VIERA, Fla. - For a lengthy period this morning, the Nationals clubhouse here at Space Coast Stadium was nearly completely empty, with the exception of six reporters standing around waiting for something, anything, to happen. Pitchers and catchers were out getting their physicals at an off-site location. A few coaches were on the back fields with some minor leaguers. The only team employee in sight, pretty much, was clubhouse manager Mike Wallace, who with the help of his crew was prepping...

VIERA, Fla. - It might have taken most of the day yesterday for all of the Nationals' pitchers and catchers to arrive at camp, but everyone made it in on the report day, according to a team official. That includes closer Rafael Soriano, who reported to camp late last year because of a visa issue, and right-hander Doug Fister, whose flight to Florida was delayed because of the snowstorm that's affecting a large part of the country. Everyone is now apparently on board and ready to go. Today...

SARASOTA, Fla. - The Orioles will conduct their first workout today beginning at noon, but it seems anti-climatic. They gathered for a mini-camp last month. Most of the team has already reported to camp this week. It's not just pitchers and catchers. Korean right-hander Suk-min Yoon will take his physical today after agreeing to a three-year deal, inching the Orioles closer to their most significant signing of the offseason. I talked to Nolan Reimold over the phone before the holidays. I...

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...