Though Drew Storen struggled in his two postseasons, there won't be any closer controversy as the Nationals enter spring training. At the Winter Meetings in San Diego, general manager Mike Rizzo said that the right-hander would handle the ninth inning for the Nats in 2015. "Any guy throwing late in games wants to be closer, but think more important to have that vote of confidence from Matt (Williams) and management is great. It means a lot," Storen said. "It doesn't change my approach to...

There was a lot of debate in 2014 about who should assume the closer role for the Nationals. Rafael Soriano was brought in to shut the door in the ninth before 2012, but seven blown saves and myriad other close calls in 2014 left fans with little confidence, and even fewer fingernails, as the final three outs seemed to constantly be a struggle to obtain. Drew Storen assumed the role, too, racking up 11 saves, including 10 consecutive saves during the team's September stretch run. Still, as...

Nothing like a hot rumor to spice up NatsFest, though this one had nothing to do with a big trade or free agent signing. ESPN.com's Jerry Crasnick reported Saturday afternoon that the Toronto Blue Jays are interested in Nationals president of baseball operations and general manager Mike Rizzo, who they'd like to hire as their new president/CEO when Paul Beeston relinquishes those roles after the 2015 season. Rizzo, who has already met with the media during a scheduled session at NatsFest,...

Jordan Zimmermann knows what it will take to keep him in a Nationals uniform, and he's more than willing to let the process surrounding a long-term contract extension take its course. "If it's fair value, like I've said all along, I'd gladly sign," Zimmermann said. "At the end of the day, it's got to be something that's fair. If it's not, then I'll be moving on." How much Zimmermann, 28, is worth to the Nationals is the sticking point. He's going to be a free agent at the end of...

In a week where his name cropped up in trade rumors at the Winter Meetings, shortstop Ian Desmond left little doubt that he'd like to remain with the Nationals. Speaking during his media availability at NatsFest on Saturday, Desmond said he understood why his name was bandied about at the Winter Meetings, once as part of a blockbuster deal that would have sent him to Seattle. He said general manager Mike Rizzo has a job to do and acknowledged that his status as a free agent after the 2015...

Let's not mince words. The Nationals are looking for an everyday second baseman. Kevin Frandsen wants the gig. "I mean, doesn't everyone?" Frandsen told reporters Saturday at NatsFest. "Do you want to write every day? You want to write every day. That's part of your job. I want to play every day. But is that like me saying, 'I demand?' No, it's the mentality you have to have." It's certainly the mentality Frandsen has heading into 2015. The Nationals utility infielder is entering...

For young pitchers trying to make it into a team's starting rotation, there are two goals: make the rotation and stay in it. Last year, Tanner Roark accomplished the first goal. Now comes the second one. "Somebody can always come in and prove themselves and do better than me," Roark said. "That's what I've got to prove to myself, prove each year that I can be a starter and can still pitch at the big league level. That's my mentality and that'll always be my mentality." For Roark, he...

Anthony Rendon didn't torment himself watching the rest of the postseason play out after the Nationals were eliminated in the National League Division Series. He's played some golf and immersed himself in basketball season, tuning in on his hometown Houston Rockets via DirecTV to take some of the sting away from the Nats' disappointing first-round ouster. "I guess (seeing the Giants win) made it a little bit easier, I guess, for me," he said at NatsFest. "Might be terrible to say, but...

Bryce Harper's upcoming grievance hearing to determine whether he can opt out of his contract and into salary arbitration will be held Tuesday in New York. But the potentially contentious faceoff has already had an effect on Harper and the Nationals. Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo said the star outfielder opted not to attend NatsFest, though he had previously been listed by the team among the participating players, because of the hearing, which will be held in New York. "We're...

It's that time of year again, when you get to celebrate your favorite ballclub. You know the drill: Today will be filled with Nationals player appearances, picture sessions, Q&As and much more! Come by the MASN booth, where we'll have brand-new games, including the #SwagGrab Claw Machine. Check back here for videos and pictures throughout the day, and we'll see you at the MASN booth. The Claaaaaw. Come try it at the MASN booth at #NatsFest. #SwagGrab https://t.co/j36pqUi36D—...