I had an interesting conversation with pitcher Jake Arrieta during Saturday's FanFest at the Baltimore Convention Center. (Is it necessary to say "Baltimore?" I once jumped in the back of a Manhattan cab and told the driver to take me to New York-Penn Station. I'm pretty sure "New York" was implied.) Arrieta repeated that his elbow is 100 percent and he'll be full-go in spring training, the same thing he told reporters last month at Dave and Buster's. He's made an impressive and...

The Orioles may have found their designated hitter, or at least someone who can rotate into that spot. Two industry sources confirmed tonight that the Orioles have reached agreement with Wilson Betemit on a one-year contract, which will become official if he passes his physical. Betemit, 30, is a switch-hitter who's played every infield position, including 383 games at third base, and four games in the outfield in parts of nine major league seasons. He offers versatility, but is more likely...

The Orioles may have found their designated hitter, or at least someone who can rotate into that spot. An industry source confirmed tonight that the Orioles have reached agreement with Wilson Betemit on a one-year contract, which will become official if he passes his physical. Betemit, 30, is a switch-hitter who's played every infield position, including 383 games at third base, and four games in the outfield in parts of nine major league seasons. He offers versatility, but is more likely to...

I'm scrambling to prep for "The Mid-Atlantic Sports Report," but I wanted to respond to the latest round of Prince Fielder rumors. Well, I didn't want to, but I figured it's better than being asked for updates as if I'm keeping secrets here. That's beyond annoying. Are the Orioles in on Fielder? They're not officially out, so it depends on your definition. There is interest in the free agent slugger, but I'm told that the Orioles haven't met with agent Scott Boras and they don't...

You already know the Orioles are celebrating the 20th anniversary of Camden Yards in 2012. Once again, the club is also making it possible for you to celebrate your birthday at the one of the game's most iconic ballparks. The Orioles will gift one complimentary upper reserve ticket to a non-prime game for during your birthday month for each fan who registers here. If your birthday falls in January, February or March, you get an April non-prime game. If you were born in October, November or...

I won't file this one under "breaking news," but the Orioles have released outfielder Kyle Hudson. Hudson, 25, was designated for assignment to make room for left-hander Wei-Yin Chen. He couldn't be placed on waivers and outrighted to the minors before March because he was "draft excluded" due to the date that the Orioles purchased his contract from Triple-A Norfolk. The Orioles had to trade or release Hudson. They can attempt to re-sign him, but he won't be able to play for them...

First things first: That report last night indicating that the Nationals had come to an agreement with Prince Fielder on an eight-year deal with an opt-out clause after the third season was erroneous. My sources tell me that no deal is imminent, though the Nationals continue to be interested in the slugging first baseman, but only on their terms. Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com tweeted this morning that there is "something close to a final 4" on Fielder. Whether this constitutes reality or is...

I think we heard some comments at FanFest that helped answer some questions about spring training. For one, Nolan Reimold appears to be the clear favorite to be the starting left fielder. It sure seems to be his job to lose, as they say. Buck Showalter confirmed that Mark Reynolds will be the third baseman with Chris Davis at first. And it was pretty much confirmed that Jim Johnson will be in the bullpen, likely as the closer. All of this is subject to a late change, especially pending any...

There are times when interviewing executive vice president Dan Duquette is like being a contestant on "Wheel of Fortune." At any moment, I'm liable to blurt out, "I'd like to solve the puzzle!" Unfortunately, I haven't figured out his plans for a designated hitter. Maybe I should buy a vowel. The Orioles have watched Manny Ramirez take batting practice at least once since the Winter Meetings. It could be two or three times, but Duquette won't confirm it. His stock answer is he's...

That trade for Michael Morse is looking pretty good for the Nationals right now, don't you think? Following the announcement that Morse has signed a multi-year extension with the Nationals, the trade that brought his big bat to Washington two and a half years ago returns to the spotlight. On June 28, 2009, the Nationals sent outfielder Ryan Langerhans to Seattle for Morse. At the time, it was a trade of minor leaguers who both had had a taste of the majors, but each had not been able to...