Are there still roles for Alu, Call, Kieboom, Vargas and Young?
Mark Zuckerman
Masn
Pick any lineup the Nationals fielded in September out of a hat, and you’re guaranteed to find the names of several players who have received scant attention around here all winter. Jake Alu. Alex Call. Carter Kieboom. Ildemaro Vargas. Jacob Young. Every single lineup card Davey Martinez filled out in September included at least two of those player
Another set of Orioles questions and curiosities
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
Pitchers and catchers report to spring training in a little over a month, marking the official beginning of the Orioles’ quest for their first back-to-back playoff appearances since 1996-97. And their first consecutive division titles since 1973-74. They wouldn’t spit on a wild card berth, but the goals get higher as the win totals rise. There’s al
Playoff experience can be valuable and now the O's have it
Steve Melewski
Orioles
When the Orioles took the field last October for Game 1 of the American League Division Series against Texas, they looked like a pretty complete team. One that produced 101 wins and a division championship, had an emerging young talent base and a few different ways to beat their opponent. There was at least one element missing however – they had li
A minor improvement that could have a major positive effect
Mark Zuckerman
Masn
As they sought reasons for optimism one year ago, the Nationals knew they could point to the development of their young players, the potential bounce-back performances of some veterans and improved defense (especially around the infield). They also hoped Major League Baseball’s new schedule format would make a positive difference. The 2022 Nats wer
In non-breaking news, Orioles still seek starting pitching
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
The Orioles’ offseason needs and intentions are threadbare from the constant reciting in the media. They want a starting pitcher, ideally for the top half of the rotation. They seem more likely to consummate a trade than throw money at a free agent. And yes, they remain engaged with the White Sox regarding Dylan Cease, who’s under team control thro
Will Craig Kimbrel change or alter his pre-pitch routine this season?
Steve Melewski
Orioles
On his way to recording 417 saves – the eighth-most in MLB history – with a chance this year to move to fourth on the list, new O’s closer Craig Kimbrel has featured a most unusual set-up out of the stretch position. Bent over at the waist, his right arm dangles out to the right and there is a bit of a stare-down before each pitch. When Kimbrel tal
Will first week of January once again feature free-agent signings?
Mark Zuckerman
Masn
When the calendar shifted from 2022 to 2023 one year ago, the Nationals had already addressed two of their stated needs, signing a third baseman (Jeimer Candelario) and a No. 5 starter (Trevor Williams). They still needed a left fielder and a first baseman (or designated hitter), and they proceeded to address both of those needs within the first 10
Leftovers for breakfast
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
The Orioles haven’t announced their non-roster invites to major league spring training, but it must be on this month’s agenda. A list that can be updated later depending on future transactions. They didn’t need to protect Jackson Holliday, Connor Norby and Coby Mayo in the Rule 5 draft, with the latter two eligible next winter. All three could be a
An interesting few days for the Boston Red Sox
Steve Melewski
Orioles
There was a time, and Orioles fans don’t have to go far back to remember it, when the Boston Red Sox response to 78 wins and a last-place finish, would have been to spend money. And then spend more. Throw dollars at their problems. And sometimes that worked. But recent moves by that team make this look like very different times in Beantown. Rather
Plenty to look forward to in 2024
Mark Zuckerman
Masn
Happy New Year to everybody out there. With 2023 officially behind us, it’s time to look ahead to 2024. (My references to “last season” and “this season” will officially change as well.) It was an encouraging year in many ways for the Nationals, though not nearly enough ways to leave everyone satisfied. The good news: There’s plenty to hope for in