VIERA, Fla. - The Nationals' search for left-handed relief help has taken them in a familiar direction. This morning, the club signed veteran J.C. Romero to a minor league deal with an invitation to the final days of big league spring training. The Nationals scouted Romero during his recent stint with the Puerto Rican entry in the World Baseball Classic, where he worked to a 3.86 ERA in five games and demonstrated improved velocity. "We're going to give J.C. an opportunity to see if he can...

SARASOTA, Fla. - Buck Showalter likes to say a player should "bring what he can bring" to the team. By that, he means do the things you do well and don't try to be someone you are not on the field. One thing new Orioles infielder Alexi Casilla brings to this team is the ability to steal bases. That could be a nice addition to an Orioles team that ranked last in the American League in steals last season with 58 and tied for last with just a 67 percent success rate on the bases. The...

SARASOTA, Fla. - Jonathan Schoop, back from the World Baseball Classic, will start at shortstop today for the Orioles in their 1:05 p.m. game against the Tampa Bay Rays. Ryan Flaherty is starting at third base. For the Orioles: Alexi Casilla 2B Trayvon Robinson LF Ryan Flaherty 3B Wilson Betemit 1B Conor Jackson DH Jason Pridie RF Taylor Teagarden C Chris Dickerson CF Jonathan Schoop SS Steve Johnson RHP Notes: The travel roster today includes pitchers Jair Jurrjens, Daniel McCutchen, Adam...

SARASOTA, Fla. - Nick Markakis stood at his locker this morning, held a bat and took a couple of swings. He didn't have an ice pack on his neck. So far, so good. Markakis, cleared yesterday to begin baseball activities, will hit off a tee and do some light throwing as part of a three- or four-day progression. "That's what I was hoping for," he said. "I don't know exactly what I'm going to do today, but I'll do a little bit and get reevaluated tomorrow and go from there." Markakis...

SARASOTA, Fla. - Orioles fans bring up the topic often. That is, the question about a possible long-term contract for catcher Matt Wieters. The two-time All-Star is clearly a player that any team would have interest in locking up long-term. But when is the time right for those contract talks? It doesn't seem to be now, as Wieters has three years to go before he could entertain possible free agency after the 2015 season. I asked Wieters if the team has approached him at all about a long-term...

SARASOTA, Fla. - Let's see if Steve Johnson can counterpunch Jake Arrieta's outing last night. Arrieta didn't allow a run in six innings last night against the Pittsburgh Pirates, striking out nine batters. He hasn't been scored upon in his last 14 2/3 innings. He's struck out 16. Johnson will try to stay in the fifth starter race today against the Tampa Bay Rays in Port Charlotte. He figures to get their regular lineup. Why should anything come easily to him? Buck Showalter doesn't...

The Nationals begin the 2013 campaign with a home series against the Miami Marlins. It could also be a spectacular week to view the cherry blossoms in D.C. The National Park Service has announced that the peak viewing time this year has now been pushed back to April 3-6. The Nationals open April 1 at 1:05 p.m. against the Marlins, and are also home April 3-4 against Miami. The left-field pavilion at Nationals Park is lined with cherry blossom trees. This season, the timing might be perfect...

We're nine spring training games and just 10 days away from the Nats' season opener. As opening day is drawing closer, the Nationals have continued to trim their roster. On Monday, the Nats made a handful of cuts. Pitchers Erik Davis, Yunesky Maya and Ryan Perry, catcher Jhonatan Solano, infielder Chris Marrero and outfielder Corey Brown were sent to Triple-A Syracuse. Pitcher Ross Ohlendorf and infielder Zach Walters were sent to minor league camp. Catcher Chris Snyder was also granted...

SARASOTA, Fla. - Orioles right fielder Nick Markakis has been cleared to begin baseball activities after consulting earlier today with spine specialist Dr. Lee Riley. Markakis will hit off a tee and do some light throwing on Friday at the Ed Smith Stadium complex as part of a three- to four-day offensive progression that will lead to his first games since March 1. Manager Buck Showalter figured that Markakis could play a week's worth of games in two days. "Trust me, he is Twin Lakes...

SARASOTA, Fla. - This was a good night for right-hander Jake Arrieta. He kept his scoreless innings streak alive and made another case to be the fifth starter come opening day. Arrieta pitched six scoreless innings tonight as the Orioles and Pirates played to a 10-inning 0-0 tie in front of 6,000 fans at Ed Smith Stadium. Arrieta gave up six hits with two walks and nine strikeouts. Over his past three outings, he has pitched 14 2/3 scoreless innings, allowing 11 hits with five walks and 16...