Oriole With Pride, Melvin Mora Retires
Stan "The Fan" Charles looks back at the career of former O's third baseman Melvin Mora, who announced his retirement this week while visiting Venezuela. 

Orioles In Middle Of Payroll Pack 
The Associated Press released its annual list of Major League Baseball team payrolls recently and the Orioles were 18th of 30 teams, at nearly $87 million.

MLB Must Act Upon Torrealba's Folly
Major League Baseball may not be under any obligation to punish Yorvit Torrealba for his actions in a Winter League game, but Stan "The Fan" Charles thinks either the league or the Rangers should impose a meaningful fine or suspension. 

Who Will Make Prince A King?
Jim Henneman shares some random remarks while waiting to see where super salesman Scott Boras unwraps his Prince (Fielder) as either the first present of the new year, or last one of the old.

O's Looking For A New PA Announcer
The Orioles have begun their search for a new public address announcer.  

Are Orioles Still In Fielder Mix?
The Orioles are, according to Sports Illustrated's Jon Heyman, still in the Prince Fielder hunt. Speculation around Fielder died down during recent weeks when Orioles front office leaders said Fielder was not in the team's plans. 
• Orioles Report: O's Apathy Toward Fielder A Lump Of Coal In Fans' Stockings 

Baseball America's Orioles Breakdown A Little Spotty
Baseball America ranks Dylan Bundy as the Orioles' top prospect, with shortstop Manny Machado at two and infielder Jonathan Schoop at three. But things get a little spotty when the magazine tries to predict future lineups. 

O's Upgrading Camden Yards For 2012  
Oriole Park at Camden Yards will be undergoing extensive changes during 2012, including the addition of six statues and an outfield overlook on top of the batter's eye wall in center field, featuring casual seating, a bar and deck seating. 

Orioles Sign Endy Chavez 
The big names still aren't coming, but Orioles continue their very modest spending spree during the offseason. The Birds have reportedly signed seven-year veteran Endy Chavez to be a backup outfielder through a one-year deal.  

Wada, Duquette Not Lost In Translation
In signing Japanese pitcher Tsuyoshi Wada, an interpreter was center stage, but Stan "The Fan" doesn't see much need for an interpreter in Dan Duquette's moves.

Duquette Doesn't Stir Confidence 
Dan Duquette spoke with the media Thursday, but he said nothing to answer specific questions about how the team was addressing legitimate needs beyond taking gambles on journeymen and Japanese pitchers who have to prove they can succeed at the major league level. 

Danny Haas Named National Crosschecker
The Orioles have hired Danny Haas as the club's national crosschecker after 10 seasons as an amateur scout in the Boston Red Sox organization. 

Wada Deal Official 
The Orioles confirmed that they signed Tsuyoshi Wada, a left-handed Japanese pitcher, to a two-year deal Wednesday. The club has an option for a third year as well. 

Deal For Jurrjens, Prado Possible?  
The Orioles aren't ready to part with their cornerstones, but they might have to in order to land pitcher Jair Jurrjens and infielder Martin Prado.   

Ballot Arrives, But Picking 10 Isn't Easy
Hall of Fame voter Phil Jackman shares his thoughts on this year's ballot, which includes former Orioles catcher Javy Lopez and Milford Mill native Brian Jordan. 

There's Plenty Of Seniority, But Where Is Fresh Blood? 
Orioles fans have become accustomed to a team that makes few waves during the offseason. Early indications are that leadership has changed and the band may be back together, but the Birds are playing the same old tune. 

Orioles Reportedly Close To Signing Japanese Pitcher 
Dan Duquette wasn't kidding when he said he'd been tapping into international baseball to build his team. The Orioles are reportedly close to signing Tsuyoshi Wada.

The End Of The Luke Scott Era? 
The Orioles decided not to tender a 2012 offer to outfielder Luke Scott, possibly bringing an end to his tenure in Baltimore. 

The Real Derek Jeter ... Allegedly
PressBox's Baltimore Sports Blog has some questions about Derek Jeter's alleged morning-after gift baskets. 

Orioles Put Themselves In This Situation
After last week's largely inactive winter meetings, it seems the Orioles are simply watching from the sideline as the playoff chase begins now. 

Orioles Again Appear Left Out In Cold 
Stan "The Fan" Charles shares his thoughts on the activity out of baseball's winter meetings and ponders what might have been different if Dan Duquette had been hired earlier in the offseason and therefore had more time to prepare. 

Making Sense Of Pujols' Big Deal 
Is Albert Pujols' 10-year, $250 million contract with the Anaheim Angels the right move for everyone but the Orioles?

Orioles Trade For Pitcher Eveland
The Orioles have acquired left-handed Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Dana Eveland in exchange for minor league left-handed pitcher Jarret Martin and outfielder Tyler Henson.

O's Take Ryan Flaherty In Rule 5 Draft
The Orioles selected infielder Ryan Flaherty from the Cubs organization in the Rule 5 Draft. 

Floyd Would Be Nice Catch For O's 
According to various media reports from Dallas, Dan Duquette has talked to the White Sox about trading for starting pitcher -- and Baltimore native -- Gavin Floyd, as well as outfielder Carlos Quentin.   

Orioles Make Hirings Of Hale And Castro Official  
The Orioles officially announced the hiring of DeMarlo Hale as third base coach and Bill Castro as the bullpen coach. 

Duquette Gets To Work
Dan Duquette is already engaging in trade talks at the winter meetings, according to various reports. During an interview with the MLB Network, Duquette said improving the rotation was a top priority.  

Orioles Report: Orioles Unlikely To Go After Soriano 
The Orioles apparently are downplaying rumors they might be interested in trading for Alfonso Soriano, the fading star for the Chicago Cubs.  

O's Make Major Front Office Moves 
The Orioles finally confirmed Lee Thomas' hiring as special assistant to executive vice president of baseball operations Dan Duquette Saturday, while also announcing Fred Ferreira has been tapped to be executive director of international recruiting.

Winter Meetings Begin Dec. 5  
Baseball's winter meetings start Dec. 5 in Dallas and O's fans will get their first impression of Dan Duquette as a wheeler and dealer. 

O's Acquire Catcher Teagarden
The Orioles shipped minor league pitcher Randy Henry and a player to be named later to Texas for Rangers catcher Taylor Teagarden.  
• Former Philly GM Reportedly Joins O's | FanFest Set For Jan. 21 

Palmeiro Stands Little Chance At The Hall
Rafael Palmeiro is on the ballot for the National Baseball Hall of Fame and the class will be announced in January.

Orioles Continue Shifts In Dugout and Front Office
Bill Castro, a longtime staffer with the Brewers, appears ready to become the bullpen coach in Baltimore, while DeMarlo Hale could become the team's third base coach. 

Could O's Ship Guthrie To Angels?
FoxSports is reporting that the Orioles are talking about a deal that would send the team's "ace" Jeremy Guthrie to Anaheim to play for the Los Angeles Angels.  

Blue Jays Crosschecker To Head Up O's Scouting 
The Orioles are, according to multiple reports, expected to hire Gary Rajsich to replace Joe Jordan as director of scouting. 

What The Orioles Can't Repeat In 2012
The way Matt Palmer sees it, there are a few simple things that need to change if the Orioles are to start the 2012 season with the hopes of becoming relevant.

Is Jim Johnson Headed To Rotation?
If the Orioles are successful in trading for Huston Street to be the team's closer, some are speculating that Kevin Gregg could become the set-up man and Jim Johnson could move to the starting rotation. 
• O's Reportedly Close To Signing Chong Tae-Hyon | Antonelli Deal Official

Bucks Battle: Which Ace Trumps?
While everyone at least somewhat anxiously waits to see where Albert Pujols and Prince Fielder end up, Jim Henneman thinks the real chess match is between super agent Scott Boras and Dan Lozano. 

Two Top O's Have Own Motivation
For years, Dan Duquette and Buck Showalter were considered to be among the best and brightest in their field. Now, both share somewhat diminished reputations in the game in which they have made their mark. Stan "The Fan" Charles thinks this could be the perfect motivation. 

Big Papi A Possibility? All Hall of Famers Getting Statues
Rumors are circulating that the Orioles are trying to negotiate with David Ortiz's agent. Don't get your hopes up. The Red Sox are negotiating with Ortiz as well, and they're unlikely to let a club legend walk away for good. 
• Antonelli A Low-Risk Gamble | Not Pursuing Top-Flight Pitching Will Doom O's 

Duquette Has Work To Do, But Brings Welcome Edge
Jim Henneman thinks the Orioles' disjointed search for a general manager turned out better than expected. 

Roberto Clemente Exhibit Shows At Lewis Museum
"Beyond Baseball: The Life of Roberto Clemente" is an exhibition now being shown at the Reginald F. Lewis Museum in downtown Baltimore. 
• Baseball Books Make Fine Christmas Gifts

Tough Road Ahead For Dan Duquette
Dan Duquette would not commit to defining a long-term plan at his introductory news conference, but it's clear that he has work cut out for him during free agency.
• Orioles, Fans Have To Move On From Hiring Mess

New O's Caps, Uniforms, Appear To Be Hit
The Orioles have gone back to the cartoon bird that seemed lacking in hipness as the '90s dawned. 

O's Simon Can Finally Move On
Alfredo Simon was cleared of all charges in the death of his friend, closing a dark chapter in the pitcher's life. 

Orioles Officially Welcome Duquette
A veteran of over two decades in baseball operations at the Major League level, including 10 seasons as general manager with Montreal Expos and Boston Red Sox, Dan Duquette is now the executive vice president of baseball operations for the Baltimore Orioles.  

Angelos Comments On Hiring Of Dan Duquette
Orioles owner Peter Angelos released a statement today talking about hiring Dan Duquette as executive vice president of baseball operations. "I am pleased to welcome Dan Duquette to the Orioles organization," Angelos said. (Read more). 
• Early Quotes From Dan Duquette   

Video Blog: Cal Ripken Jr. And Brady Anderson
Cal Ripken Jr. and Brady Anderson arrive in Japan and attend a reception at the U.S. Embassy in the latest video blog.  

Duquette Brings Brashness, AL East Experience
With the impending official announcement of Dan Duquette's hiring as the Orioles' general manager, it' s time to evaluate his track record and how he could possibly change the Orioles. 
• Deals Duquette Has Pulled Off Could Provide Insight 

Orioles Confirm Dan Duquette's Hiring
The Orioles announced Monday what broke this weekend -- that former Montreal and Boston general manager Dan Duquette would take on a similar role in Baltimore. 

Video Blog: Cal Ripken Jr.
Cal Ripken Jr. talks about his upcoming trip to Japan as a sports diplomat in the first of his video blogs.  

Sources: Duquette Is Orioles' Next GM 
MLB.com and other sources are reporting that Dan Duquette will be the Orioles' next general manager, with a press conference introduction on Tuesday. 

Is Duquette O's Hail Mary For GM?
Stan "The Fan" Charles weighs in on the rumors of Dan Duquette as the potential new general manager of the Baltimore Orioles. 
• O's Reportedly Close To Signing Dan Duquette As GM

Watson Reportedly Bows Out; Dan Duquette Up Next
Former Red Sox general manager Dan Duquette is slated to interview for the same job with the Orioles. This comes after the third interviewee for the job, De Jon Watson, told the Orioles he was no longer interested in the position. 
• Orioles Report: Would You Take Orioles GM Job?

Markakis, Wieters Earn Gold Gloves 
Two Orioles were honored with Gold Glove awards for the 2011 season -- outfielder Nick Markakis and catcher Matt Wieters.

Proefrock Back In The Conversation?
With Jerry DiPoto and Tony LaCava out of the picture, the Orioles will reportedly turn their attention to interview Phillies assistant GM Scott Proefrock for the vacant general manager position. 

Shhh ... It's The Sound Of Molasses At The Warehouse
To Stan "The Fan" Charles, the search for the Orioles next GM has turned into a fiasco that figures to get worse before it, well ... gets done. 

B.S. Blog: What The Orioles Need Now Is Jose Reyes
Could shortstop Jose Reyes be the right fit for the Orioles? And is he worth what will probably be a $120 million price tag? 

Cal Ripken Jr., Brady Anderson To Travel To Japan
Baseball Hall-of-Famer and Public Diplomacy Envoy Cal Ripken Jr. and former Orioles center fielder Brady Anderson will travel to Japan Nov. 8-16 as sports diplomats. PressBox will follow their journey with video blogs throughout the trip.

Scratch LaCava Off The List As He Turns Job Down
There aren't many Major League Baseball general manager jobs open, but Tony LaCava doesn't want to be the man in Baltimore.