Nats cut six, including Taylor, Purke, Hensley

Nats cut six, including Taylor, Purke, Hensley
VIERA, Fla. - With yesterday's split-squad games in the books, the Nationals made six cuts today, optioning outfielder Michael Taylor and left-hander Matt Purke to Double-A Harrisburg and reassigning right-handers Clay Hensley, Josh Roenicke and Daniel Stange and left-hander Danny Rosenbaum to minor league camp. Taylor, considered the top defensive outfielder in the Nats' organization, went 3-for-16 (.188) with a triple and three RBIs in 13 games played this spring. This will be the...

Quotes from McLouth and Roenicke, plus photo gallery

Quotes from McLouth and Roenicke, plus photo gallery
VIERA, Fla. - You can add Nate McLouth to the list of position players who have reported early to camp, this after the veteran outfielder made the trip down from Tennessee to Viera yesterday. McLouth signed a two-year, $10.75 million deal with the Nationals this offseason, giving the team an experienced fourth outfielder who is capable of playing all three outfield positions, has some pop and speed and is a quality clubhouse presence. The 32-year-old played in 146 games last season with the...

Nats sign reliever Josh Roenicke to minor league deal

Nats sign reliever Josh Roenicke to minor league deal
VIERA, Fla. - Spring training will have a bit of a family feel for Ian Desmond this year. The Nationals just signed his brother-in-law to a minor league contract with an invitation to big league spring training. Right-handed reliever Josh Roenicke, who is married to Desmond's sister, agreed to terms with the Nats today. The 31-year-old spent last season with the Twins, posting a 4.35 ERA in 63 games. He struck out 6.5 batters per nine innings last season and walked 5.2 per nine, and pitched...