The Orioles will interview Dodgers assistant general manager De Jon Watson on Wednesday for the position of president of baseball operations. Watson will fly into Baltimore tomorrow night and become the third candidate to interview for the job vacated by Andy MacPhail, whose contract expires Oct. 31. Watson, 45, is responsible for the Dodgers' player development and oversees Latin American player development. He served previously as scouting director with the Reds and Indians. I talked to...

Tickets are now available to the fourth annual "America's Night of Hope" with Joel and Victoria Osteen on April 28, 2012 at Nationals Park. "America's Night of Hope" is an annual event hosted by Joel and Victoria Osteen, pastors of Houston's Lakewood Church -- America's largest and most diverse church. The event draws thousands of attendees from across the nation for an evening of celebration and hope. In previous years, the event was held at Yankee Stadium in New York, Dodger Stadium...

Brian Goodwin was selected in the sandwich round at No. 34 in June's draft by the Nationals and was hailed for his speed and defensive tools in center field. The former University of North Carolina outfielder put on an impressive display of his talents during instructional league in Viera, Fla., this month, according to Nationals director of player development Doug Harris. "Goodwin made huge strides at instructs," Harris said. "The last three days, he put together some of the best at-bats...

There is something special about minor league baseball. It has a certain charm and feel that is different from the major leagues. Certainly, the fan experience is different in so many ways. That includes everything from the lower prices for tickets and concessions to greater access to the players to the between-innings fun and entertainment that you don't see in the big leagues. There are probably some of you that actually prefer the minors to the majors. When I was broadcasting Aberdeen...

I don't have a whole lot for you this morning. Maybe something breaks later in the day, but right now it's more of the same. The Orioles have interviewed Jerry Dipoto and Tony LaCava for the job of president of baseball operations. The Marlins denied them permission to contact Dan Jennings. They're expected to interview Dodgers executive De Jon Watson this week. Rangers assistant GM Thad Levine is a possibility after the World Series. In that order. They still need a scouting director...

I'm nominating Dan Lozano for "Happiest Man in the World" today. I'll give you 10 seconds to figure out why. OK, time's up. Lozano is the agent who represents Albert Pujols. Cha-ching! Pujols set a World Series record last night with 14 total bases. He joined Babe Ruth (twice) and Reggie Jackson as the only players to hit three home runs in the same game. I'm also pretty sure he's the only player to drive a ball into another state without using his car. Apparently, this guy will do...

It seems Orioles fans never tire of letting Hall of Famer Brooks Robinson know how much they love him and today was yet another chance. In a ceremony this afternoon that was wonderfully done and emotional at times, the Brooks Robinson statue was unveiled across the street from Camden Yards on the plaza between Washington Boulevard and Russell Street. The statue, standing nine feet tall, shows Brooks preparing to throw out a runner at first base. Brooks is actually pointing in the direction of...

When the long-awaited moment finally came, when the black shroud festooned with black-and-orange ribbons and bows was removed to unveil a bronze image of Brooks Robinson throwing to first base, the unflappable No. 5 found it difficult to contain his emotions as an appreciative crowd roared and Oriole-colored confetti filled the air. "I haven't had an applause like that in a long time, believe me," said the legendary Orioles third baseman, his voice cracking as he dabbed he eyes with a...

The Nationals saw it in September with callups Chris Marrero, Stephen Lombardozzi, Brad Peacock and Tommy Milone making significant contributions to a run that resulted in a 15-5 record in the final three weeks of the season. Nationals director of player development Doug Harris said the increased number of Triple-A players that did well in the big leagues is a prime example of how the organization is starting to stockpile quality prospects. Harris said he noticed the difference at...

When you think about it, ballplayers and sports writers/media need each other. The players' interviews get to the fans through the media. The media needs to get players' quotes to enhance their stories. For the most part, the relationship is cordial and works well. That is definitely true with the Orioles. I can hardly think of one time where an O's player was disrespectful to reporters or was known to duck the media. This topic comes to mind after reading some of the stories critical of...