VIERA, Fla. - While a host of position players have rolled into the Space Coast Stadium complex over the last handful of days, I don't think I realized just how close the Nationals were to having their full complement of players in camp until late yesterday afternoon, when I went up and down the roster, checking off the names of everyone who had arrived. Turns out, the only players on the 40-man roster I had yet to spot by the time things wrapped up yesterday were outfielders Bryce Harper,...

We can debate the merits of the O's contract agreement with pitcher Ubaldo Jimenez - a deal being reported as a four-year, $50 million contract - but I hope this puts one notion to rest forever: the notion from some that the Orioles put profits ahead of winning. Fans can argue moves the club makes or that it should spend more, but the club's payroll is now approaching $100 million. They don't need you to pat them on the back for that and they are nowhere near being among baseball's...

SARASOTA, Fla. - The Orioles are back on their normal schedule today following yesterday's golf outing. The only real change comes when they introduce Korean pitcher Suk-min Yoon to the media at noon. There also could be confirmation on the four-year, $50 million deal with Ubaldo Jimenez, depending on whether he's taken and passed his physical. That may be ambitious. The announcement, not passing the physical. Update: Jimenez is in camp to take his physical. He was signing autographs at...

The Orioles have been saying they wanted to add a pitcher and tonight it has happened. MASNsports.com's Roch Kubatko first reported that the Orioles were finalizing a four-year deal with Ubaldo Jimenez. Now multiple reports say the deal is done, pending a physical. All along I have been concerned that signing either Jimenez or Ervin Santana along with giving up a first-round pick was too big a price to pay. But the Orioles are set to pay it to the tune of four years for $48 million and they...

SARASOTA, Fla. - The Orioles' quest to upgrade their starting rotation didn't stop with today's signing of Korean right-hander Suk-min Yoon. According to multiple industry sources, the Orioles have made "substantial progress" in negotiations with free agent right-hander Ubaldo Jimenez and are working to finalize an agreement. It could get done later tonight. The deal is believed to be four years for approximately $48 million, according to sources. The Orioles are willing to sacrifice...

VIERA, Fla. - It's been four days since Jose Lobaton was acquired by the Nationals in a trade with the Rays, and in that time, the Nats' backup catcher has slowly started to feel more and more comfortable. Except, it appears, when it comes to knowing the names of the pitchers he's been working with. "I like, after a bullpen, talk to them a little bit," Lobaton said after today's workout. "And I know a couple guys, the names. The next day, I'm like, 'I know that guy. I know I...

The Orioles today announced that they have signed right-hander Suk-min Yoon (pronounced syuck-min you-n) to a three-year contract. Yoon would become the first Korean-born player in club history, and the 16th in major league history, when he makes his big league debut. Yoon, 27, has gone 73-59 with a 3.19 ERA (1129.0IP, 400ER) in nine seasons with the KIA Tigers of the Korean Baseball Organization after being selected in the 2nd round of the 2005 draft out of high school. A three-time KBO...

VIERA, Fla. - Yesterday, I mentioned that manager Matt Williams and new third base coach Bobby Henley were seen practicing signs in an empty Space Coast Stadium about two hours after nearly all the players had left the facility for the day. What exactly were Williams and Henley doing? Why couldn't they just practice those signs over dinner or in a meeting room? Turns out, Henley wanted to make sure that he had a good view of Williams from the third base coach's box here at Space Coast...

VIERA, Fla. - You can add Adam LaRoche, Denard Span, Tyler Moore, Eury Perez, Mike Fontenot and Will Rhymes to the list of position players who have arrived to camp early. The left side of the Nationals' clubhouse - the side occupied by the position players - is slowly starting to fill up. LaRoche strolled into the clubhouse early this afternoon with a lengthy beard on his face and his son Drake right on his heels. The LaRoche boys are back in town. The beard, which features a grey patch...

Sometimes you meet people in life that have the amazing ability to smile and stay upbeat even when they experience tough times. That describes Jim Hoey pretty well. Many O's fans may not even remember Hoey, who announced his official retirement from baseball today. The Orioles drafted the tall, hard-throwing right-hander out of Rider University in Round 13 in June 2003. He may be best known for being part of a trade. Hoey and Brett Jacobsen were traded by the Orioles to Minnesota on Dec. 9,...