Josh Land

More voting for Zimmerman

April 04, 2010, 7:57pm

After collecting a number of prestigious awards this offseason, third baseman Ryan Zimmerman is up for yet another important accolade -- but this time, you can help. The first-time Gold Glove winner is up for This Year in Baseball's Defensive Player of the Year. Fans can vote as often as they like through December 11th. Zimmerman is up against Michael Bourn, Jacoby Ellsbury, Torii Hunter, Adam Jones, Melvin Mora, Kaz Matsui, Jimmy Rollins, Yadier Molina and Troy Tulowitski. You can also...

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Nyjer Morgan teams up with Kidney Foundation (updated)

April 04, 2010, 7:57pm

Nationals

Nyjer Morgan teams up with Kidney Foundation (updated)

It was a busy Saturday for Nyjer Morgan. The enthusiastic center fielder began his morning in the Silver Spring Thanksgiving parade, visited kidney transplant patients at the Dialysis Corp of America and Georgetown University Hospital, learned more about kidney donation and kidney disease from leading transplant surgeon Dr. Keith Melancon and spent his evening at the 29th annual Kidney Ball benefiting the National Kidney Foundation. Morgan became interested in the Kidney Foundation when his...

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Kristen Hudak Nationals Buzz Nyjer Morgan

Stammen and Nats staff prepare Thanksgiving meals

April 04, 2010, 7:56pm

Nationals

Stammen and Nats staff prepare Thanksgiving meals

Over thirty Nationals employees volunteered their time to cook and package Thanksgiving meals on Monday. Joined by pitcher Craig Stammen, the group spent the day at Food and Friends, a nonprofit organization in NE Washington D.C., to prepare holiday meals for people living with HIV/AIDS and other life-challenging illnesses. Together as a team, they sorted food donations, cooked Thanksgiving turkeys and packaged meals to be delivered to those local residents unable to purchase or prepare their...

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Craig Stammen Kristen Hudak Nationals Buzz

Morgan Optimistic about 2010

April 04, 2010, 7:55pm

Nationals

While center fielder Nyjer Morgan is enjoying time with his family during the offseason, he is definitely ready for spring training. The proud dad has been busy watching his 8 year old daughter play hockey this winter. "She's really good, so I'm really pumped," he said last week while in town for the Kidney Ball. But Morgan is also very excited about playing his first full season with the Nationals. "We've got the fire power, the bats - which is the 'swat team.' That's what I...

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Kristen Hudak Nationals Buzz Nyjer Morgan

Balester and Lannan Race to 500 Followers on Twitter

April 04, 2010, 7:54pm

Nationals

Balester and Lannan Race to 500 Followers on Twitter

You may have already heard, but Nationals pitchers Collin Balester and John Lannan both recently joined Twitter. On Tuesday afternoon, they began a race toward 500 followers on the popular social networking platform. Balester, aka @BallyStar40, joined a week ago and has the early lead with 267 followers. Newcomer Lannan, aka @JLannan31, began tweeting on Tuesday and already has 179 followers. The race has prompted both pitchers to offer up prizes for their 300th, 400th and 500th followers...

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Collin Balester John Lannan Kristen Hudak Nationals Buzz

In a Florida state of mind

April 04, 2010, 7:53pm

Nationals

It may be December, but it's nearly 60 degrees in Washington, D.C. today, which means it's time to start thinking about spring training. In 78 short days, pitchers and catchers report to Space Coast Stadium in Viera, FL to begin preparing for a better 2010 season. Early-bird fans may arrive for scheduled practice days, which last through March 5th. This is a great time to get autographs and pictures. The early morning practices include a lot of drills and bullpen sessions. If you'd...

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Kristen Hudak Nationals Buzz

Tis the Season for Giving Back

April 04, 2010, 7:48pm

Nationals

With holiday spirit, Nationals front office staff and players will give back to the community this weekend at two special events geared toward those in need. On Thursday and Friday, Nationals employees will help with the refurbishment of Unity Health Care's Southwest Health Center as part of the Washington Nationals Dream Foundation's continued partnership with Rebuilding Together DC. Together, as a team, they will make small repairs, install cabinets and shelving, paint walls and create...

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Kristen Hudak Nationals Buzz

Lannan, Maxwell Spread Holiday Cheer

April 04, 2010, 7:47pm

Nationals

On Saturday morning, over 120 children from the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Washington (BGCGW) gathered at ESPN Zone for a special holiday treat from the Washington Nationals. John Lannan, Justin Maxwell and the one and only Screech met the children for the Nationals 4th annual holiday party with BGCGW. Lannan and Maxwell distributed gifts and Screech dolls, signed autographs, mingled and answered baseball questions and played video games with the children. "The Nationals give our...

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John Lannan Justin Maxwell Kristen Hudak Nationals Buzz

Chat with GM Mike Rizzo

April 04, 2010, 7:46pm

Nationals

Got a question for Mike Rizzo? Something you'd like to hear directly from the general manager? Maybe a suggestion, compliment or concern? Tomorrow, you'll get your chance. General manager Mike Rizzo will be chatting with fans online at noon. Fans will need an MLB.com online account to log into the chat. Perhaps he'll be asked about Aroldis Chapman's workout, the team's strategy with free agents, the organization's goals for improving the team before spring training or how Rizzo will...

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Kristen Hudak Nationals Buzz

NatsFest and Winter Caravan Dates Set

April 04, 2010, 7:45pm

Nationals

This should warm your heart in anticipation of that big winter storm headed our way. The Nationals are busy planning for their annual Winter Caravan and NatsFest. We'll know more details after the new year, but for now, mark your calendars for Wednesday, January 27 through Sunday, January 31st. Meet-and-Greets, autograph signings and community appearances are scheduled throughout the greater D.C. metro area for the week. Participating players and specific locations will be released at a...

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Kristen Hudak Nationals Buzz

Strasburg to work with Topps

April 04, 2010, 7:43pm

Nationals

Topps announced today that Nationals prospect Stephen Strasburg has inked an exclusive deal granting the card manufacturer exclusive rights to his autographed cards, game-used memorabilia cards and a special line of autographed memorabilia. Topps will also be permitted to use Strasburg's image for advertising. The agreement is Strasburg's first major endorsement. "I can't wait to see myself in uniform on my first Topps card," said Strasburg in the release. "That's when I know I will...

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Kristen Hudak Nationals Buzz Stephen Strasburg

Zimmerman Hosts New Year's Bash

April 04, 2010, 7:42pm

Nationals

Ryan Zimmerman is teaming up with Chris Cooley of the Redskins to host a memorable New Year's Eve Party on Thursday evening at George in Georgetown. Here's hoping the new year brings better luck for both of their teams. Other VIPs bringing in the New Year with Zimmerman and Cooley include Bill Dean, Brendan Harris, Brendan Sullivan, Reed Landry, Hunter Campbell and David Chung. Tickets for the New Year's Party at George are still available for $125 with a $4 service fee at...

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Kristen Hudak Nationals Buzz

Nyjer's Pilates Workout

April 04, 2010, 7:41pm

Nationals

So, you're looking for a New Year's resolution? Something you can stick with throughout 2010? Here's a helpful tip from Nats center fielder Nyjer Morgan: Pilates. Morgan began incorporating Pilates into his workout routine during the 2009 season and he quickly became a huge fan of the program. "I really can't tell you why," said Morgan. "The stretching...it helps you use your core. It's relaxing." Developed during World War I to rehabilitate soldiers returning from war,...

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Kristen Hudak Nationals Buzz

Give a Day

April 04, 2010, 7:39pm

Nationals

''Any time you have an opportunity to make a difference in this world and you don't, then you are wasting your time on Earth.'' -- Roberto Clemente As we begin the new year, many of us are searching for ways to become better people in 2010. Whether that's at the gym, on the clock or with our families, January always brings a new opportunity to make positive changes in our lives. In the spirit of Roberto Clemente, who we lost 37 years ago this week, one possible resolution is to give...

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Kristen Hudak Nationals Buzz

Capps talks Character and Community

April 04, 2010, 7:38pm

Nationals

Between discussing his pitching mechanics, new teammates and expectations for 2010, new National Matt Capps spoke of the importance of family and character in a year that has been especially trying for the young closer. On top of the strain of struggling through the '09 season and eventually being non-tendered by the Pirates, Capps lost his father, Mike, an instrumental part of his life and baseball career. "I can't tell you how much I missed him through this whole process," Capps said. ...

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Kristen Hudak Matt Capps Nationals Buzz

Caravan and NatsFest Details

April 04, 2010, 7:28pm

Nationals

With just about six weeks to go until pitchers and catchers report, the Nationals have released details about the annual Winter Caravan and NatsFest scheduled for January 27-31. MASN's Rob Dibble, manager Jim Riggleman and prospects Drew Storen, Danny Espinosa and Ryan Speier will kick off the caravan on Wednesday, January 27 with stops at the Unity Health Care's Southwest Health Center in DC, Hard Times Cafe in Arlington and the Build-A-Bear Workshop in McLean. On Thursday, this same group...

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Kristen Hudak Nationals Buzz

Chat with Drew Storen

April 04, 2010, 7:27pm

Nationals

The Washington Nationals Fan Forum, one of the most active online communities of Nats fans, is hosting a chat with Drew Storen on Sunday. The first round draft pick keeps fans regularly updated with a blog and a Twitter account (@DrewStoren). Still, there are plenty of questions for fans to ask about his development, upbringing, goals, etc. His fellow tech-savvy teammate Collin Balester chatted last week. The chat begins at 8 p.m. EST, but you can begin submitting questions now.

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Drew Storen Kristen Hudak Nationals Buzz

Where at Nats Park (Updated)

April 04, 2010, 7:26pm

Nationals

Copying the great idea of our Orioles Buzz blogger, Kate, I took a trip down to Nationals Park last week to take some photographs for our brand new weekly game, "Where at Nats Park?" Some will be easy and some will be more challenging. We'll post the correct answer on Wednesday. Put your answer in the comments and keep track of your correct guesses. Who knows, maybe we'll come up with a prize down the road. You've been to Nats Park dozens -- maybe hundreds -- of times, but how well...

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Kristen Hudak Nationals Buzz

Mamie "Peanut" Johnson Field?

April 04, 2010, 7:21pm

Nationals

Last week, DC Council Member Tommy Wells introduced the "Mamie 'Peanut' Johnson Field Designation Act of 2010" which will name the multipurpose field at the Rosedale Recreation Center after Mamie "Peanut" Johnson. The field is located just a few blocks from RFK Stadium in Washington D.C. Johnson's big break came while practicing at Rosedale Recreation Center in 1953 when former player Bish Tyson observed her skills. After one tryout with Bunny Downs, Johnson joined the Indianapolis...

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Kristen Hudak Nationals Buzz

Want to be part of the Nat Pack? (Updated)

April 04, 2010, 7:20pm

Nationals

Want to be part of the Nat Pack? (Updated)

The Nationals are searching for athletes, gymnasts, cheerleaders, promotions people and "outstanding personalities" to join their Nat Pack in 2010. The Nat Pack is the in-game entertainment crew. They host pre-game features and games, shoot t-shirts, rally the crowd and generally serve as fan ambassadors at games and in the community. Applicants should be "energetic, positive, talented, enthusiastic, dependable and fun." Of course, they should also love the Nats! To apply, send your...