his third. The...

The Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, N.Y., will open its doors to four inductees this summer, the largest class in 55 years. The Baseball Writers' Association of America has voted in second baseman Craig Biggio and pitchers Randy Johnson, Pedro Martinez and John Smoltz. Biggio fell short by two votes last year. Candidates must be named on 75 percent of ballots cast by BBWAA members with 10 or more consecutive years of Major League Baseball coverage to gain election. Johnson received 97.3...

There are few Nationals prospects that get more buzz when I talk to coaches, scouts and baseball people in the know than infielder Wilmer Difo. He splashed on the scene for me last year when I interviewed strength and conditioning coordinator Landon Brandes on the Nationals prospects annual strength and conditioning camp. Brandes said Difo was the top total points leader in the camp in three competitions: team conditioning, team weight lifting and individual weight lifting. Difo played very...

The Orioles announced that tickets for their annual FanFest go on sale today. The event will be held Jan. 31 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Baltimore Convention Center, with early entry for Orioles season plan members to begin at 10 a.m. as part of the Orange Carpet Program. Tickets are available online at www.orioles.com/fanfest, via phone at 1-888-848-BIRD, at the Camden Yards box office and at the official team store at the York Galleria in York, Pa. Tickets are $12 for adults and $6 for...

FanFest autograph vouchers will go on sale January 17 The launch to the 2015 baseball season will begin on Saturday, January 31, as the Orioles host their annual FanFest event at the Baltimore Convention Center. 2015 FanFest, presented by Visit Sarasota County, will feature appearances by current and former Orioles players and coaches as part of a day-long celebration of baseball that will also include clinics, exhibits, and interactive games. The event will be held from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.,...

It is officially the new year, Birdland. This means we are that much closer to the start of a new baseball season. As winter weather appears to be in full swing this week, you can stay warm by reliving some Orioles magic from this past season, as well as the 2012 campaign. Here's what's on deck this week: Wednesday, Jan. 7, 9 a.m.: It was the bottom of the ninth on June 23, 2014, and the Orioles were trailing the White Sox 4-3 with two on and one out. Chris Davis stepped to the plate,...

Happy new year from the MASNsports.com staff! As the snow continues to fall this morning, remember we are just 44 days away from the date Nationals pitchers and catchers report to spring training. While you're trying to stay warm from today's snow, check out which "Nationals Classics" MASN HD is airing this week. Here's what's on deck: Tuesday, Jan. 6, 11:30 p.m.: The Nationals kicked off the 2013 season with a bang from young stars Bryce Harper and Stephen Strasburg. Harper hit two home...