Riggleman: We will push from day one
Riggleman: We will push from day one
Byron Kerr
Nationals
I had a chance to speak with Nationals manager Jim Riggleman as spring training 2010 gets underway today. We went over several of the important issues the Nats have solved and that they face as they embark on Jim's first full year as the Nats skipper. On the signing of Adam Kennedy at second base: "At this point, Mike has really addressed every issue we talked about since August with Adam Kennedy being one of those guys. We felt we needed add another infielder. It's a perfect match, a...
Chico making adjustments after bullpen session (with audio)
Chico making adjustments after bullpen session (with audio)
Byron Kerr
Nationals
I spoke with Nationals left-hander Matt Chico today on his first bullpen session. He's in the same group as Stephen Strasburg, which he touches on a little bit in our conversation. Chico talked to me about what pitches he threw and how his arm feels today. He also shared what Steve McCatty and minor league pitching coordinator Spin Williams told him after the session and what refinements he'd like to make to his changeup. Chico even breaks down what, mechanically, he's working on and...
Mock: "Everything is running very smoothly"
Mock: "Everything is running very smoothly"
Byron Kerr
Nationals
Nationals pitcher Garrett Mock gives us an update of how spring training is going so far as I caught up with him for a question and answer session. We talked about his two bullpen sessions and what he thinks of pitching in the first game of spring training. On pitching in the first split squad game March 4th against the Astros (J.D. Martin will start the other split squad game vs. the Marlins): "It should be a fun experience. It doesn't mean that much to me to be the first starter in...
Could Strasburg debut in Woodbridge?
Could Strasburg debut in Woodbridge?
Byron Kerr
Nationals
With all the buzz continuing towards swarm proportions regarding baseball phenom Stephen Strasburg and when he will pitch in the majors, I thought it would be great to check in with the Potomac Nationals, The Nats High Class A affiliate in my beautiful hometown of Woodbridge, Virginia. Potomac has been mentioned as a likely starting point for Stephen as he makes his way to Nats Park in the (hopefully) near future. Jonathan Griffith, the Vice President and General Manager of the Potomac...
Desmond wants to stay "hungry"
Desmond wants to stay "hungry"
Byron Kerr
Nationals
Nationals shortstop Ian Desmond told me this week he gets to camp every day before 7:00 a.m. because he wants to be there "early, as a younger player". He reads on the board what he will work on that day and gets on the field. He spent a few moments with me talking about his experiences so far and the possibility he could be the everyday shortstop for the Nationals. How has spring training gone for you so far? "I got here early and settled in (February 10th). I feel really good. My...
Baseball Prospectus on the Nats and Strasburg
Baseball Prospectus on the Nats and Strasburg
Byron Kerr
Nationals
As the Nationals get ready to play actual baseball against other teams (yes!) at spring training, I thought it would be good to see what others think about the Nationals and some of their young talent. Steven Goldman, one of the editors of the 2010 Baseball Prospectus, joined me recently to preview major league baseball for the upcoming season. Goldman has helped run the annual for five seasons. I had a chance to ask Steven about the Prospectus and how it is put together (not easy), how he...
Nyjer Morgan's nickname for Maxwell
Nyjer Morgan's nickname for Maxwell
Byron Kerr
Nationals
Nats outfielder Justin Maxwell gets his first start in center field Thursday versus the Marlins. I spoke with Justin to get his pulse on spring training so far. He talked about a variety of subjects including how his swing is feeling in spring training, how is stance is set this season in the batters box and the different feeling in the clubhouse this year. Maxwell says expectations are high for this team, and he comments on what the young guys have learned from the veterans who have been in...
What's it like to face Stephen Strasburg?
What's it like to face Stephen Strasburg?
Byron Kerr
Nationals
As we get ready to embark on the first "Strasburg game" March 9th on MASN, I had a chance to check in with a collegiate coach that watched his team face Stephen Strasburg in the NCAA tournament and also coached Ryan Zimmerman. What's it like to face Strasburg? What did Zimmerman mean to the University of Virginia program? What's it like to be ranked #1? One person can answer all of these questions; it's UVA head baseball coach Brian O'Connor. The Cavaliers took on Strasburg and San...
Stammen ready to take next step vs. Astros Thursday
Stammen ready to take next step vs. Astros Thursday
Byron Kerr
Nationals
Nationals pitcher Craig Stammen checked in to talk about his first outing and the strides he's making heading into his second game against the Astros on Thursday. Stammen says the jitters from his first outing are out of the way and his bullpen session went very well on Monday. On his first outing: "I felt good. It was nice for me to pitch without pain and be at full strength and let some things go a little bit. I'm kind of pitching with a new arm a little bit. It took a little time...
Scouting the enemy: The N.L. East (audio)
Scouting the enemy: The N.L. East (audio)
Byron Kerr
Nationals
What will the Nationals be up against in the N.L. East in 2010? They've had trouble getting off to good starts the last two seasons, especially early on against the Phillies and the Marlins, so it is imperative they begin quickly and not dig themselves an early hole. Steven Goldman, top editor for the Baseball Prospectus, breaks down the Nationals' competition for us in the Eastern division. The Phillies are the favorites again. Goldman thinks they should have worked harder to keep Cliff...