I have the unfortunate task of passing along news that former Orioles center fielder Paul Blair died tonight. From what I understand, Blair collapsed in a Pikesville bowling alley. He was 69. Blair played his first 13 seasons with the Orioles and was part of the 1966, '69, '70 and '71 World Series teams. He won two titles with the Orioles and two more with the Yankees. Blair won eight Gold Gloves and was named to the American League's All-Star team in 1969 and 1973. His final season came...

One of my holiday traditions is sending along a projected Orioles lineup for a national publication. It's a challenge in late December, with more roster moves expected before spring training. It's a real head-scratcher this winter. I understand that utility infielder isn't a sexy role and it doesn't usually spark much of a debate, but help me out. If the Orioles don't acquire a second baseman and they hand the starting job to Ryan Flaherty, who's backing up shortstop J.J. Hardy? Jemile...

Since this is a gift-giving time of year, let's stop for a moment to ponder the fate of Masahiro Tanaka, the Japanese pitcher who, as of Dec. 24, will be posted by the Rakuten Golden Eagles and is in line for a huge payday. Think the kind of haul you'd get when Mega Millions doesn't have a winner for two or three months of drawings. Now the 25-year-old right-hander isn't going to be a millionaire immediately; he'll have to wait until major league teams go through the newly designed...

It was a very good season for Michael Taylor. He worked daily with then-Single-A Potomac hitting coach Mark Harris to tweak his approach at the plate. He already commanded the outfield for the P-Nats and by the end of the season, his at-bats turned into clutch moments that kept Potomac in the running for the Mills Cup title to the final few days. Recently, Taylor earned a spot on the Nationals' 40-man roster. At 22, he is the second youngest outfielder on the roster. Some guy named Bryce...

As the news continues to evolve concerning the posting process for Japanese pitcher Masahiro Tanaka, I feel as though my face is pressed against a window and I'm watching the story unfold from the outside. Alanis Morissette says I'm uninvited. An unfortunate slight. Other reporters have been hanging on every update, but the Orioles won't get involved with Tanaka. Executive vice president Dan Duquette made it clear at the Winter Meetings, which reduced me to nothing more than a casual...

Here's hoping you and yours enjoyed the best Christmas possible yesterday. I've taken two naps during the family festivities at the home of my stepbrother in Newark, Del. - one before dinner, one after - and am so stuffed with homemade goodness that I may not have to eat for several days. The downside of the post-turkey, tryptophan-induced food coma is that I'm wide awake as Dec. 26 dawns. You can only spend so much time counting the gift cards - and I've amassed a plethora of free dining...

Now that Christmas Day has come and gone, I wonder if some Orioles players found these gifts under their trees: * Nick Markakis - His old pop back. No, he won't hit many homers, but the guy used to fall out of bed and hit doubles. If that returns in 2014 - and we should not forget Markakis had a real solid 2012 season - it would be a big lift for the Orioles. * Adam Jones - The ability to chase fewer pitches. Few things drive O's fans more crazy, yet really I see it as a nitpick of a player...

I raced downstairs this morning, trying not to trip in my footie pajamas and hoping that Santa filled my stocking with all the goodies that I requested while sitting on his lap, but he didn't come through for me. Maybe I freaked him out by facing the other way. I was totally dissed by the jolly fat man with the white beard and cookie crumbs on the front of his shirt. No Bronson Arroyo or A.J. Burnett. No Kendrys Morales. Heck, no Nelson Cruz, who was included with the socks and...

Here's wishing every Orioles fan everywhere a very Merry Christmas, a happy holiday season and a wonderful New Year. Just a short entry here today to pass along those wishes and I hope this is your best Christmas ever. For those of us that are so passionate about baseball, today is a rare day, rare in that baseball takes a back seat to Christmas and our family and friends. It's OK if baseball finishes second today. But I thank each one of you for reading and commenting on my blog as often...

New Triple-A Syracuse Chiefs manager Billy Gardner Jr. had a successful run as manager of the Double-A Montgomery Biscuits. During that time, he kept tabs on the Nationals, and is excited to be able to join the organization. "I think it is going to be a really good situation with Washington," Gardner said. "From the top on down - ownership to Mike Rizzo to Doug Harris - a lot of first-class people over there who have the organization going in the right direction and I am fortunate to be a...