Is this the longest winter ever? I'm going to go with yes. Even though the snow is absolutely beautiful, I am ready for warm weather and baseball at Nats Park. While I was longing for summer nights, some Nationals fans were out in the snow, dreaming up and creating Nats-themed snowmen. If you created an Nats-themed snowman, be sure to tweet or Instagram it with the hashtag #masnNationals. Enjoy the pictures below. Which one's your favorite? Via @TheMightyMoM on Twitter Via...

I don't know about you, but I am over winter weather. Maybe it has something to do with the foot of snow that's outside my house. Maybe it has to do with the fact that I'm ready for summer nights at Camden Yards. It's both. Anyway, while I was waiting for warmer weather, a lot of Orioles fans were out embracing the snow. A huge thanks to MASN Orioles fans who submitted their snow pictures on Twitter and Instagram. If you also created an O's-themed snowman, be sure to tweet or Instagram...

It is interesting to look back now at an ESPN.com story from November authored by former major league general manager Jim Bowden. He ranked what he thought then would be the 50 biggest free agent contracts this winter. He listed Robinson Cano first, projecting he would get an eight-year, $200 million deal. He was close on the average annual value, as Cano signed a 10-year deal worth $240 million with the Seattle Mariners. Bowden projected that pitcher Ervin Santana would get a five-year, $75...

VIERA, Fla. - For those of you who are interested in keeping up with the jersey numbers of the new Nationals - and I know you people are out there - I have updates for you. Outfielder Nate McLouth, who signed a two-year deal this offseason, will wear No. 15, which was worn by Dan Haren last season. Right-hander Doug Fister, acquired in a December trade with the Tigers, will wear No. 58. And Jerry Blevins, the left-handed reliever the Nats got in a trade with the A's, will wear No....

SARASOTA, Fla. - The first workout will be held Friday afternoon, and Orioles manager Buck Showalter can't recall a larger turnout of players reporting early to camp. "It's the most I've ever had in 30-something years this early," Showalter said. "The facility is one (reason). It's a great facility that the ownership and the city of Sarasota... This place buzzes the whole offseason, and Baltimore does, too. I think they like being here. It's a good environment. They know they're not...

VIERA, Fla. - The Jose Lobaton trade is finally official. In addition to the Nationals acquiring Lobaton from the Rays to presumably serve as their backup catcher, they also receive two 22-year-old minor leaguers - left-hander Felipe Rivero and outfielder Drew Vettleson. Right-hander Nathan Karns is the only player going from the Nats to Tampa Bay. As I mentioned earlier, Lobaton hit .249/.320/.394 in a career-high 100 games last season with 15 doubles, seven home runs and 32 RBIs. The...

Nationals also obtain power lefthander Felipe Rivero and outfielder Drew Vettleson, place Erik Davis on 60-Day DL The Washington Nationals today acquired catcher Jose Lobaton, outfielder Drew Vettleson and left-handed pitcher Felipe Rivero from the Tampa Bay Rays in exchange for right-handed pitcher Nathan Karns. The Nationals also placed right-handed pitcher Erik Davis on the 60-Day Disabled List with a right elbow sprain. Nationals President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Mike...

VIERA, Fla. - One day into spring training, we have our first trade. Not much time wasted there. Mike Rizzo found who he surely expects to be the Nationals' backup catcher this morning, completing a trade with the Rays that sends right-hander Nathan Karns to Tampa Bay in exchange for catcher Jose Lobaton. The teams have not yet announced the trade, but the deal is expected to be made official later today. Karns had just arrived to the Nats' facilities here in Viera this morning when Rizzo...

SARASOTA, Fla. - Though the Orioles have reached agreement with south Korean pitcher Suk-min Yoon on a three-year contract, he won't be reporting to the Ed Smith Stadium complex today. It may take a while. One estimation placed his arrival at seven to 10 days, assuming he passes the physical. He probably will need to go back home. As I wrote previously, I've heard from multiple sources that the Orioles are trying to sign two pitchers. Don't assume that Yoon will be the only one. The...

As spring training opens, the Nationals are the closest team to having a perfect roster. Over the winter, the Nationals added Doug Fister to the rotation, lefty Jerry Blevins to the bullpen and Nate McLouth to the bench. Today, they acquired backup catcher Jose Lobaton from the Rays. Their rotation is deep. Their lineup is set. The bullpen is strong. Even though the Nationals finished 10 games behind the Braves last season, they're going to be the favored team in the National League East this...