The Orioles today announced that they have signed and invited 16 non-roster players to their major league spring training camp. Pitchers invited to camp include: LHPs Mark Hendrickson and Clay Rapada and RHPs Mitch Atkins, Ryan Drese, Armando Gabino, Wynn Pelzer, Raul Rivero and Josh Rupe. Position players invited include CAs Adam Donachie, Michel Hernandez and Caleb Joseph; OFs Tyler Henson and Randy Winn; and INFs Ryan Adams, Nick Green and Brendan Harris. Of the pitchers invited, six have...

The Single-A

Since a few of you asked and I always try to please my readers - well, up to a certain point - I'm told the Orioles have had "light discussions only" regarding Oscar Salazar, who was designated for assignment by the Padres. I don't sense a lot of enthusiasm, but it's not like the idea was dismissed entirely. You know it's a slow news day when a non-roster spring training invite for Randy Winn stirs up conversation on this blog. You know it's a slow morning when I'm revisiting the...

The Orioles have signed and invited 16 non-roster players to their major league spring training camp. Let's start with the pitchers: Right-handers Mitch Atkins, Ryan Drese, Armando Gabino, Wynn Pelzer, Raul Rivero and Josh Rupe, and left-handers Mark Hendrickson and Clay Rapada. Position players include catchers Adam Donachie, Michel Hernandez and Caleb Joseph; outfielders Tyler Henson and Randy Winn; and infielders Ryan Adams, Nick Green and Brendan Harris. Randy Winn? Did I forget about...

One of the biggest curiosities among fans and media is how spring training could change under manager Buck Showalter's guidance. I've never spent seven weeks with him in Florida or Arizona, so I'm not qualified to say. He's built a reputation as a no-nonsense guy, but it's not like the other managers hung piñatas on the backstops and used their stopwatches for potato sack races. Second baseman Brian Roberts was asked at FanFest whether he anticipated a different climate...

The Washington Nationals today agreed to terms with outfielder Laynce Nix on a minor-league contract that includes a Spring Training invitation. Nationals Executive Vice President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Mike Rizzo made the announcement. The left-handed hitting Nix earned his first post-season experience with Cincinnati in 2010, after batting .291 with four home runs and 18 RBI in 97 games with the Reds during the regular season. Nix posted 37 doubles, three triples, 19 home...

Pitcher Matt Hobgood, the Orioles' first-round draft pick in 2009, will be seen by O's team physicians in the middle of this month at spring training in Sarasota, Fla.. At that time, the doctors then will determine what will come next for the 20-year-old right-hander. Hobgood has been rehabbing a strained rotator cuff. The examination in mid-February will determine if the rehab process has led to improvement for Hobgood's shoulder. He has yet to begin a throwing program that pitchers...

From my fifth-floor window in the warehouse, I look out and see the field at Camden Yards still covered with snow (though the pitcher's mound is starting to peek out from beneath its white blanket). The wind is whipping down Eutaw Street, making it difficult to believe that it's almost time for pitchers and catchers to report to Ed Smith Stadium in Sarasota, Fla. Brian Roberts has warmer thoughts on his mind, too. And when he's not thinking about baseball, the Orioles second baseman is...

The Washington Nationals today agreed to terms with right-handed reliever Cla Meredith and infielder Alex Cora on minor-league contracts that include Spring Training invitations. Nationals Executive Vice President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Mike Rizzo made the announcement. Meredith is 14-14 with 44 holds, one save and a 3.62 ERA in 286 appearances during six big league seasons with Boston, San Diego and Baltimore. The 27-year-old groundball pitcher is 14-9 with 37 holds and a...

The Nationals have announced a new lineup of ticket mini-plans for fans to purchase this season. Each plan features one free game. The brand new Manager's Plan offers 15 games for the price of 14. The best part is that fans can create their own lineup of favorite games through this plan, which includes opening day, interleague games and games against National League East rivals. Ivan Rodriguez is not yet a member of baseball's Hall of Fame, but according to the Nationals, fans can watch him...