Baker on getting hit by a pitch and Rendon's leadership skills

Baker on getting hit by a pitch and Rendon's leadership skills
Nationals manager Dusty Baker had some intriguing thoughts on a couple of game situations that occurred in Friday's 8-4 win over the Twins. In that game, Danny Espinosa and Chris Heisey were hit by pitches. Baker was asked before Saturday's game if Espinosa showed toughness on the part by being plunked and starting the next day. "I got a different attitude about that," Baker said. "No. 1, you get paid to be tough. You get paid to play ball. No. 2, you better start trying to get out of the...

Nats chemistry speaks to a winning attitude

Nats chemistry speaks to a winning attitude
Baseball is a game where the team that makes the fewest mistakes wins. After the first three games of the 2010 season, some things have already started to become apparent. The veterans brought in this year will change the culture in the Nationals' clubhouse on and off the field. Just watching how some of the new Nats like Ivan Rodriguez, Adam Kennedy, Jason Marquis, Tyler Walker, Matt Capps and Brian Bruney go about their business is a pleasure. Hard working, determined, and relentless...

Why so surprised?

Why so surprised?
I, for one, am not surprised by the Nationals' start. Baseball is a team sport, and they stress team. From Wil Nieves to Alberto Gonzales, the Nationals are built to fight - Fight for every run, fight for every out. The Nats now have players who play unselfish, hardcore baseball the way it's meant to be played. When Ryan Zimmerman went down with the bad hamstring, the Nationals didn't miss a beat. Whether it's Adam Kennedy, Alberto or Willie Harris - whoever has filled in has done a...

Taking baseball into the community and coming back with more

Taking baseball into the community and coming back with more
Today Josh Willingham and I had the privilege of visiting some of the bravest men and women in this country. We went over to the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, MD. For people who may not know, it's where some of the most courageous military men and women are sent straight from the battlefield, their first stop on the road to recovery after they have been severely wounded during combat. Today we met with some Marines that had been caught in a fire fight and hit pretty hard....

A catching demonstration from a future Hall of Famer

A catching demonstration from a future Hall of Famer
Ivan Rodriguez is off to a great start at the plate with the Nats, hitting .367 with 15 RBI. But the job Pudge has done behind the plate has been just as impressive. The future Hall of Fame catcher gives Rob Dibble a demonstration of how body positioning plays a major role in his defensive success, and talks about how important it is for a catcher to be able to manage a pitching staff.

Talking Strasburg with Steve McCatty

Talking Strasburg with Steve McCatty
Prior to Stephen Strasburg's start against the Atlanta Braves, Rob got the opportunity to sit down with Nats' pitching coach Steve McCatty to talk Strasburg and his development so far as a Major Leaguer. Rob also got the opportunity to ask McCatty what Strasburg did wrong in his last start against the Royals. Watch to see what his weaknesses were, that way you can see if he adjusts tonight as he faces the Braves.

One man's memory of George Steinbrenner

One man's memory of George Steinbrenner
You've probably heard that George Steinbrenner passed away this morning at the age of 80. I wanted to share with you some of my thoughts from being able to meet and interview him over the years to just being able to hear how he impacted so many people's lives, including my own. I met Mr. Steinbrenner some 20 years ago, first as a player and then as a broadcaster. He was always nice, respectful, and down to earth. He always made me feel better about myself after spending some time...

Guzman making the most of his position switch

Guzman making the most of his position switch
Cristian Guzman has always been a solid switch-hitter when he's healthy. This season, Guzman is hitting .287 and helping rookie shortstop Ian Desmond transition to the Major Leagues. In addition to being a mentor and switch-hitter, Guzman is working on switching his position from shortstop to second base, and occasionally right field. Rob asked Guzman his thoughts on Desmond and playing second base.

Talking Strasburg with Steve McCatty

Talking Strasburg with Steve McCatty
Prior to Stephen Strasburg's start against the Atlanta Braves, Rob got the opportunity to sit down with Nats' pitching coach Steve McCatty to talk Strasburg and his development so far as a Major Leaguer. Rob also got the opportunity to ask McCatty what Strasburg did wrong in his last start against the Royals. Watch to see what his weaknesses were, that way you can see if he adjusts tonight as he faces the Braves.

Guzman making the most of his position switch

Guzman making the most of his position switch
Cristian Guzman has always been a solid switch-hitter when he's healthy. This season, Guzman is hitting .287 and helping rookie shortstop Ian Desmond transition to the Major Leagues. In addition to being a mentor and switch-hitter, Guzman is working on switching his position from shortstop to second base, and occasionally right field. Rob asked Guzman his thoughts on Desmond and playing second base.

One man's memory of George Steinbrenner

One man's memory of George Steinbrenner
You've probably heard that George Steinbrenner passed away this morning at the age of 80. I wanted to share with you some of my thoughts from being able to meet and interview him over the years to just being able to hear how he impacted so many people's lives, including my own. I met Mr. Steinbrenner some 20 years ago, first as a player and then as a broadcaster. He was always nice, respectful, and down to earth. He always made me feel better about myself after spending some time...

A catching demonstration from a future Hall of Famer

A catching demonstration from a future Hall of Famer
Ivan Rodriguez is off to a great start at the plate with the Nats, hitting .367 with 15 RBI. But the job Pudge has done behind the plate has been just as impressive. The future Hall of Fame catcher gives Rob Dibble a demonstration of how body positioning plays a major role in his defensive success, and talks about how important it is for a catcher to be able to manage a pitching staff.

Taking baseball into the community and coming back with more

Taking baseball into the community and coming back with more
Today Josh Willingham and I had the privilege of visiting some of the bravest men and women in this country. We went over to the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, MD. For people who may not know, it's where some of the most courageous military men and women are sent straight from the battlefield, their first stop on the road to recovery after they have been severely wounded during combat. Today we met with some Marines that had been caught in a fire fight and hit pretty hard....

Why so surprised?

Why so surprised?
I, for one, am not surprised by the Nationals' start. Baseball is a team sport, and they stress team. From Wil Nieves to Alberto Gonzales, the Nationals are built to fight - Fight for every run, fight for every out. The Nats now have players who play unselfish, hardcore baseball the way it's meant to be played. When Ryan Zimmerman went down with the bad hamstring, the Nationals didn't miss a beat. Whether it's Adam Kennedy, Alberto or Willie Harris - whoever has filled in has done a...

Nats chemistry speaks to a winning attitude

Nats chemistry speaks to a winning attitude
Baseball is a game where the team that makes the fewest mistakes wins. After the first three games of the 2010 season, some things have already started to become apparent. The veterans brought in this year will change the culture in the Nationals' clubhouse on and off the field. Just watching how some of the new Nats like Ivan Rodriguez, Adam Kennedy, Jason Marquis, Tyler Walker, Matt Capps and Brian Bruney go about their business is a pleasure. Hard working, determined, and relentless...

Roark strikes out career-high 15, befuddles Twins in 2-0 shutout

Roark strikes out career-high 15, befuddles Twins in 2-0 shutout
Tanner Roark has never been considered a strikeout pitcher. On Saturday, he certainly looked like one. Roark came up big for the Nationals Saturday, mixing all four of his pitches to perfection while striking out a career-high 15 batters over seven innings in a 2-0 shutout of the Minnesota Twins. "He obviously threw a really good game," said third baseman Ryan Zimmerman, who contributed the two-run single in the first inning. "But I think Tanner is pretty consistent. He pounds the zone....

Nationals set tone early again, win 2-0 (Roark fans career-high 15)

Nationals set tone early again, win 2-0 (Roark fans career-high 15)
The Nationals get some runs early for their starter again. Facing Twins right-hander Phil Hughes, the Nationals scored two runs on three hits in the bottom of the first. Last time Hughes pitched at Nationals Park, he allowed one run over six innings for a Yankees 7-2 victory in 2012. But this time, Anthony Rendon had a one-out single followed by a line-drive double down the right field line for Bryce Harper. Ryan Zimmerman then delivered a single to center that scored two runs and the Nationals...

Baker: Taylor just needs to "remain confident and work"

Baker: Taylor just needs to "remain confident and work"
Michael A. Taylor is getting a day off on Saturday, with Chris Heisey leading off and playing center field for the Nationals. Taylor is hitting .174 (4-for-23) the last seven days and .161 for the season. Leading off, he is hitting .175 through 13 games. Manager Dusty Baker was asked why he put Heisey at the top of the order. "You got any better choices? He's batted leadoff for me before," Baker said. "He's my best choice today." Baker is just giving Taylor the day off and he's not...

Baker concerned about Ross's blister, status for Tuesday

Baker concerned about Ross's blister, status for Tuesday
Manager Dusty Baker had limited notes on the status of right-hander Joe Ross, who left his last start due to a blister on his right middle finger. Baker said he had not talked to pitching coach Mike Maddux yet for an update as of Saturday morning but did see Ross work out Friday. "I was surprised to see him throwing yesterday," Baker said. "It looks ugly. I don't know if he could throw a full game like that. There is skin over it, but it looks kind of like an open wound where they shaved...

Game 17 lineups: Twins at Nationals

Game 17 lineups: Twins at Nationals
The Nationals seek another series win on Saturday afternoon as they take on the Twins. Friday night, the Nationals scored seven runs before the fourth inning to cruise to an 8-4 victory. Today, right-hander Tanner Roark (1-2, 3.71) faces right-hander Phil Hughes (1-2, 4.42 ERA). Roark has allowed seven earned runs to Miami in two starts this season but kept Atlanta off the board throwing seven shutout innings in a 3-0 win April 13. Hughes won his last start against the Brewers April 18,...