The Orioles have stated their desire for infielder Ryan Flaherty to play second base in the Dominican Winter League, as they prepare to sort through their candidates and decide on a starter for opening day. Flaherty will join Leones del Escogido on the Sunday following Thanksgiving. He's never played winter ball, though he did report to the Cubs' Dominican academy after being chosen with the 41st overall pick in the 2008 First-Year Player Draft. "This is all new to me," Flaherty said...

Nolan Reimold has never played a full season in an Orioles uniform or had more than 358 at-bats. He has just one more chance before his 30th birthday. That's right. Reimold turned 29 on Oct. 12, and that makes him older than Matt Wieters and Adam Jones. He is a month older than Nick Markakis, a player that has 4,055 career at-bats to his 808. Is it possible that at the age of 29, the Orioles still can't be sure exactly what they have in Reimold? They need to see what he could do with a full...

Back at home after returning from a recent trip out west, Edwin Jackson isn't stressing about his contract negotiation process. The free agent right-hander hit the open market more than a week ago and has had plenty of chances to check in with his agent and ask which teams have already come calling. But Jackson says he's been pretty hands-off when it comes to the business side of things at this stage, choosing to relax, get some vacation time in and start some light agility training rather...

The 2013 edition of "The Bill James Handbook," available today, ranks the Orioles as the second-worst baserunning team in the majors. If you've been paying attention, you already know that the Orioles ranked last with 58 stolen bases, and that 28 of those came from Adam Jones (16) and Nate McLouth (12). But that isn't the only deficiency. James notes that the Orioles posted "a -49 net base gain," placing them ahead of only the Detroit Tigers (-67), who happened to reach the World...

The Orioles today announced several front office staff promotions. Neil Aloise, previously Director of Sales and Fan Services, has been named Vice President of Ticketing and Fan Services. Greg Bader, previously Director of Communications, has been named Vice President of Communications and Marketing; and Mike Hoppes, formerly Director of Finance, has been named Vice President of Finance. Aloise served as the team's director of Sales and Fan Services since 2007. He joined the organization in...

The Orioles today announced several front office staff promotions. Neil Aloise, previously director of sales and fan Services, has been named vice president of ticketing and fan services. Greg Bader, previously director of communications, has been named vice president of communications and marketing; and Mike Hoppes, formerly director of finance, has been named vice president of finance. Aloise served as the team's director of sales and fan services since 2007. He joined the organization in...

Outfielder Lew Ford, outrighted by the Orioles on Friday, has elected to become a minor league free agent, according to this list provided by Baseball America. The Orioles signed Ford, 35, out of the independent Atlantic League this summer and he batted .183/.256/.352 with three home runs in 25 games, his first major league action since 2007 with the Minnesota Twins. Left-hander Zach Phillips and infielder Steve Tolleson also refused their outright assignments. You can read more here and...

Ian Desmond wants you to help Spread the Glove. Through his Web site, the Nationals shortstop has begun a campaign - called Spread the Glove - to partner up with fans and help worthy charities. When fans purchase wrist bands, or sweatshirts and t-shirts featuring Desmond's facsimile signature, proceeds from the sale will be donated to three charities selected by fans. "This is just the beginning of how all of us can help make a difference," Desmond said. "We cannot help everyone at one...

Right-hander Brad Meyers would just as soon forget 2012. It started off well with a new opportunity with the New York Yankees following his selection from the Nationals in the Rule 5 draft at last year's Winter Meetings. But a shoulder injury and just one appearance altered that momentum quickly. Eleven months later, the Santa Ana, Calif., native has been returned to the Nationals and is excited about being back with the club that originally drafted him. "I feel like I am coming back...

It's always tricky to project a major league roster in early November. Too many players could be signed or non-tendered. The list can become outdated in the blink of an eye. However, there isn't much else to write about in early November, so why not? Perhaps the Red Sox name Rick Peterson as their pitching coach. The Orioles could claim another player off waivers. I won't plan my entire day around it. I'm focusing on the bench this morning. Assuming manager Buck Showalter carries four...