The news that Josh Hamilton has agreed to a five-year, $125 million contract with the Angels officially ends any and all rumors that the Orioles are a potential match for him. They weren't in play for him. Didn't matter whether they were searching for a left fielder. It wasn't going to happen, but that didn't stop the madness. Hamilton was this winter's Prince Fielder. The Orioles still could be tied into this transaction, however. They won't get Hamilton, but it's possible that the...

For the most part, Nationals fans who treat the First-Year Player Draft in June like it was Christmas Day have not had to wait long to open their first present. Since their arrival in D.C. from Montreal before the 2005 season, the Nationals have traditionally drafted pretty high, the reward for usually finishing low in the standings. Take away their choice of Miami Gardens, Fla., prep outfielder Chris Marrero with the 15th selection in the 2006 draft and last year's selection of California...

If you're interested in following Jim Riggleman's post-Nationals career path, I've got an update for you. Riggleman has received a promotion from the Reds and will be managing their Triple-A team in Louisville in 2013. He had spent the 2012 season managing the Reds' Double-A affiliate in Pensacola. The former Nats skipper had been talked about as a candidate for the Astros' bench coach job under Bo Porter and my MASNsports.com colleague Roch Kubatko reported that Riggleman was among...

Stop me if you've heard this one: The Orioles could announce today that they've officially signed Nate McLouth to a one-year contract. McLouth hasn't completed his physical, which explains the delay. I've heard that he had to fly back home, but it could be done later today. McLouth was seeking a deal worth about $2.5 million as the Winter Meetings started up in Nashville. The Orioles are giving him $2 million guaranteed, with another $500,000 in bonuses based on plate appearances. The...

Although Cole Kimball is always a fierce competitor when he takes the mound, the Nationals told the right-handed reliever that his innings in the Arizona Fall League were more important than the numbers. But if you know Kimball, and if you remember how he pitched for the Nationals in his short 2011 stint, he is never satisfied with just pitching. He wants to go out and win every time. Kimball pitched in 15 innings over 11 games for the AFL's Salt River Rafters, compiling a 4.80 ERA. He...

According to the latest odds put out by the sports book Bovada, the Nationals are tied with the Tigers and Dodgers at 17/2 as the favorites to win the 2013 World Series. I tweeted out that information last night, only to have about five people respond telling me to stop being a jinx. If the Nats lose 100 games next season, you'll know who to blame. I made an appearance on "The Mid-Atlantic Sports Report" on MASN last night (you can catch the video of my call-in here), and during the...

The Orioles could announce outfielder Nate McLouth's signing later today. He's scheduled to take his physical and it depends when the club gets the results. McLouth agreed to a one-year, $2 million deal at the Winter Meetings that includes a possible $500,000 in bonuses. "I think he deserves it," said Nick Markakis. "What he did for us in the second half ever since he got here. He did what he was supposed to do. A guy like that, a guy with his talent, is always good to have." Markakis...

Dempsey's Brew Pub & Restaurant is teaming with the Ed Block Courage Award Foundation on a "Gift for Kids" drive to benefit the St. Vincent Courage House in Baltimore. From now through Sunday, fans can drop off a new toy for children 6-13 at Dempsey's at the B&O Warehouse (just look for the brightly lit signs at night near the North Warehouse parking area opposite Conway Street). The toys will be distributed to kids at the St. Vincent Courage House, which is home to 75 children who have...

The Orioles hosted 80 first- through fifth-grade students from Morrell Park Elementary School in Baltimore today as part of the 34th Annual OriolesREACH Holiday Party for Kids at Dave & Busters at Arundel Mills Mall. Manager Buck Showalter, shortstop J.J. Hardy, outfielders Nick Markakis and LJ Hoes, and pitcher Steve Johnson served lunch to the kids, played games and signed autographs. They were joined by former Orioles Al Bumbry, Chris Hoiles, Dave Johnson and Scott McGregor. The Right Side...

Washington Nationals pitchers Ross Detwiler and Craig Stammen will join Washington Capitals forward Matt Hendricks, critically-acclaimed country music singer Kellie Pickler and comedian/CBS "Excused" host Iliza Shlesinger on the 2012 USO holiday tour led by the 18th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Martin Dempsey. General Dempsey will lead the group on a seven-day, four-country tour to military venues. Detwiler and Stammen recently concluded their 2012 season with the...