There have been times in baseball when a popular player signs a new contract to stay with his current team for perhaps less than he can get on the open market. It is said the player gave his team a "hometown discount." That doesn't happen much, but it can. If so, is the reverse true? Did the San Francisco Giants' Tim Lincecum get a "hometown increase?" In other words, did the two-year, $35 million dollar deal Lincecum just signed with the Giants have as much do with his popularity and...

One of the decisions awaiting the Orioles involves outfielder Nolan Reimold and whether to tender him a contract for the 2014 season. Reimold doesn't know what's going to happen, but he's certain that he'll be ready to play for someone in spring training. Reimold told me that he goes to his rehab sessions two or three times a week and is having a much easier time with his recovery from neck surgery than the first procedure in 2012 that ended his season after one month. "I think I'm...

Did the Maryland football team really schedule Clemson as its homecoming opponent? I tried to schedule Valerie Bertinelli as my prom date, but that was a reach. And so is the idea that Clemson makes a good homecoming opponent. Was the person responsible wearing his "Bad Idea" jeans? Anyway, I spent an hour today on MASN as part of the "Wall to Wall Baseball" crew, and we again took questions via e-mails and tweets. Here are a few topics that were addressed: 1. Should the Orioles trade...

The Nationals announced this morning that three players - Stephen Strasburg, Bryce Harper and Adam LaRoche - underwent "successful" surgery this week. All three guys are expected to be ready for the start of spring training. Strasburg underwent arthroscopic surgery to remove bone chips from his right elbow on Friday. The procedure was performed by Dr. Neal ElAttrache in Los Angeles. Strasburg is scheduled to resume his throwing program in four to six weeks and is expected to be ready for...

The first, and most significant, task the Nationals had to complete this offseason is all but done. Matt Williams is in line to become the Nationals' next manager, something that should become official shortly after the World Series comes to an end. Not surprisingly, the hire has created quite a discussion among many fans, some of whom like the decision made by the Lerner family and general manager Mike Rizzo, and some of whom wanted to see the Nats go in another direction. In reality,...

Orioles minor league catcher Caleb Joseph had a big year for the Double-A Bowie Baysox in 2013. But instead of taking a few weeks off after a solid year, he headed to Venezuela to play winter ball. Playing for the Bravos de Margarita will help him improve as a player. That, in turn, will help him improve his stock in the organization and maybe even enhance his chance to get added to the O's 40-man roster in advance of December's Rule 5 draft. Even though he has played six seasons since the...

No other team in the majors has more Gold Glove finalists than the Orioles, who are represented by catcher Matt Wieters, first baseman Chris Davis, shortstop J.J. Hardy, third baseman Manny Machado, center fielder Adam Jones and right fielder Nick Markakis. While heaping praise on each individual, let's not forget about the coaches who work with them - Bobby Dickerson with the infielders, Wayne Kirby the outfielders and John Russell the catchers. "It's exciting," said Dickerson, named the...

Matt Williams, who appears to be the choice at the next manager of the Nationals, managed the 2012 Salt River Rafters in the Arizona Fall League. He helped guide the Rafters to an appearance in the championship game, a 4-3 loss to Peoria. I caught up with right-hander Aaron Barrett and infielder Jason Martinson, two of the eight Nationals prospects on that team, to get their take on the possibility of having Williams as the next manager of the Nats. Barrett is one of the top relievers in the...

For the second straight year, the Nationals have had two players selected as finalists for Rawlings Gold Glove Awards. Last year, it was first baseman Adam LaRoche and shortstop Ian Desmond, with LaRoche taking home his first career Gold Glove. This year, it's Desmond and center fielder Denard Span. The Gold Glove winners will be announced Tuesday beginning at 8 p.m. on ESPN2. Desmond will go up against the Braves' Andrelton Simmons and the Rockies' Troy Tulowitzki for the Gold Glove...

The Orioles set major league records this season with a .991 fielding percentage, 119 errorless games and only 54 errors committed over 162 games. They figured to be well-represented in the balloting for the Rawlings Gold Glove Awards. Six Orioles have been named finalists at their respective positions: Catcher Matt Wieters, first baseman Chris Davis, shortstop J.J. Hardy, third baseman Manny Machado, center fielder Adam Jones and right fielder Nick Markakis. The winners will be announced at 8...