Houston hit hard and an early 2020 mock draft
Houston hit hard and an early 2020 mock draft
Steve Melewski
Orioles
The Houston Astros, as speculated by many, did in fact get hammered for their part in sign-stealing via technology. Major League Baseball suspended their general manager, Jeff Luhnow, and manager AJ Hinch for the 2020 season. Then Astros owner Jim Crane went further than that. He fired both Luhnow and Hinch. Houston also lost first- and second-round draft picks in both 2020 and 2021. They will also lose the significant bonus pool dollars for each slot of the four picks. That will hurt their...
Hanhold outrighted to Triple-A Norfolk
Hanhold outrighted to Triple-A Norfolk
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
Another player who had been designated for assignment by the Orioles is staying in the organization. Pitcher Eric Hanhold has cleared waivers and been outrighted to Triple-A Norfolk, with the club making the announcement on Twitter. The Orioles designated Hanhold for assignment on Tuesday to create room for shortstop José Iglesias on the 40-man roster. Hanhold was a Sept. 16 waiver claim from the Mets, but he didn't pitch for the Orioles. They shut him down and now figure to invite him to...
Astros fire Luhnow and Hinch after MLB levies penalties in sign-stealing case
Astros fire Luhnow and Hinch after MLB levies penalties in sign-stealing case
Mel Antonen
Orioles
Astros general manager Jeff Luhnow and manager A.J. Hinch were suspended by Major League Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred Monday for allowing the team's uniformed personnel to steal signs electronically during the 2017 and 2018 seasons. Luhnow and Hinch were suspended through the 2020 World Series. The Astros also were fined $5 million - the maximum allowed under MLB rules - and they'll have to forfeit first- and second-round draft picks in 2020 and 2021. About an hour the initial report...
What's next for Orioles as spring training approaches?
What's next for Orioles as spring training approaches?
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
The important offseason dates keep falling off the baseball calendar, leaving it almost as bare as an oak tree in the winter. The Orioles have moved past the arbitration period, the upcoming hearing dates not applying to a team that reached agreements with all of its eligible players. Hall of Fame voting results will be announced Jan. 21 on MLB Network, revealing whether Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter is a unanimous pick. The local angle for Orioles fans is reduced to whether Curt Schilling is...
Pitching prospect Fausto Segura dies in motorcycle accident
Pitching prospect Fausto Segura dies in motorcycle accident
Mark Zuckerman
Nationals
Nationals minor league reliever Fausto Segura died Sunday night in his native Dominican Republic, the club announced today. Segura, 23, was riding a motorcycle near Maria Montez International Airport in his hometown of Barahona when he was hit by a van, ESPN Deportes reported. "He was beloved by his teammates, coaches, coordinators and everyone he came in contact with throughout our organization," the Nationals said in a statement announcing Segura's death. "We extend our deepest sympathies...
Orioles sign Holaday to minor league contract
Orioles sign Holaday to minor league contract
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
The Orioles keep whittling their offseason shopping list, with pitching and maybe a defensive-minded center fielder the remaining priorities. The latter only on a minor league contract. Seeking a fourth catcher to provide depth and camp competition, the Orioles today announced the signing of veteran Bryan Holaday to a minor league deal. He's going to be included on the list of invites. Holaday, 32, is a career .241/.287/.340 hitter in parts of eight major league seasons since the Tigers...
#TBT to "Nationals Classics": Flattening the Phillies
#TBT to "Nationals Classics": Flattening the Phillies
Doug Miller
Nationals
Pitchers and catchers report in another month, and before you know it, West Palm Beach will again be filled with the sounds of cracking bats and dugout chatter as the Nationals prepare to defend their World Series title. At the same time, 29 other teams will reconvene in Florida and Arizona with notions of knocking the Nats off their perch atop the major leagues. Especially motivated will be the Marlins, Mets and the 2019 National League East champion Braves. And then there's that club just up...
FredNats on schedule for new stadium opening April 23
FredNats on schedule for new stadium opening April 23
Byron Kerr
Nationals
A top official for the Fredericksburg Nationals said the construction of the team's new home is on schedule, and that he is confident the venue will be ready for the 2020 season. The parent Nationals' high Single-A affiliate - formerly the Potomac Nationals or P-Nats - is moving to Fredericksburg, Va., from its previous home in Woodbridge, Va. The club began playing in Woodbridge in 1984 as the Prince William Pirates and now moves south with the dreams of a state-of-the-art stadium soon...
After shaky debut in 2019, Kieboom ready for another shot
After shaky debut in 2019, Kieboom ready for another shot
Mark Zuckerman
Nationals
The promotion lasted all of 11 days, during which time Carter Kieboom experienced the full gamut of emotions. He homered in his major league debut April 26 to earn a curtain call but struck out with two outs and the bases loaded in the bottom of the ninth later that night. He homered again two days later, then got just two hits in his next 27 at-bats. And he had all kinds of misadventures in the field, charged with four errors in only 10 games while misplaying a couple more balls. And then it...
Taking stock of the club's position players heading into camp
Taking stock of the club's position players heading into camp
Steve Melewski
Orioles
With the Orioles report date for spring training fast approaching, today we take a look at the club's position players heading into camp. Certainly, this could change pending any further roster moves. O's pitchers and catchers are due to report to Ed Smith Stadium in Sarasota, Fla., on Feb. 11 and the first full-squad workout is Feb. 17. The spring training opener is Feb. 22 against Atlanta and the 2020 season opener is March 26 at home versus the New York Yankees. Here is a look at the...