Nationals name John McLaren interim manager

Nationals name John McLaren interim manager
The Washington Nationals today announced that John McLaren will serve as the club's Interim Manager. Nationals Executive Vice President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Mike Rizzo made the announcement. McLaren's appointment begins effective today when Washington begins a three-game road series against the Chicago White Sox. The 59-year-old has served as Nationals' bench coach for the last two seasons (2010-11), after being named to the post on Nov. 20, 2009. This is McLaren's...

Statement from Mike Rizzo regarding Jim Riggleman's resignation

Statement from Mike Rizzo regarding Jim Riggleman's resignation
The Washington Nationals have announced the resignation of Manager Jim Riggleman effective immediately after today's 1-0 victory over the Seattle Mariners. "I learned of Jim's decision just prior to today's game. He told me that unless his current contract was extended for another season by the end of today's game he intended to immediately resign as manager and would not be accompanying the team on the scheduled road trip to play the Chicago White Sox. "I believe, and I told Jim,...

"The Mid-Atlantic Sports Report" taking July 4 holiday

"The Mid-Atlantic Sports Report" taking July 4 holiday
Because of the Independence Day holiday, "The Mid-Atlantic Sports Report" will not air on MASN on Monday, July 4. "The Mid-Atlantic Sports Report" will return to its regular schedule at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, July 5.

Vacation, holiday alter "The John Riggins Show" airdates

Vacation, holiday alter "The John Riggins Show" airdates
Because host John Riggins is on vacation, "The John Riggins Show" will not air on MASN between Wednesday, June 29 and Friday, July 1. Additionally, the show will also be off the air Monday, July 4 because of the Independence Day holiday. "The John Riggins Show" will resume its regular schedule on Tuesday, July 5 at 4 p.m.

Roberts readying for Brian's Baseball Bash on July 24

Roberts readying for Brian's Baseball Bash on July 24
Brian Roberts may be missing from the Orioles lineup, but he's been busy putting the finishing touches on one of every summer's top fundraising events: Brian's Baseball Bash. The sixth annual event, which raises money for programs at the University of Maryland Children's Hospital, will be held July 24 at 6 p.m. at Dave and Buster's at Arundel Mills Mall, 7000 Arundel Mills Circle. This year's edition will benefit three programs - expansion of the neonatal intensive care unit, clinical...

O's recall Bergesen, select Davis' contract from Triple-A Norfolk

O's recall Bergesen, select Davis' contract from Triple-A Norfolk
The Orioles announced today that they have recalled right-hander Brad Bergesen and selected the contract of infielder Blake Davis from Triple-A Norfolk. To make room for Bergesen and Davis, the Orioles optioned infielder Ryan Adams to Norfolk and designated right-hander Jeremy Accardo for assignment. Bergesen, 25, has appeared in 10 games (nine starts) for the Orioles this year, going 1-6 with a 5.36 ERA (50.1IP, 30ER). In three starts for the Tides, Bergesen was 2-1 with a 1.64 ERA (22.0IP,...

Nationals announce "MVP Dad" winner, Wayne Schlauch

Nationals announce "MVP Dad" winner, Wayne Schlauch
Major League Baseball announced the winners of the 2011 "My Dad, My MVP" contest to recognize extraordinary fathers and father figures as part of the MLB Father's Day celebration. The Washington Nationals are proud to announce that Wayne Schlauch, of College Park, Md will be honored as their "MVP Dad." As the Nationals' winner, Wayne will have the unique opportunity to deliver the lineup card during Sunday's game against the Baltimore Orioles on Father's Day, June 19, 2011. Wayne is a...

Monday Memory: Earl Weaver's swansong in 1982

Monday Memory: Earl Weaver's swansong in 1982
For a generation of Orioles fans, watching former O's skipper Earl Weaver throw out of the first pitch at the 2011 home opener at Camden Yards probably wasn't all that nostalgic. After all, do they really remember the fiery manager who routinely won American League pennants and pushed the buttons that allowed the Orioles to reach four World Series during his Hall of Fame tenure? Back in December, no less a journalistic authority than the New York Times mistakenly reported that Weaver had...

Three-man booth on weekend O's-Nats broadcasts will feature Hunter, Flanagan

Three-man booth on weekend O's-Nats broadcasts will feature Hunter, Flanagan
When the Orioles travel to Washington, D.C., to face the Nationals in an interleague series beginning Friday night, MASN viewers will again have the opportunity to enjoy a rarity in broadcast sports television: a three-man booth featuring a collection of play-by-play announcers and color analysts from both teams. Orioles play-by-play veteran Jim Hunter and his D.C. counterpart, Bob Carpenter, will both call portions of the game. Carpenter will work the first two and a half innings, followed by...

O's pitching coach Mark Connor resigns; Adair named pitching coach

O's pitching coach Mark Connor resigns; Adair named pitching coach
The Orioles today announced that pitching coach Mark Connor has resigned for personal reasons. Bullpen coach Rick Adair will assume pitching coach duties while Organizational Hitting Instructor and Evaluator Terry Crowley will serve as interim bullpen coach. These changes will be effective starting with tonight's game in Toronto against the Blue Jays. Adair, 53, joined the Orioles' staff this season after working the past two seasons as pitching coach with the Seattle Mariners. He oversaw...

Zimmerman activated from DL by Nationals

Zimmerman activated from DL by Nationals
The Washington Nationals today recalled from rehab and reinstated third baseman Ryan Zimmerman from the 15-Day Disabled List and optioned right-handed pitcher Craig Stammen to Syracuse of the Triple-A International League. Nationals Executive Vice President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Mike Rizzo made the announcement. Zimmerman missed the last 58 games (27-31 team record during that span) after being placed on the DL on April 12, retroactive to April 10, with a left abdominal...

O's reinstate Derrek Lee from bereavement list

O's reinstate Derrek Lee from bereavement list
The Orioles announced today that they have reinstated first baseman Derrek Lee from the bereavement list. Lee has batted .229 (40-175) with four home runs and 15 RBI in 45 games for the Orioles.

Orioles recall Snyder from Triple-A

Orioles recall Snyder from Triple-A
The Orioles announced today that they have recalled first baseman Brandon Snyder from Triple-A Norfolk. Snyder, 24, batted .222 (2-9) in five games for the Orioles earlier this season. In 47 games for Norfolk, Snyder batted .253 (48-190) with eight homers and 26 RBI.

From Baltimore's sandlots, former Oriole Nordbrook has come full circle

From Baltimore's sandlots, former Oriole Nordbrook has come full circle
Tim Nordbrook's "Aha!" moment came a few games into his rookie season, part of a commonplace baseball activity that's often taken for granted. The 25-year-old shortstop had just ranged into the hole to grab a ground ball, then thrown the batter out at first base. Orioles infielders were whipping the ball around the horn when the native Baltimorean got an attaboy from third baseman Brooks Robinson, his childhood idol. "I turn to throw it to Brooksie and Brooksie says, 'Great play,...

Nationals to launch tornado relief efforts

Nationals to launch tornado relief efforts
The Washington Nationals will launch a special initiative to support relief efforts in areas devastated by recent tornadoes. During the team's series against the St. Louis Cardinals and the Baltimore Orioles from June 14 to June 19, a portion of proceeds from tickets purchased at nationals.com/relief will be donated to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief fund. Tickets eligible for the donation include: * LF/RF Baseline Reserved * LF/RF Corner * Outfield Reserved * Scoreboard Pavilion...

Nationals make Rice 3B Anthony Rendon sixth overall pick in draft

Nationals make Rice 3B Anthony Rendon sixth overall pick in draft
The Washington Nationals today selected Rice University third baseman Anthony Rendon with the sixth-overall pick in the 2011 First-Year Player Draft. Nationals Executive Vice President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Mike Rizzo, Nationals Assistant General Manager and Vice President of Player Personnel Roy Clark and Nationals Director of Scouting Kris Kline made the joint announcement. Rendon hit .371 (253-for-682) with 46 doubles, 52 home runs, 194 RBI, 176 walks and 201 runs...

O's select RHP Dylan Bundy with first-round draft pick

O's select RHP Dylan Bundy with first-round draft pick
The Orioles tonight selected right-hander Dylan Bundy of Owasso (OK) HS with their first selection in the 2011 First Year Player Draft, the fourth overall pick of the draft. Bundy, 18, is a 6-foot-1, 200-pound right-handed pitcher from Sperry, OK. In his senior season, he went 11-0 with a 0.20 ERA and 158 strikeouts and five walks in 71.0 innings. He also batted .467 with 11 home runs and 54 RBI. Bundy was named the Gatorade National Player of the Year. His older brother, Bobby, was the...

Nats place Slaten on DL, recall Stammen from Syracuse

Nats place Slaten on DL, recall Stammen from Syracuse
The Washington Nationals today placed left-handed pitcher Doug Slaten (left elbow ulnar neuritis) on the 15-Day Disabled List and recalled right-handed pitcher Craig Stammen from Syracuse of the Triple-A International League. Nationals Executive Vice President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Mike Rizzo made the announcement. Stammen went 5-3 with a 3.84 ERA in 10 starts with Syracuse, posting a 4.0/1 (52 SO/13 BB) strikeout-to-walk ratio in 63.1 International League innings pitched...

O's activate Lee from DL, option Viola to Bowie

O's activate Lee from DL, option Viola to Bowie
The Orioles today announced that they have reinstated first baseman Derrek Lee from the 15-day disabled list. Lee was placed on the DL on May 19, retroactive to May 17, with a strained left oblique. To make room for Lee on the 25-man roster, left-hander Pedro Viola has been optioned to Double-A Bowie. Lee has batted .231 (36-156) with six doubles, four home runs and 14 RBI in 40 games for the Orioles. Viola appeared in one game for the Orioles, May 30 at Seattle, and struck out two in 1.2...

Monday Memory: Old Otterbein Church and its peanut ministry

Monday Memory: Old Otterbein Church and its peanut ministry
Admit it: you've passed by Old Otterbein United Methodist Church on Conway Street a bazillion times en route from lunch or dinner at Harborplace to an Orioles game at Camden Yards. Since 1771, Baltimoreans have been worshiping at the historic brick structure, now wedged between the Convention Center and the Sheraton Hotel, and this 2007 YouTube video proves that parishioners apparently have a sense of humor about the position of Yankees and Red Sox fans in the universe. Well, either that...