Patton's role is pending
Patton's role is pending
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
SARASOTA, Fla. - The Orioles are preparing for their first full-squad workout today, which means players won't take the field until noon. Which means the clubhouse won't open to the media until 11 a.m. - 2 1/2 hours later than usual. Which means I could have slept longer. Manager Buck Showalter arranged another trip to the local movie theatre here on Main St., just as he did last year. Players were treated to another inspirational video, this one including Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis (Hardly...
News and notes from Nats Park
News and notes from Nats Park
Josh Land
Nationals
Greetings, Nationals fans. As we draw closer to the start of another season of Nationals baseball, there are a number of things to discuss and opportunities to present before opening day. First off, for those fans who applied to become a 2012 Nationals ball girl, the 25 finalists have been chosen and will take part in the tryouts portion of the process Saturday at Nationals Park. The finalists who met a series of requirements must prove they have a strong knowledge of the game of baseball...
Potomac Nationals officially unveil brand new diamond
Potomac Nationals officially unveil brand new diamond
Byron Kerr
Nationals
For the first time since 1984, the Single-A Potomac Nationals have a new baseball field in Woodbridge, Va. It has been a struggle with bad drainage and an uneven playing field for years that some speculated contributed to the team missing out on getting to see a top prospect like Bryce Harper play at Pfitzner Stadium. Today that all changed and with it, a big step up in field conditions. The hope is this new diamond will ultimately improve the quality of play for the professional baseball...
Detwiler's finally learned how he can be successful
Detwiler's finally learned how he can be successful
Pete Kerzel
Nationals
VIERA, Fla. - Ross Detwiler sprints from the mound, takes a flip from spring training instructor Mark Grater and applies an tag on an imaginary runner at home plate. Another mundane but important drill completed, Detwiler heads off to his next station, a definitely noticeable spring in his step. And why not? After the way he impressed at the end of last season, the left-hander is expected to head north as part of the 12-man pitching staff manager Davey Johnson will take out of spring training....
Humbled Morse wants to use breakthrough as a baseline
Humbled Morse wants to use breakthrough as a baseline
Pete Kerzel
Nationals
Of the countless words used to describe Michael Morse's breakthrough season in 2011 - and a .303 average, 31 homers and 95 RBIs will get you a lot of plaudits, not to mention Most Valuable Player votes - the most unexpected may been uttered by Morse himself. "Last year, to me, was very humbling," Morse said Thursday morning in the Nationals' clubhouse. "It was something I always knew I could do. Now I feel like it's the tip of the iceberg. I feel I have so much more to offer. Now I know...
McCatty, Johnson want Storen to slow down a little
McCatty, Johnson want Storen to slow down a little
Pete Kerzel
Nationals
VIERA, Fla. - Drew Storen was between pitches in his bullpen session Thursday when pitching coach Steve McCatty walked over to him and interrupted his series of tosses to catcher Wilson Ramos. The conversation looked pretty one-sided, with Storen doing all the listening, and McCatty was making a plea that Storen is used to hearing. "He just keeps telling me to slow down," Storen said later. "I kind of ... wrecked my reputation in spring training because I threw about 100 pitches in 10...
Wang to get extra day of rest, Gonzalez unleashes "snapdragons"
Wang to get extra day of rest, Gonzalez unleashes "snapdragons"
Pete Kerzel
Nationals
VIERA, Fla. - Today should have been Chien-Ming Wang's day to throw a bullpen. Instead, the right-hander got an extra day of rest, a move Nationals manager Davey Johnson said would be repeated early in camp to allow Wang to build up his strength and stamina. "These guys have been around for a little bit, they know what they need to do to get that prepared. ... Since (Wang is) on a little different rest period, I will ... probably have him throw a simulated game for his first start here, or a...
More notes from Thursday's workout (and Berken update)
More notes from Thursday's workout (and Berken update)
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
SARASOTA, Fla. - Reliever Jim Johnson threw off a half mound today and will progress to a regular mound on Saturday. Johnson has been receiving treatment for tightness in his lower back, but he appears to be fine. "Everything's good," he said. "I'll be on a full mound Saturday. Riveting stuff." I can appreciate good sarcasm. Zach Britton threw on flat ground again today. "Neither one of them is behind. That's for sure," manager Buck Showalter said of Johnson and Britton. "If...
Matt Angle is headed to the Dodgers
Matt Angle is headed to the Dodgers
Steve Melewski
Orioles
Outfielder Matt Angle, who was drafted by the Orioles in round seven out of Ohio State in 2007 and made his major league debut last year, is now headed to the Los Angeles Dodgers, an Orioles official confirmed this afternoon. Angle was designated for assignment by the Orioles on Feb. 10 when the club signed Luis Ayala and today he has been claimed by Los Angeles on waivers. In 31 games last year, Angle hit .177 with one homer, seven RBIs, 12 runs and 11 stolen bases in 12 chances. He hit his...
Berken injures hamstring, Roberts update
Berken injures hamstring, Roberts update
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
SARASOTA, Fla. - Reliever Jason Berken tweaked his left hamstring today during conditioning drills. Berken had left the facility before reporters returned to the clubhouse and wasn't immediately available for comment. Manager Buck Showalter used the word "tweaked," but added that he wasn't certain of the severity. He was collecting more information from the training staff. "We'll see where that is tomorrow," Showalter said. "I'm not sure if 'tweaked' is the right description yet....