Orioles right-hander Jake Arrieta said at FanFest that he continues to make very good progress after having bone spurs removed from his right elbow on Aug. 12. "I felt as good as I expected to. I haven't had any setbacks, just routine throwing program soreness but outside of that I've been 100 percent healthy and very encouraged with my progress," he said. Arrieta, who went 10-8 with an ERA of 5.05 in 22 starts last summer, said the bone spurs would bother him at times last season. He...

Orioles center fielder Adam Jones knew when he saw reporters today that someone would ask him about all the trade talk in which his name has surfaced in recent weeks. "I knew that question was coming. No one has ever talked to me about it, so I think, rumors are what they are. Leave it at that, nothing more I can say about it," Jones said. Jones was asked if he was open to discussing a contract extension if the Orioles approach him this winter. Adam Jones addresses his contract situation...

Nick Markakis said he'll probably be limited until maybe the first week into March after undergoing surgery earlier this month to repair a torn abdominal muscle. He doesn't need many at-bats to get ready for the season. He's not going to rush or do anything that sets him back. His body will largely dictate his schedule. So far, it's cooperating with him. "I'm feeling good," he said. "It's a sensitive area where I got cut open and as far as pain-wise, I don't have any pain. It's...

Pitcher Brad Bergesen is sporting a beard that actually looks good on him. Neatly trimmed. Doesn't look like he just staggered out of the woods after an eight-month hibernation. Bergesen said he'll prepare in spring training as if he's going to be a starter, though his role is undefined. "I've had a great winter with my son and just watching him develop and he's healthy, so it's just been flying by this offseason, but I've been preparing as usual," he said. "I switched things up a...

The players keep filtering into the backstage area at FanFest. I click off my recorder, turn my back and someone else is waiting to be interviewed. Orioles executive vice president Dan Duquette finished his forum with manager Buck Showalter that was reserved for season-ticket holders. He didn't quiet the Prince Fielder speculation when he said, "Are we going to get him? I don't know. But if we don't, we'll look for someone just like him." Showalter said he just wants the chance to...

The first fan forum of the day at FanFest is over. Manager Buck Showalter and Orioles executive vice president Dan Duquette were on the main stage. They addressed several topics and here are some of their answers. Showalter on the battle for rotation spots this year: "Last year, it was last man standing. Now, it's about the competition and that always brings out the best in people. Last year, we had six or seven guys competing and this year we have 11 or 12, and if you know anything about...

I've arrived at the Baltimore Convention Center after skating from Lot A at Camden Yards. I attempted a Hamill camel, but I ended up on the seat of my pants. The Foo Fighters is cranked up here, which seems appropriate, since I'm learning to walk again after slipping all over the icy sidewalks (see what I did there?) Anyway, now it's a party. Season ticket holders are allowed inside at 10 a.m. and can attend a private screening of "The Dan Duquette and Buck Showalter Show." That's not...

While you're digesting whatever was for dinner tonight - for me, it was PF Chang's kung-pao chicken, stir-fried in sirachi sauce - it's also a good time to deliberate the two-year, $10.5 million extension between the Nationals and outfielder/first baseman Michael Morse that was announced late this afternoon. The contract essentially buys out the slugger's final two arbitration years after a breakout 2011 season, but raises some questions. So here's five queries and their answers concerning...

Orioles manager Buck Showalter called into "The Mid-Atlantic Sports Report" earlier today on MASN, and I wanted to pass along a few items before taping "Wall to Wall Baseball," which airs tomorrow from 11 a.m.- noon. We can't go live with that show because of FanFest. Showalter counted 11 candidates for the starting rotation, and he didn't dismiss the idea that executive vice president Dan Duquette could add another one. Showalter said he's still deciding "which way to go" with...

Fresh off of a breakout season in Washington, Nationals slugger Michael Morse plans to stick around in our nation's capital for a while longer. Morse and the Nationals agreed to a multi-year contract extension Friday, according to the team, meaning fans can take some solace in knowing the powerful - yet bubbly - first baseman will remain in D.C. beyond the 2012 season. The terms of the deal are reported to be for about $10.5 million over two years, but the deal was reached prior to...