Orioles manager Buck Showalter is expected to pass along his opening day lineup later today. His players are taking batting practice as I type this entry. Naturally, Showalter was asked whether there's a different feeling as opening day approaches. It's the traditional first question. "There always is," he replied. "As much as you know the reality of the length of the season and the grind, it's always a special day. Families that have made it a tradition for years. You always want to...

CHICAGO - You'd like to think on days where Stephen Strasburg goes seven fantastic innings, allowing just one run, that his teammates would be able to scratch across a couple runs for him. That has not been the case today. Strasburg is in line for the loss this afternoon despite a stellar start to the regular season. The Nationals righty went seven innings, allowing a single run on five hits with a walk and five strikeouts. He threw 82 pitches, 58 for strikes. Unfortunately, he got zero...

BOWIE, Md. - When the Double-A Bowie Baysox open a new season tonight at Prince George's Stadium against Harrisburg, LJ Hoes will bat third and play left field. But tomorrow night he will likely be at another position. About 10 days ago, the Orioles moved Hoes from left to center field at camp and he will likely begin playing center field for the Baysox tomorrow night. Bowie manager Gary Kendall said it might become a permanent change. "Could be. Everything is subject to change," Kendall...

CHICAGO - Twice today, Adam LaRoche and Jayson Werth have come to the plate with two runners in scoring position. Twice today, LaRoche struck out swinging and Werth flew out to right to end the threat. The Nationals have left five runners on base through three innings this afternoon, and left 'em loaded in the third. Today, at least, the Nats haven't had issues with Ian Desmond and Danny Espinosa getting on base; instead, they're having issues getting their No. 1 and No. 2 hitters...

CHICAGO - Yes, a baseball game will be played at Wrigley Field today. No, John Lannan will not be here for it. We've talked a ton about Lannan over these last three days, but there are other notes to pass along as we close in on first pitch. Manager Davey Johnson said today that Brad Lidge will be his closer today, but don't take that to mean that Lidge will be in for the ninth inning every time the Nats have a save situation prior to Drew Storen's return from elbow inflammation. Johnson...

The workout hasn't started and I'm not sure whether manager Buck Showalter will share his opening day lineup, but here's the Twins lineup that will oppose right-hander Jake Arrieta: Denard Span CF Jamey Carroll SS Joe Mauer C Justin Morneau DH Josh Willingham LF Ryan Doumit RF Danny Valencia 3B Chris Parmelee 1B Alexi Casilla 2B Carl Pavano RHP So who starts in left field for the Orioles? Endy Chavez is 4-for-18 lifetime against Pavano. Reimold is 1-for-6. Wilson Betemit is...

The Orioles today announced that left-handed pitcher Dana Eveland has cleared waivers and been outrighted to Triple-A Norfolk. Eveland was designated for assignment on March 29 when the club claimed infielder Zelous Wheeler off of waivers from the Milwaukee Brewers.

CHICAGO - The Nationals understand John Lannan is angry and frustrated with being bumped out of the rotation and sent down to Triple-A Syracuse. They even appreciate the fact that he feels the way he does, because, as general manager Mike Rizzo says, "If he was any other way, I would wonder about him." But the fact that Lannan has requested a trade doesn't change anything in Rizzo or manager Davey Johnson's minds. They're going to keep Lannan at Syracuse and are in no rush to dump the...

CHICAGO - Hello, Wrigley. I'm all set up here in the press box high atop iconic Wrigley Field, and man, could there be a more perfect place for opening day 2012? (Other than Nationals Park, of course.) This is just a fantastic setting, and while it's a bit chilly here this morning, the sun is out in full force and it should get up to 51 degrees by gametime. There's a stiff 17 mph wind blowing almost directly in from center, which will help starting pitchers Stephen Strasburg and Ryan...

With John Lannan preparing to pitch for Triple-A Syracuse while requesting a trade via email to reporters, there will be a list of teams looking at the possibility of acquiring the lefty. But it's not like the Nationals need to trade him. They can't afford to give him away, and teams might not go for their asking price, considering Lannan makes $5 million. Plus, if Stephen Strasburg is on an innings limit of 160 this season, Lannan might be needed late in the season. Every team needs...