nationals

New Nat Gio Gonzalez eager to get to work

January 25, 2012, 1:06pm

First impressions from Gio Gonzalez's introductory press conference: This guy is going to be a lot of fun to be around. Gonzalez is well-spoken, excitable and has his own knack for thoughtful commentary - all of which will play well in the Nationals' clubhouse. On Wednesday afternoon, the Nationals finally got around to introducing Gonzalez, who was acquired last month in a six-player swap that cost Washington four of its top prospects. Gonzalez flipped between sounding like a kid who's...

Comments

Tags:

featured_sidebar gio gonzalez nationals pete kerzel

Rizzo: Nationals were "very close" to signing Prince Fielder before bowing out

January 25, 2012, 12:39pm

Nationals

If Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo was upset at not landing free agent first baseman Prince Fielder, he masked the disappointment well. Speaking after the Nationals introduced left-hander Gio Gonzalez to the media Wednesday afternoon, Rizzo said the Nationals had done their best to come to terms with Fielder, who agreed to a nine-year, $214 million deal. Rizzo even hinted that the Nationals were "very close" to signing Fielder. "Does Prince Fielder help any club he's with? There's...

Comments

Tags:

michael morse mike rizzo nationals pete kerzel prince fielder featured_sidebar frontstory_nationals1

Some leftovers from Mike Rizzo

January 25, 2012, 1:42pm

Nationals

A few leftovers from Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo after today's press conference to introduce left-hander Gio Gonzalez: * Whether Bryce Harper does enough to break spring camp with the major league club will be one of the biggest stories in the Grapefruit League starting next month. Manager Davey Johnson has gone on record as saying he thinks the 19-year-old outfielder can handle big league pitching now, while Rizzo seems to think the top prospect, who has played less than half a...

Comments

Tags:

adam laroche bryce harper frontstory_nationals3 jayson werth mike rizzo nationals pete kerzel ryan zimmerman featured_sidebar

"Mr. Consistency" Erik Arnesen ready for longer look at Triple-A

January 24, 2012, 7:39pm

Nationals

"Mr. Consistency" Erik Arnesen ready for longer look at Triple-A

With the trade of a pair of top pitchers in the Nationals' system (Brad Peacock and Tom Milone), there will be roster availability at Triple-A Syracuse in 2012 for starting pitchers. One of the hurlers who will get an extended look in spring training to fill the void is right-hander Erik Arnesen. Arnesen blazed through Double-A last season, going 8-4 with a 2.43 ERA and 122 strikeouts in 26 games, including 16 starts. He was called up to Syracuse late in the campaign, going 0-2. You really...

Comments

Tags:

byron kerr erik arnese nationals randy tomlin syracuse chiefs frontstory_nationals2

What if ... Smiley Gonzalez hadn't turned out to be Carlos Alvarez?

January 24, 2012, 10:03am

Nationals

What if ... Smiley Gonzalez hadn't turned out to be Carlos Alvarez?

When baseball wags talk about a "player to be named later" - and really, shouldn't it be "player to be named," since you're already talking about something that will happen in the future? - they mean an asset in a trade that's yet to be determined. In Washington, that nomenclature has a totally different meaning, since the Nationals have had to deal with the subterfuge and deception that actually caused them not to know the name of a Dominican teenager to whom they gave a $1.4 million...

Comments

Tags:

carlos alvarez esmailyn gonzalez featured_sidebar jim bowden mike rizzo nationals pete kerzel stan kasten frontstory_nationals1

Tomlin and family "doing well," hopes to return down the road

January 24, 2012, 5:21pm

Nationals

Tomlin and family "doing well," hopes to return down the road

Randy Tomlin announced at the end of last season that he had decided to take a leave of absence for family reasons. The Harrisburg Senators' pitching coach stepped away from the game and is currently with his family at home in Lynchburg, Va., but is still keeping up with the Nationals' organization and hopes to return soon. "We are doing well," Tomlin said. "The decision to leave was something I felt I had to do to take care of some very pressing needs here at home within my family. It...

Comments

Tags:

harrisburg senators nationals paul menhart randy tomlin tom milone frontstory_nationals2

After Fielder's choice, what's next for Nationals?

January 24, 2012, 3:24pm

Nationals

There's not much more to say about Prince Fielder's decision to agree to a nine-year, $214 million contract with the Tigers this afternoon, ending the most drawn-out free agent pursuit of the offseason. Several of the clubs interested in the slugging first baseman could have offered him the chance to win. Several of those teams could have offered him the opportunity to reprise Reggie Jackson's persona as the straw that stirs the drink. A couple could have offered him long-term security....

Comments

Tags:

featured_sidebar mike rizzo nationals pete kerzel prince fielder frontstory_nationals1

Rumor mill churning on Fielder, Upton

January 23, 2012, 7:12am

Nationals

First things first: That report last night indicating that the Nationals had come to an agreement with Prince Fielder on an eight-year deal with an opt-out clause after the third season was erroneous. My sources tell me that no deal is imminent, though the Nationals continue to be interested in the slugging first baseman, but only on their terms. Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com tweeted this morning that there is "something close to a final 4" on Fielder. Whether this constitutes reality or is...

Comments

Tags:

b.j. upton ian desmond mike rizzo nationals prince fielder steve lombardozzi frontstory_nationals3

Reports: Fielder spurns Nationals, signs nine-year deal with Tigers

January 24, 2012, 10:22am

Nationals

According to multiple reports, Prince Fielder isn't coming to Washington. The Tigers have agreed to sign the slugging first baseman to a nine-year deal worth $214 million. Five days after Tigers GM Dave Dombrowski said of Fielder, "He doesn't fit for us. He's looking for a long-term deal and that just doesn't fit," theTigers swooped in at the end of the negotiations, emerging as the mystery team that snagged the powerful left-handed hitter. Assuming those contract figures are true, the...

Comments

Tags:

featured_sidebar frontfeatured_nationals nationals pete kerzel prince fielder

Seven Nationals spring training games to air on MASN (updated with radio schedule)

January 24, 2012, 6:36am

Nationals

It may be in the 50s today, but here's something guaranteed to create some additional warm feelings in NatsTown: the Nationals' 2012 spring training broadcast schedule on MASN. Seven Nationals Grapefruit League games will be televised on MASN's dedicated high-definition channel, MASN HD, beginning with a Sunday, March 4 game from Space Coast Stadium in Viera, Fla., against the Houston Astros. All afternoon games will be replayed the same day in prime time on MASN HD. * Sunday, March 4 at 1...

Comments

Tags:

masn nationals pete kerzel featured_sidebar frontstory_nationals3

Rounding up news on Fielder, Zimmerman (updated)

January 23, 2012, 5:28pm

Nationals

Rounding up news on Fielder, Zimmerman (updated)

Better prepare for the long haul - it's going to be a while before Prince Fielder comes to a decision on where he's going to play in 2012 and beyond. To get your morning started, here are some random thoughts related to the Nationals, their pursuit of Fielder and other news in and around NatsTown: * Fielder and agent Scott Boras are holding firm on their demand for a deal of eight years or more. That's not going to fly with the Nationals, who would prefer a shorter term - say, five or six...

Comments

Tags:

featured_sidebar nationals pete kerzel prince fielder ryan zimmerman frontstory_nationals1

Washington Nationals announce 2012 spring training broadcast schedule

January 24, 2012, 10:14am

Nationals

Washington Nationals broadcast partners Mid-Atlantic Sports Network (MASN) and 106.7 The Fan will broadcast a total of 13 Nationals Spring Training matchups throughout the weeks leading up to the start of the 2012 regular season. The Nationals 2012 Grapefruit League schedule features six games televised by MASN and nine games airing on 106.7 The Fan, with one broadcast on partner station WNEW 1580 AM. 106.7 The Fan will broadcast the first game of the spring on March 3 when the Nationals play...

Comments

Tags:

Nationals News Release nationals

MASN announces Nationals spring training broadcast schedule

January 24, 2012, 8:06am

Nationals

MASN, the television home of the Washington Nationals, has announced its 2012 spring training schedule. The network will televise seven Nationals spring training games, and all will appear on MASN's dedicated high-definition channel, MASN HD. The Nationals' March 4 home game against the Houston Astros in Viera, Florida, will kick off MASN's Grapefruit League coverage. MASN will broadcast four more games from Space Coast Stadium, the team's spring training home: March 13 against the...

Comments

Tags:

MASN News Release masn nationals

Morse-for-Langerhans trade was a steal for Nationals

January 22, 2012, 4:11pm

Nationals

That trade for Michael Morse is looking pretty good for the Nationals right now, don't you think? Following the announcement that Morse has signed a multi-year extension with the Nationals, the trade that brought his big bat to Washington two and a half years ago returns to the spotlight. On June 28, 2009, the Nationals sent outfielder Ryan Langerhans to Seattle for Morse. At the time, it was a trade of minor leaguers who both had had a taste of the majors, but each had not been able to...

Comments

Tags:

byron kerr michael morse nationals ryan langerhans seattle mariners frontstory_nationals2

The sound of silence (updated)

January 22, 2012, 4:45am

Nationals

It's difficult to interpret Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo's prolonged silence on the subject of Prince Fielder. Either the club continues to negotiate with the free agent slugger in hopes that he'll man first base in 2012, or talks have again reached an impasse. There's really not much middle ground. One thing we do know: This is standard operating procedure from Rizzo, who clearly prefers the backroom, behind-the-scenes approach to his job, as opposed to those front office...

Comments

Tags:

featured_sidebar nationals pete kerzel prince fielder frontstory_nationals2

Five questions about Michael Morse's multi-year deal

January 20, 2012, 5:12pm

Nationals

Five questions about Michael Morse's multi-year deal

While you're digesting whatever was for dinner tonight - for me, it was PF Chang's kung-pao chicken, stir-fried in sirachi sauce - it's also a good time to deliberate the two-year, $10.5 million extension between the Nationals and outfielder/first baseman Michael Morse that was announced late this afternoon. The contract essentially buys out the slugger's final two arbitration years after a breakout 2011 season, but raises some questions. So here's five queries and their answers concerning...

Comments

Tags:

featured_sidebar michael morse nationals pete kerzel frontstory_nationals2

Beasley: Bryce Harper "can handle" starting season with Nationals

January 20, 2012, 7:29am

Nationals

Nationals No. 1 prospect Bryce Harper is preparing for his second season of professional baseball after a successful debut. Harper was able to play well at three levels in 2011: low Single-A, Double-A and the Arizona Fall League. Many believe he is ready now and could survive from day one this season with the Nationals. But Harper is only 19. Should he spend another season in the minors to hone his skills? Physically, he is ready, but how important is the mental part of the game to long-term...

Comments

Tags:

harrisburg senators nationals syracuse chiefs tony beasley featured_sidebar frontstory_nationals3

Tyler Moore will focus on outfield, first base at spring training

January 19, 2012, 8:53am

Nationals

Tyler Moore will focus on outfield, first base at spring training

Double-A Harrisburg Senators first baseman Tyler Moore has shown the best power in the Nationals' system the last two seasons with 62 combined home runs. The Mississippi State product has been so highly regarded by the parent club that he practiced outfield positions during instructional league to see if there were additional ways to get him on the field. New Triple-A Syracuse Chiefs manager Tony Beasley knows everything about Moore's game, having skippered him for an entire season in...

Comments

Tags:

harrisburg senators nationals syracuse chiefs tony beasley tyler moore frontstory_nationals3

Projecting the Nationals' bullpen

January 20, 2012, 9:25am

Nationals

There's little doubt that the bullpen was one of the Nationals' strong points in 2011. The numbers are impressive - a 31-23 record, 98 holds, 49 saves in 76 opportunities, 44 home runs allowed in 520 2/3 innings, 72 percent of first batters faced by relievers retired, a 3.20 ERA - and yielded an All-Star nod for Tyler Clippard. So going into 2012, is it fair to expect more of the same? Relief is among the most volatile spots on any roster, and there are few guarantees that last year's...

Comments

Tags:

featured_sidebar nationals pete kerzel frontstory_nationals1

Nationals agree to terms with Michael Morse on multi-year contract extension

January 20, 2012, 11:30am

Nationals

The Washington Nationals today agreed to terms with outfielder/first baseman Michael Morse on a multi-year contract extension, thus avoiding salary arbitration. This contract was agreed upon prior to arbitration figures being exchanged and was contingent upon a since-completed physical. Nationals Executive Vice President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Mike Rizzo made the announcement. Morse, 29, is a career .296 (338-for-1140) hitter with 69 doubles, 52 home runs and 183 RBIs in...