The Orioles are expected to announce more minor league signings this week, including former Nationals prospect Chris Marrero. They're also in the process of finalizing a deal with infielder Ivan DeJesus Jr. The first person to use the stale "start printing those World Series tickets" line gets coal in his stocking. Camden Yards has become a popular gathering spot for pitchers and position players to work out during the offseason. The Orioles scatter in the winter, but they always seem to...

Another day has passed without the Orioles signing a closer. Are they getting closer? The Orioles still have a two-year offer on the table for Grant Balfour, refusing to include a guaranteed third year, according to multiple sources familiar with the negotiations. I've heard from one source that Balfour's agent is now seeking a vesting option for 2016 after initially holding out for a third year. So far, the Orioles haven't budged. However, a team source indicated that they might...

Later this morning Baseball America will release its new list of the Orioles' top 10 prospects. The Orioles farm system is considered pretty top heavy, with some high-end prospects holding the top spots, but not a lot of depth. Still, in an American League East where only one team - and that is Boston - has a top-notch farm system right now, the Orioles are close to second best in the division. Yes, small victory, I know. John Manuel, Baseball America Editor in Chief, sized up the AL East...

The Orioles have signed first baseman Chris Marrero to a minor league contract, according to a team official. The Nationals made Marrero, a right-handed hitter, the 15th overall pick in the 2006 First-Year Player Draft. Marrero, 25, has posted a .232/.256/.272 slash line in 39 major league games in 2011 and 2013, with five doubles, 11 RBIs, four walks and 31 RBIs in 133 plate appearances. He went 2-for-16 with an RBI this season. Marrero batted .270/.331/.402 with 17 doubles, two triples,...

Nick Markakis donated baseball gloves and served lunch this morning to students from Alexander Hamilton Elementary School in Baltimore as part of the 35th annual OriolesREACH Holiday Party for Kids at Dave & Busters at Arundel Mills Mall. I barely recognized Markakis when he walked through the door. The thick beard and curly hair fool me every time. "Duck Dynasty" comes to Hanover? Nope, just the Orioles' starting right fielder and, possibly, their leadoff hitter. More on that...

Nate Karns got a taste of the big leagues last season and held his own. The 6-foot-3, 230-lb. Karns did a nice job building off a very successful 2012 season by pitching well again last season. Karns went 10-6 with a 3.26 ERA in 23 starts for Double-A Harrisburg. His final numbers in his three major league starts - 0-1 with a 7.50 ERA - don't jump out, but he kept the Nationals in games against the Orioles and Braves. On June 2, he was almost able to get through five frames against Atlanta....

We've learned that teams don't win based on how strong their offseason was. The 2013 Blue Jays and 2012 Marlins are recent proof of that. We've learned that teams don't win based on how complete their team appears to be on paper. The 2013 Nationals taught us that. Because of last season's disappointment in D.C., Nats fans probably won't get too excited about anyone declaring them the winner of the winter. It doesn't matter how strong your team looks in December or February. What...

Still nothing to report on the Orioles, as we've moved into a new week and the Winter Meetings begin to disappear in the rearview mirror. John Axford, a fallback option as closer if the Orioles failed to sign Grant Balfour, reportedly has reached agreement with the Indians. The news will come as a relief - so to speak - for fans who didn't think he was a suitable replacement for Jim Johnson. It will disturb others who wonder if the Orioles are going to sign anyone before opening day. Mark...

So who will be playing at shortstop for the Orioles in 2015? Well, we have to get through next year first and J.J. Hardy, who has won two straight Gold Gloves, will be there come April. But what about the future of the position in Baltimore? Will Hardy be there after next season? If not him, does Manny Machado then move to short? During the Winter Meetings, O's executive vice president Dan Duquette said he would like to begin contract extension talks with Hardy later this winter, but they...

Adam LaRoche might be back from his USO Holiday Tour, but he's got a little bit of time to relax before baseball takes over again. Deer season, after all, runs through January 15th. After that, LaRoche will start prepping for the 2014 season, one that he hopes goes better than the one both he and the team put up in 2013. We know how things went from a team perspective, and we know how much LaRoche is itching to follow up a disastrous season on a personal level. The now-34-year-old hit...