VIERA, Fla. - With both the "A" and "B" pitching groups having the day off to rest up from bullpen sessions, the Nationals took part in a laid-back workout on the minor league fields this morning. Pitchers all participated in various pickoff drills, infielders got in some work doing rundowns, and the final part of the workout before batting practice got under way was reserved for comebackers and bunt plays. These are the days when fundamentals are the main focus. As major leaguers, these...

Baseball America's latest top 100 prospect list features three of the Nationals' hottest youngsters. Third baseman Anthony Rendon, right-hander Lucas Giolito and center fielder Brian Goodwin all rank in the top 70. Rendon is rated No. 30. The 2011 first-rounder has made big strides since last April's ankle injury. With his consistent play in the Arizona Fall League adding to the at-bats he lost early on, he will be ready to go to start 2013 for the Double-A Harrisburg Senators. Showing...

MASN, the television home of the defending National League East champion Washington Nationals, today announced its Major League Baseball schedule for the 2013 season. Once again, all Nationals games broadcast by MASN will be available in crystal-clear high definition, including the April 1 season and home opener against the Miami Marlins. Other highlights of MASN's 2013 Nationals schedule include interleague series against the Baltimore Orioles (May 27-28, 29-30), and the Chicago White Sox...

SARASOTA, Fla. - Adam Russell didn't ask for perspective. He didn't invite it onto the mound and into his life. But a family's battle with cancer will do that for a guy. Russell attempts to keep his mind clear as he works out each morning at the Ed Smith Stadium complex. He's here to play baseball, to beat the odds and make the club out of spring training after signing a minor league contract in early December. But it's the odds that his sister faces, his brother-in-law, his father and...

MASN, the television home of the defending American League wild card champion Baltimore Orioles, today announced its Major League Baseball schedule for the 2013 season. Once again, all Orioles games broadcast by MASN will be available in crystal-clear high definition, including the season opener in St. Petersburg, Fla., against the Tampa Bay Rays on April 2. Other highlights of MASN's 2013 Orioles schedule include interleague games against the Washington Nationals (May 27-28, May 29-30), and...

The Orioles today announced the following promotions to their baseball operations staff: Brady Anderson, previously the team's Special Assistant to the Executive Vice President of Baseball Operations, is now the club's Vice President of Baseball Operations. Ned Rice, previously Assistant Director of Major League Operations, is now Director of Major League Administration. Mike Snyder, formerly Assistant Director of Scouting and Player Development, is now Assistant Director of Player...

SARASOTA, Fla. - The Orioles announced the following promotions to their baseball operations staff, including one involving former center fielder Brady Anderson, a member of the team's Hall of Fame: Anderson, previously the team's special assistant to the executive vice president of baseball operations, is now the club's vice president of baseball operations. Ned Rice, previously assistant director of major league operations, is now director of major league administration. Mike Snyder,...

SARASOTA, Fla. - First baseman Conor Jackson came off the field early today after his lower back tightened while fielding ground balls during the workout. "It was just a little back issue. Nothing crazy," said Jackson, 30, who signed a minor league deal Dec. 5. "With three days left before games start, just want to be careful about it. Kind of what the trainers preach from day one. If you've got something, you don't want to let it linger. I don't think it will linger. "I hadn't taken...

As full-squad workouts hit full throttle, it is interesting to note that the San Francisco Giants will be fielding the same team that beat the Detroit Tigers in last October's World Series. Usually, teams change personnel even when they win a title. The Giants kept their outfield together, with Gregor Blanco, Angel Pagan and Hunter Pence. They re-signed second baseman Marco Scutaro, 37, to a long-term deal. Are the Giants putting their roster together with their heart? Maybe, but general...

VIERA, Fla. - The Nationals now have two pitchers on the Team USA roster for the World Baseball Classic. Ross Detwiler has accepted an invitation to pitch for Team USA, the Nats announced this morning. Detwiler joins fellow Nats left-hander Gio Gonzalez on the Team USA roster. Gonzalez isn't scheduled to participate in the WBC until the second round, instead staying with the Nats until he has made three Grapefruit League starts. Detwiler went 10-8 with a 3.40 ERA last season, his first full...