Josh Land

Dave Nichols: A few of my favorite things

April 08, 2011, 5:46am

It's Friday, the Nationals had had a bit of a tough week, and I've brought enough gloom and doom in my first four posts this week to last for a while. If you've read all of my previous posts here, or follow my blog or my Twitter account, some of you may even wonder if there's anything about this team I actually do like. Well, with apologies to Oprah and Julie Andrews (how's that for obscure references in a baseball blog)?, let me share with you some of my favorite things about the 2011...

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Stacey Long: Keep O's hot start in perspective

April 08, 2011, 5:16am

Orioles

Stacey Long: Keep O's hot start in perspective

Did you know that the Orioles, not counting this year, have started the season 5-1 10 times (11 if you count the 1889 Orioles; I don't)? It seems like it's been forever since they started off a season this well, right? Wrong. The 2008 Orioles also started the season 5-1. They ended the season 68-93. They also started 5-1 in 2000 and ended with 74 wins, and in 1998 when they ended with 79 wins. In 1987 they started 5-1 and ended up with just 67 wins. Ouch. They also started 5-1 in 1966,...

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Stacey Long: The importance of Josh Rupe

April 07, 2011, 6:00am

Orioles

Stacey Long: The importance of Josh Rupe

In last night's loss to the Detroit Tigers, Josh Rupe pitched in relief and had what appeared to be a subpar outing. While he did give up two runs in three innings, Rupe actually saved the bullpen from what could have been a very taxing evening and subsequently a rough weekend. With starter Brad Bergesen unable to make it out of the fourth inning, the Orioles' bullpen was called on to pitch 5 1/3 innings in relief, not an easy task. With another game against the Tigers today and a weekend...

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Dave Nichols: Morgan's departure forces tough fit at leadoff spot

April 07, 2011, 5:43am

Nationals

Dave Nichols: Morgan's departure forces tough fit at leadoff spot

When the Nationals traded Nyjer Morgan to the Milwaukee Brewers this spring, manager Jim Riggleman was left with an interesting decision. Having no prototypical leadoff hitter on the roster, who would he slot in that position? It's not like Morgan was the perfect choice. Once heralded as the center fielder of the present and future by general manager Mike Rizzo, Morgan has some serious flaws as a player and some will cite his erratic behavior last season, saying he may have significant...

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Dave Nichols: Rizzo defends remade bench against early criticism

April 06, 2011, 6:44am

Nationals

Dave Nichols: Rizzo defends remade bench against early criticism

The Washington Nationals spent much of the offseason trying to land a top-of-the-rotation starting pitcher, chasing after Cliff Lee, Zack Greinke and others to stabilize a starting staff that was in the lower third in the National League in almost every meaningful category in 2010. But general manager Mike Rizzo had a secondary goal: to strengthen the bench and to add players that would know and understand their roles as part-time players, something the Nats have had trouble with in the...

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Stacey Long: Is it too early to consider an extension for Hardy?

April 06, 2011, 4:53am

Orioles

Stacey Long: Is it too early to consider an extension for Hardy?

Of all the offseason acquisitions made by the Orioles, the one I found most exciting was the trade for shortstop J.J. Hardy. I thought he'd be a good fit for the Orioles back when he played for the Brewers, so picking him up from the Twins for the bargain price of two minor league relievers was, in my opinion, a fantastic move. The only thing that could make the deal better is if Orioles President of Baseball Operations Andy MacPhail takes the next step and extends Hardy before he has the...

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A correction: Fan, not Harper, won contest at NatsFest

April 05, 2011, 5:51pm

Nationals

A correction: Fan, not Harper, won contest at NatsFest

Last week, I wrote about the fan experience at NatsFest, but my post had an important error. I mentioned that Bryce Harper easily won a Guitar Hero contest against a fan - information that I later found out was incorrect. In fact, Cody Strakonsky, a 15-year-old first baseman and right fielder from Brunswick, Md., handily beat Harper during their Guitar Hero faceoff at Nationals Park. Competing to the song "Tick Tick Boom," Strakonsky crushed Harper, despite being slightly nervous to meet...

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Stacey Long: A different feel with invested, invigorated O's fans

April 05, 2011, 5:28am

Orioles

Stacey Long: A different feel with invested, invigorated O's fans

The online community for the Baltimore Orioles is a passionate and relatively tight-knit bunch. We comment on each other's blogs, we follow each other on Twitter and we never stop talking about the O's. Because of this it can be hard to have the proper perspective on the team's fan base as a whole. There are, of course, a lot of things to be excited about as an O's fan: The offseason acquisitions changed the look of the lineup, the young players are a valid reason for hope and we have our...

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Dave Nichols: Rehab, not hitters, is Strasburg's new challenge

April 05, 2011, 5:08am

Nationals

Dave Nichols: Rehab, not hitters, is Strasburg's new challenge

The most important development for the Washington Nationals this season won't take place on the field. With no disrespect to an up-and-coming middle infield, a $126 million dollar man in right field or the growth of a potential All-Star phasing out one of the greatest catchers in baseball history, the biggest story to watch this season will take place in doctor's offices and on minor league fields across the mid-Atlantic. As much as Nats fans want to see a winner in Nationals Park in 2011,...

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Dave Nichols: Baseball driven by stats, stoked by hope

April 04, 2011, 8:32am

Nationals

Dave Nichols: Baseball driven by stats, stoked by hope

Hi, my name is Dave NIchols and I write about the Washington Nationals. No, that's not my introduction at some self-help meeting, but it may as well be. I started a general baseball blog several years ago that grew into what Nats News Network is today: one of the very few independent Web sites credentialed to cover Major League Baseball and the Washington Nationals. I am also credentialed to cover, and have a site dedicated to, the Washington Capitals. I consider it a great privilege and...

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Stacey Long: There's no opener like an opener in Baltimore

April 04, 2011, 8:26am

Orioles

Stacey Long: There's no opener like an opener in Baltimore

Hello MASNsports.com readers, and welcome to my first post on this fine Web site. My name is Stacey Long and I am the editor-in-chief at CamdenChat.com. Since 2005, Camden Chat has provided daily coverage of the Baltimore Orioles that is, in my (admittedly biased) opinion, the best you'll find on the Internet. Our writers are always intelligent, often hilarious and occasionally grumpy. With statistical analysis, thoughtful commentary and an occasional inspired haiku, Camden Chat covers the...

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Nats appear in Kimmel monologue

April 01, 2011, 6:57am

Nationals

Because April Fools' Day is all about jokes and pranks, here's an opportunity for a Nats-related chuckle. The Nationals had two references last night in Jimmy Kimmel's monologue last night on "Jimmy Kimmel Live." The ABC late-night host and comedian joked about the opening day ceremonial first pitch by members of the military at Nationals Park and about Larry King's upcoming first pitch at Saturday afternoon's game. Tune in 4:50 into the monologue to catch Kimmel's jokes related to...

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Nats support UNICEF efforts in Japan

March 31, 2011, 10:20am

Nationals

Beginning on Thursday, the Nationals launched a "text to give" initiative to support UNICEF's relief efforts after the recent earthquake in Japan. Fans can donate $10 by simply sending a texting JAPAN to 864233. The Nationals will also sell special $10 tickets to both games this weekend and half of the ticket cost will be donated to UNICEF. Fans can purchase those tickets at nationals.com/japanaid. All proceeds will benefit UNICEF's programs to help children recover from the disaster in...

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Ladies and gentlemen, choose your bobblehead

March 31, 2011, 10:16am

Nationals

Ladies and gentlemen, choose your bobblehead

The Nationals have released the list of fan choice bobblehead candidates for the Sept.10 game against the Houston Astros. Options include Adam LaRoche, Ryan Zimmerman, Jordan Zimmermann, Drew Storen and Danny Espinosa. Fans can vote and encourage friends to vote through social networking. Jayson Werth and Ian Desmond will also be honored with bobbleheads in 2011. Last season's fan choice bobblehead winner was Ivan Rodriguez. The winner will be decided April 4, so vote early and vote...

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Did you know?

March 31, 2011, 8:45am

Nationals

With his start Thursday, catcher Ivan Rodriguez has started 20 consecutive opening day games behind the plate. This is the longest streak in Major League Baseball regardless of position. Meanwhile, starter Livan Hernandez made his ninth opening day start. Hernandez is 4-3 with a 4.65 in previous opening day games. He's also tied for most opening day starts and wins among active pitchers. Of course, Ryan Zimmerman has started the most consecutive opening day games for the Washington...

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Rainy NatsFest still a treat for fans, players

March 30, 2011, 4:06pm

Nationals

Rainy NatsFest still a treat for fans, players

Despite the gloomy weather and the weekday mid-afternoon timing, hundreds of fans gathered at Nationals Park on a rainy Wednesday afternoon to meet and greet their team and start a new season of Nationals baseball. Along with players, coaches and broadcasters, Nationals fans seemed optimistic about the season as they gathered to celebrate the team's third annual NatsFest. The weather interfered with many of the planned outdoor activities, as well as participation from local Little League...

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Nationals release suite tickets for opening day

March 30, 2011, 11:45am

Nationals

Still looking for Nationals tickets for opening day? Enjoy the climate controlled atmosphere of a suite for just $145 (with a two-seat minimum purchase). The available suites are on the Jefferson suite level and have comfortable leather seats, as well as access to the Stars and Stripes Club. Most importantly, you'll avoid any inclement weather. Suite tickets are available at Nationals.com. The team will also sell 400 game-day tickets for $5 on Thursday beginning at 10:30 a.m. at the...

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Popular Shake Shack headlines new concessions at Nationals Park

March 30, 2011, 7:40am

Nationals

The Nationals announced on Wednesday that renowned restaurateur Danny Meyer and his Union Square Hospitality Group (USHG) will bring the very popular Shake Shack concessions concept to Nationals Park this season. This will mark the third sports venue location for the hot spot, which is also very popular at Citi Field and Saratoga Race Course. The Shake Shack features ShackBurgers, hot dogs and frozen custard. Fans can enjoy the new items at the Miller Lite Scoreboard Walk. Other new concepts...

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Baseball themed musical opens April 9

March 29, 2011, 6:19am

Nationals

"National Pastime," the musical comedy will make its world premiere at the District's Keegan Theatre on April 9. The production, directed by Mark A. Rhea and Susan Marie Rhea, tells the story of a near-bankrupt radio station inventing a fictitious baseball team to spark ratings in mid-1930's Iowa. Tony Sportiello wrote the play while his colleague Al Tapper provided the music and lyrics. The show runs from April 9-May 15, 2011 and tickets cost $35-$40. The Keegan Theatre at Church...

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Larry King takes the mound

March 28, 2011, 7:52pm

Nationals

Retire. Start a foundation. Help save lives. Work on your strike zone. One of the most beloved broadcasters of our time will be making a stop at Nationals Park on April 2. The one and only Larry King is slated to throw the ceremonial first pitch before the Nationals host the Braves on Saturday. A die-hard baseball fan, King even penned a book about his passion for the national pastime. The 77-year-old will be appearing at Nationals Park to promote the work of his foundation, the Larry King...