Jordan Zimmermann is awesome! I realize this isn't breaking news, but he's so awesome that he's earned the distinction of being a very favorite player of mine. So you'll understand where I'm coming from, I should explain that most Nationals players are my favorite players. I cheer with enthusiasm for pretty much everyone on the roster, somewhat regardless of talent level, as long as they give at least 100 percent. Yes, I get frustrated with guys. I may even boo a bad play or groan when...

Early this season, it looked like Orioles minor league pitcher Dan Klein might be at Triple-A or possibly even with the Orioles by now. But instead, he is spending these days in Sarasota, Fla., rehabbing a small SLAP tear in his right labrum. The doctors say surgery is not necessary and Klein, who last pitched in a game June 1 for Double-A Bowie, is in his fourth week in Sarasota, but has not yet been cleared to begin a throwing program. "I am still kind of in the rehab and strengthening...

Tonight's game got a little more interesting, and not because I'm placing odds on how many innings I survive before I collapse on the press box floor in a huge puddle of sweat. Did I hear something about a 115-degree heat index? But the good news is sportswriters voted back when Camden Yards was being built to have an open-air press box. No air conditioning. Because, you know, everybody likes heat stroke. Anyway, the Orioles must decide whether to activate Luke Scott from the disabled...

The Orioles have a problem and it is a mystery to most. On the Internet and the airwaves, the new clarion call is the Orioles' need to improve their scouting and player development systems. Well, that is great, but I am willing to be dollars to doughnuts that the callers and posters do not know the first thing they are talking about. That is to say, they feel something needs to change, but I doubt that many out there know what the job of a regional crosschecker is. Of course, they are...

My guess is the Orioles will give serious consideration to activating Luke Scott from the disabled list this weekend. After being shut down for two days with lingering discomfort in his right shoulder, Scott homered twice and drove in six runs tonight in seven innings at Double-A Bowie. It appears that he's done for the night. I don't think another at-bat is necessary. Scott drove in a run in the first inning with a ground ball, launched a two-run homer to center field in the third,...

Luke Scott hit his second home run tonight in three injury rehab games at Double-A Bowie. Scott launched a two-run shot to center field in the third inning, allowing Greg Miclat to score and temporarily giving Bowie the lead. Trenton tied the game in the top of the fourth. Scott has three RBIs tonight. He drove in a run with a ground ball in the first inning. Scott has homered twice, singled and walked twice since joining the Baysox on Sunday. Before tonight, he hadn't played since Monday...

Left-handed reliever Josh Smoker continues on a tear with the Single-A Potomac Nationals, keeping opponents off the base paths and not allowing runs. His ERA continues to dive with each successive scoreless inning, now reading 1.75 ERA. His velocity has even hit an astounding 97 mph. The Calhoun, Ga., native has allowed only one run in his past 10 appearances. But with any good relief pitcher, you also have to find your way out of jams that you are placed in and ones that you bring on...

Orioles outfielder Luke Scott will continue his injury rehab assignment tonight after being shut down for a few days. Scott will bat third and serve as the designated hitter for Double-A Bowie, as he's done in two previous games. Scott has homered, singled and walked twice since joining the Baysox. He hasn't played since Monday night. Though eligible to come off the disabled list two days ago, Scott wasn't deemed ready because of persistent discomfort in his right shoulder related to a...

As a proud partner of the Baltimore Grand Prix, the Orioles are committed to assisting in the logistical planning surrounding the Labor Day weekend races. The Orioles recognize the importance that this event plays to the City of Baltimore, area hotels, restaurants and businesses, and the tens of thousands of fans who will be a part of Baltimore Grand Prix weekend. In an effort to minimize the level of inconvenience for Orioles fans and Baltimore Grand Prix planners, the Orioles, in conjunction...

The Washington Nationals today unconditionally released right-handed pitcher Chad Gaudin. Nationals Executive Vice President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Mike Rizzo made the announcement. Gaudin, 28, went 1-1 with two holds and a 6.48 ERA in 10 relief appearances this season with Washington.