If you're not an aficionado of Rotisserie League Baseball - yes, capitalized and trademarked, to distinguish it from the generic and bastardized forms of fantasy sports not invented by founding father Dan Okrent - you might be wondering why the Nationals are being so frugal when they've obviously got money to spend and needs to fill. The $13 million they shelled out for one year of Dan Haren is way less than the $100 million-plus that Zack Greinke will command, and it's not like the...

As it turns out, Matt Wieters is not any switch-hitting Jesus or Joe Mauer with power. But he is an All-Star catcher and Gold Glove winner that the Orioles are thrilled to call their own. He has turned into one of the game's top young catchers. But how good can Wieters get on offense? In 2011, he batted .262 with 22 homers, 68 RBIs and an OPS of .778. Last season, he batted .249 with 22 homers, 83 RBIs and a .764 OPS. Could Wieters ever hit 30 homers and drive in 100 runs? That may be...

Re-signing Nate McLouth brought more questions for the Orioles. Is he the everyday left fielder? Will he bat leadoff? Let's tackle the second one. Asked whether McLouth would remain at the top of the order, executive vice president Dan Duquette replied, "Let's see how it plays out." It's tough to project the lineup without knowing whether Duquette is signing or trading for another player, but the Orioles clearly have three leadoff candidates on the roster: McLouth, Brian Roberts and...

There has been plenty of talk about the Orioles' offense in recent days. The club is looking to add a hitter, preferably one that can fit and hit in the middle of its order. Here is how the Orioles' offense fared last season in the American League and, more specifically, in the AL East: Runs: 712, ninth in AL, fourth in East Average: .247 10th in AL, third in East Homers: 214, second in AL, second in East OBP: .311, 11th in AL, fourth in East Slugging: .417, sixth in AL, second in...

If Dan Haren has hip and back problems that threaten his career and scare off potential employers, it's news to the right-hander, whose one-year, $13 million deal with the Nationals became official Friday after he passed the physical performed earlier in the week. "I'm 100 percent confident I'll be healthy this year and I feel I'll be able to contribute at a high level," he told reporters during a conference call Friday afternoon. Haren admits to dealing with a nagging hip problem, but...

The Washington Nationals today agreed to terms on a one-year contract with right-handed pitcher Dan Haren. Nationals Executive Vice President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Mike Rizzo made the announcement. A 10-year veteran, Haren is 119-97 with a 3.66 ERA in 296 games/286 starts with the Angels, Diamondbacks, A's and Cardinals. In 2012, he went 12-13 with a 4.33 ERA in 30 starts in his final season with Los Angeles (AL). Regarded as one of MLB's most consistent performers,...

We're still awaiting word on the results of right-hander Dan Haren's physical before his one-year, $13 million deal with the Nationals becomes official. Haren was supposed to fly into Washington, D.C., on Wednesday evening, then undergo a physical yesterday. Coincidentally, Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo departed the Winter Meetings in Nashville on Wednesday afternoon - a full day before most teams' executives - and returned to D.C. While it's doubtful the Nationals would have...

The Nationals made a big splash this week at baseball's Winter Meetings, agreeing to a one-year deal with former Angels right-hander Dan Haren. Haren arrives with 119 career victories as a three-time All-Star, and would solidify one of the best starting rotations in baseball. With Stephen Strasburg, Gio Gonzalez, Jordan Zimmermann and Ross Detwiler already in the fold, the Nationals were looking for a fifth starter to help them match up against any scenario and in any series. With Haren in...

The Orioles today announced that Holiday 5-Packs will go on sale Monday, December 10 at 10:00 a.m. through www.orioles.com. 5-Packs include a ticket to Opening Day, plus vouchers for four additional games that can be redeemed for an Upper Box ticket to any non-prime games in April and May. Each five-game package costs $110, plus fees, and includes a complimentary ticket to 2013 FanFest with purchase. There is a limited quantity available, and packages are expected to sell out quickly. Fans...

I do understand that some fans are disappointed that the Orioles didn't do more at the Winter Meetings. Every year, it seems there is a segment of the fan base that gets very, very excited about those few days and if major moves are not made, they get very unhappy about it. I think sometimes some fans just want action, any kind of action. Don't think some of the media don't want that, too. It was more exciting to be at the Winter Meetings two years ago in Orlando when the O's acquired J.J....