The Orioles wrapped up mini-camp last week and made some minor league signings. Several national writers have weighed in on the state of the Orioles. Some of the reaction is more positive than many might expect. * We are only three weeks from the start of spring training. Many fans have expressed their displeasure over the lack of moves the Orioles have made this offseason. Joe Cooney of Yahoo! Sports says the Orioles still have a chance to win the offseason. As Cooney explains, the Birds...

We hope you're all recovering from the snowstorm and getting ready for NatsFest! In case you missed it, the Nationals could be looking to add another reliever with extensive closing experience. I know what you're thinking: "Why would the team add another closer when there are already three options on the team?" Insurance, that's why. * Last season, Nationals fans everywhere became captivated with the untucking fascination. To those that aren't familiar with the phenomenon, closer...

Three weeks from tomorrow, I'll board a flight to Orlando, hop in my rental car and drive to Space Coast Stadium, ready to kick off spring training. While the offseason has seemed like it's crawled by in some respects, it's also weird to think that my six weeks living out of a hotel in Melbourne, Fla., are almost here. Pitchers and catchers are scheduled to report by Feb. 13, although many choose to arrive days or even weeks earlier in order to pick up their throwing programs and get...

He joined the Orioles last July 31, coming over in a trade from Houston. He is under team control through the 2015 season. Can Bud Norris become a key factor in the O's rotation for at least the next two years? The Orioles sure seem confident he can. They gave up what some considered too good of a price to get Norris when they dealt outfielder LJ Hoes, promising minor league pitcher Josh Hader and a competitive balance draft pick in June's draft for the right-hander, who will turn 29 March...

One of the national publications asks local beat writers each winter to pick a potential "difference maker" for their respective teams. A guy who is new to the organization or coming off an injury or a down season. Last winter, I chose Nolan Reimold and noted how he got off to a sizzling start in 2012, batting .313/.333/.627 with six doubles, five homers and 10 RBIs in 16 games before a herniated disc in his neck led to surgery and the end of his season. The Orioles eventually turned to...

One week after giving veteran hitter Jack Cust a tryout at their mini-camp in Sarasota, the Orioles will take a look at veteran pitcher Brett Tomko in Southern California. Tomko's brother, Scott, reported the news, which has been passed along by a couple of national writers. The session will take place on Friday. Tomko is on the comeback trail. He's 40 and hasn't pitched in the majors since making eight relief appearances with the Rangers in 2011. He spent last year with the York...

Saturday is just a few days away, and it's officially the week of NatsFest! The event will be held at a new location this year, but Nationals fans can still expect to be treated to question-and-answer sessions with players, photo sessions with your favorite Nats, live demonstrations, games and more. From 11 a.m.-3 p.m., (season ticket holders get in an hour early at 10 a.m.,) the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center will host fans, manager Matt Williams and a variety of players,...

The Nationals already have a bullpen that features three relievers who have saved at least 32 games in a season. Could they be targeting one more? FOXsports.com's Ken Rosenthal reported yesterday that the Nationals are "in the mix" for reliever Grant Balfour, the 36-year-old Australian who saved 38 games for the Athletics last season and has posted an ERA lower than 2.60 each of the last four years. Balfour was close to signing a two-year, $15 million deal with the Orioles earlier this...

While the Orioles continue their search for another starter, they're placing a lot of faith in new pitching coach Dave Wallace and bullpen coach Dom Chiti. Last week's mini-camp was mostly set up to give Wallace and Chiti a head start at getting acquainted with their pitchers. They spent four days in Sarasota meeting individually with each one, then flew to California and sat down with a group that included Chris Tillman, Zach Britton, Miguel Gonzalez and Brian Matusz. So far, the reviews...

Back in mid-December, Baseball America released its list of the top 10 prospects in the Orioles' farm system. Later this week, MLB.com will release its list of the sport's top 100 overall prospects. Baseball America's top 100 list will come out in February or March. The Orioles should get somewhere between three and five players on those lists. Four seems quite possible. For now let's take a look back at the top 10, I'll share the comments I made earlier on the player's rankings and...