Nationals Journal: November, 2012

Posted at 11:10 PM ET, 11/30/2012

Nationals non-tender John Lannan, Jesus Flores, Tom Gorzelanny

By James Wagner

The Nationals decide to not tender contracts Gorzelanny, Lannan and Flores, the last two among the longest-serving players on the team.

By James Wagner | 11:10 PM ET, 11/30/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: arbitration

Posted at 04:39 PM ET, 11/30/2012

Christian Garcia, who the Nationals are eyeing as a starter next season, on his offseason

By James Wagner

The Nationals are hoping to have Garcia, a hard-throwing reliever, compete as a starter in spring training. The 27-year-old is preparing for anything.

By James Wagner | 04:39 PM ET, 11/30/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Christian Garcia

Posted at 12:49 PM ET, 11/30/2012

The Nationals' next offseason priorities; can they lure Zack Greinke?

By James Wagner

Now that the Nationals have the center fielder they have long sought, their priorities include determining who will play first base and adding a starter.

By James Wagner | 12:49 PM ET, 11/30/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: denard span trade

Posted at 08:34 PM ET, 11/29/2012

Ripple effects from the Alex Meyer-Denard Span trade

By Adam Kilgore

The Nationals' Alex Meyer-for-Denard Span trade sends a thousand ripples in a thousand different directions

By Adam Kilgore | 08:34 PM ET, 11/29/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: denard span trade

Posted at 07:39 PM ET, 11/29/2012

Davey Johnson loves the Denard Span trade

By Adam Kilgore

Manager Davey Johnson fully agreed with Mike Rizzo's decision to trade for Denard Span.

By Adam Kilgore | 07:39 PM ET, 11/29/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: denard span trade

Posted at 06:58 PM ET, 11/29/2012

Denard Span on coming to Washington, how he was born here

By James Wagner

The Nationals acquired the 28-year-old from the Twins on Thursday, and the center fielder has some ties to Washington, including calling it the city of his birth.

By James Wagner | 06:58 PM ET, 11/29/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: denard span trade

Posted at 04:39 PM ET, 11/29/2012

Nationals acquire Denard Span for Alex Meyer

By Adam Kilgore

The Nationals send their best pitching prospect Alex Meyer to the Twins for Denard Span.

By Adam Kilgore | 04:39 PM ET, 11/29/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: denard span trade

Posted at 03:05 PM ET, 11/29/2012

Arizona for the Nationals' future spring training site? Far less likely

By James Wagner

The Nationals are interested in leaving their spring training facility in Viera because of it's location, and team officials previously mentioned other sites in Florida and Arizona as possibilities.

By James Wagner | 03:05 PM ET, 11/29/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 02:33 PM ET, 11/29/2012

Nationals non-tender decisions looming with deadline near

By Adam Kilgore

The Nationals appear likely to non-tender John Lannan and Jesus Flores.

By Adam Kilgore | 02:33 PM ET, 11/29/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: arbitration

Posted at 01:14 PM ET, 11/29/2012

Bryce Harper, Adam LaRoche to attend Davey Johnson's charity golf tournament

By Adam Kilgore

Bryce Harper, Adam LaRoche and many others will attend Davey Johnson's first annual charity event to support the blind.

By Adam Kilgore | 01:14 PM ET, 11/29/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: davey johnson

Posted at 12:57 PM ET, 11/29/2012

Barry Bonds, Roger Clemens appear on Hall of Fame ballot for first time

By James Wagner

Both players were leading figures of the Steroid Era in baseball, along with Sammy Sosa, and all three are first-time Hall of Fame candidates.

By James Wagner | 12:57 PM ET, 11/29/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Hall of Fame

Posted at 08:57 AM ET, 11/29/2012

B.J. Upton lands in Atlanta and the center field market starts to churn

By Adam Kilgore

The first major domino of baseball's free agency falls, and it leaves a mighty imprint in the National League East.

By Adam Kilgore | 08:57 AM ET, 11/29/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: B.J. Upton, Free agency

Posted at 04:40 PM ET, 11/28/2012

How Ryan Zimmerman's shoulder injury affected his throwing

By Adam Kilgore

Ryan Zimmerman can admit now: The shoulder injury that ultimately led to offseason surgery affected his throwing during the season.

By Adam Kilgore | 04:40 PM ET, 11/28/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Adam LaRoche, Ryan Zimmerman

Posted at 01:17 PM ET, 11/27/2012

As the Dodgers hit paydirt, the Nationals-MASN talks remain in limbo

By Adam Kilgore

Big issues remain for the Nationals and Orioles over their MASN dispute, and there is no apparent timetable for a resolution.

By Adam Kilgore | 01:17 PM ET, 11/27/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: masn

Posted at 02:51 PM ET, 11/26/2012

The other side of the Nationals standing pat

By Adam Kilgore

Exploring the argument that the Nats should go all out to win now, while their window appears wide open.

By Adam Kilgore | 02:51 PM ET, 11/26/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: hot stove

Posted at 12:31 PM ET, 11/26/2012

Nationals hand out playoff shares

By Adam Kilgore

For making the National League Division Series, the Nationals received $2,124,312.75 million from the players' pool generated by playoff gate receipts.

By Adam Kilgore | 12:31 PM ET, 11/26/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: playoffs

Posted at 12:46 PM ET, 11/21/2012

Atahualpa Severino, one of the remaining Expos, signs with Royals

By James Wagner

The left-handed minor league reliever, one of the holdovers from the Montreal days, left via free agency.

By James Wagner | 12:46 PM ET, 11/21/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Minor leagues

Posted at 10:53 PM ET, 11/20/2012

Nationals add Erik Davis, Nathan Karns to 40-man roster

By James Wagner

The Nationals protected two right-handed pitchers by adding them to the 40-man roster before the Rule 5 draft deadline.

By James Wagner | 10:53 PM ET, 11/20/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: 40-man roster

Posted at 11:20 AM ET, 11/20/2012

Mike Rizzo named Executive of the Year by Boston chapter of the BBWAA

By James Wagner

The Nationals' general manager was the architect of a 98-win, NL East-championship team.

By James Wagner | 11:20 AM ET, 11/20/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Awards

Posted at 08:00 AM ET, 11/20/2012

Minor Leaguers the Nationals might choose for 40-man roster

By Adam Kilgore

A rundown of players the Nationals might add in anticipation of the Rule 5 draft on Dec. 6.

By Adam Kilgore | 08:00 AM ET, 11/20/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 03:14 PM ET, 11/19/2012

Nationals nearing deadline to set 40-man roster for Rule 5 draft

By Adam Kilgore

The Nationals have several players they will have to consider adding to their 40-man roster or risk them getting taken in the Rule 5 draft.

By Adam Kilgore | 03:14 PM ET, 11/19/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: 40-man roster, Minor leagues

Posted at 02:21 PM ET, 11/19/2012

Arizona Fall League over, buzz on Anthony Rendon

By James Wagner

The fall offseason league is over, and there's plenty of talk about the Nationals top overall prospect who finished on a tear at the plate.

By James Wagner | 02:21 PM ET, 11/19/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: arizona fall league

Posted at 08:00 AM ET, 11/17/2012

Nationals prospects playing in Arizona Fall League championship

By James Wagner

The Arizona Fall League championship game on Saturday between the the Salt River Rafters and Peoria Javelinas will feature a handful of Nationals prospects.

By James Wagner | 08:00 AM ET, 11/17/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 05:43 PM ET, 11/16/2012

Nationals have talked with B.J. Upton

By Adam Kilgore

The Nationals have had initial dialogue with free agent outfielder B.J. Upton and are expected to have increased communication with Upton in the near future.

By Adam Kilgore | 05:43 PM ET, 11/16/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: B.J. Upton, Free agency

Posted at 04:19 PM ET, 11/16/2012

Steve Lombardozzi on the offseason, NLDS Game 5 and his rookie year

By James Wagner

The rookie, a key to the Nationals success throughout a season of injuries, reflects on his rookie season and his offseason.

By James Wagner | 04:19 PM ET, 11/16/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Steve Lombardozzi

Posted at 01:26 PM ET, 11/16/2012

Nationals announce earlier spring training game schedule

By James Wagner

The Nationals will open their spring training game schedule on Feb. 23, earlier than usual because of the World Baseball Classic.

By James Wagner | 01:26 PM ET, 11/16/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Spring Training

Posted at 06:55 PM ET, 11/15/2012

Miguel Cabrera wins AL MVP; Buster Posey claims NL MVP

By James Wagner

After a heated debate, the Detroit Tigers slugger and third baseman was awarded the AL MVP award beating out super rookie Mike Trout. Giants catcher Buster Posey wins in the NL.

By James Wagner | 06:55 PM ET, 11/15/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Awards

Posted at 05:19 PM ET, 11/15/2012

Steve Lombardozzi, family and Nationals spearheading effort to help Sandy victims

By James Wagner

The Nationals second baseman-left fielder and his family decided to help the victims of Hurricane Sandy, and are taking donations of supplies and driving them to New Jersey on Tuesday.

By James Wagner | 05:19 PM ET, 11/15/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Steve Lombardozzi

Posted at 01:52 PM ET, 11/15/2012

MVP awards announced tonight; all eyes on Cabrera vs. Trout

By James Wagner

No Nationals are finalists for the NL MVP award, but there will be plenty of debating the AL award, who is a two-horse race between Miguel Cabrera and Mike Trout.

By James Wagner | 01:52 PM ET, 11/15/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Awards

Posted at 12:07 AM ET, 11/15/2012

Nationals sign Will Rhymes to minor league deal, could bolster infield depth

By James Wagner

According to his agents, the former Tigers and Rays infielder's deal includes an invitation to spring training.

By James Wagner | 12:07 AM ET, 11/15/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Free agency, Will Rhymes

Posted at 06:58 PM ET, 11/14/2012

Gio Gonzalez finishes third in National League Cy Young vote, R.A. Dickey wins

By Adam Kilgore

Gio Gonzalez's dominant first season in Washington earned him third place in NL Cy Young voting.

By Adam Kilgore | 06:58 PM ET, 11/14/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Awards, Gio Gonzalez

Posted at 03:20 PM ET, 11/14/2012

Nationals participating in World Baseball Classic qualifiers

By James Wagner

Three players in the Nationals organization, including catcher Jhonatan Solano, and one coach, are representing their countries in the World Baseball Classic qualifiers, another round of which begins Thursday.

By James Wagner | 03:20 PM ET, 11/14/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: World Baseball Classic

Posted at 02:24 PM ET, 11/14/2012

Tony Tarasco joins Nationals' coaching staff [UPDATED]

By Adam Kilgore

Davey Johnson has discussed bringing Tony Tarasco to coach first base because of his ability to instruct outfielders.

By Adam Kilgore | 02:24 PM ET, 11/14/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Coaches

Posted at 12:05 PM ET, 11/14/2012

Gio Gonzalez goes for the Cy Young; Nationals will have stiff competition in adding another starter

By Adam Kilgore

The Nationals got creative in acquiring Cy Young finalist Gio Gonzalez last season, and they may need to get creative again in their search for a starter this winter.

By Adam Kilgore | 12:05 PM ET, 11/14/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Awards, Gio Gonzalez

Posted at 06:18 PM ET, 11/13/2012

Davey Johnson named National League Manager of the Year

By Adam Kilgore

Davey Johnson convincingly won the National League Manager of the Year award presented by the Baseball Writers Association of America.

By Adam Kilgore | 06:18 PM ET, 11/13/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Awards, davey johnson

Posted at 01:31 PM ET, 11/13/2012

Davey Johnson, Buck Showalter up for Manager of the Year awards tonight

By Adam Kilgore

Having guided young team to playoffs, Davey Johnson seems like the easy choice to give the Nats their second award in two nights.

By Adam Kilgore | 01:31 PM ET, 11/13/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Awards

Posted at 09:35 AM ET, 11/13/2012

What will Bryce Harper do for an encore after winning rookie of the year?

By Adam Kilgore

Bryce Harper could be set up for a monster second season after winning rookie of the year.

By Adam Kilgore | 09:35 AM ET, 11/13/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Bryce Harper

Posted at 06:49 PM ET, 11/12/2012

Bryce Harper wins NL Rookie of the Year Award

By James Wagner

The former No. 1 overall pick, who turned 20 in October, becomes the first National player to ever win the award, beating out Wade Miley and Todd Frazier.

By James Wagner | 06:49 PM ET, 11/12/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Bryce Harper

Posted at 11:02 AM ET, 11/12/2012

Bryce Harper vies for rookie of the year as awards week begins

By Adam Kilgore

Bryce Harper made the biggest impact of any National League rookie, but he'll have to fend off Diamondbacks starter Wade Miley to claim the Nationals' first rookie of the year award.

By Adam Kilgore | 11:02 AM ET, 11/12/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Awards

Posted at 12:39 PM ET, 11/11/2012

Sean Burnetts market takes shape

By Adam Kilgore

With Jeremy Affeldt reportedly close to a new contract, Sean Burnett's market has been defined.

By Adam Kilgore | 12:39 PM ET, 11/11/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Sean Burnett

Posted at 12:21 PM ET, 11/10/2012

Davey Johnson, Nationals officially agree to deal for return in 2013 season [UPDATED]

By James Wagner

The two sides finally agree to a deal for the 69-year-old Johnson to return to the Nationals for the 2013 season, his final one as a manager.

By James Wagner | 12:21 PM ET, 11/10/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: davey johnson

Posted at 06:58 PM ET, 11/09/2012

On one-year anniversary of kidnapping, Wilson Ramos reflects: Im pretty calm now

By James Wagner

A year ago today, the 25-year-old catcher was kidnapped at his family's home in his native Venezuela and returned safely over two days later. In Washington rehabbing his knee, he's happy and calmer now.

By James Wagner | 06:58 PM ET, 11/09/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: wilson ramos

Posted at 05:23 PM ET, 11/09/2012

Adam LaRoche declines qualifying offer

By Adam Kilgore

The Nationals will receive a compensatory draft pick if Adam LaRoche signs elsewhere this winter.

By Adam Kilgore | 05:23 PM ET, 11/09/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Adam LaRoche

Posted at 03:28 PM ET, 11/09/2012

Davey Johnson planning on retiring from managing after 2013

By Adam Kilgore

Barring a change of plans during the next year, Davey Johnson will manage one last season and then become a special adviser to General Manager Mike Rizzo in 2014.

By Adam Kilgore | 03:28 PM ET, 11/09/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: davey johnson

Posted at 03:24 PM ET, 11/09/2012

Mike Rizzo wraps up the GM Meetings with many options at the Nationals disposal

By Adam Kilgore

As he left the GM Meetings, Mike Rizzo still believes the Nationals will take varied plans into the winter and shape the roster based on how the offseason plays out.

By Adam Kilgore | 03:24 PM ET, 11/09/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: GM Meetings

Posted at 10:55 PM ET, 11/08/2012

The state of the Nationals bullpen entering the offseason

By Adam Kilgore

Mike Rizzo hopes to bring back Sean Burnett and Michael Gonzalez, and Ryan Madson looms as a possibility.

By Adam Kilgore | 10:55 PM ET, 11/08/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Bullpen

Posted at 07:23 PM ET, 11/08/2012

Davey Johnson close to finalizing return to Nationals in 2013

By Adam Kilgore

Davey Johnson is almost set to come back to manage the Nationals in 2013.

By Adam Kilgore | 07:23 PM ET, 11/08/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: davey johnson

Posted at 06:59 PM ET, 11/08/2012

Ian Desmond, Adam LaRoche, Stephen Strasburg win Silver Slugger Awards

By James Wagner

The two stalwarts of the Nationals infield and lineup, and Stephen Strasburg, win their first-ever Silver Slugger Awards as the best offensive players at their respective positions.

By James Wagner | 06:59 PM ET, 11/08/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Silver Slugger Award

Posted at 08:00 AM ET, 11/08/2012

Are the Nationals and Zack Greinke a fit two years later?

By Adam Kilgore

Two years after the pitcher rejected the Nationals, the sides have a second chance to become a match.

By Adam Kilgore | 08:00 AM ET, 11/08/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 09:42 PM ET, 11/07/2012

Mike Rizzo expects Davey Johnson to return, not worried about contract status

By Adam Kilgore

With Manager Davey Johnsons contract status still unresolved, General Manager Mike Rizzo said without ambiguity he believes Johnson will return next season

By Adam Kilgore | 09:42 PM ET, 11/07/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: davey johnson

Posted at 06:29 PM ET, 11/07/2012

Davey Johnson finalist for NL Manager of the Year, Bryce Harper for Rookie of the Year, Gio Gonzalez for Cy Young Award

By James Wagner

Davey Johnson, Bryce Harper and Gio Gonzalez are finalists for NL manager of the year, rookie of the year and Cy Young..

By James Wagner | 06:29 PM ET, 11/07/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Awards

Posted at 10:50 AM ET, 11/07/2012

Baseballs general manager meetings begin today

By Adam Kilgore

This gathering is where baseball executives lay groundwork for the rest of the winter.

By Adam Kilgore | 10:50 AM ET, 11/07/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: General Manager Meetings

Posted at 02:38 PM ET, 11/06/2012

Nationals batting practice pitcher sues Phillies, GM Ruben Amaro Jr.

By James Wagner

Ali Modami, a batting practice pitcher for the Nationals last season, sues his former employer and its general manager, claiming he was defamed.

By James Wagner | 02:38 PM ET, 11/06/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Nationals-Phillies

Posted at 04:55 PM ET, 11/05/2012

Davey Johnson, Nationals negotiations remain unresolved

By Adam Kilgore

The unusual, potentially uneasy situation has not changed: It is November, and the Washington Nationals do not have a manager under contract for the 2013 season.

By Adam Kilgore | 04:55 PM ET, 11/05/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Coaches, coaching staff, davey johnson

Posted at 03:03 PM ET, 11/05/2012

Pat Corrales, Nationals special adviser and former bench coach, hired by Dodgers

By James Wagner

The 71-year-old special adviser and former Nationals bench coach is reunited with Dodgers CEO Stan Kasten, a former Nationals president, and will work as a special assistant to their general manager.

By James Wagner | 03:03 PM ET, 11/05/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Coaches, Pat Corrales

Posted at 12:32 PM ET, 11/03/2012

Michael Gonzalez, Nationals interested in a deal

By James Wagner

The 34-year-old left-handed reliever was a valuable mid-season addition to the Nationals and is interested in returning to Washington. Both sides are interested in a deal.

By James Wagner | 12:32 PM ET, 11/03/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Michael Gonzalez

Posted at 09:30 AM ET, 11/03/2012

Nationals Arizona Fall League overview

By Adam Kilgore

Heres a rundown of how all eight Nationals players have fared, with help from a National League scout who recently evaluated the Nationals contingent.

By Adam Kilgore | 09:30 AM ET, 11/03/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 07:01 PM ET, 11/02/2012

Nationals give qualifying offer to Adam LaRoche, not Edwin Jackson

By Adam Kilgore

The Nationals make a one-year, $13.3 million qualifying offer to Adam LaRoche, ensuring they will receive draft pick compensation if he signs with another team.

By Adam Kilgore | 07:01 PM ET, 11/02/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Free agency

Posted at 05:13 PM ET, 11/02/2012

Nationals have many options open as free agency begins

By Adam Kilgore

By midnight, the exclusive negotiating window for teams with their own free agents will expire, and any team will be welcome to sign any free agent.

By Adam Kilgore | 05:13 PM ET, 11/02/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Free agency

Posted at 10:21 AM ET, 11/01/2012

Adam LaRoche, Sean Burnett decline mutual options, become free agents

By Adam Kilgore

Nationals left-handed reliever Sean Burnett, a mainstay in the Nats bullpen, became a free agent this morning when he declined his half of a mutual option for the 2013 season

By Adam Kilgore | 10:21 AM ET, 11/01/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Sean Burnett

Stats, scores and schedules

Nationals| Nationals Park, DC

Summer Solstice Sun Salutation Celebration| American Visionary Art Museum, MD

D.C. United| RFK Stadium, DC

Nationals Journal: November, 2012