A scout's take on the O's potential double play combination
A scout's take on the O's potential double play combination
Steve Melewski
Orioles
If Freddy Galvis is at shortstop and Yolmer Sánchez is at second base for the 2021 Orioles, their up-the-middle infield defense will no doubt be very solid. And they could have some real durability. Between 2017-19, Sánchez played in 148 games per year for the Chicago White Sox. From 2015-19, Galvis averaged 156 games per season. I had a recent conversation with a National League scout, who noted that durability in assessing what the O's might be getting with these two players. The...
Avila eager to work with Nats pitchers again, seek first ring
Avila eager to work with Nats pitchers again, seek first ring
Mark Zuckerman
Nationals
The thought of reuniting with Max Scherzer six years since they were last batterymates in Detroit certainly was appealing to Alex Avila. As was the opportunity to catch Patrick Corbin and Jon Lester again after previous opportunities in Arizona and Chicago, plus the chance to work with Stephen Strasburg for the first time in his career. All of that made the Nationals attractive to Avila as he prepared for free agency last fall. But none of that familiarity with the pitching staff was as...
Félix Hernández brings quite a resume to Baltimore
Félix Hernández brings quite a resume to Baltimore
Steve Melewski
Orioles
Normally, the signing of a pitcher to a minor league contract who went 1-8 with a 6.40 ERA in his most recent season would not garner much interest. Or much enthusiasm. There would be a story here and fans would await the pitcher getting his shot to prove he still has it during spring training. But it's not every day a rebuilding team can sign someone with the resume of right-hander Félix Hernández. Some fans, certainly not all, did express some excitement last night when the Orioles...
Orioles sign "King Félix" to minor league deal (updated)
Orioles sign "King Félix" to minor league deal (updated)
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
The Orioles' quest for more starting pitching has carried them to a former Cy Young Award winner. The second minor league deal offered in two days. According to an industry source, the Orioles have agreed to terms with veteran Félix Hernández on a contract that pays $1 million if he's on the club. The news on Hernández comes less than 24 hours after confirmation that the Orioles re-signed left-hander Wade LeBlanc to a deal that offers $700,000 if he's on the active...
Source: Parra returning to Nats on minor league deal
Source: Parra returning to Nats on minor league deal
Mark Zuckerman
Nationals
Though a bunch of members of their World Series roster have now departed, the Nationals are bringing back one beloved player from that championship group few could've envisioned returning: Gerardo Parra. Yes, the Nats have signed Parra to a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training, a source familiar with the deal confirmed. The popular outfielder will report to big league camp in West Palm Beach, Fla., and have a chance to make the opening day roster, which would earn him $1...
Alex Cobb on trade: "I was pretty surprised by it"
Alex Cobb on trade: "I was pretty surprised by it"
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
The warning came early Monday morning, with pitcher Alex Cobb told by his representatives in a phone call of the pending trade from the Orioles to the Angels. The bags packed for spring training weren't going to make it to Sarasota, Fla. "I had had some discussions with my agents about some possibilities, that things might be happening, so it was on my radar, but also, didn't put my stock into it," Cobb said this afternoon. "I believed I was showing up to spring training. Had my place set,...
Learning more about Jahmai Jones through his high school coach
Learning more about Jahmai Jones through his high school coach
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
Brian Krehmeyer first began to notice the eighth-grader on days that the kid would sit in the stands at Wesleyan School in Norcross, Ga., watching baseball practice and greeting the coaches. Always eager to strike up a conversation, always smiling. Krehmeyer had been an assistant for six years and became head coach in 2012. One of his freshman players that first season in charge was Jahmai Jones. The talkative kid who later would be drafted by the Angels in the second round and traded to the...
Nationals agree to terms with catcher Alex Avila
Nationals agree to terms with catcher Alex Avila
Pete Kerzel
Nationals
The Washington Nationals agreed to terms on a one-year contract with catcher Alex Avila on Wednesday. Nationals President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Mike Rizzo made the announcement. Avila, 34, is a veteran of 12 Major League seasons, having played for the Minnesota Twins (2020), Arizona Diamondbacks (2018-19), Chicago Cubs (2017), Detroit Tigers (2009-15, 2016) and Chicago White Sox (2016). He's hit .235 with a .348 on-base percentage and a .394 slugging percentage with 146...
Class off the field, Doolittle was critical to Nats' on-field success
Class off the field, Doolittle was critical to Nats' on-field success
Mark Zuckerman
Nationals
Because his final year-plus was beset by injuries and inconsistent performances on the mound, we might tend to forget just how great Sean Doolittle was for the majority of his Nationals career. Make no mistake: Doolittle not only was the anchor of the Nats bullpen, but one of the most dominant relievers in baseball for a prolonged stretch. The left-hander made his Nationals debut July 18, 2017. From that moment through May 15, 2019 - just before the first of his multiple meltdowns against the...
Orioles acquire Jahmai Jones from Angels in exchange for Alex Cobb
Orioles acquire Jahmai Jones from Angels in exchange for Alex Cobb
Pete Kerzel
Orioles
The Orioles today announced that they have acquired infielder/outfielder Jahmai Jones (juh-MY) from the Los Angeles Angels in exchange for right-hander Alex Cobb. The Orioles 40-man roster currently has 40 players. Jones, 23, made his Major League debut in 2020 for the Angels, appearing in three games and collecting three hits in seven at-bats. Jones has appeared in 484 career minor league games, slashing .258/.338/.386 (491-for-1900) with 90 doubles, 24 triples, 35 home runs, and 96 stolen...