Notes on LaRoche, Zimmerman, Rendon, Rosenbaum and more

Notes on LaRoche, Zimmerman, Rendon, Rosenbaum and more
First baseman Adam LaRoche delivered one of the biggest hits of Wednesday's 3-2 won over the Dodgers, but then had trouble moving around the bases. LaRoche was unable to score from first following a long double. This was a clear sign that he can hit with his very sore quad, but he can't run as fast as he would like. It also bothers other parts of his game. "That is another frustrating thing part there," LaRoche said. "It obviously hinders me on the base paths. It is tough to move...

Drew Ward providing depth at third base in Nats system (updated)

Drew Ward providing depth at third base in Nats system (updated)
Low Single-A Hagerstown third baseman Drew Ward is in the midst of a scorching run. The 6-foot-4, 210 lb. lefty-hitting Ward had a 4-for-4 performance May 1. He hit a home run in that game and is batting .425 his last 10 games. In the first game of the doubleheader that day, Ward drew three walks. Ward has made his way to pro ball similar to Bryce Harper's run - he did not go to college, graduating from high school early - so the 19-year-old is on a nice track. So far this season for the Suns,...

Patrick Reddington: Casting a watchful eye to the farm

Patrick Reddington: Casting a watchful eye to the farm
Four of Washington's minor league affiliates started their respective 2014 campaigns Thursday night. There are interesting prospects to follow throughout the Nationals organization, so we decided to take a look at five players we'll be following closely this season on MiLB.tv or on trips to minor league parks. Matt Purke: Taken 14th overall by the Texas Rangers in 2009, Purke didn't sign, choosing instead to attend Texas Christian University where the left-hander put together an impressive...

Accelerated camp attempts to emulate big league feel

Accelerated camp attempts to emulate big league feel
Single-A Hagerstown manager Patrick Anderson told me how the Nationals' accelerated development program is moving along, and what they are focusing on in the second week. You can read an earlier interview with Anderson here. "We have a lot of coaches with the players now, every staff is there," Anderson said. "The Double-A and Triple-A staffs are up with the big league team. A few of the coaches come up for certain drills with the outfield and base running. "High-A, low-A, short-season...