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Single-A Hagerstown recaps: Perkins, Sharp, Noll, Kieboom, Soto

October 24, 2017, 7:56pm

Center fielder Blake Perkins made nice strides in 2017. The 21-year-old hit .297 down the stretch for low Single-A Hagerstown. His slash line was .255/.354/.378. His 31 steals were sixth overall in the South Atlantic League. In 129 games, Perkins collected 27 doubles, four triples, eight homers and 48 RBIs. "Blake Perkins is a guy that sets up well for me," said Hagerstown manager Patrick Anderson. "He did a great job all year long. He stole a bunch of bags and really did a great job in...

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Nats begin contacting candidates, hoping for quick search

October 23, 2017, 1:17pm

Nationals

Nats begin contacting candidates, hoping for quick search

The Nationals have begun the search for a new manager, and they would prefer that search be a quick one. After informing Dusty Baker on Friday morning he wouldn't be retained despite division titles in each of his two seasons in Washington, the Nationals began to compile a list of potential candidates to replace the popular former skipper. They're now beginning the process of zeroing in on a handful of top candidates from that list and beginning to reach out to some for a first round of...

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After eventful 2017, Harper now heads into contract year

October 22, 2017, 4:22pm

Nationals

After eventful 2017, Harper now heads into contract year

As we transition into offseason mode here, we're reviewing each significant player on the Nationals roster. We continue today with Bryce Harper, who was on track for another MVP award until his scary knee injury in August. PLAYER REVIEW: BRYCE HARPER Age on opening day 2018: 25 How acquired: First-round pick, 2010 draft MLB service time: 5 years, 159 days 2017 salary: $13.625 million Contract status: Signed for $21.625 million in 2018. Free agent in 2019. 2017 stats: 111 G, 492 PA, 420 AB, 95...

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Cora reportedly out of the mix for Nationals job

October 21, 2017, 9:19pm

Nationals

One of the Nationals' preferred candidates for their now-vacant managerial position appears to already be headed elsewhere. And even if he's not, the Nats would have to wait until the end of the World Series to hire him. Alex Cora has been on the Nationals' radar, but the popular Astros bench coach already interviewed with the Red Sox and is expected to be named Boston's new manager once Houston's season is over, according to reports by The Athletic and NBC Sports Boston. The Astros'...

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Nats AFL prospect: 3B Kelvin Gutierrez

October 23, 2017, 3:29am

Nationals

The Nationals have been pleased with the progress of third baseman Kelvin Gutierrez. Despite an injury in 2017, they thought so much of him they placed him on their Arizona Fall League entrant, the Mesa Solar Sox. 3B Kelvin Gutierrez Age: 23 6-3, 185 lbs. Bats: Right Throws: Right Pimentel, Dominican Republic Round 5 (2016) 2017 season: POT, GCL Gutierrez played well for the Rookie-level Gulf Coast League Nats and Single-A Potomac this season. The 23-year-old slashed .278/.340/.408 in 68...

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Nats' two-year managerial policy leaves them in a familiar place

October 20, 2017, 9:22pm

Nationals

Nats' two-year managerial policy leaves them in a familiar place

Let's for a moment try to view the Nationals' managerial situation in a vacuum. Block out past history and reputation of both the organization and of Dusty Baker. Forget about dollar amounts. Don't consider who else might be available for the job right now. Baker's Nationals won 95 games and a division title in 2016, then lost a heartbreaker of a five-game National League Division Series to the Dodgers, with all three losses in the series coming by one run. Baker's team then won 97 games...

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Looking at some possible successors to Dusty Baker

October 20, 2017, 12:47pm

Nationals

Looking at some possible successors to Dusty Baker

With Dusty Baker out as manager after leading the Nationals to back-to-back National League East titles and consecutive first-round playoff departures, one question is on the lips of Nats fans: Who's next? Do the Nats turn to a veteran field boss, someone who's shown a propensity for getting teams deep into the postseason? Do they focus their attentions on someone whose personality is a good match for a star-filled clubhouse? Do they eschew an old-school candidate for someone more cutting...

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Rizzo: Managerial change was "baseball decision," not financial

October 20, 2017, 11:36am

Nationals

Rizzo: Managerial change was "baseball decision," not financial

Dusty Baker's unsettled contract situation hovered over the Nationals all season, but throughout it all, both Baker and general manager Mike Rizzo expressed confidence not only that both sides wanted the manager to return in 2018 but also that a deal was likely to get done once the season ended. Only two weeks ago, as his team prepared for the National League Division Series, Rizzo continued to express that same confidence, even though they had not yet engaged in contract negotiations. "We...

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Murphy undergoes successful knee surgery

October 20, 2017, 11:43am

Nationals

Murphy undergoes successful knee surgery

The Nationals announced this afternoon that second baseman Daniel Murphy underwent successful surgery to repair cartilage damage in his right knee. The club said Murphy's rehabilitation will begin immediately and "progress throughout the offseason." Specifically, Murphy underwent a debridement and microfracture surgery to repair damage to the articular cartilage in his right knee. Dr. Timothy Kremchek performed the procedure. The 32-year-old Murphy had another outstanding season for the...

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Contracts of entire Nats coaching staff won't be renewed

October 20, 2017, 10:36am

Nationals

Contracts of entire Nats coaching staff won't be renewed

It's not just manager Dusty Baker who will not return to the Nationals next season. The contracts of his entire coaching staff will not be renewed, allowing for whoever replaces Baker to choose his own coaches. Pitching coach Mike Maddux, hitting coach Rick Schu, bench coach Chris Speier, first base coach Davey Lopes, third base coach Bobby Henley, bullpen coach Dan Firova and assistant hitting coach Jacque Jones won't be retained, the team announced Friday. President of baseball operations...

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Baker out as Nationals manager after two seasons

October 20, 2017, 8:37am

Nationals

Dusty Baker is out as Nationals manager, leaving the franchise yet again looking for a new clubhouse and dugout leader. The club made the surprising announcement this afternoon, electing not to bring back Baker, who had won back-to-back National League East titles and an average of 96 wins per season. The 68-year-old Baker, whose teams lost in Game 5 of the National League Division Series each of his two seasons, was not under contract beyond 2017. "The Lerner family, on behalf of the entire...

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After MVP-caliber season, time to think long-term with Rendon

October 18, 2017, 11:31am

Nationals

After MVP-caliber season, time to think long-term with Rendon

As we transition into offseason mode here, we're reviewing each significant player on the Nationals roster. We continue today with Anthony Rendon, who completed an elite all-around season that made him a legitimate MVP candidate. PLAYER REVIEW: ANTHONY RENDON Age on opening day 2018: 27 How acquired: First-round pick, 2011 draft MLB service time: 4 years, 130 days 2017 salary: $5.8 million Contract status: Arbitration-eligible in 2018. Free agent in 2020. 2017 stats: 147 G, 605 PA, 508 AB, 81...

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Can Nats commit to Wieters as their No. 1 catcher in 2018?

October 19, 2017, 11:52am

Nationals

Can Nats commit to Wieters as their No. 1 catcher in 2018?

As we transition into offseason mode here, we're reviewing each significant player on the Nationals roster. We continue today with Matt Wieters, who struggled in his first season in D.C. but was well-liked by the pitching staff. PLAYER REVIEW: MATT WIETERS Age on opening day 2018: 31 How acquired: Signed as free agent, February 2017 MLB service time: 8 years, 129 days 2017 salary: $10.5 million Contract status: Holds $10.5 million player option for 2018. Free agent in 2019. 2017 stats: 123 G,...

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Nationals announce Dusty Baker will not return as manager in 2018

October 20, 2017, 8:17am

Nationals

Today, the Washington Nationals announced that Dusty Baker will not return as manager of the club in 2018. The Lerner family, on behalf of the entire organization, would like to thank Baker for his two years in the dugout. He led the team to the first back-to-back division titles in our history and represented our club with class on and off the field. We wish him the best going forward. The contracts for the Major League coaching staff have also expired. The Nationals' search for a new manager...

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Turner again showed off elite skills, but still has room to grow

October 17, 2017, 11:11am

Nationals

Turner again showed off elite skills, but still has room to grow

As we transition into offseason mode here, we're reviewing each significant player on the Nationals roster. We continue today with Trea Turner, whose first full big league season was interrupted by injuries. PLAYER REVIEW: TREA TURNER Age on opening day 2018: 24 How acquired: Acquired from Padres with Joe Ross, with Nats trading Steven Souza Jr. and Travis Ott to Rays in three-team deal, December 2014 MLB service time: 1 year, 135 days 2017 salary: $554,900 Contract status: Under team control...

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Nats AFL prospect: CF Daniel Johnson

October 19, 2017, 3:52am

Nationals

The Nationals have another excellent crop of players playing for their Arizona Fall League affiliate for the 2017 season. I will be checking in with their progress and give you some background on a few of them throughout the offseason. CF Daniel JohnsonAge: 22 5-10, 185 lbs. Bats: Left Throws: Left New Mexico State Round 5 (2016) 2017 season: HAG, POT Johnson slashed .298/.356/.505 for low Single-A Hagerstown and high Single-A Potomac in 2017. He had 29 doubles, four triples, 22 homers and 72...

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With another big year at plate, Murphy proved he's the real deal

October 16, 2017, 7:32am

Nationals

With another big year at plate, Murphy proved he's the real deal

As we transition into offseason mode here, we're reviewing each significant player on the Nationals roster. We continue today with Daniel Murphy, who picked up right where he left off in 2016 and kept producing at the plate in 2017. PLAYER REVIEW: DANIEL MURPHY Age on opening day 2018: 33 How acquired: Signed as free agent, December 2016 MLB service time: 8 years, 109 days 2017 salary: $12 million Contract status: Signed for $17.5 million in 2018 ($5.5 million deferred until 2019-2020). Free...

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After big-time comeback, Zimmerman will try to sustain form

October 15, 2017, 8:08pm

Nationals

After big-time comeback, Zimmerman will try to sustain form

As we transition into offseason mode, we'll be reviewing each significant player on the Nationals roster. We begin today with Ryan Zimmerman, who in the wake of the worst season of his career enjoyed perhaps the best season of his career. PLAYER REVIEW: RYAN ZIMMERMAN Age on opening day 2018: 33 How acquired: First-round pick, 2005 draft MLB service time: 12 years, 32 days 2017 salary: $14 million Contract status: Signed for $14 million in 2018, $18 million in 2019. Club holds $18 million...

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Reflecting on Werth with the Nats and where he might be next season

October 16, 2017, 6:21pm

Nationals

Reflecting on Werth with the Nats and where he might be next season

A few days have passed since the difficult Game 5 National League Division Series loss and reflection continues on the impact of left fielder Jayson Werth and whether or not 2017 was his final year in a Nationals uniform. Werth played seven seasons with the Nats from 2011-2017, the longest tenure for him with one team in his career. The Nats won 95 or more games in four of those seasons. In his first season with the Nats, the win total jumped from 69 to 80. That was the only season the Nats...

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Taylor solidifies place in outfield with powerful NLDS performance

October 14, 2017, 5:55pm

Nationals

Taylor solidifies place in outfield with powerful NLDS performance

Every Nationals player would be the first to admit personal accolades can never replace the accomplishment of moving on to the National League Championship Series, a prize the Nats have been unable to reach in four trips to the postseason since 2012. But one thing is for sure following Thursday's Game 5 loss to the Cubs: Michael A. Taylor is a budding star. Taylor's grand slam to beat the Cubs in a rainy Game 4 has got to rank as the biggest, or at least in the top two or three, hit in a road...