Orioles reliever Jeremy Accardo cleared waivers and has been outrighted to Triple-A Norfolk. See, the Orioles can still conduct business without a president of baseball operations. Accardo also was designated and outrighted this summer, so he can refuse the assignment and become a minor league free agent. The right-hander was 3-3 with a 5.73 ERA in 31 relief appearances during two stints with the Orioles in 2011. With the move, the 40-man roster now stands at 39.

The Nationals' top prospect, left fielder Bryce Harper, contributed in a big way as the Scottsdale Scorpions ralled to beat the Mesa Solar Sox 4-3 in the Arizona Fall League Monday night. Harper had a single for his first hit in the fall and added an RBI groundout. He showed off his speed with a pair of stolen bases. Harper's batting average is now 1-for-16 (.063). Zach Walters went 0-for-4 as the designated hitter. Derek Norris had the night off. Harper flew out and grounded out in his...

One big reason the Single-A Frederick Keys won the Carolina League championship this year was solid pitching. The Keys' team ERA of 3.22 was the best in the league. Two of their better pitchers this year were 21-year-old right-handers Bobby Bundy and Clayton Schrader. Both put up big numbers for the Keys, but neither ended the year with Frederick. Bundy moved to Double-A Bowie in August and Schrader didn't pitch after July 25 due a right elbow flexor mass strain. Frederick pitching coach...

It's no secret that the arts and music programs in schools nationwide are on the decline, particularly among schools with younger students. As someone who took part in band from the age of 9 through high school, it pains me to think about the future of kids getting involved in local arts programs. Fortunately, there are people out there trying to make a difference. Jeff Campbell, a former member of the Nationals' press corps who used to freelance for SportsTicker, is one of those...

I haven't checked lately, but I think Nelson Cruz is still standing at home plate admiring his grand slam. The first walk-off grand slam in postseason history? Can that really be true? Delmon Young's oblique injury makes him a real liability in left field. The Rangers must look at him out there and think, "Green light!" Not quite the same as one of Sidney Ponson's passengers yelling, "Red light!" The Orioles will be linked to Prince Fielder this winter because they still need a big...

I have noticed several fans that indicate they have a problem with Buck Showalter having input into the hiring of the Orioles' next president/general manager. It's funny that last year at this time, Showalter walked on water in the minds of some fans and now some of the same fans may be wary of his input on this next hire. Showalter is likely to emerge from all this with major input on most Orioles decisions moving forward. Heck, that may have been the case already. I don't see an issue...

The Scottsdale Scorpions, the Arizona Fall League team partially stocked by the Nationals, has won two in a row over Phoenix as the hitting has come around and the pitching has improved. George Washington University product Patrick Lehman pitched the last inning of a 7-3 victory Saturday, going one inning, allowing one hit, no runs, one walk, two strikeouts and hitting one batter. Lehman tossed 30 pitches, 16 for strikes. Derek Norris has gone 2-for-8 the last two games with a run scored....

Once it became apparent that Andy MacPhail wouldn't remain with the Orioles as president of baseball operations, Tony LaCava's name began to circulate through Camden Yards and the baseball industry. There's no question that LaCava has made the first draft of potential replacements for MacPhail. From what I've heard, he ranks high on a short list. So who is Tony LaCava? This is a good start, courtesy of baseball-reference.com and the Toronto Blue Jays 2010 media guide. LaCava is 50 and...

The Orioles today announced that Andy MacPhail has elected not to return as President of Baseball Operations for the 2012 season. “On behalf of the Orioles organization, I thank Andy for his service to the club over the last four and a half seasons,” said Orioles Managing Partner Peter Angelos. “Andy’s knowledge and experience have helped lay the groundwork for our future success. I hold...

Andy MacPhail says he's too young to retire. He's not ready to leave baseball for good. But he doesn't anticipate being a part of it next year, and he most certainly won't be in the Orioles' organization. MacPhail said his decision to leave "is really just a function of time." "It's not something you really get much of anymore with these GM jobs," he said in a brief phone interview. "I just thought it was a good time to step back. And there are some other issues." He wouldn't...