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...

Of all the free agent starting pitchers on the market this offseason, I felt that Tim Hudson was one of the guys who might have made the most sense for the Nationals if he had been available at a reasonable price. Hudson knows the National League East well from having spent the last nine years with the Braves. He has a career 3.44 ERA, and outside of a fluke ankle injury this season, has been very durable over the course of his career. Hudson wasn't looking for a long-term deal, meaning the...

For an organization that often lagged behind plenty of others in international signings, there is evidence now that the Orioles are finally making some gains in that area. Last year, just three international players signed by the O's were among their top 15 prospects, according to Baseball America. Now the Orioles have five international players who will likely be ranked among their top 15 prospects. In Baseball America's O's top 30 prospects list published last winter, Jonathan Schoop was...

Looking to add more left-handed depth to their bullpen, the Orioles have signed reliever Kelvin De La Cruz to a one-year contract. De La Cruz, 25, was a combined 3-1 with a 2.67 ERA and seven saves in 67 1/3 innings and 50 relief appearances this year for Double-A Chattanooga (three games) and Triple-A Albuquerque (47) in the Dodgers system. He finished third in the Pacific Coast League and set a career high with 11.26 strikeouts over nine innings. De La Cruz held left-handed hitters to a...

The Orioles today announced that they have signed free agent left-hander Kelvin De La Cruz to a one-year contract. De La Cruz, 25, was a combined 3-1 with seven saves and a 2.67 ERA (67.1IP, 20ER) in 50 relief appearances for Double-A Chattanooga (3G) and Triple-A Albuquerque (47G) in the Dodgers organization in 2013. He finished third in the Pacific Coast League and set a career-high with 11.26 K/9.0IP. De La Cruz held left-handed hitters to a line of .217/.298/.261 in 106 plate appearances,...

Tim Hudson is no longer an option to join the Orioles' rotation. But when one door closes ... Hudson reportedly has agreed to a two-year, $23 million contract with the Giants that may include a full no-trade clause. The details are unfolding. The Orioles liked Hudson and were seen as a potential match, but they never made an offer. Would you give Hudson, a 38-year-old pitcher who recently had a pin removed from his ankle, $23 million? I'd be more inclined if it weren't my money. And...

The Orioles today signed four players to minor league contracts, adding two pitchers and two outfielders from four different organizations. They signed right-handed pitcher Brock Huntzinger, left-handed pitcher Nick Additon, and added outfielders Chih-Hsien Chiang and Kyeong Kang. The 25-year-old Huntzinger went 5-2 with a 1.83 ERA in relief last year pitching between Double-A and Triple-A in the Red Sox organization. A third-round draft pick in 2007, he worked 68 2/3 innings, allowing 51...