“When do you head down to spring training?” I was asked again this week during dinner with some friends. I smiled, shrugged and offered the usual time frame. Major League Baseball hasn’t shared the report date for pitchers and catchers, which coincides with my report date. We usually know months ago. The Rays arrive on Feb. 14, with their first wor

We’ve reached the final week of the year, so it’s time to look back at the Nationals’ most significant stories of 2022. We continue the series today with the most unexpected development of the season: Joey Meneses … The saddest day of the 2022 season in Washington happened to be the happiest day of Joey Meneses’ professional life. As Nationals fans

I’d have a bunch of non-sports questions if I were flying for the holidays. “Why is this line so long? Why isn’t it moving? Where are my bags? Where am I supposed to sleep?” "Do I dare try the sushi?" Here are a few more relating to the Orioles: Which free agent starting pitcher could sign with the Orioles? Rich Hill is off the board after agreeing

We’ve reached the final week of the year, so it’s time to look back at the Nationals’ most significant stories of 2022. We begin the series today with something taking place away from D.C.: The rebuilding of the organization’s farm system … The Nationals knew a successful 2022 season was going to be less about what happened in the major leagues and

Tyler Nevin was designated for assignment on Wednesday and we still don’t know whether he’s staying in the organization as an outright or joining another team via a trade or waiver claim. I have a few more questions before 2022 turns into 2023. How will a new double play combination impact the proficiency in turning them? Adam Frazier could get mos

Hope everyone had a happy, healthy and safe holiday weekend. My thanks to Bobby Blanco for staying on top of all the Nationals news last week while I was on vacation with my family. Turns out the Nats made a fair bit of news during what often is a very slow time of the year. Here are some thoughts on what transpired since we last spoke … * Jeter Do

The week between Christmas and New Year's tends to be a dead zone in baseball. Silent nights until after the last champagne cork and aspirin are popped. The ball drops, jokes are made about teams that can’t field, and the next round of business commences. Oh sure, there are exceptions. The Orioles, for example, signed pitcher Kohl Stewart on Dec. 2

It's Christmas morning, and all who celebrate are rushing to see if their holiday wishes were placed under the tree. For the Nationals, that could have been any number of things coming off a 107-loss year. But like every major league team over the course of a 162-game season, the Nationals dealt with their fair share of injuries this year. In fact,

The plate of cookies is empty expect for a few crumbs. The glass of milk has been drained, leaving those thin lactose lines clinging to the sides. I can’t resist a late-night snack. ‘Tis the season to be jolly and to run up huge credit card bills. I have some Orioles gift suggestions for any holiday that they celebrate. For Mike Elias: A starting p

Hey, Birdland and all readers here, I hope you have a wonderful Christmas and holiday season.  We can make no promises, but the time leading up to Jan. 1 should be pretty quiet around baseball. We'll see if that holds. But here are a few more questions about the Orioles as the New Year soon arrives. Is a big trade still coming?: The Orioles have ye