Seems like only yesterday that Roch Kubatko was bringing class in "School of Roch" to order in Sarasota. But that was more than seven months ago, and a lot has happened in the interim - not the least of which is the fact that the Orioles will make their first appearance in the postseason since 1997. Now, how they'll do that remains to be seen, since the season's not yet over. The O's could win out in St. Pete against the Rays and hope the Yankees lose their final game at home against...

Davey Johnson got hit with a champagne shower three times last night. After he got dried off from the first attack, Adam LaRoche ambushed Johnson and soaked him again. Johnson may not have loved it, but he took it in stride. "He got me good," Johnson said. Then, rookie reliever Christian Garcia, a guy battling for a spot on the postseason roster, was gutsy enough to soak his 69-year-old skipper yet again. "'Son, that's a no-no,' " Johnson recalled himself saying, chuckling as he...

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - Jason Hammel said his right knee feels great after yesterday's simulated game in Sarasota, where he threw 73 pitches in five innings. He may throw a bullpen session on Wednesday and will be available to start for the Orioles beginning on Saturday. "As of today, for the day after, it feels great. No setbacks, no soreness, no swelling," he said. "If needed, I'm ready to go. I feel good. I'd say right now it's as good as it's going to get before a full rest in the...

Now that the Nationals have locked up the National League East title, they're going about preparing for the postseason. Step one: sitting Gio Gonzalez. Davey Johnson has decided to rest Gonzalez, tonight's scheduled starter, and will instead have left-handed reliever Tom Gorzelanny start against the Phillies. Gonzalez could have started tonight and thrown just a couple innings to stay fresh for a possible Game 1 start Saturday or Sunday, but Johnson will instead give the ball to...

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - The Orioles are breaking out a familiar lineup tonight against Rays right-hander James Shields. For the Orioles: Nate McLouth LF J.J. Hardy SS Chris Davis RF Adam Jones CF Matt Wieters C Jim Thome DH Mark Reynolds 1B Ryan Flaherty 2B Manny Machado 3B Miguel Gonzalez RHP The Orioles are still listing Wednesday night's starter as TBA. With a win tonight, Gonzalez would have a victory against every American League East team in his rookie season. According to...

I can remember back at the end of last year's baseball Winter Meetings. The Los Angeles Angels were hailed as smart and aggressive, and given the mantel as 2012 American League favorites. They spent nearly $320 million on Albert Pujols and C.J. Wilson. New general manager Jerry Dipoto and owner Arte Moreno really wanted to win. Their fans loved that duo. Why didn't Dipoto come here, some O's fans wondered. The Angels had a press conference that was basically a pep rally to introduce...

There was one quote from last night's celebration that I didn't get around to dropping into any of my earlier entries, but wanted to make sure to pass along before the night fades away. The quote comes from Bryce Harper, who was asked about Stephen Strasburg's role in getting the Nationals to the NL East title despite last taking the mound for the team on Sept. 7. "He frickin' pitched his butt off this year," Harper said. "It really sucked that he had to be shut down, but it's OK....

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - Miguel Gonzalez is the only confirmed starter for the Orioles the rest of the week. He's taking the mound tonight. When it comes to revealing his other starters, manager Buck Showalter is taking the fifth. I've broken down the possible scenarios, including Chris Tillman starting on Wednesday in a must-win situation. Confirmation should come later today. Showalter dropped Dylan Bundy's name on reporters yesterday, a sly grin spreading across his face. He decided to...

Now that the Nationals have become the new champions of the National League East, they have a chance to finish with the best record in the league. They are tied with Cincinnati for that position, and if they finish with the best record, they'll have home-field advantage if they make it to the National League Championship Series. If they tie, the Nationals have the tiebreaker by virtue of winning the season series. And the best record means they'll start the Division Series on Sunday, and...

To those born after 1971, this is how it was supposed to be in Washington all along. Enjoy it to the fullest. To those who remember the Senators, the sadness of September 30, 1971 is now gone. Forever. Let it go. Let peace wash over you. Rest in peace, Robert E. Short and all those who allowed the National Pastime to depart the nation's capital. The Washington Nationals are the 2012 National League East Division Champions. Say it again and again until joy fills your heart. No one, no...