Key local matchups, top-ranked programs and exciting tournament action will be part of the extensive Division I basketball schedule this winter on MASN, the region's leader in live sports entertainment. Utilizing both MASN and MASN2, more than 100 men's and women's games will be broadcast during the 2013-14 season, including MASN's annual airing of the BB&T Classic in December. The 2013-14 schedule tips off on Friday, Nov. 8 with a doubleheader on MASN2 featuring Alabama-Oklahoma at 5...

After being fired by the Nationals mid-way through the 2013 season, Rick Eckstein has found himself a new gig. Eckstein has been hired by the Angels as an assistant hitting coach who will also serve as an advance scout and liaison to the minor leagues, according to the Los Angeles Times. Essentially, he'll be the seventh coach in the dugout. Eckstein had been the Nationals' hitting coach since 2008, but general manager Mike Rizzo fired Eckstein in July with the Nats possessing a 48-50...

While Orioles first baseman Chris Davis waits to find out where he'll place in voting for the American League's Most Valuable Player Award, he can prepare to accept his first Silver Slugger Award. Is there another first baseman strong enough to pry it out of his hands? The voting is done by managers and coaches, and they take into account several offensive categories, including batting average, on-base percentage and slugging percentage. They're not allowed to vote for players on their own...

It is interesting that some of you have suggested here that the Orioles consider making shortstop J.J. Hardy available in a trade this winter. I assume part of the thinking is that with just a year left on his contract you would like to see the team get something in return - like quality pitching - before he could leave via free agency at the end of the 2014 season, barring a new contract. There also could be a thought from some that signing him to a new, long-term deal is not the best move....

Orioles first baseman Chris Davis hit a home run with the Baseball Writers' Association of America, too. The BBWAA has named Davis as a finalist for the American League's Most Valuable Player Award. The announcement came tonight on MLB Network. Davis is joined by Tigers third baseman Miguel Cabrera and Angels outfielder Mike Trout. The winner will be revealed on Nov. 14 on MLB Network. Cabrera topped Davis in two Players Choice Awards categories last night - AL Outstanding Player and...

Jeff Manto spent one season as an Oriole, but it was eventful for him. During the 1995 season he tied a major league record with four homers in four consecutive at-bats in June and he was also around when Cal Ripken broke Lou Gehrig's consecutive games played record. He fondly remembers that season with the Orioles and today, Manto is back with the club after being hired as its minor league hitting coordinator. He replaces Mike Boulanger, who, after two years in that role, will move into an...

Former Orioles third baseman Jeff Manto is back in the organization. The Orioles have hired Manto as minor league hitting coordinator. He replaces Mike Boulanger, who will move into an amateur and professional scouting role in 2014. Manto served as the hitting coach for the Chicago White Sox from 2012-13. He was fired on Sept. 28 following a 99-loss season. Boulanger will scout in the Midwest and handle some professional coverage. Manto has strong ties to Orioles director of player...

Orioles fans of a variety of ages and abilities will enjoy a week filled with once-in-a-lifetime experiences at the team's 2014 Dream Week. Held at the Orioles' two-site complex in Sarasota, Florida (Ed Smith Stadium and the Buck O'Neil Baseball Complex) from January 26 to February 1, 2014, Dream Week participants will receive full major league treatment, playing daily doubleheader intrasquad games and receiving instruction from former Orioles including Mike Boddicker, Don Buford, Rick...

As I mentioned yesterday, the Nationals did not issue a qualifying offer to either of their two free agents this offseason - Dan Haren or Chad Tracy. Again, no surprise there. Nine major league teams did issue qualifying offers to a total of 13 free agents yesterday, however, meaning we will see a bunch of guys hit the free agent market with their value being affected by the draft pick compensation that is now attached to them. The Red Sox and Yankees both issued three qualifying offers, and...

Nationals center field prospect Brian Goodwin crushed a two-run shot in Mesa's 5-4 rain-shortened win over Salt River in Arizona Fall League play on Monday. Goodwin hit the two-run homer in the second to begin the scoring for Mesa, cutting the Rafters' lead to 3-2. His homer came off of Salt River starter Grayson Garvin. Goodwin also stole his third base of the fall season. He finished 2-for-4 with three RBIs and is now hitting .317. Left-hander Matt Purke started for Mesa. He went four...