Hyde happy to have hefty camp roster
Hyde happy to have hefty camp roster
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
If it's true that there's strength in numbers, the Orioles will be able to out-flex the other teams in spring training. The bird logo will be replaced by a biceps muscle. The chalk lines will be drawn with creatine powder. The current number of camp invites stands at 23 and doesn't include left-hander Wade LeBlanc, who signed a minor league deal that becomes official after his physical in Sarasota. Reliever Branden Kline could make it 25 if he clears waivers after the Orioles designated him...
One Houston fan's reaction to the Astros' cheating scandal
One Houston fan's reaction to the Astros' cheating scandal
Steve Melewski
Orioles
By now, many fans have probably heard about what another fan did. That fan is 54-year-old Tony Adams and he is a Houston Astros fan. In an effort to get more information about the sign-stealing scandal, he went through 58 of the Astros' 2017 home games and cataloged the sound of a trash can being hit. Banging on a trash can was one way Houston players tipped teammates at the plate as to which pitch to expect. Someone would watch the catcher's signs on a television monitor, and before the...
Friday morning Nats Q&A
Friday morning Nats Q&A
Mark Zuckerman
Nationals
Good morning, everybody. We are now a mere 12 days from pitchers and catchers reporting to West Palm Beach and the beginning of the Nationals' defense of their 2019 World Series championship. It's still hard to believe, isn't it? At this point, we have a pretty good idea what the Nats roster is going to look like. Ryan Zimmerman was the last key piece of the puzzle to re-sign, and though there could still be more additions to come, the Nationals could go into the season with what they have...
A LeBlanc check
A LeBlanc check
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
The first thing to know about Wade LeBlanc is that he's heard all of your "Friends" jokes. I've never asked him about it, but I'm playing a strong hunch. LeBlanc experienced a drop-off last summer after a solid 2018 season with the Mariners. His ERA climbed from 3.72 to 5.71 and his WHIP from 1.179 to 1.451. He averaged 2.1 home runs per nine innings, an increase from 1.3 in each of the two previous seasons. He'll be asked about the change in roles, where he made 27 starts in 2018 and...
Valaika rejoins Orioles on waiver claim, Kline DFA
Valaika rejoins Orioles on waiver claim, Kline DFA
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
If you missed the first Pat Valaika era with the Orioles, and were disappointed when the infielder was designated for assignment on Jan. 16, you'll be happy to hear that he's rejoining the club. Valaika was selected off waivers from the Diamondbacks this afternoon, the Orioles announced, after he was designated for assignment on Monday when Arizona needed a roster spot for the recently acquired Starling Marte. Valaika was claimed off waivers from the Rockies by the Orioles on Oct....
As Baker joins Astros, Nats get ready to enter Bizarro World
As Baker joins Astros, Nats get ready to enter Bizarro World
Mark Zuckerman
Nationals
The first time the Nationals take the field as defending World Series champions, they'll be facing the same Astros team they beat in Game 7 four months earlier, with one small exception: Houston's manager will be Dusty Baker. No, we haven't been transported to a parallel universe, folks. We're still living right here on good old Earth 1. Even if it feels like this place has suddenly turned into Bizarro World. The Astros, who spent the ensuing weeks after losing Game 7 getting embroiled in...
How LeBlanc could adjust rotation projections
How LeBlanc could adjust rotation projections
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
The reaction is the same each time that the Orioles announce the signing of a starting pitcher. Are they done? The minor league deal with Brady Rodgers didn't end their search. The minor league deal earlier this week with Wade LeBlanc didn't end their search. They aren't done. A major league contract remains available to a veteran starter if the price is right, which can further increase the camp competition and make a crowded field almost suffocating. The Orioles are up in arms. They have...
Another look at left-hander Wade LeBlanc
Another look at left-hander Wade LeBlanc
Steve Melewski
Orioles
When the Orioles agreed to a minor league deal Tuesday with lefty Wade LeBlanc, they added a veteran with good command and an ERA that from 2016-2018 was just a bit better than league average. The Orioles assume little risk here with a minors deal and one that will reportedly pay LeBlanc $800,000 in the majors. The Athletic reported he has an opt-out clause for March 19. On that date he can ask for his release and the Orioles would have 48 hours to add him to the 40-man roster or release...
Nationals acquire right-handed pitcher Ryne Harper
Nationals acquire right-handed pitcher Ryne Harper
Doug Miller
Nationals
The Washington Nationals acquired right-handed pitcher Ryne Harper from the Minnesota Twins in exchange for right-handed pitcher Hunter McMahon on Wednesday. Nationals President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Mike Rizzo made the announcement. Harper, 30, went 4-2 with one save and a 3.81 ERA in his first Major League season in 2019. He struck out 50 batters and issued 10 walks in 61 appearances out of Minnesota's bullpen. Harper started his rookie campaign in a strong fashion,...
Nats acquire reliever Harper from Twins for recent draft pick
Nats acquire reliever Harper from Twins for recent draft pick
Mark Zuckerman
Nationals
The Nationals added another major league arm to their bullpen today, acquiring right-hander Ryne Harper from the Twins for 2019 draft pick Hunter McMahon. Harper, 30, spent eight seasons in the minors with the Braves, Mariners and Twins before finally making his big league debut last year. He wound up becoming a prominent member of Minnesota's bullpen, going 4-2 with a 3.81 ERA and 1.178 WHIP in 61 appearances. Relying on a slow curve that he threw a whopping 60 percent of the time, Harper...