The stands are empty. The players were in shorts and orange shirts with no names or numbers on the back. The atmosphere was relaxed. But some important baseball work was going on. The O's instructional league camp at Camden Yards resumed Thursday amidst warm temperatures and sunny skies at the ballpark. There are 15 players taking part and some of the organization's top young talent is on hand. "It's going great. Last year I got to take BP here. Having these prospects here is a...

Right-hander A.J. Cole makes his Nationals instructional league debut Friday and will throw one inning against Houston at the Astros complex in Florida. It seems like just yesterday that Cole had to make a big decision: whether to start playing pro ball now or go to college. The Nats presented a big contract. The University of Miami offered him a full ride baseball scholarship. Cole says it was a pretty easy decision. "It all came down to that I really wanted to just play baseball for a...

Bryce Harper went 0-for-2 with a pair of strikeouts as the Braves beat the Nationals 5-3 in the first game of instructional league from Viera, Florida. It was the first live pitching the team had seen in 20 days and the Nationals did have the winning run at the plate in the late going. The Nationals are at Houston tomorrow in Game 2 of the instructional league schedule. A.J. Cole will pitch one inning in that game. The Nats are throwing nine pitchers in each game, one for each inning.

On a day like today, it's important to reflect on Stan Kasten's role in building this franchise, but that's a task I'll leave to our veteran baseball minds here at MASNsports.com. Because Nats Buzz strives to provide a fan-centric perspective, I wanted to take a moment to reminisce about another side of Stan Kasten -- the fan ambassador. I have no doubt that many of you met and chatted with Kasten during one of his many strolls around the ballpark. "What? I'm with the people," I once...

Former Orioles outfielder Mike Young is moving back to Baltimore, and he's bringing one of his charitable endeavors with him. Young is pretty busy these days. He runs "Genesis Fitness Concepts" and is partners with friend Walt McCreary in a foundation called "Motivating Our Kids." If he can still play left field, I think he should report to Sarasota next spring. I'll let Young explain "Motivating Our Kids," currently based in Centreville but moving forward to the Baltimore...

He was headed for Arizona, but now it's going to be Australia for Tyler Townsend. The O's first base prospect has had a change of plans and will not play for the Scottsdale Scorpions. "Originally I was going to Arizona for the Fall League as a taxi squad player, which means I could only play in one or two games a week. You know, I missed so many at bats this year that they presented the opportunity to go to Australia and get more at bats and more games in. "It just seemed like a better...

Following Saturday's game, the Nationals will host their third annual Gospel Music Fest at Nationals Park. If you attend the game, you're invited to stay for the post-game concert, which will begin as soon as the concert can be properly set up after the final out (approximately 5:45 p.m.). Fans can also purchase tickets at www.nationals.com/gospel. Praise 104.1 FM Radio Personality Cheryl Jackson will serve as the emcee and Gospel music performers Tanya Blount, Shawn McLemore and...

Friday, October 1 is going to prove to be a busy day in Baltimore. Not only will the Orioles take on the Detroit Tigers in game two of their final series of the 2010 season, but MASNsports.com will also host its final round of live video chats with Jeremy Guthrie and Adam Jones and celebrate the website's third birthday as you know it. But on top of all that, the Notre Dame Preparatory School will join forces with the One Love Foundation to honor the memory of one of its alumna, Yeardley...

Kevin Millwood took a no-hitter into the fourth inning last night. Nothing to get excited about - you don't call your friends to make sure they're tuned into the game - but it seemed to be an indication that he was barreling toward a quality start, not a waterfall. Millwood was charged with six runs and seven hits in five innings, the big blow a three-run shot by David Ortiz in the fourth, when Millwood's slider hung over the inner half of the plate and practically begged to be...

What a strange season for the Baltimore Orioles. Some of the worst baseball seen from this team as they hit rock bottom. Now, some of the best baseball seen in years and hope for the future. Hope. Enthusiasm. Confidence. Success. Words that are very important for this long-suffering franchise and its long-suffering and dedicated fans. The winning run under Buck Showalter has provided a lift for everyone in the organization. When the O's were on a pace to lose 120 games, they became a...