The Denver Post's Troy Renck reports that Garrett Atkins' one-year deal with the Orioles guarantees him $4.5 million (including a $500,000 buyout) and includes an $8.5 million club option for 2011. Atkins also can make an addtional $500,000 in plate appearance bonuses. All that's left is for Atkins to pass his physical and the Orioles to make the deal official by admitting to it. I'm still trying to find out whether the Orioles' physicians are done studying Erik Bedard's medical...

If you missed it last night, you woke up to some pretty exciting news. Rodrigo Lopez signed a minor league deal with the Arizona Diamondbacks. Also, the Orioles reached agreement with closer Mike Gonzalez and corner infielder Garrett Atkins. These things can happen quickly - and while you're wearing a coat a tie and filling a small plate with appetizers. But I did find it convenient that the MASN WebStudio was two floors below me. And hey, who doesn't love rushing out of a holiday party...

So a funny thing happened while I was attending a holiday party at the warehouse - about 15 people just rushed over to tell me that reliever Mike Gonzalez apparently has agreed to a two-year deal with the Orioles. I haven't gotten confirmation from a team official, but enough people are talking about it - especially The Sun's Jeff Zrebiec - that we'll assume it's true. I left messages - text and voice - for president of baseball operations Andy MacPhail. He's not likely to address the...

As I was heading out the door, the Orioles confirmed that FanFest 2010 will take place on Jan. 23 at the Baltimore Convention Center. Just when I think I'm out, they pull me back in. The event will be held from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m. with early entry for season plan holders beginning at 10 a.m. Tickets cost $10 for adults and $5 for children 14 and under and anyone over 55. All proceeds will go toward signing a first baseman. OK, kidding. Individual game tickets will go on sale at 10 a.m....

I read a report today that says the Red Sox are aggressively pursuing first baseman Adrian Gonzalez. I also read a report that says the two sides aren't talking. I read a report today that says the Mets are offering a five-year deal to free-agent outfielder Jason Bay. I also read a report that says the Mets haven't offered more than four years. Again, welcome to the Hot Stove season. Be careful if you want to touch it. My friend Jorge Arangure at ESPN.com - that's right, Jorge, we're...

The news that evangelist Oral Roberts died yesterday from complications of pneumonia reminded me of how, as a kid, I'd see "Oral Roberts" listed in TV Guide and think it was "Orioles Report." I'd be all bummed out because we didn't get that station and I was missing all the news and highlights about my favorite team. What a loser. Earlier this week on SIRIUS XM's MLB Home Plate channel, host Steve Davis (formerly of WBAL Radio) asked Orioles pitching coach Rick Kranitz whether...

John Stockstill, the Orioles' director of international scouting, is flying back to Baltimore tonight after watching Aroldis Chapman's bullpen session earlier today in Houston and also meeting with the Cuban left-hander's representatives. Stockstill estimated that Chapman threw 75 pitches, with representatives for 20-25 clubs in attendance. "It was not really set up for evaluations," Stockstill said. "They wanted to let everybody see that he's healthy. He threw a light bullpen. Now...

Major League Baseball announced earlier today that commissioner Bud Selig has formed a special committee of baseball managers, general managers, presidents and owners to "review and examine all on-field related issues." Included in the group is Orioles president of baseball operations Andy MacPhail. Also included are managers Tony La Russa, Jim Leyland, Mike Scioscia and Joe Torre; executives Terry Ryan, John Schuerholz, and Mark Shapiro; and owners and presidents Chuck Armstrong, Paul...

Buck Martinez's departure from MASN has left an empty seat in the broadcast booth for about half the games on the Orioles' 2010 schedule, and the network could choose to go in a few directions. Former pitcher/pitching coach/team executive Mike Flanagan is one possibility. The network also could promote from within and expand the role of Dave Johnson, who's part of 105.7 The Fan's pre- and post-game shows and the Wall-to-Wall Baseball program that airs Saturday mornings on MASN. According...

OK, let's get the important stuff out of the way. Brian Matusz confirmed that he'll wear No. 17 next season if the Orioles follow through on his request. "I asked for Aubrey Huff's number last year when he got traded," Matusz told me last night after we decided to stop playing phone tag. "I said, 'Would you mind if I took over 17?' And he said, 'No, I'm done.' I asked when I knew he was leaving. "I know I'm still a rookie next year and shouldn't be asking for my own number, but...