With four late-inning arms, Nats have plenty of relief options
With four late-inning arms, Nats have plenty of relief options
Mark Zuckerman
Nationals
A few national baseball writers referred to Brad Hand as the Nationals' "new closer" upon reporting his contract agreement Sunday night. Don't be so sure about that. Though Hand certainly is going to end up closing some games for the Nats this season, that's not technically the role the club has in mind for him. It's safe to say Davey Martinez will use Hand whenever the matchup is in his favor, whether that comes in the seventh, eighth or ninth inning. Some managers and some teams think...
Nationals bolster bullpen with top available lefty Hand
Nationals bolster bullpen with top available lefty Hand
Mark Zuckerman
Nationals
The Nationals have known all winter they needed an experienced left-hander for their bullpen, someone who could be counted upon to get big outs late in games. They're going to wind up getting the best one available. The Nats are in agreement with veteran reliever Brad Hand on a one-year deal worth $10.5 million, pending a physical, a source familiar with the signing confirmed. Once the deal becomes official, the Nationals will have added one of baseball's best lefty relievers over the last...
O's Sig Mejdal on how spin rates impact roster, potential additions
O's Sig Mejdal on how spin rates impact roster, potential additions
Steve Melewski
Orioles
So after spending some time researching and learning about spin rates and active spin or spin efficiency for Orioles pitchers, it was probably time to turn to a real expert for more. I went to the top and got an interview with Sig Mejdal, the Orioles' vice president and assistant general manager, analytics. "Sig Mejdal is one of the most experienced and accomplished analysts working in baseball today," O's executive vice president and general manager Mike Elias said when he hired him not...
This, that and the other
This, that and the other
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
The Pirates traded starter Jameson Taillon to the Yankees yesterday, surrendering a pitcher who underwent two Tommy John surgeries after becoming the second-overall pick in the 2010 draft. They received four prospects in return. There's a tie to the Orioles beyond his arrival in the American League East. Pittsburgh's choice in the draft came down to Taillon or prep shortstop Manny Machado, with the Orioles selecting third. Scouting director Joe Jordan would have pounced on Taillon if the...
#TBT to "Nationals Classics": Hitting the home stretch of the offseason
#TBT to "Nationals Classics": Hitting the home stretch of the offseason
Pete Kerzel
Nationals
Who's ready to turn the page to the 2021 season? Well, in just a few weeks (pandemic willing, mind you), spring training will be upon us. There are few words more glorious to a baseball-starved fan than "pitchers and catchers report." Well, "full-squad workout" and "Play ball!" are pretty close. While we wait for things to get underway in West Palm Beach, Fla., MASN will continue to feed your baseball jones with "Nationals Classics" from days past. This week's offerings include a...
Bell-Zimmerman combo at first base could work nicely for Nats
Bell-Zimmerman combo at first base could work nicely for Nats
Mark Zuckerman
Nationals
What kind of production can the Nationals expect from their first basemen in 2021? Would they be satisfied with 30 homers, 99 RBIs, a .305 batting average, .390 on-base percentage and .997 OPS? Because that's what you get when you combine Josh Bell's 2019 numbers against right-handers and Ryan Zimmerman's 2019 numbers against left-handers. Yep, if Bell took all the at-bats against righties and Zimmerman took all the at-bats against lefties, they'd have combined for a .997 OPS across exactly...
A look back: The possible next top 100 player and more
A look back: The possible next top 100 player and more
Steve Melewski
Orioles
In a recent story published by Baseball America, the publication noted 13 players (subscription may be required) that could have breakout seasons on the farm in 2021. Before even reading the text, readers could see the picture at the top of that story. It is of Orioles shortstop prospect Gunnar Henderson. For this story in December, I noted that Henderson could be the club's next top 100 prospect. The club recently put five players on the newly released Baseball America top 100. It is just the...
Taking another glance at some prospect lists
Taking another glance at some prospect lists
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
Various sites are publishing their top prospects lists and the Orioles can't be ignored. No one puts baby Birds in the corner. Baseball America placed five Orioles in its Top 100: catcher Adley Rutschman (No. 2), right-hander Grayson Rodriguez (No. 22), left-hander DL Hall (No. 59), outfielder Heston Kjerstad (No. 62) and outfielder/first baseman Ryan Mountcastle (No. 63). The Orioles have never been represented by more than five players. Mountcastle retains rookie status, which makes him...
Zimmerman not back for "victory lap," believes he can help
Zimmerman not back for "victory lap," believes he can help
Mark Zuckerman
Nationals
Ryan Zimmerman was close to 100 percent confident all along he'd return to play for the Nationals this year after opting out of the 2020 season. But his motives weren't personal, and they weren't about ensuring his career didn't end without playing one more season for the only franchise he's ever known. "Me coming back this year was in no means for a victory lap sort of thing. I think you guys know me better than that," the 36-year-old first baseman said today during a Zoom session to...
More from Sanders on outfielders at minicamp and one who wasn't
More from Sanders on outfielders at minicamp and one who wasn't
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
The three-day minicamp earlier this month in Sarasota, Fla., was designed for evaluation purposes and to provide needed work in the offseason prior to the start of spring training. For Orioles who aren't natural outfielders and others who want to get better at it. DJ Stewart wasn't just a participant. He was a driving force behind the idea. "The first thing I can say is this guy will work harder than anybody else we have out there," said first base coach and outfield instructor Anthony...