nationals buzz

Steve Mears: Looking at Nats' other options for replacement starter

June 21, 2016, 5:21am

The Nationals got all the way to June 20 before they needed a sixth starter, as Stephen Strasburg was scratched from his start with an upper back strain and replaced by Yusmeiro Petit. The Nats were fortunate earlier in the season when Joe Ross had a blister and with days off they could skip his start. Not so lucky this time, and that begs the question as to who would be the Nats' replacement starter if they needed one again? Taylor Jordan is out for the season, and A.J. Cole is really the...

Comments

Tags:

guest blogger guestblogger nationals nationals buzz stephen strasburg steve mears

Opposite dugout: Strasburg vs. Kershaw highlights Nats-Dodgers in L.A.

June 20, 2016, 6:05am

Nationals

Opposite dugout: Strasburg vs. Kershaw highlights Nats-Dodgers in L.A.

Manager: Dave Roberts (1st season) Record: 38-33 Last 10 games: 6-4 Who to watch: SS Corey Seager (.280/.342/.502 with 15 HR, 36 RBIs), 1B Adrian Gonzalez (.274 with 32 RBIs), CF Joc Pederson (12 HR, 31 RBIs), LHP Clayton Kershaw (10-1, 1.58 ERA), RHP Kenley Jansen (1.59 ERA with 19 saves) Season series vs. Nationals: First meeting (4-2 in 2015) Pitching probables: June 20: RHP Stephen Strasburg vs. LHP Clayton Kershaw, 10:10 p.m., MASN2 June 21: RHP Tanner Roark vs. LHP Scott Kazmir, 10:10...

Comments

Tags:

bobby blanco dodgers frontstory_nationals3 nationals nationals buzz opposite dugout

Marty Niland: Plenty of All-Star talent on this year's Nats roster

June 20, 2016, 5:06am

Nationals

Marty Niland: Plenty of All-Star talent on this year's Nats roster

Time is running out to cast All-Star ballots, and for the first time in several years, more than one member of the Nationals deserves consideration for a starting spot. The National League team has included two Nats in each of the last three seasons, as well as in 2005, the Nats' first season in Washington. In their breakout 2012 season, four Nationals were selected to the team. In every other season since moving from Montreal, the Nats have had the requisite one player on the squad. Only...

Comments

Tags:

guest blogger guestblogger marty niland nationals nationals buzz

David Huzzard: 2016 version of Nationals comes with grit

June 16, 2016, 5:37am

Nationals

Ty Cobb once said, "Baseball is something like a war," and the Nationals' seven games against the Chicago Cubs were exactly that. They were brutal, back-and-forth affairs often coming down to who had the last at-bat. Every game was decided by three runs or less, and featured several lead changes. Every time one team answered the other would answer right back. They truly felt like playoff games and there is a chance that we see this showdown again in October. And while that is an important...

Comments

Tags:

david huzzard guest blogger guestblogger nationals nationals buzz

Opposite dugout: Padres stuck in NL West cellar, may soon be sellers

June 15, 2016, 3:59pm

Nationals

Opposite dugout: Padres stuck in NL West cellar, may soon be sellers

Manager: Andy Green (1st season) Record: 27-40 Last 10 games: 4-6 Who to watch: 1B Wil Myers (.281 with 14 HR, 39 RBIs), RF Matt Kemp (15 HR, 43 RBIs), CF Melvin Upton Jr. (9 HR, 30 RBIS, 13 SB), LHP Christian Freidrich (3-1, 2.12 ERA), LHP Drew Pomeranz (57, 2.88 ERA), RHP Fernando Rodney (13 saves, 0.00 ERA) Season series vs. Nationals: First meeting (2-5 in 2015) Pitching probables: June 16: RHP Tanner Roark vs. RHP Erik Johnson, 10:10 p.m., MASN2 June 17: RHP Joe Ross vs. LHP Christian...

Comments

Tags:

frontstory_nationals3 nationals nationals buzz opposite dugout padres pete kerzel

District 34 podcast: Wrapping up Cubs series and previewing West Coast trip

June 15, 2016, 12:27pm

Nationals

District 34 podcast: Wrapping up Cubs series and previewing West Coast trip

We've got a quick episode for you today, as the Nationals finish their three-game series with the Cubs. Byron and I recorded the fourth episode of District 34 leading up to Stephen Strasburg's first pitch at Nats Park. During this brief episode, we wrap up this Cubs-Nats series ahead of the rubber match and look at Strasburg's start. He is the only undefeated starting pitcher left in Major League Baseball as he looks to improve his 10-0 record against the Cubs' Jason Hammel, who has never...

Comments

Tags:

bobby blanco byron kerr cubs district 34 nationals nationals buzz podcast stephen strasburg

Charlie Fliegel: Nationals need to fill void at closer position

June 15, 2016, 4:40am

Nationals

It's one thing to lose a reliever, it's another to lose a closer. The Nationals' relatively effective closer, Jonathan Papelbon, went on the disabled list yesterday, and this is an issue for the team. Despite the fact that almost everyone in the bullpen has outperformed Papelbon, almost anyone else would have been easier to lose for 15 days (or more), because of the ripple effect of losing a closer. First, to finish off games, Dusty Baker and Mike Maddux will have to decide if they want to...

Comments

Tags:

charlie fliegel guest blogger guestblogger jonathan papelbon nationals nationals buzz

Steve Mears: It can take years to analyze the success of a draft

June 14, 2016, 8:53am

Nationals

Steve Mears: It can take years to analyze the success of a draft

Another First-Year Player Draft is in the books, and it sometimes takes years to analyze the impact of a draft class. The Nationals used to always pick high in the draft when the team was bad. With the success in the standings the last few years, the Nats are now getting draft picks at the lower end of each round. It makes the trades, international signings and other creative acquisitions even more strategic to the on-going future progression of this franchise. Ryan Zimmerman clearly had the...

Comments

Tags:

abel de los santos carter kieboom chris bostick gio gonzalez guest blogger guestblogger nationals nationals buzz steve mears trea turner

Marty Niland: Strasburg's winning streak parallels that of Walter Johnson

June 13, 2016, 4:28am

Nationals

Marty Niland: Strasburg's winning streak parallels that of Walter Johnson

Stephen Strasburg has been in great company while streaking through this season, blowing past franchise marks for consecutive victories set by Pedro Martinez, Dennis Martinez and Livan Hernandez, and matching Jake Arietta for the major league lead in wins. If that's not enough, the Nationals star now stands shoulder-to-shoulder with arguably the greatest pitcher of all time, Walter Johnson. No one wearing a Washington uniform has won 13 consecutive decisions since the legendary,...

Comments

Tags:

guest blogger guestblogger marty niland nationals nationals buzz stephen strasburg walter johnson

Opposite dugout: Cubs continue winning ways at record pace

June 13, 2016, 3:42am

Nationals

Opposite dugout: Cubs continue winning ways at record pace

Manager: Joe Maddon (2nd season) Record: 43-18 Last 10 games: 7-3 Who to watch: 2B Ben Zobrist (.324 average, 66 hits); 3B Kris Bryant (15 HR, 45 RBIs); 1B Anthony Rizzo (14 HR, .264 average); RHP Jake Arrieta (10-1, 1.86 ERA); RHP John Lackey (7-2, 2.63 ERA); RHP Jason Hammel (7-2, 2.36 ERA). Season series vs. Nationals: 4-0 Pitching probables: June 13: RHP Kyle Hendricks vs. RHP Max Schezer, 7:05 p.m., MASNJune 14: RHP John Lackey vs. LHP Gio Gonzalez, 7:05 p.m., MASNJune 15: RHP Jason...

Comments

Tags:

brian eller chicago cubs cubs frontstory_nationals3 nationals nationals buzz opposite dugout

Opposite dugout: Phillies starting to fade after hot start

June 10, 2016, 6:46am

Nationals

Opposite dugout: Phillies starting to fade after hot start

Manager: Pete Mackanin (2nd season) Record: 29-31 Last 10 games: 3-7 Who to watch: CF Odubel Herrera (.318/.422/.431), 3B Maikel Franco (10 HR, 32 RBIs), SS Freddy Galvis (6 HR, 22 RBIs), RHP Aaron Nola (5-4, 2.65 ERA), RHP Jeanmar Gomez (2.61 ERA with 19 saves) Season series vs. Nationals: 4-5 Pitching probables: June 10: RHP Jeremy Hellickson vs. RHP Stephen Strasburg, 7:05 p.m., MASN June 11: RHP Aaron Nola vs. RHP Tanner Roark, 12:05 p.m., MASN June 12: LHP Adam Morgan vs. RHP Joe Ross,...

Comments

Tags:

bobby blanco frontstory_nationals3 nationals nationals buzz opposite dugout phillies

District 34 podcast: Turner, Papelbon and the draft

June 09, 2016, 6:13am

Nationals

District 34 podcast: Turner, Papelbon and the draft

The Nationals offense is hot coming into the summer months! After their third straight 10-run game and victory, the Nats are looking to close out this 11-day road trip with a sweep of the White Sox before returning home. It's an exciting and eventful time in the baseball calendar with the First-Year Player Draft starting tonight. The Nationals hold the 28th, 29th and 58th overall picks in the first two rounds, so Byron Kerr and I give you a brief preview of the possible areas general manager...

Comments

Tags:

bobby blanco byron kerr district 34 jonathan papelbon nationals nationals buzz podcast trea turner frontstory_nationals3

David Huzzard: No early pick for Nationals, but Murphy good consolation prize

June 09, 2016, 5:18am

Nationals

Unlike years past, and by now I mean years passed, the Washington Nationals do not hold the first overall pick in tonight's MLB First-Year Player Draft. They don't even have a top-10 pick. They do, however, have two picks in the first round, but will have to be a little patient. The Nationals currently hold the 28th and 29th overall selections in this year's draft. But despite the lack of an "early pick" in the sport's yearly mid-season opportunity to improve an organization, the...

Comments

Tags:

daniel murphy david huzzard guest blogger guestblogger nationals nationals buzz

Charlie Fliegel: LASIK isn't the only reason Ramos has improved at the plate

June 07, 2016, 8:23pm

Nationals

Charlie Fliegel: LASIK isn't the only reason Ramos has improved at the plate

You'd be forgiven if, before this season started, you were concerned with the Nationals' catching situation and really wanted them to address it. At least I'd forgive you because I certainly felt that way. In 2014 and 2015, Wilson Ramos managed a sub-100 OPS+ and wRC+, hitting below the league average. 2015 was especially tough for him. But he wasn't always that bad. From 2011-2013, he hit a very respectable .269/.327/.449. He was a promising young hitter, then it seemed to all go away....

Comments

Tags:

charlie fliegel guest blogger guestblogger nationals nationals buzz wilson ramos

MASN booth heading to Celebrate Fairfax! community festival

May 30, 2016, 6:38am

Nationals

MASN booth heading to Celebrate Fairfax! community festival

Don't have tickets to go see the Nationals take on the Phillies at Nats Park on June 10-12? Still want to be outside in the early summer sun while showing your support for the Nats and getting free stuff? We have you covered. The MASN booth is taking its talents to Northern Virginia, specifically the Celebrate Fairfaix! community-wide festival! On the weekend of June 10-12, the annual celebration will host tens of thousands of visitors at the Fairfax County Government Center with more than 300...

Comments

Tags:

bobby blanco celebrate fairfax full moon masn booth nationals nationals buzz featured_sidebar

Steve Mears: Turner matching all-time hits leader in hustle category

June 07, 2016, 8:22am

Nationals

Steve Mears: Turner matching all-time hits leader in hustle category

Friday night in Cincinnati, Ohio was the setting for the 2016 debut of possibly the most exciting player in baseball, and his name is Trea Turner. He is not a home run hitter and he doesn't crow-hop throwing 97-mph darts across the diamond. Turner is the true throwback to a simpler game to the bygone years of "Charlie Hustle," who is still loved in Cincinnati. Pete Rose was not particularly fast, as he only averaged nine stolen bases a year against seven caught stealing, which surprises most...

Comments

Tags:

guest blogger guestblogger nationals nationals buzz steve mears trea turner

Opposite dugout: Hot start a distant memory for struggling White Sox

June 06, 2016, 2:42pm

Nationals

Opposite dugout: Hot start a distant memory for struggling White Sox

Manager: Robin Ventura (5th season) Record: 29-28 Last 10 games: 2-8 Who to watch: 3B Todd Frazier (18 HR, 40 RBIs); RF Adam Eaton (.270 average, 60 hits); 1B Jose Abreu (.251 average, 56 hits, 30 RBIs); LHP Chris Sale (9-2, 2.54 ERA); RHP Mat Latos (6-1, 4;02 ERA); CL David Robertson (3.22 ERA, 13 saves) Season series vs. Nationals: First meeting of 2016 (0-3 in 2013) Pitching probables: June 7: RHP Joe Ross vs. RHP Mat Latos, 8:10 p.m., MASN2June 8: RHP Max Scherzer vs. RHP James Shields,...

Comments

Tags:

brian eller nationals nationals buzz opposite dugout frontstory_nationals3

Marty Niland: Nats used series against Reds to get bats going

June 06, 2016, 4:54am

Nationals

Marty Niland: Nats used series against Reds to get bats going

So, the Nationals just lost two out of three to the second-worst team in the National League, allowing 22 runs 31 hits and seven home runs to the 21-36 Reds. Let's dwell on the positives, though, shall we? Despite the pitching staff getting spanked by one of the league's top hitting teams, the struggling offense finally showed some signs of life. In Sunday's comeback win, it was downright resilient. After having his 11-game hitting streak snapped, Daniel Murphy was on the verge of going...

Comments

Tags:

guest blogger guestblogger marty niland nationals nationals buzz

Opposite dugout: Baker returns to Cincinnati to Reds team far from how he left it

June 01, 2016, 7:12pm

Nationals

Opposite dugout: Baker returns to Cincinnati to Reds team far from how he left it

Manager: Bryan Price (3rd season) Record: 19-35 Last 10 games: 4-6 Who to watch: SS Zack Cozart (.306/.333/.524 with 7 HR, 20 RBIs), RF Jay Bruce (.275 with 11 HR, 36 RBIs), LF Adam Duvall (.260 with 14 HR, 31 RBIs), RHP Dan Straily (3-2, 3.43 ERA), RHP Blake Wood (4-1, 3.76 ERA) Season series vs. Nationals: First meeting (5-1 in 2015) Pitching probables: June 3: LHP Gio Gonzalez vs. LHP Brandon Finnegan, 7:10 p.m., MASN2 June 4: RHP Stephen Strasburg vs. RHP Dan Straily, 4:10 p.m., MASN June...

Comments

Tags:

bobby blanco nationals nationals buzz opposite dugout reds frontstory_nationals3

District 34 podcast: Episode 2

June 02, 2016, 12:17pm

Nationals

Daniel Murphy, come on down to claim your award! Murphy was named the National League Player of the Month, the second consecutive month a Nationals player has been awarded the honor after Bryce Harper was named the NL's best in April. After slashing .416/.424/.673 with seven home runs, 23 RBIs and a new Nats record for hits in a month of 47, Byron Kerr and I figured Murphy would win, so we went ahead and discussed Murphy's May in this week's episode of District 34. With the calendar turning...