Nationals right-handed starter Jordan Zimmermann had another successful outing for Syracuse at Indianapolis as he prepares to return to the big club, which could be as early as August 25. Zimmermann threw 73 pitches (43 strikes) over five innings, scattering six hits, allowing one run, one walk and striking out three. He is 0-0 with a 0.75 ERA in three starts for Syracuse, a span of 12 innings. Zimmermann said "everything is good. All my pitches are working well. I am especially pleased...

While awaiting tonight's draft developments... The Orioles are excited that their third-round draft pick, pitcher Dan Klein of UCLA, should be pitching sometime soon for the Aberdeen IronBirds. Klein was 6-1, 1.90 with ten saves for the Bruins team this year that made the College World Series. It was a big year for Klein as he showed the scouts he was healthy after he took a redshirt year and didn't pitch for UCLA in 2009. Klein missed some time the previous season as well due to shoulder...

The Washington Nationals have promoted outfielder Michael Burgess from Potomac to Double-A Harrisburg. The Tampa, FL native hit .262 with 12 home runs and 70 RBI in 101 games this year for Potomac. Burgess crushed 37 homers and drove in 160 in parts of three seasons for the P-Nats. He was the 49th overall selection in the 2007 draft and was voted "Best Outfield Arm" in the Carolina League by Baseball America. With the move being made before August 17, Burgess is eligible to be placed...

As of a little after two o'clock this afternoon, there is no announcement of any additional signings of O's draft picks. But there is a long way to go before the midnight deadline. One player the O's still could sign is right-handed pitcher Austin Urban from Richland High in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. Urban was taken in the 27th round and told me a few moments ago that he hopes this day ends with his agreeing to terms with the Orioles. He has a college commitment to Penn State, but said...

For Stephen Strasburg's first game in Atlanta, we asked you to provide song suggestions to Matthew Kaminski, the organist for the Atlanta Braves at Turner Field. Kaminski seeks tips from fans and tries to match up songs to visiting players and pitchers. The Nationals face the Braves this week for a three game series and you'll have another chance to show-off of your cleverness. Scott Olsen, Livan Hernandez and John Lannan are the probable starters, so that's a good place to...

So what else is happening today besides the countdown to the midnight deadline for signing draft picks? Well, reliever Jason Berken will undergo an MRI on his right shoulder this afternoon in Baltimore. The results might not be immediately available, but a trip to the disabled list isn't an outrageous assumption. His shoulder is sore, and rest and treatments aren't alleviating the problem. David Hernandez already is on the DL, so it figures that Berken could join him. You just can't...

First of all, don't let that headline scare you. There is no word yet on whether the O's will or won't sign Machado tonight, but the guess remains that they do get it done. I'll keep you posted all night with anything I hear. Meanwhile, as of 7pm, no other O's signings to announce and the clock is ticking toward midnight. If the O's don't come to terms with Manny Machado by midnight tonight, they will lose his rights and will get a compensation pick in next year's draft that could...

I decided to fire off one more blog entry before bed, which technically qualifies as a Monday morning post. Maybe I'll sleep an extra 30 minutes. Doubtful. I nap more than I sleep, which is one of my more annoying qualities. And yes, I have many to choose from, but why go there? The Orioles return to Camden Yards tonight to begin a seven-game homestand - three vs. the Mariners and four vs. the Rangers, who are still venting over that sweep in Arlington. I'll be handling the game coverage...

The Orioles have already agreed to terms with 36 draft picks and may add more before this day is over. But, apparently one they will not get is pitcher Dixon Anderson of Cal, who was drafted by the O's in round six with the 178th overall selection. A draft-eligible sophomore, the 6'5", 225-pound Anderson went 5-4, 5.17 in 17 games, 13 starts, for the Golden Bears, this past season. O's scouting director Joe Jordan said a deal did not get done and Anderson will likely return to college...

So the deadline day to sign draft picks has finally arrived. We are all probably glad that after midnight tonight, or perhaps even earlier we can hope, no one will have to ask the question "Will the O's sign Manny Machado?" Last night, I reported that the O's signed two more picks: pitcher Jaime Esquivel taken in the 28th round and pitcher Alex Schmarzo, taken in round 48. Check my blog throughout this day and night - Any updates I get will be posted as soon as possible. Also, later...