Sunday, February 28, 2010

Surf's up: Morgan a wave aficionado

By Bill Ladson / MLB.com

VIERA, Fla. -- Baseball and hockey are not the only sports Nationals center fielder Nyjer Morgan loves to play. It turns out he is a big-time surfing fan and will sometimes ride the waves.

Surf's up: Morgan a wave aficionado....

Personal reason stalls Willingham's arrival

By Bill Ladson / MLB.com

Nationals left fielder Josh Willingham has not reported to camp because his newborn son, Ryder Jon Willingham, experienced some complications, according to the outfielder.

Personal reason stalls Willingham's arrival....

Nyjer wants to hit lefties; Trying to figure out bench

Nationals center fielder Nyjer Morgan was seen taking batting practice against left-hander Randy Tomlin, a Spring Training instructor, on Sunday. Morgan seemed comfortable at the plate, hitting mostly line drives and stopping himself from swinging at inside pitches.

Nyjer wants to hit lefties; Trying to figure out bench....

Strasburg tosses first live batting practice

By Bill Ladson / MLB.com

VIERA, Fla. -- Nationals right-hander Stephen Strasburg threw live batting practice on Saturday, tossing more than 35 pitches in 12 minutes.

Strasburg tosses first live batting practice....

Johnson shares his view on Desmond

By Bill Ladson / MLB.com

VIERA, Fla. -- Nationals manager Jim Riggleman indicated recently that infielder Ian Desmond would get a chance to become a utility player. Desmond, 24, could play all three outfield positions as well as see action at shortstop and second base.

Johnson shares his view on Desmond....

Nats' Flores will not be ready for exhibition season

Although he is throwing the baseball from 90 feet, Nationals catcher Jesus Flores will not be ready for the exhibition season, which starts this Thursday against the Astros and Marlins. Flores is still recovering from right shoulder surgery.

Nats' Flores will not be ready for exhibition season....

Saturday, February 27, 2010

Nats convene, share hopes for 2010

By Bill Ladson / MLB.com

VIERA, Fla. -- The Nationals had their first full-squad meeting at Space Coast Stadium on Friday, and there were several themes to this session:

• Forget about 2009, a season in which they lost 103 games.
• Pay more attention to detail on the field.
• Expect to win this year.
• Making excuses is over.

Nats convene, share hopes for 2010....

Livo, Martin arrive in camp

Two days after agreeing to terms on a Minor League deal, Nationals right-hander Livan Hernandez reported to camp Friday and had his first bullpen session since late last season.

Livo, Martin arrive in camp....

Dunn trying to take next step at first base

By Bill Ladson / MLB.com

VIERA, Fla. -- If they want to play winning baseball in 2010, the Nationals must improve their defense from a season ago, when they ranked 30th in the Major Leagues after committing 143 errors.

Dunn trying to take next step at first base....

Strasburg shines in another 'pen session

By Bill Ladson / MLB.com

VIERA, Fla. -- Nationals right-hander Stephen Strasburg had his third bullpen session Thursday. It came 12 days before he is scheduled to make his Spring Training debut against the Tigers at Space Coast Stadium.

Strasburg shines in another 'pen session....

Nats sign Mexican League hurler Martin

By Bill Ladson / MLB.com

VIERA, Fla. -- The Nationals continue to prepare for the future, purchasing the contract of right-hander Rafael Martin from Saraperos de Saltillo of the Mexican League, according to a baseball source. ESPN.com was the first to indicate that a deal was done.

The Nationals have not confirmed they have acquired Martin.

Nats sign Mexican League hurler Martin....

Nats' Olsen has rotation spot; Dukes arrives in camp

If he is 100 percent healthy by Opening Day, Nationals left-hander Scott Olsen will be a lock in the rotation, according to manager Jim Riggleman.

Nats' Olsen has rotation spot; Dukes arrives in camp....

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Strasburg scheduled for March 9 debut

By Bill Ladson / MLB.com

VIERA, Fla. -- The Nationals have tentatively scheduled right-hander Stephen Strasburg to make his Spring Training debut on March 9 against the Tigers at Space Coast Stadium.

Strasburg scheduled for March 9 debut....

Livan back in DC with Minor League deal

By Bill Ladson / MLB.com

VIERA, Fla. -- The Nationals have agreed to terms on a Minor League contract with Livan Hernandez, according to a baseball source.

Livan back in DC with Minor League deal....

Morgan learning to slide feetfirst

By Bill Ladson / MLB.com

VIERA, Fla. -- Nationals center fielder Nyjer Morgan is determined that this season is going to be his best year ever. He believes he is capable of collecting 200 hits and winning his first stolen-base crown.

Morgan learning to slide feetfirst....

Johnson impressed with Strasburg

By Bill Ladson / MLB.com

VIERA, Fla. -- Davey Johnson, the Nationals' senior advisor to general manager Mike Rizzo, was sitting in a golf cart observing right-hander Stephen Strasburg, who had his second bullpen session of the spring on Tuesday.

Johnson impressed with Strasburg....

Latest Strasburg session astounds

By Bill Ladson / MLB.com

VIERA, Fla. -- Nationals right-hander Stephen Strasburg had his second bullpen session on Tuesday. How good was the first overall pick in the 2009 First-Year Player Draft?

Latest Strasburg session astounds....

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Lannan decides to switch agents

By Bill Ladson / MLB.com

VIERA, Fla. -- Nationals left-hander John Lannan decided to dismiss agent Andrew Mongelluzzi and be represented by Brodie Van Wagenen of Creative Artists Agency.

Lannan decides to switch agents....

Nats trying hard to get another veteran starter

The Nationals are trying hard to find that extra veteran starter. In fact, they made contract offers to right-handers Chan Ho Park and Braden Looper, but both players turned them down, according to a baseball source.

The Nationals did not confirm that they made offers to Park and Looper.

Nats trying hard to get another veteran starter....

Monday, February 22, 2010

Strasburg's first workout draws crowd

By Bill Ladson / MLB.com

VIERA, Fla. -- The Stephen Strasburg watch began Sunday in earnest. At least 150 fans were at the Nationals' Spring Training complex to watch Strasburg work out and tried hard to get his autograph, but he politely declined because he wanted to concentrate on getting his work done.

Strasburg's first workout draws crowd....

Pudge, Flores bond on first day of camp

By Bill Ladson / MLB.com

VIERA, Fla. -- When the Nationals signed catcher Ivan Rodriguez to a two-year, $6 million contract in the offseason, the happiest person on the team was backstop Jesus Flores.

Pudge, Flores bond on first day of camp....

Nats' Storen most likely start in Minor Leagues

Nationals manager Jim Riggleman indicated Monday that right-hander Drew Storen most likely will start the 2010 season in the Minor Leagues, but the skipper also said the club will keep an open mind when it comes to Storen making the big-league club.

Nats' Storen most likely start in Minor Leagues....

Capps could be Nats' closer

Manager Jim Riggleman indicated that right-hander Matt Capps is the leading candidate to become the Nationals' closer this coming season.

Capps could be Nats' closer....

Sunday, February 21, 2010

Nationals eager to see improved product

By Bill Ladson / MLB.com

VIERA, Fla. -- General manager Mike Rizzo was sitting in the dugout at Space Coast Stadium on Saturday and confidently told the Washington media that he expects the Nationals to improve from last season, a season in which they lost 103 games.

Nationals eager to see improved product....

Detwiler on crutches, but in good spirits

By Bill Ladson / MLB.com

VIERA, Fla. -- Nationals left-hander Ross Detwiler arrived at Space Coast Stadium late Saturday morning on crutches. His arrival came four days after having surgery to repair a labral tear in his right hip.

Detwiler on crutches, but in good spirits....

Burnett not upset about losing case

By Bill Ladson / MLB.com

VIERA, Fla. -- A day after losing his arbitration case, Nationals reliever Sean Burnett didn't express any bitterness over the process.

Burnett not upset about losing case....

Q&A with Stephen Strasburg

By Bill Ladson / MLB.com

One can understand why Nationals right-hander Stephen Strasburg is getting a lot of publicity these days.

He has a great arm.

Q&A with Stephen Strasburg....

Nationals unveil newly signed Wang

By Bill Ladson / MLB.com

VIERA, Fla. -- The Nationals made it official Friday, signing right-hander Chien-Ming Wang to a one-year, $2 million contract, which includes incentives that could push it up to $3 million.

Nationals unveil newly signed Wang....

Nats win arbitration case with Burnett

By Bill Ladson / MLB.com

VIERA, Fla. -- The Nationals have won their arbitration case with reliever Sean Burnett, who will make $775,000 in 2010 instead of the $925,000 he asked for, according to a Major League source.

Nats win arbitration case with Burnett....

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Nats, Villone agree on Minor League deal

By Jesse Sanchez / MLB.com

The Nationals agreed to terms with left-handed pitcher Ron Villone on a Minor League contract that includes a Spring Training invitation, senior vice president and general manager Mike Rizzo announced Wednesday.

Nats, Villone agree on Minor League deal....

Bruney, Nationals go to arbitration

By Bill Ladson / MLB.com

The Nationals and reliever Brian Bruney went to arbitration Tuesday in Tampa, Fla., with Bruney asking for $1.85 million.

The team thinks he should be getting paid $1.5 million, putting the two sides $350,000 apart. A ruling has not been made.

Bruney, Nationals go to arbitration....

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Wang agrees to deal with Nationals

By Bill Ladson / MLB.com

The Nationals have agreed to terms with right-hander Chien-Ming Wang, a baseball source has confirmed to MLB.com. The terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

Wang agrees to deal with Nationals....

Monday, February 15, 2010

Taveras added to Nats' outfield options

By Bill Ladson / MLB.com

The Nationals added speed to their Spring Training roster by agreeing to terms Monday with outfielder Willy Taveras on a Minor League contract with an invitation to Spring Training.

Taveras added to Nats' outfield options....

Nats eager for camp after busy offseason

By Bill Ladson / MLB.com

Nationals manager Jim Riggleman believes the front office did its job improving the club this offseason.

Nats eager for camp after busy offseason....

Agent says Nats eyeing Benson

By Bill Ladson / MLB.com

Chien-Ming Wang isn't the only veteran pitcher the Nationals have interest in. They also have their eyes on right-hander Kris Benson, according to his agent, Gregg Clifton.

Agent says Nats eyeing Benson....

Zimmermann itching to get back on mound

By Bill Ladson / MLB.com

Right-hander Jordan Zimmermann is already in Viera, Fla., the Spring Training home of the Nationals, and looking forward to the day he can throw on a mound again.

Zimmermann itching to get back on mound....

Kennedy, Nationals make deal official

By Bill Ladson / MLB.com

The Nationals made it official Friday, signing second baseman Adam Kennedy to a one-year, $1.25 million deal, which includes a $2 million club option for 2011.

The news comes a few hours after Kennedy took his physical in Washington.

Kennedy, Nationals make deal official....

Nationals put emphasis on pitching

By Bill Ladson / MLB.com

WASHINGTON -- After posting a National League-worst 5.00 ERA last season, the Nationals' top priority this offseason was to improve their pitching staff.

Nationals put emphasis on pitching....

Kasten has fond memories of Glavine

By Bill Ladson / MLB.com

A few hours after left-hander Tom Glavine announced his retirement as a player Thursday, Nationals president Stan Kasten was pleased to learn that Glavine was named a special assistant to Braves president John Schuerholz.

Kasten has fond memories of Glavine....

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Bruney would welcome Wang on Nats

By Bill Ladson / MLB.com

Reliever Brian Bruney said Wednesday that former Yankees teammate Chien-Ming Wang would be a good fit with the Nationals.

Bruney would welcome Wang on Nats....

Monday, February 8, 2010

Desmond may play utility role for Nats

By Bill Ladson / MLB.com

With Cristian Guzman remaining at shortstop, it is assumed the Nationals will send shortstop Ian Desmond to Triple-A Syracuse to start the 2010 season.

Not so fast, according to Nationals manager Jim Riggleman.

Desmond may play utility role for Nats....

Saturday, February 6, 2010

Kennedy out to prove he's not done yet

By Bill Ladson / MLB.com

Adam Kennedy said he agreed to terms with the Nationals on Thursday night because he will become the team's everyday second baseman, likes the way the team's 40-man roster is being constructed and is familiar with manager Jim Riggleman and hitting coach Rick Eckstein. All three were together with the Cardinals organization in 2007.

Kennedy out to prove he's not done yet....

Nationals sign veteran lefty Estes

By Alden Gonzalez / MLB.com

After picking up a new second baseman in Adam Kennedy on Friday, the Nationals have also signed veteran left-hander Shawn Estes to a Minor League contract, according to The Associated Press.

Nationals sign veteran lefty Estes....

Friday, February 5, 2010

Nationals bringing Kennedy to Washington

By Bill Ladson / MLB.com

WASHINGTON -- A few hours after losing out to the Twins in the Orlando Hudson sweepstakes, the Nationals stayed busy by agreeing to terms with free-agent second baseman Adam Kennedy, according to a baseball source. Kennedy will receive $1.25 million in 2010 with a $2 million team option for '11.

The Nats have not confirmed that a deal has been reached.

Nationals bringing Kennedy to Washington....

Hudson rules out joining Nationals

By Bill Ladson / MLB.com

WASHINGTON -- Free-agent second baseman Orlando Hudson will not play for the Nationals in 2010, as it appears he is set to sign with the Twins, according to a baseball source.

Hudson rules out joining Nationals....

Nationals monitoring Wang's progress

By Bill Ladson / MLB.com

The Nationals are not done looking for starting pitching. In fact, they are monitoring free-agent right-hander Chien-Ming Wang, according to a baseball source.

Nationals monitoring Wang's progress....

Wednesday, February 3, 2010

Nats sign Mench to Minor League deal

By Bill Ladson / MLB.com

The Nationals have signed outfielder Kevin Mench to a Minor League contract with an invitation to Spring Training.

Nats sign Mench to Minor League deal....

Tuesday, February 2, 2010

Money holding up Hudson to Nationals

By Bill Ladson / MLB.com

WASHINGTON -- Free-agent second baseman Orlando Hudson wants to play for the Nationals, but he is shopping for a more lucrative deal, according to a baseball source.

Money holding up Hudson to Nationals....