nationals

Ian Desmond talks free agency, Bryce Harper

November 12, 2015, 3:02am

Longtime Nationals shortstop Ian Desmond is expected to pass on the qualifying offer the team extended last Friday and fully jump into the free agent waters for the first time in his career. The one-year, $15.8 million offer expires at 5 p.m. tomorrow. If Desmond does decline and sign with another team, the Nationals will receive a first-round draft pick as compensation. Beloved by the fans in Washington, Desmond has played his entire career within the Nationals/Expos organization after...

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Harper wins first Louisville Slugger Silver Slugger Award

November 12, 2015, 2:47pm

Nationals

Harper wins first Louisville Slugger Silver Slugger Award

Washington Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper was named a National League outfield winner of the Louisville Slugger Silver Slugger Award on Thursday night, the first such honor of his career. This is the fourth consecutive season in which the Nationals have had a Silver Slugger Award winner, and the first time the organization has had an outfield honoree since Alfonso Soriano in 2006. "We are proud to see Bryce earn his first Silver Slugger award," said Nationals President of Baseball...

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Boras: Strasburg had muscular growth surgically removed from back

November 11, 2015, 12:58pm

Nationals

Boras: Strasburg had muscular growth surgically removed from back

Stephen Strasburg dealt with what he referred to as a "knot" in his back during the 2015 season. Now his agent says that the knot was really a non-cancerous "muscular" growth that was surgically removed from his back last month. After laboring through his first 10 starts with an uncharacteristic 3-5 record and 6.55 ERA, Strasburg landed on the disabled list for the first time on May 30. Strasburg emerged from the DL appearing healthy and confident, winning his first two starts before a...

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#TBT: Dan Uggla propels Nats to win over former team

November 11, 2015, 5:54pm

Nationals

#TBT: Dan Uggla propels Nats to win over former team

In 2010, Dan Uggla was a Silver Slugger Award recipient with the Florida Marlins. He then spent four seasons with the Braves before coming to the Nationals in 2015. Although not an everyday starter with the Nats, Uggla started at second base against the Braves in a late April game. It was a slugfest from the beginning, including Uggla's two-run triple in the seventh, but the Nationals found themselves trailing 12-10 in the ninth. After Jose Lobaton's single and a Danny Espinosa walk, Uggla...

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Is it possible to see Jonathan Papelbon and Drew Storen back with the Nats?

November 11, 2015, 3:03am

Nationals

Is it possible to see Jonathan Papelbon and Drew Storen back with the Nats?

With the Nationals finally deciding on Dusty Baker as skipper last week, general manager Mike Rizzo can now devote most of his offseason attention to reinforcing a roster believed still to be on the postseason doorstep. Chief among Rizzo's concerns is rebuilding the Nationals bullpen, which stumbled terribly down the stretch in 2015. It's hard for Rizzo to design the assembly of his relievers until decisions are made regarding closer Jonathan Papelbon and former closer Drew Storen. Rizzo...

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Bryce Harper, Wilson Ramos shut out of Gold Glove Awards

November 10, 2015, 2:46pm

Nationals

Bryce Harper, Wilson Ramos shut out of Gold Glove Awards

Bryce Harper and Wilson Ramos were shut out from winning Rawlings Gold Glove Awards in the National League after being named finalists for the first time this year. A pair of Cardinals - right fielder Jason Heyward and catcher Yadier Molina - won the honors over Harper and Ramos. Harper's historic season at the plate helped the slugger gain recognition earlier tonight by the Baseball Writers' Association of America as a finalist for NL Most Valuable Player. But Harper also impressed during...

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Predictions for BBWAA awards, some of which are very tight races

November 11, 2015, 4:50am

Nationals Orioles

Predictions for BBWAA awards, some of which are very tight races

Pitcher Jake Arrieta dominated in the season's second half, posting a 0.75 ERA and finishing with 22 wins and a 1.77 ERA for the Cubs. The Dodgers' Clayton Kershaw had a 2.13 ERA and led the National League with 301 strikeouts. So Arrieta and Kershaw are the top candidates for the NL Cy Young Award? Think again. The numbers for Arrieta and Kershaw are impressive, but they are overshadowed by the Dodgers' Zack Greinke, who had 19 wins and won the NL ERA title with a 1.66 ERA. That's why the...

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Purke on list of minor league free agents; De Los Santos update from Arizona

November 10, 2015, 3:01pm

Nationals

Purke on list of minor league free agents; De Los Santos update from Arizona

The list of minor league free agents from 2015 has been revealed by Baseball America, and the most notable names on the Nationals list include former 2011 third-round selection left-hander Matt Purke, as well as southpaw Richard Bleier. Purke was drafted with a lot of promise, but has been saddled with various injuries during his career. He returned to reach Double-A Harrisburg this year and finished the season allowing three runs in his final six appearances out of the bullpen. Bleier had a...

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As expected, Bryce Harper named a finalist for NL MVP

November 10, 2015, 1:58pm

Nationals

As expected, Bryce Harper named a finalist for NL MVP

In no shock, the Baseball Writers' Association of America named Nationals right fielder Bryce Harper as a finalist for the National League Most Valuable Player award. Harper is the favorite to take home his first MVP when it's announced on Nov. 19, but the young slugger faces stiff competition with Reds first baseman Joey Votto and Diamondbacks first baseman Paul Goldschmidt in contention. After battling injuries the past two seasons, Harper experienced a breakout campaign in 2015. He...

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Matt Williams returns to Arizona as third base coach

November 10, 2015, 12:52pm

Nationals

Matt Williams returns to Arizona as third base coach

After losing his job as Nationals manager on Oct. 5, Matt Williams has landed on his feet, returning to Arizona as third base coach. Williams held the same position with the Diamondbacks from 2011-2013 prior to becoming skipper in Washington. The Nats went 96-66 in Williams' first year in the nation's capital, running away with the National League East before making an early exit in the playoffs. Still, Williams was named NL Manager of the Year in his rookie campaign as a major league...

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Bryce Harper on Dusty Baker, coaches: "We finally have an all-star staff"

November 10, 2015, 2:46am

Nationals

Bryce Harper on Dusty Baker, coaches: "We finally have an all-star staff"

With the Nationals playoff chances hanging by a thread and rumors swirling about Matt Williams' job security in mid-September, Bryce Harper was the lone player offering a vote of confidence for his now former skipper. Harper's award season continued Monday night when his peers recognized the young slugger as the National League's Outstanding Player of 2015. After receiving the honor during the MLB Players Choice Awards special on the MLB Network, Harper couldn't mask his emotions when...

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Peers recognize Bryce Harper as NL's Outstanding Player for 2015

November 09, 2015, 3:20pm

Nationals

Peers recognize Bryce Harper as NL's Outstanding Player for 2015

Bryce Harper was named the National League Outstanding Player of the Year at tonight's Major League Baseball Players Choice Awards. Harper smashed 42 homers, tying Colorado's Nolan Arenado for tops in the league. He led the NL in on-base percentage (.460) and slugging percentage (.649), while his .330 batting average was second best in the league to Miami's Dee Gordon. "I'm definitely very fortunate to play this game every single day," Harper said after receiving the honor on MLB Network....

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Could Rizzo take a dip in Baltimore's free agent waters for an offseason splash?

November 09, 2015, 3:54am

Nationals

Could Rizzo take a dip in Baltimore's free agent waters for an offseason splash?

The highly publicized issue with the Nationals bullpen, especially in the second half of last season, figures to be the most pressing problem general manager Mike Rizzo faces this offseason. Whether or not closer Jonathan Papelbon and disgruntled former closer Drew Storen remain on the team is obviously the first order of business that must be sorted out. Besides the bullpen woes, the Nationals offense lacked fluidity while dealing with countless injuries throughout the year. Veterans Jayson...

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Lerner, Rizzo among Nats reps present for groundbreaking at new spring complex

November 09, 2015, 8:47am

Nationals

Lerner, Rizzo among Nats reps present for groundbreaking at new spring complex

This morning in West Palm Beach, Nationals principal owner Mark Lerner and president of baseball operations Mike Rizzo were joined by Major League Baseball commissioner Rob Manfred and representatives of the Houston Astros at a groundbreaking ceremony for the new spring training complex the two teams will share. If there are no delays in construciton, the $135 million facility is expected to be ready in time for Grapefruit League action in 2017. Manfred and the Nationals and Astros officials...

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Possible outfield targets for the Nationals in free agency

November 08, 2015, 11:24am

Nationals

The Nationals decided against extending a qualifying offer to Denard Span on Friday afternoon, allowing the center fielder to hit the open market. While Span still could re-sign with the Nats, it's likely the ballclub plans to move on with Michael A. Taylor in center. The 24-year-old was impressive filling in for Span in his first full season in the majors. But the Nationals could look for depth in the outfield via free agency this offseason. Injuries to Jayson Werth and Span last year forced...

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Baker on his style and how important listening to Nats players will be

November 06, 2015, 8:24pm

Nationals

Baker on his style and how important listening to Nats players will be

New Nationals manager Dusty Baker gave us a clue about his possible managing style at Thursday's news conference when he talked about being aggressive on the base paths. "We're going to run the bases," Baker said. "I think that's something that's probably last on the list on a lot of teams. Baserunning is probably the most overlooked part of baseball." It might be a welcome change from the Nationals' recent offensive style, where they waited for the three-run homer more times than they...

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Ted Lerner: "We're excited for the Baker era to begin"

November 07, 2015, 11:43am

Nationals

Ted Lerner: "We're excited for the Baker era to begin"

A few hours after attending a press conference introducing his ballclub's new manager, Nationals managing principal owner Theodore Lerner offered some rare public comments. Lerner, 90, was honored with the Urban Land Institute's lifetime achievement award at the National Building Museum on Thursday night. "When they originally told me I would be receiving this honor, they were kind enough to schedule the dinner for November, thinking that I and the Nationals would be busy in late October,"...

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Nats extend qualifying offers to Jordan Zimmermann, Ian Desmond (plus Williams note)

November 06, 2015, 1:16pm

Nationals

Nats extend qualifying offers to Jordan Zimmermann, Ian Desmond (plus Williams note)

The Nationals extended qualifying offers to right-hander Jordan Zimmermann and shortstop Ian Desmond, but not center fielder Denard Span, prior to today's 5 p.m. deadline. Neither Zimmermann nor Desmond, who have both played their entire careers for the Nationals, are expected to accept the qualifying offer worth $15.8 million for the 2016 season (the average of the top 125 salaries in the majors). Both have until Nov. 13 to decide whether to take the qualifying offer or pass and enter free...

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Baker and Rizzo on Maddux, Lopes and Bonds

November 05, 2015, 11:11am

Nationals

Baker and Rizzo on Maddux, Lopes and Bonds

New Nationals manager Dusty Baker was thrilled to be able to add former Rangers pitching coach Mike Maddux his staff. Baker said he was able to talk to Maddux when the Rangers played a game at Oakland two years ago and Baker's son wanted to watch right fielder Shin-Soo Choo play for the Rangers. "I've been knowing Mike a long time and his brother Greg played for me in Chicago," Baker said. "I had a conversation with Mike at that time. He said, 'Hey I would like to be on your staff at some...

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Dusty Baker on managing Bryce Harper and getting past the fight

November 05, 2015, 10:51am

Nationals

Dusty Baker on managing Bryce Harper and getting past the fight

Dusty Baker is no stranger to playing with or managing superstar baseball players with larger- than-life personalities. The 66-year-old began his career in the majors playing in the Braves outfield with the legendary Hank Aaron and then went on to manage the likes of Barry Bonds, Ken Griffey Jr., Sammy Sosa and Joey Votto. Now Baker gets a chance to work with slugger Bryce Harper - the potential National League Most Valuable Player - in Washington, D.C. "This guy can play," Baker said at...