Ryan Zimmerman has heard the whispers about the Nationals dealing one of their key players who will reach free agency after the 2015 season. He's watched this season as first baseman Adam LaRoche, cast aside to accommodate the planned move of Zimmerman to first base, signed as a free agent with the White Sox. He understands baseball's economics and realizes the window for the Nationals to win might be closing. But there's no hint of panic, certainly no palpable sense of urgency, in...

Well, that must have been some instructional league pitching performance. It was good enough to convince the Orioles brass that a young pitcher that has never pitched about low Single-A should be considered by them for the Rule 5 draft. A few months ago, then 21-year-old Jason Garcia, pitching for Boston, faced 18 O's batters in an instructional league game and struck out 14 of them. His hit list included Chance Sisco, Christian Walker and Chris Davis. When Boston did not protect Garcia on...

Well, the day that many Nationals fans have been waiting for since the final pitch of the 2014 season has finally arrived. It's time for NatsFest. What, you thought I meant the day that pitchers and catchers report to Space Coast Stadium? Those of you attending today's winter baseball carnival at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center will want to make sure to stop by the MASN booth. You can learn more about what's going on in our little corner of the Convention Center here. But...

As Orioles executive vice president Dan Duquette rushed to the airport in San Diego following the Rule 5 draft - we were on the same flight and he willingly chose a middle seat next to other team officials, while I grabbed an aisle seat and let everyone bump into my shoulder at least once - he didn't sound like a man who expected to strike a deal over the weekend. Duquette joked that I only asked whether he felt an agreement might be close so I'd know if it was safe to make plans. One phone...

Just because the Winter Meetings are over doesn't mean we're not still stoking the hot stove. In fact, the period from now until Christmas (and maybe New Year's Day) is usually pretty active. For whatever reason, free agents seem to like knowing where they're going to be playing next season, what city they have to report to for spring training, etc. Those moves have a ripple effect on other transactions. January and early February used to be the deadest part of the offseason. No more. Over...

The Orioles are continuing their attempts to sign outfielder Nolan Reimold to a minor league deal, which would return him to the organization that drafted him in 2005. The contract would include an invitation to spring training. While the Orioles would appear to be a favorable choice for Reimold, he's still searching for a major league deal and isn't in a rush to make a decision. Other teams are trying to strike the same deal with Reimold, a group that includes the White Sox, Indians and...

The Nationals acquired second baseman Chris Bostick and right-handed reliever Abel de Los Santos from the Texas Rangers on Friday in exchange for left-handed pitcher Ross Detwiler. The 21-year-old Bostick has a .270 career batting average and a .341 on-base percentage in four minor league seasons ranging from rookie ball to high Single-A. In 2014, with Single-A Myrtle Beach of the Carolina League, Bostick hit .251 with a .322 on-base percentage and a .412 slugging percentage. While he played...

The Washington Nationals acquired second baseman Chris Bostick and right-handed reliever Abel de Los Santos from the Texas Rangers on Friday in exchange for left-handed pitcher Ross Detwiler. Nationals President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Mike Rizzo made the announcement. Bostick, 21, has a .270 career batting average and a .341 on-base percentage in four Minor League seasons ranging from Rookie Level to high Class-A. In 2014, with Single-A Myrtle Beach of the Carolina League,...

Still craving Nationals baseball after the Winter Meetings wrapped up in San Diego? Well, you're in luck. It's once again time to break out the Natitude on Saturday at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center for NatsFest! You know the drill: MASN will be on-site all afternoon hooking you up with Nats gear, autographed memorabilia, and chances to rub elbows with your favorite players and on-air personalities. For all of the NatsFest veterans out there, you'll notice some changes to...

The Winter Meetings are over, team officials have returned home and now we'll wait to learn how strong a foundation for trades was laid in San Diego. The Orioles still need at least one outfielder, a left-handed reliever and backup catcher. They'd also like to obtain a right-hander for the bullpen, though they seem pretty deep in that area. Never can have too many, I suppose. The Nationals were supposed to make blockbuster trades all over the Manchester Grand Hyatt - executives and scouts...