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...

I'd imagine there aren't many baseball fans who would object to me saying that not much is being expected of the Miami Marlins or New York Mets this season. The Marlins, who downright stunk last year, traded away the vast majority of their established major leaguers, and while there is buzz around the league that the Mets could be major players for free agent center fielder Michael Bourn, they dealt Cy Young award winner R.A. Dickey this offseason and are coming off a second half of the...

There hasn't yet been an announcement from the club, but CBSSports.com reported late last night that the Orioles have come to terms with right-handed pitcher Jair Jurrjens on a one-year major league contract that will pay him $1.5 million in guaranteed money and could earn him another $2.5 million in incentives. Signing a pitcher that is still young (he turns 27 next Tuesday), went 13-6 with a 2.96 ERA for Atlanta in 2011 to make the All-Star team, and will be under team control for two more...

Ready for NatsFest on Saturday? If you're headed out to the event, be sure to follow @MASNNationals on Twitter and Instagram and to text "NATSFEST" to 29292 for the latest event news and contest updates. MASN will be at the event, hosting a grin-and-grab photo booth, which will give fans a chance to take pictures with players and MASN personalities. Fans will have plenty to talk about at the event, including discussing how the Nationals will go into the 2013 season with a "bull's eye"...

The Orioles have reached agreement on a one-year deal with former Atlanta Braves pitcher Jair Jurrjens, according to CBSSports.com's Jon Heyman. Executive vice president Dan Duquette couldn't immediately be reached for comment. Jurrjens, 26, will receive a guaranteed $1.5 million, and he can earn an additional $2.5 million in incentives, according to Heyman. I'm told that Duquette had been discussing a minor league deal with Jurrjens' agent. The right-hander is represented by the Boras...

The Orioles are making some changes to the structure of their player development department. Brian Graham, who has served as the Orioles' coordinator of minor league instruction, will be named director of player development, according to multiple sources. Graham will be responsible for personnel decisions and player movement within the system, among other duties. Graham couldn't be reached for comment last night. In the past, Graham has served as a minor league manager, farm director,...