Last week, I wrote about the fan experience at NatsFest, but my post had an important error. I mentioned that Bryce Harper easily won a Guitar Hero contest against a fan - information that I later found out was incorrect. In fact, Cody Strakonsky, a 15-year-old first baseman and right fielder from Brunswick, Md., handily beat Harper during their Guitar Hero faceoff at Nationals Park. Competing to the song "Tick Tick Boom," Strakonsky crushed Harper, despite being slightly nervous to meet...

The Orioles have released the following players, some of which may have asked for and received their releases from the minor league system. Pitchers: John Mariotti, Daurin Tavarez, Chad Thall Position Players: David Anderson, Danny Figueroa, Joseph Donaldson, Gary Helmick (Towson University product), Joe Gaetti, Anyi Tejada, Grolmann Gonzalez, Freuny Parra, Austin Rauch, Randy Winn and Jeremy Shelby. Gaetti was in his first year in the organization and is the son of former big leaguer Gary...

Here is info from a Norfolk Tides press release with roster info for the O's Triple-A squad which opens its season on Thursday. Loads of experience and two local products headlined the 2011 Norfolk Tides roster when it was released Tuesday. Virginia Beach's Michael Ballard and Chesapeake's Clay Rapada are both expected to play big roles with their hometown team after being assigned to Norfolk. Ballard is expected to join the rotation while Rapada will see action as a left-handed specialist...

Orioles president of baseball operations Andy MacPhail received an encouraging report from head athletic trainer Richie Bancell earlier today concerning pitcher Jeremy Guthrie, who missed the home opener after being diagnosed with a form of pneumonia. "I was told there's no infection, which is good news. Nothing terribly contagious. He's doing better. All of that is a plus," MacPhail said. Guthrie is expected to remain hospitalized overnight, but could be released tomorrow. Brad...

Right-hander Chorye Spoone will be the opening night starting pitcher on Thursday at Harrisburg when the Double-A Bowie Baysox open their 19th season. Manager Gary Kendall announced his rotation at the Baysox media day at Prince George's Stadium this afternoon. Steve Johnson will pitch the second game and will be followed by Rick Zagone, Tim Bascom and Eddie Gamboa. "Anytime they say you are first out of the chute, it's exciting," Spoone said. "It's not like the pressure is on you, but...

Nationals right-hander Jason Marquis won his last start at Sun Life Stadium on Aug. 30, 2010, but he has a 7.07 career ERA in South Florida. Marquis hopes to repeat the most recent past as he takes the mound in his season debut tonight against the Florida Marlins. Marquis was very disappointed at the start he had to the 2010 season, and was determined in the offseason to put in the work necessary to come in ready to go in camp. Last season was Marquis' first losing campaign since 2006, going...

The online community for the Baltimore Orioles is a passionate and relatively tight-knit bunch. We comment on each other's blogs, we follow each other on Twitter and we never stop talking about the O's. Because of this it can be hard to have the proper perspective on the team's fan base as a whole. There are, of course, a lot of things to be excited about as an O's fan: The offseason acquisitions changed the look of the lineup, the young players are a valid reason for hope and we have our...

The most important development for the Washington Nationals this season won't take place on the field. With no disrespect to an up-and-coming middle infield, a $126 million dollar man in right field or the growth of a potential All-Star phasing out one of the greatest catchers in baseball history, the biggest story to watch this season will take place in doctor's offices and on minor league fields across the mid-Atlantic. As much as Nats fans want to see a winner in Nationals Park in 2011,...

My one shining moment came when I missed the first half of last night's UConn-Butler game. What a stinker. I've seen better basketball at the local Y. Jeremy Guthrie is remaining in good spirits despite missing the Orioles' home opener. He tweeted the following last night: "Initially thought I had BieberFever but turns out I have pneumonia. Feeling better but got myself an overnight stay at hospital. Go #Orioles." You can follow him: @JGuthrie46. And myself, of course: @masnRoch....

Matt Wieters has gotten a bit of heat for how he's fared early on in his major league career. You might be aware of this by now. Following a 2010 season in which Wieters hit just .249 with 11 home runs and 55 RBIs, some baseball publications were already calling him a bust, and analysts and scouts might have been left wondering whether they'd missed on a can't-miss prospect. Well, just four games into the 2011 season, it's already clear how much of a factor the Orioles' young catcher is...