While wondering why the Terps tried to freeze a kicker named Freese ... So much for manager Buck Showalter's "prediction" that catcher Matt Wieters would be wearing pinstripes in two years. If so, he's going to find someone else behind the plate. According to multiple reports, the Yankees have reached agreement with free-agent catcher Brian McCann on a five-year, $85 million deal that includes a sixth-year $15 million vesting option. The $17 million per season average is the highest...

Want a look into Matt Williams' house in Arizona? Interested in taking a peek at his closet, where he's started to run out of room for all his shoes? Want to know how (or why) Matt and his wife Erika can call or text message their oven? Sure you do. Erika gave a tour of the Williams home, which took three years to build and design, to Channel 3 in Arizona, and if you care to know how the Nationals' new manager lives when out in Paradise Valley, you'll enjoy this video tour. For what...

Not that anyone asked for my opinion, but any trade proposal involving Orioles catcher Matt Wieters must bring back a frontline starting pitcher. It just does. Says so right here. An established left fielder would be nice. Someone who can get on base. Someone who can steal a base. Someone who can clear the bases on occasion, though the Orioles didn't lack for power this year. That hole at second base needs to be filled. A left-handed designated hitter is on executive vice president Dan...

It was a week ago today that the Surprise Saguaros charged the mound to celebrate their Arizona Fall League championship. It was a championship won with a big Oriole flavor. The Surprise team was managed by Double-A Bowie skipper Gary Kendall. Short-season Single-A Aberdeen pitching coach Alan Mills was one of two pitching coaches on the team that also featured eight O's prospects. For the winning players and coaches, it was a wonderful baseball experience and they'll get championship rings...

Left-hander Sammy Solis was back. He had recovered from Tommy John surgery. He was pitching again in the game he loved. But something still wasn't quite right. And he was starting to get nervous. "It was one day at a time," Solis said on his May return to high Single-A Potomac. "Every day was different with my arm. One day, it would feel great, the next day it was like, 'Oh, my. Do I need surgery again?' The biggest thing on field to overcome was just my arm tightening up between every...

On behalf of the Lerner Family and the Washington Nationals, we are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Michael Weiner. His commitment to the game of baseball was well-recognized throughout the industry and his contributions will have a lasting impact on its long-term vitality. We send our deepest condolences to his family and the many friends and colleagues who mourn his loss.

Nothing from the Orioles so far today. No major league or minor league signings. No new hires in the farm system. Don't despair. I've made plans on Saturday to meet up with my parents and great niece at my sister's house. The last time I paid them a visit, the Orioles traded Jake Arrieta and Pedro Strop to the Cubs for Scott Feldman and Steve Clevenger. I found out approximately 25 seconds after walking through the door. So, you know, it's probably going to happen again. Not the same...

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...

We're all aware of how good Tyler Clippard has been since joining the Nationals in the trade that sent Clippard to D.C. and Jonathan Albaladejo to the Yankees. Fairly lopsided deal there, huh? Wonder how the Yanks are feeling about that one. In his five years with the Nats, Clippard has appeared in 337 games (an average of 67 per season) and pitched to a 2.72 ERA with a 1.036 WHIP and 10.3 strikeouts per nine innings. Yeah, decent numbers. This season, however, Clippard was so good that...

If you're anything like me, the blockbuster trade announced this week - sending Ian Kinsler to Detroit and Prince Fielder to Texas - made you that much more excited for baseball season. Is it opening day yet? More specifically, is it May 30? On this date, the Astros and Orioles will play in MLB's annual Civil Rights Game in 2014. Should be a game to remember and an awesome event. So, it's not May 30? Is it Feb. 1 yet? The O's announced the date as the day of FanFest. In addition, the...