nationals buzz

Nats to reveal Fan Choice Bobblehead opening day on MASN

March 28, 2016, 1:49pm

Nod your head if you're ready to see the new Nationals Fan Choice Bobblehead! While you continue your countdown to opening day in Atlanta, you'll also be counting down until the big reveal. On March 10, the Nationals announced during a spring training game airing on MASN that the Fan Choice Bobblehead would be decided in a one-day vote. Any player currently on the roster and who had not previously had a Nationals bobblehead or other figurine was eligible, so it was game on. Over the 24-hour...

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Checking out what's new at Nationals Park in 2016

March 29, 2016, 6:55pm

Nationals

Yesterday, the Nationals invited the media to take a tour of Nationals Park for a sneak peek at the new giveaways, events, food and more coming to the ballpark in the 2016 season. If what I'm about to show you doesn't get you excited for the start of a new baseball season, I don't know what will. Bear with me - this list ranges from dumplings to birthday parties to bobbleheads to Racing Presidents dressed as Wookies. But first, let's talk about some logistical new additions. If you'll...

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A few words about the Space Coast - go-tos, to-gos and friends who'll be missed

March 28, 2016, 8:19am

Nationals

A few words about the Space Coast - go-tos, to-gos and friends who'll be missed

Earlier this morning, on the day of the final scheduled Nationals game at Space Coast Stadium, my colleague Mark Zuckerman penned a thoughtful farewell to Viera. I'd like to add a few comments about the community that has been the Nationals' spring training home since 2005, one that has welcomed both fans and media members with open arms. Saying goodbye is difficult. Whether it was reporters making the Space Coast their home away from home for six or seven weeks as winter morphed into spring...

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#TBT: Nats explode for 16 runs in rout of Rays

March 24, 2016, 7:03am

Nationals

#TBT: Nats explode for 16 runs in rout of Rays

Yesterday was a great day for a MASN broadcast of a Nationals game. But then again, when is there ever not a great day to watch a baseball game on MASN? Stephen Strasburg stole the show against the Yankees at Space Coast Stadium yesterday. He only pitched five innings against a non-regular Yankees lineup, but he struck out nine on just 68 pitches. It's good to see Strasburg is ready for the regular season. But overshadowed by Strasburg's performance was the Nationals' offensive onslaught...

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Introducing our Nationals guest blogger lineup for 2016

March 18, 2016, 11:10am

Nationals

Back in 2005, when the Nationals arrived from Montreal, they filled a tremendous void in Washington, D.C. Generations of fans who had not had a team to call their own suddenly did, parents could take their children to games and a new crop of baseball fans was born. So was a new kind of fan - those with keyboards at their disposal and opinions that flowed like frosty beer at the Red Porch. Fervent Nationals fans descended upon the blogosphere in numbers that made other baseball towns envious....

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Fan Choice Bobblehead, presented by MASN, to be decided in one-day vote

March 08, 2016, 12:21pm

Nationals

Fan Choice Bobblehead, presented by MASN, to be decided in one-day vote

The Nationals Fan Choice Bobblehead is back, and once again, the power is in fans' hands! Which player will be the latest to have his likeness translated into a bobblehead? It's up to you. All players who are currently on the Nationals active roster and who have never had a Nats bobblehead/figurine before will be eligible. But don't hesitate! This year's voting lasts just 24 hours. On Thursday, March 10 (also the Nats' first spring game airing on MASN), you'll have the chance to cast your...

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Out of the Park: Giolito bakes and Harper, Nats say goodbye to Desmond

March 04, 2016, 6:18am

Nationals

Out of the Park: Giolito bakes and Harper, Nats say goodbye to Desmond

If you've been following along with the Nationals this spring training, you've probably come across a few mentions of top pitching prospect Lucas Giolito and his baking. Giolito and his roommate at big league camp, catcher Spencer Kieboom, have posted pictures here and there of the pitcher's tasty creations. But this week, we got some good views of Giolito's banana bread. Spring Training Monday baking round 3... pic.twitter.com/ua1ySMQS1m -- Lucas Giolito (@LGio27) February 29, 2016 The...

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#TBT: Ian Desmond receives ovation in last home start in D.C.

March 02, 2016, 5:33pm

Nationals

#TBT: Ian Desmond receives ovation in last home start in D.C.

Drafted by the Expos in 2004, longtime National Ian Desmond was a staple in the infield. Over seven big league seasons with the Nationals, Desmond earned three Silver Slugger Awards and was named an All-Star in 2012. In 2015, as the Nats' season began to wind down, Desmond and fans knew that the shortstop's time in D.C. was likely coming to an end. In Desmond's last home game of the season, Trea Turner entered the game at shortstop in the ninth inning as manager Matt Williams allowed fans to...

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Out of the Park: A look at what the Nats are doing outside of spring training workouts

February 26, 2016, 5:14am

Nationals

Out of the Park: A look at what the Nats are doing outside of spring training workouts

It's been a somewhat quiet week on social media for the Nationals, which can be a good thing with the full team reporting and working out in Viera, Fla. They're more concerned with what they're doing on the field than what they're doing off of it. But how are the Nats winning off the field? (Anyone?) I found some nuggets for those of you who are wondering how the team is doing all-around at spring training. Earlier this week, MASNsports.com's Mark Zuckerman wrote about the story behind new...

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#TBT: Nationals pull off circus play against Giants

February 23, 2016, 5:50pm

Nationals

One player who has made an early impression in spring training is flamethrower Felipe Rivero. "Boy, that lefty out there throwing 100 mph, he's got a pretty good chance," manager Dusty Baker said earlier this week. Last season, over 49 appearances, Rivero pitched to a 2.79 ERA. Headed into his sophomore season, will the 24-year-old be able to keep up his reputation as a staple in the bullpen? Leave a comment with your predictions and check out one of the Nationals' best plays from last...

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Out of the Park: Pitchers and catchers report to start spring training

February 19, 2016, 5:10am

Nationals

Out of the Park: Pitchers and catchers report to start spring training

I have some housekeeping business to address before we get to the best of the Nationals getting ready for spring training. As I'm sure you've noticed by now, we have a new Nats beat reporter here on MASNsports.com, Mark Zuckerman! Guess the news is out there now: Yes, I've been hired as @masnNationals new beat writer. Thrilled to get started, heading to Viera tomorrow! -- Mark Zuckerman (@MarkZuckerman) February 16, 2016 JUST IN: Welcome @MarkZuckerman as MASN's new #Nats beat writer!...

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#TBT: Joe Ross strikes out 11 in third career start

February 17, 2016, 12:12pm

Nationals

#TBT: Joe Ross strikes out 11 in third career start

BASEBALL. IS. BACK. Pitchers and catchers report today, which means that Nationals baseball is officially here for the 2016 season! Spring training will answer a lot of questions surrounding the Nationals, including how the bullpen and starting rotation will shape up. Tanner Roark is likely to rejoin the rotation since he had an impressive 2014 campaign as a starter, posting a 15-10 record and a 2.85 ERA. Pitching out of the bullpen last season, he pitched to a 4.38 ERA. Another pitcher likely...

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Bobbleheads, Bryce Harper Chia Pet highlight 2016 Nationals promotional schedule

February 12, 2016, 12:19pm

Nationals

If you've got a thing for bobbleheads, the Nationals will make you happy in 2016 by giving you the opportunity to add a few new pieces to your collection. The Nats have released their 2016 promotional schedule, and it includes six bobbleheads - two depicting Max Scherzer's no-hitters (May 23 and Aug. 26) along with nodders of new manager Dusty Baker (July 19), a Racing President (July 3) and National League MVP Bryce Harper (May 11). There will also be a fans' choice bobblehead issued on...

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Out of the Park: MVPs take in the Super Bowl with baseball returning in a week

February 12, 2016, 5:37am

Nationals

Out of the Park: MVPs take in the Super Bowl with baseball returning in a week

Do you know how I know it's almost time for baseball? Truck Day. The annual tradition of packing up a 53-foot tractor trailer and shipping it off from Nats Park to Viera, Fla., took place on Monday. It gets you excited for pitchers and catchers reporting next Thursday, but it also means this next week is going to feel like the longest of the year. Next step: Viera! Watch the #Nats load up their 53-foot truck with spring training equipment. #IBackTheNats ðŸššâ˜€ï¸âš¾ï¸...

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#TBT: Max Scherzer strikes out 16 in dominant performance

February 11, 2016, 5:51am

Nationals

#TBT: Max Scherzer strikes out 16 in dominant performance

When reflecting on Max Scherzer's 2015 season, two no-hitters immediately come to mind - and rightfully so. However, I could argue that a performance that wasn't a no-hitter may have been his best start of the season. This game is a standout, as the Nationals ace simply made Brewer after Brewer look silly. In the shutout victory, Scherzer allowed just one bloop single and one walk while striking out 16. Yes, 16 batters! While he went on to record a nearly perfect no-hitter in his next start,...

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Out of the Park: Nats and MASN personalities get ready for spring training

February 05, 2016, 5:40am

Nationals

Out of the Park: Nats and MASN personalities get ready for spring training

It was a slow week on social media for the Nationals, which must mean we are getting closer to spring training. The guys are probably busy getting their affairs in order, planning their workouts for the next two weeks and setting their packing checklist before heading out for Viera, Fla. However, it seems that we do have some guys who are too eager and are already down by Space Coast Stadium. Well hello there!... #SpringTraining #nats #AmIEarly pic.twitter.com/IwtyGdGFjg -- Clint Robinson...

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MLB Network to air Dusty Baker documentary on Feb. 9

February 05, 2016, 7:31am

Nationals

MLB Network to air Dusty Baker documentary on Feb. 9

Since being named as the new manager in early November, Dusty Baker has been busy learning about his new team. While the veteran skipper might prefer to rely on his own eyes at spring training, he met with his new charges during Winterfest weekend and has been having dialogue with key players throughout the offseason. Nationals fans have also been getting to know their new manager, who has made several trips to D.C. this winter to get acquainted with his new environment. If you're still trying...

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#TBT: Anthony Rendon charges grounder, makes great play to first

February 03, 2016, 12:20pm

Nationals

#TBT: Anthony Rendon charges grounder, makes great play to first

He's got pop in his bat and range while manning the hot corner. Unfortunately, third baseman Anthony Rendon was limited to 80 games last season due to injury. However, some experts are saying that Rendon could become a top infielder in the National League in 2016. Rendon certainly showed off his talent in the 2014 season. He scored 111 runs en route to finishing fifth in National League MVP voting and being named a Silver Slugger. So what could be on deck for a healthy Rendon? Hopefully, many...

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Out of the Park: The blizzard, Throwback Tuesday and new attire

January 28, 2016, 1:03pm

Nationals

Out of the Park: The blizzard, Throwback Tuesday and new attire

Well, Winter Storm Jonas came through the area last weekend and crushed D.C. like Bryce Harper crushes fastballs. It also crushed MASN broadcaster F.P. Santangelo's elbow from all the snow it left for shoveling. Is there a Tommy John for shoveling snow? #leftarmprobs -- F.P. Santangelo (@FightinHydrant) January 25, 2016 Although Jonas left everyone stuck in their houses and exhausted from shoveling almost three feet of snow, the storm also left a pretty scene at Nationals Park. A beautiful...

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#TBT: Walk this way

January 27, 2016, 9:16am

Nationals

So what's an easier task: walking four times in a single game or walking down any street in the area without wiping out on the snow and ice? OK, I'll admit the latter is probably a much easier feat in comparison, but I figured I'd try to at least garner some sympathy for my clumsiness. But I digress ... In this week's #TBT, let's look back at one of the most amazing moments at the plate in 2015. OK, so when you think of a key offensive moment, you probably think of a huge home run or a...