SAN DIEGO - Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo is approaching this offseason with a totally open mind. With a load of talented players under contract for the 2015 season, the Nationals could be World Series contenders even if they don't add much the rest of this winter. They also could make a splash, adding a big-name infielder or trading one of the guys in their collection of players who will become free agents after this upcoming season, a group that includes starting pitchers Jordan...

SAN DIEGO - Orioles executive vice president Dan Duquette relaxed on a sofa in his suite at the Manchester Grand Hyatt this afternoon, members of the local media lined up on chairs in front of him trying to ascertain whether he was close to signing a free agent or making a trade. He dispensed the information, careful not to reveal too much, and waited for the inevitable questions about the Blue Jays. Duquette is trying to piece together a roster and eliminate the notion that he's distracted...

SAN DIEGO - Orioles executive vice president Dan Duquette said the club made some progress in its effort to add one or more outfielders today at the Winter Meetings. After his group press conference with Baltimore-area media, Duquette took part in a one-on-one interview with MASNSports.com. That video will be posted here later. "We've been able to meet with several of the agents for the free agent outfielders and we're going to meet with a few more this week," Duquette said. "I'm...

SAN DIEGO - Orioles executive vice president Dan Duquette, sitting with reporters today in his suite at the Manchester Grand Hyatt, indicated that he's more likely to sign a free agent than make a trade at this stage of the Winter Meetings. "It looks like there are more free agents closer to signing," Duquette said. Duquette said he's "reluctant" to trade any of his starting pitchers. Duquette also said he's in the market for right-handed and left-handed hitting outfielders/designated...

SAN DIEGO - The Orioles just announced that they've outrighted infielder Steve Lombardozzi and left-hander Pat McCoy to Triple-A Norfolk after both players cleared waivers. The 40-man roster is down to 37. McCoy and Scott Barnes were left-handed relievers added to the 40-man roster after the season. The Rangers claimed Barnes off waivers this morning. I'll have more on the roster moves after meeting with executive vice president Dan Duquette at 3 p.m. PST. As public relations...

SAN DIEGO - While we all hung out and worked at the Manchester Grand Hyatt lobby and media workroom yesterday, technically the Winter Meetings started today. The O's day has been pretty quiet so far, but it's full hustle and bustle here. Although the chaos of the Winter Meetings started early in the morning, everyone took a break in the afternoon to honor and remember Monica Barlow, the O's director of PR who passed away due to lung cancer. Major League Baseball came together to talk about...

SAN DIEGO - Orioles director of player development Brian Graham is at the Winter Meetings as part of the front office contingent. During a video interview that will be posted later, Graham said the Orioles' top two prospects, pitchers Dylan Bundy and Hunter Harvey, are both doing well after ending the 2014 season on the disabled list. Bundy, who had Tommy John surgery in June 2013, returned to pitch last summer and went 1-3 with a 3.27 ERA over 41 1/3 innings between short-season Single-A...

SAN DIEGO - It's officially Day One of the Winter Meetings in sunny San Diego, and MASNsports.com has hit the ground running! Check out below to see what's cooking on the baseball hot stove today at the Manchester Grand Hyatt. Headlines * Rangers' Odor may be of interest to Nationals - Pete Kerzel * Considering the factors on Nats' negotiations with starters - Dan Kolko * How the Winter Meetings are different for the Nationals - Pete Kerzel * Considering the factors on Nats'...

SAN DIEGO - Day One of the Winter Meetings is under way (what exactly was I doing standing around in the lobby most of the day yesterday, if this thing didn't start until today?), and all is pretty quiet at the Manchester Grand Hyatt. They just now announced that the Hall of Fame Golden Era Committee did not vote to induct any members to the Baseball Hall of Fame this year. So yes, I reiterate - it's a quiet day here so far. Both Dick Allen and Tony Oliva fell one vote short of the 12...

SAN DIEGO - With the Orioles looking to add at least one outfielder, MLB Network's Harold Reynolds believes that pursuing Atlanta's Justin Upton via a trade is the best move for the club right now. "If they make a trade, of all the names that have been mentioned, I think Justin Upton is the best move for them," Reynolds said. "He's 26, 27. If you can lock him up and keep him long-term, you are looking at a player you can have another eight or nine years. He's going to hit 30 home runs...