Former Nationals outfielder and University of Maryland star Justin Maxwell has been traded to the New York Yankees and is thrilled to be able to continue his dream of playing major league baseball. But Maxwell also will miss his former teammates and coaches. Maxwell found out about the deal only a few minutes before we talked and battled a bad cell connection when he was told. But he was able to make out "trade" and "Yankees". "I am pumped up and my family is excited, too," Maxwell...

The Orioles recently released 11 more minor league players, bringing the total number of players released to 33 since the end of last season. The club has two fewer minor league teams now after dropping its Bluefield affiliate and cutting back to one team in the Dominican Summer League. Probably the most well-known of the latest group of players released were infielder Tyler Stampone and pitcher Mick Mattaliano. The 23-year-old Stampone played two seasons for the club and batted .247 with 30...

New bench coach Willie Randolph knows winning. It's on his resume. So how can a team like the Orioles change a losing culture? Let's ask him. "It takes individuals, it takes guys who are willing to commit to changing that as a group, as a team," Randolph said during a break at FanFest. "Changing a culture is not all that tough if you want to get on board and get back to where you were as an organization and as a team. So it's really not that difficult, but that's why it's so important...

It's time for the main event - the Geico Presidents Race. The Nationals are now accepting applicants for Racing Presidents for the 2011 season. Auditions will occur, appropriately enough, over President's Day Weekend. To be eligible, applicants must fulfill the following requirements: * Measure between 5-foot-7 and 6-foot-6 in height * Possess the ability to run from center field to home plate (approximately 200 yards) in 40 seconds * Be able to wear a costume weighing approximately 45...

Carolina League Player of the Year Tyler Moore is likely to begin the season in Double-A Harrisburg after smashing several records for the Mills Cup champion Potomac Nationals last year, according to Washington Nationals director of player development Doug Harris. "He had a phenomenal year, I have never seen anything like it in 22 years. He was hitting .199 at the halfway mark and ended up hitting .260 with 30-plus (homers) and 100-plus (RBIs)," Harris said. " It is really a credit to...

They are former Orioles and they are still around to help the orange and black. Over the last month, as some of the organization's minor league players took part in drills under the stands at Camden Yards, B.J. Surhoff and Mike Bordick have been among those lending a hand. Players like Tyler Townsend, L.J. Hoes and Tyler Henson have taken part in the three-day-a-week voluntary workouts. The group was led by O's strength and conditioning coach Joe Hogarty and Gary Kendall, who will manage...

Pitcher Justin Duchscherer will take his physical today. I'm still trying to find out whether his school was delayed two hours. I promised some FanFest leftovers a few days ago and got sidetracked by Duchscherer. And if I had a nickel for every time I wrote the phrase "sidetracked by Duchscherer," I could retire today. New bench coach Willie Randolph was asked whether he reached out to any players over the winter. "Guys nowadays don't call you back too often," he said, laughing....

According to Baseball America's Matt Eddy, the Orioles have signed three more pitchers to minor league deals. It's not believed that anyone in the group has been invited to spring training, though the complete camp roster hasn't been released. The Orioles reached agreement with right-handers Chris Jakubauskas and Mark Worrell, and left-hander James Houser. This is what you call minor league pitching depth. Houser, a former second-round pick of the Rays, posted a 3.67 ERA for the Marlins'...

"Love is the most important thing in the world, but baseball is pretty good, too," a child once said. Does your boyfriend, girlfriend, husband, wife or partner love baseball? If so, surprise your beloved this Valentine's Day with a special visit from Nationals mascot Screech or the Single-A Potomac Nationals' Uncle Slam. Screech is available for a five minute surprise appearance in which he'll deliver a Valentine's Day card along with a balloon and a box of chocolates. The cost is...

According to an Associated Press report in the Dominican Republic, Orioles pitcher Alfredo Simon has been denied bail and will remain in prison following the shooting death of his cousin. Here's the story. Defense attorney Dinosa Dilone plans to appeal Tuesday's ruling, according to the report. Simon is accused of firing a shot on New Year's Eve that killed 25-year-old Michel Castillo and injured his brother, 17-year-old Starlling Castillo, in the city of Luperon in Puerto Plata. Simon...