It seems Orioles fans never tire of letting Hall of Famer Brooks Robinson know how much they love him and today was yet another chance. In a ceremony this afternoon that was wonderfully done and emotional at times, the Brooks Robinson statue was unveiled across the street from Camden Yards on the plaza between Washington Boulevard and Russell Street. The statue, standing nine feet tall, shows Brooks preparing to throw out a runner at first base. Brooks is actually pointing in the direction of...

When the long-awaited moment finally came, when the black shroud festooned with black-and-orange ribbons and bows was removed to unveil a bronze image of Brooks Robinson throwing to first base, the unflappable No. 5 found it difficult to contain his emotions as an appreciative crowd roared and Oriole-colored confetti filled the air. "I haven't had an applause like that in a long time, believe me," said the legendary Orioles third baseman, his voice cracking as he dabbed he eyes with a...

The Nationals saw it in September with callups Chris Marrero, Stephen Lombardozzi, Brad Peacock and Tommy Milone making significant contributions to a run that resulted in a 15-5 record in the final three weeks of the season. Nationals director of player development Doug Harris said the increased number of Triple-A players that did well in the big leagues is a prime example of how the organization is starting to stockpile quality prospects. Harris said he noticed the difference at...

When you think about it, ballplayers and sports writers/media need each other. The players' interviews get to the fans through the media. The media needs to get players' quotes to enhance their stories. For the most part, the relationship is cordial and works well. That is definitely true with the Orioles. I can hardly think of one time where an O's player was disrespectful to reporters or was known to duck the media. This topic comes to mind after reading some of the stories critical of...

The Dodgers granted permission today for the Orioles to interview assistant general manager De Jon Watson for the position of president of baseball operations. Watson will be the third candidate interviewed, following the Diamondbacks' Jerry Dipoto and the Blue Jays' Tony LaCava. The Marlins denied the Orioles permission to interview Dan Jennings. I wrote about Watson yesterday and passed along this report from mlbtraderumors. Watson's background in player development and scouting make...

In case you missed it, former Orioles infielder (and part-time catcher) Lenn Sakata was named manager at high Single-A Modesto of the California League. The Nuts, as they're called, are a Rockies affiliate. Sakata had been serving as hitting coach at low Single-A Asheville. The Nuts have two mascots: Al the Almond and Wally the Walnut. I'm not making this up. Wouldn't it be nice if Tippy Martinez threw out the first pitch, with Sakata behind the plate, for Modesto's home opener next...

University of Kentucky pitcher Alex Meyer had an excellent instructional league camp with the Nationals in Viera, Fla., and now prepares for his first professional season. The 6-foot-9, 220-lb., right-hander struck out 110 hitters in 101 innings last season with the Wildcats, and features what the Nationals call three plus pitches: a fastball, slider and change up. Nationals director of player development Doug Harris said the 23rd overall selection in June's draft did not have too much...

Clutch comeback by the Rangers last night. Down 1-0 in the top of the ninth, they rallied for two runs and returned home with the World Series deadlocked 1-1. Both runs scored on sacrifice flies. It's not the sexiest way to win a game, but it worked. Great baserunning by the Rangers in the ninth. They were alert, and they were fearless. The Orioles' bullpen will be tweaked again this winter. I don't know about a complete overhaul, but there will be changes. It's the norm. And in...

When a team has lost for 14 straight seasons, you can probably put at least some of the blame for that on an underperforming minor league organization. The Orioles' minor leagues have been a lightning rod for fan criticism this year. Some fans seem to feel the O's minors are barren and completely devoid of talent. Others see some players reaching the majors, but not nearly enough, or feel that the ones that reach there are not good enough. Late this past season, I asked two of the Orioles'...

Here's a quick update on the Orioles' search for a new GM/president of baseball operations: Nothing has changed. I told you it was going to be quick (that's what ... never mind.) I'm told that the Orioles don't have any other interviews scheduled at the present time, but they're not going to stop at two candidates. Other executives will be brought in, though I don't expect a stampede to the warehouse. The Orioles are still expected to seek permission from the Dodgers to interview...