Nationals acquire Denard Span from Twins
Nationals acquire Denard Span from Twins
Josh Land
Nationals
The Washington Nationals today acquired center fielder Denard Span from the Minnesota Twins in exchange for minor-league right-handed pitcher Alex Meyer. Nationals Executive Vice President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Mike Rizzo made the announcement. Span is a career .284 (669-for-2354) hitter with 105 doubles, 36 triples, 23 home runs, 230 RBI, 90 stolen bases, 254 walks, 360 runs scored in 589 big league contests spanning five seasons (2008-12) with the Twins. In 2012, Span...
Rizzo looking for "dynamic" center fielder, LaRoche talks not progressing far
Rizzo looking for "dynamic" center fielder, LaRoche talks not progressing far
Dan Kolko
Nationals
When the Winter Meetings begin in Nashville in four days, Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo will sit in on dozens of meetings with agents and front office personnel from other teams, looking to upgrade his roster for the 2013 season and beyond. Speaking this afternoon on 106.7 the Fan, Rizzo revealed that one of his top goals during these sessions will be to add a "dynamic" center fielder, which would allow Bryce Harper to move to a corner outfield spot. "Circle back to months ago and...
Looking at the remaining center field options
Looking at the remaining center field options
Dan Kolko
Nationals
The Braves had a shot to re-sign Michael Bourn, who had spent the last season and a half in Atlanta. Instead they chose B.J. Upton, signing the former Tampa Bay Rays center fielder to a five-year, $75 million deal. Not sure what that says about Bourn as he looks to get a five-year deal in the neighborhood of $80-90 million. Upton certainly brings qualities that Bourn doesn't; he's nearly two years younger, has more pop in his bat and many scouts still feel he hasn't yet lived up to his...
Orioles announce 2013 spring training schedule
Orioles announce 2013 spring training schedule
Pete Kerzel
Orioles
The Orioles today announced their 2013 Grapefruit League schedule, which opens February 23 with a 1:05 p.m. game against the Minnesota Twins at Ed Smith Stadium. 2013 marks the fourth consecutive spring training for the Orioles in Sarasota, and the third in the renovated Ed Smith Stadium. Baltimore will face eight different opponents during the 2013 Grapefruit League campaign. The O's will host the Boston Red Sox and Pittsburgh Pirates three times each and the Minnesota Twins, New York...
Orioles release 2013 spring training schedule
Orioles release 2013 spring training schedule
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
The Orioles have released their 2013 spring training schedule, which includes the Feb. 23 opener against the Minnesota Twins in Sarasota. They also will host Team Brazil on March 6 in preparation for the World Baseball Classic. Pitchers and catchers will report to the Ed Smith Stadium complex on Feb. 12, and position players will report on Feb. 15. The WBC really has caused some major adjustments to the usual routine. The Orioles will face eight different opponents. They will host the Red...
Jim Duquette talks Hamilton and Reynolds, Dan Duquette talks pitching depth
Jim Duquette talks Hamilton and Reynolds, Dan Duquette talks pitching depth
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
In case you missed yesterday's edition of "The Mid-Atlantic Sports Report" - and there's no excuse, since MASN replayed it at 11:30 p.m. - former executive Jim Duquette speculated that free-agent outfielder Josh Hamilton might have to settle for a deal in "the four-year range," which could make the Orioles a potential suitor. I immediately thanked Duquette for stirring up the masses again. Then we shared a laugh. You should have been there. "Right now there are a bunch of teams sitting...
Duquette on Bundy and Gausman: "They have serious talent"
Duquette on Bundy and Gausman: "They have serious talent"
Steve Melewski
Orioles
If you are expecting the Orioles brass to try and manage or downplay the high expectations for their top pitching prospects, Dylan Bundy and Kevin Gausman, don't. Simply put, the Orioles have two of baseball's best young pitchers in that duo and everyone knows it. When Baseball America releases its next list of the sport's top 100 prospects in February, they could rank among the top 20-25 in the game and Bundy could be No. 1, as he was in the publication's 2012 mid-season listing. Even...
Upton lands in the NL East
Upton lands in the NL East
Dan Kolko
Nationals
Scratch B.J. Upton off the list of free agent outfielders. And get ready to see him in the National League East for the next few years. The Braves have signed Upton to a five-year deal worth a shade over $75 million, according to multiple reports. That not only gives the Braves their center fielder and a middle-of-the-order bat, but it also pushes Michael Bourn out of Atlanta. Bourn now has a benchmark contract off which to work and a host of teams which will be calling, looking to fill a...
Now a starter, Ryan Perry has some unfinished business
Now a starter, Ryan Perry has some unfinished business
Byron Kerr
Nationals
Right-hander Ryan Perry was pleased with his season and the progress he made, moving from reliever to starter, trying to become a pitcher instead of just a thrower. He not only was able to find success at his new job with Double-A Harrisburg, but also received an invitation to pitch in the prestigious Arizona Fall League. His season wrapped up with the starting pitching spot in the Arizona Fall League title game, and although he did not go out the way he wanted, he still was happy with where...
Orioles acquire Valencia, Mahoney designated for assignment (updated)
Orioles acquire Valencia, Mahoney designated for assignment (updated)
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
The Orioles continued to beef up their stock of infielders today, acquiring Danny Valencia from the Red Sox in exchange for cash considerations. The 28-year-old Valencia batted .188/.199/.299 in 44 games for the Twins and Red Sox last season, but is a career .316/.359/.472 hitter in 326 plate appearances against left-handed pitching. He is only a year removed from hitting .246 with 15 home runs and 72 RBIs for the Twins in 2011, when he led the majors in games played at third base (154) and...