Watching Game 5 of the World Series on Monday and seeing Texas Rangers first baseman Mitch Moreland crank a crucial solo home run, it reminded me of a conversation I had with Baseball America national writer Aaron Fitt comparing the Rangers' young player with the Washington Nationals' Tyler Moore. There are similarities between the two sluggers, except for what side of the batter's box they step in to. One hits lefty (Moreland) and the other is a righty (Moore), but both played college ball...

Scottsdale left-hander Sammy Solis had a consistent outing Monday, staking the Scorpions to a 3-2 lead through five innings of an 8-4 setback at the Peoria Javelinas of Arizona Fall League play. Solis allowed only two runs, struck out three, scattering four hits with one walk. He threw 63 pitches, 44 for strikes. He did hit one batter and had a pickoff attempt that turned into an error, got a no-decision. Solis had a clean first, setting down the Javelinas 1-2-3. The second inning saw...

Coming into the 2011 season, probably no one would have predicted that Greg Miclat would lead the Orioles organization in stolen bases this season with 50. In his first three seasons in the O's minors, after he was drafted in round five out of the University of Virginia in 2008, Miclat had stolen 41 bases total in 57 attempts. Plus, we are talking about a player that has decent, but certainly not blazing, speed. But the 24-year-old Miclat went 50-for-53 in steal attempts this season for...

As you know, the Orioles will interview Dodgers executive De Jon Watson tomorrow morning, making him the third candidate to fly into Baltimore. Jerry Dipoto and Tony LaCava beat him here. The Angels also are in the midst of a GM search, but I don't see many similarities in the two lists. The Angels also have targeted Dipoto, and both teams could contact Rangers assistant GM Thad Levine once the World Series ends. Andrew Friedman (Rays) and Damon Oppenheimer (Yankees) already have met with...

The Orioles will interview Dodgers assistant general manager De Jon Watson on Wednesday for the position of president of baseball operations. Watson will fly into Baltimore tomorrow night and become the third candidate to interview for the job vacated by Andy MacPhail, whose contract expires Oct. 31. Watson, 45, is responsible for the Dodgers' player development and oversees Latin American player development. He served previously as scouting director with the Reds and Indians. I talked to...

Tickets are now available to the fourth annual "America's Night of Hope" with Joel and Victoria Osteen on April 28, 2012 at Nationals Park. "America's Night of Hope" is an annual event hosted by Joel and Victoria Osteen, pastors of Houston's Lakewood Church -- America's largest and most diverse church. The event draws thousands of attendees from across the nation for an evening of celebration and hope. In previous years, the event was held at Yankee Stadium in New York, Dodger Stadium...

Brian Goodwin was selected in the sandwich round at No. 34 in June's draft by the Nationals and was hailed for his speed and defensive tools in center field. The former University of North Carolina outfielder put on an impressive display of his talents during instructional league in Viera, Fla., this month, according to Nationals director of player development Doug Harris. "Goodwin made huge strides at instructs," Harris said. "The last three days, he put together some of the best at-bats...

There is something special about minor league baseball. It has a certain charm and feel that is different from the major leagues. Certainly, the fan experience is different in so many ways. That includes everything from the lower prices for tickets and concessions to greater access to the players to the between-innings fun and entertainment that you don't see in the big leagues. There are probably some of you that actually prefer the minors to the majors. When I was broadcasting Aberdeen...

I don't have a whole lot for you this morning. Maybe something breaks later in the day, but right now it's more of the same. The Orioles have interviewed Jerry Dipoto and Tony LaCava for the job of president of baseball operations. The Marlins denied them permission to contact Dan Jennings. They're expected to interview Dodgers executive De Jon Watson this week. Rangers assistant GM Thad Levine is a possibility after the World Series. In that order. They still need a scouting director...

I'm nominating Dan Lozano for "Happiest Man in the World" today. I'll give you 10 seconds to figure out why. OK, time's up. Lozano is the agent who represents Albert Pujols. Cha-ching! Pujols set a World Series record last night with 14 total bases. He joined Babe Ruth (twice) and Reggie Jackson as the only players to hit three home runs in the same game. I'm also pretty sure he's the only player to drive a ball into another state without using his car. Apparently, this guy will do...