Williams on powerhouse rotation Nationals have assembled

Williams on powerhouse rotation Nationals have assembled
VIERA, Fla. - When you've got the kind of pitching horses the Nationals possess in their rotation, hardly a day will go by that someone won't be asking manager Matt Williams to weigh in on just how good his starting five really is. The acquisition of free agent Max Scherzer, who signed a seven-year, $210 million deal last month, strengthened an already deep unit, pushing 15-game winner Tanner Roark to an undetermined role out of the bullpen. Opposing hitters aren't going to get many breaks...

Gonzalez, Fister and Zimmermann throw first bullpen sessions of spring (with workout photos)

Gonzalez, Fister and Zimmermann throw first bullpen sessions of spring (with workout photos)
VIERA, Fla. - Jordan Zimmermann took a break from his first bullpen session of the spring Sunday morning, exiting the fenced-in area where the 'pen mounds are located and making a pair of hard right turns to get to the water jug. As he was en route to quench his thirst, a fan next to quench his thirst, the guy next to the jug called out, "That (18-inning National League Division Series) game was a heartbreaker." Zimmermann offered a half-hearted smile, rolled his eyes and sarcastically...

Kieboom savoring every minute of his first major league camp

Kieboom savoring every minute of his first major league camp
VIERA, Fla. - It's not hard to spot the guys at spring training who aren't long for camp. Every clubhouse is full of guys who fill a necessary role: to log innings once starting pitchers and key relievers have finished throwing their allotted pitches, or take the field or grab a bat late in games when the regulars are done their work for the day. Many are wide-eyed and baby-faced. Most wear numbers you'd find stretched across the back of a burly football offensive lineman. Most are crammed...

With 2016 option picked up, Williams gets back to business (with Rizzo comments)

With 2016 option picked up, Williams gets back to business (with Rizzo comments)
VIERA, Fla. - Nationals manager Matt Williams led the first day of spring training workouts for pitchers and catchers on Saturday, just a short time after the club announced it had exercised its 2016 option on his contract. That decision means Williams, who skippered the Nats to their second National League East title in three seasons and won NL Manager of the Year honors in his rookie campaign on the bench, will be with the club for at least two more seasons. "I'm excited to be a part of the...

Sights from the first day of Nationals workouts (with video and photos)

Sights from the first day of Nationals workouts (with video and photos)
VIERA, Fla. - At 10:39 a.m. this morning, a few seconds before the horn signaling the first drill of Nationals spring training sounded, right-hander Max Scherzer uncorked a throw toward catcher Wilson Ramos in the area where the first bullpen sessions were convening. Spring training 2015 was under way. It was cloudy and cool at the Space Coast Stadium complex the Nationals call home. Players made the short hike from the clubhouse to the practice fields a little more briskly than usual, owing to...

Zimmermann on a winter of rumors and prospects for an extension

Zimmermann on a winter of rumors and prospects for an extension
VIERA, Fla. - There were times this offseason when Jordan Zimmermann couldn't help but wonder if his career in Washington, D.C., was over. Try as he might to stick to his usual winter routines, there were constant reminders that he was entering his walk year, that his pending free agency might result in the Nationals dealing him if they were unable or unwilling to come to an agreement on a long-term contract extension Zimmermann returned to his native Wisconsin and tried to immerse himself in...

Nationals exercise 2016 option on manager Matt Williams

Nationals exercise 2016 option on manager Matt Williams
The Washington Nationals exercised the 2016 club option on manager Matt Williams' contract on Saturday. President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Mike Rizzo made the announcement. "We are happy to pick up Matt's option for the 2016 season," Rizzo said. "It shows the great confidence we have in Matt to continue to lead this team on the field. During his rookie season, he helped us navigate through injuries and led us to our second NL East Division title in three years. His...

Fans invited to watch Orioles spring training workouts at Ed Smith Stadium

Fans invited to watch Orioles spring training workouts at Ed Smith Stadium
The first official spring training workout day for Orioles pitchers and catchers at Ed Smith Stadium will be held on Friday, February 20. Fans are invited to watch the team's workouts on the back fields at the complex each day until March 4, when home games begin. There is no charge to attend, and free parking is available in the East Lot off of 12th Street and Tuttle Avenue. Orioles pitchers and catchers will take the field at approximately 10:00 a.m. on Friday, February 20. The club will...

Werth Chia Pet, Rendon garden gnome, historical bobbleheads highlight 2015 Nationals promotional schedule

Werth Chia Pet, Rendon garden gnome, historical bobbleheads highlight 2015 Nationals promotional schedule
The Nationals are rolling out a slew of interesting promotional giveaways to mark their 10th anniversary season, including an array of historical mementos to celebrate their first decade in D.C. On the heels of last year's successful Jayson Werth garden gnome, the Nats will offer an Anthony Rendon garden gnome to the first 25,000 fans through the turnstiles on Tuesday, Aug. 25. Werth fans shouldn't be worried, as their favorite bearded player will be celebrated in a unique Chia Pet to be...

Nationals announce 2015 promotional schedule

Nationals announce 2015 promotional schedule
Following today's completion of the "10 Days of Teddy" and the reveal of the final promotional item, the Washington Nationals released the 2015 season promotional schedule. The 2015 season marks the 10-Year Anniversary of the Nationals arrival in Washington, D.C. and a number of special promotional items to commemorate this season will be distributed at select games. Initiatives include monthly 10-Year Tuesdays, six designated games that will feature special guests, pregame ceremonies and a...

Spring training promotional giveaways, special events announced by O's

Spring training promotional giveaways, special events announced by O's
It wasn't so long ago that a spring training game was enough of an event to draw fans in Florida and Arizona communities that had no other access to Major League Baseball. But times change, and even Grapefruit League games need a little creative nudge, something special to bring the fans out. The Orioles today announced their list of promotional giveaways and special events for spring games at Ed Smith Stadium. Depending on which games you attend in Sarasota - and providing you arrive early...

Orioles announce 2015 spring training promotions and special events schedule

Orioles announce 2015 spring training promotions and special events schedule
The Orioles today announced their 2015 spring training promotions and special events schedule featuring many fun-filled promotional giveaways and events for fans to enjoy at Ed Smith Stadium. On Wednesday, March 4, all fans will receive an orange rally towel as well as a spring training magnet schedule, presented by Visit Sarasota County, as the Orioles celebrate their spring training Opening Day and sixth season at Ed Smith Stadium. In addition, the first 1,000 women will receive a Bird of...

Nationals announce 2015 non-roster invitees to spring training

Nationals announce 2015 non-roster invitees to spring training
The Washington Nationals have agreed to terms with right-handed pitcher Heath Bell, right-handed pitcher Bruce Billings, right-handed pitcher Manny Delcarmen, right-handed pitcher Mitch Lively, right-handed pitcher Scott McGregor, right-handed pitcher Evan Meek, catcher Steve Lerud, infielder Emmanuel Burriss, first baseman Kila Ka'aihue, first baseman Clint Robinson, third baseman Ian Stewart, second baseman Dan Uggla and outfielder Mike Carp on Minor-League contracts with invitations to...

Henneman has lived the duration of "60 Years of Orioles Magic"

Henneman has lived the duration of "60 Years of Orioles Magic"
When the Orioles were seeking a writer to chronicle their first six decades in Baltimore, longtime journalist Jim Henneman was a logical choice, one found in their own backyard. The 79-year-old Henneman's lifetime practically mirrors the Orioles' tenure in Charm City. As a youth, he worked in the clubhouse at Oriole Park, home of the team during its Triple-A run from 1946-53. He attended the 1954 parade down Charles Street welcoming the former St. Louis Browns to their new roost, and was in...

Orioles agree to terms with left-hander Zach Britton on one-year contract

Orioles agree to terms with left-hander Zach Britton on one-year contract
The Orioles today announced that they have agreed to terms with left-hander Zach Britton on a one-year contract, thus avoiding arbitration. Britton, 27, went 3-2 with a 1.65 ERA (76.1IP, 14ER) and a career-high 37 saves after pitching exclusively in relief for the first time in his career. He finished the season ranked fourth among AL relievers in saves and became the 10th different Oriole to record a 30-save season in club history. Over 119 games (46 starts) in the majors, Britton is 21-19...

Orioles to host fifth annual Birdland Golf Classic in Sarasota on Feb. 23

Orioles to host fifth annual Birdland Golf Classic in Sarasota on Feb. 23
On Monday, February 23, the Orioles will hold the 5th Annual OriolesREACH Birdland Golf Classic at The Founders Club to benefit the Miracle League of Manasota, an organization dedicated to providing an opportunity for every person to play baseball, regardless of their ability. The event begins with registration and lunch at 11:00 a.m., with a shotgun start set for 12:30 p.m. The registration deadline for this year's event is this Sunday, February 8. The classic will feature a silent auction...

Palm Beach County joins West Palm Beach in approving land swap for new spring training facility (with teams' statement)

Palm Beach County joins West Palm Beach in approving land swap for new spring training facility (with teams' statement)
Palm Beach County commissioners voted 6-1 this morning to OK a land swap with the City of West Palm Beach and the conceptual plan for a new spring training complex in West Palm Beach that would be shared by the Astros and Nationals. The move means the teams will move a step closer to building a new spring training facility on 160 acres at the southeast corner of Haverhill Road and 45th Street on the site of a former landfill. In exchange for the city-owned parcel, West Palm Beach will receive...

Orioles agree to terms with outfielder Steve Pearce on one-year contract

Orioles agree to terms with outfielder Steve Pearce on one-year contract
The Orioles today announced that they have agreed to terms with outfielder Steve Pearce on a one-year contract, thus avoiding arbitration. Pearce, 31, batted .293/.373/.556 with a career-high 21 home runs and 49 RBI in 102 games with the Orioles in 2014. He was named co-AL Player of the Week along with outfielder Adam Jones, June 30-July 6, after batting .333 with three home runs and nine RBI in that span. Originally selected by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the eighth round of the 2005 First Year...

CBS Radio's 105.7 The Fan to broadcast 12 Orioles spring training games

CBS Radio's 105.7 The Fan to broadcast 12 Orioles spring training games
The Orioles and CBS Radio's 105.7 The Fan (WJZ-FM), the flagship station of the Orioles Radio Network, have announced that 12 Orioles spring training games will be broadcast in 2015. The schedule begins with the home opener against the Detroit Tigers on Wednesday, March 4, at 1:05 p.m. ET, and includes eight additional home games in Sarasota. Three of the 12 broadcasts will feature 30-minute pre-game and post-game shows. 105.7 The Fan will also broadcast all 162 Orioles 2015 regular season...

Werth sentenced to five days in jail for reckless driving (updated with Nats statement)

Werth sentenced to five days in jail for reckless driving (updated with Nats statement)
Nationals outfielder Jayson Werth pleaded guilty to reckless driving charges today in Fairfax County Circuit Court and has been sentenced to serve five days in jail. In addition, his driver's license will be suspended for 30 days. Werth, 35, was sentenced to 10 days in jail (with 170 days suspended) on Dec. 5, and lost his driver's license as a result of the verdict. Werth appealed the verdict, leading to today's adjudication. He was cited on July 6 by a Virginia state trooper for driving...