Machado has green light to move over to shortstop if needed
Machado has green light to move over to shortstop if needed
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
Once the ink dried on J.J. Hardy's three-year contract extension on Oct. 10, the talk of possibly moving Manny Machado from third base to shortstop on a regular basis was silenced. The Orioles didn't give Hardy $40 million so he could change positions. He's the shortstop. While there's no disputing Hardy's placement in the infield, what happens if he's lost to injury for an extended period? For the first time, Orioles manager Buck Showalter is willing to move Machado to...
Second offseason edition: 10 questions for O's fans
Second offseason edition: 10 questions for O's fans
Steve Melewski
Orioles
This is like a game show, just without any prizes, pretty models or a TV network. It is the latest edition of 10 question for O's fans, and it comes exactly one month after the first one. It is again time to survey Birdland. Answer one question, two, three or all 10. Provide a one or two-word answer or one that is longer. It is completely your choice. Please put the question number before your answer as it is easier to keep it all straight that way. No need to repeat the question in your...
Taylor Swift adds second show at Nationals Park
Taylor Swift adds second show at Nationals Park
Pete Kerzel
Nationals
Due to overwhelming demand, Taylor Swift has announced a second show at Nationals Park on July 14, 2015 for The 1989 World Tour. Tickets to her first show, on July 13, went on sale earlier today. Tickets for the additional date go on sale to the general public on Friday, December 12, at 10:00 am ET. American Express® Card Members and members of TaylorSwift.com will have access to purchase tickets in advance, beginning Friday, December 5 at 10:00 am ET through Thursday, December 11 at...
Baseball Prospectus No. 8 Nats prospect: Jake Johansen
Baseball Prospectus No. 8 Nats prospect: Jake Johansen
Byron Kerr
Nationals
It is intriguing to watch the progress of one of the top Nationals pitching prospects as he gains experience and also gets to work with first-rounder Lucas Giolito. At 6-foot-6 and 235 lbs., Jake Johansen is an imposing fixture on the mound. It had to be little fun for South Atlantic League batters to face a one-two punch of a pair of 6-foot-6 hurlers in the Nationals low Single-A rotation. No. 8: right-hander Jake Johansen Baseball Prospectus ranked the Dallas Baptist right-hander No. 8 on...
Orioles sign Janish to minor league deal (updated with two more signings)
Orioles sign Janish to minor league deal (updated with two more signings)
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
The Orioles have been negotiating with the agents for free agent infielders Paul Janish and Rey Navarro with the intent of signing both players. A club official has confirmed that they reached agreement today with Janish. One down, one to go. Janish signed a minor league deal that includes an invitation to spring training. Janish, 32, hit a combined .268/.323/.359 this year in 113 games at Triple-A Colorado Springs and Triple-A Omaha. Selected by the Reds in the fifth round of the 2004...
Nationals announce plans for NatsFest on Dec. 13 (updated)
Nationals announce plans for NatsFest on Dec. 13 (updated)
Pete Kerzel
Nationals
We already knew NatsFest was being held Dec. 13, and that the annual winter baseball carnival was returning to the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, a downtown location that provides easier access for Nationals fans. Now we have a better idea of some of the team-sponsored activities that will occur from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. (or starting at 10 a.m. if you're a season plan holder). Eight different stations inside the Convention Center will host 51 separate events, and you'll have to pick and...
A few afternoon notes
A few afternoon notes
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
The Orioles are continuing with their attempts to sign minor league free-agent shortstop Rey Navarro and talks are progressing, according to sources. They're making a strong push for him. Keep in mind that the Orioles have 37 players on their 40-man roster after yesterday's maneuvering. Navarro, 24, batted a combined .282/.343/.435 this season with 34 doubles, two triples, 12 home runs and 57 RBIs in 132 games at Double-A Pensacola and Triple-A Louisville in the Reds organization. He's a...
Nats sign right-hander Bruce Billings to minor league deal
Nats sign right-hander Bruce Billings to minor league deal
Dan Kolko
Nationals
The Nationals have signed right-hander Bruce Billings to a minor league deal with an invitation to big league spring training, the team announced today. Billings, 29, was a 30th-round pick of the Rockies in the 2007 draft. He's appeared in just five big league games in his career, allowing 12 earned runs in 11 innings. He made one appearance for the Yankees in 2014, allowing four runs in four innings, with seven strikeouts and a walk. It was his first appearance in a big league game since...
Could change-of-scenery swap be Jimenez's ticket out of Baltimore?
Could change-of-scenery swap be Jimenez's ticket out of Baltimore?
Mel Antonen
Orioles
The Orioles are checking the trade market to see if there are teams that want to acquire pitcher Ubaldo Jimenez, who didn't live up to expectations in 2014, the first season of a four-year, $50 million contract. Chances are the Orioles aren't going to be trading Jimenez for blue-chip prospects. So what to do? The Orioles need to find another team with a big-money contract that's not working, make a trade and hope that the classic "change of scenery" works for them. There are plenty of...
OriolesREACH to host fifth annual Birdland Gold Classic in Sarasota
OriolesREACH to host fifth annual Birdland Gold Classic in Sarasota
Josh Land
Orioles
On Monday, February 23, the Orioles will hold the 5th Annual OriolesREACH Birdland Golf Classic at The Founders Club to benefit the Miracle League of Manasota, an organization dedicated to providing an opportunity for every person to play baseball, regardless of their ability. Registration is now open for golfers and corporate partners. The event begins with registration and lunch at 11 a.m., with a shotgun start set for 12:30 p.m. The classic will feature a silent auction and the chance to...