In my on-field interview with Wilson Ramos after yesterday's Nationals win, I asked the Nationals catcher what's been the key to Drew Storen getting off to such a strong start to the 2014 season. Storen has a 1.26 ERA through 17 outings this year, and he's allowed just eight baserunners in his 14 1/3 innings, with 15 strikeouts. Ramos noted that Storen's changeup has been a big factor in his effectiveness, saying that Storen has been throwing the pitch much more than in the past, and that...

Another week, another key injury for the Nationals. This time it's Gio Gonzalez, who landed on the disabled list of for the first time in his seven-year career after being knocked around for a second straight start. If you're keeping score at home, that makes eight members of the opening day roster who have been sidelined at some point this season, including two from the starting rotation. The prognosis for Gonzalez seems good, but there is still some cause for concern because once again, the...

We have reached that point in the season where you can start to analyze statistics and make an evaluation of how a player's year is going. I thought it would be fun to take a look at some former Orioles who have moved on. Let's start with fan favorite Mark Reynolds, who is taking his hacks with the Milwaukee Brewers in a platoon at first base. Reynolds has played in 34 of the Brewers' 44 games this season and even made a few appearances at third. He's offensive numbers are about what you...

The Orioles scored six runs yesterday at Kansas City. But until Adam Jones hit a three-run homer with his team down by five in the ninth, the Orioles were on their way to scoring three runs or less for the 13th time in the last 21 games. In my opinion, the Orioles' lack of offense through 42 games is the biggest mystery of this season. It can't all be put on a lack of walks and on-base capability because last year's team ranked 10th in OBP and 14th in the American League in walks, but tied...

The Orioles don't have a game tonight and it has nothing to do with rain. There's an open date on their schedule. Triple-A Norfolk has one, as well, and should savor every second of it. After today, the Tides have one off-day scheduled prior to the All-Star break. They play on 54 of the next 55 days. Heath Bell made his Norfolk debut yesterday and retired the side in order on eight pitches, including six strikes. Fans ask why the Orioles would bother signing Bell, who hasn't really been good...

You have to think Wilson Ramos was trying to make up for lost time on Sunday. Way back on opening day, March 31 in New York against the Mets, the Nationals catcher had only three at-bats before he was removed with a hand injury. That hand injury turned out to be a fractured hamate bone in his left hand. Ramos missed 32 games. On Sunday, in only his eighth game since returning from injury, Ramos had a big day at the plate against those very same Mets. Ramos had a two-run double in the third and...

The Nationals won a ballgame today and then got some good news on starter Gio Gonzalez. Gonzalez does not have any structural damage to his injured left shoulder, according to manager Matt Williams. An MRI taken today revealed that Gonzalez merely has inflammation in the shoulder, which will lead to Gonzalez needing some time to rest. The left-hander was placed on the 15-day disabled list earlier today. "He'll be shut down for four or five days," Williams said. "No throwing, no nothing....

Alex Gordon began today with just one homer on the year in 160 at-bats. The Orioles began the game with an ERA of 0.69 in the first three games of this series. Ubaldo Jimenez had allowed one run in three starts this month. That all changed in the fifth inning this afternoon. Gordon hit the first of his two three-run homers today as Kansas City came from trailing by two runs to beat the Orioles 8-6. Trailing 8-3 in the ninth inning, Adam Jones hit a three-run homer to bring the Orioles within...

Start with playing on Sundays. What is it with the Orioles and Sundays? In the past, it could be traced to managers playing seldom-used reserves while resting certain regulars. Matt Wieters always seemed to sit on that day. That's not necessarily the case anymore, though Wieters has no choice while being on the disabled list. Doesn't matter who's in the lineup. The last day of the weekend brings the same old result. The Orioles lost five of their six Sunday games before today and they...

James Shields didn't flirt with perfection. Not even a wink. The Orioles didn't get their first baserunner off Royals left-hander Danny Duffy last night until Adam Jones singled with two outs in the top of the seventh inning. Shields retired the first six Orioles today before J.J. Hardy singled leading off the top of the third. That won't get your face slapped. David Lough singled, Jonathan Schoop reached on a bunt single and Nick Markakis delivered two runs with a single into right...