In case you hadn't noticed, I've failed to get a proper handle on the Orioles' plans at second base. The errors are accumulating at an alarming rate, ruining my chances of winning a hot stove Gold Glove. I bobbled Brian Roberts. I booted Mark Ellis. I'm all-hit, no-field. All indications pointed to the Orioles re-signing Roberts over the winter. Plenty of folks in the organization anticipated it, including manager Buck Showalter. Executive vice president Dan Duquette reached out to...

Baseball America's top 10 Orioles prospects list has just been released. I was honored to be asked to compile the list for Baseball America this year. Below is the top 10 with a quick comment on each player. 1. Pitcher Dylan Bundy: Even after the Tommy John surgery, he remains No. 1, but it was pretty close. Some forget how good he was in 2012 and the success rate of that surgery is high. Still bullish on Bundy. 2. Pitcher Kevin Gausman: If you ranked Gausman No. 1 over Bundy, you would not...

Another left-handed reliever that the Nationals were linked to this offseason has landed a multi-year, eight-figure contract. J.P. Howell has agreed to a two-year deal with the Dodgers worth a guaranteed $11.25 million, with a mutual option for 2016 worth $6.25 million, according to various reports. The option can reportedly vest based on a certain amount of appearances over the two guaranteed years. Howell's deal comes after Boone Logan agreed to a three-year, $16.5 million contract with...

So much for the Orioles re-signing Brian Roberts. According to FOX Sports, the Yankees are "likely" to sign Roberts, the Orioles' supplemental pick in the 1999 First-Year Player Draft. The Yankees need a replacement for Robinson Cano, who signed a 10-year, $240 million contract with the Mariners. The Orioles still hadn't reached out to Roberts' agent during the Winter Meetings, though executive vice president Dan Duquette indicated that the door remained open for a return. "Let's...

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....