NASHVILLE, Tenn. - I woke up this morning feeling like I'd gotten a nice workout in yesterday. I hadn't been to the gym or gone on a run, however. I'd just spent the day navigating the massive Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center, walking what felt like the two miles from the media work room to the lobby, and then eventually turning around and walking right back in the other direction. My legs should be prepared for even more of that drill today, as the Winter Meetings are set to...

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Forget what you read last night. The Winter Meetings actually begin today. OK, it's fine to retain the information passed along on Sunday. The Orioles are searching for a hitter to plug into the middle of their lineup. It's most likely to come via a trade. Any free agent signings will be complementary. Nobody who will rock your baseball world. Please stop talking about Josh Hamilton, unless you really get a kick out of doing it. Just know that he's not going to be...

Right-hander Erik Davis was thrilled to get the call that he had been added to the 40-man roster last week and he is primed to take another step forward towards the Nationals in 2013. "It was huge for me," Davis said. "I was down in the Dominican Republic when I found out. One of our coaches called me in from shagging batting practice. Obviously, I knew that day was the deadline for that stuff to happen. The emotions just kind of overcame me and it was a dream come true." Davis said while...

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Dan Duquette's Sunday night briefing with Baltimore reporters did not produce any big news, but it could and maybe will get much busier for the Orioles as the Winter Meetings officially start here today. Yes, the club is still looking for a hitter and it seems they are more likely to get one via a trade than through a free agent signing. Other clubs seem certain to inquire about the Orioles' young pitchers. They remain interested in re-signing Nate McLouth and Joe...

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Orioles executive vice president Dan Duquette took a break from the affiliates dinner tonight at the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center to meet with reporters before the Winter Meetings officially get under way. The Orioles remain in the market for a hitter, whether it's left-handed or right-handed. Power is a requirement. And it could be first base, left field or designated hitter. "Our agenda at the Winter Meetings is to try to find a hitter," Duquette said....

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - In an interview earlier this week on MASN's "The Mid-Atlantic Sports Report," Orioles executive vice president Dan Duquette said contracts talks with free agents Nate McLouth and Joe Saunders were moving at a slow pace. But tonight, when asked during a video interview with MASNsports.com if he sensed any progress in talks with the pair in recent days he said, "Well, I think they're on a good track." "We like both Nate and Joe," he added. "They did a great job for...

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Welcome to 2012 version of baseball's Winter Meetings: The Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center is an overwhelming maze of corridors, two million Christmas lights, restaurants and shops. Visitors can ride a showboat down the Cumberland River, visit the Holly Jolly Town Square, take a carriage ride or check out the two million pounds of ice sculptures with the theme of "Shrek the Halls." And, of course, a visitor can walk anywhere and get into a baseball...

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - The size of the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center hasn't been exaggerated. It's like a small town. Actually, it's like a regular town. There's nothing small about this place. I'm carrying two maps with routes highlighted to the media workroom and my hotel room. I've gotten lost multiple times. An elderly woman walked me to an elevator after I checked in, because it was easier than repeating her directions, and another one steered me back to the main...

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Since there's a dearth of left-handed relief pitching available on the free agent market, the Nationals are going to have to be creative when finding southpaws to round out their bullpen. Sean Burnett is angling for a four-year deal, which only works against his return and complicates general manager Mike Rizzo's to-do list at the Winter Meetings. Right now, the prospects of Burnett re-signing and the available left-handers present a bit of a conundrum for the Nationals....

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - My flight out of BWI this morning was delayed nearly two hours, getting my 2012 Winter Meetings off to a stellar start. The fun began early this year. I'm now all checked into my hotel and set up here at the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center, the site of the meetings. Only a little over 12 hours until things really start getting under way. There are a number of free agent starting pitchers on the market who could be in play for the Nationals in the coming days...