VIERA, Fla. - If you're an opposing infielder and Eury Perez hits the ball on the ground, good luck throwing out the speedy outfielder. Same goes for opposing catchers should Perez decide to try and swipe a bag. Perez, a 21-year-old who played last year at Single-A Potomac, doesn't have a hit yet today, but he's still found a way to make a major impact on this afternoon's game against Georgetown. The speedster has already scored two runs since entering the game in the bottom of the...

VIERA, Fla. - The Nationals, who are still up 2-0 on Georgetown in today's exhibition game in the top of the sixth, just announced that they've agreed to terms with 15 players for 2012 and renewed the contracts of closer Drew Storen and outfielder Roger Bernadina. That means all players on the club's 40-man roster are now under contract. Those signed are left-handers Ross Detwiler and Atahualpa Severino; right-handers Cole Kimball, Ryan Mattheus, Ryan Perry, Henry Rodriguez and Craig...

The Triple-A Syracuse Chiefs have officially announced their 2012 spring training 13-game schedule. All home games begin at 1 p.m. and will be played at the Nationals' Viera, Fla., training camp complex. Here is a rundown of the complete schedule: March 15 at Oklahoma City Kissimmee, Fla. March 16 vs. Oklahoma City Viera, Fla. March 18 vs. Toledo Viera, Fla. March 19 at Gwinnett Lake Buena Vista, Fla. March 20 vs. Gwinnett Viera, Fla. March 21 at Toledo ...

VIERA, Fla. - Sure, it was against collegiate opposition, but Matt Purke looked pretty darn good in his spring debut. Facing Georgetown University in the Nationals' first game of the spring, Purke - the Nats' third-round pick in June's draft - went three strong innings, allowing no runs and just one hit. Purke struck out three (including two looking) and did not walk a batter. He threw 32 pitches, 23 for strikes, and was pulled in favor of righty Rafael Martin to start the fourth...

VIERA, Fla. - Going to the bottom of the second here at Space Coast Stadium, and Bryce Harper is making a nice impression in his first game action of the spring. In the first inning, the right fielder was in the middle of a rally that provided the Nationals with a 1-0 lead against Georgetown righty Will Harris. With one out, Xavier Paul singled to right and went to second when right fielder Christian Venditti bobbled the ball. Harper drew a four-pitch walk and Tyler Moore reached on an error...

SARASOTA, Fla. - Tommy Hunter is still scheduled to throw a simulated game on Tuesday after being scratched from his exhibition start against the Red Sox in Fort Myers. Hunter downplayed the discomfort in his lower back, saying, "I'm fine. It's more of a precautionary deal. I'm not concerned at all. I can still pitch." Hunter played long-toss this morning and seemed to be throwing with maximum effort. "I threw bullpens with it, but it just wasn't getting any better, so we're just...

SARASOTA, Fla. - Once restricted to stretching exercises and playing catch, Brian Roberts is now taking ground balls at second base and batting practice in the indoor batting cage. "It's definitely part of the progression," he said. "Every day that goes by and you don't feel worse, you're encouraged for sure." The next step is taking live batting practice on the field against one of the pitchers, instead of a coach. "At some point coming up, hopefully," he said. "I talk to my...

The Orioles have announced plans for the first game of their 2012 spring training season and their third season in Sarasota. The team will face the Pittsburgh Pirates at the newly renovated Ed Smith Stadium on Monday, March 5, at 7:05 p.m. On Monday and throughout the season, ballpark gates will open two hours prior to the scheduled first pitch. All fans will receive a 2012 spring training magnet schedule presented by the Sarasota Convention & Visitors Bureau and the first 1,000 female fans in...

VIERA, Fla. - Think it's just players who get pumped up for the first exhibition game of spring training? Think again. Nationals manager Davey Johnson was so juiced (or, in his words, "frisky") for today's exhibition against Georgetown that he ramped up his morning treadmill session. The result wasn't what the skipper was hoping for. "I overloaded my hummingbird rear end and a little air came out of my right hammy," Johnson said with a smile. "So, I'm not quite ready yet, is what...

VIERA, Fla. - If outfielder Jayson Werth and first baseman Adam LaRoche are going to play in Grapefruit League games this weekend, it'll take some amazing recuperative powers and a departure from the conservative approach the Nationals have taken with even minor injuries. Manager Davey Johnson all but ruled the pair out of Saturday's game at Kissimmee, Fla., and Sunday's home opener, both against the Astros. Werth has been bothered by back spasms but has been participating in workouts at...