Notes on Mancini, Carroll, Means and new hires
Notes on Mancini, Carroll, Means and new hires
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
SARASOTA, Fla. - More position players are rolling into Orioles camp early, the latest batch including outfielders Austin Hays, Trey Mancini, Anthony Santander and Dwight Smith Jr. "Definitely ready to get it going," Mancini said. "I always like coming a few days early. Once the new year starts you're always ready to go. I was definitely ready to get down here at this point." The expectations for another last-place season in the rebuild hasn't crushed the enthusiasm. "I think we're all...
Orioles announce minor league staff additions
Orioles announce minor league staff additions
Doug Miller
Orioles
The Orioles today announced remaining personnel hires in the minor leagues for the 2020 season. The list includes naming a new Minor League Strength and Conditioning Coordinator, Player Performance Facilitator, and Education Coordinator, as well as naming a Strength and Conditioning Coach at each of the eight minor league affiliates. Nick White joins the Orioles as the organization's Minor League Strength and Conditioning Coordinator. White will be heading up the strength and conditioning...
Elias on Hyde, Mancini on leaderhip, Ruiz on his second half
Elias on Hyde, Mancini on leaderhip, Ruiz on his second half
Steve Melewski
Orioles
Orioles pitchers and catchers will hold their first official workout of spring training today at Ed Smith Stadium in Sarasota, Fla. By next Monday, the full complement of nearly 70 players should be in camp. The first spring game is on Feb. 22, when the Orioles play in North Port at the Atlanta Braves' new spring home. By the way, Orioles minor league pitchers and catchers report to the Buck O'Neil Baseball Complex at Twins Lakes Park on March 4, and position players report March 8. There is...
MASN airing seven Orioles exhibition games
MASN airing seven Orioles exhibition games
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
SARASOTA, Fla. - The Mid-Atlantic Sports Network is sticking with its usual form in airing seven Orioles exhibition games from Ed Smith Stadium. The logical place to start? The first game at home, to be played Feb. 23 against the Red Sox. First pitch is slated for 1 p.m. The network's spring coverage includes six more games in Sarasota. The Orioles face the Braves on Feb. 26 at 1 p.m., the Rays on March 2 at 1 p.m., the Yankees on March 8 at 1 p.m., the Blue Jays on March 13 at 1 p.m., the Red...
Harvey ready to handle relief role if on team
Harvey ready to handle relief role if on team
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
SARASOTA, Fla. - Hunter Harvey isn't in Orioles camp so they can check on his health. He isn't here to get in some work before heading over to the minor league complex. Harvey is expected to be part of an eight-man bullpen on opening day, perhaps assuming the role of closer. High-leverage situations, for sure. Except that he isn't buying into the hype and assumptions. Asked whether the camp felt any different to him yesterday, Harvey replied, "I wouldn't think so." In Harvey's mind, only...
Spring training storylines: Life as defending champs
Spring training storylines: Life as defending champs
Mark Zuckerman
Nationals
We've reached the final countdown to spring training, so we're counting down the most important storylines surrounding the Nationals this spring. We conclude today with the quest to repeat as World Series champions ... Nationals pitchers and catchers report to West Palm Beach today. Just as they've done each of the last three springs. And just as they did the previous 12 springs in Viera. Nothing special happens. Guys just show up at the complex, reunite with teammates, coaches and support...
Castro: "I'm just thankful to God for an opportunity to be here"
Castro: "I'm just thankful to God for an opportunity to be here"
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
SARASOTA, Fla. - Miguel Castro took a few steps away from his spring training locker this morning, raised his head and smiled. The local media crew was approaching. He knew that he'd be recounting an incident that terrified him, that had him wondering if he'd live through it. But he still managed a smile. No one was happier to be in camp than Castro, who survived an armed robbery last month in his native Dominican Republic that cost him only a couple of chains. "I'm just thankful to God for...
Hearing from Elias and Hyde (Orioles claim Urías off waivers)
Hearing from Elias and Hyde (Orioles claim Urías off waivers)
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
SARASOTA, Fla. - Within the one hour of clubhouse access granted to the media this morning, Orioles pitchers and catchers already had reported in abundance and more were walking through the doors. The roll call included Alex Cobb, John Means and Asher Wojciechowski, who figure to comprise three-fifths of the rotation on opening day. Also present were Rule 5 picks Brandon Bailey and Michael Rucker, who sat at their lockers in a far corner of the clubhouse and chatted for most of the hour. Also...
Baseball America Nats No. 6 prospect: 3B/1B Drew Mendoza
Baseball America Nats No. 6 prospect: 3B/1B Drew Mendoza
Byron Kerr
Nationals
First base is a coveted spot in the Nationals organization, especially with Ryan Zimmerman not an everyday player anymore and the club using the likes of veterans Howie Kendrick and Eric Thames at that spot. Former Florida State standout Drew Mendoza has a shot to turn some heads in the near future and become that top candidate for a corner infield spot, similar to the track Carter Kieboom is hoping to attain at third base this season. Baseball America Nats correspondent Lacy Lusk says the Nats...
Spring training storylines: Is Kieboom the answer at third?
Spring training storylines: Is Kieboom the answer at third?
Mark Zuckerman
Nationals
We've reached the final countdown to spring training, so we're counting down the most important storylines surrounding the Nationals this spring. We continue today with the search for Anthony Rendon's replacement at third base ... When Bryce Harper departed for Philadelphia one year ago, the Nationals knew exactly how they intended to account for his loss. They had three starting outfielders already in house, and most importantly, they were confident Juan Soto could make up the offensive...