DALLAS - The Orioles confirmed today that they've hired former Phillies general manager Lee Thomas as a special assistant to executive vice president Dan Duquette, and Fred Ferreiera as executive director of international recruiting. Thomas, 75, built the 1993 Phillies team that won the National League pennant - winning Executive of the Year honors that year - but Ed Wade replaced him as GM after four straight losing seasons. He brings over five decades of experience in professional baseball....

The above phrase includes all the rumors that will surface at the Winter Meetings. I'm sitting at my American Airlines gate, waiting to board my 7:05 a.m. flight to Dallas. I'm stuck in a middle seat. We're off to a good start. I chose an airline that also filed for bankruptcy, but it's promised to honor all flights. I'll have to serve peanuts and push the drink cart down the aisle, but it's for a good cause. Executive vice president Dan Duquette, manager Buck Showalter, new scouting...

I'm hearing that the Orioles could announce more hires in the front office tomorrow, one day before baseball's Winter Meetings begin in Dallas. The restructuring continues, just as Dan Duquette promised after being hired as executive vice president of baseball operations. According to multiple reports, the Orioles have hired former Phillies general manager Lee Thomas as an assistant to Duquette. A deal apparently was reached earlier this week. Another possible hire is Fred Ferreira as...

Pitcher Jeremy Guthrie might be the Orioles' biggest bargaining chip this winter. Adam Jones rivals him in that category, but executive vice president Dan Duquette seems intent on holding onto the center fielder and perhaps opening dialogue on a contract extension after the holidays. The Orioles want to acquire a starting pitcher, and they figure that a trade is the best method. But does it make sense to trade a pitcher - especially one who eats up the most innings - for another pitcher? I...

Right-hander Hector Nelo was able to display command of his mid-90s fastball and showed some positives from his other offerings in a solid first campaign with the Single-A Potomac Nationals last season. Nelo went 1-0 with a 2.40 ERA in 36 games in 2011, taking over the closer role when Patrick Lehman was promoted to Double-A Harrisburg. Nelo had 18 saves in 41 1/3 innings, striking out 35 and allowing just 11 total earned runs. Nationals director of player development Doug Harris was...

New Orioles executive vice president Dan Duquette certainly realizes that Adam Jones would be popular in trade talks and could bring a nice return for the club should it choose to put him on the market. He also knows Jones brings a lot to his team right now and could be a key future core piece as he works to improve the team. "I think that we should build around players like Adam Jones. I'm looking forward to meeting him and I've enjoyed watching him play for a couple of years and...

New Orioles scouting director Gary Rajsich has only been on the job a few days, but says he'd like to hire some new amateur scouts by the end of the year. Rajsich said it appears his first O's scouting staff could be slightly larger than Joe Jordan's last one. "I would like to add a couple of guys to strengthen some areas that, in talking to our people, are areas where we might be light, staff-wise. I could add a couple of guys in those areas to make sure we cover it properly. Central...

Who doesn't like to win something? Who doesn't love Camden Yards? Well, the 20th anniversary of the iconic ballpark and the opportunity to land some cool prizes will intersect in January. That's when the Orioles and Delaware North Sportservice will combine to award 20 prizes in 20 days to mark the 20th anniversary of the ballpark that forever changed baseball. Here are some of the prizes up for grabs: * Free season tickets for the 2012 season * The opportunity to throw out a ceremonial...

To help celebrate the 20th Anniversary of Camden Yards, the ballpark that forever changed baseball, the Orioles, in partnership with Delaware North Sportservice, are giving away 20 prizes in 20 days in January, 2012 to fans who purchase or renew season ticket plans for the upcoming season. Some of the prizes include: * Your season tickets are free for the 2012 season * Opportunity to throw out a ceremonial first pitch * Spring Training getaway for two to Sarasota * Personalized jersey and...

In a phone interview today to discuss the Orioles' minor leagues and player development, Orioles executive vice president of baseball operations Dan Duquette confirmed that John Stockstill will continue in his current role as director of player development for the team. "Yes, he's in that role. Yes," Duquette said. When asked if that means Stockstill is staying in that role moving forward, Duquette said, "He's in that role." Duquette said he does not plan to have someone in his front...