nationals

A peek behind the plate

February 14, 2012, 6:31am

A year ago at this time, the Nationals were flush with catchers. Ivan Rodriguez was entering the second season of a two-year contract and Wilson Ramos, acquired the previous summer in a trading deadline deal from Minnesota for Matt Capps, was poised for a breakthrough and pushing for playing time. Jesus Flores was finally ready to return after missing most of two seasons with a variety of shoulder injuries and Derek Norris was waiting in the wings in the minors, ready to shake off a concussion...

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Washington Nationals single-game tickets to go on sale Thursday, March 8 at 10 a.m.

February 13, 2012, 11:29am

Nationals

TAKE BACK THE PARK Buy now before single game tickets go on sale! Take Back the Park continues through March 8. Single game tickets to the May 4-6 Nationals vs. Phillies series are available exclusively for season ticket holders and local fans in Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia. nationals.com/ourpark #ourpark The Washington Nationals announced today that single game tickets for the 2012 season will go on sale to the general public Thursday, March 8 at 10:00 a.m. Tickets may be...

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Five things Bryce Harper has to do to make the 25-man roster

February 11, 2012, 5:56pm

Nationals

Five things Bryce Harper has to do to make the 25-man roster

The most interesting battle of Nationals spring training in Viera, Fla., might not be waged on the field. It centers around top prospect Bryce Harper, and whether the slugging outfielder with the cannon for an arm will break camp with the Nationals. As soon as manager Davey Johnson and general manager Mike Rizzo settle into their respective homes away from home at Space Coast Stadium, they'll both be continuing their attempts to convince the other they are right about whether Harper is ready...

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Nats announce single-game ticket sales, 2012 promotional schedule

February 13, 2012, 11:46am

Nationals

Nats announce single-game ticket sales, 2012 promotional schedule

The wait is over. Well, sort of. You can't buy single-game tickets to see the Nationals at Nationals Park quite yet. But at least you now have a date to mark on your calendar, as the team has announced single-game tickets will go on sale at 10 a.m. on Thursday, March 8. Tickets may be purchased online at nationals.com/tickets, by calling 888-632-NATS (6287) or by visiting the Nationals Park main box office at Half and N streets, SE. Fans can register now at nationals.com/tickets for the...

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Who's the dark horse in spring training?

February 13, 2012, 6:32am

Nationals

Who's the dark horse in spring training?

Dark horses, long shots, under-the-radar players, guys who come out of nowhere - every spring training, someone unexpectedly forces his way into 25-man roster consideration. Sometimes it's because of the kind of on-the-field performance that just can't be ignored. Other times, it's because an injury opens up an opportunity. Occasionally, a trade creates an opening. So who among those players soon to report to Space Coast Stadium in Viera, Fla., might fall into this category? Unlike...

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Yankees' Levine impressed with Nationals' offseason moves

February 10, 2012, 10:34am

Nationals

I had the opportunity to speak with New York Yankees president Randy Levine, who was in town to announce a new strategic plan to improve the athletics and recreation programs at his alma mater, George Washington University (class of 1977). As the subject turned to baseball, Levine was complimentary concerning the Nationals as the Yankees prepare for their first trip to Nationals Park in June. Here is my audio interview with Levine on the Nationals and Yankees. Levine was especially...

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Who will start for Nats on opening day in Chicago?

February 09, 2012, 5:49am

Nationals

Who will start for Nats on opening day in Chicago?

When the Nationals open the 2012 season at Wrigley Field against the Cubs on April 5, there are pretty much guaranteed to be winds whipping around the ivy-covered walls and knocking around the pennants on the scoreboard in center field. But the guys from D.C. will be used to that by then, especially after spending most of spring training with an incessant question swirling around Space Coast Stadium in Viera, Fla. Who's the Nats' opening day starter? There's little doubt that Washington's...

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Walters moving up shortstop ladder

February 08, 2012, 7:36am

Nationals

Shortstop Zach Walters, acquired from the Diamondbacks in the Jason Marquis deal last summer, was a nice pickup for the Nationals and is expected to make another big step this season. The Nationals showed their confidence in the San Diego product by selecting him to play in the Arizona Fall League. This experience, coupled with a hot bat, will pay dividends for him this upcoming campaign. Nationals infield coordinator Jeff Garber kept a watchful eye on Walters and sees various top-level tools...

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Rendon poised for first spring training with Nationals

February 07, 2012, 3:38pm

Nationals

Anthony Rendon made national headlines during his career as a power-hitting third baseman at Rice University. Rendon was expected by many to be the No. 1 overall selection in June's draft, yet his stock dropped because of injury concerns. The Nationals grabbed Rendon with the sixth pick and felt they got a steal. Many baseball authorities agreed. Baseball America Jim Callis called the the haul of Stephen Strasburg, Bryce Harper and Rendon as the best three-year run he had ever seen....

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Nationals launch "Take Back the Park" initiative

February 07, 2012, 8:57am

Nationals

There aren't many things baseball fans hate more than watching a game in their home stadium when it sounds like they're sitting in the stands of the visiting team. Orioles fans suffer through it during every Yankees and Red Sox series, while the Nationals are forced to endure thousands of Philliy Phanatics each year. Well, no more, cry the Nationals. Last week, the Nationals launched the "Take Back the Park" initiative. This program is an effort to bring more Nationals fans to the park...

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ESPN's Keith Law ranks Nats' farm system 21st

February 08, 2012, 6:25am

Nationals

ESPN's Keith Law ranks Nats' farm system 21st

Remember that feeling of satisfaction that washed over you last week when Baseball America ranked the Nationals' farm system No. 1 in baseball? We all knew the ranking, decided upon before the trade that sent four top prospects to the A's in exchange for left-hander Gio Gonzalez, would take a hit once the loss of pitchers Tommy Milone, Brad Peacock, A.J. Cole and catcher Derek Norris were factored out of the equation. Baseball America promised a revised ranking in mid-March to accommodate...

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How will the Nationals maximize Strasburg's innings?

February 07, 2012, 7:36am

Nationals

Innings limit or not, Stephen Strasburg is the focal point in the Nationals' 2012 rotation. Much will be made about Gio Gonzalez's arrival in the National League, whether Jordan Zimmermann can build on his breakthrough season, whether Edwin Jackson will perform enough in D.C. to get the big-money, long-term contract he covets and how well Chien-Ming Wang will hold up to the test of a full season in the starting five. Strasburg? Mention the right-hander with the arsenal that runs the gamut...

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Nationals to hold auditions for ballgirls, national anthem performers

February 07, 2012, 8:45am

Nationals

Attention those who boast a set of golden pipes, or can at least sing "The Star-Spangled Banner" better than Carl Lewis or Roseanne Barr. The Nationals are searching for performers to sing the national anthem during the 2012 season. Those selected will get the chance to sing our nation's hallmark song in front of thousands of Nationals fans and then enjoy some good ol' fashioned baseball. Applicants are required to submit a resume (audio or video performance) along with a recent photo to...

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Possible fits for Ankiel in the Nats' outfield (updated with Teahen move)

February 06, 2012, 10:13am

Nationals

Possible fits for Ankiel in the Nats' outfield (updated with Teahen move)

Football season is over, which means baseball season's just around the corner. And it's Babe Ruth's 117th birthday, to boot! Good thing the Sultan of Swat doesn't have to summon up enough breath to blow out all those candles. NatsTown has generally welcomed the return of Rick Ankiel, who has agreed to a minor league deal with an invitation to spring training. Unless he falls flat on his face or is hurt, it's a good bet Ankiel will come north as part of the Nationals' 25-man roster. But...

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Hassan Pena has the stuff for the majors

February 05, 2012, 6:12pm

Nationals

Hassan Pena has the stuff for the majors

Harrisburg Senators closer Hassan Pena is another reliever that could easily move up to Triple-A this season and has the stuff to pitch in the majors. After the right-handed Pena was called up to Double-A Harrisburg, he reeled off 10 saves and 55 strikeouts, notching a 2.73 ERA. He struggled, however, in seven appearances with Triple-A Syracuse, going 0-4 with a 19.29 ERA and one save. Former Senators.pitching coach Randy Tomlin said the Cuban-born Pena has shown he can deliver at any level...

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Nats bring back Ankiel on minor league deal

February 05, 2012, 12:57pm

Nationals

Nats bring back Ankiel on minor league deal

Greetings from Southwest Airlines Flight 2039, where we're somewhere east of Salt Lake City - maybe around Oklahoma - and heading to Baltimore. I can't escape the Nationals news, even for a few days. According to multiple reports, the Nationals have agreed to terms on a minor league contract with Rick Ankiel, which includes an invite to spring training, where Ankiel will compete for at least a share of the team's center field job. The 32-year-old Ankiel batted .239 with nine homers and 37...

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Arms race on the horizon

February 03, 2012, 5:41am

Nationals

During the better part of last season, as well as throughout the Winter Meetings and offseason, it was widely agreed that when it came to improving the Nationals, offense was the answer. True, some tweaks to the rotation were needed, but with a lineup that mustered a .242 batting average, 14th in the National League, as well as just 1,319 hits, 15th in the NL, hitting was thought to be the priority this winter. Yet with only a few weeks left before spring training, the Nationals' big moves...

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Coffey might shelve sprint from bullpen with Dodgers

February 04, 2012, 5:28am

Nationals

Coffey might shelve sprint from bullpen with Dodgers

Setup man Todd Coffey is taking his quality stuff and energizing entrance to the west coast with the announcement that the right-hander will be leaving the Nationals to sign a one-year deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers. This made me think that the engaging personality that is Coffey may hang up his famous entrance each game from the bullpen. Why? Last season, I asked Coffey if anything unusual had ever happened at any stadium when he made his famous sprints in from the bullpen after getting...

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Tyler Moore shows versatility as he prepares for first base and outfield

February 03, 2012, 4:47pm

Nationals

Tyler Moore shows versatility as he prepares for first base and outfield

First baseman Tyler Moore has been the best longball hitter in the Nationals' system the last two seasons, cranking 62 homers since 2010. But if Moore gets blocked at first base, the Nationals have given him time to learn and pick up left field at instructional camp and will do so again in spring training. Moore has worked very hard to improve his defense during the past two seasons, and Nationals infield coordinator Jeff Garber said the franchise has taken notice. "He has made tremendous...

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Rizzo considers a tweak in Jackson's delivery

February 02, 2012, 11:50am

Nationals

Rizzo considers a tweak in Jackson's delivery

General manager Mike Rizzo discussed the acquisition of right-handed starter Edwin Jackson Thursday in an afternoon teleconference. Rizzo was excited to add a veteran who is coming off a 12-win season and a World Series championship with the St. Louis Cardinals. Rizzo and his staff noticed a big difference in results from Jackson's delivery from the wind up versus from the stretch with men on base and when the bases are empty. The Nationals believe they can take advantage of this by changing...