Yesterday proved to be one of the busiest days of the offseason, with the press conference for executive vice president Dan Duquette and manager Buck Showalter followed by a stop inside the Orioles' clubhouse to interview players taking part in the minicamp, pitcher Miguel Gonzalez confirming that he wouldn't pitch for Mexico in the World Baseball Classic, rosters being announced for the WBC and news that second baseman Brian Roberts underwent sports hernia surgery last month. I half...

From time to time, the debate begins again. There are plenty of Orioles fans and some in the media that believe Jim Johnson, if given the chance, would be an excellent starting pitcher because he has several quality pitches. As for Johnson, he is not campaigning for a shot at the rotation. In fact, he said last night, he figures he's now likely a bullpen pitcher for good. "I think that has gone by the wayside honestly," Johnson said. "I think that time is long gone and I'm comfortable...

Right in time for FanFest, Orioles fans have been given plenty of news this week to discuss. The biggest: Buck Showalter and Dan Duquette will both be with the team for a long time. Both agreed to extensions through 2018, and they met with the media at a press conference yesterday at Camden Yards. MASN captured the full press conference, which can be viewed here, and kept you updated with all of the latest Orioles news this week. Center fielder Adam Jones is headed to the World Baseball...

Major League Baseball announced its provisional rosters for the World Baseball Classic this afternoon, and two guys on the Nationals' 40-man roster are in line to participate in the event. Danny Espinosa is on the roster for Team Mexico. Espinosa was born in Santa Ana, Calif., but his father is Mexican. Nats outfielder Roger Bernadina is also set to participate in the WBC; the 28-year-old is on the Netherlands' provisional roster. Team USA's roster does not have any Nats players. Another...

The Nationals introduced their new right-handed reliever, Rafael Soriano, at Nats Park this evening, and while general manager Mike Rizzo was quick to say that he still thinks highly of Drew Storen, he left no doubt as to who the Nats plan on utilizing as their closer. "Suffice it to say, Raffy is here to pitch the ninth," Rizzo said. "He has done it successfully everywhere he has been and we expect him to continue that." The Nats agreed to terms Tuesday with Soriano to a two-year, $28...

Orioles second baseman Brian Roberts revealed tonight that he underwent sports hernia surgery on Dec. 20 similar to the procedure that two of his teammates endured over the past year. He's resumed workouts in Sarasota and said he's feeling good, with no concerns about his availability for the start of spring training. Dr. William Meyers performed the surgery in Philadelphia, just as he did with Nick Markakis last January and Brian Matusz in October. Roberts consulted with both players, who...

Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo, speaking during Rafael Soriano's introductory press conference, said he was excited to be able to get a talent like right-hander A.J. Cole back in the organization. Rizzo said the deal to get a prospect like Cole, and right-hander Blake Treinen, would not have been possible by just talking to the Seattle Mariners. In his discussions with Seattle, he was able to get the Oakland A's involved, and that is how Cole, Treinen and a player to be named were...

Orioles second baseman Brian Roberts said he shut down for a few weeks over the holidays because he had "some minor stuff going on" related to his surgically repaired hip, but he's resumed his daily workouts and isn't experiencing any health issues. Roberts appeared in 17 games last season before undergoing surgery to repair a torn labrum in his hip. "I had been pushing pretty hard for a while after my surgery and had some minor stuff going on, so we shut down for a few weeks over the...

The Washington Nationals today agreed to terms with right-handed pitcher Rafael Soriano on a two-year contract with an option for the 2015 season. Nationals Executive Vice President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Mike Rizzo made the announcement. Soriano joins the Nationals after going 2-1 with 42 saves and a 2.29 ERA in 69 games for the Yankees last season. He spent the majority of '12 as the Yankees' closer after Mariano Soriano's season ended prematurely in early May (ACL...

The Orioles' kickoff to the 2013 season, FanFest will be held this Saturday, January 19, from 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. at the Baltimore Convention Center. 2013 FanFest, presented by Visit Sarasota County, will feature appearances by current and former Orioles players and coaches as part of a day-long celebration of baseball that will also include clinics, exhibits and interactive games. Like the rest of the region, the Orioles are supporting the Baltimore Ravens in their quest for the AFC...