The deadline has been moved up this year, and five days after the World Series teams can begin to sign free agents. Up until that time, teams can negotiate with and re-sign their own free agents. The Orioles have seven such players, but barring something unforeseen, they are not expected to sign any of them before that date. "I wouldn't rule it out, but I don't think we have anything in the offing," O's president of baseball operations Andy MacPhail said. "One of things the...

Today's lone reference to the coaching staff, barring an unexpected announcement, comes via left-hander Brian Matusz, who strongly endorses the return of pitching coach Rick Kranitz. You'll keep hearing names attached to various positions on the staff. By my conservative estimation, the total will rise to 4,000 before the Orioles issue their press release. Each day, another friend of Buck Showalter or an instructor at some level with some team will become a rumored candidate. It will be...

Nationals outfielder Justin Maxwell underwent surgery to replace a ligament in his left elbow October 13. Maxwell says the famed Tommy John surgery will keep him out for four to six months. Maxwell injured his left elbow the last Saturday of the season in New York against the Mets when he dove for a catch in center field. He made the catch, but the next day his elbow didn't feel good. "I had injured my elbow before during spring training, but this time my elbow swelled up pretty bad,"...

The Orioles are scheduled to hold organizational meetings next week in Arizona. They will hold meetings that begin on Wednesday and run through next Saturday. The assembled will also have some time to check out some Arizona Fall League games. "We'll review our season and our needs," O's president of baseball operations Andy MacPhail said. "Talk about how we can fill them internally and externally. Go through some housekeeping matters that pertain to the organization. Nothing too out...

A few of your favorite Nationals shared their 2010 World Series predictions with Nats Buzz over the past few days. If others trickle in later today or tonight, we'll be sure to add them here. But as of now, it's tied between the Rangers and Giants. Collin Balester picked the National League team from his home state, while Craig Stammen and Drew Storen both picked the Rangers. Nyjer Morgan is sticking with his hometown Giants. Balester predicts that the Giants will celebrate after only...

The Orioles released their 2011 spring training schedule today for what will be their second year now in Sarasota, Fla., but their first in the newly renovated Ed Smith Stadium. You can take a behind the scenes tour, led by Vice President of Planning and Development Janet Marie Smith, to get a look at some of the changes you can expect to see at the new facility by clicking here. The O's 2011 spring schedule affords you 16 opportunities to catch an early look at the Birds in Sarasota, with...

On November 10th, the Nationals will unveil their new uniforms during an exclusive fashion show featuring players Tyler Clippard, Ian Desmond, Ivan "Pudge" Rodriguez, Drew Storen, Ryan Zimmerman and Jordan Zimmermann. The invitation-only affair will be held from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. in the Stars and Stripes Club at Nationals Park. Guests will enjoy a pre-show cocktail reception and an opportunity to mingle with players and purchase the new jerseys. General Manager Mike Rizzo is also...

The Washington Nationals today announced that field manager Jim Riggleman will return in 2011. Nationals Executive Vice President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Mike Rizzo made the announcement. In 2010 under Riggleman, the Nationals increased their win total from 59 to 69. Washington's 10-game improvement tied for the fourth-best in MLB this season and trailed only San Diego (+15), Cincinnati (+13) and Tampa Bay (+12). Riggleman's third season as Nationals skipper will be his...

O's to play 16 games at newly renovated Ed Smith Stadium in Sarasota The Orioles will play their first of 16 home spring training games in 2011 at the newly renovated Ed Smith Stadium in Sarasota on Tuesday, March 1 against the Tampa Bay Rays. 2011 marks the second consecutive spring training for the Orioles in Sarasota, and the first in the newly renovated ballpark. Ed Smith Stadium is undergoing extensive improvements which will dramatically transform the ballpark aesthetic and radically...

The Orioles will play nine different teams in Sarasota next spring, and will host the New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox, Philadelphia Phillies, Pittsburgh Pirates and Detroit Tigers twice at Ed Smith Stadium. The Minnesota Twins will make three trips to Sarasota, and the Tampa Bay Rays, Houston Astros and Toronto Blue Jays will each make one visit. Here it is: Monday, February 28: Pittsburgh Pirates (ss) - Bradenton - 1:05 Tuesday, March 1: Tampa Bay Rays - Sarasota -...