http://masnsports.com/ The Official Website of the Mid-Atlantic Sports Network en Copyright 2010 Fri, 31 Dec 2010 12:01:00 -0500 http://www.sixapart.com/movabletype/ http://www.rssboard.org/rss-specification Nothing too newsy in this blog post, just a couple reminders before I go to bed: --Our NCAA tournament group is still open until games begin tomorrow. If you want to fill out a bracket, you can do so here. Nominal prizes are on the line. --Mike Rizzo's first blog entry with us will be posted tomorrow -- I caught up with him for a Q-and-A today, during which he addressed a number of different topics you've been asking about... http://masnsports.com/2010/03/a-couple-reminders.html http://masnsports.com/2010/03/a-couple-reminders.html Ben Goessling Nationals News Nationals Spring Training Wed, 17 Mar 2010 23:28:29 -0500 After a brief stay in the win column, the Nationals were right back to losing on Wednesday, with perhaps one of their worst days of the spring. They began it by cutting right fielder Elijah Dukes, released a pair of quotes from team president Stan Kasten during the middle of the day to quash a statement from XM radio host (and former Nats GM) Jim Bowden that the move was made for disciplinary reasons and ended it by losing 11-2... http://masnsports.com/2010/03/nats-vs-astros-post-game-thoug-1.html http://masnsports.com/2010/03/nats-vs-astros-post-game-thoug-1.html Ben Goessling Nationals News Nationals Spring Training Wed, 17 Mar 2010 16:38:26 -0500 Frank Walker has experienced a topsy-turvy ride in Baltimore. It'd be hard to argue otherwise. According to Walker, who is an unrestricted free agent, that ride soon might be coming to a close. Walker tweeted yesterday that he's close to signing a deal with a new team.... http://masnsports.com/2010/03/walker-leaving-town.html http://masnsports.com/2010/03/walker-leaving-town.html Dan Kolko Ravens News Dan Kolko Frank Walker Ravens Wed, 17 Mar 2010 16:34:19 -0500 Miguel Abreu's bloop single with two outs in the ninth inning scored Pedro Florimon and prevented the Orioles from going hitless after Cesar Izturis' leadoff single in the first. Cla Meredith turned in another spotless performance today. He hasn't allowed a baserunner in five innings. No hits, no walks, no runs. "He's getting both right- and left-handed hitters out," manager Dave Trembley said. "For the most part he's kept his pitches down in the count. He locates down. And he's... http://masnsports.com/2010/03/blue-jays-4-orioles-1.html http://masnsports.com/2010/03/blue-jays-4-orioles-1.html Roch Kubatko Roch Kubatko Orioles Wed, 17 Mar 2010 15:45:24 -0500 March is one of the best sports months on the calendar. You have the NHL and the NBA beginning their stretch drives toward the playoffs. The NFL is in the middle of free agency and gearing up for the draft. Major League Baseball is in the middle of spring training. Watch any sporting event on CBS and and you'll hear the amazing theme song for the Masters as they promote the first major of the year. And last but... http://masnsports.com/2010/03/sorry-your-bracket-stinks.html http://masnsports.com/2010/03/sorry-your-bracket-stinks.html Eric Bickel Junkies Eric Bickel Junkies March Madness NCAA Wed, 17 Mar 2010 15:39:54 -0500 There's been talk for a while now that Paul Kruger would be better off as a down defensive end than an outside linebacker. With Kruger getting ready to start his second pro season, it appears that position change might be getting put in motion.... http://masnsports.com/2010/03/kruger-possibly-making-a-move.html http://masnsports.com/2010/03/kruger-possibly-making-a-move.html Dan Kolko Ravens News Dan Kolko Paul Kruger Ravens Wed, 17 Mar 2010 14:56:58 -0500 During my recent search for a clip of Chuck Thompson calling an O's game, I eventually found myself on YouTube, watching various Orioles commercials. There are plenty to keep you busy, from the Brad Bergesen commercial that we all heard about recently to videos of Jim Palmer pitching for Brylecream or the Money Store. Since there are so many, I thought we'd feature one of these each week - at least until we run out of interesting O's videos. So... http://masnsports.com/2010/03/the-os-between-innings.html http://masnsports.com/2010/03/the-os-between-innings.html Orioles Buzz Kate Wheeler Orioles Orioles Buzz Wed, 17 Mar 2010 14:47:58 -0500 March Madness is underway and that means baseball that counts is just two weeks away! The weather seems to be responding in kind, at least in the National Capital area. A couple of wins yesterday helps the optimistic spring feeling. It was good see both squads come up with curly W's behind the pitching of John Lannan and Craig Stammen. So who do you think can win it all? The Yankees or Phillies again? The Red Sox, Mariners or Giants?... http://masnsports.com/2010/03/the-nl-minus-the-east-and-al-p.html http://masnsports.com/2010/03/the-nl-minus-the-east-and-al-p.html Byron Kerr Nationals News byron kerr nationals spring training steven goldman Wed, 17 Mar 2010 14:42:08 -0500 Travis Snider hit an opposite-field home run off Kam Mickolio in the fifth. Blue Jays 4, Orioles 0. Mickolio has walked three batters in two innings. Matt Wieters threw out Brad Emaus trying to steal in the fifth. The Orioles have one hit, Cesar Izturis' leadoff single in the first. Update: Fifteen straight Orioles were retired until Ty Wigginton walked to open the sixth. Still only one hit as we enter the bottom of the seventh. Pedro Florimon pinch-ran for... http://masnsports.com/2010/03/berken-on-berken.html http://masnsports.com/2010/03/berken-on-berken.html Roch Kubatko Roch Kubatko Orioles Wed, 17 Mar 2010 14:16:20 -0500 Jason Berken allowed three runs and four hits in the third inning. He also walked a batter. Alex Gonzalez lined a single into left field with one out. Jeremy Reed grounded a single into right and Nick Markakis overran the ball, allowing Gonzalez to score and Reed to take third base. Randy Ruiz walked on four pitches and Brian Dopirak lifted a sacrifice fly. Back-to-back singles by Travis Snyder and Brad Emaus increased the lead to 3-0 and brought pitching... http://masnsports.com/2010/03/blue-jays-take-the-lead.html http://masnsports.com/2010/03/blue-jays-take-the-lead.html Roch Kubatko Roch Kubatko Orioles Wed, 17 Mar 2010 13:38:47 -0500 Jason Berken threw 12 of his 13 pitches for strikes and escaped a two-on, no-out jam in the first inning. Jarrett Hoffpauir reached on an error by left fielder Jonathan Tucker, who couldn't hold onto a sinking liner, and Alex Gonzalez followed with a broken-bat single into center field. Jeremy Reed struck out, Randy Ruiz popped to short and Brian Dopirak grounded to second. Cesar Izturis led off the bottom of the first with a single into right field. Meanwhile,... http://masnsports.com/2010/03/berkens-workin.html http://masnsports.com/2010/03/berkens-workin.html Roch Kubatko Roch Kubatko Orioles Wed, 17 Mar 2010 13:12:21 -0500 Welcome to MASN's live thread for today's Nationals game against the Astros. We'll have updates and analysis throughout the day, and if you want to discuss anything else -- you know, like outfield moves -- we can do that, too. If you want to participate, here's how: Leave your comments here, or reply to me on Twitter (@masnBen). Nats vs. Astros 3/17 in-game thread... http://masnsports.com/2010/03/nats-vs-astros-317-in-game-thr.html http://masnsports.com/2010/03/nats-vs-astros-317-in-game-thr.html Ben Goessling Nationals News Nationals Spring Training Wed, 17 Mar 2010 12:53:20 -0500 Mike Gonzalez is scheduled to throw one inning against the Phillies on Friday. Felix Pie threw and hit again today and will play in one of the intrasquad games on Saturday. "He probably could play on Friday, but because it's a night game, I'll hold him back and play him on Saturday," manager Dave Trembley said. "I'm encouraged by both Gonzalez and Pie." Trembley won't make more roster cuts before the split-squad games. Trembley said Chris Tillman, David Hernandez and... http://masnsports.com/2010/03/pre-game-trembley-9.html http://masnsports.com/2010/03/pre-game-trembley-9.html Roch Kubatko Roch Kubatko Orioles Wed, 17 Mar 2010 12:23:56 -0500 Second baseman Brian Roberts will wait another day to determine whether the epidural had a positive effect on his back, consult with Dr. Lee Riley in Baltimore and proceed from there. Not much of an update, but it's all I've got. "I'm just waiting a day or two to see what the results are," he said. "Not a whole lot different yet. "I had an epidural shot. Now it's just giving it a day or two to settle in. I'm... http://masnsports.com/2010/03/b-rob-update.html http://masnsports.com/2010/03/b-rob-update.html Roch Kubatko Roch Kubatko Orioles Wed, 17 Mar 2010 12:11:42 -0500 Closer Mike Gonzalez threw a bullpen session this morning and expects to pitch in Friday's game in Clearwater. "A couple batters came up and I tried to let it go a little bit," he said. Gonzalez, who has been dealing with tightness in his lower back, will play light catch tomorrow. "It's just little nagging aches," he said. "I've got to get it out."... http://masnsports.com/2010/03/gonzo-almost-a-go.html http://masnsports.com/2010/03/gonzo-almost-a-go.html Roch Kubatko Roch Kubatko Orioles Wed, 17 Mar 2010 11:27:16 -0500 Sunday: T. Smith update | Monday: A little on the draft | Tuesday: A lot on the draft and some on Jones... http://masnsports.com/2010/03/what-theyre-saying-about-the-r-278.html http://masnsports.com/2010/03/what-theyre-saying-about-the-r-278.html Saying Ravens Jeff Wolfson What they're saying about the Ravens Wed, 17 Mar 2010 10:46:34 -0500 Monday: Pondering the Nationals roster | Tuesday: Examining Guzman and Duncan... http://masnsports.com/2010/03/what-theyre-saying-about-the-n-297.html http://masnsports.com/2010/03/what-theyre-saying-about-the-n-297.html Saying Nationals Jeff Wolfson What they're saying about the Nationals Wed, 17 Mar 2010 10:46:19 -0500 Monday: Roster moves and injury updates | Tuesday: Injury updates and a look at Arrieta... http://masnsports.com/2010/03/what-theyre-saysing-about-the.html http://masnsports.com/2010/03/what-theyre-saysing-about-the.html Saying Orioles Jeff Wolfson What they're saying about the Orioles Wed, 17 Mar 2010 10:46:03 -0500 The Elijah Dukes experiment, project, call it what you will, ended today with the outfielder's release by Washington.... http://masnsports.com/2010/03/dukes-done-in-dc.html http://masnsports.com/2010/03/dukes-done-in-dc.html Phil Wood Elijah Dukes Kevin Mench Nationals Spring Training Phil Wood Roger Bernadina Wed, 17 Mar 2010 10:12:12 -0500 Big news early this morning in Kissimmee: The Nationals just announced they've unconditionally released right fielder Elijah Dukes, who was all but assured of being the starting right fielder at the beginning of the spring. I'll update this blog post and Twitter with more soon. Stay tuned. Update (12:36 p.m.): We've done the run of interviews with Mike Rizzo, Jim Riggleman and Justin Maxwell (one possible replacement), and from those interviews, as well as discussions with other team officials, here's... http://masnsports.com/2010/03/nationals-release-elijah-dukes.html http://masnsports.com/2010/03/nationals-release-elijah-dukes.html Ben Goessling Nationals News Nationals Spring Training Wed, 17 Mar 2010 10:11:42 -0500 On Tuesday, June 15th, Screech won't be the only eagle hanging out at Nationals Park. The Eagles, who released many hits including "Hotel California," "Desperado," and "Life In The Fast Lane," will perform at Nationals Park. The group has won six Grammy awards and sold over 120 million albums worldwide. The Eagles will be joined by special guests Keith Urban and the Dixie Chicks. Both have won multiple Grammy awards and released countless hits. Tickets go on sale at 10:00... http://masnsports.com/2010/03/eagles-at-nationals-park.html http://masnsports.com/2010/03/eagles-at-nationals-park.html Nationals Buzz Kristen Hudak Nationals Buzz Wed, 17 Mar 2010 09:53:18 -0500 Last year, the Seattle Mariners finished 85-77 and recorded 24 more wins than they had in 2008. They made such a dramatic improvement and actually scored 31 fewer runs than the season before. But after giving up 811 runs in 2008, the Mariners gave up just 692 last year. That's 119 fewer runs allowed and 24 more victories. The Mariners pitching had a hand in that, of course, but many are crediting a big upgrade in defense with the increased... http://masnsports.com/2010/03/is-the-game-trending-toward-de.html http://masnsports.com/2010/03/is-the-game-trending-toward-de.html Orioles News Steve Melewski Wed, 17 Mar 2010 09:14:27 -0500 The rain is coming down hard here, but it's expected to stop before the first pitch is thrown. Just a morning shower, or so we're told. I'm savoring a rare morning at Ed Smith Stadium. We travel to Dunedin tomorrow and Clearwater on Friday and Sunday. The Orioles also play a split-squad game in Fort Myers on Saturday, but I'll cover the Sarasota game. Former Orioles farmhand Rommie Lewis accompanied the Blue Jays to Sarasota today. So did Raul Chavez... http://masnsports.com/2010/03/free-your-mind-and-the-rest-wi.html http://masnsports.com/2010/03/free-your-mind-and-the-rest-wi.html Roch Kubatko Roch Kubatko Orioles Wed, 17 Mar 2010 09:04:32 -0500 Cesar Izturis SS Adam Jones CF Nick Markakis RF Matt Wieters C Miguel Tejada 3B Nolan Reimold DH Garrett Atkins 1B Ty Wigginton 2B Jonathan Tucker LF Jason Berken RHP Felix Pie remains out of the lineup with some soreness in his left shoulder. He hit off a tee and threw yesterday, and will consult today with head athletic trainer Richie Bancells. "It feels much better today," Pie said. "Maybe Saturday I'll play in a game." Mike Gonzalez said he... http://masnsports.com/2010/03/orioles-lineup-38.html http://masnsports.com/2010/03/orioles-lineup-38.html Roch Kubatko Roch Kubatko Orioles Wed, 17 Mar 2010 08:02:25 -0500 Just a quick heads-up about a new feature we're very excited about: Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo has agreed to a weekly blog with MASNSports.com during the 2010 season, giving you unique and exclusive insight from the man in charge of building the Nationals. Some weeks, the blog will take the form of a written or video Q-and-A between Rizzo and me; other weeks, you'll get a chance to submit your questions directly to him. We're kicking off his blog... http://masnsports.com/2010/03/got-questions-for-the-gm.html http://masnsports.com/2010/03/got-questions-for-the-gm.html Ben Goessling Nationals News Nationals. Mike Rizzo Wed, 17 Mar 2010 07:00:00 -0500 Michael Burgess and Destin Hood represent the Nationals' future, and in a way, their past. They are two of the last vestiges from the Jim Bowden era, a pair of the "toolsy" outfielders Bowden famously chased after, both of them oozing skill but only trickling polish. They are still a pair of the Nationals' top prospects; that much is indisputable. But Bowden, the general manager who compared one to Dave Parker and the other to Torii Hunter, is gone, and... http://masnsports.com/2010/03/burgess-hood-change-with-the-t.html http://masnsports.com/2010/03/burgess-hood-change-with-the-t.html Ben Goessling Nationals News Nationals Spring Training Tue, 16 Mar 2010 22:35:33 -0500 Dwan Edwards has had a busy offseason, making three free agent visits. Apparently, the most recent one has resulted in a deal with the Bills. ESPN's Adam Schefter is reporting that Buffalo has reached an agreement with the Ravens' free agent defensive lineman. Edwards met with the Bills earlier today, but the team has not yet confirmed the signing.... http://masnsports.com/2010/03/report-edwards-signs-with-bill.html http://masnsports.com/2010/03/report-edwards-signs-with-bill.html Dan Kolko Ravens News Dan Kolko Dwan Edwards Ravens News Tue, 16 Mar 2010 20:36:30 -0500 While I was driving back from Fort Myers, the Orioles announced that pitcher Steve Johnson has been returned to the organization by the San Francisco Giants. Johnson has been assigned to Double-A Bowie and will report to the minor league camp. The Giants selected Johnson in the Rule 5 draft in December, costing them $50,000 in the process. The Orioles pay half that amount to reclaim him. Johnson, the son of former Orioles pitcher and current MASN analyst Dave Johnson,... http://masnsports.com/2010/03/johnson-returned-to-orioles.html http://masnsports.com/2010/03/johnson-returned-to-orioles.html Roch Kubatko Roch Kubatko Orioles Tue, 16 Mar 2010 18:13:00 -0500 The Nationals have been minimizing the importance of spring training results all spring, so they responded in kind when their split-squad sweep - a 12-3 win over the Marlins in Viera, followed shortly by a 4-2 victory over the Cardinals in Jupiter - went final. But in all that, there was still plenty to feel good about on Tuesday. John Lannan and Craig Stammen pitched well. The Nationals got strong performances from their bullpen, with Jesse English earning a save... http://masnsports.com/2010/03/nats-vs-cardinalsmarlins-post-.html http://masnsports.com/2010/03/nats-vs-cardinalsmarlins-post-.html Ben Goessling Nationals News Nationals Spring Training Tue, 16 Mar 2010 16:55:50 -0500 The Orioles today announced that RHP STEVE JOHNSON has been returned to the organization from the San Francisco Giants. Johnson was selected by the Giants in the Rule 5 draft in December. Johnson was 3-2 with a 2.84 ERA in seven starts for Double-A Bowie in 2009 after being acquired from the Los Angeles Dodgers along with 3B JOSH BELL in exchange for LHP GEORGE SHERRILL on July 30. He was 12-7 with a 3.41 ERA overall last season. Johnson... http://masnsports.com/2010/03/rhp-steve-johnson-returned-to.html http://masnsports.com/2010/03/rhp-steve-johnson-returned-to.html News Releases Orioles Tue, 16 Mar 2010 16:39:05 -0500 Josh Perrault picked up the save in the Orioles' 3-1 victory, their third win in a row. Danny Valencia doubled over the head of center fielder Jeff Salazar, who froze on the ball before breaking late, but Perrault retired the last two batters. Salazar ended the game with a diving catch in right-center field to rob Juan Portes. As always, manager Dave Trembley met with reporters on the field after the game ended. "Most of the guys had command of... http://masnsports.com/2010/03/post-game-trembley-40.html http://masnsports.com/2010/03/post-game-trembley-40.html Roch Kubatko Roch Kubatko Orioles Tue, 16 Mar 2010 16:02:27 -0500 Dennis Sarfate didn't allow a hit in the eighth inning, but the Twins scored a run to reduce the Orioles' lead to 3-1. Sarfate threw two wild pitches, the first as he recorded a strikeout and the ball got past catcher Caleb Joseph. He also committed a balk and issued a walk. The run scored on Drew Butera's ground ball to short. Sarfate struck out two batters. His fastball reached 94 mph.... http://masnsports.com/2010/03/strange-day-for-sarfate.html http://masnsports.com/2010/03/strange-day-for-sarfate.html Roch Kubatko Roch Kubatko Orioles Tue, 16 Mar 2010 15:30:02 -0500 Home runs by Mench, Guzman, Zimmerman, and a grand slam by Harris, some decent pitching, and - at long last - a spring training victory in Viera, a 12-3 pasting of the Marlins.... http://masnsports.com/2010/03/nats-beach-marlins-12-3.html http://masnsports.com/2010/03/nats-beach-marlins-12-3.html Phil Wood Cristian Guzman Ian Desmond Marlins Nationals Spring Training Phil Wood Tue, 16 Mar 2010 15:10:26 -0500 Chad Moeller just clubbed a two-run homer off Clay Condrey in the top of the seventh to increase the Orioles' lead to 3-0. Koji Uehara tossed a scoreless fifth and Will Ohman was perfect in the sixth, though he needed some defensive help. Robert Andino made a nice play at short to retire Joe Mauer, and Jeff Salazar made another running catch near the warning track in right-center field. Matt Albers has entered the game in the bottom of the... http://masnsports.com/2010/03/quick-game-update-2.html http://masnsports.com/2010/03/quick-game-update-2.html Roch Kubatko Roch Kubatko Orioles Tue, 16 Mar 2010 14:52:26 -0500 David Hernandez has given the Orioles three scoreless innings, allowing four hits and striking out two. He's also walked a batter. Ben Revere lined a single up the middle leading off the third inning, but Orlando Hudson grounded into a 6-3 double play, with shortstop Robert Andino fielding the ball with one foot on the bag. Joe Mauer singled to center, but Michael Cuddyer flied to right. Hernandez has thrown 50 pitches, 33 for strikes. The Twins put two runners... http://masnsports.com/2010/03/updating-hernandez.html http://masnsports.com/2010/03/updating-hernandez.html Roch Kubatko Roch Kubatko Orioles Tue, 16 Mar 2010 13:46:54 -0500 VIERA - It's a fairly sparse crowd here for the Nats and Marlins, but the lack of ambient crowd noise is making for an interesting day.... http://masnsports.com/2010/03/tuesday-afternoon.html http://masnsports.com/2010/03/tuesday-afternoon.html Phil Wood Brooks Robinson Craig Stammen Nationals Spring Training Phil Wood Ryan Zimmerman Tue, 16 Mar 2010 13:22:12 -0500 Matt Wieters' work schedule is about to gain a few more pounds. It's getting heavier. Wieters caught Kevin Millwood today, as I mentioned earlier. He'll catch tomorrow, serve as the designated hitter on Thursday and catch back-to-back games over the weekend, as I mentioned earlier. So why am I writing about him again? Because he's 1-for-13 this spring, which prompted me to ask manager Dave Trembley about Wieters' slow start at the plate. "I've seen good at-bats," Trembley said. "He... http://masnsports.com/2010/03/if-youre-wondering-about-wiete.html http://masnsports.com/2010/03/if-youre-wondering-about-wiete.html Roch Kubatko Roch Kubatko Orioles Tue, 16 Mar 2010 13:15:43 -0500 Welcome to MASN's live thread for today's Nationals split-squad games against the Cardinals and Marlins. I'm in Jupiter for the game against the Cardinals, and we've got bonus coverage! Kristen Hudak will have you covered in Viera - at least for the first few innings, until she's got to head to the Orlando airport. But that's when all the good stuff happens, anyway... If you want to participate, here's how: Leave your comments here, or reply to me on Twitter... http://masnsports.com/2010/03/tuesdays-nats-vs-cardinalsmarl.html http://masnsports.com/2010/03/tuesdays-nats-vs-cardinalsmarl.html Ben Goessling Nationals News Nationals Spring Training Tue, 16 Mar 2010 12:54:01 -0500 Kevin Millwood made it through five innings in today's intrasquad game at Ed Smith Stadium, taking a shutout into his last frame before surrendering three runs. He threw 88 pitches, 56 for strikes. Millwood allowed three hits, walked two and struck out seven. I'm told his curveball was outstanding. Millwood's fastball topped out at 88 mph. He usually sits in the low 90s. Brandon Waring hit a two-run homer off Jim Johnson in the fourth inning. Johnson threw 29 pitches,... http://masnsports.com/2010/03/meanwhile-back-in-sarasota.html http://masnsports.com/2010/03/meanwhile-back-in-sarasota.html Roch Kubatko Roch Kubatko Orioles Tue, 16 Mar 2010 12:18:53 -0500 I think that St. Patrick would be happy that "Jeeeeeesus," as he's called by Tony Plush will be chatting with fans online on Wednesday afternoon. Fans can chat with superstar prospect Stephen Strasburg at 12:30 p.m. and can begin submitting questions at 10 a.m. before the chat begins. You must register as a Nationals Insider to participate in the chat.... http://masnsports.com/2010/03/strasburg-chat-on-wednesday.html http://masnsports.com/2010/03/strasburg-chat-on-wednesday.html Nationals Buzz Kristen Hudak Nationals Buzz Tue, 16 Mar 2010 11:54:31 -0500 Ben Revere CF Orlando Hudson 2B Joe Mauer C Michael Cuddyer 1B Jason Kubel DH Brendan Harris SS Danny Valencia 3B Jacque Jones LF Juan Portes RF Scott Baker RHP Mike Maroth, Clay Condrey, Jesse Crain, Pat Neshek and Jose Mijares also are available to pitch today. A reminder that Jason Berken makes his first spring start tomorrow. Brian Tallet starts for the Blue Jays.... http://masnsports.com/2010/03/twins-lineup-3.html http://masnsports.com/2010/03/twins-lineup-3.html Roch Kubatko Roch Kubatko Orioles Tue, 16 Mar 2010 11:34:58 -0500 Greetings from Jupiter, where (half of) the Nats take on the Cardinals today. It's the second of three times the Nationals play the Cardinals this week - the two teams meet again on Friday night. The Nationals also have a split-squad game against the Marlins in Viera. Ambitious multi-media organization that we are, we'll have you covered at both of them; Kristen Hudak will be joining me in my live thread to provide updates from Viera -- at least until... http://masnsports.com/2010/03/morning-notes-3.html http://masnsports.com/2010/03/morning-notes-3.html Ben Goessling Nationals News Nationals Spring Training Tue, 16 Mar 2010 11:27:00 -0500 Zach Britton was scheduled to go two innings in today's intrasquad game in Sarasota. Kevin Millwood allowed a hit and walk through two innings, striking out four consecutive batters. David Hernandez will be on a 50-pitch limit today in Fort Myers. Nolan Reimold will serve as the designated hitter again tomorrow, giving him consecutive starts. The club is hoping he'll get seven at-bats over the two days. Felix Pie is supposed to hit and throw today and might return to... http://masnsports.com/2010/03/this-and-that-34.html http://masnsports.com/2010/03/this-and-that-34.html Roch Kubatko Roch Kubatko Orioles Tue, 16 Mar 2010 11:19:45 -0500 The Nationals released veteran reliever Ron Villone Monday. It was tough for GM Mike Rizzo to let one of his favorite players go, but it was necessary for the long term benefit of the ballclub. Ron was a great teammate and he was a good leader on the ballclub. What impressed me the most was how he would return to the dugout after coming out of a game and cheer on his teammates. He was very vocal. He also... http://masnsports.com/2010/03/villones-meeting-with-rizzo-fo.html http://masnsports.com/2010/03/villones-meeting-with-rizzo-fo.html Debbi Taylor MASNblogs Debbi Taylor Nationals Ron Villone Tue, 16 Mar 2010 11:12:49 -0500 Sunday: T. Smith update | Monday: A little on the draft | Wednesday: Ravens lose Edwards, could lose Walker... http://masnsports.com/2010/03/what-theyre-saying-about-the-r-277.html http://masnsports.com/2010/03/what-theyre-saying-about-the-r-277.html Saying Ravens Jeff Wolfson What they're saying about the Ravens Tue, 16 Mar 2010 10:55:49 -0500 Monday: Pondering the Nationals roster | Wednesday: Nats release Dukes, Kensing... http://masnsports.com/2010/03/what-theyre-saying-about-the-n-296.html http://masnsports.com/2010/03/what-theyre-saying-about-the-n-296.html Saying Nationals Jeff Wolfson What they're saying about the Nationals Tue, 16 Mar 2010 10:55:35 -0500 Monday: Roster moves and injury updates | Wednesday: Johnson returned to O's and a Reimold update... http://masnsports.com/2010/03/what-theyre-saying-about-the-o-300.html http://masnsports.com/2010/03/what-theyre-saying-about-the-o-300.html Saying Orioles Jeff Wolfson What they're saying about the Orioles Tue, 16 Mar 2010 10:55:22 -0500 Closer Mike Gonzalez, who's been bothered by some tightness in his lower back, continues to increase his workload and believes he's close to pitching again. "I feel much better," he said. "I did more activities yesterday and I'll do a little more today. I've been playing catch every day to keep my arm in shape. It's just a matter of getting back on the mound and seeing how it goes. "We're going out there today to see how it feels.... http://masnsports.com/2010/03/injury-updates-4.html http://masnsports.com/2010/03/injury-updates-4.html Roch Kubatko Roch Kubatko Orioles Tue, 16 Mar 2010 09:00:41 -0500 Robert Andino SS Justin Turner 2B Nolan Reimold DH Luke Scott LF Lou Montanez RF Scott Moore 1B Josh Bell 3B Chad Moeller C Jeff Salazar CF David Hernandez RHP I had a tough call to make this morning. The Orioles are in Fort Myers for another game against the Twins, hopefully without the rain that soaked their last meeting, but the club's also playing an intrasquad game in Sarasota. Kevin Millwood is throwing five innings, and Jim Johnson the... http://masnsports.com/2010/03/orioles-lineup-37.html http://masnsports.com/2010/03/orioles-lineup-37.html Roch Kubatko Roch Kubatko Orioles Tue, 16 Mar 2010 07:50:36 -0500 Andy Mitchell admits he was open to leaving the Orioles organization, where he has pitched since 2001. For the third winter in a row, he was a minor league free agent. But after nine years and nearly 800 innings, all in the minors, he is back with the organization for another go around. He re-signed in late January. "I was ready to listen to any offers I might get," the 31-year-old Mitchell said. "I didn't get as many as I... http://masnsports.com/2010/03/still-making-his-pitch-for-the.html http://masnsports.com/2010/03/still-making-his-pitch-for-the.html Orioles News Steve Melewski Tue, 16 Mar 2010 07:25:23 -0500