Continuing our updates on some of the pitching prospects who pitched for the Gulf Coast Nationals in 2012, we spotlight right-hander Blake Schwartz. The 6-foot-3, 200-lb., right-hander from Oklahoma City started five games for the GCL Nats before moving to Single-A Hagerstown and getting seven starts with the Suns. Schwartz went 0-2 with a 5.06 ERA for the GCL Nats. In 16 innings, Schwartz struck out 12 batters and allowed one walk. Tripp Keister,the new skipper in Hagerstown, had Schwartz...

Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo talked last week about one of the possible reasons why right-hander A.J. Cole struggled in his initiation to the Oakland A's organization last season. The high altitude and high-octane California League has gotten to many a great starting pitcher over the years. Rizzo scouted that league extensively while with the Arizona Diamondbacks and knows from experience. Potomac Nationals pitching coach Chris Michalak knows Cole very well and believes there might...

Thinking back, I'm so glad that the Orioles returned to the playoffs last year because that meant Earl Weaver got to see his Orioles win again. We didn't know it then, but we know now that was his last season watching his beloved Birds. One reason we know Buck Showalter is great as a skipper is that we have Earl to compare him to. I'm so glad I was there in September 1982, when the Orioles lost to the Brewers but Earl got a sendoff that was incredible. I'm glad I was there in Cooperstown...

The two names are attached in most conversations. A reporter mentions Dylan Bundy, and Kevin Gausman is soon referenced. And it works the other way, too. Can't have one without the other. Both pitchers were chosen by the Orioles with the fourth overall pick in the First-Year Player Draft - Bundy in 2011 out of Owasso (Okla.) High School and Gausman in 2012 out of LSU. They're the top pitching prospects in the organization, they're expected to begin the upcoming season at Double-A Bowie and...

Orioles manager Buck Showalter met with reporters behind the main stage at the Baltimore Convention Center after signing autographs and appearing at two fan forums. It's been a busy day. Showalter has been deeply moved by the passing of Hall of Fame manager Earl Weaver, who had an open invitation every spring training to come inside the clubhouse and talk to the players and coaches. Showalter would absorb every word like a sponge. Even if he knew the answer ahead of time, he still wanted to...

After spending so many years with this organization and not playing on a winner, last year was special for Nick Markakis, even if he ended up last season on the disabled list as the playoffs began. "It was awesome. That is what I've been waiting a long time for and why I wanted to stay here," Markakis said. "I knew what this place could be like when things are going good. I'd heard about it and saw some video and pictures. I think it could be the best baseball city in all of baseball. Our...

Nolan Reimold returned to Baltimore on Jan. 10 and underwent X-rays on his neck that showed the bone was fused. He continues to work out and is full-go for spring training. "I don't have any restrictions," he said. "I can do what I need to do. And that's pretty much the last update. I can do what I want. "Pretty much when the bone was fused, (the physician) said I didn't have any restrictions. I guess it's kind of a comfort level with me, diving or whatever. I don't expect to be...

Even though there is a bit of gap between what the Orioles submitted and what Jim Johnson's agent is seeking through arbitration, the Orioles closer said today he's not concerned at all about his 2013 contract. He figures the business side of it will get taken care of and soon. Johnson is seeking $7.1 million through arbitration and the Orioles' offer was for $5.7 million. "You know how this stuff always plays out," Johnson said. "They do their thing. My agents do theirs. I get a phone...

Nationals manager Davey Johnson played under legendary Orioles manager Earl Weaver for four years from 1968-72, making three All-Star games in that time. Last night, Weaver passed away at 82. Weaver was beloved not only by fans in Baltimore, but by those who suited up for him, as well. Johnson has said in the past that Weaver was a mentor of sorts to him, and he had a close relationship with the former Orioles skipper. "I grew up in the minor leagues with Earl Weaver and we proceeded to...

Manny Machado will report to spring training next month as the Orioles' starting third baseman, and it appears that he'll stay at that position during the workouts and games. Asked whether he would take ground balls at shortstop, the position he played as a professional before joining the Orioles in August, Machado replied, "I talked to Buck (Showalter) and I think we're just going to keep it at third base. I'll keep working at third. I never played third and I have to keep working, and...