Here is a question to think about: Are all the top sluggers eventually going to wind up in the American League? After Albert Pujols got a 10-year deal from the Angels and Prince Fielder got a nine-year contract from the Tigers, two of the game's most-feared sluggers have moved to the AL. Fielder was second in the National League with 38 homers last year and Pujols was third with 37. While neither player was signed to serve as a designated hitter, just knowing the DH spot is there for those...

As I told you yesterday, former Orioles catcher Chris Hoiles will serve as an instructor in spring training. He leaves for Sarasota on Feb. 16, two days before pitchers and catchers report. Hoiles' duties will be more clearly defined next month. He's expected to serve as a roving instructor, moving between the major league and minor league camps. He'll work with the catchers, of course, but he also could offer instruction on hitting. "I'll go back and forth if that's what the team...

A few leftovers from Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo after today's press conference to introduce left-hander Gio Gonzalez: * Whether Bryce Harper does enough to break spring camp with the major league club will be one of the biggest stories in the Grapefruit League starting next month. Manager Davey Johnson has gone on record as saying he thinks the 19-year-old outfielder can handle big league pitching now, while Rizzo seems to think the top prospect, who has played less than half a...

First impressions from Gio Gonzalez's introductory press conference: This guy is going to be a lot of fun to be around. Gonzalez is well-spoken, excitable and has his own knack for thoughtful commentary - all of which will play well in the Nationals' clubhouse. On Wednesday afternoon, the Nationals finally got around to introducing Gonzalez, who was acquired last month in a six-player swap that cost Washington four of its top prospects. Gonzalez flipped between sounding like a kid who's...

If Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo was upset at not landing free agent first baseman Prince Fielder, he masked the disappointment well. Speaking after the Nationals introduced left-hander Gio Gonzalez to the media Wednesday afternoon, Rizzo said the Nationals had done their best to come to terms with Fielder, who agreed to a nine-year, $214 million deal. Rizzo even hinted that the Nationals were "very close" to signing Fielder. "Does Prince Fielder help any club he's with? There's...

MASN recently released its schedule of Orioles spring training games to be broadcast on the air. But if you're not a television kind of person, or you're stuck in the early 20th century, then you're in luck. WBAL Radio announced today plans to broadcast 16 Orioles spring training games, beginning with the team's March 5 showdown with the Pittsburgh Pirates. WBAL Radio is the flagship station of the Orioles and will again broadcast all 162 games during the regular season. Here is the...

The Orioles and 1090 AM WBAL Radio, the flagship station of the Orioles Radio Network, have announced that 16 Orioles spring training games will be broadcast in 2012. The schedule includes the spring opener against the Pittsburgh Pirates from Ed Smith Stadium on Monday, March 5 at 7:05 p.m., and nine additional home games from the new Ed Smith Stadium in Sarasota. Six of the 16 broadcasts will feature 30-minute Pre-Game and Post-Game Shows. MASN previously announced that they will broadcast...

I just got off the phone with newest Oriole Wilson Betemit, who's back home in the Dominican Republic after signing a two-year deal worth $3.25 million that includes a $3.2 million vesting option for 2014. Betemit explained why he chose the Orioles. While the money offered is an obvious reason, he added, "My agent told me I'd get an opportunity to play over there. I just want to go out there and play. It's an opportunity to play and try to help the team win and play whatever position they...

Mark your calendars, loosen up your dialing fingers and make sure your wrist is limber enough for mouse clicking. Orioles spring training tickets go on sale Saturday, Jan. 28 at 10 a.m. and you're encouraged to order via telephone and online access for the best chance at the most coveted ducats. Spring training tickets can be purchased in the following ways: * Via the Internet at www.orioles.com/spring. * By telephone, by calling 800-745-3000. Season, group tickets, suites and other...

Individual tickets for all 16 of the Orioles' spring training games at Ed Smith Stadium will go on sale this Saturday, Jan. 28 at 10 a.m. It is recommended that fans purchase tickets online, by phone or at select area Wal-Mart locations . Last season, the Orioles set an all-time Sarasota attendance record at Ed Smith Stadium with 115,506 fans over 16 games, including 10 sellouts. Fans interested in season tickets, five game flex-plans or group tickets, or those wishing to receive additional...