Since I've been asked about it many times over the past few days, I just wanted to pass along that the Orioles aren't expected to announce manager Buck Showalter's contract extension before next week. The original plan called for the Orioles to confirm the new deal early this week, but busy schedules on both sides have caused a slight delay. There hasn't been a glitch or a setback. It's still going to get done. It's just not likely to happen as quickly as anticipated. Showalter...

In some ways, left-hander Elias Pinales is just like a lot of young pitching prospects over the years from the Dominican Republic. He is tall and lean, and throws hard. He is a decent prospect, but has a lot of developing to do to try and work his way up through the Orioles farm system. Pinales, from Bajo de Haini, turned 20 in November. The 6-foot-4, 155-pounder was signed by David Stockstill as a non-drafted free agent on Aug. 27, 2010. For the Dominican Summer League Orioles in 2011, he...

Think the accolades for Bryce Harper's incredible rookie season ended with his selection as National League Rookie of the Year? Think again. Harper is one of seven major leaguers hoping to become the face of Sony's MLB 13 The Show, and social media-savvy fans are going to determine which of the players appears on the cover of the popular video game. Beginning today, through Jan. 11, fans can vote here, or use their Facebook or Twitter accounts to choose the next cover boy. You show your...

With the new year is the old news regarding Adam LaRoche, who still has yet to receive the three-year deal he is seeking. Reliever Michael Gonzalez signed a one-year deal with the Brewers last Friday, further thinning out the Nats' bullpen. The Nats are continuing to gain national attention in the offseason, and were ranked the top roster in the majors, according to The Boston Globe's Nick Cafardo. In case you missed it, read more on these stories and other headlines: * A favorite memory...

The similarities are a bit eerie. The Nationals led Game 5 of the National League Division Series 6-0 after three innings only to see their offense go silent. Their opponent, the visiting St. Louis Cardinals, chipped away and eventually left D.C. fans heartbroken. The Redskins led the NFC wild card game 14-0 after one quarter only to see their offense completely shut down. Their opponent, the visiting Seattle Seahawks, chipped away and eventually left D.C. fans to deal with another stunning...

Former Orioles shortstop Mike Bordick, now a MASN analyst who also works with infielders at the major and minor league levels, offered his opinions on Ryan Flaherty, Brian Roberts and Manny Machado during Saturday's "Hot Stove Baseball" show on WBAL Radio. "I loved Ryan Flaherty," Bordick said. "I think he's so versatile and he played above-average at every position they put him in. Buck (Showalter) wasn't scared to start him in the outfield or start him at second base. He played in...

Brian Goodwin has been a fan favorite ever since the Nationals drafted him. Always coveting a center fielder with speed who can hit, hit for power, get on base and has great range, Goodwin is working his way into that leadoff man of the future the Nats have been searching for in the draft. Denard Span takes over this season with the big boys, but Goodwin made a big splash last season as he tore through low Single-A Hagerstown and made the rare two-level jump to Double-A Harrisburg. He...

It is not a surprise to me. In fact, I predicted early in the offseason that the theme this winter would be how the Orioles were fortunate to win last year and how it can't happen again. The theory goes that last year everything broke right. The Orioles went 29-9 in one-run games and 16-2 in extra-inning games. What good fortune. But the Orioles outscored their opponents 33-5 in extra innings in 2012. No one talks about that run differential. Opponent batters hit .189 with a .241 slugging...

Pitcher Miguel Gonzalez and his wife are expecting their second child in June. It's never too soon to start wondering about his paternity leave and whether he could miss a key start. Go ahead and check the schedule. Gonzalez, in a phone interview yesterday on WBAL Radio's "Hot Stove Baseball" show, said his goal in 2013 is to pitch 200 innings. He totaled 105 1/3 with the Orioles last season, and another 44 2/3 with Triple-A Norfolk. He also pitched in Mexico over the winter, which is...

If the Rangers were considered a possible landing spot for Adam LaRoche a couple days ago, it's hard to believe they still are today. Texas reportedly has agreed to terms with first baseman/outfielder Lance Berkman on a one-year, $11 million contract, a deal which includes a vesting option for 2014. Berkman, a switch-hitter, gives the Rangers more pop from the left side of the plate and a guy that they can rotate in at a few positions. This deal comes after the Rangers signed left-handed...