Fans can come up with some interesting theories. One I saw recently was that the reason it was taking so long for Vladimir Guerrero to get his Orioles physical was because he was having second thoughts about signing with the club and would end up elsewhere even after agreeing to terms. Then I saw the headline on Peter Schmuck's Baltimore Sun column that read, "Guerrero looks a bit subdued in signing with the Orioles." Oh, no, I know what is coming next. "See, he really doesn't want to...

SARASOTA, Fla. - Derrek Lee hit in the indoor cage today. Felix Pie played catch this morning with new teammate Vladimir Guerrero, the future Hall of Famer who could cost him the starting job in left field. No hard feelings, I suppose. Luke Scott is expected to play left field while Guerrero serves as the full-time designated hitter. Pie, who set career highs last year in average (.274), hits (79), runs (39), doubles (15), triples (five) and RBIs (31), might have to settle for a reserve...

SARASOTA, Fla. - Derrek Lee has reported to camp. He might wait until tomorrow to take his first swings. The signing of Vladimir Guerrero could push Nolan Reimold off the 25-man roster and down to Triple-A Norfolk, but he's digging in his heels this spring. He's reported to camp in much better condition, both physically and mentally, and intends to pose a serious challenge for the left field job or reserve duty. "I feel really good. I feel strong, I feel healthy and ready to go," he said...

SARASOTA, Fla. - Luke Scott has reported to camp, wearing a full beard and telling hunting stories. Scott's locker is next to Vladimir Guerrero, the brooding slugger. It's an interesting arrangement. Guerrero better get used to smiling and nodding his head a lot. Double-A infielder Ryan Adams also is here, leaving Derrek Lee, Nick Markakis and Pedro Florimon as the only position players who haven't arrived. Brad Bergesen is back after leaving yesterday because of an illness. Guest...

It is never too early to plan ahead if you are hoping to catch a glimpse (or a game) of No. 1 prospect Bryce Harper in the Nationals system this season. Many Nationals fans are hoping to see Harper in Woodbridge, Va., which is just minutes from the Capital Beltway, if he is promoted quickly to Single-A Potomac. Most believe Harper's first taste of minor league baseball will be with Single-A Hagerstown Suns. Hagerstown, Md., is an easy drive from the D.C. area, just 71 miles from...

The Washington Nationals today announced that single game tickets for the 2011 season will go on sale Thursday, March 3 at 10 a.m. Tickets may be purchased online at nationals.com, by calling 888.632.NATS (6287) or by visiting the Nationals Park Main Box Office (Half and N Streets, SE). Popular pre- and post-game events including Signature Sundays (pre-game) and Kids Run the Bases (Sundays postgame) will once again be a part of the fan experience at Nationals Park, while various season-long...

On Friday, the Nationals released a list of new promotions for the 2011 season. Of course, the most exciting additions are Jayson Werth and Ian Desmond collectible bobbleheads. Werth will be honored with his very first Nationals bobblehead on Saturday, July 30, against the Mets. Desmond's first bobblehead will be given out on Saturday, Aug. 20 against the Phillies. The bobbleheads are a PNC Bank promotion for the first 15,000 fans at each of those games. There will also be another Fan's...

The Nationals have now officially announced that NatsFest will take place between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. on March 30. Fans will have an opportunity to watch the Nationals practice, meet players and coaches, take photos with Ryan Zimmerman's Silver Slugger award, visit MASN's interactive area and race against the GEICO Racing Presidents. There will also be a special Kids Zone with a bounce house, interactive games, face painters and balloon artists. Of course, the team store and concession...

SARASOTA, Fla. - Vladimir Guerrero relied on his agent, Fernando Cuza, to serve as an interpreter during his 20-minute press conference, but I'm sure he understood every word. He's been speaking English to teammates and team officials. He's just more comfortable dealing with the media in his native language. Here are some comments from Guerrero, which came after he slipped on his white No. 27 jersey. On whether his past success at Camden Yards, and the Orioles' surge under manager Buck...

SARASOTA, Fla. - Vladimir Guerrero wore his game face for most of his 20-minute press conference. He smiled once when asked whether he's carrying a chip on his shoulder, and laughed when the discussion turned to his reputation as one of the game's all-time best bad-ball hitters. Guerrero didn't need a translator to understand that question. "Since I was little, I've always swung at bad pitches," he said. Manager Buck Showalter said he'd decide later whether to bat Guerrero third or...