It may be in the 50s today, but here's something guaranteed to create some additional warm feelings in NatsTown: the Nationals' 2012 spring training broadcast schedule on MASN. Seven Nationals Grapefruit League games will be televised on MASN's dedicated high-definition channel, MASN HD, beginning with a Sunday, March 4 game from Space Coast Stadium in Viera, Fla., against the Houston Astros. All afternoon games will be replayed the same day in prime time on MASN HD. * Sunday, March 4 at 1...

The Orioles today announced that they have signed infielder Wilson Betemit to a two-year contract with a vesting option for 2014. Betemit, 30, batted .285/.343/.452 with eight home runs and 46 RBI in 97 games for Kansas City (57) and Detroit (40) in 2011, including a .303 average and .865 OPS in 263 plate appearances from the left side. He has batted .298/.367/.501 with 54 extra-base hits and 69 RBI in 433 at-bats against right-handed pitching in the last two seasons. Betemit owned an .871 OPS...

The Orioles made the signing of Wilson Betemit official this morning, and they cleared room for him on the 40-man roster by designating pitcher Rick VandenHurk for assignment. VandenHurk, 26, allowed eight earned runs in nine innings over four games with the Orioles last season. He was 9-13 with a 4.43 ERA in 26 starts for Triple-A Norfolk. The Orioles acquired VandenHurk from the Marlins on July 31, 2010 for left-hander Will Ohman. He's 8-10 with a 5.97 ERA in 46 major league games,...

If there is one player on the Orioles that was tracking the pitching additions executive vice president Dan Duquette made this offseason, it was catcher Matt Wieters. He will have to catch the new pitchers and, in some cases, communicate with players that speak little or no English. "It's going to be a lot of work in spring training, that's for sure," the 25-year-old Wieters said. "Getting to know all the guys that have a chance to make the club or be up at some point during the year,...

Better prepare for the long haul - it's going to be a while before Prince Fielder comes to a decision on where he's going to play in 2012 and beyond. To get your morning started, here are some random thoughts related to the Nationals, their pursuit of Fielder and other news in and around NatsTown: * Fielder and agent Scott Boras are holding firm on their demand for a deal of eight years or more. That's not going to fly with the Nationals, who would prefer a shorter term - say, five or six...

I had an interesting conversation with pitcher Jake Arrieta during Saturday's FanFest at the Baltimore Convention Center. (Is it necessary to say "Baltimore?" I once jumped in the back of a Manhattan cab and told the driver to take me to New York-Penn Station. I'm pretty sure "New York" was implied.) Arrieta repeated that his elbow is 100 percent and he'll be full-go in spring training, the same thing he told reporters last month at Dave and Buster's. He's made an impressive and...

The Orioles may have found their designated hitter, or at least someone who can rotate into that spot. Two industry sources confirmed tonight that the Orioles have reached agreement with Wilson Betemit on a one-year contract, which will become official if he passes his physical. Betemit, 30, is a switch-hitter who's played every infield position, including 383 games at third base, and four games in the outfield in parts of nine major league seasons. He offers versatility, but is more likely...

The Orioles may have found their designated hitter, or at least someone who can rotate into that spot. An industry source confirmed tonight that the Orioles have reached agreement with Wilson Betemit on a one-year contract, which will become official if he passes his physical. Betemit, 30, is a switch-hitter who's played every infield position, including 383 games at third base, and four games in the outfield in parts of nine major league seasons. He offers versatility, but is more likely to...

I'm scrambling to prep for "The Mid-Atlantic Sports Report," but I wanted to respond to the latest round of Prince Fielder rumors. Well, I didn't want to, but I figured it's better than being asked for updates as if I'm keeping secrets here. That's beyond annoying. Are the Orioles in on Fielder? They're not officially out, so it depends on your definition. There is interest in the free agent slugger, but I'm told that the Orioles haven't met with agent Scott Boras and they don't...

You already know the Orioles are celebrating the 20th anniversary of Camden Yards in 2012. Once again, the club is also making it possible for you to celebrate your birthday at the one of the game's most iconic ballparks. The Orioles will gift one complimentary upper reserve ticket to a non-prime game for during your birthday month for each fan who registers here. If your birthday falls in January, February or March, you get an April non-prime game. If you were born in October, November or...