The Washington Nationals today named their minor league managers, coaches and coordinators for the 2014 season. Nationals Vice President of Player Personnel Bob Boone, Assistant General Manager and Vice President of Player Development Doug Harris and Director of Player Development Mark Scialabba made the joint announcement. The Nationals promoted three complete staffs within their system, elevating Brian Daubach, Chris Michalak and Mark Harris from Advanced-A Potomac to Double-A Harrisburg,...

After a slow Winter Meetings, the Orioles' offseason seemed to pick up. However, it has not been without bumps in the road. To fill the void left by Jim Johnson, the Orioles sought out Grant Balfour. After the Birds had agreed with the the closer on a two-year, $15-million contract, news broke that there were complications with his physical, seriously jeopardizing the deal. Dan Duquette will speak to the media later today, so be sure to check in to the School of Roch for the latest...

Orioles executive vice president Dan Duquette will provide an update on closer Grant Balfour later this afternoon, and I'll pass along his comments as soon as he's done. Team officials are meeting this morning to discuss Balfour, who was supposed to sign his two-year, $15 million contract yesterday. Concerns arose over the results of his physical, and the deal appears to be falling apart. The Orioles could choose to void it and attempt to sign another closer. They could negotiate a new deal...

Camden Yards is a gem, a rare baseball cathedral that blends classic, retro style with today's version of the national pastime. But its lush outfield grass and manicured infield don't happen by accident. They're the result of a year-round effort by head groundskeeper Nicole McFadyen and her talented grounds crew. Each month during this offseason, Orioles Buzz will check in with McFadyen to see what's happening on the field at Camden Yards as the grounds crew prepares for the 2014...

Before I kick off my morning blog post, I've got a quick housekeeping note to pass along. I'm leaving the country later today for a 10-day trip to Europe, and will not be writing/tweeting/monitoring MLBTradeRumors during that time. I'm excited to say that I'm stepping away from the laptop for a week and a half, and will be enjoying my first European journey. (For anyone who cares, I'll be hitting France, the Netherlands, Germany and Belgium during this trip. Should be fun.) My...

David Lough was warned at the Winter Meetings that he might be traded. It came from his agent, who informed the outfielder that a few clubs were showing interest. The Royals had acquired outfielder Norichika Aoki from the Brewers a few days earlier, making Lough expendable following his rookie season. On Wednesday, they dealt him to the Orioles for infielder Danny Valencia. My introduction to Lough came yesterday afternoon via a phone call. He's an extremely pleasant, friendly guy who's...

The Orioles were expected to announce the signing today of closer Grant Balfour to a two-year contract, but an issue has arisen concerning his physical, according to multiple industry sources. Balfour agreed Tuesday to a two-year, $15 million contract that included $500,000 deferred over each of the next two seasons, and the Orioles were expected to introduce him Friday morning at a press conference at Camden Yards. However, there's been an undisclosed glitch related to his physical and the...

The Orioles have signed outfielder Xavier Paul to a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training, according to a team official. Paul, 28, batted .244/.339/.402 with 12 doubles, seven homers and 32 RBIs in 97 games with the Reds. He hit .253/.349/.426 with all of his extra-base hits and RBIs against right-handers. He was 3-for-19 against lefties. The Reds non-tendered Paul, a career .254/.316/.376 hitter in parts of five major league seasons with the Dodgers, Pirates and...

If you're downtown tomorrow afternoon and haven't yet finished your holiday shopping - or just in need of some seasonal cheer - check out a special combination happy hour/bazaar at Dempsey's Brew Pub & Restaurant at Camden Yards. From 4-8 p.m., revelers can listen to a live jazz band, partake of happy hour food and drink specials, and shop a variety of local vendors who will be set up at the ballpark eatery. The Oriole Bird will be there, too, and rumor has it that he'll be dressed as...

Mike Rizzo and Billy Beane are at it again. The Nationals have traded outfielder Corey Brown to the Athletics, a source confirmed this afternoon, marking the seventh trade between the two organizations in the last two years and the eighth deal between them in three years. No word yet on what the Nats will receive in return for Brown, who was designated for assignment last week to make room for newly signed outfielder Nate McLouth on the Nationals' 40-man roster. Brown is out of options, so...