NATIONALS QUICK WRAP SCORE: Yankees 4, Nationals 2 Recap: Ross Detwiler allowed four runs, three earned, in 1 1/3 innings of work in his spring debut, while Zach Walters kept his hot spring going by crushing a solo homer to center. Need to know: Detwiler showed some positive signs, but struggled with his fastball command, while Tanner Roark delivered two uneventful, scoreless frames. Those two, along with Taylor Jordan, are competing for the No. 5 spot in the Nats rotation. On deck:...

TAMPA, Fla. - Matt Williams has made it very clear to his coaches that he wants input from every one of them throughout spring training. The Nationals' coaches have multiple group meetings every day, discussing the skill-sets of various players, workout schedules and how the pitchers will be used throughout spring. But the input Williams has received from his coaches doesn't end there. The construction of the Nats' lineup has been a group effort, as well. "We sit as a group and make our...

TAMPA, Fla. - Bryce Harper was sent home yesterday after reporting to the Nationals' spring training complex with what manager Matt Williams called "flu-like symptoms," but Williams said that Harper was feeling much better today and wanted to make the trip to Tampa as part of today's travel roster. Williams held Harper back, allowing him to rest up today, but said that he plans to bring Harper with the team tomorrow when the Nats travel to Lake Buena Vista to face the Braves. "After...

SARASOTA, Fla. - Outfielder Nolan Reimold contracted food poisoning last night and was sent back to the hotel. "He was sick during the night. Ate something wrong," said manager Buck Showalter. "He won't be having the skillet breakfast anymore. I can tell you that. "We make them come in. He came by my office and started opening his mouth, and I said, 'Go home.' He looked bad." Showalter indicated that his initial plans don't call for David Lough to play against left-handers, which...

This Thursday, March 6, the Orioles will host the 4th annual All Faiths Food Drive to help people in need in the Sarasota area. All fans attending the 1:05 p.m. game against the Tampa Bay Rays at Ed Smith Stadium are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items and/or monetary donations to benefit the All Faiths Food Bank. Since 2011, 2,400 pounds of food and $3,500 in cash donations have been collected at the yearly food drive to help people in need in the Sarasota area. Last year, All...

There have been some publications that have talked about how the Nationals system is not as strong as others, but Baseball Prospectus has come out with its rankings of the best talent in the major leagues of prospects 25 and under. The Nationals rank second behind the St. Louis Cardinals. Of course, it helps when the top of the list comes from back-to-back years when the Nationals selected first in the amateur draft, grabbing starter Stephen Strasburg and outfielder Bryce Harper. Also at the...

VIERA, Fla. - Left-hander Ross Detwiler will make his Grapefruit League debut against the Yankees in Tampa this afternoon. Denard Span will lead off and play center for the Nationals. For the Nationals: CF Denard Span 2B Danny Espinosa LF Tyler Moore DH Scott Hairston C Jose Lobaton 1B Matt Skole SS Zach Walters 3B Will Rhymes RF Eury Perez LHP Ross Detwiler For the Yankees: CF Brett Gardner SS Derek Jeter C Brian McCann 2B Brian Roberts DH Francisco Cervelli 3B Kelly Johnson...

SARASOTA, Fla. - Delmon Young is back on the bench today after collecting two hits for the Orioles yesterday in Fort Myers. Young could get an at-bat or two later, and he's expected to make the trip to Tampa for Tuesday night's game against the Yankees. He's on a typical spring schedule as he attempts to crack the 40-man roster and break camp with the team. The work day started early for Young, who already was bathed in a heavy sweat before players took the field for batting practice....

SARASOTA, Fla. - Shortstop J.J. Hardy is leading off and left fielder David Lough is batting ninth today for the Orioles' game against the Twins at Ed Smith Stadium. Don't read anything into it. Nelson Cruz is playing right field, with Nick Markakis serving as the designated hitter. This is Cruz's first start in the outfield. For the Orioles J.J. Hardy SS Nick Markakis DH Adam Jones CF Chris Davis 1B Nelson Cruz RF Matt Wieters C Ryan Flaherty 2B Alex Gonzalez 3B David Lough LF Bud...

VIERA, Fla. - Today marks the one road trip this spring when the Nationals will make the drive across the state to the west coast of Florida. There are some gorgeous spring facilities on that side of the Sunshine State. The Red Sox have a nice new stadium in Fort Myers. The Orioles' facility in Sarasota is snazzy. We made the trip to Clearwater last year when the Nats played the Phillies, and that was a beautiful park in a beautiful location. The problem with all of these road games? The...