Now that the celebration of Ryan Zimmerman's retirement has had its moment in the spotlight - and don't worry, I'm sure there will be plenty more celebrations this season and in the years to come - it's time for the Nationals to look ahead as to what their future looks like without their face of the franchise. The long-term ramifications are still to be determined. But as it pertains to the 2022 season, Zimmerman's retirement leaves an immediate hole to be filled on the Nats roster: backup...

Here is more perspective on the advancement of third baseman/first baseman Drew Mendoza, who finally got his shot to participate in workouts and games in Fredericksburg, Va., in the summer. The No. 11 Nationals prospect joined other top 20 Nationals prospects, according to director of player development Mark Scialabba. "We got him to the alternate site start of September. Along with shortstop Jackson Cluff (No. 20) and catcher Israel Pineda (No. 14), we had the ability to get him there to get...

Nationals fall instructional league workouts wrap up over the weekend. Players now prepare for offseason conditioning and some will get extra at-bats in winter league competition. Rain has prevented the Nats from playing the intended full schedule, with over 20 inches of rain falling on South Florida during this month. I got the opportunity to check in with Nats hitting coordinator Troy Gingrich this week and we ran down a few of the hitters he worked with in West Palm Beach, Fla. Gingrich...

I got the opportunity to catch up with Nationals prospect Drew Mendoza recently to see how it has been for him since spring training was shut down due to the coronavirus pandemic. Mendoza returned to Tallahassee, Fla., to continue his workouts in hopes that the baseball season can be saved. Normally this time of year, the former Florida State star is deep into a baseball regular season, so the shutdown required him to make some adjustments in his preparation. He is ranked as the No. 11...

The Nationals have a new pitching coach at high Single-A Fredericksburg for 2020, and he is a familiar face in the Carolina League. Justin Lord, who spent seven seasons as a pitching coach in the Baltimore system, comes to the Fredericksburg and takes over for Sam Narron, who is now the pitching coach for Double-A Harrisburg. Lord most recently was the pitching coach at high Single-A Frederick. "It's really good. I'm excited about being with the Nats," Lord said by telephone from his home...

Third baseman Drew Mendoza (Twitter: @MendozaDrew22) knew from his first few weeks with the Nationals organization that he wanted to make some adjustments to his swing. The 2019 Baseball America second team All-American was a standout third baseman at Florida State, but was ready from his first few days in pro camp to add power to his approach. It is the Nationals' policy with drafted players in their initiation to professional baseball to allow them a full month to get acclimated and pitch...

First base is a coveted spot in the Nationals organization, especially with Ryan Zimmerman not an everyday player anymore and the club using the likes of veterans Howie Kendrick and Eric Thames at that spot. Former Florida State standout Drew Mendoza has a shot to turn some heads in the near future and become that top candidate for a corner infield spot, similar to the track Carter Kieboom is hoping to attain at third base this season. Baseball America Nats correspondent Lacy Lusk says the Nats...

Here are some updates on a few of the 2019 draft selections getting some playing time for low Single-A Hagerstown these past few weeks: left-hander Matt Cronin, shortstop Jackson Cluff and third baseman Drew Mendoza. Hagerstown manager Patrick Anderson said Cronin has picked up where he left off from his college relief work, demonstrating an ability to produce copious swings and misses. LHP Matt Cronin Round 4, 2019 Arkansas 0-0, 0.82 ERA, 9 games, 23 strikeouts in 11 innings "Matt Cronin came...

The Nationals completed day two of the Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft with nine overall selections. Nationals assistant general manager Kris Kline was pleasantly surprised the club was able to select right-hander Jackson Rutledge at No. 17 out of San Jacinto North junior college, believing he is top 10 talent. "When I woke up yesterday I didn't think we could get Rutledge, but we did," Kline said. "The whole group is absolutely thrilled to get this guy: 6-foot-8, 250 pounds,...