Nationals Journal: December, 2011

Posted at 08:00 AM ET, 12/30/2011

Washington Nationals’ top stories in 2011, Part 2

By Adam Kilgore

Naming Davey Johnson as manager is the Nationals’ No. 5 story of the year. What are the top four? Feel free to chime in.

By Adam Kilgore | 08:00 AM ET, 12/30/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 05:38 PM ET, 12/29/2011

Washington Nationals’ top stories in 2011, Part 1

By Adam Kilgore

The Nationals were expected to merely wait in 2011, but it became much more than that. What’s in store for 2012?

By Adam Kilgore | 05:38 PM ET, 12/29/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 05:23 PM ET, 12/28/2011

The Nationals may wait to land their center fielder

By Adam Kilgore

With a deeper free agent pool coming next winter, the Nationals appear content to wait until 2013 to add their answer in center field.

By Adam Kilgore | 05:23 PM ET, 12/28/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:33 PM ET, 12/28/2011

Nationals, Mark DeRosa officially agree to one-year deal

By Adam Kilgore

The Nationals signed veteran utility man Mark DeRosa to a one-year deal.

By Adam Kilgore | 12:33 PM ET, 12/28/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 08:39 PM ET, 12/23/2011

Gio Gonzalez trade: Mike Rizzo sees Nationals “set up for the long haul”

By Dave Sheinin

The Nationals officially announced their trade for lefty Gio Gonzalez on Friday night, and General Manager Mike Rizzo spoke like the GM of a team on the cusp of contention.

By Dave Sheinin | 08:39 PM ET, 12/23/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: Nationals Journal

Posted at 03:28 PM ET, 12/23/2011

Some thoughts on Prince Fielder

By Dave Sheinin

The Nationals have been linked to free agent first baseman Prince Fielder, but it there is a wide gulf between what makes sense and what actually happens.

By Dave Sheinin | 03:28 PM ET, 12/23/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 05:16 PM ET, 12/22/2011

Nationals pull off blockbuster deal for Gio Gonzalez

By Dave Sheinin

Nationals pull off a major trade for Oakland A’s lefty Gio Gonzalez, sending four prospects — pitchers Brad Peacock, Tom Milone and A.J. Cole, plus catcher Derek Norris — to Oakland.

By Dave Sheinin | 05:16 PM ET, 12/22/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 09:45 AM ET, 12/22/2011

Nationals closing in on signing Mark DeRosa

By Dave Sheinin

The Nationals are close to reaching a deal with free agent infielder Mark DeRosa.

By Dave Sheinin | 09:45 AM ET, 12/22/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 02:17 PM ET, 12/21/2011

Nationals claim 3B Carlos Rivero on waivers

By Dave Sheinin

Washington claims minor-league third baseman Carlos Rivero on waivers from the Philadelphia Phillies on Wednesday.

By Dave Sheinin | 02:17 PM ET, 12/21/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 11:43 AM ET, 12/20/2011

Nationals sign nine players to minor-league deals

By Dave Sheinin

The Nationals on Tuesday announced the signings of nine players to minor-league contracts.

By Dave Sheinin | 11:43 AM ET, 12/20/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 05:07 PM ET, 12/19/2011

Nationals, Mike Cameron agree to terms on a minor league deal

By Adam Kilgore

The Nationals sign 38-year-old outfielder Mike Cameron to a minor league deal, a move that could signify their inability to land the kind of center fielder they wanted.

By Adam Kilgore | 05:07 PM ET, 12/19/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:35 AM ET, 12/19/2011

Catching up on Nationals’ minor league deals

By Adam Kilgore

The Nationals recently made a series of minor acquisitions, adding depth at Class AAA with two relievers, an outfielder and a utility infielder.

By Adam Kilgore | 10:35 AM ET, 12/19/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 01:00 PM ET, 12/16/2011

The Nationals did not bid on Yu Darvish

By Adam Kilgore

The Nationals did not bid on Yu Darvish, declining to enter a sweepstakes that will eventually cost somewhere around $100 million.

By Adam Kilgore | 01:00 PM ET, 12/16/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 06:33 PM ET, 12/14/2011

Yu Darvish posting deadline passes, wait begins

By Adam Kilgore

The baseball world waits after MLB notified the Japanese commissioner’s office of the highest posting bid for Yu Darvish.

By Adam Kilgore | 06:33 PM ET, 12/14/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 02:38 PM ET, 12/14/2011

Nationals finalize spring training schedule

By Adam Kilgore

The Nationals will start exhibition games March 3, and pitchers and catchers will report in less than 70 days.

By Adam Kilgore | 02:38 PM ET, 12/14/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:35 PM ET, 12/14/2011

As Nationals search for a center fielder, the Rays appear unlikely to trade B.J. Upton

By Adam Kilgore

As the Nats try to land a center fielder, the Rays are not motivated to trade B.J. Upton, according to one person who knows them well.

By Adam Kilgore | 12:35 PM ET, 12/14/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 11:46 AM ET, 12/13/2011

Three non-tendered players that make sense for the Nationals

By Adam Kilgore

As the Nationals do their offseason shopping, a new group of players became available at the non-tender deadline.

By Adam Kilgore | 11:46 AM ET, 12/13/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 08:49 PM ET, 12/12/2011

Nationals tender contracts to six players, non-tender Doug Slaten

By Adam Kilgore

The Washington Nationals tender contracts to all arbitration-eligible players other than left-handed reliever Doug Slaten — Michael Morse, John Lannan, Tyler Clippard, Tom Gorzelanny, Jesus Flores and Jordan Zimmermann.

By Adam Kilgore | 08:49 PM ET, 12/12/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:50 AM ET, 12/12/2011

Nationals set to make decisions at non-tender deadline

By Adam Kilgore

The Nationals have until midnight tonight to tender contracts to their seven arbitration-eligible players.

By Adam Kilgore | 10:50 AM ET, 12/12/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 11:47 AM ET, 12/10/2011

The Nationals’ final offer to Mark Buehrle was not close

By Adam Kilgore

The Nationals’ final offer to Mark Buehrle fell almost $20 million short of what the Marlins gave him.

By Adam Kilgore | 11:47 AM ET, 12/10/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 06:53 PM ET, 12/09/2011

Nationals trade Collin Balester to Tigers for Ryan Perry

By Adam Kilgore

The Nationals deal away right-hander Collin Balester, at one point considered the top prospect in the organization, to the Tigers for reliever Ryan Perry.

By Adam Kilgore | 06:53 PM ET, 12/09/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:08 PM ET, 12/09/2011

Nationals release spring training dates

By Adam Kilgore

Mark your calendars: Pitchers and catchers report Feb. 19.

By Adam Kilgore | 12:08 PM ET, 12/09/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:56 PM ET, 12/08/2011

Yu Darvish will be posted, and the Nationals are interested

By Adam Kilgore

The Nationals seem poised to make a run at Yu Darvish, but the sky-high price represents a hurdle.

By Adam Kilgore | 12:56 PM ET, 12/08/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 11:47 AM ET, 12/08/2011

Nationals lose Erik Komatsu, Brad Meyers in Rule 5 draft

By Adam Kilgore

The Nationals could be parting ways with minor leaguers Erik Komatsu and Brad Meyers.

By Adam Kilgore | 11:47 AM ET, 12/08/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 11:48 PM ET, 12/07/2011

Ivan Rodriguez, Nationals to part ways, agent Scott Boras says

By Adam Kilgore

Veteran catcher Ivan Rodriguez is not in the Nationals’ plans, his agent Scott Boras said.

By Adam Kilgore | 11:48 PM ET, 12/07/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: Nationals Journal

Posted at 05:16 PM ET, 12/07/2011

Miami Marlins sign Mark Buehrle

By Adam Kilgore

After the Nationals put “best foot forward” in making Mark Buehrle an offer, Miami signs him to a four-year, $58 million deal.

By Adam Kilgore | 05:16 PM ET, 12/07/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 03:05 PM ET, 12/07/2011

Mark Buehrle negotiations intensify

By Adam Kilgore

The Nationals’ top free agent target has narrowed his field to three teams. But it is not known if the Nats are considered a finalist.

By Adam Kilgore | 03:05 PM ET, 12/07/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:40 PM ET, 12/07/2011

Mike Rizzo says he won’t react to the Marlins’ moves, but they will affect the Nationals’ offseason

By Adam Kilgore

With the Marlins making the NL East perhaps the roughest division in baseball, Nationals GM says he will stay the course.

By Adam Kilgore | 12:40 PM ET, 12/07/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 11:59 PM ET, 12/06/2011

Nori Aoki a possible backup plan for the Nationals in center field

By Adam Kilgore

If the Nationals cannot find a willing, desirable trade partner to fill center field, they might consider Japanese player Nori Aoki.

By Adam Kilgore | 11:59 PM ET, 12/06/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 08:47 PM ET, 12/06/2011

Jayson Werth open to playing center field

By Adam Kilgore

If the Nationals can’t land a center fielder, Jayson Werth would welcome moving into the spot.

By Adam Kilgore | 08:47 PM ET, 12/06/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 08:15 PM ET, 12/06/2011

For Nationals and Rays, little has changed in B.J. Upton trade talks

By Adam Kilgore

Even though the Nationals and Rays have talked B.J. Upton before, new circumstances could make a deal possible now.

By Adam Kilgore | 08:15 PM ET, 12/06/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 05:24 PM ET, 12/06/2011

Mark Buehrle, Nationals have a ‘connection,’ Mike Rizzo says

By Adam Kilgore

Mike Rizzo says he felt a “connection” with Mark Buehrle, in part because he no longer has to apologize for his team.

By Adam Kilgore | 05:24 PM ET, 12/06/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 03:36 PM ET, 12/06/2011

Nationals are one of five teams still in on signing Mark Buehrle

By Adam Kilgore

The number of teams in on Mark Buehrle has dwindled to five, and the Nationals are one of them.

By Adam Kilgore | 03:36 PM ET, 12/06/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:21 PM ET, 12/06/2011

Nationals winter meeting notes on the bench, rotation and bullpen

By Adam Kilgore

While Albert Pujols’s potential signing dominates the winter meetings, a few nuggets on the Nats.

By Adam Kilgore | 12:21 PM ET, 12/06/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:10 PM ET, 12/06/2011

The Washington Nationals’ biggest moments of 2011

By Washington Post editors

What were the biggest moments of 2011 for the Washington Nationals? You tell us.

By Washington Post editors | 12:10 PM ET, 12/06/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 08:44 PM ET, 12/05/2011

Adam LaRoche is ‘100 percent,’ but the Nationals want insurance at first base

By Adam Kilgore

While Adam LaRoche is back to 100 percent, the Nationals want insurance at first base following an injury to Chris Marrero.

By Adam Kilgore | 08:44 PM ET, 12/05/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 07:31 PM ET, 12/05/2011

Bryce Harper will compete for a major league roster spot, Davey Johnson says

By Adam Kilgore

Davey Johnson explains why he believes Bryce Harper deserves a chance to make the majors out of spring training.

By Adam Kilgore | 07:31 PM ET, 12/05/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 05:31 PM ET, 12/05/2011

Mike Rizzo open to offering no-trade clauses, and more

By Adam Kilgore

Mike Rizzo would be open to giving a no-trade clause for “the right fit,” and more from Day 1 of the winter meetings.

By Adam Kilgore | 05:31 PM ET, 12/05/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 04:09 PM ET, 12/05/2011

Nationals consider potential trade targets for center field

By Adam Kilgore

At winter meetings, “three or four” potential trade targets emerge for the Nationals, one team official said, including the Angels’ Peter Bourjos.

By Adam Kilgore | 04:09 PM ET, 12/05/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 09:40 AM ET, 12/05/2011

Jose Reyes signing with Marlins won’t change Nationals’ approach at winter meetings

By Adam Kilgore

The Marlins stole the spotlight by signing shortstop Jose Reyes, but the Nationals won’t try to respond with a similar signing unless their thinking changes.

By Adam Kilgore | 09:40 AM ET, 12/05/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 08:25 PM ET, 12/04/2011

Nationals ‘made a strong push at’ Laynce Nix before he signed with the Phillies

By Adam Kilgore

The Nationals wanted Laynce Nix back, but he decided on the Phillies for several reasons, his agent says.

By Adam Kilgore | 08:25 PM ET, 12/04/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 06:35 PM ET, 12/04/2011

Report: Laynce Nix agrees to two-year deal with the Phillies

By Adam Kilgore

As the Nationals look to overhaul their bench, Laynce Nix agreed to a two-year pact with the divisional rival.

By Adam Kilgore | 06:35 PM ET, 12/04/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: Nationals Journal

Posted at 05:06 PM ET, 12/04/2011

Jim Riggleman will manage the Reds’ Class AA team next year

By Adam Kilgore

Jim Riggleman’s next managing job will come with the Pensacola Blue Wahoos.

By Adam Kilgore | 05:06 PM ET, 12/04/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: Nationals Journal

Posted at 02:56 PM ET, 12/02/2011

Stan Kasten, Magic Johnson form group to buy the Dodgers

By Adam Kilgore

Former Nationals president Stan Kasten will join an NBA legend Magic Johnson and a wealthy banker in an attempt to buy the Dodgers.

By Adam Kilgore | 02:56 PM ET, 12/02/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:13 AM ET, 12/02/2011

In division with Heath Bell, Jonathan Papelbon, Nationals still have bullpen advantage

By Adam Kilgore

Heath Bell signing with the Marlins gives the NL East the two biggest free agents yet to sign this offseason — and the Nationals shouldn’t worry at all.

By Adam Kilgore | 10:13 AM ET, 12/02/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 05:05 PM ET, 12/01/2011

Tony Beasley named Class AAA Syracuse manager

By Adam Kilgore

Tony Beasey, the Class AA Harrisburg manager last year, will move up a level, to Bryce Harper’s likely 2012 starting point.

By Adam Kilgore | 05:05 PM ET, 12/01/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 03:50 PM ET, 12/01/2011

Yeonis Cespedes not the only Cuban player Mike Rizzo scouted in the Dominican Republic

By Adam Kilgore

Mike Rizzo saw several Cuban players ready to become free agents other than Yoenis Cespedes on his recent trip to the Dominican Repulic.

By Adam Kilgore | 03:50 PM ET, 12/01/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:41 PM ET, 12/01/2011

In Venezuela, Wilson Ramos catches and Jesus Flores keeps hitting

By Adam Kilgore

In Venezuela, Wilson Ramos, left, caught his first game since his kidnapping ordeal and Jesus Flores continues his strong winter performance.

By Adam Kilgore | 12:41 PM ET, 12/01/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:23 PM ET, 11/30/2011

Nationals officials watch Yoenis Cespedes in private workout

By Adam Kilgore

The Nationals held a private workout for Yoenis Cespedes on Tuesday, and Mike Rizzo traveled to the Dominican Republic to attend.

By Adam Kilgore | 12:23 PM ET, 11/30/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Stats, scores and schedules

Nationals Journal: December, 2011