Exactly one week has passed since Orioles pitchers and catchers were scheduled to report to the Ed Smith Stadium complex in Sarasota. Devising a new collective bargaining agreement also is complex, but the sides met yesterday in Jupiter - they caucused for about three hours separately before reconvening late in the afternoon - and Major League Baseball reportedly made modifications on the bonus pool and draft lottery, but there were no discussions about the luxury tax. They'll try again this...

One of the offseason activities that is conducted every year and can't be influenced by the status of the collective bargaining agreement involves minor league signings aimed at improving depth at the lower levels or just taking a low-risk chance on a player. A favorable scouting report can lead to an opportunity. So can a team executive doing a favor for an agent that might pay dividends down the road with another client. I've seen that one done more than once in the past, though not in...