The Orioles' coaching staff could be completed this week, though the holidays always complicate matters. As you've heard, the Orioles want to retain all six of their coaches and are expected to reach agreement with the two remaining unsigned members of the staff - hitting coach Jim Presley and third base coach DeMarlo Hale. Pitching coach Rick Adair signed last week. I've heard that the Marlins and Blue Jays were interested in Adair. Presley also has attracted interest from another club....

The same rival scout who critiqued infielder Jonathan Schoop in yesterday's blog entry talks about six more Orioles minor leaguers who played for the Mesa Solar Sox in the Arizona Fall League. Pitcher Mike Belfiore, 24 - 12 starts, 12 1/3 innings, 1-1, 4.38 ERA, 14 hits, four walks, 13 strikeouts: "Between him and (Chris) Petrini, he's the one I like better, and lots of people I talked to kind of have the same impression. He looked pretty good for the most part while I was out there. He...

Nationals right-hander Ryan Perry allowed four runs in three innings, and Peoria held off Salt River 4-3 to win the Arizona Fall League championship at Scottsdale Stadium. Perry surrendered eight hits and two walks to suffer the loss (0-1). He gave up a leadoff triple from Billy Hamilton and two RBI singles by Mike Zunino. Peoria built a 4-1 lead before Salt River rallied in the third. Kent Matthes slapped a run-scoring single and Corey Dickerson added an RBI double to make it 4-3. Brian...

How's this for some surprising news: ESPN's Buster Olney reports that the new-look Blue Jays are close to finally naming a manager. OK, that's not the surprising news. Here's the surprising news: According to Olney, two of the finalists are former Rockies manager Jim Tracy and former Nationals skipper Jim Riggleman. Yup, the same Jim Riggleman who many people thought would never have a shot at a major league managerial job again after abruptly resigning as Nats manager because of a...

Scouts who had been watching infielder Jonathan Schoop at Double-A Bowie and the Arizona Fall League seem convinced that he will become an everyday player in the majors. But like the Orioles' rotation this season, his position is TBA. Is he a third baseman, shortstop or second baseman? Yes. Schoop, 21, has been moving around, which seems like a wise plan by the Orioles. Shortstop J.J. Hardy just won his first Gold Glove and he's signed through 2014. Manny Machado is the starting third...

Three members of the Orioles organization have been selected to receive Legacy Awards, established in 2000 by the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum to honor the best major league players, managers and executives. The awards are presented in the name and spirit of the Negro Leagues legends. Buck Showalter will receive the Charles Isham "C.I." Taylor Award, presented to the top America League manager. Closer Jim Johnson will receive the Hilton Smith Award, given to the AL's top...

When you go from last in the American League to sixth in team ERA in one year, that is an impressive improvement. The Orioles did that in 2012, with a 3.90 team ERA after posting a 4.89 ERA to rank 14th the year before. The improved pitching - both the quality and depth of it - was a big key to the club's 24-win improvement. Here are some pitching questions the club may be looking at right now. Is there any lingering talk of moving Jim Johnson to the rotation?: I don't hear of any and it...

On Saturday afternoon, the Salt River Rafters face Peoria in the championship game of the Arizona Fall League. Converted Nationals reliever Ryan Perry gets the start and could go five innings. The right-hander has a 4.98 ERA in the AFL, but is 2-0 and has allowed a .213 batting average against. With all the talk of Edwin Jackson, John Lannan or others as the fifth starter, this question can be put out there: Would an outstanding outing help Perry to be considered for that role in 2013? ...

The Washington Nationals today released their 32-game 2013 Spring Training schedule, which features 15 home games at Space Coast Stadium in Viera, FL. The National League East champions will commence their Grapefruit League schedule on Feb. 23 when they play the New York Mets in nearby Port St. Lucie, FL. The Nationals will host the Miami Marlins one day later (Feb. 24) at Space Coast Stadium for their initial home contest. The Nationals' home schedule will include a matchup against the...

Start planning your vacations, folks. The Nationals have released their full 32-game 2013 spring training schedule today, featuring 15 home games at Space Coast Stadium in Viera, Fla. The Nats open their Grapefruit League schedule against the Mets on Feb. 23 in Port St. Lucie and will wrap up spring training with a March 28 home game against the Mets. The first home game on the Nationals' 2013 spring schedule will come Feb. 24 against the Marlins. No report date has been announced for...