Wednesday, December 30, 2009

Guardado hopes to have impact with Nationals

Left-hander Eddie Guardado said Tuesday he signed a Minor League deal with the Nationals because they showed the most interest in acquiring his services.

Guardado hopes to have impact with Nationals....

Lannan happy Marquis joined Nationals

Left-hander John Lannan is one person who is pleased the Nationals signed right-hander Jason Marquis to a two-year, $15 million contract last week. Lannan is expected to learn a lot from the 10-year veteran.

Lannan happy Marquis joined Nationals....

Monday, December 28, 2009

Bruney eager for 'challenge' with Nats

By Bill Ladson / MLB.com

In acquiring right-hander Brian Bruney from the Yankees on Dec. 7, the Nationals picked up a power arm who could pitch in the late innings. Bruney will battle right-hander Matt Capps for the closer role.

Bruney, who was selected by Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo in the 2000 First-Year Player Draft when Rizzo was with the D-backs, was 5-0 with a 3.92 ERA in 44 appearances as the Yanks' setup man in '09.

However, Bruney, 27, was left off the Yankees' playoff roster in the first two rounds before being activated for the World Series against the Phillies.

MLB.com caught up with Bruney recently to talk about his future with the Nationals, his relationship with Rizzo and his last year with the Yankees.

Bruney eager for 'challenge' with Nats....

Nats bring aboard Whitesell, Bruntlett

By Bill Ladson / MLB.com

WASHINGTON -- The Nationals agreed to terms with first baseman Josh Whitesell and infielder Eric Bruntlett on 2010 Minor League contracts on Monday. Both players have been invited to Spring Training.

Nats bring aboard Whitesell, Bruntlett....

Sunday, December 27, 2009

Nationals make 'Everyday' addition

By Bill Ladson / MLB.com

WASHINGTON -- The Nationals made it official on Saturday morning, agreeing to terms with reliever Eddie Guardado on a Minor League deal with an invite to big league Spring Training. The news was first reported on Tuesday about the agreement.

Nationals make 'Everyday' addition....

Nats faced challenges in 2009

By Bill Ladson / MLB.com

Before the 2009 season started, the Nationals believed they would be better than last year's team, which lost 102 games. Acquiring Adam Dunn, Scott Olsen and Josh Willingham was the impetus for that thinking.

Nats faced challenges in 2009....

This Christmas better than last for Bergmann

By Bill Ladson / MLB.com

Around Christmas time in 2008, right-hander Jason Bergmann didn't know where he stood with the Nationals. He was coming off a disappointing season as a starter, going 2-11 with a 5.09 ERA.

After being demoted to the bullpen in '09, Bergmann, 28, took advantage of the situation after the All-Star break, posting a 3.38 ERA. Now, Bergmann goes into this Christmas knowing that he will be a member of Washington's bullpen.

MLB.com caught up with Bergmann in Florida to talk about what Christmas will mean to him this year.

This Christmas better than last for Bergmann....

Thursday, December 24, 2009

Capps, Nats agree to one-year deal

By Bill Ladson / MLB.com

WASHINGTON -- Right-hander Matt Capps has agreed to terms on a one-year deal with the Nationals, pending a physical, according to Capps and his agent, Paul Kinzer. Monetary figures were not disclosed.

Capps, Nats agree to one-year deal....

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Nationals set to sign Guardado

By Bill Ladson / MLB.com

WASHINGTON -- The Nationals continue to be busy this offseason, and they are set to sign left-hander Eddie Guardado, according to a baseball source. Terms of the deal have not been disclosed.

Nationals set to sign Guardado....

Marquis eager to help Nationals improve

By Bill Ladson / MLB.com

WASHINGTON -- The Nationals made it official Tuesday, signing right-hander Jason Marquis to a two-year, $15 million contract.

Marquis eager to help Nationals improve....

Capps to sign with Nationals or Cubs

By Bill Ladson / MLB.com

WASHINGTON -- Free agent right-hander Matt Capps will sign with either the Cubs or Nationals, according to his agent, Paul Kinzer. Capps is expected to make a decision on Wednesday night.

Capps to sign with Nationals or Cubs....

Monday, December 21, 2009

Nationals close to deal with Marquis

By Bill Ladson / MLB.com

The Nationals are close to agreeing to terms with free agent right-hander Jason Marquis, according to a baseball source. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Nationals close to deal with Marquis....

Saturday, December 19, 2009

Nationals a finalist to acquire Capps

By Bill Ladson / MLB.com

The Nationals are a finalist to acquire the services of free-agent right-hander Matt Capps, according to a baseball source.

Nationals a finalist to acquire Capps....

Thursday, December 17, 2009

Rizzo offers his insight into 2010

Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo answered questions during a live Web chat with fans on Thursday, offering insight into what to expect in 2010.

Rizzo offers his insight into 2010....

Carpenter, Taylor to return in 2010

By Bill Ladson / MLB.com

Bob Carpenter and Debbi Taylor are back as the Nationals' play-by-play voice and sideline reporter, respectively. They both work for the Mid Atlantic Sports Network.

Carpenter, Taylor to return in 2010....

Balester open to move to bullpen

By Bill Ladson / MLB.com

Right-hander Collin Balester views himself as a starter, but the Nationals have not ruled out making him work out of the bullpen if they can't acquire quality relievers from the outside.

Balester open to move to bullpen....

Nationals cut cost of some tickets

By Bill Ladson / MLB.com

The Nationals on Wednesday announced individual ticket prices for the 2010 season at Nationals Park.

Individual tickets will still be available for as low as $5 on game day. Fans will also have new economy parking options just blocks from Nationals Park, making it easier and less expensive for fans to include a trip to Nationals Park in their summer plans.

Nationals cut cost of some tickets....

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Nats GM attends Chapman's workout

By Bill Ladson / MLB.com

Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo went to Houston on Tuesday to watch left-hander Aroldis Chapman work out, according to a baseball source.

Nats GM attends Chapman's workout....

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Marquis interested in Nationals

By Bill Ladson / MLB.com

Last week at the Winter Meetings, it was revealed that the Nationals had interest in free-agent right-hander Jason Marquis. It turns out that the feelings are mutual.

Marquis interested in Nationals....

Six sign Minors contracts with Nats

By Bill Ladson / MLB.com

The Nationals signed pitchers Joel Peralta, Logan Kensing and Ryan Speier, catcher Jamie Burke, infielder Pete Orr and outfielder Jerry Owens to Minor League contracts on Tuesday.

Six sign Minors contracts with Nats....

Flores overjoyed with signing of Pudge

By Bill Ladson / MLB.com

Catcher Jesus Flores was overjoyed when he learned that the Nationals signed catcher Ivan Rodriguez to a two-year, $6 million contract last week.

Flores overjoyed with signing of Pudge....

Monday, December 14, 2009

Olsen returns to Nationals for 2010

By Bill Ladson / MLB.com

WASHINGTON -- The Nationals have re-signed left-hander Scott Olsen to a one-year, $1 million contract, according to a baseball source.

The Nationals have not confirmed the report.

Olsen returns to Nationals for 2010....

Righty Speier signs Minors deal with Nats

By Bill Ladson / MLB.com

WASHINGTON -- Looking to add depth in their bullpen, the Nationals signed right-hander Ryan Speier to a Minor League contract on Saturday with an invitation to Spring Training.

Righty Speier signs Minors deal with Nats....

Nats cut ties with hurlers MacDougal, Olsen

By Bill Ladson / MLB.com

WASHINGTON -- The Nationals decided on Saturday not to tender 2010 contracts to pitchers Mike MacDougal and Scott Olsen, who were eligible for arbitration. But Washington did tender offers to outfielder Josh Willingham, catchers Jesus Flores and Wil Nieves and pitchers Jason Bergmann, Brian Bruney and Sean Burnett before the 11:59 p.m. ET deadline.

Nats cut ties with hurlers MacDougal, Olsen....

Pudge out to repeat history with Nats

By Bill Ladson / MLB.com

WASHINGTON -- Call Nationals catcher Ivan Rodriguez the quick fixer. He has a track record of helping teams become playoff contenders.

Pudge out to repeat history with Nats....

Strasburg gives back to San Diego State

By Rhett Bollinger / MLB.com

Nationals No. 1 pick Stephen Strasburg gave back to where he starred collegiately by donating $141,000 to the San Diego State baseball program, The Associated Press reported on Friday.

Strasburg gives back to San Diego State....

Friday, December 11, 2009

Nats welcome Pudge to DC

By Bill Ladson / MLB.com

WASHINGTON -- The Nationals introduced catcher Ivan Rodriguez at a news conference Friday afternoon. On Monday, the two parties had agreed to terms on a two-year, $6 million contract.

Nats welcome Pudge to DC....

Thursday, December 10, 2009

Nationals put pieces in place at Meetings

By Bill Ladson / MLB.com

INDIANAPOLIS -- When the Winter Meetings began Monday, it was the Nationals getting most of the publicity.

Nationals put pieces in place at Meetings....

Nationals send top Rule 5 pick to Yanks

By Bill Ladson / MLB.com

INDIANAPOLIS -- The Nationals selected four players in Major League Baseball's Rule 5 Draft on Thursday and traded their top selection and the first overall pick, outfielder Jamie Hoffmann, to the Yankees to complete the deal that brought right-hander Brian Bruney to the Nationals.

Nationals send top Rule 5 pick to Yanks....

Nats searching for arms, backup infielder

By Bill Ladson / MLB.com

INDIANAPOLIS -- The Nationals spent most of Wednesday talking to opposing teams about possible trade scenarios and trying to sign free agents. But by the end of Day 3 of the Winter Meetings, the team did not make a deal.

Nats searching for arms, backup infielder....

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

Boras: Two-year offer sealed Pudge deal

By Bill Ladson / MLB.com

INDIANAPOLIS -- Agent Scott Boras confirmed on Wednesday afternoon that catcher Ivan Rodriguez agreed to terms with the Nationals because he was offered a two-year deal.

Boras: Two-year offer sealed Pudge deal....

'Progress' coming to Nats at Meetings

By Bill Ladson / MLB.com

INDIANAPOLIS -- On Monday, the Nationals were the busiest team at the Winter Meetings, but they didn't make any significant moves on Tuesday.

'Progress' coming to Nats at Meetings....

Pudge deal with Nats awaiting physical

By Bill Ladson / MLB.com

INDIANAPOLIS -- A day after it was revealed that the Nationals and catcher Ivan Rodriguez agreed to a two-year, $6 million deal, general manager Mike Rizzo and team president Stan Kasten decided not to talk to local reporters about Rodriguez because, according to baseball sources, there is a physical pending.

Pudge deal with Nats awaiting physical....

Nats sign Owens to Minors deal

By Bill Ladson / MLB.com

INDIANAPOLIS -- The Nationals have signed outfielder Jerry Owens to a Minor League contract with an invitation to Spring Training.

Nats sign Owens to Minors deal....

Acta has no hard feelings toward Nats

By Bill Ladson / MLB.com

INDIANAPOLIS -- If one expects Manny Acta to be bitter toward the Nationals, think again.

Acta has no hard feelings toward Nats....

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Pudge agrees to two-year deal with Nats

By Bill Ladson and Jesse Sanchez / MLB.com

INDIANAPOLIS -- Veteran catcher Ivan Rodriguez has agreed to a two-year, $6 million deal with the Nationals, MLB.com learned on Monday night. Washington has not confirmed the report.

Pudge agrees to two-year deal with Nats....

Nats waste little time improving 'pen

By Bill Ladson / MLB.com

INDIANAPOLIS -- During the first day of the Winter Meetings, the Nationals were arguably the busiest team. Early on Monday, they made a move to improve their bullpen, acquiring reliever Brian Bruney from the Yankees for a player to be named.

Nats waste little time improving 'pen....

Monday, December 7, 2009

Nationals acquire Bruney from Yankees

By Bill Ladson / MLB.com

INDIANAPOLIS -- Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo thinks he has improved his club's bullpen by acquiring right-hander Brian Bruney from the Yankees on Monday for a player to be named.

Nationals acquire Bruney from Yankees....

Guzman unsure about position switch

By Bill Ladson / MLB.com

INDIANAPOLIS -- Cristian Guzman still isn't sure if he's on board with making the switch from shortstop to second base for the Nationals, according to his agent, Stanley King, and there are no plans for him to play winter ball in order to get acclimated at the new position, which he has never played.

At the moment, Guzman is still recovering from right shoulder surgery, which took place in early October.

Guzman unsure about position switch....

Sunday, December 6, 2009

Nationals' Willingham on Mets' radar

By Bill Ladson / MLB.com

Add the Mets as one of the teams who have interest in Nationals left fielder Josh Willingham, according to a baseball source. The Giants, Mariners and Braves are the other teams who are reportedly interested in acquiring his services.

Nationals' Willingham on Mets' radar....

Starters, relievers on Nats' wish list

By Bill Ladson / MLB.com

Starters, relievers on Nats' wish list....

Prospects show change for Nationals

By Bill Ladson / MLB.com

Since arriving in Washington after the 2004 season, the Nationals' farm system has come a long way.

Prospects show change for Nationals....

Nats appoint Minor League coaches

By Bill Ladson / MLB.com

WASHINGTON -- The Nationals named their Minor League managers for the 2010 season on Friday.

Nats appoint Minor League coaches....

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Pitching the focus for Nats at Meetings

By Bill Ladson / MLB.com

WASHINGTON -- After watching his team drop 103 games this past season, it's pretty clear what general manager Mike Rizzo has to do to improve the Nationals: acquire quality pitching.

Pitching the focus for Nats at Meetings....

Nats elect not to offer arbitration

By Bill Ladson / MLB.com

WASHINGTON -- The Nationals did not offer arbitration to any of their free agents, which include catcher Josh Bard, right-hander Livan Hernandez, outfielder Austin Kearns, left-hander Ron Villone and first baseman Dmitri Young.

None of the players were Type A or B free agents -- rankings are based on a player's performance during the previous two seasons.

Nats elect not to offer arbitration....