First Ladies Take on Alzheimer's

First Ladies Take on Alzheimer's
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
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)
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...

Early observations (with Luke Scott quotes)

Early observations (with Luke Scott quotes)
Cesar Izturis, Ty Wigginton and Michael Aubrey have rolled into camp. Luke Scott shaved his beard. He said the clippers jammed up a few times and his face felt "cold." Scott hasn't been told where he'll play this spring, so he's prepared to shag flys and take ground balls at first. As the Orioles made their roster moves over the winter, Scott had to wonder how he'd be impacted. "Personally, everyone wants to have a really good idea of where they're going to fit it, what they're...

Updated Spring Training Broadcast Schedule

Updated Spring Training Broadcast Schedule
Just a quick update of the spring training broadcast schedule with radio and MLB Network games added. WFED 1500 AM carries Nationals games in the D.C. area. Affiliate listings can be found on Nationals.com and MLB Network is available nationally. MLB Network's 30 Clubs in 30 Days featuring the Nationals airs on March 16th. And, XM Sirius satellite radio customers will enjoy spring training interviews from Nationals camp on Monday, March 22nd. Spring Training Broadcast Schedule: March...

Where at Nats Park (Updated)

Where at Nats Park (Updated)
First, a few reminders: Single game tickets go on sale today at 10 a.m. Ballpark tours have resumed. Proceeds benefit the Washington Nationals Dream Foundation. Ben Goessling is chatting tonight right here on MASNsports.com. MASN is televising Stephen Strasburg's spring training debut on March 9. And now for the weekly Where at Nats Park challenge... I apologize for the delay this week. I was feeling a bit under the weather all weekend. Good luck! Answer: Walter Johnson's...

Tillman update

Tillman update
Chris Tillman won't throw in the bullpen today, as he continues to deal with the back spasms that forced him off the field yesterday. Tillman stood and watched as the Orioles played catch after stretching. He's walking to each station, but he hasn't picked up a ball.

A few post-workout notes

A few post-workout notes
Chris Tillman said his back tightened up again during the night, but it felt better as the day progressed. "I probably could have gone through the whole workout, but that would have been dumb on my part," he said. "I've still got a lot of time to get in shape, and I came into camp with my arm in good shape." Tillman hopes to complete a side session tomorrow. "He did a lot of bullpens before he came," manager Dave Trembley said. "He's fine. He's not behind or anything. I think he...

One More Week

One More Week
In just seven days, I'll be packing my bags and heading to Viera, FL to take in the sights and sounds of spring training. I hope it warms up! It will be my third trip to Nationals spring training camp, so I've learned my way around a bit, but I'm as excited as ever. I even earned a free voucher to Walt Disney World from Disney's Give a Day, Get a Day service project, which I can't wait to redeem. Anyway, I thought I'd open this up as a fan-centric spring training discussion. ...

Think Pink

Think Pink
Cherry Blossoms: It's too bad those cherry blossoms in left field can't bloom all summer. Luckily, they do arrive just in time for Opening Day. This year, the Nationals will partner with the National Cherry Blossom Festival to celebrate the annual two-week DC festival and commemorate 98th anniversary of the 1912 gift of cherry blossom trees from Japan. "The blooming of the cherry blossoms and the crack of the bat have come to signify the start of Spring in Washington," said Nationals...

Where at Nats Park (Updated)

Where at Nats Park (Updated)
What a beautiful day in NatsTown. Are you ready for some Nationals baseball on MASN tomorrow? Don't forget that coverage of Stephen Strasburg's spring training debut begins on Tuesday at 1:00 p.m. on MASN and MASN HD. By the way, did you catch the Strasburg feature story on CBS News this weekend? Check it out here! This week's contest: Remember, I'll hide the correct answers until Wednesday. Good luck! Answer: Nationals cap awning over the team store in Center Field Plaza -- aka,...

Happy Strasburg Day

Happy Strasburg Day
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
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
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
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"
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
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
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
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
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.