If predictions that are unfavorable to the Orioles get you stirred up, then don't read the ESPN the Magazine's 2014 MLB preview issue. The magazine's editors actually used a chemistry element in this year's predictions. They tried to quantify clubhouse chemistry using three elements they called demographic factor, isolation factor and ego factor. I give them credit for trying, but there are some things in this game you just can't put a stat on. Anyway, the Orioles actually gained a win...

SARASOTA, Fla. - As Orioles manager Buck Showalter sat in his office following today's 4-1 loss to the Twins in Fort Myers, he talked about reliever Brad Brach's impressive spring training and mentioned how he planned on making at least one cut tonight. Showalter indicated that the roster move would involve a pitcher who wouldn't be scheduled to throw in Wednesday's split-squad games. As it turned out, Showalter was twice referencing Brach. The Orioles optioned Brach to Triple-A...

The Orioles today announced that they have optioned right-hander Brad Brach to Triple-A Norfolk. With this move, the Orioles now have 40 players at major league spring training, including six non-roster invitees.

VIERA, Fla. - You have all the information on the Nationals' five cuts, Aaron Barrett making the opening day bullpen and where this all leaves the competition for the final couple roster spots. There might be some more news to come on that front, especially if the Nats end up bringing in someone from outside the organization to fill the final bench job. An experienced corner infielder seems to make sense, but we shall see how it plays out. Now, some quick notes and quotes from today's game...

The Orioles today released five players from minor league camp, bringing the total number to 13 minor league players released since spring training started. The club released infielder Connor Narron, right-handed pitchers Luis Vizcaino, Eric Beaulac and Juan Guzman and left-handed pitcher Aaron Laffey, a Cumberland, Md., native. Narron, the Orioles' fifth-round pick in 2010, hit just .211 in four seasons with the club and had not advanced past the Single-A level. The 22-year-old Narron hit...

VIERA, Fla. - The Nationals made a host of roster moves following today's 7-3 win over the Mets, a couple of which are a bit surprising. The team has released infielder Jamey Carroll and right-hander Chris Young, and optioned first baseman Tyler Moore, right-hander Ryan Mattheus and left-hander Xavier Cedeno to Triple-A Syracuse. Manager Matt Williams also informed right-hander Aaron Barrett, the closer at Double-A Harrisburg last season, that he's made the Nats' opening day...

FORT MYERS, Fla. - The Orioles are going to make a few cuts later today. Stay tuned. Tommy Hunter and Zach Britton are slated to pitch again on Wednesday, giving them back-to-back appearances for the first time this spring. Left-hander Troy Patton will be eligible to pitch in his first game for the Orioles on April 29 after serving his 25-game suspension. A few pitchers will stay back in Sarasota on Saturday and throw bullpen sessions, rather than accompany the team to Norfolk for the final...

ORIOLES QUICK WRAP Score: Twins 4, Orioles 1 Recap: The Twins scored twice off Bud Norris after Alexi Casilla's error to open the bottom of the second. They added another run in the fifth. Norris was solid, with four of the seven hits against him in 5 1/3 innings being bloopers or the infield variety. Zach Britton retired both batters he faced after replacing Norris in the sixth, lowering his ERA to 0.87 in 10 1/3 Grapefruit League innings. Tommy Hunter allowed a run in the seventh on Chris...

FORT MYERS, Fla. - Rule 5 pick Michael Almanzar underwent an MRI on his left knee yesterday and has been diagnosed with patella tendinitis. Executive vice president Dan Duquette, in a text message, indicated that it's a "possible DL" situation for Almanzar. The Orioles can't option Almanzar without placing him on waivers and offering him back to the Red Sox. The injury, which occurred while he played first base Saturday in Port Charlotte, could provide the Orioles with additional time to...

NATIONALS QUICK WRAP Score: Nationals 7, Mets 3 Recap: Right-hander Stephen Strasburg gave up three runs on five hits over 5 2/3 innings, walked two and struck out seven. Bryce Harper hit his second spring homer, a towering three-run shot that glanced off a flagpole in left-center, and Ryan Zimmerman also went deep. Need to know: The Nats' starting eight (minus the pitcher) played the entire game, a sure sign that spring training is nearing an end. On deck: Wednesday, at Cardinals in...