The Nationals have released the list of fan choice bobblehead candidates for the Sept.10 game against the Houston Astros. Options include Adam LaRoche, Ryan Zimmerman, Jordan Zimmermann, Drew Storen and Danny Espinosa. Fans can vote and encourage friends to vote through social networking. Jayson Werth and Ian Desmond will also be honored with bobbleheads in 2011. Last season's fan choice bobblehead winner was Ivan Rodriguez. The winner will be decided April 4, so vote early and vote...

What are the expectations for the Nationals in the eyes of manager Jim Riggleman and general manager Mike Rizzo? Would 75 wins be considered a good season? How about 80 victories? A playoff berth? A winning record? Rizzo was asked if he would be pleased with 80 wins on 106.7 The Fan's Mike Wise Show Thursday, and replied, "It depends on how we reach 80 wins." Rizzo said if the team struggles and then rallies to get to 80 wins he would be pleased. But if the team gets off to a great...

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - I drove through the worst rainstorm of my life to get here. Those tornado warnings are no joke. I was gripping the steering wheel so tightly, it's almost bent in half. Good luck with that one, Avis. I was pretty sure a traffic light turned green, but I couldn't move. Visibility was at an all-time low. But at least the water on the streets covered my tires. My GPS told me to turn right, and I yelled, "Where's the right?" I didn't need a GPS. I needed a...

I am not concerned in the least that the Orioles will begin the season with just one left-hander in the bullpen. First of all, pitchers like Mark Hendrickson, Clay Rapada, Troy Patton and Chris George all may start on the Triple-A staff and will be a phone call away if needed. Also, there is this big reason not to be concerned: The stat sheet says it won't be an issue. Of the six right-handed hurlers in the O's pen, all but Koji Uehara have better statistics either recently and/or in their...

With his start Thursday, catcher Ivan Rodriguez has started 20 consecutive opening day games behind the plate. This is the longest streak in Major League Baseball regardless of position. Meanwhile, starter Livan Hernandez made his ninth opening day start. Hernandez is 4-3 with a 4.65 in previous opening day games. He's also tied for most opening day starts and wins among active pitchers. Of course, Ryan Zimmerman has started the most consecutive opening day games for the Washington...

For the first time in their seven-year history, the Nationals have a chance to finish better than fourth. The Braves will win the National League East and the Mets will debate trading David Wright. Baseball begins today, so that means a steady stream of questions: The Braves are my pick to beat the Phillies, but there are concerns: Will Chipper Jones' knee hold up and how productive can he be at 38? Outfielder Nate McLouth had a strong spring, but will that give him enough confidence to...

SARASOTA, Fla. - One last report from Sarasota. Pitcher Justin Duchscherer was sent to a chiropractor yesterday after complaining of back soreness. Apparently, his left hip is fine, but he's dealing with another setback. President of baseball operations Andy MacPhail said the club will wait 24 hours "and see how it is." "I'm not sure where we are right now," MacPhail said. "I think we're 24 hours from knowing the severity." Duchscherer threw two innings Tuesday in a simulated game...

The Washington Nationals today selected the contracts of infielder Alex Cora, right-handed pitcher Chad Gaudin, outfielder Laynce Nix and first baseman/outfielder Matt Stairs. The Nationals also placed right-handed pitcher Henry Rodriguez (right shoulder) on the 15-Day Disabled List, retroactive to March 22, and placed right-handed pitchers Elvin Ramirez (right shoulder), Stephen Strasburg (right elbow) and Chien-Ming Wang (right shoulder) and on the 60-Day Disabled List. Nationals Executive...

SARASOTA, Fla. - Counted among the yearly traditions of spring training is the sudden realization that I can't consume all of the food that I bought during my seven-week stay. How many packets of oatmeal can I possibly eat before check-out this morning? And honesty, the bags of frozen broccoli and Brussels sprouts seemed like a good idea at the time. No way they're coming with me to St. Petersburg. I'm down to three bottled waters. I think I timed that one just about right. Anyway, the...

It's become a pretty important part of sports-talk on radio. That's the call-in show where fans and listeners can vent, analyze the game and react right after the game ends. Well, this year, after Orioles' games, you will have your chance to do just that and I will be the voice at the other end of the phone line. I am thrilled to officially announce that I will be hosting the "Baltimore Baseball Tonight" postgame edition on weeknights this year on 105.7 FM, The Fan in Baltimore. The show...