P-Nats' Bronson makes steady progress

P-Nats' Bronson makes steady progress
Potomac Nationals left handed pitcher Evan Bronson is coming off one of his best starts of the year Thursday against Lynchburg. Bronson went 5.1 innings, scattering five hits, allowing no runs, no walks and striking out three batters. 23-year old Bronson is a 6-3 195-pound lefthander out of Trinity College was selected in the 29th round of the 2009 draft. Last season, Bronson was 3-0 with an 0.55 ERA for Vermont and was named a mid-season All-Star. I caught up with the Midlothian, VA...

Rizzo "optimistic" a deal will be made with Bryce Harper

Rizzo "optimistic" a deal will be made with Bryce Harper
In Cleveland, I got the opportunity to speak with Nationals General Manager Mike Rizzo regarding this year's #1 first-year player selection, catcher/outfielder Bryce Harper. Mike, having worked with agent Scott Boras while signing Stephen Strasburg last season, does that give you a leg up in the negotiations with Bryce Harper this year? "Each case with each individual and each representative is unique. We are not going to put any timetables on it. We feel with Bryce like we did with...

Despite mound issues, Strasburg shines again; 5.1 IP, 2 H, 1 ER, 8 K

Despite mound issues, Strasburg shines again; 5.1 IP, 2 H, 1 ER, 8 K
Stephen Strasburg had to face adversity of a different kind Sunday and pulled through with his second professional victory. Strasburg had trouble with his landing foot on the mound at Progressive Field, the same spot where Indians starter David Huff (2-8) was also landing, Over time, and according to the grounds crew I spoke to, it happens more often during day games because of the humidity, the clay gave way and Strasburg started to slip. Even with those troubles, Strasburg was effective,...

Carmona befuddles Nats 7-1

Carmona befuddles Nats 7-1
Fausto Carmona dominated the Nationals Saturday with his power sinker and won for the first time in exactly one month, a complete game three-hitter, 7-1 at Progressive Field. It was his second complete game in his past three starts. Willie Harris says Carmona had the sinker and changeup working to perfection. How dominant? The Nationals left no men on base. Carmona faced only one batter over the minimum. "He was pretty good. He was nasty. He had the sinker working and had a really good...

Strasburg II: Cleveland expects close to 30K

Strasburg II: Cleveland expects close to 30K
The Indians media relations report they have sold more than 10,000 tickets than usual for Sunday's series finale with Nats rookie pitcher Stephen Strasburg taking on David Huff. The Tribe are expecting 28,000 to 30,000 for Sunday's game at Progressive Field, which would almost double their normal gate. Indians are averaging a little over 15,000 per game at home. There also has been an additional 50 media credential requests which means the press box is expected to be filled to capacity. ...

Another Kennedy error early against the Tribe

Another Kennedy error early against the Tribe
Cleveland, OH -- Nats 2B Adam Kennedy made a bad throw to second base and Cristian Guzman in the bottom of the 1st inning for his 2nd error of the series and 8th error of the season in 58 games. The Indians scored a batter later on a sacrifice fly to take the lead 1-0 in the 1st. Jim Riggleman had said before the game he wanted to get Willie Harris and Kennedy at-bats so they can remain consistent in the field. Ian Desmond gets the the night off, but available for pinch hitting and...

Kearns' payback - Indians drop Nats 7-2

Kearns' payback - Indians drop Nats 7-2
The Indians beat the Nationals 7-2 Friday night at Progressive Field behind a dramatic 2 home run 4 RBI performance by their former teammate. Austin Kearns blasted a 3-run shot in the 1st inning that quickly erased an early Nats lead. Then in his second at-bat, Kearns lauched another Luis Atilano (5-3) pitch over the left center field wall for a 4-1 Tribe advantage. Jake Westbrook (4-3) befuddled the Nats after they started the game with three consecutive base hits, going seven and...

Kearns stings former team early on with 2 HRs

Kearns stings former team early on with 2 HRs
Former Nationals outfielder Austin Kearns is getting some early revenge against his old mates. Kearns smacked a 3-run HR off of Luis Atilano in the 1st inning, giving the Tribe a 3-1 advantage. Then, in the 4th inning, Kearns got a hold of another one, a solo shot to deep left center and the Indians led 4-1. It was home run #s 6 and 7 on the year for Kearns and marked the first time since June 4, 2006 he went deep twice in the same game. His average now up to .311. the only regular Tribe...

Riggleman puts Pudge in the 2 hole vs. Indians

Riggleman puts Pudge in the 2 hole vs. Indians
Cleveland, OH -- Nats manager Jim Riggleman puts Ivan Rodriguez in the 2 hole for Game 1 vs. Cleveland. Riggleman said he wanted the 9, 1 and 2 spots to be mixed up a little bit and not all left handed hitters. Riggs also said they thought about putting Rodriguez in the 2 hole as early as spring training. He also said they can hit Ivan in many different places besides his usual 6 spot. It also turns the 3-4-5 power and makes it a lethal 2-3-4-5 barrage for the Indians to face. The...

Burnett's effort helps bullpen rest, finish off Bucs

Burnett's effort helps bullpen rest, finish off Bucs
Nats pitcher Sean Burnett was thrilled to get a shot at his former team and help the Nats sweep the Bucs 4-2. Burnett allowed a couple of hits, but struck out Jason Jamarillo and bridged the gap from the sixth to the ninth inning, allowing Tyler Clippard to come on in the ninth for his first save of his major league career. "Yeah, its always good to beat your buddies. I guess you have bragging rights until the next time that you face them. I still have a a lot of good friends over there. ...

Detwiler looks good in Woodbridge, ready for Sens

Detwiler looks good in Woodbridge, ready for Sens
A solid start for Ross Detwiler in Woodbridge Wednesday night. The southpaw pitched three innings, scattered four hits, allowed no runs, walked one and struck two on 40 pitches with 28 for strikes. Ross did not factor into the decision as Frederick beat the Potomac Nationals 4-3. His fastball was clocked between 88 and 92 miles per hour, change at 81 MPH and curveball at 71 MPH. I thought he looked good and maybe a little tentative at the start. He still has that high leg kick and smooth...

Lannan on getting ready, Strasburg and Bryce

Lannan on getting ready, Strasburg and Bryce
Nationals left-hander John Lannan gets the call tonight in Game 2 against the Pirates. I caught up with Lannan as he prepared his game plan for Pittsburgh and asked him how he prepares for each game. "I like to go out there and know what I am going to do beforehand. That is why I like to do scouting reports. I like to use the catcher and the pitching coach's help, but I like to be prepared myself so I don't have to rely on them too much. "This gives me more confidence as well. I...

Big bats save Strasburg debut

Big bats save Strasburg debut
The storybook ending that was almost all for naught. The Pirates had a good shot of ruining the Stephen Strasburg party before it got started, even with an outstanding pitching performance by the much hyped top selection from San Diego State. Pittsburgh led 2-1 heading into the bottom of the sixth inning of a soldout game at a rocking Nats Park. Strasburg had pitched very well except for one mistake: a changeup that actually was a good pitch, left up for Delwyn Young, who had smacked a...

Lannan on Strasburg and what a major league debut feels like

Lannan on Strasburg and what a major league debut feels like
Nats starting pitcher John Lannan remembers his major league debut in Philadelphia in 2007. He admits he was a little nervous in part from all the waiting around for the game to start. Lannan knows how Stephen Strasburg felt in his first major league start. "It was the anticipation that got to me a little bit, you know, the sitting around. Got there pretty early, it was a day game. I was really excited, a little nervous, but all that stopped once I got on the mound. He is psyched up...

Watch out for Strasburg in 2011

Watch out for Strasburg in 2011
So how will Stephen Strasburg do in his first major league start tonight at sold out Nats Park? Should we expect a win, 15 strikeouts and only one earned run? Will he struggle against major league hitters and lose? Jim Callis of Baseball America says let's not put too much pressure on the rookie, but he does give his prediction for what might happen with Strasburg this year and next season. "That is the thing with Strasburg that is going to be tough. I think everyone is expecting...

Callis: Harper "best power prospect I have ever seen"

Callis: Harper "best power prospect I have ever seen"
Nationals selection of Bryce Harper as the top pick in the amateur draft could be one for the ages. In Bryce's only season at the junior college level, he set almost every major school record at the College of Southern Nevada, batting .443, including 31 homers and 98 RBI. The Coyotes hit 17 homers AS A TEAM in 2009. How good will Bryce Harper be and when could he make his major league debut with the Nationals? Jim Callis, Executive Editor at Baseball America had some strong words to...

Bryce Harper's coach Tim Chambers live Monday

Bryce Harper's coach Tim Chambers live Monday
Join me tomorrow as we talk with Bryce Harper's college coach Tim Chambers as the Nats prepare to take Harper with the No. 1 overall pick in the draft. Also joining me will be Nationals relief pitcher Drew Storen, Baseball America's Jim Callis talking Harper and Stephen Strasburg; we'll have Mike Rizzo's comments on what the Nats are looking for after Harper; and stay tuned for insight from MASNsports.com's Ben Goessling on the Nats draft from the scouts' perspective. Join us for our...

Detwiler rehab start Wednesday at Potomac

Detwiler rehab start Wednesday at Potomac
The Nationals have scheduled Ross Detwiler for a rehabilitation start for Potomac Wednesday night against the Frederick Keys at Pfitzner Stadium. Detwiler, who has been recovering from a hip injury, is schedule to make one start in Potomac Wednesday and then on to Harrisburg. It has not been decided how many starts he will get with the Senators. Manager Jim Riggleman is pleased with Detwiler's progress. "It is encouraging. I know he had a good session down there. We have been...

Rizzo: "We have made our decision" on first pick

Rizzo: "We have made our decision" on first pick
Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo met with the media before Sunday's game against the Reds and did not confirm the team will select Bryce Harper with the number one overall selection in Monday's First-Year Player Draft. But it was pretty obvious they have been confident in their selection for quite some time and there is little suspense in who they will draft 1.1. "We have made our decision. Tomorrow is a huge day for us. This is a big dray for the franchise. It is a big day for me. ...

Stammen determined to get through first inning

Stammen determined to get through first inning
Nationals wrap up series with Reds Sunday at 1:35 p.m. from Nationals Park. RHP Craig Stammen (1-2, 5.88) faces Cincinnati RHP Bronson Arroyo (5-3, 4.92). Stammen has had a tough time in the early innings in his recent starts and has been hit hard with at least nine hits allowed in two of his last three games. He also has had some control issues with six walks in the past two starts. Craig previewed the Reds with me on Saturday. What is the bottom line for you in Sunday's start? "I have...