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Go with the Flo... Nats catcher Jesus Flores grew up in Carupano, Venezuela speaking Spanish, but he has made incredible strides in mastering the English language since becoming a professional baseball player. Manny Acta told me it is extremely important for Flores to speak English so he can communicate clear messages from him, pitching coach Randy St. Claire and bullpen coach Randy Knorr. Flores
Rookie Hopes to End Road Woes... Nats Rookie pitcher Jordan Zimmerman said he is looking forward to pitching in front of a packed Citi Field and under the spotlight in New York. The stage doesn't get any bigger than this for the young righty who is trying to help the Nats end an eight-game road losing streak (16 dating back to last season -
Lannan Successful with First Pitch... John Lannan threw first pitch strikes to 17 of the 28 Braves batters that he faced on Wednesday night. That's something that Nats pitching coach Randy St. Claire has been preaching to the 24-year-old lefty since he first put on a big league uniform. Lannan also told me before his start that just as good hitting is contagious, good
Justin Maxwell is adjusting well to his new role with the Nationals, even though it's only been a couple of days. He's also adjusting to being a first time father, but more on that in a moment. Manny Acta told the 25-year-old he would primarily be coming off the bench as a defensive replacement. Last night Justin entered the game in the 8th inning
Nats outfielder Roger Bernadina visited the Nats clubhouse this morning just hours after having two screws put in his fractured right ankle. He could be walking in a month, and he told me he hopes to begin his rehab in about two months, though he added that he wants to be one hundred percent healthy and not rush back. His spirits seemed upbeat despite
Ollie Rematch with friends now foes: The Marlins... Scott Olsen spent some time Friday renewing acquaintances with his former Florida teammates. During the baseball season this year, Olsen has a tenant in his South Florida home--Marlins closer Matt Lindstrom. Olsen told me that so far Lindstrom is neat, keeping it clean and making sure it's all locked up and the air conditioning is turned
Caps forward Brooks Laich took in the game Thursday night with his dad, Harold. The Caps are in the playoffs and coming off a disappointing Game One 4-3 loss to the Rangers, so it was nice for Laich to take a break from the rink for a little bit and take in his first Nationals game. He was impressed with Nationals Park and had
There was a sad feeling at Nationals Park today with the passing of Hall of Fame broadcaster Harry Kalas. Nats Assistant GM and VP Bob Boone told me he was shocked and saddened by the sudden death of the longtime voice of the Phillies. Austin Kearns described Kalas as having an "awesome voice" and Josh Willingham told me before the game he especially liked
Second baseman Willie Harris is going to be re-evaluated Monday in Washington. After Sunday's game Manny Acta admitted the second base position is a concern to him. It looks like Anderson Hernandez might be brought back sooner than expected from his rehab start. The Nats are looking forward to returning to Washington for their home opener. Slugger Adam Dunn said it's just what the
Nats first base coach and former Expos and Braves Outfielder Marquis Grissom is spending his day off here in Atlanta giving back to the community. He's kicking off the grand opening of the Marquis Grissom Field of Dreams located about 20 minutes outside of Atlanta. It's a Spring Extravaganza with a special Easter egg hunt for the little ones. Grissom told me it was
Former Marlins starter Scott Olsen told me he spent a good part of Opening Day catching up with old friends on the home side of Dolphins Stadium. You can tell a lot about the character of a player when he takes time out not only for his former teamates and front office staff but also for the clubhouse guys, security guards and ushers. In
Before Saturday's game, Ryan Zimmerman said this Nationals team already has better chemistry than last year's squad. He said the guys get along and have fun. Zimmerman added that the 2009 team has better defense and that should help the Nats avoid giving teams extra outs. After the game, Manny Acta said Austin Kearns earned the right field job. Acta said Kearns made adjustments
It was nice to visit with Nats LHP Matt Chico in Viera recently. The promising lefty had his summer interrupted last season because of pain in his pitching arm. Now he's trying to come back after having Tommy John surgery. The Nats southpaw was a lock last spring for a spot in the starting rotation and now he's enduring an uphill battle to salvage
