The votes have been cast, the pitchers have been selected and the 2014 All-Star Game roster is set. Or, is it? Jordan Zimmermann has been named to the National League All-Star team, and as of now, he's the lone Nationals representative. But you can change that! Infielder Anthony Rendon is in MLB's Final Vote, sponsored by Experian. He's going up against four other National League players who are also trying to represent their respective team in the All-Star Game. Rendon has put up quite...

Manager: Matt Williams, first year Record: 48-39 Last 10 games: 7-3 Who to watch: 1B Adam LaRoche (.294/.401/.482, 12 HR, 45 RBIs); 2B/3B Anthony Rendon (.282/.340/.483, 21 doubles, 12 HR, 50 RBIs); RHP Doug Fister (7-2, 2.93 ERA, 1.05 WHIP); RHP Tanner Roark (7-6, 3.12 ERA, 1.17 WHIP) Season series vs. O's (2013): 1-3, 17 runs scored, 20 runs allowed Pitching probables July 7: Stephen Strasburg vs. Chris Tillman, 7 p.m., MASN2 HD July 8: Doug Fister vs. Bud Norris, 7 p.m., MASN2 HD July 9:...

Every major league team gets at least one player in the All-Star Game, a rule that Major League Baseball put in place to ensure that every organization and fanbase is represented and has a chance to cheer on one of its players during the Midsummer Classic. The Nationals, who currently are nine games over .500, have won 11 of their last 15 and are just a half-game out of the lead in the National League East, had just one player announced as a member of the NL All-Star team yesterday. Jordan...

Manager: Buck Showalter, fifth year Record: 48-40 Last 10 games: 7-3 Who to watch: DH/LF Nelson Cruz (.290/.356/.582, 27 HR, 71 RBIs); CF Adam Jones (.310/.334/.504, 16 HR, 53 RBIs); 1B/OF Steve Pearce (.326/.381/.581, 172 at-bats, 14 doubles, 10 HR, 30 RBIs); RHP Chris Tillman (7-4, 4.21 ERA) Season series vs. Nats (2013): 3-1, 20 runs scored, 17 runs allowed Pitching probables July 7: Chris Tillman vs. Stephen Strasburg, 7 p.m., MASN HD July 8: Bud Norris vs. Doug Fister, 7 p.m., MASN...

It's no secret that the Orioles' Achilles heel this season has been starting pitching. It's a team with flaws, but more than anything, you can point to an inability to have starters go deep enough in games as one of the biggest reasons for a struggle. The offense has sputtered at times, the bullpen has seen its hiccups (like blowing a large lead on Sunday in Boston), but deep down starting pitching has been the big issue. This is why the Orioles' treatment of Kevin Gausman over the past...

It seems like a distant memory now, but it wasn't that long ago that I wrote an article here wondering why Adam Jones gets criticized so much. Some said we just want him to be an elite player. Some said he needs to walk more. Some said he chases too many pitches. Now, Jones is not getting criticized much by anyone about anything. There is no reason to do anything but appreciate the fact that he is the best player and best leader on the Orioles. He was named to his fourth All-Star team...

BOSTON - I sensed more panic coming from Orioles fans on Saturday after the club's Game 1 loss to the Red Sox. The sky was falling, and manager Buck Showalter was getting buried for his bullpen decision. The Orioles ended up winning Game 2, and they took the series with yesterday's 12-inning victory. They're in first place by two games over the Blue Jays in the American League East. They're eight games above .500 for the first time since the conclusion of the 2013 season. The sky isn't...

BOSTON - Nelson Cruz is happy to be an All-Star for the third time in his career, but he's truly honored to be voted in as a starter. That's a first for him. "Yeah, no doubt," he said today after collecting three more hits and his 71st RBI in the Orioles' 7-6, 12-inning win over the Red Sox. "Anytime you get selected by the fans, it's more special. That means they want to see you there. Thanks to the fans for the chance and the opportunity to be there." Cruz's 27 home runs are tied...

Washington Nationals right-handed starting pitcher Jordan Zimmermann today was named a National League All-Star by Cardinals field manager Mike Matheny and Major League Baseball. The 85th Major League Baseball All-Star Game will be held at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minn. on Tuesday, July 15. The All-Star invitation is the second of Zimmermann's career. He represented the Nationals at the 2013 All-Star Game at Citi Field, but did not pitch in the American League's 3-0 victory. After...

BOSTON - The Orioles moved eight games above .500 today for the first time since the conclusion of the 2013 season. They're two games ahead of the Blue Jays in the American League East standings. It wasn't done easily. Not against the Red Sox at Fenway Park, where today's game went 12 innings, lasted 5:05 and may have forced the Orioles into another roster move following their 7-6 win. Manager Buck Showalter said there are three or four options being discussed to add a fresh arm, including...