The Nationals No. 1 overall selection Bryce Harper was introduced for the first time at Nats Park to the media, 10 days after he agreed to a nearly 10 million dollar deal to sign with the Nats. Flanked by his family, Harper talked about his dreams of becoming a Major Leaguer. After hitting 12 homers during early batting practice, Harper was asked where he learned his swing. Harper credited his hitting mechanics to his dad, Ron Harper. "My dad, he has been huge in everything I have done. He...

O's top draft pick Manny Machado is expected to make his pro debut on Friday when he serves as designated hitter for the Gulf Coast League Orioles. Machado is expected to DH in the Gulf League Friday and Saturday. Saturday is the last day of games in the GCL and Machado is expected to join Aberdeen on Sunday. While Machado is expected to play in games for the IronBirds, it's also possible that he just joins the club for workouts over the season's final days. Machado has been working out...

I wouldn't look for a quality start from Jake Arrieta tonight. He's allowed three runs, which still makes it possible, but he's also thrown a ton of pitches. Arrieta threw 350 in the first inning - or maybe it was 35. He was up to 70 after the third, and the White Sox held a 3-0 lead. Arrieta allowed five hits and walked three batters. He also was charged with one bad mustache. Instant update: Arrieta gave up another run with two outs in the fourth inning. He gets ahead in the count,...

The Orioles have agreed to terms with Glynn Davis, an 18-year-old shortstop from Catonsville Community College near Baltimore. The right-handed hitter and thrower was the youngest player on the Catonsville CC team this past season and was a Juco All-American. He hit .430 with 10 homers and 35 steals. Davis was named Catonsville CC's Male Athlete of the Year. Speed is said to be his best tool and reports say he runs as well as some of the fastest players currently in the O's minors like...

Orioles manager Buck Showalter still won't allow himself to be pressed into naming a closer, no matter how hard the media tries. Asked about Koji Uehara's role and whether the right-hander has emerged as the closer, Showalter said he'll continue to do "what's best for the Orioles." That might be Uehara one night and someone else the next. He mentioned how Alfredo Simon is still capable. He knows that Michael Gonzalez has closed games in the past. "But Koji, he's got a hot hand right...

Here's the new lineup: Brian Roberts 2B Corey Patterson LF Nick Markakis RF Luke Scott DH Ty Wigginton 1B Felix Pie CF Matt Wieters C Cesar Izturis SS Josh Bell 3B Jake Arrieta RHP

Manager Buck Showalter suggest that we jot down the lineup in pencil, in case Adam Jones is a late scratch. For the Orioles: Brian Roberts 2B Nick Markakis RF Ty Wigginton 3B Luke Scott 1B Adam Jones CF Felix Pie LF Matt Wieters C Corey Patterson DH Cesar Izturis SS Jake Arrieta RHP For the White Sox: Juan Pierre LF Omar Vizquel 3B Alex Rios CF Paul Konerko 1B Carlos Quentin RF A.J. Pierzynski C Alexei Ramirez SS Mark Teahen DH Gordon Beckham 2B Edwin Jackson RHP

The Washington Nationals today recalled right-handed pitcher Jordan Zimmermann from Syracuse of the Triple-A International League. Nationals Senior Vice President and General Manager Mike Rizzo made the announcement. Zimmermann will make his 2010 debut in tonight's series opener against the St. Louis Cardinals at Nationals Park. The 24-year-old has not pitched in the big leagues since July 18, 2009, prior to having season-ending "Tommy John" ligament-replacement surgery on August 19, 2009....

A victory tonight in Chicago would give the Orioles their fourth series win in seven series since Buck Showalter took over as manager on Aug. 3. The Orioles won just four of their first 34 series this year. The Orioles are 1-9 in games that decide the winner of a three-game series, including 0-4 on the road. Their only win came May 13 against Seattle. Jake Arrieta has posted a 3.29 ERA in two starts on five days rest, as opposed to a 5.00 ERA in 10 starts on four days rest. He's pitching on...

O's pitching prospect Zach Britton made his 10th start for Norfolk last night and pitched well. Now the question is when and where will his next start be and will he be an O's September callup? In an interview with Britton this afternoon, he mentioned that the day of his next start has not been set and he didn't think it would be next Monday, August 30th, his next scheduled day to pitch. That leads me to wonder if the Orioles are considering pushing that next Britton start back two days...