nationals

Max Scherzer finishes fifth in NL Cy Young Award race

November 18, 2015, 3:11pm

In his first year in Washington, ace Max Scherzer finished fifth in the National League Cy Young Award race as Cubs right-hander Jake Arrieta won the trophy for the first time. Dodgers stud pitchers Zack Greinke and Clayton Kershaw followed Arrieta in the voting, with Pirates right-hander Gerrit Cole finishing just ahead of Scherzer. Arrieta steadily improved as a starter since the Cubs acquired him from the Orioles two seasons ago. In 2015, he transformed into one of the game's dominant...

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Nationals announce 29-game spring training schedule

November 19, 2015, 8:13am

Nationals

The Washington Nationals released their 29-game 2016 Spring Training schedule on Thursday, featuring 14 home games at Space Coast Stadium in Viera, FL. The home Grapefruit League slate will open on Thursday, March 3 vs. the New York Mets. The Nationals will get their share of competition against 2015 playoff teams, facing the Mets, St. Louis Cardinals and Houston Astros numerous times throughout the spring. The home Grapefruit League schedule includes three visits from the division rival Mets...

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Rizzo updates Nats' offseason: "A million moving pieces that we're thinking about"

November 18, 2015, 10:46am

Nationals

Rizzo updates Nats' offseason: "A million moving pieces that we're thinking about"

After introducing the Nationals' new medical structure at an afternoon press conference, general manager Mike Rizzo provided an update on where the team is at with the Winter Meetings approaching in three weeks. "I think we're on schedule," Rizzo said. "We've had a busy offseason. We've done a lot. We've revamped our medical staff. We've revamped our manager's position. We've revamped our major league coaching staff. So we've done a lot. The general managers meetings is usually the...

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David Carpenter elects free agency after Nats outright him off 40-man roster

November 18, 2015, 12:44pm

Nationals

David Carpenter elects free agency after Nats outright him off 40-man roster

The Nationals announced this afternoon that right-hander David Carpenter elected for free agency after the team outrighted him off the 40-man roster to Triple-A Syracuse. Carpenter is now open to sign with another team after making just eight appearances in a Nationals uniform. Carpenter was acquired from the Yankees for minor league infielder Tony Renda on June 11. But the veteran reliever pitched only six innings, allowing just one run on a homer before landing on the disabled list with...

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At one point, it looked like Max Scherzer's Cy Young to lose

November 18, 2015, 3:22am

Nationals

At one point, it looked like Max Scherzer's Cy Young to lose

Nationals right-hander Max Scherzer won't win the National League Cy Young Award tonight. When balloting by the Baseball Writers' Association of America is announced on MLB Network, that honor is likely to go to Cubs ace Jake Arrieta or Dodgers right-hander Zack Greinke. But for the first half of the season, Scherzer seemed to be the clear-cut frontrunner to claim the second Cy Young of his eight-year career. After inking a record seven-year, $210 deal for a right-hander in January, Scherzer...

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After an injury-filled year, Nationals announce changes to medical structure

November 17, 2015, 10:44am

Nationals

Following a season that was wrecked by numerous injuries, the Nationals have overhauled their training staff and developed a new approach to their medical system. "In an innovative shift, the Nationals are transitioning their medical department to one that utilizes a proactive model, with significant analytic input," the Nationals said in a team-issued release. "This will allow the Nationals to hone in on predictive factors to thwart potential injurious situations, and increase performance,...

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Bostick and Simms shine again for Salt River in Arizona Fall League play

November 18, 2015, 4:25am

Nationals

Bostick and Simms shine again for Salt River in Arizona Fall League play

Chris Bostick unleashed another outstanding game Tuesday as Salt River defeated Mesa 4-2 in Arizona Fall League play. The second baseman went 2-for-3 with a double, a homer, three runs scored and two RBIs. It was Bostick's fourth double and fourth homer of the AFL season. Bostick hit out of the No. 2 hole and cranked a solo shot in the third inning off of Mesa starter Rob Zastryzny. Bostick raised his average to .275. Right-hander John Simms started and went three innings for the win,...

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Who was the 2015 Nationals' top rookie?

November 17, 2015, 3:08am

Nationals

Cubs third baseman Kris Bryant was the unanimous choice for National League Rookie of the Year last night. Bryant, who played youth baseball with Bryce Harper, smacked 26 homers and drove in 99 runs after making his major league debut in mid-April. Astros shortstop Carlos Correa took home the honors in the American League after slashing .279/.345/.512 with 22 homers and 68 RBIs. The 21-year-old did all his damage in only 99 games after debuting in early June. Who was the Nationals' top...

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Reed Johnson and Sean Burnett heading back to Nats spring training

November 16, 2015, 11:51am

Nationals

Reed Johnson and Sean Burnett heading back to Nats spring training

The Nationals announced this afternoon that they agreed to terms on minor league contracts with invitations to MLB spring training with left-hander Sean Burnett and outfielder Reed Johnson. Burnett didn't pitch in 2015 after undergoing his second Tommy John surgery. Elbow injuries interfered with his previous two seasons in Anaheim where Burnett only made 16 appearances with a 1.74 ERA. Before that, Burnett spent four years with the Nationals from 2009-2012, going 8-15 with a 2.81 ERA in 245...

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Nationals announce new medical structure

November 17, 2015, 9:39am

Nationals

With a focus on being proactive and utilizing injury-prevention techniques, the Washington Nationals announced a new medical structure and expansion on Tuesday, with several personnel additions and changes. Nationals president of baseball operations and general manager Mike Rizzo made the announcements. In an innovative shift, the Nationals are transitioning their medical department to one that utilizes a proactive model, with significant analytic input. This will allow the Nationals to hone in...

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Dusty Baker has a list of reasons for wanting to win a World Series

November 16, 2015, 3:56am

Nationals

Dusty Baker has a list of reasons for wanting to win a World Series

Two weeks ago, when Dusty Baker was hired as Nationals manager, he talked about the special significance of taking the job in the nation's capital. "You know something? That was a factor, too," Baker told NBC4's Carol Maloney. "I said, 'Wouldn't that be ironic to win in Washington, during the president's last term?' Because I was here during the inauguration, when it was like, freezing. Oh, man, it was cold. So now, yeah, I'm looking forward to seeing him again." Sure, Baker...

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Identifying a leadoff hitter is among issues Dusty Baker faces

November 15, 2015, 3:57am

Nationals

Identifying a leadoff hitter is among issues Dusty Baker faces

One of the Nationals' major deficiencies last season was the lack of a consistent offensive presence at the top of their lineup. Multiple injuries limited Denard Span, their normal table setter, to only 61 games before his season ended in late August. In Span's absence, former manager Matt Williams scrambled to find a leadoff man, using rookie Michael A. Taylor, Jayson Werth, Yunel Escobar and Anthony Rendon. With Span hitting the free agent market last week and unlikely to return to...

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Dusty Baker still working to fill out coaching staff

November 14, 2015, 3:59am

Nationals

Dusty Baker still working to fill out coaching staff

Dusty Baker's work continues to fill out his coaching staff with a few important openings remaining. Shortly after the Nationals hired Baker as manager on Nov. 3, the team announced Mike Maddux as new pitching coach and baserunning expert Davey Lopes as new first base coach. On Friday, Baker was asked on SiriusXM's MLB Network Radio about other coaches he plans to add to his staff in Washington. "I really can't let the cat out of bag," Baker joked with hosts Casey Stern and Jim Bowden....

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As expected, Jordan Zimmermann passes on qualifying offer

November 13, 2015, 12:32pm

Nationals

As expected, Jordan Zimmermann passes on qualifying offer

To no one's surprise, Jordan Zimmermann this afternoon passed on the $15.8 million qualifying offer extended by the Nationals. The right-hander now becomes one of the most sought-after starting pitchers in free agency. The Cubs, Giants, Red Sox and Cardinals are just a few of the teams rumored to have interest in Zimmermann join their rotation. The Nationals drafted Zimmermann in the second round in 2007 out of the University of Wisconsin at Stevens Point. He made his major league debut with...

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Ian Desmond rejects qualifying offer

November 13, 2015, 11:45am

Nationals

Ian Desmond won't play for the Nationals next year. The 30-year-old, who was drafted by the Expos and has played his entire career in Washington, declined the club's $15.8 million qualifying offer today. The Nationals are still waiting on right-hander Jordan Zimmermann to decide on his qualifying offer. The deadline is 5 p.m. today. Desmond enters the free agent market for the first time and is expected to command a multi-year deal worth at least $75 million. The Mets, Padres, Diamondbacks...

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Will busier-than-usual GM meetings turn into wild offseason of wheeling and dealing?

November 13, 2015, 11:34am

Nationals Orioles

Will busier-than-usual GM meetings turn into wild offseason of wheeling and dealing?

The general managers meetings concluded this week in Boca Raton, Fla., and while these gatherings are usually for fact-finding missions, there were plenty of trades. Perhaps it is because of the turnover - one-third of the bosses that make the trades - are new to teams this year. We anticipate that the GM meetings could launch a wild and crazy offseason. So here are the talking points after a week of talking in Boca Raton: * There is a never-ending speculation that the Nationals will trade...

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John Simms mixing pitches well, keeping ball down to find Arizona success

November 13, 2015, 4:19am

Nationals

John Simms mixing pitches well, keeping ball down to find Arizona success

Right-hander John Simms has impressed in his first month in the Arizona Fall League. Simms came into his first game after the starter and a reliever had completed four innings. Salt River trailed 4-3 when he arrived, but the game was tied 5-5 when he departed. He earned the win after pitching three innings and allowing just one run in a 9-7 Rafters comeback victory. After that initial appearance, Simms (3-0) has been tremendously consistent, starting four straight games, tossing 18 innings and...

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Notes on Zimmermann, Desmond and Williams

November 12, 2015, 8:06pm

Nationals

Notes on Zimmermann, Desmond and Williams

The qualifying offers the Nationals extended to right-hander Jordan Zimmermann and shortstop Ian Desmond last Friday expire at 5 p.m. today. Both players are expected to reject the one-year, $15.8 million deal and enter the free agent market for the first time in their careers. Reports from the general managers meetings had the Cubs beginning preliminary discussions with Zimmermann's camp. The Giants, Red Sox and Astros are a few of the other teams reportedly pursuing the 29-year-old. The...

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Washington Nationals announce "Pitch Your Product" culinary showcase

November 13, 2015, 5:13am

Nationals

Nationals launch search for the newest concession at Nationals Park The Nationals are giving local vendors and restaurants the chance to pitch their culinary concepts to be sold at Nationals Park during the 2016 season, offering businesses from D.C., Maryland and Virginia the exciting opportunity to have their product featured at a Major League ballpark. "We are always looking for opportunities to offer a greater variety of local culinary flavors at Nationals Park," said Valerie Camillo,...

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Bryce Harper wins first Silver Slugger Award (with quotes)

November 12, 2015, 1:00pm

Nationals

Bryce Harper wins first Silver Slugger Award (with quotes)

Bryce Harper blitzed through his breakthrough season on a record-breaking assault of pitchers. Tonight, Harper was recognized for his offensive campaign with his first Silver Slugger Award as one of the National League's best-hitting outfielders. Harper was honored by his peers on Monday evening with a Players Choice Award for being the NL's Outstanding Player of 2015. As expected, Harper was named as a finalist for the NL's Most Valuable Player award the next night. The 23-year-old slugger...