BRADENTON, Fla. - Jake Arrieta was pretty much cruising along until Alex Presley stepped to the plate with one out in the third inning. Presley homered to right-center field, giving the Pirates a 1-0 lead at McKechnie Field. Arrieta walked the next batter, Nate McLouth, before getting a force at second base and a fly ball to left. Arrieta has allowed one run and three hits, walked one and struck out three in three innings. He's thrown 43 pitches, 30 for strikes. He threw 12 of his 14...

A quick note I just received on some top prospects for the Nationals who will begin the season in extended spring training in Viera, Fla., as they worked to get healthy and/or build strength. Shortstop Rick Hague, who missed most of last season, continues rehabbing and gaining strength back in his shoulder while working in Florida. He is about a month away from playing time in the system. Pitchers Matt Purke and Robbie Ray will also begin the season in Florida at extended spring training....

Well, there certainly was a lot of discussion this week about Mike Mussina's election to the Orioles Hall of Fame. Mussina played 18 seasons, 10 with the Orioles and eight with the Yankees. So the question has come up: If he gets elected to the Hall of Fame, would Mussina go into Cooperstown as an Oriole or a Yankee? First of all, he has to make it and I think he has a very good chance. Mussina's last season was 2008 and a player must be out of the game for five years before his name is...

The Orioles today announced that they have optioned right-handed pitcher Chris Tillman to Triple-A Norfolk, bringing their spring roster to 33 players. Tillman posted a 2.92 ERA (12.1IP, 4ER) in five games (one start) for the Orioles this spring.

VIERA, Fla. - Well, today marks the final game of spring at Space Coast Stadium. Someone get me a tissue. This might get emotional. Roger Bernadina was scheduled to be starting in center field and hitting seventh today, but he hasn't made it back to Viera yet after flying home to Curacao for his father's funeral. As a result, Corey Brown will fill in for Bernadina today against the Cardinals. Danny Espinosa will play shortstop today for the Nationals, with Ian Desmond getting the day off....

SARASOTA, Fla. - The Orioles have optioned pitcher Chris Tillman to Triple-A Norfolk, removing him from the remaining camp competitions. Tillman, who will pitch Sunday in a minor league game at Twin Lakes Park, allowed five runs (four earned) and 12 hits in 12 1/3 innings, with three walks and six strikeouts. In his last appearance, he allowed one run and three hits in three innings Tuesday against the Twins. This is Tillman's final option. He'd have to pass through waivers before being...

SARASOTA, Fla. - Pitcher Alfredo Simon has left the Ed Smith Stadium complex after working out this morning. His future is still in limbo. Simon confirmed this morning that he's been placed on waivers. His agent passed along the news last night. "I mean, I know the situation here is a little tough," Simon said. "They feel like they don't have any spots for me. I understand that. Just see what's going to happen if another place is going to pick me or not." Simon said his agent believes...

We have talked a lot about and previewed prospects like Bryce Harper, Eury Perez, Brian Goodwin, Destin Hood and others. Here is the latest updates on how a few of these outfield prospects are faring as the regular season quickly draws near with minor league rosters about set. Nationals outfield coordinator Tony Tarasco said the work of Hood, Michael Taylor and Randolph Oduber has been standing out during spring training. "Taylor, Oduber and Hood are tremendous athletes," Tarasco said. "I...

SARASOTA, Fla. - The Orioles have signed outfielder Jamie Hoffmann to a minor league deal, and he'll stay with the team through the end of spring training before heading back to Twin Lakes Park. The Rockies designated Hoffmann for assignment this spring. He became a free agent and signed with the Orioles yesterday. "I was looking for teams for about a week and then decided to sign here," he said. "It's a great spot and a good opportunity and I'm excited to be in camp. "I've been...

SARASOTA, Fla. - Jake Arrieta makes his final spring start today against a Pirates split squad in the Orioles' final road game. Seems like a good time for manager Buck Showalter to confirm that Arrieta will be the opening day starter. For the Orioles: Endy Chavez CF Nolan Reimold LF J.J. Hardy SS Nick Johnson DH Wilson Betemit 3B Chris Davis 1B Ronny Paulino C Jai Miller RF Robert Andino 2B Jake Arrieta RHP Jim Johnson will pitch again today. He threw 24 pitches yesterday but still will...