For my daughter's 18th birthday, I decided to get her Vladimir Guerrero. She really wanted a car. (If I was feeling more clever, I'd come up with a joke that ties together Guerrero and a car. Maybe later.) Actually, my daughter turns 18 on Valentine's Day, but my family gathered tonight because I'll be in Sarasota for the big occasion. And naturally, the Orioles decided to make news as the entrees arrived. Well, it's the least they could do after forcing us to wait until tomorrow to...

I'm aware of reports that the Orioles reached agreement on a one-year deal with Vladimir Guerrero. My family is having an early birthday dinner for my daughter in Severna Park, but I can feel the blog blowing up from here. I'll get to your comments later and chime in with my thoughts. In the meantime, no need to alert me. I've heard all about it. Yes, timing is everything. I'm guessing your offseason grade might have changed a little. Check with Steve Melewski and Jen Royle, who are...

According to this tweet, the O's have come to terms with Vladimir Guerrero on a one-year deal for $8 million. An Orioles source tonight confirmed the agreement. Earlier today, a team source said the O's and Guerrero's representatives have had "ongoing" discussions this week. Now those discussions have indeed paid off. Reached via e-mail, O's president Andy MacPhail said he could not confirm or deny a signing that required a physical. He does not comment publicly on any signings before...

New Orioles right-hander Justin Duchscherer passed his physical today, but the 33-year-old has had a past that includes two hip operations and just five starts over the last two years. But O's president Andy MacPhail feels good about Duchscherer's health heading into spring camp. The Orioles' doctors gave Duchscherer a more extensive look than usual. "He had a two-day workover," MacPhail said. "They looked at every aspect and he passed. Given his history, it's quite possible there...

The Nationals extended invitations to spring training to another batch of players Friday and right-hander Josh Wilkie from George Washington University was among them. Wilkie notched nine holds and eight saves with a 2.45 ERA and .228 batting average against in 53 games, including one start, last season for the Triple-A Syracuse Chiefs. In five minor league seasons, the 26-year-old has 28 holds, 31 saves and a 2.91 ERA in 210 games. Signed as a non-drafted free agent in June 2006, he is a...

RHP Josh Wilkie, LHP Matt Chico, C Derek Norris & C Jhonatan Solano receive Spring Training invites The Washington Nationals have agreed to terms with right-handed pitcher J.D. Martin, catcher Carlos Maldonado and first baseman Kevin Barker on minor-league contracts with invitations to Spring Training. Additionally, the Nationals extended Spring Training invitations to right-handed pitcher Josh Wilkie, left-handed pitcher Matt Chico and catchers Derek Norris and Jhonatan Solano. Nationals...

Justin Duchscherer has passed his physical examination, making his one-year contract with the Orioles official. Duchscherer's signing takes the Orioles' 40-man roster to its limit. The right-hander is expected to be part of the team's starting rotation and will report to spring training in Sarasota, Fla., later this month. The Orioles will make Duchscherer available to reporters via a conference call at an undetermined time. His travel plans altered the original schedule. The important...

The Orioles today announced that they have signed free agent RHP Justin Duchscherer to a one-year contract. Duchscherer (pronounced Duke-sher), 33, went 2-1 with a 2.89 ERA (28.0IP, 9ER) in five starts for the Oakland Athletics in 2010. He did not pitch after April 29 and had surgery to correct a Femoral Acetabular Impingement in his left hip on June 7. A two-time All-Star (2005 and 2008), Duchscherer is 33-25 with a 3.13 ERA (454.2IP, 158ER) in eight major league seasons. He has made 32...

No truth to a rumor that, while walking into the warehouse Wednesday Andy MacPhail saw his shadow and that means six more weeks of Vladimir Guerrero rumors. Can anyone even stand six more hours of this? I'm still waiting to find out who offered Guerrero that $8 million dollar deal. Yeah, right. I think MacPhail has handled this situation/negotiation with Guerrero perfectly. He is not going to bid against himself and if Guerrero falls to the Orioles, he'll take him. But clearly, the O's...

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...