Nationals Journal: January, 2013

Posted at 03:03 PM ET, 01/31/2013

Brian Schneider retires; how many '05 Nats are left?

By Barry Svrluga

Just for fun, Barry Svrluga looks back at the 2005 Nationals roster.

By Barry Svrluga | 03:03 PM ET, 01/31/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: 2005 Nationals, Nats history

Posted at 03:34 PM ET, 01/30/2013

Gio Gonzalez connected to Miami strength coach Jimmy Goins, also named in clinic report (UPDATED)

By James Wagner

Both men were linked to a Miami anti-aging clinic that is being investigated by MLB for supplying performance-enhancing drugs to a handful of active players.

By James Wagner | 03:34 PM ET, 01/30/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Gio Gonzalez

Posted at 12:14 PM ET, 01/30/2013

More on Stephen Strasburg's offseason

By James Wagner

The Nationals standout right-hander reflects on his winter, his workouts, the team's offseason moves and the addition of Dan Haren.

By James Wagner | 12:14 PM ET, 01/30/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Stephen Strasburg

Posted at 12:58 PM ET, 01/29/2013

Nick Johnson retires with a special place in Nats lore

By Barry Svrluga

The Nats' former first starting first baseman, who retired Monday night, was embraced by fans.

By Barry Svrluga | 12:58 PM ET, 01/29/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Nick Johnson

Posted at 11:05 AM ET, 01/29/2013

Report: Gio Gonzalez linked to Miami clinic that supplied performance-enhancing drugs (updated)

By James Wagner

The Nationals left-hander is linked to a Miami clinic that reportedly supplied PEDs to major league players, according to a Miami New Times story.

By James Wagner | 11:05 AM ET, 01/29/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Gio Gonzalez, Performance-enhancing drugs

Posted at 01:33 PM ET, 01/28/2013

Ian Desmond on a long-term deal, improvements for 2013

By James Wagner

The Nationals' shortstop wants to remain in Washington for the long-term but is in no hurry now to pursue a long-term deal. Also, he reflects on areas of improvement for next season.

By James Wagner | 01:33 PM ET, 01/28/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Ian Desmond

Posted at 10:30 AM ET, 01/28/2013

Jayson Werth: 'I think we got the best team in baseball'

By James Wagner

The veteran outfielder thinks the 2013 Nationals are better than last year's team, and applauded the team's offseason moves. Also, he is excited to return to the heart of the batting order.

By James Wagner | 10:30 AM ET, 01/28/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Jayson Werth

Posted at 07:21 PM ET, 01/26/2013

William Howard Taft unveiled as the new racing president

By James Wagner

The Nationals unveiled their newest addition to the racing presidents. Will the 27th president be No. 1 in your hearts?

By James Wagner | 07:21 PM ET, 01/26/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Taft

Posted at 06:58 PM ET, 01/26/2013

Bryce Harper excited by Nationals' offseason moves

By Eric Detweiler

At fan fest, Bryce Harper endorses the offseason moves made by the Nationals.

By Eric Detweiler | 06:58 PM ET, 01/26/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Bryce Harper, Fan fest

Posted at 05:48 PM ET, 01/26/2013

Jordan Zimmermann in no rush for deal to avoid arbitration

By Eric Detweiler

The Nationals pitcher said contract talks are "kind of hung up right now" and that he's willing to have his case heard by a mediator.

By Eric Detweiler | 05:48 PM ET, 01/26/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Fan fest, Jordan Zimmermann

Posted at 03:22 PM ET, 01/26/2013

Danny Espinosa says he played with torn rotator cuff

By Eric Detweiler

The Nationals' second baseman, who suffered the injury late last season, opted against surgery and does not expect to be limited in spring training.

By Eric Detweiler | 03:22 PM ET, 01/26/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Danny Espinosa, Fan fest

Posted at 08:00 AM ET, 01/25/2013

Mike Rizzo on the Justin Upton trade, Javier Vazquez, long-term deals

By Adam Kilgore

Mike Rizzo believes the Braves added a great player in Justin Upton, but that they gave up a "pest" in Martin Prado.

By Adam Kilgore | 08:00 AM ET, 01/25/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 07:07 PM ET, 01/24/2013

Mike Rizzo honored in Boston as Executive of the Year

By Adam Kilgore

Mike Rizzo reflects back on the Nationals' rise and addresses the team's rising payroll.

By Adam Kilgore | 07:07 PM ET, 01/24/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: mike rizzo

Posted at 03:12 PM ET, 01/24/2013

Nationals' regular season game times announced

By James Wagner

Little surprise here: the Nationals will play their home night games at 7:05 p.m. and day game generally at 1:05 or 1:35 p.m. Nationals season opener is April 1 at 1:05 p.m.

By James Wagner | 03:12 PM ET, 01/24/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: schedule

Posted at 12:49 PM ET, 01/24/2013

The ripple effects of the Justin Upton-to-the-Braves deal

By James Wagner

The Braves have agreed to a stunning, long-rumored, trade for Justin Upton, according to reports. Does this make them an even more serious contender to the Nationals?

By James Wagner | 12:49 PM ET, 01/24/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Braves

Posted at 03:34 PM ET, 01/22/2013

Washington out for '15 All-Star Game; maybe in '17?

By James Wagner

Cincinnati is poised to be named the host of the 2015 All-Star Game, which the Nationals were hoping to land. So, it appears, the soonest that could happen -- if so -- is in four years.

By James Wagner | 03:34 PM ET, 01/22/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: All-Star Game

Posted at 12:29 PM ET, 01/22/2013

Mark DeRosa signs with the Blue Jays

By James Wagner

The 15-year-old major league veteran and the guiding presence for the young National players last season signs with Toronto. Davey Johnson had wanted him back for next season.

By James Wagner | 12:29 PM ET, 01/22/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Mark DeRosa

Posted at 02:28 PM ET, 01/21/2013

Nationals hope to avoid arbitration with Jordan Zimmermann

By James Wagner

The Nationals general manager says he is open to long-term extensions for Zimmermann and Ian Desmond.

By James Wagner | 02:28 PM ET, 01/21/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: arbitration, Nationals, Nationals roster

Posted at 11:29 AM ET, 01/20/2013

Davey Johnson on Rafael Soriano: 'As it stacks right now, he's the No. 1 guy'

By James Wagner

The Nationals manager was out of the country on vacation when Rafael Soriano signed. He returned to a surplus of late-inning relievers.

By James Wagner | 11:29 AM ET, 01/20/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Bullpen, davey johnson

Posted at 10:54 PM ET, 01/19/2013

Bryce Harper, Davey Johnson receive their awards in New York

By James Wagner

The Nationals young phenom and manager accept their NL Rookie of the Year and Manager of the Year awards, respectively, at the New York chapter of the baseball writers' dinner.

By James Wagner | 10:54 PM ET, 01/19/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Awards, Bryce Harper, davey johnson

Posted at 03:27 PM ET, 01/19/2013

Davey Johnson on the passing of Earl Weaver

By James Wagner

The Nationals manager, who played under the iconic Weaver when with the Orioles, reflects on his mentor.

By James Wagner | 03:27 PM ET, 01/19/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: davey johnson, earl weaver

Posted at 06:16 PM ET, 01/18/2013

Steve McCatty: Drew Storen, Tyler Clippard took Rafael Soriano signing like 'professionals'

By Adam Kilgore

After he talked to Drew Storen and Tyler Clippard, Nationals pitching coach Steve McCatty came away convinced they would handle closer Rafael Soriano taking the job they coveted.

By Adam Kilgore | 06:16 PM ET, 01/18/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Bullpen

Posted at 04:47 PM ET, 01/18/2013

Nationals avoid arbitration with Tyler Clippard; Jordan Zimmerman remains

By James Wagner

The Nationals officially announced they avoided arbitration with six of their seven arbitration-eligible. Jordan Zimmerman is the lone player who has yet to agree on a contract determining his 2013 salary.

By James Wagner | 04:47 PM ET, 01/18/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Tyler Clippard

Posted at 03:59 PM ET, 01/18/2013

Nationals avoid arbitration with Ian Desmond

By James Wagner

The Nationals and the all-star shortstop avoided arbitration with a deal that will pay him $3.8 million next season.

By James Wagner | 03:59 PM ET, 01/18/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Ian Desmond

Posted at 01:35 PM ET, 01/18/2013

Nationals avoid arbitration with Roger Bernadina

By James Wagner

The Nationals and the outfielder avoided arbitration with a deal that will pay his $1,212,500 for the 2013 season plus $130,000 in incentives.

By James Wagner | 01:35 PM ET, 01/18/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: roger bernadina

Posted at 01:11 PM ET, 01/18/2013

Nationals avoid arbitration with Craig Stammen with two-year deal

By James Wagner

The Nationals and Craig Stammen avoid arbitration with a two-year deal, whose terms were not immediately available.

By James Wagner | 01:11 PM ET, 01/18/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Craig Stammen

Posted at 12:23 PM ET, 01/18/2013

Nationals avoid arbitration with Ross Detwiler

By Adam Kilgore

The Nationals and Ross Detwiler avoided arbitration by agreeing on a contract that will pay Detwiler $2.3375 for the 2013 season

By Adam Kilgore | 12:23 PM ET, 01/18/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: ross detwiler

Posted at 10:50 AM ET, 01/18/2013

Rafael Soriano on the Nationals, his role and jersey tradition

By James Wagner

The Nationals' new closer was introduced on Thursday, but here's a little more about the 33-year-old reliever from the Dominican Republic.

By James Wagner | 10:50 AM ET, 01/18/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: rafael soriano

Posted at 09:14 PM ET, 01/17/2013

Nationals avoid arbitration with Drew Storen

By Adam Kilgore

Drew Storen will make $2.5 million in his first year eligible for salary arbitration.

By Adam Kilgore | 09:14 PM ET, 01/17/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Drew Storen

Posted at 07:52 PM ET, 01/17/2013

How and why Mike Rizzo traded Michael Morse

By James Wagner

The Nationals shipped away their popular slugger for two pitching prospects, and a player to be named later, to restock their farm system.

By James Wagner | 07:52 PM ET, 01/17/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: michael morse

Posted at 07:39 PM ET, 01/17/2013

Rafael Soriano introduced at Nationals Park

By Adam Kilgore

Mike Rizzo explains the signing of Rafael Soriano, who says the Nationals can win a World Series.

By Adam Kilgore | 07:39 PM ET, 01/17/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: rafael soriano

Posted at 01:00 PM ET, 01/17/2013

F.P. Santangelo, Bob Carpenter return next season

By James Wagner

MASN's play-by-play announcer and color commentator will again be in the booth next season.

By James Wagner | 01:00 PM ET, 01/17/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:31 AM ET, 01/17/2013

Zero Nationals will play for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic

By Adam Kilgore

General Manager Mike Rizzo had said he would support any player who was asked, but none chose to play.

By Adam Kilgore | 10:31 AM ET, 01/17/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: World Baseball Classic

Posted at 10:30 AM ET, 01/17/2013

The implications of the Michael Morse trade

By James Wagner

The Nationals traded away an popular slugger but got two young arms in return. What does it all mean? Are the Nationals done for the winter?

By James Wagner | 10:30 AM ET, 01/17/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: michael morse

Posted at 09:25 PM ET, 01/16/2013

Michael Morse on his trade to the Mariners and his time with the Nationals

By Adam Kilgore

Michael Morse was "overjoyed" to rejoin the Mariners and profusely thanked the Lerner family on his way out of Washington.

By Adam Kilgore | 09:25 PM ET, 01/16/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: michael morse

Posted at 06:47 PM ET, 01/16/2013

Nationals trade Michael Morse for A.J. Cole in three-team deal

By Adam Kilgore

Nationals trade Michael Morse for A.J. Cole in three-team deal

By Adam Kilgore | 06:47 PM ET, 01/16/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: michael morse

Posted at 01:15 PM ET, 01/16/2013

Nationals players expected to appear at NatsFest

By James Wagner

The Nationals announced the list of players scheduled to appear at the event on Jan. 26, including Bryce Harper, Ian Desmond, Jayson Werth and several others.

By James Wagner | 01:15 PM ET, 01/16/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: NatsFest

Posted at 11:51 AM ET, 01/16/2013

Nationals' spring training game times announced

By James Wagner

Major League Baseball announced spring training game times, and the Nationals will host day games at 1:05 p.m. and night games at 6:05 p.m.

By James Wagner | 11:51 AM ET, 01/16/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Spring Training

Posted at 10:56 AM ET, 01/16/2013

More ripple effects from the Nationals' Rafael Soriano signing

By Adam Kilgore

The Nationals' signing of Rafael Soriano is big and fascinating enough to keep rattling around your mind.

By Adam Kilgore | 10:56 AM ET, 01/16/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: rafael soriano

Posted at 08:46 AM ET, 01/16/2013

Jesus Flores lands with Dodgers on a minor league deal

By Adam Kilgore

Former Nationals catcher Jesus Flores found a new home today, signing a minor league with the Los Angeles Dodgers that includes an invite to major league spring training.

By Adam Kilgore | 08:46 AM ET, 01/16/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: former nats, jesus flores

Posted at 06:54 PM ET, 01/15/2013

Seven Nationals file for arbitration, figures exchanged Friday

By James Wagner

It's a mere formality in the process before both sides exchange salary figures on Friday. And even then, deals can still be struck to avoid arbitration.

By James Wagner | 06:54 PM ET, 01/15/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 03:56 PM ET, 01/15/2013

Nationals officially announce minor league deals, spring training invitations, report dates

By James Wagner

The Nationals announced a rash of spring training and minor league news, including non-roster invitees, signings and player report dates.

By James Wagner | 03:56 PM ET, 01/15/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Minor leagues, Spring Training

Posted at 03:35 PM ET, 01/15/2013

What Rafael Soriano agreeing to terms with the Nationals means

By James Wagner

Agreeing to terms with free agent reliever Soriano means a lot of things for the Nationals. Here's an attempt to make sense of some of it.

By James Wagner | 03:35 PM ET, 01/15/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: rafael soriano

Posted at 02:15 PM ET, 01/15/2013

Nationals agree to terms with Rafael Soriano [UPDATED]

By Adam Kilgore

The Nationals are "getting close" to reaching terms with closer Rafael Soriano, but the deal has not been finalized.

By Adam Kilgore | 02:15 PM ET, 01/15/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: rafael soriano

Posted at 12:54 PM ET, 01/15/2013

Nationals not scheduled to play on Sunday night in the first half

By James Wagner

ESPN released its preliminary schedule and the Nats aren’t on it.

By James Wagner | 12:54 PM ET, 01/15/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: schedule

Posted at 09:01 PM ET, 01/14/2013

Bryce Harper to make late night TV debut on 'Jimmy Kimmel Live'

By James Wagner

The National League Rookie of the Year will make his first late night TV appearance on Tuesday, another piece of his growing celebrity.

By James Wagner | 09:01 PM ET, 01/14/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Bryce Harper

Posted at 05:01 PM ET, 01/14/2013

Brevard County wants Nationals to stay, sides to meet on Jan. 25

By James Wagner

The Nationals have explored options outside of Viera for a new spring training home -- but local officials want them to stay and will meet soon to talk.

By James Wagner | 05:01 PM ET, 01/14/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Spring Training

Posted at 10:31 PM ET, 01/11/2013

Javier Vazquez undecided on future despite Nationals' interest

By James Wagner

The Nationals, including Mike Rizzo, have scouted the veteran starter and could add starting depth. But the right-hander, if he pitches next season, may want to be in the majors.

By James Wagner | 10:31 PM ET, 01/11/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: starting rotation

Posted at 05:11 PM ET, 01/10/2013

MLB expands drug-testing program, will implement in-season HGH testing

By James Wagner

The league and players' union announce that players will begin being tested during the season for HGH and have increased detection for testosterone.

By James Wagner | 05:11 PM ET, 01/10/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Drug testing

Posted at 03:25 PM ET, 01/10/2013

Nationals sign three pitchers to minor league deal

By James Wagner

The Nationals sign three starters to low-risk minor league deals, right-hander Ross Ohlendorf and left-handers Sean West and Brandon Mann.

By James Wagner | 03:25 PM ET, 01/10/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Minor leagues

Posted at 01:00 PM ET, 01/10/2013

Mike Rizzo scouts Javier Vazquez in Puerto Rico

By James Wagner

The Nationals are looking to bolster their starting rotation, and after a top scout evaluated the 36-year-old right-hander making a comeback, Rizzo took a trip to see him.

By James Wagner | 01:00 PM ET, 01/10/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Javier Vazquez, starting rotation

Posted at 05:35 PM ET, 01/09/2013

Adam LaRoche on his return to the Nationals

By James Wagner

From his Kansas home, slugger Adam LaRoche discusses his desire for a no-trade clause and the new draft-pick compensation that limited his market.

By James Wagner | 05:35 PM ET, 01/09/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Adam LaRoche

Posted at 07:58 AM ET, 01/09/2013

Bill Bray, the bullpen's possible second lefty reliever, on his return to Washington

By James Wagner

Bray, 29, was the Montreal Expos first-round pick in 2004 and returns after six seasons with the Cincinnati Reds, hoping to making the roster as the bullpen's lefty specialist.

By James Wagner | 07:58 AM ET, 01/09/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 06:43 PM ET, 01/08/2013

Mike Rizzo: Second lefty reliever 'not a necessity' for Nationals

By James Wagner

The Nationals general manager said he is open to adding another left-hander to the bullpen but, again, states his confidence in the right-handed relievers' ability to get lefties out.

By James Wagner | 06:43 PM ET, 01/08/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Bullpen

Posted at 03:28 PM ET, 01/08/2013

Michael Morse becomes trade bait

By Adam Kilgore

With LaRoche back in the fold, the popular Morse is the odd man out and will almost certainly be dealt.

By Adam Kilgore | 03:28 PM ET, 01/08/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: michael morse

Posted at 02:22 PM ET, 01/08/2013

Nationals to host Yankees in exhibition game at Nationals Park

By James Wagner

The Nationals will host the Yankees in Washington for an exhibition game on March 29, two days before the season opener at home.

By James Wagner | 02:22 PM ET, 01/08/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Spring Training

Posted at 12:17 PM ET, 01/08/2013

Adam LaRoche, Nationals agree to terms (Updated)

By Adam Kilgore

Veteran first baseman and team end their offseason-long stalemate and agree to a two-year deal.

By Adam Kilgore | 12:17 PM ET, 01/08/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Adam LaRoche

Posted at 08:47 PM ET, 01/06/2013

Stephen Strasburg and Robert Griffin III: The inevitable and cloying comparison

By Adam Kilgore

The Redskins decided to play Robert Griffin III . . . The Nationals decided to shut down Stephen Strasburg.

By Adam Kilgore | 08:47 PM ET, 01/06/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 01:49 PM ET, 01/06/2013

What about Rafael Soriano?

By Adam Kilgore

If the Nationals want to upgrade their bullpen they might as well go after the best reliever available.

By Adam Kilgore | 01:49 PM ET, 01/06/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Bullpen

Posted at 10:08 PM ET, 01/04/2013

J.P. Howell, left-handed reliever targeted by Nationals, heads to the Dodgers

By James Wagner

For the fourth time this offesaseon, the Nationals have lost out on a left-handed reliever they were interested in.

By James Wagner | 10:08 PM ET, 01/04/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Bullpen

Posted at 04:06 PM ET, 01/04/2013

Nationals prospects review: Sandy Leon, Zach Walters

By James Wagner

We will examine the top 10 prospects in the Nationals farm system. Today we look at two pitching prospects, Sammy Solis and Matt Purke, both recovering from injuries.

By James Wagner | 04:06 PM ET, 01/04/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: prospects

Posted at 03:31 PM ET, 01/03/2013

Nationals sign former first-round pick pitcher Tyler Herron

By James Wagner

The Nationals tried out the former St. Louis Cardinals and Pittsburgh Pirates farm hard in spring training, and could help bolster their starting pitching depth.

By James Wagner | 03:31 PM ET, 01/03/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Minor leagues

Posted at 11:24 AM ET, 01/03/2013

Nationals scouting Javier Vazquez

By Adam Kilgore

The Nationals sent a top scout to Puerto Rico to evaluate veteran right-handed starter Javier Vazquez.

By Adam Kilgore | 11:24 AM ET, 01/03/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Javier Vazquez, starting rotation, Tanner Roark

Posted at 05:23 PM ET, 01/02/2013

Nationals prospects review: Sammy Solis, Matt Purke

By James Wagner

We will examine the top 10 prospects in the Nationals farm system. Today we look at two pitching prospects, Sammy Solis and Matt Purke, both recovering from injuries.

By James Wagner | 05:23 PM ET, 01/02/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: prospects

Stats, scores and schedules

Orioles| Oriole Park at Camden Yards, MD

Orioles| Oriole Park at Camden Yards, MD

Nationals| Nationals Park, DC

Nationals Journal: January, 2013