It's official: Let's Go Capps!
It's official: Let's Go Capps!
Byron Kerr
Nationals
The Nationals made it official today with the announcement that closer Matt Capps has signed with the team. The 26-year-old brings impressive experience to Nats Park. With the Pirates, Capps had 67 saves, 29 holds, 3.61 ERA and a 19-19 record in five seasons. Pitching Coach Steve McCatty says Capps "wants the ball. He is a tremendous competitor. We all like him. He seems to love to have the opportunity every game." Manager Jim Riggleman told me Capps will be a "huge help for our...
After illness Marrero feeling confident about 2010
After illness Marrero feeling confident about 2010
Byron Kerr
Nationals
I had a nice talk with Nationals minor league first baseman Chris Marrero today as he gets ready for this season. Marrero was a busy man this past season with stops in Potomac, Harrisburg and Phoenix, spanning over 150 games. Chris feels better this week after getting over a bout of food poisioning (possibly from some undercooked chicken) that landed him in the hospital for a night. I talked to him about his season with Potomac and Harrisburg and Arizona winter ball: "My number one goal...
Nats Winter Caravan Schedule breakdown
Nats Winter Caravan Schedule breakdown
Byron Kerr
Nationals
The Nationals announced the winter caravan schedule which comes up this year January 27th through the 31st, 2010. Several big name Nats will make appearances including Ryan Zimmerman, Adam Dunn, Pudge Rodriguez and John Lannan. Several of the events are open to the public in Virginia, Maryland and D.C. including stops at Ben's Chili Bowl, P-Nats complex in Woodbridge, a Capitals hockey game and Hard Times Cafe. There is also the ticketed events with the popular second annual Hot Stove...
Could Dukes have a breakout season for Nats?
Could Dukes have a breakout season for Nats?
Byron Kerr
Nationals
Manager Jim Riggleman is excited about the prospects in the Nats outfield this upcoming season, especially the chances of Elijah Dukes having a season to remember. I asked Jim about Dukes recently and he told me, "I think Elijah can have a big year. He did well for himself in right field (last season). He had a lot of assists and is getting to be a finished product at his position." Do you think Elijah can have a big year at the plate? "Offensively, we are just scratching the...
Clippard has a clear view of success in 2010
Clippard has a clear view of success in 2010
Byron Kerr
Nationals
I caught up with Nats reliever Tyler Clippard as he continues to work out in Tampa, Florida in preparation for the 2010 spring training. Clippard finished the season strong with a 4-2 record in 60 plus innings and a 2.69 ERA. He had 7 straight appearances to end the season not allowing any earned runs and only once during that stretch did he allow multiple hits in an outing. Clippard told me he was proud of the way he ended the season: "I was. That was a big thing for me to end on...
Nationals in 2011 and Winter Caravan Update
Nationals in 2011 and Winter Caravan Update
Byron Kerr
Nationals
In my mind (that's scary), I sometimes draw parallels between recruiting in college basketball to free agent shopping in Major League baseball. A good example of this is a collegiate team that has a great recruiting class one season of say five outstanding freshmen. The team improves and plays better that season after two miserable seasons. Then in 2011, the team only has a pair of scholarships available. But they go out and get two pieces that are more precise to what they need, and they...
Could Ian Desmond start at 2B?
Could Ian Desmond start at 2B?
Byron Kerr
Nationals
The Nationals have been linked to Orlando Hudson and even Adam Kennedy as possible answers at second base for 2010, but could it be possible the Nats begin the season with Ian Desmond as the starter at second base? Ian told me "I can play second base and did so last year (with the Nats)." He says he has been taking groundballs at short and second base in his off season preparations. "I have worked out a lot in the infield and have also taken a lot of fly balls in the outfield, pretty...
Randy Knorr thrilled at chance to manage Harrisburg
Randy Knorr thrilled at chance to manage Harrisburg
Byron Kerr
Nationals
41-year old Randy Knorr has been around baseball all his life, appeared in the 1993 World Series while with Toronto, and brings to the table a wealth of knowledge as a player, coach and manager. Knorr was a major league catcher for the Astros, Bluejays, Rangers, Marlins and Expos. Now he has a new challenge before him with the Nationals. After coaching for the Nats in the bullpen last season, The team signed him to become the manager for their Double A affiliate, Harrisburg Senators. He...
Ben Sheets primer
Ben Sheets primer
Byron Kerr
Nationals
It obviously would be another great get for the Nats to sign free agent four-time All-Star right-hander Ben Sheets. He has spent his entire eight-year career with the Milwaukee Brewers and had a very impressive 13-9, 3.09 ERA in 31 starts back in 2008. He had 5 complete games that season and 3 shutouts, which was a career high. Sheets won a Gold Medal for the U.S.A. in 2000 Summer Olympics in which he pitched 22 innings, struck out 11 batters, walked one, and gave up 11 hits during the...
Bergmann ready for the Nats to win
Bergmann ready for the Nats to win
Byron Kerr
Nationals
Nats veteran relief pitcher Jason Bergmann was one of four players to resign with the team yesterday. Bergmann received a one-year deal worth a reported $750,000. I spoke with Jason about his new contract and the future of the Nats as spring training draws closer in Viera. Jason and his family live in Viera where he has been training and getting ready for 2010. He told me he was driving by Space Coast Stadium as we spoke about his new deal. Congratulations on your new deal with the Nats. ...