Happy Strasburg Day
Happy Strasburg Day
Josh Land
Nationals
Just a reminder (as if you need it), to tune in to MASN and MASN HD at 1 p.m. for Stephen Strasburg's spring training debut. Bob Carpenter, Rob Dibble and Debbi Taylor will bring you all the action straight from Space Coast Stadium. MASN will also replay the game at 7 p.m. Nationally, the game will be available on MLB Network and MLB.TV. While you're waiting, check out the cool Strasburg jerseys in MLB.com's team store or join us in Ben Goessling's live game chat (the link will be live...
Nationals Dream Foundation Classic
Nationals Dream Foundation Classic
Josh Land
Nationals
On Saturday, baseball returns to D.C. in an exhibition game between the Nationals and the Red Sox. The team has plenty in store for fans, and especially season ticket holders, for this special game which benefits the organization's philanthropic efforts in the local community. Season Ticket Holder Appreciation Day begins at 11:45 a.m. with player photo stations throughout the ballpark. At 12:45 p.m., Jim Riggleman will host a town hall discussion with fans. When the gates open at 1:30...
An afternoon notes snack
An afternoon notes snack
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
Brian Roberts is taking his physical. Reporters hung around his locker for about an hour before taking the hint and returning to the media trailer. Nick Markakis was tearing the cover off the ball in batting practice. One frozen rope after another. Felix Pie also put on an impressive display. He launched one ball onto a stairwell beyond the right field fence, and a gusting wind knocked down another drive. Pie is becoming one of the liveliest and funniest guys in the clubhouse. His...
Roberts talks about his back
Roberts talks about his back
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
Second baseman Brian Roberts said he was diagnosed with a small herniated disk in his back about a month ago, but it won't threaten his availability or severely alter his preparation for Opening Day. "I'm on the right track now," he said. "It's going to be a little slow in the beginning, but it shouldn't set me back for April 6." Roberts never had kidney stones, but he was treated for them initially because the symptoms were the same. Once a week passed, but not a stone, Roberts...
Roberts: "I think this is the closest we've been"
Roberts: "I think this is the closest we've been"
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
And he doesn't mean a crowded trainers room. That was the old stadium. Orioles second baseman Brian Roberts is referring to the team's upgraded roster and the expectations for a much-improved season. "I think we're all excited," he said earlier today. "I think this is the closest we've been, probably since I've been here. When you just look talent-wise, I think this is the most capable we've been in a long time, with a combination of young and old. Hopefully, I'm not old. Older....
The first full-squad workout
The first full-squad workout
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
Players won't take the field today until noon because of physicals and team meetings, which means I don't have to set the alarm and crawl out of bed at the usual hour. So why am I awake? It never fails. When I don't have to get up early, I can't fall back asleep. It must be the anticipation of watching more pitchers fielding practice. Actually, today will be more interesting because it's the first full-squad workout. We'll finally get to see Miguel Tejada at third base, and at his...
Before taking the field
Before taking the field
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
Miguel Tejada is in camp. Let the celebration begin. Tejada wasn't required to report at a specific time yesterday. Some players will drop off their belongings at night or simply call a team official and say, "I'm here." It wasn't a big deal, though I suggested that he would have made a better impression by arriving a few days early as one of the veteran leaders and taking ground balls at third base. Players have started to joke with Kevin Millwood about the constant flow of interviews...
Miggi and Wiggy at third
Miggi and Wiggy at third
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
The Orioles have started infield drills, and Miguel Tejada and Ty Wigginton are taking turns at the hot corner. Infield coach Juan Samuel is hitting fungos as the two players alternate, and they're both handling each ball cleanly. Brian Roberts played catch with Tejada before players split up into different groups. Roberts is taking grounders at second. Chris Tillman participated in the pre-workout stretch and jog. No word yet whether he'll throw in the bullpen.
Quick updates
Quick updates
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
Brad Bergesen threw off flat ground again today without any problems. Chris Tillman participated in every drill and is scheduled to throw off a mound tomorrow. Brian Roberts did everything except take live batting practice. He's getting ready to hit in the cage. Everyone has reported to camp. No visa issues.
Samuel talks about Tejada (with Tejada quotes added)
Samuel talks about Tejada (with Tejada quotes added)
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
Orioles third base coach Juan Samuel might have paid Miguel Tejada the ultimate compliment earlier today. "He took all the ground balls," Samuel said, "and I told him, 'Hey man, you look like a third baseman already.'" That's probably more than you could expect on Tejada's first day. "The ball's going to get to him a little bit quicker there than it is at shortstop," Samuel said. "At shortstop, you've got a clear view of the catcher. You see the pitch. You've just got to be...