Burke Badenhop among latest relievers cut from camp

Burke Badenhop among latest relievers cut from camp
VIERA, Fla. - The Nationals trimmed their list of bullpen candidates by three after today's game, reassigning right-handers Burke Badenhop, Erik Davis and Michael Brady to minor league camp. None of the three moves was surprising, but Badenhop entered camp with a realistic shot to make the roster given his track record of success. The 33-year-old right-hander, who signed as a minor league free agent during the first week of spring training, owns a 3.74 ERA in 418 career big league games with...

Feeling no ill effects, Papelbon says he was "just a tick off"

Feeling no ill effects, Papelbon says he was "just a tick off"
VIERA, Fla. - Jonathan Papelbon's line in Friday's 9-5 victory over the Mets may not look pretty, but the Nationals closer says he's not worried. Papelbon said he was feeling no ill effects after a bug making its way through the clubhouse forced him to miss his scheduled outing Thursday. It wasn't a matter of having not pitched for four days. "I just was a tick off," Papelbon said. Papelbon, making his second ninth-inning appearance of the spring, couldn't complete the frame. Manager...

Trea Turner's speed is just what Dusty Baker ordered

Trea Turner's speed is just what Dusty Baker ordered
JUPITER, Fla. - When he was asked at the Winter Meetings what the Nationals most needed, Dusty Baker pointed to speed as a necessary ingredient in the lineup. It's no secret Baker likes to put pressure on a defense, and fleet feet on the basepaths can also translate into meaty fastballs thrown to a slugger as opponents try to neutralize the running game. Baker has known for a while that he has a burgeoning burner in Trea Turner, easily the fastest man on his roster. But the manager has stopped...