Nationals Welcome Danny Meyer's Union Square Hospitality Group to the Miller Lite Scoreboard Walk

Nationals Welcome Danny Meyer's Union Square Hospitality Group to the Miller Lite Scoreboard Walk
The Washington Nationals have partnered with world-renowned restaurateur Danny Meyer and his Union Square Hospitality Group (USHG) to bring Nationals fans a winning array of culinary offerings at the Miller Lite Scoreboard Walk, the Nationals Park hot spot that hosts the popular Miller Lite Party Nights every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night. Upon opening in late spring of 2011, Nationals fans will enjoy a variety of delicious new menu offerings, including mouthwatering real pit barbecue...

Nationals announce 2011 Red Carpet Rewards Progrram

Nationals announce 2011 Red Carpet Rewards Progrram
The Washington Nationals today announced the launch of the revamped Red Carpet Rewards Program, a brand new online platform that gives season ticket holders the ability to access, track, share and redeem loyalty points for additional Nationals tickets and parking throughout the season. The Nationals will be the first team in Major League Baseball to host an online points-based loyalty program for fans. "The Nationals are proud to be the first Major League team to offer our fans this unique...

Larry King takes the mound

Larry King takes the mound
Retire. Start a foundation. Help save lives. Work on your strike zone. One of the most beloved broadcasters of our time will be making a stop at Nationals Park on April 2. The one and only Larry King is slated to throw the ceremonial first pitch before the Nationals host the Braves on Saturday. A die-hard baseball fan, King even penned a book about his passion for the national pastime. The 77-year-old will be appearing at Nationals Park to promote the work of his foundation, the Larry King...

Baseball themed musical opens April 9

Baseball themed musical opens April 9
"National Pastime," the musical comedy will make its world premiere at the District's Keegan Theatre on April 9. The production, directed by Mark A. Rhea and Susan Marie Rhea, tells the story of a near-bankrupt radio station inventing a fictitious baseball team to spark ratings in mid-1930's Iowa. Tony Sportiello wrote the play while his colleague Al Tapper provided the music and lyrics. The show runs from April 9-May 15, 2011 and tickets cost $35-$40. The Keegan Theatre at Church...

Updates on Solis, Milone and NatsFest

Updates on Solis, Milone and NatsFest
Nationals minor league pitcher

Details for opening day

Details for opening day
The Nationals will celebrate opening day 2011 without presidential fanfare. According to a team release, the first pitch will be thrown by five flag officers representing each branch of the military. The team's military tribute will include a pregame ceremony and military children lining up to greet Nationals players on the red carpet. The ceremony is scheduled to include a flyover by the 113th Fighter Wing stationed at Andrews Air Force Base. The Nationals will also be the new home of the...

Nationals acquire RHP Erik Davis from Padres in exchange for INF Alberto Gonzalez

Nationals acquire RHP Erik Davis from Padres in exchange for INF Alberto Gonzalez
The Washington Nationals today acquired right-handed pitcher Erik Davis and cash considerations from the San Diego Padres in exchange for infielder Alberto Gonzalez. Nationals Executive Vice President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Mike Rizzo made the announcement. Davis is 32-9 with a 3.49 ERA in 73 games/51 starts spanning three seasons in the Padres system, posting an impressive .780 winning percentage with 8.5 strikeouts per 9.0 innings (278 K/293.2 IP). The 24-year-old has...

Rain or shine - and Suns

Rain or shine - and Suns
A quick note to pass along on NatsFest. The third annual NatsFest will take place rain or shine on Wednesday afternoon. More details can be found here. Also, for those of you western Maryland, the Hagerstown Suns are hosting a "Meet the Suns" event Monday, April 4 from 6-9 p.m. at Cancun Cantina. While Suns season ticket holders will participate in an exclusive autograph session, the public can meet and greet Suns players between 7-9 p.m. Bryce Harper is expected to be in attendance....

Nationals trim roster to 26

Nationals trim roster to 26
The Washington Nationals today optioned left-handed pitcher Ross Detwiler, right-handed pitcher Collin Balester and outfielder Roger Bernadina to Syracuse of the Triple-A International League and re-assigned infielder Brian Bixler to minor-league camp. Additionally, the Nationals placed right-handed pitcher Henry Rodriguez on the 15-Day Disabled List and right-handed pitchers Chien-Ming Wang and Elvin Ramirez on the 60-Day Disabled List. Nationals Executive Vice President of Baseball...

Prospects Harper and Taylor could patrol same outfield for Suns

Prospects Harper and Taylor could patrol same outfield for Suns
Nationals hitting coordinator Rick Schu gave me an update on how some of the young hitters are doing in the accelerated camp during spring training. We start with the biggest name in camp in Bryce Harper, who returned to the lineup Sunday and was able to smack a double and score a run early on in the game. Another prospect you may have not heard of is a converted shortstop Michael Taylor. Schu says Taylor has opened some eyes with a good showing throughout camp at his new position in...

Nationals acquire Dykstra from Brewers for Morgan

Nationals acquire Dykstra from Brewers for Morgan
The Washington Nationals this morning acquired infielder Cutter Dykstra and cash considerations from the Milwaukee Brewers in exchange for center fielder Nyjer Morgan. Nationals Executive Vice President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Mike Rizzo made the announcement. Dykstra ranked fourth in the Single-A Midwest League with a .416 on-base percentage and .312 batting average last season while playing for Wisconsin. The 21-year-old scored 66 runs and posted 10 doubles, five triples,...

Prospects Holder and Tatusko continue to refine skills

Prospects Holder and Tatusko continue to refine skills
Here are progress updates for a pair of right-handed pitchers, Trevor Holder and Ryan Tatusko. Holder split last season between Single-A Hagerstown and Single-A Potomac, going 7-6 with a 3.64 ERA in 26 starts. He struck out 102 batters and allowed 29 walks. The 24-year old would like to cut down on his home runs allowed, with 11 of 14 surrendered for the season coming in just 14 starts in Woodbridge, Va. He was 3-3 with a 4.09 ERA in Potomac. The University of Georgia product has had a...

Scouting the Marlins: Who will replace Uggla's power?

Scouting the Marlins: Who will replace Uggla's power?
We continue our tour around the National League East as we stop in Miami. Tommy Hutton, a former major leaguer and current Marlins broadcaster who has been around baseball for 47 years, breaks down the 2011 Florida Marlins and what to expect. The biggest off season change was the trade of All-Star second baseman Dan Uggla to the Atlanta Braves. How does that alter the Marlins on offense? Will they have to make a similar adjustment to what the Nationals expect with the departure of slugger Adam...

Prospect Meyers pain-free again and ready for season

Prospect Meyers pain-free again and ready for season
Nationals right-handed pitching prospect Brad Meyers is finally injury-free again and ready to continue his trek towards the majors after dealing with a major foot problem all of last season. The 6-foot-6, 195-lb. hurler from Los Angeles, Calif., had a positive result in his most recent outing on Tuesday. Meyers threw four innings, allowed two runs, only one was earned on a solo homer, three hits, no walks and struck out five. He threw 58 pitches, 10 in the bullpen. His next scheduled start...

Nationals cut Stammen, Flores; camp roster at 35

Nationals cut Stammen, Flores; camp roster at 35
The Washington Nationals today optioned right-handed pitcher Craig Stammen and catcher Jesus Flores to Syracuse of the Triple-A International League. Nationals Executive Vice President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Mike Rizzo made the announcement. The Nationals currently have 35 players in their big league camp.

New details and full schedule released for NatsFest

New details and full schedule released for NatsFest
On Wednesday afternoon, the Nationals announced some new details about NatsFest, scheduled for Wednesday, March 30 from 4-8 p.m. at Nationals Park. According to the release, Stephen Strasburg, Bryce Harper, Derek Norris, Chien-Ming Wang and Cole Kimball are all scheduled to attend the team's third annual NatsFest celebration. Upon entering the ballpark at 4 p.m., fans can watch the Nationals take batting practice until 5:45 p.m. Following practice, at approximately 6:15 p.m., fans will be...

Nationals Announce 2011 NatsFest Schedule

Nationals Announce 2011 NatsFest Schedule
With Opening Day nearly a week away, the Washington Nationals today announced the official schedule of events for the 2011 NatsFest, set to take place on Wednesday, March 30 from 4:00pm to 8:00pm. For the first time in team history, the Nats will hold their annual fan appreciation festival the day before Opening Day. The third annual NatsFest will feature activities for fans of all ages and offer unprecedented access to Nationals players, prospects, coaches and executives. Future Nationals...

Prospect Milone delivers best outing of spring

Prospect Milone delivers best outing of spring
Nationals left-handed pitcher Tom Milone has had a couple of outings since our last update, but he felt Tuesday was his best start of spring training. Milone went four innings, allowing three hits, no runs, no walks and striking out two batters. "It went good," Milone said. "It felt the best I have felt so far in camp. I had command on every pitch. My pitches were low in the zone. Everything felt pretty good." Milone says his off speed pitches were also hitting their spots "I had...

Nationals set to build baseball field for special needs children

Nationals set to build baseball field for special needs children
The Nationals are hard at work creating yet another opportunity for local youth to experience the magic of baseball. In association with the Washington Nationals Dream Foundation, the Nationals will partner with the Miracle League of Montgomery County and other local civic organizations to build the Washington Nationals Miracle Field in Germantown, Md., this summer. The Miracle League of Montgomery County will give children with mental or physical challenges the opportunity to play competitive...

Source: Harper could be back on field within a week

Source: Harper could be back on field within a week
Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo reported Tuesday on the status of Nationals outfield prospect Bryce Harper, who injured his ankle Monday running the bases. The diagnosis was a "medium" left ankle sprain. The return date was unclear and Harper has been listed as day-to-day. A minor league official with knowledge of the situation is more specific about Harper's possible return, saying the Nats' top prospect is, "doing okay and should be back in four or five days." That update...