Josh Land

Williams hasn't decided starter for exhibition opener, updates on Escobar, Zimmerman

February 27, 2015, 12:15pm

VIERA, Fla. - Nationals manager Matt Williams said all of his pitchers are healthy and pitching well even after heavy bullpen sessions the past couple of days. The staff will get a day off tomorrow before throwing live batting practice beginning Sunday. "We'll do that for a couple of days and get them some hitters to look at," Williams said. "Everybody's on track. Everybody feels good about it. I think we're where we need to be at this point." It's unknown who will be on the mound in...

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Roundup: Span's birthday, Scherzer's first week, Espinosa's swing (with video)

February 27, 2015, 10:10am

Nationals

Roundup: Span's birthday, Scherzer's first week, Espinosa's swing (with video)

VIERA, Fla. - This morning's workout began with the team singing "Happy Birthday" to center fielder Denard Span. "It was heartfelt man," Span said. "It felt good. Birthdays are birthdays. You start to get a little bit older and birthdays don't mean as much as they used to, but it was a lot of fun getting put in the circle and everybody singing." While in the circle, Span showed off some of his best dance moves as teammates clapped and shouted. "They told me to do the Carlton dance...

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No more second thoughts for Yunel Escobar

February 26, 2015, 6:44pm

Nationals

No more second thoughts for Yunel Escobar

VIERA, Fla. - Yunel Escobar wasn't thrilled when he found out he was headed to the Nationals in a trade last month. That's because Nats general manager Mike Rizzo made the move to acquire Escobar not to play shortstop, but rather second base, a position the 32-year-old hasn't seen action at since his rookie season in 2007. "I had a conversation with him through his interpreter over the phone that day, the day the trade was official, and explained our desire to him," Nationals manager Matt...

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Even on shelf, Jayson Werth takes part in first full-squad workout

February 26, 2015, 12:17pm

Nationals

Even on shelf, Jayson Werth takes part in first full-squad workout

VIERA, Fla. - Jayson Werth was on the field this morning as the Nationals began their first official full-squad workouts in preparation for the 2015 season. He was limited though, not participating in any throwing or hitting drills, while still recovering from right shoulder surgery early last month. Werth continues to focus on opening day as a return date with the initial rehabilitation period being two to three months after the procedure. "That's kind of my goal," he said today. "Again...

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Versatile Mike Carp could provide value off the bench

February 26, 2015, 6:15am

Nationals

Versatile Mike Carp could provide value off the bench

VIERA, Fla. - In January, general manager Mike Rizzo signed Mike Carp to a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training. Carp appeared in 41 games in left field and 29 games at first base for Boston in 2013 and was an important utility option for the Red Sox during their run to a World Series championship. While splitting time mostly between left field and first base that year, Carp hit .296 with nine home runs, 43 RBIs and an .885 OPS. However, his production submarined in 2014,...

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Throwback Thursday: A standoff for the ages

February 26, 2015, 5:51am

Nationals

Throwback Thursday: A standoff for the ages

After the national anthem in sunny Colorado, Aaron Barrett and Brandon Barnes remained standing with their caps on their chests. They were locked in an epic standoff. Barrett had the support of the Nationals bench as teammates treated the pitcher to water and sunscreen. Even Bryce Harper looked out for Barrett's safety with a helmet and elbow guard. Obviously, it was intense. Relive the amazing standoff in the video below. Trust me, it's worth watching.

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Throwback Thursday: It's a bird, it's a plane, it's ...

February 26, 2015, 5:32am

Orioles

Throwback Thursday: It's a bird, it's a plane, it's ...

With the recent addition of Everth Cabrera, it looks like the Orioles roster is coming together, but there are still position battles to be fought. Right now, David Lough is fighting for a spot on the 25-man roster. In his first year in Baltimore, Lough contributed some memorable moments to a memorable season. The one that comes to mind for me is ... well, let's watch it instead of reading about it. Relive Lough's incredible catch in the video below.

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No limits for Anthony Rendon's greatness

February 25, 2015, 7:13pm

Nationals

No limits for Anthony Rendon's greatness

VIERA, Fla. - Anthony Rendon does not walk around with a superstar-type aura surrounding him. Yet the 24-year-old infielder appears to be just that. He's entering his third season in the majors, coming off a tremendous sophomore campaign where he hit .287 with 21 home runs, 83 RBIs and a league-leading 111 runs scored. The media-shy Rendon didn't escape the accolades of the Silver Slugger as best offensive third baseman, while also finishing fifth in the National League MVP voting. "My game...

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Harper's not lacking confidence

February 25, 2015, 2:12pm

Nationals

VIERA, Fla. - If Bryce Harper can back up the words he spoke this afternoon, then notify the park police: There's going to be a parade with red and white floats coming down Constitution Avenue in early November. Oozing with confidence, the 22-year-old Harper sat on the bench in the first base dugout at Space Coast Stadium and delivered his preamble for the 2015 Nationals season. "I absolutely love this organization," Harper said. "I love the city that I play for. And I'm not done here....

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More Harper on grievance, Rizzo, Scherzer, rotation and expectations

February 25, 2015, 1:01pm

Nationals

More Harper on grievance, Rizzo, Scherzer, rotation and expectations

SARASOTA, Fla. - Some other gems from Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper, who held his first media session of spring training this afternoon: On any hard feelings from his grievance against the club and his relationship with Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo: "Mike's awesome. Truly. If I had a problem, I'd probably tell him straight to his face because that's how he is and that's how we are. I absolutely love Mike Rizzo, and the way he went about everything, it's business and that's...

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A "lean" Harper is here and Williams is excited (with photos, video)

February 25, 2015, 11:17am

Nationals

A "lean" Harper is here and Williams is excited (with photos, video)

VIERA, Fla. - Nationals Manager Matt Williams took the field at Space Coast Stadium to throw some batting practice to a handful of his talented hitters. The group included Anthony Rendon, Denard Span, Ian Desmond and Bryce Harper. The 22-year-old Harper made his first appearance of spring training in the clubhouse this morning, showing a trim but bulked-up frame after the four-month offseason. "Reporting today, he looked in great shape," said Williams. "He's lean. He's really lean. He's...

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Orioles sign free agent infielder Everth Cabrera to one-year contract

February 25, 2015, 4:05am

Orioles

The Orioles today announced that they have signed free agent infielder Everth Cabrera to a one-year contract. Cabrera, 28, was a National League All-Star in 2013, becoming the first Nicaraguan-born position player to be named to an All-Star team. Cabrera batted .232/.272/.300 with three home runs and 20 RBI in 90 games with the Padres in 2014. In 481 career games, he has hit .248/.319/.333 with 12 home runs, 128 RBI, and 136 stolen bases. In 2013, he set career-highs in batting average...

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Replacing Clippard isn't easy

February 24, 2015, 6:54pm

Nationals

When evaluating the Nationals as they prepare to embark on a season with the highest of expectations, it's easy to get caught up in the incredible starting rotation that general manager Mike Rizzo has assembled. Few uncertainties surround this team, but a glaring one is the dilemma of who will step in to replace the departed Tyler Clippard. The reliable right-hander was expected to resume his role as the eighth-inning set-up man in 2015 until Rizzo traded him to Oakland for infielder Yunel...

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Williams Day Four roundup (plus, when do we see The Babe?)

February 24, 2015, 12:54pm

Nationals

Williams Day Four roundup (plus, when do we see The Babe?)

VIERA, Fla. - One more day of physicals tomorrow for all position players and then Thursday begins official full roster workouts. Nationals manager Matt Williams said all pitchers are healthy through the first four days. "Everybody's good," Williams added. "Nothing more than spring training legs and backs. That's part of the deal." For the second consecutive day, Williams began the morning on the Space Coast Stadium infield going through fundamental drills with Ryan Zimmerman at first...

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Nationals announce mini plans for 2015 season

February 24, 2015, 6:08am

Nationals

Beginning today, Washington Nationals fans will have the opportunity to choose between four exciting mini ticket plans to catch some of the hottest games of the 2015 season. This year's Mini Plans include: * Manager of the Year Plan (15 games): Celebrate Manager Matt Williams' 2014 Manager of the Year Award by signing up for this unique plan. This offer is comprised of 15 matchups including games against the Cardinals, Blue Jays, Padres and Pirates, among many others. This plan offers the...

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Zimmerman ready to prove himself at first base

February 24, 2015, 5:19am

Nationals

Zimmerman ready to prove himself at first base

VIERA, Fla. - It's a new year and a new position for Ryan Zimmerman. Aside from injuries, Zimmerman has been the Nationals third baseman ever since he was the first player drafted by the organization after moving to Washington in 2005. But those injuries, combined with the departure of Adam LaRoche and the emergence of Anthony Rendon, have forced the Nationals to move Zimmerman across the diamond to first base, a position he has little experience playing, having seen action in only 18 innings...

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All eyes on Escobar

February 24, 2015, 2:04am

Nationals

VIERA, Fla. - All position players are due to report for Nationals spring training today. As of Monday evening, outfielders Jayson Werth and Mike Carp, and infielders Wilmer Difo and Yunel Escobar were the only players who had not yet appeared at Space Coast Stadium. Much of the focus will be on Escobar when he trots out to his new second base position on Thursday, the first day of full-squad workouts. The Nationals traded Tyler Clippard, one of baseball's most reliable relievers, in order to...

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Despite rumors, Desmond is ready to "enjoy this ride" (plus pics)

February 23, 2015, 10:46am

Nationals

Despite rumors, Desmond is ready to "enjoy this ride" (plus pics)

VIERA, Fla. - No player has been in the Nationals organization longer than Ian Desmond, who was selected by the Expos in the third round of the 2004 First-Year Player Draft. But Desmond's tenure as Nats shortstop is threatened by his looming free agency at the end of this season. Desmond spent this offseason in the vulnerable position of hearing his name floated in trade rumors. That speculation intensified after Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo acquired infielder Yunel Escobar from...

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Zimmerman, Desmond arrive in camp with important springs looming

February 23, 2015, 5:34am

Nationals

Zimmerman, Desmond arrive in camp with important springs looming

VIERA, Fla. - Ryan Zimmerman and Ian Desmond strolled into the clubhouse at Space Coast Stadium this morning, a day before position players are required to show up. After some high fives and hugs with teammates and coaches, Zimmerman settled into his far corner locker. It was no surprise when the Nationals opted not to bring free agent first baseman Adam LaRoche back. Zimmerman has battled injuries the past few years and the best option was to move him across the diamond to first base -...

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Watch three "Orioles Classics" this week on MASN HD

February 23, 2015, 4:52am

Orioles

Raise you hand if you're done with Old Man Winter. Yeah, me too. After yet another snowstorm, the sights coming out of Sarasota are looking better every day. While we're still five days away from Orioles spring training games, you can enjoy three "Orioles Classics" this week on MASN HD. Here's what's on deck: Monday, Feb. 23, 7 p.m.: You don't want to miss the Orioles' 60th anniversary game from Aug. 8. Chris Tillman pitched 6 2/3 innings and allowed just two earned runs. Manny...