Nationals interested in Mike Cameron and Greg Dobbs, among others

Nationals interested in Mike Cameron and Greg Dobbs, among others
The bench for each major league team is a major part of a team's long-term success through the ups and downs of a rigorous 162-game season. Many times, if you make the right choices for your bench this time of year, it can reap short-term return if you trade them at the trading deadline for future prospects. Jerry Hairston Jr., made a big splash with the Milwaukee Brewers deep into the playoffs last season after the Nationals traded him for minor leaguer Erik Komatsu. Last week, the...

Marlins' "Reyes"-ing the bar in the NL East?

Marlins' "Reyes"-ing the bar in the NL East?
With the news that the Miami Marlins have pried shortstop Jose Reyes away from his previous team, the New York Mets, and other teams, and the announcement of the signing of free agent closer Heath Bell, it's certainly raised eyebrows at Nationals Park and in Dallas at the Winter Meetings. Reyes reportedly has signed a six-year guaranteed deal worth up to $106 million with Miami. Reports also say that Hanley Ramirez has agreed to move to third base, making the left side of the Marlins infield...

Balester felt good but made one mistake that cost him against Marlins

Balester felt good but made one mistake that cost him against Marlins
Nationals right-handed relief pitcher Collin Balester said he was not bothered by the cold weather or being extended more than one inning during Saturday's 13-inning loss to the Florida Marlins. Donnie Murphy hit a two-run shot in the 13th to break a 1-1 tie and help the Marlins to a 4-1 victory. Balester said pitching that long in relief wasn't the concern and he felt he was doing pretty well. "I have done it before, probably five or six times this year (having been extended for more...

Tonight's Marlins-Nationals lineups

Tonight's Marlins-Nationals lineups
Here are the lineups for tonight's game with Stephen Strasburg making his third start of the season, as the Nationals entertain the Florida Marlins: Marlins: Bonifacio - SS Infante - 2B Stanton - RF Morrison - LF Sanchez - 1B Petersen - CF Buck - C Dominguez - 3B Volstad - P Nationals: Desmond - SS Bernadina - RF Zimmerman - 3B Morse - LF Werth - CF Espinosa - 2B Marrero - 1B Ramos - C Strasburg - P

Despite the loss, Kimball shines in major league debut

Despite the loss, Kimball shines in major league debut
Cole Kimball got the call late Friday. He didn't sleep all night and caught an early flight to Washington. At 3:24 p.m., Kimball threw his first major league pitch, a 92 mph fastball for a called strike, against Marlins cleanup hitter Gaby Sanchez. He struck out Sanchez on four pitches. Logan Morrison lined out to second base and Mike Stanton walked. Kimball then got Greg Dobbs to fly out to left. In less than 24 hours, right-hander Kimball went from the Triple-A Syracuse Chiefs to...

Nats do almost everything right on relay to plate

Nats do almost everything right on relay to plate
Marlins second baseman Omar Infante somehow avoided a tag attempt by Nationals catcher Wilson Ramos in the 11th inning, scoring the eventual winning run in a 6-5 thriller Friday night at Nationals Park. Infante raced from first base on Greg Dobbs' double down the right-field line. With Infante arriving at home plate before the ball, Ramos tried - to no avail - to tag Infante, first on his left and then on his right hand. Home plate umpire Paul Nauert called Infante safe when Infante's...

Marlins squeak past Nationals 6-5 in 11 innings

Marlins squeak past Nationals 6-5 in 11 innings
The Florida Marlins edged the Washington Nationals 6-5 on an RBI double by Greg Dobbs in the 11th inning before 19,503 at Nationals Park on Friday night. With one out in the 11th, Omar Infante singled off Nationals reliever Brian Broderick (0-1). Dobbs' one-out hit down the right-field line scored Infante, who reached his right hand around the tag of catcher Wilson Ramos and was called safe by home plate umpire Paul Nauert. The rest of the Marlins' offense was built around solo homers...

Nationals upend Marlins 3-2 in extras

Nationals upend Marlins 3-2 in extras
Update: The game headed to extra innings, but it didn't take long for the Nationals to respond. With runners on second and third in the top of the 10th, Adam LaRoche hit a sacrifice fly to center field, good enough to score Jayson Werth from third. The run would be enough for Drew Storen and Sean Burnett, who took care of the Marlins in the bottom half of the inning. Nationals win, 3-2. The Nationals' Jerry Hairston Jr. is off to a good start against the Marlins Ricky Nolasco with a double,...

Nationals string two hits together for early lead at Fish

Nationals string two hits together for early lead at Fish
Marlins starter Ricky Nolasco has five strikeouts through two innings but somehow the Nationals got something going in the second. After two outs, Pudge got a base hit. Jerry Hairston followed with a double that scored Pudge. Ian Desmond then struck out swinging to end the inning. Nolasco struck out the side and had five strikeouts through two frames. The Nationals led 1-0 heading to the third. Jordan ZImmermann has allowed a first inning single to former National Emilio Bonifacio, but...