I feel like David Letterman right now, rattling off a list of the top reasons Bob Henley was a good choice as the Nationals' new third base coach. But I wanted to add a few nuggets on Henley, and why, based on what I've heard, the former catcher was a smart hire by Nationals manager Matt Williams and general manager Mike Rizzo. Full disclosure: I've never had an extended chat with Henley. I don't know the man all that well on a personal level from my two years covering the Nationals,...

If the Orioles once had a frosty relationship with agent Scott Boras, it has certainly thawed in the last few years, which is important now. Two major Boras clients, Chris Davis and Matt Wieters, are Orioles who are now two years from free agency. It is a critical time for the club to determine if they can re-sign one or both, or if the best move would be to trade one or both. There have already been rumors that the O's haven't gotten very far in their pursuit of a long-term deal with...

New Orioles pitching coach Dave Wallace has reached out to a handful of starters and relievers on the staff, talking to some over the phone and leaving messages for others. Zach Britton figures to be one of Wallace's projects in spring training, and they had a brief conversation a few weeks ago. "It was just a quick call, kind of a touching-base thing," Britton said. "He introduced himself and told me that he'd give me a call back fairly soon, kind of discuss things a little more...

Needing a new third base coach, the Nationals have decided to promote from within, and have hired Bob Henley for the position. Henley has previously served as the Nationals' minor league field coordinator. The 40-year-old Henley has been with the Nationals/Expos organization for the last 11 years. He managed the Nationals' Gulf Coast League affiliate in 2009 and led that team to the GCL title, and has also managed high Single-A Potomac. Henley has been the Nats' minor league field...

The Nationals have re-signed veteran right-hander Chris Young to a minor league deal with an invitation to big league spring training, a source confirmed, providing a bit more starting pitching depth within the organization. Young had trouble staying on the field due to injury last season and got hit hard in his nine starts within the Nats system, going 1-2 with a 6.81 ERA. In his seven starts at Triple-A Syracuse, Young allowed 50 hits and 28 earned runs in 32 innings of work, striking out...

The Orioles' scouting staff is undergoing a few changes. Three scouts are gone from the organization and director of amateur scouting Gary Rajsich will need to hire their replacements over the next few weeks. Chris Gale, the Orioles' area scout in the Carolinas and southern Virginia, left the organization this week to take a pro scouting position with Cleveland. Gale was the area scout that scouted and helped in the signing of the Orioles' 2013 first-round pick, high school pitcher Hunter...

If you've ever stared up at the giant video board at Nationals Park during a game, seen the in-game video host running a contest or trying to engage fans and thought, "Gee, I could do that," the Nationals may want to talk to you. The Nats are commencing a casting call for a new in-game video host and, providing you have an effusive personality, have performed in front of large crowds, have on-air experience and possess a knowledge of both baseball and the Nationals, your dream could come...

Late in the 2013 season, executive vice president Dan Duquette attempted to end the speculation over Jim Johnson's status by telling reporters that the Orioles would tender him a contract over the winter. In addition, Johnson would remain the closer despite nine blown saves and the hefty raise awaiting him. How hefty? MLBTradeRumors.com projected again today that Johnson's salary could increase from $6.5 million to $10.8 million. As a Super 2, Johnson is arbitration-eligible for a fourth...

Do you have an enthusiastic personality and a voice that commands attention? Have you performed in front of large crowds or have any on-air experience? Do you have a deep-rooted passion for baseball and the Washington Nationals? If the answer is yes, yes and yes, don't miss this opportunity to become the Nationals in-game host for the 2014 season! The Nationals are looking for an energetic and engaging individual with a background in broadcasting, someone who will strive to enhance the...

Major League Baseball announced today that the Orioles will play the Houston Astros in the 2014 Civil Rights Game on May 30 at Minute Maid Park. The Orioles will be in Houston for a four-game series. The Civil Rights Game, which will air nationally on MLB Network, started in 2007 in Memphis and pays tribute to those who fought for equal rights. After another exhibition game in Memphis in 2008, the Civil Rights Game moved to Cincinnati (2009-2010), then Atlanta (2011-2012) as regular-season...