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Versatile Mike Carp could provide value off the bench

February 26, 2015, 6:15am

VIERA, Fla. - In January, general manager Mike Rizzo signed Mike Carp to a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training. Carp appeared in 41 games in left field and 29 games at first base for Boston in 2013 and was an important utility option for the Red Sox during their run to a World Series championship. While splitting time mostly between left field and first base that year, Carp hit .296 with nine home runs, 43 RBIs and an .885 OPS. However, his production submarined in 2014,...

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No limits for Anthony Rendon's greatness

February 25, 2015, 7:13pm

Nationals

No limits for Anthony Rendon's greatness

VIERA, Fla. - Anthony Rendon does not walk around with a superstar-type aura surrounding him. Yet the 24-year-old infielder appears to be just that. He's entering his third season in the majors, coming off a tremendous sophomore campaign where he hit .287 with 21 home runs, 83 RBIs and a league-leading 111 runs scored. The media-shy Rendon didn't escape the accolades of the Silver Slugger as best offensive third baseman, while also finishing fifth in the National League MVP voting. "My game...

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More Harper on grievance, Rizzo, Scherzer, rotation and expectations

February 25, 2015, 1:01pm

Nationals

More Harper on grievance, Rizzo, Scherzer, rotation and expectations

SARASOTA, Fla. - Some other gems from Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper, who held his first media session of spring training this afternoon: On any hard feelings from his grievance against the club and his relationship with Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo: "Mike's awesome. Truly. If I had a problem, I'd probably tell him straight to his face because that's how he is and that's how we are. I absolutely love Mike Rizzo, and the way he went about everything, it's business and that's...

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Harper's not lacking confidence

February 25, 2015, 2:12pm

Nationals

VIERA, Fla. - If Bryce Harper can back up the words he spoke this afternoon, then notify the park police: There's going to be a parade with red and white floats coming down Constitution Avenue in early November. Oozing with confidence, the 22-year-old Harper sat on the bench in the first base dugout at Space Coast Stadium and delivered his preamble for the 2015 Nationals season. "I absolutely love this organization," Harper said. "I love the city that I play for. And I'm not done here....

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A "lean" Harper is here and Williams is excited (with photos, video)

February 25, 2015, 11:17am

Nationals

A "lean" Harper is here and Williams is excited (with photos, video)

VIERA, Fla. - Nationals Manager Matt Williams took the field at Space Coast Stadium to throw some batting practice to a handful of his talented hitters. The group included Anthony Rendon, Denard Span, Ian Desmond and Bryce Harper. The 22-year-old Harper made his first appearance of spring training in the clubhouse this morning, showing a trim but bulked-up frame after the four-month offseason. "Reporting today, he looked in great shape," said Williams. "He's lean. He's really lean. He's...

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Replacing Clippard isn't easy

February 24, 2015, 6:54pm

Nationals

When evaluating the Nationals as they prepare to embark on a season with the highest of expectations, it's easy to get caught up in the incredible starting rotation that general manager Mike Rizzo has assembled. Few uncertainties surround this team, but a glaring one is the dilemma of who will step in to replace the departed Tyler Clippard. The reliable right-hander was expected to resume his role as the eighth-inning set-up man in 2015 until Rizzo traded him to Oakland for infielder Yunel...

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Williams Day Four roundup (plus, when do we see The Babe?)

February 24, 2015, 12:54pm

Nationals

Williams Day Four roundup (plus, when do we see The Babe?)

VIERA, Fla. - One more day of physicals tomorrow for all position players and then Thursday begins official full roster workouts. Nationals manager Matt Williams said all pitchers are healthy through the first four days. "Everybody's good," Williams added. "Nothing more than spring training legs and backs. That's part of the deal." For the second consecutive day, Williams began the morning on the Space Coast Stadium infield going through fundamental drills with Ryan Zimmerman at first...

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Zimmerman ready to prove himself at first base

February 24, 2015, 5:19am

Nationals

Zimmerman ready to prove himself at first base

VIERA, Fla. - It's a new year and a new position for Ryan Zimmerman. Aside from injuries, Zimmerman has been the Nationals third baseman ever since he was the first player drafted by the organization after moving to Washington in 2005. But those injuries, combined with the departure of Adam LaRoche and the emergence of Anthony Rendon, have forced the Nationals to move Zimmerman across the diamond to first base, a position he has little experience playing, having seen action in only 18 innings...

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All eyes on Escobar

February 24, 2015, 2:04am

Nationals

VIERA, Fla. - All position players are due to report for Nationals spring training today. As of Monday evening, outfielders Jayson Werth and Mike Carp, and infielders Wilmer Difo and Yunel Escobar were the only players who had not yet appeared at Space Coast Stadium. Much of the focus will be on Escobar when he trots out to his new second base position on Thursday, the first day of full-squad workouts. The Nationals traded Tyler Clippard, one of baseball's most reliable relievers, in order to...

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Think warm thoughts with three "Nationals Classics" this week

February 23, 2015, 4:44am

Nationals

The Washington, D.C., area experienced another five-plus inches of snow this past weekend. Uncle. Between the frigid cold weather and the recent snowstorms, I think we're all counting down the days until opening day. While Nationals pitchers and catchers, and almost all of the position players, have reported to spring training, we still can't watch live baseball. To get your baseball fix, enjoy three "Nationals Classics" this week on MASN HD. Here's what's on deck: Tuesday,...

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Nationals announce mini plans for 2015 season

February 24, 2015, 6:08am

Nationals

Beginning today, Washington Nationals fans will have the opportunity to choose between four exciting mini ticket plans to catch some of the hottest games of the 2015 season. This year's Mini Plans include: * Manager of the Year Plan (15 games): Celebrate Manager Matt Williams' 2014 Manager of the Year Award by signing up for this unique plan. This offer is comprised of 15 matchups including games against the Cardinals, Blue Jays, Padres and Pirates, among many others. This plan offers the...

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Despite rumors, Desmond is ready to "enjoy this ride" (plus pics)

February 23, 2015, 10:46am

Nationals

Despite rumors, Desmond is ready to "enjoy this ride" (plus pics)

VIERA, Fla. - No player has been in the Nationals organization longer than Ian Desmond, who was selected by the Expos in the third round of the 2004 First-Year Player Draft. But Desmond's tenure as Nats shortstop is threatened by his looming free agency at the end of this season. Desmond spent this offseason in the vulnerable position of hearing his name floated in trade rumors. That speculation intensified after Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo acquired infielder Yunel Escobar from...

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Zimmerman, Desmond arrive in camp with important springs looming

February 23, 2015, 5:34am

Nationals

Zimmerman, Desmond arrive in camp with important springs looming

VIERA, Fla. - Ryan Zimmerman and Ian Desmond strolled into the clubhouse at Space Coast Stadium this morning, a day before position players are required to show up. After some high fives and hugs with teammates and coaches, Zimmerman settled into his far corner locker. It was no surprise when the Nationals opted not to bring free agent first baseman Adam LaRoche back. Zimmerman has battled injuries the past few years and the best option was to move him across the diamond to first base -...

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Williams wastes little time reintroducing Zimmerman to first base (with camp photos)

February 23, 2015, 10:20am

Nationals

Williams wastes little time reintroducing Zimmerman to first base (with camp photos)

VIERA, Fla. - Ryan Zimmerman has traded his third baseman's glove for a first baseman's mitt - and last season's crash course at a new position for more intensive hands-on instruction. Though Nationals position players aren't required to be in camp until tomorrow, Zimmerman arrived at Space Coast Stadium just before 8 a.m. this morning. About 90 minutes later, even before pitchers and catchers headed over to their scheduled workouts, Zimmerman trotted out to first base to reacquaint himself...

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Uggla sees a second chance with Nationals

February 22, 2015, 7:38pm

Nationals

VIERA, Fla. - In June 2009, Dan Uggla hit his 100th career home run in his 502nd game, faster than any second baseman in Major League Baseball history. That season was right in the middle of a five-year streak where Uggla went deep 30 or more times in each campaign, making him the game's only second baseman to accomplish that feat. But those days seem like ancient history for Uggla, who will turn 35 next month. He has since been hit twice in the head by pitches, in June 2012 and in spring...

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Breaking down how former O's, Nats fit in with their new teams

February 23, 2015, 8:26am

Nationals Orioles

Breaking down how former O's, Nats fit in with their new teams

The Nationals and Orioles are basically the same teams as last season, minus a few key players. Here's a look at players that helped the two local nines win division championships last season and how they fit into the plans of their new teams: * Nick Markakis - Signing Markakis to a $44 million contract is a good deal for a contending team that wants to add an experienced left-handed bat. But the Braves aren't that anymore. They were a weak offensive team last season and they traded their...

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Video: Jeers and cheers for Gonzalez during comical bunting drill

February 22, 2015, 12:51pm

Nationals

Video: Jeers and cheers for Gonzalez during comical bunting drill

VIERA, Fla. - The 30 Nationals pitchers are placed into six groups during workouts. Gio Gonzalez's group - 1B, if you want to be specific - is not only loaded with some serious talent but also some funny characters. Doug Fister, Jordan Zimmerman, Jerry Blevins and Craig Stammen round it out. Sunday's morning workout began with this quintet's first bullpen session, where all pitch simultaneously for eight minutes. It was quite the scene to watch Gonzalez, Fister and Zimmermann on three...

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Williams on powerhouse rotation Nationals have assembled

February 23, 2015, 4:34am

Nationals

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...

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Williams on Span and Werth's recoveries, Treinen as a starter and apple turnovers

February 22, 2015, 11:28am

Nationals

Williams on Span and Werth's recoveries, Treinen as a starter and apple turnovers

VIERA, Fla. - Nationals manager Matt Williams would likely be thrilled if center fielder Denard Span could replicate his 2014 season. Span batted .302 with 39 doubles and 31 stolen bases, and his 184 hits tied Philadelphia's Ben Revere for most in the National League. The hit total was a career high for Span, while his batting average was the second-best mark of his seven years in the majors. Span, who arrived at Space Coast Stadium for the spring training this morning, underwent surgery in...

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Can Espinosa be right this season?

February 22, 2015, 4:57am

Nationals

VIERA, Fla. - Danny Espinosa dug into the right side of the batter's box yesterday as Nationals manager Matt Williams tossed him practice pitches. The discussion of Espinosa giving up switch-hitting, and focusing completely on batting right-handed, has been debated for a few years within the Nationals organization. Williams confirmed that will be the main goal for Espinosa throughout spring training. "Well, the objective for Danny is to get comfortable," Williams said. "This is not an easy...