Do you have an enthusiastic personality and a voice that commands attention? Have you performed in front of large crowds or have any on-air experience? Do you have a deep-rooted passion for baseball and the Washington Nationals? If the answer is yes, yes and yes, don't miss this opportunity to become the Nationals in-game host for the 2014 season!
The Nationals are looking for an energetic and engaging individual with a background in broadcasting, someone who will strive to enhance the...
The Orioles today announced that they have signed free agent left-hander Kelvin De La Cruz to a one-year contract.
De La Cruz, 25, was a combined 3-1 with seven saves and a 2.67 ERA (67.1IP, 20ER) in 50 relief appearances for Double-A Chattanooga (3G) and Triple-A Albuquerque (47G) in the Dodgers organization in 2013. He finished third in the Pacific Coast League and set a career-high with 11.26 K/9.0IP. De La Cruz held left-handed hitters to a line of .217/.298/.261 in 106 plate appearances,...
The Orioles today announced that they have named Dom Chiti as their new bullpen coach. Chiti, 54, has worked in front offices, or on major or minor league staffs, since 1982. He joins the Orioles from Atlanta, where he had served as Special Assistant to the General Manager since 2008, additionally serving as Pitching Development and Special Assignment in 2013.
Prior to working Atlanta, Chiti was part of the Texas organization, where he served in multiple roles from 2002 through 2008. Chiti was...
Beginning next spring, two scholarships will be awarded in memory of Mike Flanagan, the former Orioles pitcher, coach, front office executive and MASN broadcaster who took his own life in August 2011. So far, according to a Facebook page dedicated to the effort, more than $5,000 has been raised to fund the scholarships.
One scholarship will be given to a graduating varsity baseball player at Manchester Memorial High School in Manchester, N.H., Flanagan's alma mater, who has progressed through...
Now that you've had a day to chew on it, how do you feel about the beginning of the Matt Williams era?
In his introductory press conference Friday, Williams sure sounded the part of a 21st-century major league manager, as forward-thinking and embracing of the advanced metrics now frequently used to dissect baseball as he was respectful of the game he loves and true to his deep, traditional roots.
He seemed to say all the right things, but that's by design. After all, introductory pressers...
New Nationals manager Matt Williams' coaching staff will remain largely intact.
Only bullpen coach Jim Lett, who began his Nationals tenure under Jim Riggleman and remained on Davey Johnson's staff after Riggleman resigned, will not return. Lett will be replaced by Matt LeCroy, the former major league catcher who has managed at several levels of the Washington organization, most recently at Double-A Harrisburg.
The return of bench coach Randy Knorr, who had been a candidate for the job that...
By his own admission, Matt Williams' managerial style will be a work in progress. At his introductory press conference Friday afternoon at Nationals Park, the sixth field manager in Nats history was consistent in his use of the word "fluid" to describe how he'll approach his rookie season as a major league skipper.
"The plan's fluid," he said, "and it will present itself differently every day."
But it won't be difficult to pinpoint one facet of the Williams era that will quickly...
The Washington Nationals today announced the hiring of 47-year-old Matt Williams as their field manager. Nationals President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Mike Rizzo made the announcement.
This is the first big league managerial position of Williams' coaching career. Williams joins the Nationals organization after spending the previous four seasons on Kirk Gibson's coaching staff in Arizona, the last three as Diamondbacks' third base coach.
"Matt has a wealth of knowledge...
The Orioles today announced they have named Dave Wallace as their new pitching coach. Wallace brings a decade of experience as a major league pitching coach to his new role, including the 2004 World Series champion Boston Red Sox and 2000 National League champion New York Mets. He has worked as a pitching coach for four major league teams - the Houston Astros (2007), Red Sox (2003-06), Mets (1999-2000) and Los Angeles Dodgers (1995-97). Overall, Wallace has worked in professional baseball since...
Camden Yards is a gem, a rare baseball cathedral that blends classic, retro style with today's version of the national pastime. But its lush outfield grass and manicured infield don't happen by accident. They're the result of a year-round effort by head groundskeeper Nicole McFadyen and her talented grounds crew. Each month during this offseason, Orioles Buzz will check in with McFadyen to see what's happening on the field at Camden Yards as the grounds crew prepares for the 2014...
NatsTown is prepared for a new manager, and one should be named during the first week of November. But whether general manager Mike Rizzo decides to turn the managerial reins over to an in-house candidate or picks someone from outside the organization to succeed Davey Johnson, there will likely be a ripple effect that changes the makeup of the Nationals coaching staff.
A new manager will want the latitude to assemble his own staff. Obviously, if either current third base coach Trent Jewett or...
For as long as I remember, I've been intrigued by cemeteries. Not just the otherworldly aspects - which seem apropos now that Halloween is a couple of weeks away - but the intricate designs of the headstones and monuments. As a child, I can remember riding by local graveyards and being transfixed by the way the shadows of ornate obelisks and stately mausoleums reflected the moonlight. When my family moved next to Baltimore National Cemetery on the Baltimore City/Baltimore County line in 1984,...
The Orioles today announced their 2014 Grapefruit League schedule, which opens Friday, February 28 with a 1:05 p.m. game in Port Charlotte against the Tampa Bay Rays. The Orioles' home opener will be Saturday, March 1 at 1:05 p.m. against the Toronto Blue Jays. 2014 marks the fifth consecutive spring training for the Orioles in Sarasota, and the fourth in the renovated Ed Smith Stadium.
Baltimore will face eight different opponents during their 15-game home Grapefruit League campaign. The...
"For decades, Tom Clancy entertained millions with his novels and enjoyed producing no fewer than 17 best-sellers. He was an extraordinary storyteller who had an ability to keep readers on the edge of their seats. His passion for the military was evident in his efforts to ensure that the men and women who serve our country were properly recognized for their service and commitment.
"While he achieved international acclaim as a celebrated author, Tom, a proud Baltimorean, was a devoted...
That stone-cold visage he displays in the dugout isn't the look on Buck Showalter's face every minute of every day. The Orioles manager may look serious as a heart attack during a game, but he has a heart of gold when it comes to kids.
So it's no surprise that Orioles manager Buck Showalter has partnered with KidsPeace, an organization that gives hope, help and healing to children, families and communities throughout the United States. Not every kid is lucky enough to get to spend an...
Offseason baseball events have come a long way since the rubber chicken awards dinners of winters past.
Mark your calendars now for Wednesday, Dec. 4 - that's the night when the Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation will host "The Hot Corner: A Conversation of Baseball Greats" at the Four Seasons Hotel in Washington, D.C. The event will feature an intimate conversation between Cal Ripken Jr., the longtime Orioles third baseman who was enshrined in the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2007, and...
The Orioles today announced that they have selected the contract of outfielder Jason Pridie from Triple-A Norfolk. To make room for him on the 40-man roster, infielder Manny Machado has been placed on the 60-day disabled list, retroactive to September 24, with a tear of the medial patellofemoral ligament of the left knee.
Pridie, 29, batted .269/.333/.434 in 118 games for the Tides and was named an International League All-Star. He led IL outfielders with a .996 fielding percentage, making one...
The Washington Nationals today acquired left-handed pitcher Matthew Spann as the player to be named to complete the August 23 trade that sent outfielder David DeJesus to the Tampa Bay Rays. Nationals President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Mike Rizzo made the announcement.
Spann joins the Nationals organization after going 4-3 with a 2.87 ERA in 19 games/four starts for Bowling Green of the Single-A Midwest League this season. After pitching primarily as a starter the previous two...
It seems like only yesterday that we were celebrating the Chris Davis grand slam that capped off an opening day victory for the Orioles at Camden Yards against the Twins. How quickly almost six months can pass when you're busy charting victories and significant milestones.
But the end of the 2013 regular season is near, and the six-game homestand that begins Sept. 24 against the Blue Jays will be the Orioles' final one of the season. Which means it's a perfect time to celebrate what's...
The Orioles today announced that the club is accepting deposits on 2014 season ticket plans and that fans placing a deposit will receive access to 2013 Postseason tickets. Fans who place a non-refundable $250 (for 13-game plans), $500 (for 29-game plans) or $1,000 (for full season plans) per seat deposit on a 2014 Season Ticket Plan will be guaranteed the opportunity to purchase 2013 Orioles Postseason tickets before the general public. The deposit must be placed by tomorrow, Thursday,...
