NatsFest is under way at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, and it didn't take long for fans to start cheering. At a "State of the Nationals" forum for season ticket holders featuring principal owner Mark Lerner and general manager Mike Rizzo, Lerner drew loud applause by proclaiming, "We're going to the World Series this year." There's little doubt that has been the focus since the Nationals' disheartening loss to the Cardinals in Game 5 of the National League Division Series...

It might still be January and spring training still might be nearly three weeks away, but for today, at least, Nationals baseball will be in full swing. In just a little bit, I'll be taking off for the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in downtown D.C. to take part in NatsFest, which runs from noon-4 p.m. Season ticket holders can arrive even earlier for special events that begin at 11 a.m. At least 22 players will be in attendance today, as well as general manager Mike Rizzo and other...

On slow news days, which pretty much covers most of the winter, we've kicked around different combinations that could make up the Orioles rotation in 2013. Up to this point, I've gone with Jason Hammel, Wei-Yin Chen, Miguel Gonzalez, Chris Tillman and TBA. The candidates are plentiful, and we can add one more arm to the mix. Jair Jurrjens will officially become an Oriole next week after he passes his physical. He will be given every chance to earn a spot in the rotation, but having minor...

The Orioles today announced a restructuring of their player development staff. Kent Qualls was officially named director of minor league operations, where he will oversee the business operations of the player development department. Brian Graham has been promoted from coordinator of minor league instruction to director of player development. As director of player personnel, John Stockstill will now also oversee international and domestic professional scouting. A few moments ago I spoke with...

As expected, Ron Johnson is returning this season as manager at Triple-A Norfolk and Gary Kendall is returning as manager at Double-A Bowie. Also, as previously reported, Ryan Minor is moving up to Single-A Frederick, Luis Pujols will manage low Single-A Delmarva, Matt Merullo will manage short-season Single-A Aberdeen and Orlando Gomez will move down to the Gulf Coast League team. Here's a breakdown of each affiliate: Triple-A Norfolk Manager: Ron Johnson Pitching coach: Mike...

The Orioles today announced the coaching staffs for their seven minor league affiliates for the 2013 season. Ron Johnson returns for his second season as the manager at Triple-A Norfolk after guiding the Tides to a 74-70 mark in his first season in the Orioles organization in 2012. Johnson now has a 1,335-1,332 record in 19 seasons as a minor league manager. Mike Griffin will serve as pitching coach for the sixth consecutive season in the organization and fourth straight season in Norfolk....

The Orioles confirmed today that Brian Graham has been named director of player development. He previously served as coordinator of minor league instruction. The club also confirmed the hiring of former Red Sox farm director Kent Qualls as director of minor league operations. John Stockstill will remain as director of player personnel, but the Orioles confirmed that he also will now oversee international and domestic professional scouting. Graham spent six years as the Pirates' director of...

The Orioles today announced one addition and two promotions within their Player Development Department. Kent Qualls has been named Director of Minor League Operations, where he will oversee the business operations of the Player Development Department. Qualls served as Boston's Director of Player Development for four years (1998-2001) and their Director of Baseball Operations for one year (2002) during his eight-years with the Red Sox. He spent eight years (1987-1994) as the Director of Minor...

By becoming a Nationals Season Plan Holder between today and Sunday, March 31, fans can lock in 2012 pricing with their choice of a one- or two-year commitment. In addition to 2012 prices, Season Plan Holders receive an assortment of benefits, including the Red Carpet Rewards and Ticket Exchange Programs, team store discounts and invitations to exclusive events. Full, half and partial season plans are currently available on all levels of the ballpark for those who don't want to miss a minute...

Major League Baseball released the Nationals' 2013 start times this week. The home opener is April 1 at 1:05 p.m. against the Miami Marlins. That series includes a 7:05 p.m. start on April 3 and a getaway day start at 4:05 p.m. on April 4. The White Sox arrive the next week from April 9-11 for three 7:05 p.m. starts. Then the homestand continues with the first big test, against the Atlanta Braves from April 12-14. The three games in the Braves weekend series begin at 7:05 p.m., 1:05 p.m. and...