The days continue to melt away before pitchers and catchers report to spring training. I'm actually counting down the hours now as I try to get my life in order before turning it upside down. The first workout for pitchers and catchers takes place Feb. 13. The first full-squad workout is three days later. Here's the list of non-roster invitees: Pitchers 68 Zach Braddock LHP 75 Kevin Gausman RHP 27 Mark Hendrickson LHP 54 Daniel McCutchen RHP 84 Eduardo Rodriguez LHP 61 Adam Russell RHP 55...

The Orioles today announced that they have agreed to terms with right-handers Jim Johnson and Jason Hammel on one-year contracts, thus avoiding arbitration. Johnson, 29, was 2-1 with a 2.49 ERA (68.2IP, 19ER) and a franchise record and major league-leading 51 saves in 2012. Johnson was named to his first All-Star Team and was named the Rolaids Relief Man of the Year. Hammel, 30, was 8-6 with a 3.43 ERA (118.0IP, 45ER) in 20 starts for the Orioles in 2012. Right-hander Darren O'Day is the...

The Orioles reached agreements with pitchers Jim Johnson and Jason Hammel on one-year contracts earlier tonight, and they're close to a multi-year extension with reliever Darren O'Day, according to industry sources. The deal is "all but done," according to one source. The Orioles are on the verge of giving O'Day, 30, a two-year contract that also includes an option for 2015. O'Day made $1.350 million last season while winning a career-high seven games in eight decisions and posting a...

Orioles closer Jim Johnson will have a new contract when he reports to spring training next week. Johnson has agreed to a $6.5 million deal, according to an industry source, that leaves the Orioles with two unsigned arbitration-eligible players - pitchers Jason Hammel and Darren O'Day. Johnson made $2.625 million last season while leading the majors with 51 saves in 54 opportunities. He filed for $7.1 million and the Orioles countered at $5.7 million. A hearing date would have been set...

I've got another jersey number switcheroo to report. Wilson Ramos will make the switch from No. 3 to No. 40, which was his number in winter ball, according to his publicist. Ramos had only three home runs last season while wearing No. 3, as his torn right ACL and meniscus cut short his season. I bet he wouldn't mind too much if he hit 40 home runs this season wearing No. 40. The Nationals announced today that single-game tickets for this season will go on sale to the general public on...

Checking in on a few topics from this week and looking ahead to spring training. Yes, he is the King. The baseball world was buzzing for a while Thursday with the report that Felix Hernandez may be about to sign a seven-year, $175 million dollar deal with the Seattle Mariners. There are some reports out of Seattle now that say those terms may not be accurate. If they are, that's a $25 million average annual value, topping a mark for pitchers that had been set by Zach Greinke's six-year,...

If the Orioles lose Trayvon Robinson on a waiver claim, they may have another outfielder to take his place in the minors. The Orioles signed Kyle Hudson to a minor league deal yesterday. His contract doesn't include a spring training invite, so he'll report to the Twin Lakes Park complex. Kent Qualls, the Orioles' new director of minor league operations, confirmed the signing today when reached by phone. "Some of our people in the organization like him a lot, "Qualls said. "He's...

The Orioles today announced that they have claimed right-hander Todd Redmond off waivers from Cincinnati. To make room for him on the 40-man roster, outfielder Trayvon Robinson has been designated for assignment. Redmond, 27, is 71-61 with a 3.58 ERA (1185.1IP, 471ER) in 207 career minor leagues games (200 starts) in eight seasons in the Pittsburgh, Atlanta and Cincinnati organizations. He went a combined 8-11 with a 3.63 ERA (148.2IP, 60ER) in 26 games (25 starts) with Triple-A Louisville and...

The Washington Nationals announced today that single game tickets for the 2013 season will go on sale to the general public on Thursday, February 28 at 10:00 a.m. Tickets may be purchased online at nationals.com/tickets, by calling 888.632.NATS (6287) or by visiting the Nationals Park Main Box Office at Half and N Streets, SE*. 2013 Season Plan Holders and Nationals Insiders will have the opportunity to purchase single game tickets before they go on sale to the public through exclusive...

The Orioles have claimed pitcher Todd Redmond off waivers from the Cincinnati Reds, a team source confirmed. Redmond, 27, made his only major league appearance last season in a start for the Reds, allowing four runs and seven hits, and walking five batters, in 3 1/3 innings. He was 8-11 with a 3.63 ERA in 26 games with Triple-A Gwinnett and Louisville. Redmond is 71-61 with a 3.58 ERA in eight minor league seasons and 207 games, including 200 starts. The Pirates selected Redmond in the 39th...