Debbi Taylor

On Nationals, teamwork is catching on

2011-08-29T16:43:21Z

Wilson Ramos has been sharing time behind the plate with Jesus Flores and you might think there's competition between the two young catchers. Well, Ramos told me he only competes against himself to do his best and Flores has the same mindset.

The two have actually helped each other out a lot this season. They work hard together every day and they've become very close friends. Flores said he and Ramos are always talking, before, during and after every game. They discuss opposing pitchers and hitters and their own pitchers' likes, dislikes and tendencies. They also discuss situations during the game as they try to improve and gain more baseball knowledge and strategy. It's something Ramos said he learned from Ivan Rodriguez.

The future Hall of Famer is constantly talking, even though he has been on the disabled list. He is in the dugout, sharing tips with his two young catchers and he even helps out the veterans with batting tips before they head out to home plate. No doubt that is why the Nationals are so strong with their catching corps.

* Despite the Nats' recent losing ways, baseball people around the National League are impressed with direction the ballclub is going. This weekend in Cincinnati, Reds manager Dusty Baker told me the organization has some great players and the Nationals remind him of the Tampa Bay Rays because they have been able to draft and sign their players. He added the team is not far off.

Baker also told me he relied heavily on former Reds Laynce Nix and Jonny Gomes when they were with the Reds. He enjoyed managing both players and admired their tenacity in the game. Gomes always describes himself as someone who has had to earn everything he's gained in baseball and he says he, like Nix, is not a "silver spoon guy." Baker told me he liked the way both players prepared and were ready when called upon.

Being a bench player can be challenging in that regard. Gomes said it was unique for him to play for Baker since he grew up watching him manage the Giants. Gomes grew up in Northern California and he enjoyed watching Baker groom players like Barry Bonds and Jeff Kent. When Gomes got the opportunity to play for Baker he was excited and he learned so much from him.

Baker always told Gomes to stay in the game and be ready to play. He also taught Gomes how to be the RBI guy and drive in runs - "drive the bus and get everyone home," as Gomes put it. That's something that will stick with him the remainder of his career.

* Mark you calendar for Sept. 10 - that's when you can help the Columbia Lighthouse for the Blind, the fourth-oldest nonprofit organization in the Washington, D.C. ,area. Columbia Lighthouse provides programs and services for the blind and visually impaired. Their efforts range from helping babies to seniors and they have a new program to help our veterans.

The first LIght the Way 5K walk/run takes place Sept. 10 at Nationals Park and everyone who signs up will receive a ticket to the game that evening. For more information, click here.

"The Taiwanese Strasburg" gets his first Nats win

2011-08-10T14:54:11Z

The scene outside the Nationals' clubhouse after Chien-Ming Wang earned his first major league win in more than two years was one of jubilation for the hundreds of Taiwanese baseball fans who came to watch the comeback of one of their national heroes.

Over in Taiwan, Wang is considered the "Michael Jordan of baseball." The way the fans reacted to him last night, he may be more like Michael Jackson. Watching Wang after the game was like watching a rock star after a concert. The 31-year-old graciously signed autographs while Taiwanese fans snapped photos and cheered like crazy outside Gate D at Wrigley Field.

As the team bus pulled away from Wrigley Field, one player said Wang is "The Taiwanese Strasburg," referring to Stephen Strasburg, the Nats phenom who finds large crowds following him wherever he goes.

The way Wang has persevered here in the United States is a wonderful baseball story and it is one of determination, perseverance and the love of baseball. During his comeback, Wang had setbacks, but he continued to work hard. Jordan Zimmermann spent many hours working alongside Wang during his own comeback last year and he told me that he noticed how diligent Wang was with his workout routine.

"He was the first one there and the last one to leave," Zimmermann recalled.

Now all that hard work in the weight room and on the back fields of Viera, Fla., is paying off. Wang took a no-hitter into the sixth inning against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field. He looked confident and effective on the mound. His sinker was simply spectacular and he earned his first win as a member of the Washington Nationals in front of his wife and young son.

After the game, he admitted his sinker wasn't as effective in his last outing, but on Tuesday night it was back, to the tune of 12 groundball outs. He was throwing very free and easy.

The Taiwanese fans cheered for Wang before, during and after the game, and the Nats pitcher truly appreciated their support. It may be fitting that there were so many Taiwanese fans sporting the red curly W hats and t-shirts. After all, red in Chinese culture is a symbol of luck and while the curly W actually stands for Washington, the Taiwanese fans believe it means winning.

To Wang, at least it did on this summer night in Chicago.

Beastly Morse and Werth's ties to Hall of Famer Gillick

2011-07-25T12:37:23Z

Dodgers skipper Don Mattingly told me he thinks Michael Morse looks good at first base. Mattingly also described the Nats first baseman to me Sunday morning as "a beast."

"He's a beast. That's one thing I noticed, his size is huge," Mattingly said. "He scares you up there. Honestly he's got pop."

The former Yankees first baseman added Morse is one of those guys who is dangerous because he's strong, big, athletic and physical, and he looks like he's going to be a force.

Jayson Werth spent a lot of time in Philadelphia working alongside former Nationals coach Davey Lopes, who is now the Dodgers first base coach. Werth told me Lopes is the best coach he's ever had.

He said Lopes meant a lot to his career. Lopes was a good teacher and Werth learned so much from him on a variety of topics, ranging from baserunning to little things away from the game. One of the biggest things, though, that Lopes did was instill confidence in Werth. Lopes believed in the outfielder's ability, which was so helpful to his career.

The former Phillies coach told me his best advice to the struggling Werth was to be patient. Lopes knows Werth has the tools and ability; it was just matter of getting an opportunity and then slamming the door, and Werth did just that!

Before Sunday's game against the Dodgers, Werth told me it was cool that Pat Gillick - one of the brightest and most respected baseball executives in the game - was going into the Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, N.Y. After all, Gillick took a shot on Werth twice. Gillick drafted Werth when he was with the Orioles. Then, when the Dodgers released Werth after the 2005 season, Gillick, who by then had moved to the Phillies, was the first to call.

Werth recalled being down and out and at the lowest point of his career after his release from L.A. He found out late in the evening he was released (minutes before the midnight deadline) and then fell asleep on the couch after wondering what he was going to do next. He remembered his phone rang at 7:30 a.m. and he thought, "Who is calling me this early?"

Then he heard Gillick's voice say, "Jayson," as he was leaving a message. Gillick wanted to speak with Werth about joining the Phillies.

Werth described Gillick as a good guy who came to his home in Springfield, Ill. twice. When Gillick worked for Baltimore, he made a visit there and scouted Werth and met his family. Years later, Gillick came to Springfield again as he gave Werth an opportunity with the Phillies that would really alter his career.

Werth appreciated the hard work and dedication that Gillick put into his work over the years, which is why Gillick is now a Hall of Fame executive.

Going for seconds

2011-07-15T01:43:51Z

The Nationals' first half of the season should be something to build on. The team is at the .500 mark with a 46-46 record. When you consider the abundance of injuries and the lack of offense in the first half you have to think the second half of the season could be something special for the Nats.

The makeup of this 2011 team is the best I have seen since I first began covering the club back in 2007. The team's slogan is "Expect It," which is fitting since the players expect to win every night. Their 17 first-half come-from-behind wins came with a lot of exciting finishes but we came to expect them rather than be surprised by them.

Mike Rizzo wanted more leadership on the ballclub and he brought in quality athletic veterans. When you consider the way guys stepped up defensively, the first half was very successful. Michael Morse played outstanding defense at first base and Laynce Nix and Matt Stairs didn't miss a beat while filling in over there, too. With Ryan Zimmerman out for a significant part of the first half, Alex Cora and Jerry Hairston Jr. filled in nicely.

The outfield has been strong, too. Of course the anchor of the Nats defense has been the stellar play up the middle. Both Wilson Ramos and Ivan Rodriguez along with Jesus Flores have been rock solid behind the plate. But, what really makes this team special is the young double play combo of Ian Desmond and Danny Espinosa. Mark my words, they will determine how good this team will be if the pitching is as good or better than it was in the first half.

On his first day on the job in Anaheim, Davey Johnson told his players he believed in them and he thought they were a playoff team. This team is one that has a legitimate chance of making a run at the Wild Card. If you ask the guys in the clubhouse they'll probably say, "Who's thinking Wild Card?" Let's get hot and pass the Phillies!

Bizarre day yields opportunity for McLaren, resolve for streaking Nats

2011-06-24T13:08:57Z

Thursday's turn of events is one of the most bizarre sporting announcements that I have covered. After interviewing Danny Espinosa on the field, I fully expected to walk by Jim Riggleman as he made a trip to the interview room for a post game press conference. Riggleman never came out of the clubhouse. Instead, Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo came out of the clubhouse and made the announcement about Riggleman's resignation.

It was shocking to everyone and unfortunate. Riggleman had asked Rizzo to speak with him this weekend in Chicago about picking up the option on his contract and the Nats GM was not ready to do that.

Regardless of whether Riggleman deserved his option to be picked up or have an extension done, his resignation takes away from the idea of a team. Players are constantly told it's not a "me" game, it's a "team" game.

I'm sure walking away from the manager's job was done out of frustration. Riggleman was constantly asked about his contract status. It's been a topic of conversation for the media and opposing ballclubs.

Moments before Wednesday's game, a fan leaned over the dugout for an autograph from the Nats skipper and he was asked why he wasn't getting an extension. Afterall, the Nats had just won nine of their last 10 games. It seems the weight of a murky future was too tough to take.

Riggleman did not address the team as a group, but he was able to say goodbye to some of his players individually. It was different watching him shake hands and hug some of his players one final time.

I caught up with Ryan Zimmerman after the news and he admitted it was shocking for the players to hear about Riggleman's resignation. Zimmerman enjoyed playing for him.

Baseball is a business. Nats reliever Tyler Clippard said players get traded, sent down and released and it's a part of the game. You must stay focused on the task at hand. He added the team has a good core of veteran players and that will help them do that.

Now, ironically, after sweeping the Mariners, the team will replace Riggleman, a former interim Seattle skipper, with the man he replaced in Seattle, his friend and Nats bench coach John McLaren.

McLaren is a great baseball man and will oversee the ballclub beginning Friday Night against the White Sox. After landing in Chicago last night, he admitted to me it was a strange day for the team and for him.

But, now the focus must turn to beating the White Sox. And as Michael Morse told me, "The show's gotta go on."

Cottier raves about Nats' double play combo

2011-06-05T21:22:37Z

Chuck Cottier is a special assistant to Nationals GM Mike Rizzo, and he has been with the team in Arizona. He told me he likes the direction of the ball club and he's very optimistic when it comes to what he sees out of the Nats' double play combo, Ian Desmond and Danny Espinosa.

In fact, Cottier told me that with their ability, if Desmond and Espinosa continue to work hard, they have a chance to be "the best double play combo in baseball". They are that good. He also said they can be like Alan Trammell and Lou Whittaker were in Detroit. They have the ability to achieve that.

A former big league second baseman himself, Cottier also likes the aggressiveness he sees out of Espinosa at his position. He appreciates his offensive aggressiveness, too. That's a nice compliment from a baseball man who has done a lot in this game.

Cottier managed the Mariners from 1984-86, coached for the Mets, M's, Cubs, Orioles and Phillies and scouted for the Yankees. He played for the Milwaukee Braves, Tigers, Senators and Angels.

In fact, during the summer of 1964, as a Senators second baseman, he once hit two home runs off Yankee Hall of Famer Whitey Ford at RFK Stadium. Now, decades later, he is glad baseball is back in the District and, as one of Mike Rizzo's special advisers, he is eager to bring a winner back to Washington.

Desmond all over the diamond these days

2011-05-17T12:46:37Z

After missing the last two games against the Marlins this weekend, Ian Desmond was back in the lineup Monday night against the Pirates and watching him play you could tell he is feeling better and raring to go.

Lately his defense has really improved and you can see that he is playing with a lot more confidence. We talked about that before the game and he said the credit goes to a lot of people who have supported him along the way. One person who has helped Desmond is five-time All-Star shortstop and former big league skipper Larry Bowa. The two players have had some telephone conversations and Desmond told me Larry and he talked about slowing the game down and just moving through the ball. Larry saw Desmond play in spring training and he also told him he liked the way the Nats' shortstop played. Desmond admitted the conversations have made him feel better and more confident.

Overall the Nationals are playing much improved defense. Marlins skipper Edwin Rodriguez told me this weekend the Nats' defense is night and day compared to a year ago and he expects it to be something that is consistent throughout the season. Desmond credits an identity of having the same team out there most of the time as helping the players become a solid unit defensively.

Entering the Pirates series, Desmond was 13-for-14 in stolen base attempts. I asked why he is having so much success on the base paths and he said it's because he's not the only one stealing. He said his mindset is just go, the goal is to get to the next base and anything can happen. He also explained the Nats' offense, which admittedly has been stagnant at times, sometimes needs a push. Stealing puts pressure on the other team and often pushes them to make mistakes.

Everyone is on the same page and team is communicating well. Desmond told me they are all in unison and now a quarter of the way into the season you can see the results in the win column. He told me the players have one goal and that is winning. They do not accept losing. No doubt this fighting attitude of the 2011 Nationals is going to help build a winner.

For what it's Werth

2011-05-12T21:55:30Z

I was talking to Drew Storen about how nice it was that the Nationals were able to turn this road trip around after such a terrible start and being swept in Philly. He told me the veterans on the ball club really are the reason for the turnaround.

Storen gave credit to Matt Stairs and Jayson Werth for providing a consistent daily approach, saying the way Werth carries himself really rubs off on everyone. He added that Werth doesn't ride an emotional roller coaster and that is big.

Shortly after this conversation, I wandered over to Werth's locker and told him what Storen had said to me. I asked him if he knew what an impact he was making on young players on the team like Storen.

He told he was aware of it and he said he was fortunate over his career as a young player to have good veteran leadership around him.

Werth went on to single out one player who really helped him along the way in 2004 when he was younger and played for the Dodgers. That player was Nats utilityman Alex Cora.

"He was always positive and good for me," Werth explained. "He believed in me and was always a good, positive influence on my career and my game."

Werth added that Cora's attitude never wavered. He was always in Werth's corner.

Now, years later, when the Nationals ride the roller coaster of ups and downs in a game, Werth tries to be the type of leader his teammate Alex Cora was for him.

"I'm glad I can generate that same type of feeling toward other players," Werth said.

After all, he was once in their shoes. For Cora, it puts a smile on his face to see how Werth is acting these days.

"I'm so proud of what he's become," Cora told me. "He's a good athlete and it's impressive to see him as a player come full circle."

Hernandez hopes to avoid walks, Ankiel ad offers thanks to Cards fans

2011-04-22T16:02:39Z

Livan Hernandez told me Thursday he likes the way the Nationals are playing overall. He said the key for him is just going out and pitching. He said it's been good to be a part of a starting rotation that has gone at least five innings in each start. The Nats' starters are the only club in baseball to continue doing that.

Don't walk this way: Hernandez has not walked a batter in his last two starts. But he did issue five walks against the Marlins and that's something pitching coach Steve McCatty does not want to be reminded of.

"I don't tolerate walks," McCatty told me Thursday before starter Tom Gorzelanny struggled with his command.

McCatty did say he appreciates the consistency that Livan brings to the staff.

"He does his thing and it's impressive", McCatty added.

Respect for Rick: Cardinals skipper Tony LaRussa told me Nats outfielder Rick Ankiel has so much potential and talent. LaRussa said the more Ankiel plays, the better he will get.

LaRussa also said Ankiel is at the top of his list in terms of respect, especially after everything he went through to convert from being a pitcher to an outfielder and making it back to the majors.

Ankiel told me he signed with the Cards at 18 and played in the organization until the was 30, so he really grew up there.

"Tony and (pitching coach) Dave Duncan basically raised me," he said. "They helped me become a man."

But when facing the Cardinals as a Nat, some things have changed. "Now I want to kick their butts," Ankiel said.

Ankiel felt so fondly of the fans in St. Louis that he took out an ad this week in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch to thank them for their support over the years.

He also told me that with the direction the Nationals organization is going in, the fan support will be there, too.

Werth the wait

2011-04-05T16:07:34Z

Jayson Werth is settling in with the Nationals both on the field and off. He has a chance to make a big impact on the ballclub and he knows it.

His first impressions of D.C. have been positive. He says the fans are good and he wants to turn Washington into a baseball town. Right now, Jayson's top priority is winning. That's why he's here. He admitted to me winning isn't easy but with hard work and some luck, it will come.

"We have a lot of chemistry to build on," he said. "Time will tell ... who knows - we might be there at the end."

Werth credits Nats GM Mike Rizzo for acquiring players with good character. That can make such a difference during the grind of a 162 game schedule. The 2011 veterans understand their role and it seems like this group is all on the same page.

It also helps to have Werth as a leader. Many of the younger players have told me how helpful he has been. After all, he comes from the Philadelphia Phillies organization where he learned a lot about professionalism.

"I feel like I lead by example," Werth said. "I came from a place with a lot of veterans where we got to see true professionals. Hopefully I can bring a little of that here with me and help mold these guys into the type of players they can be."

Miami Nice

One final note: After a cold weekend in Washington, the Nats are enjoying some 80 degree weather here in Miami! Take a look at this view (photo above) from our hotel room in Sunny Isles Beach, Fla.

For Nats, spring hopes eternal

2011-03-25T15:37:32Z

There is a feeling of optimism surrounding the 2011 Washington Nationals. The veterans general manager Mike Rizzo brought in during the offseason are having an immediate impact.

Jayson Werth sets the tone with his professionalism and desire to win. He is a baseball player and a guy the younger Nats watch, listen to and try to emulate. Jayson is a proven winner and that's what this team needs to turn things around.

"We are sick of losing," John Lannan told me this spring. The organization has made moves to improve the ballclub and the players appreciate that.

Ryan Zimmerman likes the fact there are more veterans on the team. He admitted it helps him focus on himself more.

This clubhouse will police itself, which will make things a lot easier for many people in the organization. Most importantly, manager Jim Riggleman has a supporting cast that will help him focus on the baseball aspect of things. He shouldn't have to worry if his players are ready or focused. That should be automatic with a professional ballplayer.

There is a new culture surrounding this team and it's moving in the right direction toward building a winner.

As the final cuts of the spring are made this week, we'll see the team start to take on a personality that should only get better as the guys get to know each other both on and off the field.

Hope springs eternal. Let's play ball, D.C.!

Covering the Bases with Danny Espinosa

2010-09-30T17:55:56Z

The kid from Santa Ana, California who grew up loving baseball ever since he was first introduced to the sport at the age of three, when he played coach pitch baseball and had to stay with the coach at all times because of his diminutive size. That was Danny Espinosa.

Recently, Espinosa spoke to a group of fourth and fifth graders from the Hendley Elementary School in conjunction with the Israel Embassy. He told them the at their age he was told the idea of being a major league player was not realistic - But, he believed in himself and through hard work and determination he's making it.

So far, Danny has really opened the eyes of those watching him. He's got great range and a fantastic throwing arm. While he will still have to earn the second base job next year (GM Mike Rizzo says nothing is being handed to him), the 23-year-old is doing everything he can to secure it.

Besides making a great impression in September, he is going to play winter ball in Puerto Rico for the team that third base coach Pat Listach is managing. He's doing whatever he can to get an edge leading into spring training.

As the Nats wrapped up their home season on Wednesday, I had a chance to speak with owner Mark Lerner. For him, one of the most memorable moments of 2010 was watching his young second baseman in his explosive home debut.

In his first home at bat Espinosa knocked one out of the park, and later in the game he hit a grand slam - A pretty good night night for the kid, driving in six against the Mets on September 6 and sending the fans home with a curly W and a fantastic first impression.

The best thing about Danny, to me, is that he's got a burning desire to win. You can see it the way he leaves it all out on the field. He wants to get better and is working diligently alongside Ian Desmond to do that. With these two young men anchoring the infield along with Ryan Zimmerman, the future in DC is awfully bright. Do stay tuned!

Sitting down with Mike Rizzo

2010-09-19T18:41:52Z

Mike Rizzo and the Nationals decided to scout and sign pitcher Yunesky Maya. Maya, a 29-year-old righty from Cuba, was given a Major League contract by the Nationals earlier this season.

Maya has lost his first two starts, but is getting better with each outing.

Debbi also had the chance to ask the Nats' general manager about young talent like Danny Espinosa and Ian Desmond.

In addition, Mike touched on evaluating the team during the month of September.

To view this interview in its entirety, watch the video below.

Burnett on his recent success: "Healthy, that's the big thing"

2010-09-15T16:38:17Z

The Washington Nationals acquired left-handed reliever Sean Burnett and outfielder Nyjer Morgan from the Pittsburgh Pirates on June 30, 2009.

Since that trade, Burnett has become a staple in the Nats' bullpen, filling many roles. Debbi had a chance to catch up with Burnett to talk about his success this year.

Burnett touches on the challenge of pitching to left-handed hitters and admits that he knows there's room for improvement.

Riggleman gives his thoughts on the Nats getting out of their slump

2010-09-14T23:45:27Z

The Nats have been mired in an offensive slump that has led to a six game losing streak. Debbi talked to manager Jim Riggleman about how to get out of their slump.

Jim said the only way out of the losing streak is to win. He talked about the development of the younger players like Ian Desmond and Danny Espinosa, while discussing his feelings for the veteran players.

For all of Jim's thoughts, watch the entire interview below.