Berken up the wrong tree
Berken up the wrong tree
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
Jason Berken was pleased with his bullpen session today, his second since reporting to camp. Berken threw 35 pitches, most of them fastballs. But he also mixed in his changeup and breaking ball. Earlier this winter, I speculated that Berken or David Hernandez could move to the bullpen as part of the 12-man pitching staff. I'm not as confident in that arrangement now that the Orioles want to keep a left-handed specialist - assuming Will Ohman, Alberto Castillo, Mike Hinckley or Wilfrido Perez...
A Special Valentine's Day for Nieves
A Special Valentine's Day for Nieves
Josh Land
Nationals
This Valentine's Day, Wil Nieves and his wife Yormarie have a lot to celebrate. The couple will welcome their first child in August of this year, a miracle they've been anxiously awaiting for some time. They met back in November of 2002 on a blind date. In fact, they can tell you the exact date. Nieves had just finished his rookie season with the Padres. "For me, it was love at first sight," Yormarie said. And Wil knew during those first few dates that she was "a keeper." ...
Where at Nats Park? (Updated)
Where at Nats Park? (Updated)
Josh Land
Nationals
Happy President's Day. Speaking of President's, be sure to check out Nationals Pride and Nats320 for photos from this weekend's President's Race auditions. Now, on to this week's Where at Nats Park challenge... Can you identify what this is and where it was taken? Put your guesses in the comments below and remember, I'll hide the correct answers until Wednesday so that everyone can have a shot at it. We'll try to count up your correct guesses for the contest so far later this...
Ready for spring training?
Ready for spring training?
Josh Land
Nationals
Don't let the snow drifts fool you. It's time for spring training. Pitchers and catchers report to Nationals camp in sunny Viera, FL on Friday which means that we have just two more days before a brand new season begins. It's the most exciting time of the year for fans, especially those of us buried under a blanket of snow. It's a sign that summer is quickly approaching along with another season of Nationals baseball. Just in time for the start of spring training, MASN released its...
Don't forget to read your Wieters
Don't forget to read your Wieters
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
Matt Wieters caught Alfredo Simon's bullpen session yesterday. And like the rest of us, he's amazed that the right-hander is less than a year removed from ligament-reconstructive surgery. "I was really impressed with the life he had on his fastball, especially coming off Tommy John," Wieters said. "His fastball was very lively. It was a lot more lively than I was expecting it to be this early in spring training." Wieters also was impressed by Cla Meredith. "He really stuck out to...
Five-game, $15-Million Strasburg Plan (Updated)
Five-game, $15-Million Strasburg Plan (Updated)
Josh Land
Nationals
On Tuesday afternoon, the Potomac Nationals announced a special five-game ticket plan in preparation for a possible Stephen Strasburg debut at Pfitzner Stadium in Woodbridge this season. The $15 Million Plan, named for Strasburg's contract, includes Opening Day on April 8th and four flexible games that can be used to watch possible Strasburg starts. The plan does not guarantee that Strasburg will debut at Potomac, nor stay for five starts, but the P-Nats wanted to get started early. ...
Where at Nats Park? (Updated)
Where at Nats Park? (Updated)
Josh Land
Nationals
It sure feels like spring might finally be on its way. Before long, we'll all be at Nationals Park enjoying our summer nights -- and I'll have to think twice as hard to stump you! Here's this week's challenge: Good luck! We'll do the tally this week since last week was a bit too hard. Remember, I'll hide the correct answers until Wednesday. ANSWER: This is a curly W flag that waves high above the Nats Family Fun Area in center/right field. Good work!
First Ladies Take on Alzheimer's
First Ladies Take on Alzheimer's
Josh Land
Nationals
Eager to get involved in the community around their spring training home, the First Ladies, a group of wives and girlfriends of Nationals players, is participating in the Alzheimer's Association's annual Memory Walk this spring. In 2009, Shari Langerhans, wife of then-National Ryan Langerhans, asked the First Ladies to participate. This year, the women decided to get involved again. "We would love to make it a yearly Spring Training tradition to participate in the Walk," said Ashley...
A suite way to help a good cause
A suite way to help a good cause
Josh Land
Nationals
Imagine enjoying that Nationals vs. Red Sox exhibition game from a luxury suite at Nationals Park -- complete with delicious food, refreshing beverages and free parking. Now think of eighteen friends who might want to enjoy a baseball experience like that with you... Got it? Okay, good because... Rosie's Broadway Kids, a nonprofit organization led by Rosie O'Donnell which funds art programs for New York City children, is conducting an interesting raffle to raise money for their cause. Of...
Choose the third 2010 Nats Bobblehead (Updated)
Choose the third 2010 Nats Bobblehead (Updated)
Josh Land
Nationals
There are so many decisions in baseball that fans just can't control. You can debate trades, signings, contracts and strategy all day long, but Mike Rizzo and Jim Riggleman aren't necessarily calling to get your expert advice. However, there is one decision that you can make this season and it's related to a very important topic: bobbleheads. Which Washington Nationals player, coach or mascot should be replicated on the third bobblehead this year? It's up to you. Voting is now open at...