Here is a question that will probably make Andy MacPhail's critics, and some feel that is a large list, move front and center. Do you feel that MacPhail moves too slowly in dealing with free agents? For those critics, I just lobbed a softball that they can hit out of the park. But one thing I have come to realize over the years, first as a talk-show host and now as a blogger is this - the fans that jam the phone lines and message boards don't represent everyone. Because many readers or...

I've emerged from my food coma, though I sense that another one is on the way. These weekends in Ocean Pines don't come without certain risks. The Sun is reporting that former Pirates manager John Russell interviewed with Buck Showalter yesterday. He could fill the role of bench or third base coach, and he's a former catcher. It's another name to toss into the pile. Gary Allenson would have to consider that managing job at Triple-A Norfolk if Russell is hired, because the Orioles don't...

During my recent interview with O's minor league catcher Caleb Joseph, not only did we talk about some adjustments he is making on offense and defense, we hit on some other topics as well. Like the fact that last year he was ranked as the O's 10th best prospect by Baseball America. But, now, after hitting .235 at Double-A Bowie, he has fallen out of those lists. "I knew before the season was over I would not be on any top ten lists. That's OK, it's great to be recognized. But going...

Nationals reliever Tyler Clippard was in town this week to check out the new uniforms for 2011 and work out with the students in the 5th grade P.E. Class at Long Branch elementary school in Arlington, Virginia. Clippard and pitcher Jordan Zimmermann were on hand at Long Branch to teach the kids proper technique while throwing balls to a fellow student. They also answered questions about what it is like to be a major league baseball player. "It is everything," says Clippard. "We...

Washington Third Bagger is One of Five to Win Award for Second Consecutive Season Washington Nationals third baseman Ryan Zimmerman tonight was named the recipient of the 2010 Louisville Slugger Silver Slugger for National League third basemen. The Silver Slugger citation is the second of Zimmerman's career. He earned his initial Silver Slugger last season. Zimmerman recorded arguably his finest offensive campaign in 2010, hitting a career-best .307 (161-for-525) with 32 doubles, 25 home...

Most minor league players are thrilled to be invited to the Arizona Fall League. The League is often filled with prospects and has graduated many players to the Major Leagues. O's minor league catcher Caleb Joseph is there now with the Scottsdale Scorpions. As a taxi squad player, he only gets into two games a week. But that hasn't stopped him from reaping big benefits of playing in the AFL. Joseph has taken the time when he is not playing to work on his game and make big improvements on...

I was checking stats and results from the Dominican Winter League yesterday and noticed that Nerio Rodriguez allowed one unearned run and one hit over six innings in Leones del Escogido's victory on Wednesday. Yes, that Nerio Rodriguez. There couldn't possibly be two. Oscar Salazar homered Wednesday for La Guaira of the Venezuelan Winter League. The irony would have come if he connected off Cla Meredith. Anyone up for another coaching entry? Oh come on, you live for these moments. Your...

I have heard some fans and media guys over the years say the quality start stat is not a good one because you can have an ERA of 4.50 and get a quality start. For those that don't know, a quality start is defined as an outing where a starting pitcher goes six innings or more and gives up three earned runs or less. So, yes, if you give up exactly 3ER over 6IP, you fulfill the minimum requirement and your ERA for that game is 4.50. But if you give up 2ER over 6IP, the ERA is 3.00. If you...

The Orioles thought their coaching staff was completed with Juan Samuel returning to third base and Don Wakamatsu taking a seat in the dugout beside manager Buck Showalter, and you know how that scenario turned out. Wakamatsu agreed to become the Blue Jays' bench coach and Samuel was hired as the Phillies' third base coach and outfield instructor. Four slots are currently filled, but there are growing concerns that the Orioles could lose bullpen coach Rick Adair, who might be coveted as a...

The MLB Network just ran a scroll informing viewers that the Phillies have hired Juan Samuel as third base coach and outfield instructor. Outfield? Let me explain. Former Orioles coach and manager Sam Perlozzo will move to the first base box. He's one of baseball's most respected infield instructors, which explains why Samuel will be assigned to the outfielders. Samuel was expected to stay in the Orioles' organization and resume his duties as third base coach, but he couldn't pass up an...