nationals

MASN announces spring training broadcast schedule

February 10, 2017, 6:40am

If you're not able to make it down to West Palm Beach to see the Nationals in person this spring, rest assured you will have plenty of opportunities to watch them on television. MASN will be televising seven exhibition games this spring, the network announced this morning, including the first Grapefruit League game to be held at the new The Ballpark of the Palm Beaches. That game against the Astros, the ballpark's co-tenants, will be televised at 1 p.m. on Feb. 28, with replays later that...

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Baker could need full spring to settle on best batting order

February 09, 2017, 12:17pm

Nationals

Baker could need full spring to settle on best batting order

The final countdown to spring training has arrived, and so we're spending the final days of the offseason counting down the Nationals' top storylines of the spring. We continue today with Dusty Baker's batting order decisions ... We know which eight players will be in the Nationals' opening day lineup against the Marlins come April 3 (barring injuries or other unexpected developments, of course). We don't, however, know in what order Dusty Baker will bat them. And the manager himself may...

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Nats to host Red Sox in newly created exhibition at Naval Academy

February 09, 2017, 7:33am

Nationals

Nats to host Red Sox in newly created exhibition at Naval Academy

The Nationals' exhibition slate will once again conclude with a game against an American League opponent on South Capitol Street - and then a newly created final game in a unique venue: the United States Naval Academy's field. The club announced today it will host the Red Sox on March 31 at Nationals Park, then face Boston again the next day at Max Bishop Stadium in Annapolis. It's the first game in a three-year deal the Nationals have struck to play exhibition game at the Naval Academy,...

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How will Turner perform at shortstop?

February 08, 2017, 12:15pm

Nationals

The final countdown to spring training has arrived, and so we're spending the final days of the offseason counting down the Nationals' top storylines of the spring. We begin today with Trea Turner taking over as the everyday shortstop ... Say what you want about Danny Espinosa's oft-maddening approach at the plate and how you won't miss watching that four times a night. But here's something you most certainly will miss watching: Espinosa in the field. There was a certain comforting feeling...

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Projection models split on Nationals and Mets in NL East

February 07, 2017, 7:25pm

Nationals

As equipment trucks (not to mention a handful of early-arriving players) across America make their way to Arizona and Florida, anticipation for the 2017 baseball season perks up. As do season projections by various stat-based sites. FanGraphs.com and Baseball Prospectus have both published their 2017 projections. They do not, however, agree on the identity of the top dog in the National League East division. FanGraphs likes the Nationals, projecting 90 wins and a plus-86 run differential for...

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Nats to play Red Sox at Naval Academy on April 1, Nationals Park on March 31

February 09, 2017, 7:22am

Nationals

The Washington Nationals are excited to announce they will play the Boston Red Sox in an exhibition game on Saturday, April 1 at the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md. As part of a new three-year agreement, the Nationals will hold one exhibition game at the Naval Academy through 2019. The Nationals' opponent for the games in 2018 and 2019 will be determined at a future date. Tickets for this special game are not available to the public. The Nationals and Red Sox will distribute...

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Nationals acquire lefty reliever Romero from Rays

February 07, 2017, 1:03pm

Nationals

The Nationals have added another hard-throwing (if erratic) left-hander to their bullpen, acquiring Enny Romero from the Rays in exchange for minor league right-hander Jeffrey Rosa. Romero was on Tampa Bay's 40-man roster and thus immediately joins the competition for a spot in the Nationals' opening day bullpen. The 26-year-old will need to show improved command from last season, though, to head north with his new club. Romero sports one of the game's best fastballs by a left-hander (it...

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Can the Cubs rotation help them start a dynasty?

February 08, 2017, 6:28am

Nationals

Can the Cubs rotation help them start a dynasty?

The Chicago Cubs, World Series champions for the first time since 1908, are the favorites to win the National League Central. The question is: Could the Cubs - and their youthful position-player roster - be baseball's answer to the NFL's New England Patriots, who won their fifth Super Bowl? The Reds and Brewers are rebuilding. The Pirates have taken a step back. The Cardinals are the only team with a chance to challenge the Cubs. Here's a look at the NL Central: Chicago: The Cubs, defending...

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Nats outfield has big names, but how much will they produce?

February 06, 2017, 6:47pm

Nationals

Nats outfield has big names, but how much will they produce?

As the start of spring training fast approaches, we're breaking down the state of the Nationals roster, position by position. The series concludes today with the outfield ... There are no questions about the identities of the Nationals' three starting outfielders. Those jobs are locked up, two by longtime club stars and one by a high-profile newcomer. It remains to be seen, however, how those three perform, and whether this defensive alignment proves to be the best one. Everything starts, as...

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Nationals acquire left-hander Enny Romero

February 07, 2017, 1:33pm

Nationals

The Washington Nationals acquired left-handed pitcher Enny Romero from the Tampa Bay Rays on Tuesday in exchange for minor league right-handed pitcher Jeffrey Rosa. Nationals president of baseball operations and general manager Mike Rizzo made the announcement. Romero, a 26-year-old left-handed reliever, joins the Nationals after appearing in 52 games (45.2 IP) and striking out 9.9 batters per nine innings in his first full major league season. Possessing an electric fastball, Romero's...

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Infield includes MVP candidates and a vet trying to bounce back

February 05, 2017, 8:34pm

Nationals

Infield includes MVP candidates and a vet trying to bounce back

As the start of spring training fast approaches, we're breaking down the state of the Nationals roster, position by position. The series continues today with the infield ... The Nationals' planned 2017 infield includes the league's reigning MVP runner-up, the league's reigning Rookie of the Year runner-up, one of the league's better all-around third basemen and a once-elite player who still hopes he can recapture his previous form and help lead his team deep into October for the first...

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Did the Rockies improve their bullpen enough to compete in NL West?

February 07, 2017, 9:50am

Nationals

Did the Rockies improve their bullpen enough to compete in NL West?

The Los Angeles Dodgers will take aim at their fifth consecutive National League West championship, but their biggest rival, the San Francisco Giants, will have something to say about that, especially since they've fixed their leaky bullpen with former Nationals closer Mark Melancon. The surprise team in the division could be the Colorado Rockies. They've beefed up their bullpen and think their rotation is strong enough to allow them to play meaningful games in September. Here's a look at...

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Nationals catchers face tall task in replacing Ramos

February 04, 2017, 7:41pm

Nationals

As the start of spring training fast approaches, we're breaking down the state of the Nationals roster, position by position. The series continues today with the catching corps ... How do you replace an All-Star catcher who hit .307 with 22 homers, 80 RBIs, an .850 OPS and threw out 37 percent of opposing base stealers? The answer is: You don't. The Nationals will feel the loss of Wilson Ramos this season, and there's not much they can do about that. After five years battling injuries and...

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Breaking down the pitching staffs in the NL East

February 06, 2017, 6:33am

Nationals

Breaking down the pitching staffs in the NL East

Super Bowl LI is in the books and that means pitchers and catchers will soon begin showing up in spring training. Here's a look at pitching in the National League East: Atlanta: The Braves are rebuilding their rotation by using experienced pitchers so that their prospects can develop without big-league pressure. ... RHP Julio Teheran, 25, an All-Star in two of his four seasons, will be the opening day starter, followed by RHPs R.A. Dickey, 42, and Bartolo Colon, 43. Dickey had a 4.46 ERA for...

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A guide to first week of spring games in West Palm Beach with the Nationals

February 06, 2017, 5:43am

Nationals

The excitement of another baseball season arriving for the Nationals is ramped up with the new spring training facility - The Ballpark of the Palm Beaches - and the ease it will have on travel plans for fans. With the move to West Palm Beach, the Nationals have moved 126 miles south down Interstate 95 and closer to the Miami/Ft. Lauderdale area. The Nationals' first Grapefruit League game on the schedule is Feb. 25 at Port St. Lucie (45 miles northwest) against the Mets. Viera was 83 miles...

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Bullpen has some holes but plenty of talent

February 03, 2017, 5:46pm

Nationals

Bullpen has some holes but plenty of talent

As the start of spring training fast approaches, we're breaking down the state of the Nationals roster, position by position. The series continues today with the bullpen ... This may come as a surprise, given how much angst there seems to be over the subject, but the Nationals had one of baseball's best bullpens last season. The unit ranked in the top five in the majors in ERA (3.37), WHIP (1.187), opponents' on-base percentage (.300) and opponents' OPS (.673). So how come there's still so...

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New spring facility will accelerate relations between Nationals and Astros

February 04, 2017, 5:33pm

Nationals

The opening of The Ballpark of the Palm Beaches, the new spring training facility shared by the Nationals and Astros, will be extremely beneficial to the preparation for the 2017 season and beyond for both clubs. The 6,500-seat baseball stadium will be state-of-the-art for spring training. The 12 practice fields outside the main diamond - six for each team - will be easy to navigate for players and fans. With a hat tip to the Salt River Fields at Talking Stick in Arizona, shared by the...

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Relive "Nationals Classics": Walking off into spring training

February 02, 2017, 9:50am

Nationals

It's so close you can almost feel the Florida sun. Spring training - when Nationals pitchers and catchers report to The Ballpark of the Palm Beaches in West Palm Beach - is nine days away. Meaning, by this time next week, you'll have baseball activities just a couple of sleeps away. Until then, MASN rolls out it's final non-baseball week of "Nationals Classics" to hold you off for these last couple of days of the offseason. This week is jam-packed with walk-off victories and sprinkled with...

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Nationals add veteran Guthrie on minor league deal

February 03, 2017, 12:12pm

Nationals

In need of some experienced rotation depth, the Nationals have signed veteran Jeremy Guthrie to a minor league contract with an invitation to big league camp this spring. Guthrie hasn't pitched in the majors since 2015 with the Royals, but the Nats are willing to take a low-risk chance on the 37-year-old, a highly popular member of rotations in Baltimore and Kansas City over the last decade. Owner of a 91-108 record and 4.37 ERA in 305 career major league appearances (272 starts), Guthrie...

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Nats rotation is stacked again, but does have question marks

February 02, 2017, 7:47pm

Nationals

Nats rotation is stacked again, but does have question marks

As the start of spring training fast approaches, we're breaking down the state of the Nationals roster, position by position. The series begins today with the starting rotation ... In each of the last five seasons, the Nationals have boasted one of baseball's best rotations. But it's notable that in the three seasons in which that rotation ranked among the top two in the sport, the Nationals proceeded to win a division title. In the two seasons in which the rotation dropped to seventh-best...