The Orioles never were in the running to sign free agent right-hander Yu Darvish, and the six-year, $126 million contract he landed yesterday from the Cubs justified their distance. They weren't going to spend so lavishly on a starting pitcher. The sides had no reason to be linked in any reports. The Cubs are using Darvish to replace Jake Arrieta, who also is expected to move beyond the Orioles' financial reach. It's already been speculated that teams like the Dodgers, Twins and Brewers...

With exactly one week remaining before pitchers and catchers must report to the Ed Smith Stadium complex in Sarasota, the task of submitting a mock 25-man roster hasn't grown much easier since my attempts two months ago. The rotation still has openings behind Kevin Gausman and Dylan Bundy, with only in-house candidates in the mix. The bullpen includes only one left-hander, Richard Bleier, who seems assured of breaking camp with the team if he stays healthy. There's supposed to be another...

The Orioles have four catchers on their 40-man roster after Friday's trade with the Brewers that gave them Andrew Susac, a former top prospect for the Giants who hasn't hit in the majors, but is the depth move that executive vice president Dan Duquette sought before spring training. The roster is full and the Orioles still have three openings in their rotation. They can create room, of course, but it's been easier to find catchers and utility infielders than starting pitchers. This isn't...

Whenever there is discussion about the Orioles offense, it seems almost all roads lead back to first baseman Chris Davis and his struggles of the last two years. He is a focal point - that comes with the big contract he signed. Of course, there is a lot more to any offense than just one player, but Davis is a key player no doubt. As his strikeout totals remained high - and even went over the 200 mark in 2015 and 2016 - his home run total dropped. He hit 47 homers in 2015 and then 38 and 26 the...

The Orioles today added to their catching depth when they acquired Andrew Susac from the Brewers for a player to be named or cash considerations. Susac has been added to the club's 40-man roster, which is now at a full 40. He was designated for assignment by the Brewers on Jan. 30 to make room for right-hander Matt Albers. Throw another player into the mix for the backup catcher's job in spring training. "Susac is a (righty)-hitting catcher with over 100 games ML experience who adds depth...