nationals

Beasley ready for unique challenge as Triple-A skipper

January 13, 2012, 11:17am

Tony Beasley, who guided the Double-A Harrisburg Senators in 2011, takes over the reins as manager of the Triple-A Syracuse Chiefs for 2012, and is ready for a big difference in the players he coaches and their mental approach to being one call away from Major League Baseball. Beasley moves from managing what are usually the top prospects for a franchise at Double-A to Triple-A, where the players are either one step away from Washington, D.C., or are in a holding pattern, ever so close to the...

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Nationals missing from Cespedes' short list of interested suitors

January 13, 2012, 3:08pm

Nationals

Courting a coveted free agent used to be so easy. You invited him to your city, wined and dined him with the ownership at a swanky restaurant, had him tour your stadium and waited for the ooohs and aaahs as you put his photo on your larger-than-life scoreboard with your logo superimposed on his ball cap. Sometimes, you had the contract ready for his signature, hoping to convince him to avoid the next city on his tour itinerary. Of course, those were the days before players came from such...

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Nationals agree to terms with Gio Gonzalez on long-term contract extension through 2016

January 15, 2012, 8:52am

Nationals

The Washington Nationals today agreed to terms with left-handed starting pitcher Gio Gonzalez on a contract extension through the 2016 season, with options for the 2017 and '18 campaigns, thus avoiding salary arbitration. Nationals Executive Vice President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Mike Rizzo made the announcement. The Nationals acquired Gonzalez from Oakland as part of a six-player trade on Dec. 23, 2011. The 26 year-old Gonzalez is coming off his finest big league season...

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Is Detwiler ready to become the Nationals' fifth starter?

January 12, 2012, 5:20pm

Nationals

With good reason, the center of attention in the Nationals' starting rotation are the three frontline pitchers: Stephen Strasburg, Jordan Zimmermann and newly-acquired Gio Gonzalez. Then there are veterans like John Lannan, and rebounding pitchers Chien-Ming Wang and Ross Detwiler. But who is the key to this rotation for all of 2012? This season could be the time Detwiler finally makes his move. With a clean bill of health and the opportunity to begin the season with Washington, many...

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Seven Nationals file for salary arbitration

January 13, 2012, 5:01pm

Nationals

All seven of the Nationals who are eligible have exercised their right to file for salary arbitration. According to the Major League Baseball Players Association, Friday was the deadline, and the sides must exchange figures by Tuesday. Right-handers Jordan Zimmermann and Tyler Clippard, catcher Jesus Flores, first baseman/outfielder Michael Morse, and left-handers John Lannan, Tom Gorzelanny and Gio Gonzalez beat the deadline. The period for filing began Jan. 5 and MLBPA reports that 142...

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The Fielder-Nationals impasse - and what it might really mean (updated)

January 11, 2012, 1:31pm

Nationals

The Nationals and Scott Boras, the agent for Prince Fielder, have reached an impasse in negotiations for a long-term contract that would bring the slugging first baseman to D.C. A baseball source has confirmed that the Nationals are balking at the length of the deal, not wanting to commit seven or more years to the 27-year-old Fielder, who has been rumored to want 10 years and more than $240 million. While NatsTown is understandably unhappy with this turn of events, fans should realize that...

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P-Nats' Hot Stove banquet coming Jan. 29

January 12, 2012, 10:55am

Nationals

P-Nats' Hot Stove banquet coming Jan. 29

The Potomac Nationals will hold their 17th annual Hot Stove Banquet Sunday, Jan. 29, at the Hyatt Fairfax at Fair Lakes. Newly hired manager Brian Rupp will be introduced and speak at the event. Also a keynote speaker will be announced at a later date. Last year, Nationals assistant general manager Bryan Minniti and director of player development Doug Harris spoke and went over the state of the system and looked towards the future. There could also be appearances by players either past or...

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Nationals announce mini ticket plans for 2012 season

January 13, 2012, 7:04am

Nationals

We're getting closer and closer to the start of spring training, which means, Nationals fans, your window to purchase tickets for the 2012 season is closing. Of course, the best option is to get to all 81 home games, but for those of you who, you know, actually have a job to go to, the Nationals have announced a collection of mini plans for the upcoming season. Starting this week, Washington Nationals fans will have the opportunity to choose between four affordable mini ticket plans to see...

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Washington Nationals announce mini plans for 2012 season

January 13, 2012, 7:03am

Nationals

Starting this week, Washington Nationals fans will have the opportunity to choose between four affordable mini ticket plans to see some of the hottest games of the 2012 season. As an added value, each plan will also include one game free. This year's mini plans include: * Manager's Plan (15 games for the price of 14): For the second consecutive year, fans can create their own unique ticket plan featuring games against National League East rivals and Interleague opponents. Some restrictions...

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What if ... Tim Raines had played longer in Montreal, boosting Hall credentials?

January 10, 2012, 10:12am

Nationals

What if ... Tim Raines had played longer in Montreal, boosting Hall credentials?

The annual announcement of the Baseball Writers' Association of America balloting for the Baseball Hall of Fame always brings polar opposites in emotions: elected candidates thrilled yet humbled to be recognized among the game's immortals and the lamentations of those bypassed or ignored who don't understand why. In that way, voting results are much like the game - there are clear winners and losers. But debate about those not elected goes on long after the lucky party - in this case, Barry...

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Cubs' trade for first base prospect means market for Fielder is thinning

January 07, 2012, 4:30am

Nationals

Cubs' trade for first base prospect means market for Fielder is thinning

By acquiring promising prospect Anthony Rizzo in a four-player deal with the San Diego Padres on Friday, the Chicago Cubs not only got their first baseman of the future, they also probably took themselves out of the Prince Fielder derby. That's good news for the Nationals, who are working to sign the free agent slugger. Who else remains in on Fielder? Quite frankly, the list of suitors is dwindling, a development that could work in Washington's favor as they negotiate with agent Scott Boras...

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Guest blog: Hope accompanies centennial of Washington's golden baseball age

January 11, 2012, 5:42am

Nationals

Guest blog: Hope accompanies centennial of Washington's golden baseball age

One hundred years ago, in January 1912, the Washington Nationals were owned by the principal publisher of the Washington Star, Tom Noyes. Noyes has assumed ownership of Washington's new American League team in 1904, but had despaired of ever seeing a winner in D.C. after a decade of cellar-dwelling teams. Then, in November 1911, serendipity linked Noyes with a giant of the game, Clark Griffith. Known as "The Old Fox," Griffith saw in Washington a unique opportunity and took the managerial...

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Solis "doing well" in recovery from elbow pain; Hansen also good news

January 10, 2012, 5:14pm

Nationals

Solis "doing well" in recovery from elbow pain; Hansen also good news

Left-hander Sammy Solis is progessing well following elbow soreness that shut down his Arizona Fall League campaign. Solis visited two doctors in Los Angeles to check the elbow pain and there was concern as to the extent of the injury, as there would be with any pitcher who suffers such a setback. Nationals director of player development Doug Harris reports that Solis is "doing well" at this time and the team is receiving "positive feedback" as Solis rests the elbow. He is day to...

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Which arbitration-eligible National is most deserving of an extension?

January 10, 2012, 6:31am

Nationals

Which arbitration-eligible National is most deserving of an extension?

The offseason is chugging along and we'll soon be talking about guys arriving at Space Coast Stadium in Viera, Fla. The next step for the Nationals is to come to contract terms with their six arbitration-eligible players: right-handers Tyler Clippard and Jordan Zimmermann, left-handers Tom Gorzelanny and John Lannan, outfielder/first baseman Michael Morse and catcher Jesus Flores. Clippard and Zimmermann are first-timers in the arbitration process, while Lannan and Morse are getting their...

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Menhart critical to maintaining pace in Harrisburg

January 08, 2012, 4:53pm

Nationals

Menhart critical to maintaining pace in Harrisburg

The Nationals were faced with a major decision in their system this offseason when Harrisburg Senators pitching coach Randy Tomlin stepped down from his post. The Nats had already had to adjust to the promotion of Randy Knorr from Triple-A Syracuse manager to bench coach with the Nationals. Tony Beasley was elevated from Double-A Harrisburg to Syracuse to replace Knorr. At Harrisburg, the Nationals moved quickly and promoted Paul Menhart from Single-A Potomac to pitching coach with the...

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If Fielder doesn't pan out, healthy LaRoche a solid option

January 06, 2012, 5:22am

Nationals

If Fielder doesn't pan out, healthy LaRoche a solid option

For the sake of discussion, let's assume that Prince Fielder doesn't end up in D.C. in 2012. No majestic home runs reaching the second deck in right field. No snide comments about his weight the first time he goes into a slump. No spring training negotiations between Fielder and Jayson Werth - for cash, vintage automobiles, jewelry, etc. - over who gets to don jersey No. 28. If Fielder doesn't sign with the Nationals, could you stand to have a healthy, productive Adam LaRoche at first...

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Nats farmhand Zinicola hit with 50-game suspension

January 05, 2012, 11:02am

Nationals

Nats farmhand Zinicola hit with 50-game suspension

Nationals minor league pitcher Zech Zinicola has received a 50-game suspension from Major League Baseball for a second violation of the Minor League Drug Prevention and Treatment Program, according to a press release. The 26-year-old Zinicola's ban stemmed from a "drug of abuse," according to the release, meaning it wasn't for using performance-enhancing drugs. He was on the Triple-A Syracuse roster. The right-hander, a sixth-round pick of the Nationals in 2006, was 3-0 with a 2.01 ERA...

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Potomac Nationals install new grass field at Pfitzner Stadium

January 04, 2012, 10:20am

Nationals

Early last season, the Single-A Potomac Nationals had to move some home games to Frederick, Md., and had other games postponed because their home field, Pfitzner Stadium, was deemed unplayable by minor league officials. The Nationals improved the clubhouse facilities for the home team during last season, expanding the locker room and coaches' offices, and added a new conference room behind the first base dugout. This season, improvements include a brand new grass field, installed last month,...

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Young Nationals talent will follow LeCroy from Potomac to Harrisburg

January 06, 2012, 2:42pm

Nationals

New Harrisburg Senators manager Matt LeCroy will see some very familiar faces as he takes the helm at Metro Bank Park this spring in his first season as a Double-A skipper. LeCroy said his team in Potomac persevered when it did not appear to be a formidable offensive threat early on. But behind quality pitching, the team defied a difficult first half, and scraped together hits and rallies in the final month of season to earn a playoff spot. This experience at Single-A will be a major boost...

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How much is too much for Prince Fielder?

January 05, 2012, 6:30am

Nationals

How much is too much for Prince Fielder?

I'm starting to feel like I know Prince Fielder better than I should. Isn't it bad enough that I owned his slugging father Cecil on my American League Rotisserie team for many years, gambling a pick on the elder when he came back from Japan after rediscovering his home run stroke (and, apparently, a lot more rice than sushi)? But I've resigned myself to the fact that until he signs elsewhere, Prince will be dominating discussion in NatsTown. At least hot stove season isn't boring,...