nationals

One of the more intriguing players in Nats camp

February 17, 2013, 4:25am

VIERA, Fla. - With Rafael Soriano's visa issue in the past and all their position players having reported, the Nationals now have all 53 of their guys in camp. The physicals have all been taken, the eye and dental exams complete. It's time for the first official full-squad workout of spring. It's a chilly 40-degree morning here on the east coast of Florida, and before the Nationals take to the fields for bullpen sessions, batting practice and various drills, manager Davey Johnson will step...

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Nats making early attempt to cut down on stolen bases allowed

February 16, 2013, 12:03pm

Nationals

Nats making early attempt to cut down on stolen bases allowed

VIERA, Fla. - It was a very quiet morning out on the minor league fields today. Little of note actually went down, as pitchers and catchers took part in a basic rotation of drills that included bunting, pickoff throws to first base, comebackers, pickoff throws to second base and fielding dribblers up the line. The Nationals give their pitchers two days off after bullpen sessions early in spring, so with the "A" group of pitchers having thrown on Thursday and the "B" group taking the mound...

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Soriano arrives, Zimmermann talks contract

February 16, 2013, 5:14am

Nationals

Soriano arrives, Zimmermann talks contract

VIERA, Fla. - Rafael Soriano had hoped to arrive to Nationals camp a little early in order to get acclimated to a new team, coaching staff and teammates. A visa issue delayed his arrival by a few days, but after getting his visa stamped yesterday, Soriano arrived at Space Coast Stadium this morning, ready to get things started. He gave a hug to Gio Gonzalez, briefly chatted with pitching coach Steve McCatty as Latin music played from his iPhone and then went to go get in his first workout in...

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The decision that set Ryan Perry's career on a new track

February 16, 2013, 2:35am

Nationals

The decision that set Ryan Perry's career on a new track

VIERA, Fla. - It was almost midway through the season last year when Ryan Perry placed a phone call. Perry, a 6-foot-4, 215-lb. right-hander with a power fastball and an intimidating mound presence, was confident that he had the ability to pitch at the major league level. He got a cup of coffee with the Nationals in May, appearing in seven games out of the bullpen before being sent back down to the minors. A former first-round pick of the Tigers with loads of talent, Perry knew he still had...

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Nats, Zimmermann agree to terms, avoiding arbitration (updated)

February 15, 2013, 12:51pm

Nationals

Nats, Zimmermann agree to terms, avoiding arbitration (updated)

VIERA, Fla. - The Nationals and right-hander Jordan Zimmermann have agreed to terms on a one-year contract for the 2013 season, avoiding arbitration, the team announced. Zimmermann, 26, was eligible for arbitration for the first time this offseason. His agent had asked for $5.8 million for the 2013 season, while the Nationals had countered with $4.6 million. Terms of the deal are not yet known. The two sides had an arbitration hearing scheduled for Feb. 19, but today's deal means an arbiter...

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Soriano has his visa, plus workout notes

February 15, 2013, 8:12am

Nationals

Soriano has his visa, plus workout notes

VIERA, Fla. - Rafael Soriano has obtained his visa and is expected to be at Nationals camp in the next day or two, according to a team source. The deadline for pitchers and catchers to report to spring training was Tuesday, but Soriano was unable to arrive on time due to an issue with his visa. A native of the Dominican Republic, Soriano should be here shortly and will get with manager Davey Johnson and pitching coach Steve McCatty to discuss how he'll be used early in camp. The Nationals...

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Talking haircuts, contracts and expectations with Adam LaRoche

February 15, 2013, 12:36pm

Nationals

Talking haircuts, contracts and expectations with Adam LaRoche

VIERA, Fla. - When Adam LaRoche walked into the Nationals clubhouse this morning, his 11-year-old son Drake was right behind him, as is often the case, and was wheeling a bag filled with baseball gear. Nationals players and clubhouse staffers flocked from all around to welcome the LaRoches - both of them - with hugs and handshakes. This is a beloved duo around these parts. The LaRoches unpacked their camouflage pants and t-shirts, dressed and answered numerous questions about what the heck...

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Johnson impressed with Haren, likes Rodriguez's progress

February 15, 2013, 11:30am

Nationals

Johnson impressed with Haren, likes Rodriguez's progress

VIERA, Fla. - Dan Haren's first mound session as a member of the Nationals was a strong one. Haren, signed to a one-year, $13 million deal this offseason, stood between fellow right-handers Jordan Zimmermann and Tyler Clippard this morning, and the 32-year-old toed the rubber and fired pitches into the glove of catcher Jhonatan Solano. It was the first time Haren has thrown in front of manager Davey Johnson, and Johnson liked what he saw. "I was impressed with Dan Haren," Johnson said....

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Ryan Zimmerman returning to his natural throwing motion

February 15, 2013, 10:08am

Nationals

Ryan Zimmerman returning to his natural throwing motion

VIERA, Fla. - The days of the robotic throwing motion are over. No longer will Ryan Zimmerman need a seemingly 12-step process to get the ball from his glove to the first baseman. And boy, are Zimmerman and those around him happy about it. Zimmerman had arthroscopic surgery on the AC joint in his right shoulder early this offseason, a procedure that should allow him to return to his natural throwing motion and make his awkward, rigid tosses thing of the past. The Nationals third baseman...

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Haren eager to show injuries, drop in velocity won't hold him back

February 15, 2013, 2:36am

Nationals

Haren eager to show injuries, drop in velocity won't hold him back

VIERA, Fla. - Assuming Mother Nature doesn't play a factor, we should have plenty going on around Nationals camp today. Pitchers and catchers will take to the fields again this morning, with the hurlers who did not take part in bullpen sessions yesterday doing so today. We'll also see a host of guys trickle in throughout the morning and afternoon, as today is the report date for all position players. While three members of the Nationals' rotation got in a bullpen session yesterday, Jordan...

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Eury Perez adds depth to Nationals outfield, speed at Syracuse

February 15, 2013, 5:48am

Nationals

The Nationals were able to sign center fielder Denard Span to be their leadoff hitter and complete their 2013 lineup. One player who got some time with the big club late in 2012 and could also someday fill that role for the Nationals is Eury Perez. The Dominican continued to play well in winter ball, as high Single-A Potomac Nationals manager Brian Daubach said here. Perez did get a call-up late last season during the Nationals' clinching month. With the Nationals, Perez played in 13 games,...

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Weekly Wrap

February 14, 2013, 7:41pm

Nationals

Spring training is here, and baseball is back! MASNsports.com's Dan Kolko is in Viera, Fla., keeping you posted with the latest news surrounding the Nationals. Keep checking his blog, and, for minute-by-minute updates, give him a follow on Twitter. Pitcher Gio Gonzalez spoke to reporters Tuesday, addressing the offseason news that linked him to the Miami-area Biogenesis clinic. The hurler announced that he felt he would be cleared, and he also spent time talking about his decision to play...

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Weekly Wrap

February 07, 2013, 7:07pm

Nationals

With spring training just a few days away, this past week was a rather slow one for the Nationals. However, there were a few minor league signings this week, in addition to positive news regarding recoveries from injuries, that made headlines. The Nats' top pick in the 2012 First-Year Player Draft, Lucas Giolito, is recovering from his Tommy John surgery in August, as he has started tossing a baseball again. Catcher Wilson Ramos tweeted that he was close to being ready to play after he was...

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A bulked-up Harper arrives with lofty personal, team goals

February 14, 2013, 9:41am

Nationals

A bulked-up Harper arrives with lofty personal, team goals

VIERA, Fla. - When Bryce Harper first walked into the Nationals clubhouse this morning, one thing was evident immediately. He's packed on a few pounds. I don't say that in a negative way. It's not like Harper was pounding Krispy Kremes all offseason and now has a gut. Far from it, in fact. He's a mountain of muscle now, with broad shoulders and a toned upper-body. Harper says he put on a good bit of muscle this offseason, bulking up to 230 lbs after being listed at 215 lbs. last season....

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Johnson talks lineup possibilities

February 14, 2013, 12:23pm

Nationals

VIERA, Fla. - During his session with reporters earlier today, Bryce Harper was asked whether he felt moving to a spot in the middle of the batting order would be a normal progression for him. "I hope not. I like the two-spot," Harper replied, before adding that he'd gladly hit anywhere in the Nationals order as long as he remains in the lineup. Davey Johnson doesn't exactly buy that, largely because he says Harper has been telling him something else. While Harper might be keeping his...

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Wilson Ramos: "I feel like I'm on the team again. I'm back"

February 14, 2013, 10:39am

Nationals

Wilson Ramos: "I feel like I'm on the team again. I'm back"

VIERA, Fla. - As Wilson Ramos dropped into his crouch and prepared to receive the first pitch thrown by Zach Duke late this morning, Nationals pitching coach Steve McCatty hollered at the 25-year-old catcher from behind the pitcher's mound. "The Tin Man's back!" McCatty shouted, referencing the all-grey gear that Ramos sports behind the plate. It had been a while since Ramos had tossed on his gear and squatted behind the plate. The last time he did so was May 12, when he tore the ACL and...

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Johnson discusses Soriano's absence, reactions from first workout

February 14, 2013, 8:58am

Nationals

Johnson discusses Soriano's absence, reactions from first workout

VIERA, Fla. - As I mentioned earlier, the Nationals have confirmed that closer Rafael Soriano's arrival at camp has been delayed by a visa issue. According to a source, because Soriano has a new employer, his previous visa, which was for five years, needs to be adjusted. While the Nats would obviously prefer to have Soriano in camp, it's still very early. Camp is extended this year because of the World Baseball Classic anyway, and it's not like Soriano hasn't been through this process...

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No sign of Rafael Soriano at Nationals camp (updated twice)

February 14, 2013, 4:41am

Nationals

VIERA, Fla. - Nationals pitchers and catchers are getting ready to take the fields for their first official workout of spring. All of them, that is, except for Rafael Soriano, who has not yet been seen at Nats camp. The deadline for pitchers and catchers to report was midnight Tuesday. Soriano's locker has clearly not been touched since it was assembled by the Nationals' clubhouse staff, and his parking pass still sits on the bottom ledge of the locker. Despite inquiries, team officials...

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Storen learning, growing through his toughest moments

February 13, 2013, 8:17pm

Nationals

Storen learning, growing through his toughest moments

VIERA, Fla. - "The Chief" is making a comeback. Chad Cordero, who spent six seasons with the Expos/Nationals organization and saved 128 games in that time, announced last night on Twitter that he has signed a minor league deal with the Angels. Now 30, Cordero won't be receiving an invitation to big league spring training, according to reports, so his journey back to the majors still has some obstacles. But Cordero, a former All-Star and fan favorite in D.C., has a chance. So you're...

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Rizzo: Gonzalez's situation doesn't intensify search for a starter

February 13, 2013, 10:40am

Nationals

Rizzo: Gonzalez's situation doesn't intensify search for a starter

VIERA, Fla. - We spoke to Gio Gonzalez yesterday about his involvement with Biogenesis, the anti-aging clinic that allegedly supplied performance-enhancing drugs to major league players. Today, we talked to Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo about Gonzalez and his future. Because of Major League Baseball's ongoing investigation into Biogenesis and Tony Bosch, who ran the clinic, Rizzo couldn't say too much on Gonzalez and the Nats' plans for their star lefty. Rizzo did say, however, that...