The Nationals’ latest waiver claim was noteworthy in that it was a well known name that was surprisingly available. Jeter Downs, whom the Nats claimed on outright waivers from the Red Sox yesterday, is known for being a former top shortstop prospect and being included in two major trades since the Reds made him the No. 32 overall pick in the 2017 d

I reached inside my holiday mailbag last night and found a lump of coal. At least, I hope it was coal. Or I need an exterminator, pronto. This is lovely weather for a sleigh ride together or to just chill out at home and field more questions in the latest sequel to the beloved original mailbag from 2008.   The editing here remains sparse. Be clear

Just three days before Christmas, general manager Mike Rizzo remains busy checking things off his list. The Nationals announced this afternoon they have claimed infielder Jeter Downs on outright waivers from the Red Sox. Downs was designated for assignment last week when the Red Sox signed outfielder Masataka Yoshida to a five-year, $90 million con

Can a pitcher who has thrown for three of the last four seasons for the Aberdeen IronBirds - both when they were in the short-season New York Penn League and now in the full-season South Atlantic League - be considered a prospect? OK, probably not, but he can be considered a player with a good arm that the Orioles like who clearly flies under the r

The Nationals’ offseason to date has been just as expected: quiet. There hasn’t been a lot of activity on their front with the major league roster. More additions are on the way as we get closer to the start of spring training in February, likely in the form of minor league deals with invitations to major league camp. Just like last week’s minor le

Armchair general managers must always check their cell reception after walking into a mall to do some holiday shopping. Can’t miss an important call or text. I literally took a few steps inside the Columbia Mall on Monday, scrolled Twitter and found breaking news about Mychal Givens reaching agreement with the Orioles. Rookie mistake to leave the l

The Orioles found their backup catcher late last night. James McCann has been acquired from the Mets along with cash considerations for a player to be named later. The team made the announcement. McCann, 32, appeared in 61 games with the Mets this season and batted .195/.257/.282 with six doubles, three home runs, 18 RBIs and 19 runs scored. He spe

The Orioles today announced that they have acquired catcher James McCann and cash considerations from the New York Mets in exchange for a player to be named later. McCann, 32, slashed .195/.257/.282 (34-for-174) with six doubles, three homers, 19 runs scored, 18 RBI, and three stolen bases in 61 games with the Mets last season but was limited in ac

Mychal Givens remembers when sitting in the Orioles’ bullpen felt like a family gathering. Now he’s back home. A little older, and perhaps a little wiser about the business side of the game that keeps forcing him to change locations. Givens’ one-year contract with a mutual option for 2024 became official today, returning him to the team that drafte

The Orioles today announced that they have agreed to terms with right-handed pitcher MYCHAL GIVENS on a one-year contract for the 2023 season with a mutual option for 2024.  Givens, 32, appeared in a combined 59 games between the New York Mets and Chicago Cubs in 2022, pitching to a 7-3 record with two saves, a 3.38 ERA (23 ER/61.1 IP), and 71 stri