Today is a pretty big day in Dan Kolko's world. And yes, I'm writing in the third person. The college basketball season kicks off today, which marks the beginning of one of my favorite sports to watch. I'm also thrilled to see the University of Maryland basketball team back in action. Full disclosure: I didn't actually go to UMD. I'm a graduate of the University of Delaware, but grew up in Silver Spring as a big Maryland basketball fan. As a sports reporter, it's tough to remain a fan...

Now that the Orioles have been shut out of the Silver Slugger Awards, it's up to manager Buck Showalter to bring home the hardware. The Baseball Writers' Association of America will reveal their Managers of the Year in both leagues Tuesday night, with live announcements coming on MLB Network. Showalter, Oakland's Bob Melvin and the White Sox's Robin Ventura are the AL finalists. Ventura is mostly a spectator. It's coming down to Showalter or Melvin. An Oriole won't win the Rookie of the...

Surprise returned the favor Thursday with a 5-4 win at Salt River, despite a furious ninth-inning rally that came up short. Down 5-1 heading into their last at-bat, the Rafters scored three runs, but Chris Owings struck out to end the game. Matt Davidson's solo shot and Jake Marisnick's two-run homer had cut the deficit to one. The Rafters did not have that many opportunities against the Surprise pitching staff, going 0-for-4 with runners in scoring position. Nationals prospect Anthony...

Orioles director of pitching development Rick Peterson remains with the organization after interviewing for the Boston Red Sox pitching coach job, a position that went to Juan Nieves. Peterson continues to say how much he loved working with the club this year, but at the same time, does admit that he would likely have interest if any other big league pitching coach positions come open. "I love the Orioles," he said tonight during a phone interview. "I love the energy, the people, everything...

Washington Nationals shortstop Ian Desmond, first baseman Adam LaRoche and pitcher Stephen Strasburg tonight were named recipients of the 2012 National League Louisville Silver Slugger Awards for their respective positions. Desmond, LaRoche and Strasburg each won the coveted Silver Slugger for the first time. Washington paced MLB with three Silver Slugger recipients (only the Tigers and Yankees had two) and matched the Nationals' combined total from their initial seven seasons (2005-11) in...

The Orioles ended their most cumbersome and painful streak this season, posting a winning record and making the playoffs for the first time since 1997, but they remain without a Louisville Silver Slugger Award over the last four years. The winners were announced tonight on MLB Network, and none of the Orioles made the list. Center fielder Adam Jones figured to have an outside chance after batting .287/.334/.505 with 39 doubles, three triples, 32 homers, 82 RBIs and 103 runs scored in 162...

Not only did Adam LaRoche win a Gold Glove as the National League's best defensive first baseman, he also will take home a Louisville Slugger Silver Slugger as the NL's top offensive first baseman. It's the first time LaRoche has won a Silver Slugger. And LaRoche wasn't the only Nationals player to be honored for his offensive production tonight. Shortstop Ian Desmond and right-hander Stephen Strasburg also won their first career Silver Sluggers. The Nationals continue to rack up the...

It doesn't come as much of a surprise, but it's news most Nats fans will probably embrace: Davey Johnson will be the Nationals' manager for the 2013 season. The Nationals have reached an agreement with Johnson that brings him back to the dugout in a managerial role next season, according to multiple reports. This comes after Johnson led the 2012 Nats to their first playoff appearance in team history and the first postseason appearance for a D.C.-based major league team since 1933. Johnson...

First a hurricane, then a snowstorm. The poor folks in New Jersey have been hit by a one-two punch, to be sure. Now, it's our turn to step up and help. And the Orioles are making it possible for you to do your part. The Orioles are partnering with Von Paris Moving and Storage to fill two to three large moving vans with the most critically needed relief items so they can be delivered directly to the New Jersey communities of Union Beach, Belmar, Tom's River, Hazlet and Seabright. That's...

The Orioles have partnered with Von Paris Moving and Storage to provide assistance to the victims of Hurricane Sandy and are inviting fans to make contributions. Von Paris Moving and Storage will drive two to three large moving trucks with donations directly to the Union Beach, Belmar, Tom's River, Hazlet and Seabright, New Jersey communities this weekend. Fans may bring donations to the Orioles offices in the Warehouse at Oriole Park today until 5:00 p.m. and tomorrow between 9:00 a.m. -...