Pete Kerzel

Ready to close, Storen grateful for vote of confidence

Ready to close, Storen grateful for vote of confidence
Though Drew Storen struggled in his two postseasons, there won't be any closer controversy as the Nationals enter spring training. At the Winter Meetings in San Diego, general manager Mike Rizzo said that the right-hander would handle the ninth inning for the Nats in 2015. "Any guy throwing late in games wants to be closer, but think more important to have that vote of confidence from Matt (Williams) and management is great. It means a lot," Storen said. "It doesn't change my approach to...
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Josh Land

Closer role an option for Clippard

Closer role an option for Clippard
There was a lot of debate in 2014 about who should assume the closer role for the Nationals. Rafael Soriano was brought in to shut the door in the ninth before 2012, but seven blown saves and myriad other close calls in 2014 left fans with little confidence, and even fewer fingernails, as the final three outs seemed to constantly be a struggle to obtain. Drew Storen assumed the role, too, racking up 11 saves, including 10 consecutive saves during the team's September stretch run. Still, as...
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Pete Kerzel

Source: Blue Jays have not contacted Rizzo about president/CEO job

Source: Blue Jays have not contacted Rizzo about president/CEO job
Nothing like a hot rumor to spice up NatsFest, though this one had nothing to do with a big trade or free agent signing. ESPN.com's Jerry Crasnick reported Saturday afternoon that the Toronto Blue Jays are interested in Nationals president of baseball operations and general manager Mike Rizzo, who they'd like to hire as their new president/CEO when Paul Beeston relinquishes those roles after the 2015 season. Rizzo, who has already met with the media during a scheduled session at NatsFest,...
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Pete Kerzel

Zimmermann and Fister on their futures in Washington

Zimmermann and Fister on their futures in Washington
Jordan Zimmermann knows what it will take to keep him in a Nationals uniform, and he's more than willing to let the process surrounding a long-term contract extension take its course. "If it's fair value, like I've said all along, I'd gladly sign," Zimmermann said. "At the end of the day, it's got to be something that's fair. If it's not, then I'll be moving on." How much Zimmermann, 28, is worth to the Nationals is the sticking point. He's going to be a free agent at the end of...
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Pete Kerzel

Desmond: "I want to be here and play here"

Desmond: "I want to be here and play here"
In a week where his name cropped up in trade rumors at the Winter Meetings, shortstop Ian Desmond left little doubt that he'd like to remain with the Nationals. Speaking during his media availability at NatsFest on Saturday, Desmond said he understood why his name was bandied about at the Winter Meetings, once as part of a blockbuster deal that would have sent him to Seattle. He said general manager Mike Rizzo has a job to do and acknowledged that his status as a free agent after the 2015...
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Josh Land

Frandsen on second base: "If opportunity arises, I'm going to take it"

Frandsen on second base: "If opportunity arises, I'm going to take it"
Let's not mince words. The Nationals are looking for an everyday second baseman. Kevin Frandsen wants the gig. "I mean, doesn't everyone?" Frandsen told reporters Saturday at NatsFest. "Do you want to write every day? You want to write every day. That's part of your job. I want to play every day. But is that like me saying, 'I demand?' No, it's the mentality you have to have." It's certainly the mentality Frandsen has heading into 2015. The Nationals utility infielder is entering...
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Pete Kerzel

Rendon's second thoughts

Rendon's second thoughts
Anthony Rendon didn't torment himself watching the rest of the postseason play out after the Nationals were eliminated in the National League Division Series. He's played some golf and immersed himself in basketball season, tuning in on his hometown Houston Rockets via DirecTV to take some of the sting away from the Nats' disappointing first-round ouster. "I guess (seeing the Giants win) made it a little bit easier, I guess, for me," he said at NatsFest. "Might be terrible to say, but...
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Pete Kerzel

Rizzo on Harper grievance and absence, Werth and Detwiler deal

Rizzo on Harper grievance and absence, Werth and Detwiler deal
Bryce Harper's upcoming grievance hearing to determine whether he can opt out of his contract and into salary arbitration will be held Tuesday in New York. But the potentially contentious faceoff has already had an effect on Harper and the Nationals. Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo said the star outfielder opted not to attend NatsFest, though he had previously been listed by the team among the participating players, because of the hearing, which will be held in New York. "We're...
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Josh Land

#NatsFest: Social buzz from around the MASN booth

#NatsFest: Social buzz from around the MASN booth
It's that time of year again, when you get to celebrate your favorite ballclub. You know the drill: Today will be filled with Nationals player appearances, picture sessions, Q&As and much more! Come by the MASN booth, where we'll have brand-new games, including the #SwagGrab Claw Machine. Check back here for videos and pictures throughout the day, and we'll see you at the MASN booth. The Claaaaaw. Come try it at the MASN booth at #NatsFest. #SwagGrab https://t.co/j36pqUi36D—...
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Pete Kerzel

Welcome to NatsFest!

Welcome to NatsFest!
Well, the day that many Nationals fans have been waiting for since the final pitch of the 2014 season has finally arrived. It's time for NatsFest. What, you thought I meant the day that pitchers and catchers report to Space Coast Stadium? Those of you attending today's winter baseball carnival at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center will want to make sure to stop by the MASN booth. You can learn more about what's going on in our little corner of the Convention Center here. But...
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Lindsay Rykiel

Win big with MASN at NatsFest on Saturday

Win big with MASN at NatsFest on Saturday
Still craving Nationals baseball after the Winter Meetings wrapped up in San Diego? Well, you're in luck. It's once again time to break out the Natitude on Saturday at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center for NatsFest! You know the drill: MASN will be on-site all afternoon hooking you up with Nats gear, autographed memorabilia, and chances to rub elbows with your favorite players and on-air personalities. For all of the NatsFest veterans out there, you'll notice some changes to...
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Pete Kerzel

Nationals announce plans for NatsFest on Dec. 13 (updated)

Nationals announce plans for NatsFest on Dec. 13 (updated)
We already knew NatsFest was being held Dec. 13, and that the annual winter baseball carnival was returning to the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, a downtown location that provides easier access for Nationals fans. Now we have a better idea of some of the team-sponsored activities that will occur from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. (or starting at 10 a.m. if you're a season plan holder). Eight different stations inside the Convention Center will host 51 separate events, and you'll have to pick and...
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Pete Kerzel

Convention Center to host NatsFest on Dec. 13

Convention Center to host NatsFest on Dec. 13
NatsFest is returning to the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, and will be held Dec. 13, from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Tickets will be available for purchase online here beginning Wednesday, Oct. 29 at 10 a.m. The fun-filled baseball festival - coming on the heels of the team's second National League East title in three seasons - will give fans of all ages the opportunity to interact with select Nationals players and team personnel. Among the activities will be live batting cages, exclusive...
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Josh Land

Nationals Chatter: Offseason report card, ESPN commercial and NatsFest wrap up

Nationals Chatter: Offseason report card, ESPN commercial and NatsFest wrap up
With NatsFest officially in the books, we are one week closer to spring training. There are still a few weeks left of the offseason, however, and many are still talking about the Nationals. * SI.com's Jay Jaffe released his offseason report cards for each team in baseball. Jaffe was very impressed with Mike Rizzo's offseason so far, which includes the hiring of first-year manager Matt Williams. Jaffe gave the Nationals an offseason grade of B+. He points out that the Nationals only spent...
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Josh Land

That's a wrap: One last look at NatsFest

That's a wrap: One last look at NatsFest
NatsFest on Saturday was a blast. We had so much fun meeting Nationals fans at the MASN booth, where we had photo shoots with players, trivia sessions and prize giveaways. By the time more than 8,400 Nats fans left the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center, we had given away signed gear from Gio Gonzalez, Ryan Zimmerman, Denard Span and Drew Storen. We also awarded fans with posters, Nats bags and shirts, and we even hooked up some lucky fans with suite tickets. For a full recap,...
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Dan Kolko

Final notes and quotes from NatsFest

Final notes and quotes from NatsFest
The Nationals announced that more than 8,400 people showed up today at NatsFest. Hope everyone who did had a blast. Unfortunately, as is almost always the case with these events, I was pretty much stashed away in a media work room, making the walk from the interview area to my laptop and then back to the interview area. Wish I could've seen more of the sights and sounds around the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center. Here are a handful of final notes and quotes from a jam-packed...
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Pete Kerzel

Hernandez hoping Nats extend a job offer

Hernandez hoping Nats extend a job offer
Even before his Nationals career was over, Livan Hernandez was talking about how he'd like to return to the organization once he had thrown his last pitch. He wanted to be able to work with young pitchers, impart the knowledge that helped him forge a 17-year major league career, five of those seasons spent in a Washington uniform (and two before that north of the border with the Expos). Now it appears that dream may become a reality. Appearing at NatsFest on Saturday, the 38-year-old...
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Pete Kerzel

Any role Nats throw at him is fine for Roark

Any role Nats throw at him is fine for Roark
Whatever the Nationals want him to do is just fine with Tanner Roark. "If they want me to throw one pitch to one guy, I'll do it," he said. "Anything to help out the team. It's a different mindset. Starting, you've got four days to prepare yourself. Relieving, you flip that switch right away once you hear that phone ring. Everybody looks back to see who's name will be called. But I like starting, I guess." Coming off a spectacular 2013 campaign where he went 7-1 with a 1.51 ERA in 14...
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Pete Kerzel

Clippard mum on how he'll fare in arbitration

Clippard mum on how he'll fare in arbitration
If Nationals reliever Tyler Clippard has a sense of how his impending run through the arbitration process will unfold, he's keeping it close to the vest. "I don't know, we'll see how it all plays out," the veteran right-hander said when asked if he expected to go to an arbitration hearing with the Nats. Clippard has filed for arbitration and, since he wasn't able to reach an agreement with the Nationals, he and his representatives have exchanged proposed salary figures with the...
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Pete Kerzel

Rendon knows Williams, still working on footwork at second

Rendon knows Williams, still working on footwork at second
Anthony Rendon won't have to worry about switching between positions in spring training. No more grounders at third base, followed by intensive footwork sessions at second, then back to the hot corner. He goes into camp at the incumbent second baseman and thinks that comfort level will be a plus. "I think that will help me tremendously," he said at NatsFest. "I think that will be a positive that I can stay in one area, continue to work on my footwork, continue to learn the position as much...
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