The Washington Nationals have partnered with world-renowned restaurateur Danny Meyer and his Union Square Hospitality Group (USHG) to bring Nationals fans a winning array of culinary offerings at the Miller Lite Scoreboard Walk, the Nationals Park hot spot that hosts the popular Miller Lite Party Nights every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night. Upon opening in late spring of 2011, Nationals fans will enjoy a variety of delicious new menu offerings, including mouthwatering real pit barbecue...

The Nationals announced on Wednesday that renowned restaurateur Danny Meyer and his Union Square Hospitality Group (USHG) will bring the very popular Shake Shack concessions concept to Nationals Park this season. This will mark the third sports venue location for the hot spot, which is also very popular at Citi Field and Saratoga Race Course. The Shake Shack features ShackBurgers, hot dogs and frozen custard. Fans can enjoy the new items at the Miller Lite Scoreboard Walk. Other new concepts...

The Orioles have announced plans for the first home game of their 58th season and their 20th year at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. The team will face the Detroit Tigers on Monday, April 4, at 3:05 p.m. PRE-GAME FUN AROUND THE YARD To allow fans the opportunity to experience the excitement of Opening Day, the entire ballpark will open at noon on Monday. Each fan will receive a 2011 schedule/car magnet, courtesy of Brothers Services Company, at the gates. Roving musical groups will entertain...

SARASOTA, Fla. - Hall of Fame manager Earl Weaver will throw out the ceremonial first pitch before the April 4 home opener at Camden Yards. Current manager Buck Showalter will catch it. I love the idea. And it seems appropriate, given the excitement that greeted Showalter's arrival in Baltimore last August and the frequent comparisons to Weaver. Showalter invited Weaver to speak to his coaches this spring. It also allowed Weaver to autograph the circular No. 4 sign that hangs in his honor...

I have more positive updates on some of the offensive stars that are making noise in the accelerated camp. There are a bunch of guys who are making good progress and demanding the attention of the coaching staff. Nationals hitting instructor Rick Schu gave me details on a few of the players: Rick Hague, Tyler Moore, Stephen Lombardozzi, Randolph Oduber and Derek Norris. (Don't worry - this is not all-inclusive, more updates to come on prospects!) "Shortstop Rick Hague out of Rice is...

SARASOTA, Fla. - Enjoy that dateline while you can, because it changes starting tomorrow. The Orioles will break camp later today. Naturally, manager Buck Showalter scheduled a simulated game first. I almost expect Craig Tatum to hit off a tee tomorrow in between his wife's contractions. A group of minor leaguers will take a bus to Ed Smith Stadium, then take their swings against Brad Bergesen and Jake Arrieta. I normally wouldn't care much, but I need to find out whether Bergesen is...

With the start of a new baseball season, MASN is expanding its coverage of the Orioles and Nationals. The network that brings you 324 game telecasts of two teams in six states now adds "The Mid-Atlantic Sports Report," a new 90-minute show each weekday at 5 p.m. The show makes its debut Thursday after the Nationals game and the "Nats Xtra" postgame telecast. Veteran broadcaster Tom Davis, who has been with MASN since its start in 2007, will host the show and will be joined by Dave...

Over the last couple of years I have had the chance to interview many Orioles minor leaguers. Few have been as impressive as LJ Hoes. He's an articulate young man of 21 who has an ability to analyze his play and understand where he needs to improve. He seems very coachable and passionate about the game. This week, I asked him where he learned to value the mental aspects of the game so well. "My father and my high school coach have always stressed the mental aspects of the game," Hoes...

SARASOTA, Fla. - Senior citizens were invited to run the bases after today's 7-4 loss to the Blue Jays. Brady Anderson walked past me on the field and asked whether I was going to run. Ouch. Manager Buck Showalter basically has two decisions remaining before the Orioles break camp and head to St. Petersburg for Thursday's workout. Showalter must decide whether Chris Tillman or Brad Bergesen makes Sunday's start at Tropicana Field. But he'll also need to know whether Bergesen or...

As the Orioles prepare to celebrate their 20th season at Oriole Park at Camden Yards in 2011, the ballpark has undergone numerous renovations designed to keep the facility at the top of its class, while also preserving the iconic look and feel that made the ballpark the standard-bearer for the 20 major league ballparks that have opened since that time. Renovations primarily focused on the seating bowl, club level, lower concourse and concessions areas. SEATING BOWL This past off-season,...