nationals

More changeups could help keep Glover healthy

January 01, 2019, 3:29pm

The Nationals couldn't end the season on a run that netted a playoff spot, but right-hander Koda Glover was able to finish the season healthy for the first time in two campaigns. The 6-foot-5, 215-lb. right-hander hasn't been able to pitch more than 25 innings or appear in more than 24 games in his three seasons with the Nats. Glover, 25, returned to the lineup in August of last season, his first meaningful baseball since June 2017. It was an up-and-down return, but in the last month, he got...

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LeMahieu, Gonzalez and Harrison lead second base market

December 31, 2018, 8:40am

Nationals

LeMahieu, Gonzalez and Harrison lead second base market

2B or not 2B? That is the question ... at least for the next six weeks or so. The club has made nice moves in the offseason to secure a pair of front-line starters, a pair veteran catchers, solid bullpen arms and a familiar backup first baseman. But what about a starting second baseman? The Nationals continue to look around at veteran impact second basemen to add to the mix of Wilmer Difo, Howie Kendrick and Carter Kieboom (down the line). The best-case scenario is to get a second baseman who...

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Is Difo better as a regular or in a utility role?

December 28, 2018, 5:56am

Nationals

Is Difo better as a regular or in a utility role?

Throughout the offseason, Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo has alternately professed satisfaction with the tandem of Wilmer Difo and Howie Kendrick, who could share second base in 2019, and been in regular contact with the agents for a slew of free agents capable of taking over at the keystone. Through this complicated dance, I've wavered on whether second base is best turned over to someone who has played the position on a regular basis in recent seasons or whether the Difo/Kendrick duo...

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SÃ¡nchez grateful for contract, confident success will continue

December 27, 2018, 12:18pm

Nationals

SÃ¡nchez grateful for contract, confident success will continue

AnÃbal SÃ¡nchez had recently turned 34 when he made his 2018 debut for the Braves (against the Nationals, for what that's worth). He was the not-so-proud owner of a 10-20 record and 6.09 ERA over the previous two seasons with the Tigers. He had to have at least some doubts deep inside his head that he might never get another significant big league contract. When he makes his 2019 debut for the Nationals, SÃ¡nchez will be 35 and the proud recipient of a two-year deal that guarantees him...

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#TBT to "Nationals Classics": Watching the ball drop

December 19, 2018, 10:58am

Nationals

The coming of the new year prompts people (or at least cable news) to look back on what has passed. Of course, MASN is doing that throughout the offseason as we bring you "Nationals Classics." This week, naturally, is no exception. Since you're going to be staying up late Monday night, why not get acclimated with a couple of extra-inning marathons? We'll also have a game from the Nats' early days in D.C. that might make you break into a chorus of "Auld Lang Syne." You can enjoy all that...

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Nationals agree to terms with AnÃbal SÃ¡nchez

December 27, 2018, 9:54am

Nationals

The Washington Nationals agreed to terms on a two-year contract with a team option for 2021 with right-handed pitcher AnÃbal SÃ¡nchez on Thursday. Nationals President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Mike Rizzo made the announcement. SÃ¡nchez, 34, went 7-6 with a 2.83 ERA in 25 games (24 starts) for the Atlanta Braves in 2018. His 2.83 ERA was the second-best mark of his career and the best since he posted a 2.57 ERA in 2013 as a member of the Detroit Tigers. He struck out 135...

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Nats top prospects: No. 6 - LHP Tim Cate

December 26, 2018, 2:43am

Nationals

Nats top prospects: No. 6 - LHP Tim Cate

The Nationals certainly hope that some of their cache of left-handed starters can make their way to the big club over the next few seasons to help bolster the rotation. Seth Romero and Tim Cate - the Nats' No. 6 prospect, according to Baseball America - come to mind. The Nats took Cate in the second round of the 2018 First-Year Player Draft. The 21-year-old from Manchester, Conn. demonstrated his ability with solid performances for the University of Connecticut over a pair of seasons. Cate,...

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Would anyone support "Expos Day" at Nationals Park?

December 23, 2018, 7:31pm

Nationals

The Carolina Hurricanes wore Hartford Whalers uniforms Sunday for their home game against the Boston Bruins. And if that isn't the strangest lede I've ever written to a blog post about the Nationals, I'm trying to remember something else that would top it. You see, the Hurricanes' throwback night on the ice reminded me of something I've long pondered in my own mind: Would the Nationals ever wear Expos uniforms? And how would fans, both from Washington and Montreal, feel about that? I think...

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What's still on your Nationals wish list?

December 24, 2018, 6:59pm

Nationals

The Nationals went shopping early this winter. They made a bunch of moves in November and early December to address most of their glaring roster needs, leaving only a few remaining items left to cross off during this holiday season. But they're not entirely done yet. There are still acquisitions to be made, vacant positions to be filled. And, of course, there's the biggest prize of all still out there, unsure whether he'll be returning to Washington in 2019 or heading elsewhere for the next...

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Updating some Nats' winter ball performances

December 22, 2018, 12:49pm

Nationals

Updating some Nats' winter ball performances

After a furious Friday of hot stove action, the baseball world is now taking holiday break. That includes the winter leagues, where several Nationals have been playing. Atop that list, of course, is Michael A. Taylor, who has been in the Dominican Republic putting some swing changes into practice in an attempt to come to spring training a new hitter. Taylor isn't off to a great start. In seven games so far for Gigantes del Cibao, he's batting just .143 (4-for-28) with one double, two RBIs,...

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Nats top prospects: No. 7 - LHP Seth Romero

December 24, 2018, 4:08am

Nationals

Nats top prospects: No. 7 - LHP Seth Romero

This is an important year for the No. 7 player in Baseball America's list of the Nationals' top 10 prospects. Talented left-hander Seth Romero had issues that hampered his career at the University of Houston and slowed his start with the Nats after he was drafted as a first-round pick in 2017. But as national writer Carlos Collazo notes, there is no denying the potential for the 22-year-old Romero and the Nationals are being patient right now, hoping he can get it right and demonstrate his...

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Harper to L.A. just makes too much sense for both sides

December 21, 2018, 7:51pm

Nationals

Harper to L.A. just makes too much sense for both sides

If you think the Dodgers aren't interested in Bryce Harper ... well, you haven't been paying close enough attention. Long before they pulled off Friday's blockbuster trade that sent Yasiel Puig, Matt Kemp and Alex Wood to the Reds to create a sudden opening in their outfield, the Dodgers have loomed as a prime potential destination for Harper. Remember, this is the franchise that actually claimed Harper off waivers - per multiple reports back in late August - only to watch as the Nationals...

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Why the Nats placed their bet on SÃ¡nchez, not Roark

December 20, 2018, 7:42pm

Nationals

Why the Nats placed their bet on SÃ¡nchez, not Roark

Place your bets now. Who will have the better season: AnÃbal SÃ¡nchez or Tanner Roark? You know the comparisons are inevitable after the Nationals traded Roark to the Reds last week and then signed SÃ¡nchez Thursday evening to take his place as the club's No. 4 starter. As everyone said at the time, the Roark trade could only be judged after it was known who would occupy the spot he held for the better part of five seasons. This is the bet Mike Rizzo and the Nationals made, that...

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Source: SÃ¡nchez gets two-year deal from Nats, plus 2021 option

December 20, 2018, 1:01pm

Nationals

Source: SÃ¡nchez gets two-year deal from Nats, plus 2021 option

The Nationals, in need of a No. 4 starter since last week's trade of Tanner Roark, have agreed to terms on a two-year deal with veteran right-hander AnÃbal SÃ¡nchez, according to a source familiar with the signing. The deal is pending a physical and also includes a club option for 2021. The Detroit Free Press reported SÃ¡nchez will make $19 million over the two guaranteed seasons (2019-20). A longtime Nationals nemesis during a 13-year career with the Marlins, Tigers and Braves,...

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As the holidays approach, some answers to pressing baseball questions

December 21, 2018, 7:21am

Nationals Orioles

As the holidays approach, some answers to pressing baseball questions

Here are answers to questions that might come up at family gatherings over the holidays: Question: The White Sox haven't had a winning record since winning 85 games in 2012. Why would Bryce Harper or Manny Machado consider going to Chicago's South Side? Answer: The White Sox hope to have two things going for them: money and a team that is loaded with young talent. The White Sox, tired of playing in the shadow of the crosstown Cubs, have to get Harper or Machado to believe that they would be...