As we transition into offseason mode here, we're reviewing each significant player on the Nationals roster. We continue today with Matt Albers, perhaps the biggest pleasant surprise of the season. PLAYER REVIEW: MATT ALBERS Age on opening day 2018: 35 How acquired: Signed as minor league free agent, January 2017 MLB service time: 10 years, 141 days 2017 salary: $1.15 million Contract status: Free agent in 2018 2017 stats: 7-2, 1.62 ERA, 63 G, 2 SV, 61 IP, 35 H, 12 R, 11 ER, 6 HR, 17 BB, 63 SO,...

As the Orioles try to plug holes and upgrade in spots over the winter, they figure to maintain their aggressive approach with certain prospects in their system. They may have to go station to station on the basepaths, but they aren't afraid to bump minor leaguers a level or push them harder up the ladder. I like this mindset. Cedric Mullins skipped high Single-A Frederick after batting .273/.321/.464 with 37 doubles, 10 triples, 14 home runs and 30 stolen bases at low Single-A Delmarva. He had...

As we transition into offseason mode here, we're reviewing each significant player on the Nationals roster. We continue today with Brandon Kintzler, who excelled in a setup role after his July 31 acquisition from the Twins. PLAYER REVIEW: BRANDON KINTZLER Age on opening day 2018: 33 How acquired: Traded from Twins for Tyler Watson and international bonus slot money, July 2017 MLB service time: 6 years, 3 days 2017 salary: $2.925 million Contract status: Free agent in 2018 2017 stats: 4-3, 3.03...

While we wait to find out how the Orioles intend to improve on a starting rotation that produced a 5.70 ERA last season, today we take a look at three more free agent starters. CC Sabathia: It would sure look strange to see the big guy land in an O's uniform and he will be 38 on opening day. Is it even worth such a risk for a player that should be showing his age? The thing is, his ERA is on a three-season decrease, from 5.28 in 2014 to 4.73 in 2015 to 3.91 in 2016. Over 27 starts and 148 2/3...

Washington Nationals second baseman Daniel Murphy was honored as the Louisville Slugger Silver Slugger Award winner for National League second basemen on Thursday night, the second consecutive season in which Murphy has earned this prestigious award. Louisville Slugger made the announcement on MLB Network. Murphy, who won the first Silver Slugger Award of his career in 2016, is the third player in Nationals history (2005-present) to win the award multiple times - joining former shortstop Ian...

On a scheduled off-day during the Nationals' National League Division Series matchup against the Cubs in early October, a few of the Nats' young pitching prospects got to pitch batting practice at the club's top hitters. One of those prospects was right-hander Gabe Klobosits out of Auburn University. A 2017 36th-round selection, Klobosits, 22, is a big dude, standing 6-foot-7 and weighing 270 lbs. In his first pro season by way of Katy, Texas, he went an impressive 1-0 with a 1.47 ERA in 20...

The shopping list compiled by the Orioles every winter always includes left-handed relievers. There's a steady search for a specialist who can compete for a job in spring training. Richard Bleier gave them more than matchups this season after executive vice president Dan Duquette pulled off a Feb. 21 trade with the Yankees. He offered up a 1.99 ERA in 63 1/3 innings. Bleier would seem to be a lock to break camp with the Orioles in 2018 as a second lefty along with closer Zach Britton, but...

Daniel Murphy won his second consecutive Silver Slugger Award this evening, deemed once again the best offensive second baseman in the National League. Murphy was the only Nationals player to win a Silver Slugger this season, despite dominant offensive performances by several teammates. Ryan Zimmerman and Anthony Rendon, though, lost out at their respective positions to Paul Goldschmidt and Nolan Arenado, respectively, while Bryce Harper's case was hurt by the 6 1/2 weeks he spent on the...

The Nationals have hired Derek Lilliquist as pitching coach, Tim Bogar as first base coach and Joe Dillon as assistant hitting coach, adding two more experienced members to new manager Dave Martinez's staff plus another first-timer with ties to the organization. In announcing the additions of Lilliquist, Bogar and Dillon along with the previously reported hiring of Chip Hale (bench coach), Bob Henley (third base coach) and Kevin Long (hitting coach), the Nationals have filled all but one...

The Washington Nationals announced the majority of manager Dave Martinez's coaching staff on Thursday, making the additions of bench coach Chip Hale, pitching coach Derek Lilliquist, hitting coach Kevin Long, first base coach Tim Bogar, third base coach Bobby Henley, and assistant hitting coach Joe Dillon official. Nationals President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Mike Rizzo made the announcements. Hale, 52, joins the Nationals staff after serving as the Oakland Athletics third...