MASNblogs Archive
After learning Nolan Reimold had been named AL Rookie of the Month Friday, I spoke to John "T-Bone" Shelby about the Orioles outfield. He told me, forget the future, he'd put the trio of Nick Markakis, Adam Jones, and Reimold up against any other outfield in the American League. ...
Hi NatsTown, As most of you know, the Draft was last month and yesterday was the beginning of the International Free Agent signing period. Since I have been a part of that process as a player, a player development staff member, and Big League Manager, I wanted to talk ...
Bucc-ing the System The newest members of the Nationals, former Pittsburgh Pirates OF Nyjer Morgan and LHP Sean Burnett, began their day on Wednesday at 4:00 a.m. in Pittsburgh and made it to Miami in time for the Nats' finale in Florida against the Marlins. Burnett admitted he was ...
Matt Wieters grew up in South Carolina where Atlanta Braves games were broadcast on television. He told me he was already switch hitting when Chipper Jones became popular with Atlanta in the mid 90's, but watching Jones inspired him to focus on becoming good at hitting from both sides ...
Happy, as usual, to hear from fans of baseball and the Nationals, Manny Acta recently took a few minutes to respond to a series of fan questions on his posts about his favorite new ballparks and the ins and outs of Interleague Play. Read on to find out how ...
Despite a summer bug that had Brian Roberts feeling a little under the hot and humid weather, he needed only the usual minute or two to organize his thoughts on the Orioles in order to check in with his fans as he does each week during the season. Touching ...
Who makes the call to stretch a single into a double or to send a runner home from second? Where does Rich Hill fit into the Orioles pitching staff in the long term? What does the Skipper think of the O's first-round draft pick Matt Hobgood? ...
Everything! Willie is the complete pro who comes to the ballpark every day ready to give it his best shot. If Manny Acta wants leadership, Willie will give it to him. ...
Former Marlins Face Old Friends In Florida Scott Olsen threw well enough for the Nationals to beat the Marlins. Unfortunately, the bullpen could not hold on. After Monday's game in Miami, Scott credited the Nats training staff for helping him get back on track. He said he's been doing ...
In my last entry I talked about why I feel Interleague games have lost their luster and are not as appealing to fans. I received more responses on the Interleague topic than any other, and the consensus is that fans and players do still like the concept and want ...
Finally, back in the American League. Personally, I don't really like Interleague baseball as I think it takes away from the postseason and the World Series. But since I cover the Orioles, I am glad they 're back in their own division for the sake of the manager and ...
For the second straight year, MASN used the innovative approach of sharing announcers for our two Interleague series with the Nats and Orioles. We hope you enjoyed it - now let me tell you what makes it work. ...
ORIOLES...Still having a tough time getting the job done on Sunday (3-9 record this season)...O's take 2 of 3 from the Nats and finish Interleague play at 11-7... back to reality with the Red Sox coming to town for a three-game series...Red Sox Nation invasion! Be ready... first match-up ...
Nationals left hander Matt Chico enjoyed a rehab assignment with the Harrisburg Senators Saturday, he started and went 3 innings, allowing 1 run but no earned runs and 2 hits, walking 2 and striking out 1. So 4 games in the minors in the books and in 14 innings ...
It will be interesting to see what decisions the Nationals will make pertaining to roster spots as we approach the All-Star break and begin a push for an improved second half of the season. A lot of question marks still abound for a ballclub that has had trouble coordinating ...
I was able to take in the press conference for the signing of Matt Hobgood Saturday. The first-round draft choice for the Orioles this year has all the tools, including a fastball that touches 97 - with an understanding that getting ahead in the count and mixing his pitches ...
Willie Harris: Player of the World! Nationals principal owner Mark Lerner admitted to me this week that Nats utilityman Willie Harris is his favorite player. He also added that he wished he had a whole team of players like Willie. Last year when Willie earned Player of the Week ...
With the Nationals preparing for a Battle of the Beltways matchup against the Orioles, Manny Acta sat down with Pete McElroy for his latest MASNsports.com video blog. The Nats' skipper discussed his team's strong performance in Interleague Play against the difficult American League East, their improved defensive effort, and ...
Melvin Mora told me he doesn't care where he hits in the lineup, but obviously he doesn't feel he belongs in the seventh spot. He said he's always hit second or third in his career and we've seen the type of career he's had as a hitter. ...
Part of what makes up a big league pitcher is learning the major league hitters. It's as big a part of your game as mastering off-speed pitches when you are behind in the count. ...
On the field at Land Shark Stadium in hot, sunny Miami, Florida, Dave Trembley sat down with MASN's Carolyn Wiedel for his latest video journal entry, where he admits this week's update is an upbeat one thanks to some good baseball from the Orioles recently. "Good team baseball" and ...
With the team down in South Florida for a three-game series against the Marlins, Brian Roberts made a trip outside into the muggy weather to shoot his latest video blog. In last week's This or That segment, Brian said he'd prefer a game-winning hit to a game-saving defensive play, ...
"COME ON DOWN!" Just thought I'd say that for fun. Actually, I didn't expect to get such a great response to my last entry, but it was a lot of fun to hear from all of you, so let's keep it going. First off, let me say that it ...
Hello Everyone, I hope all is well with you and your loved ones. Thanks for your comments about the new stadiums. Today's blog will be about Interleague play. Just as we saw with my last blog about favorite stadiums, and just like everything in life, everybody is entitled to ...
Craig Stammen Ready for Sox... Nats rookie Craig Stammen is coming off the best outing of his career--a 1-0 shutout against the New York Yankees. He, in fact, will go down in the record books as the first pitcher recording a shutout in the new Yankee Stadium. ...
The Orioles have closed in on a .500 record with a red hot run through the Interleague portion of their 2009 schedule. The Birds have the best Interleague record in the American League at 9-3. They have played some of their best ball all against the NL East, including ...
What a great Father's Day, hanging at the ballpark and watching the Nats play. Walked through the CF gate on a beautiful day, a little bit of breeze to help out a little, and partly sunny skies. We got our picture taken just inside the centerfield gate, grabbed a ...
ORIOLES... feeling hot hot hot...and for good reason! Not just because they are down in sunny south FL to take on the Marlins starting Tuesday, but they just swept the Phillies in the City of Brotherly Love, have won 7 of 8, and are 9-3 in Interleague play. The ...
A few days before you would normally be expecting a new Brian Roberts video blog this week, the wait is already over. No, Brian hasn't checked in from the road already this week. Instead, he filmed an extra, fun segment with MASNsports.com to bring you something new and different ...
On this Monday off day, there's time to savor the best week of Nationals baseball so far this season--four wins in six games against two of the best in the American League East. With the Red Sox coming to town and the ballpark about to be filled three nights ...
Taking two out of three at Yankee Stadium from the bronx bombers followed by those same numbers from the Toronto Blue Jays does not make a season. But it sure had more people talking about our ballclub than at any time this season, and I'll gladly take a four-game ...
Sometimes it's the little things in life that you grow to appreciate. After Sunday's game against the Blue Jays, the Nationals will hold their inaugural Father's Day Catch at Nationals Park. A group of 150 Nationals fans will be able to take the field and play catch. ...
If you're waiting for an answer to the headline of this blog: YES, YES, YES. For me its a slam dunk. I think that we have set the table, or at least are very close to defining the next ten years of Oriole baseball. ...
I was just reading the article about Brad Bergesen and his dad on Orioles.com. Okay, I am officially jealous. What a wonderful story. Good for both of them. I had hardly made it halfway through the article before my eyes welled up and I had to go for the ...
Thursday night I interviewed Aubrey Huff live on MASN's O's Xtra post game show. He had just driven in the game winning run against the Mets for the series win. ...
Just a quick note to thank everyone who took the time to make a donation or stop by in person at Wednesday night's "Buzz a Thon" held at Kentlands Barber shop. The shop's owner, Bernie Alferez, gets a big THANK YOU for opening his doors to the general public ...
Dunn Digging the DH... Adam Dunn told me it's been helpful having the opportunity to DH this week. Nats skipper Manny Act said he's been using the DH to give some of his regulars a rest. ...
Hey NatsTown, I hope all is well. With Interleague play taking us to new ballparks like the new Yankee Stadium, in today's blog I'm going to discuss some of the newly built stadiums, and a couple that have been built over the last few years. Since we're currently playing ...
The rain pushed Brian Roberts into the dugout for this week's MASNsports.com video blog, but the Orioles' second baseman was still happy to check in with an update and answer a few questions from his fans. Brian discussed the Birds' strong series against the Braves and commented that it ...
Got the chance to talk with Acting General Manager Mike Rizzo in St. Petersburg, Florida to talk Nats, Stephen Strasburg and his baseball playing career. Mike told me he has a great relationship with Strasburg's agent, Scott Boras, dating back to his days in Arizona with theD'Backs. He said ...
Nationals Southpaw John Lannan will take the mound tonight against a team he grew up rooting for. As a youngster, his father, Ed, would take him to the old Yankee Stadium and they would watch the likes of Derek Jeter, Bernie Williams, Don Mattingly and others donning the precious ...
When Major League Baseball made interleague play part of the schedule in 1997, there was genuine excitement and interest in the games between American and National league teams. But now, in its 13th season, interleague games just don't have the flair they once had. ...
Ty Wigginton was not in the lineup Tuesday despite going 3-for-4 with two homers and three RBI's on Sunday (O's had Monday off). Many in the media thought that was odd. Apparently so did Wigginton, but he clearly didn't have any intentions of becoming vocal about his displeasure. ...
With the Orioles' offense heating up the last few games, O's manager Dave Trembley sat down with Roch Kubatko for another edition of his weekly video journal. In response to the increased offense recently, Dave gave his take on what might have been the spark that's helped the O's ...
Monday was an off day for the ballclub, so I took my clubs and went over to Norbeck CC to play in the 4th annual St. Ann's infant home/Michelle Heidenberger Memorial Golf Tournament. It's something I always look forward to, visiting with Sr Mary Bader, the home's administrator and ...
ORIOLES... Their bats came alive over the weekend... last 2 games = 19 runs / previous 11 games = 19 runs! Hello!! Inter-league play continues this week...the Mets are coming to The Yard (no Santana) and then the O's head to the City of Brotherly Love... Rich Hill, Brad ...
There are times in baseball when you have to wonder, "What is going on here? Is there any justice in this game?" This past weekend's three-game sweep at the hands of the Tampa Bay Rays was one (or two or three) of those times. ...
I like what I see from Robert Andino. He didn't get a chance to play every day for the Marlins. They have some guy named Hanley Ramirez. It didn't look like he would get a chance to play every day here either. The Orioles had just signed some guy ...
How frustrating was it to see the Orioles leave the bases loaded in the first inning of Friday's game against the Braves? ...
The Nationals couldn't get anybody out for almost two months. The offense was lights out, hitting home runs at a Nats record rate and scoring runs like crazy--5+ a game from April to May 27th. ...
Right now I guess it would be easy to jump on the bandwagon and say Jeremy Guthrie isn't doing very well. But dont throw him under the bus quite yet. ...
Baseball players just might be the most superstitious of all professional athletes. That was very apparent Tuesday night when George Sherrill was joking around with a reporter from MLB.com after the game. ...
Brad Bergesen has been a real joy to watch since he joined the ballclub in April. Brad might not light up the radar guns, but he can pitch and has earned a spot in the rotation by throwing strikes throughout his minor league career. But the were some adjustments ...
Before the fifth of six games against the Mariners in 11 days, Dave Trembley sat down with MASN's Carolyn Wiedel for the latest entry for his weekly video journal. Dave speculated on why he thinks the O's tend to play better at home at Oriole Park, touched on the ...
Back in Baltimore after a west coast road trip that had Brian visiting fans from Seattle for his last video blog entry, B-Rob sat down to film this week's post from his familiar seat atop the dugout at Camden Yards. Brian touched on the O's rough road trip, but ...
Jim Callis from Baseball America tells me the negotiations between Stephen Strasburg's agent Scott Boras and Mike Rizzo won't be as contentious as people might expect and that the Nationals do have some good cards on their side of the table. It won't be the $50 million that everyone ...
Hey NatsTown, I hope all is well. Today, I thought I'd give you a glimpse of traveling day routines for a Washington Nationals player or staff member. We have three different ways of traveling when leaving Nationals Park: flying, taking the train to NY, and riding buses to Philly. ...
The "Draft Room" at Nationals Park has been active since 9:00 a.m. Monday morning. Nationals scouts from across the country have been meeting at the ballpark now for two weeks to prepare for Tuesday's historic day. ...
Orioles...Coming off a horrible road trip (1-5)... bats NEED to start cranking! I LOVE interleague play... the Braves and the Mets come to THE YARD... and it is time for Matt "Switch Hitting Jesus" Weiters to start CRUSHING it. Matt was 2 for 17 (.143) on this trip to ...
Tuesday is a very special day for Washignton baseball fans. The Nationals have the number one pick, as well as the 10th pick overall in the First-Year Player Draft. ...
The Birds return to The Yard Tuesday after going 1-5 on the recent road trip. There are low points in every season, but this one feels particularly painful for the Orioles, perhaps because it followed such a high the week before. ...
I think I know why the Cubs gave up on Hill so soon. After a very good season in 2007, the Cubs shipped him back to the minors in 2008 after a few starts. ...
There are certain times during a baseball season when everything lines up the right way, and when the game is over, you know you've been a part of something special. Saturday night was one of those times. ...
The Orioles aren't going to get back in the win column until the offense starts scoring runs again. It's been very surprising just how cold the bats have gone lately. ...
In the middle of a nine-game homestand against the Giants, Mets, and Reds, Manny Acta checked in with his blog and his fans to see what you were wondering about in NatsTown this week. Check out Manny's in-depth explanation of just what "infield practice" entails and why guys like ...
Historically, lefty hitters have struggled against lefty pitchers. Over his career, Randy Johnson has held left-handed batters to a .199 batting average while right-handed batters have hit only .244 against him. Let's hope the Nationals don't swing at the Randy Johnson name. While he's still impressive, he's not what ...
Even with the Orioles on a west coast road trip, the Warehouse at Camden Yards has been a buzz of activity as Joe Jordan and his staff go through the final preparations for the 2009 First-Year Player Draft. This will be Jordan's fifth draft as the Orioles director of ...
The Orioles are in the middle of a stretch in which they face four consecutive lefties. It's an odd occurrence for one team to see that many southpaws in one week, but it's the luck of the draw. ...
As Manny Acta prepared to sit down with MASNsports.com's Pete McElroy for his latest video blog, the skies opened up at Nationals Park, forcing the skipper to head indoors. Manny was nice enough to move things to his office, where he talked with Pete about a number of Nats-related ...
Fresh off facing former Oriole teammate Eric Bedard, Brian Roberts checked in from Seattle, one of his favorite cities to visit during the season, for his latest MASNsports.com video blog. Brian discussed how he spends his free time on road trips, how being out west affects his preparation and ...
In the midst of a six-game road trip that sees the O's make stops in Seattle and Oakland, Dave Trembley sat down with Carolyn Wiedel for another MASNsports.com video journal. The Birds' skipper talked about the team's latest arrival from the minor leagues - catcher Matt Wieters. ...
The Nationals have the #1 and #10 selections in the baseball amateur draft June 9th and all expect Stephen Strasburg to be the top selection. But who will the Nats go for at #10? How much money will the Nats have to dole out for the services of Strasburg? ...
Jordan Zimmermann will be looking for his third win of the season and his career while five-time Cy Young winner and future Hall of Famer Randy Johnson will be looking for win number 300 of his career. The Road to 300 started when the Big Unit made his big ...
Even though we had a lot of bad weather around Camden Yards during the last homestand, we've had no stormy touchdowns except for the Orioles rotation. Three new pitchers have been elevated to the ML roster, and they are a welcome whirlwind. Brad Bergesen, Jason Berken, and David Hernandez ...
I've seen a few things lately that have nothing to do with baseball and more to do with politics. There are some local writers and bloggers that would like to try and twist what I say as to why the Nationals are not playing well. To me thats about ...
"Monday, Monday ... can't trust that day" - so sang the Mamas and the Papas forty-some years ago. Monday for a lot of us is a day we dread; it's the start of another work week, and Friday seems to be a long way off. I would suggest to ...
Thank goodness June is finally here. The win-loss numbers speak for themselves, so no need to beat a dead horse there. But I've gotta believe things will get better for this ballclub. I can hear the echos now of "Yeah? Tell us how!" ...
Adam Jones doesn't the sweat the Mariners anymore. He used to, just a bit, but not anymore. ...
The Nationals spent some extra time on Sunday morning working on their defense. It's no secret that this is an area the team has struggled with all season, but the Nats are trying to fix that. ...
Hello Everyone, I hope all is well. This week I'm going to let you in on a day's work for us at the major league level when we are at home at Nats Park. It starts earlier than most people think, as coaches show up to the park at ...
It seems that everywhere I go lately people are asking me the same question: How are the Nats going to get better? I could probably answer that question 15 different ways, but what I say is they just need time. ...
Nick Markakis knows what it's like to be a big time prospect. He was selected by the Orioles in the first round of the 2003 player draft, but he told me he has no clue what Matt Wieters is going through in his MLB debut. ...
I thought I should bring you up to speed on the lastest at the 'ole ballpark. In case you haven't heard, there is a new Oriole in the clubhouse and his name is Matt Wieters. ...
Young Guns... The Nationals' young starters have done a solid job keeping the team in games. Now the bullpen needs to pull its weight and start saving some of their games. It's important in the development of these young pitchers to know their wins will remain in tact once ...
I am sure that if you're reading this, you know what's going on with the Orioles. But, just in case you just woke up from a long, long nap. Things are really starting to look up for the Orioles. No, I'm serious! ...
With no shortage of excitement surrounding the O's at the moment, Brian Roberts had plenty to talk about in the latest edition of his video blog on MASNsports.com. B-Rob touched on the exciting wins the team has experienced lately, the promising call-ups of Jason Berken and Nolan Reimold, and ...
It's natural for fans to be excited to see Matt Wieters make his MLB debut on Friday. The Orioles haven't had a long-term offensive-minded catcher since Chris Hoiles, and Wieters is expected to be a major piece of the puzzle going forward. ...
For the first weekend of interleague baseball, the Orioles were scheduled in Washington D.C. for the first of their home and home series against the Nationals. It was a coincidence of the schedule but it was wonderful to be in the nation's capital over Memorial Day weekend. ...
With the Birds back in Baltimore after a long road trip that featured stops in Kansas City, New York and DC, Dave Trembley checked in with MASN's Carolyn Wiedel for this week's video journal entry. On a cool, dreary afternoon, the O's skipper shared his opinion of interleague play ...
Instant replay was supposed to review possible game changing home runs. What it did last night in the Nats' 5-2 Loss to the NY Mets was anything but. ...
Virginia's baseball team won a battle against the Nationals potential #1 overall selection Stephen Strasburg, 5-1 on Friday. Strasburg looked very good despite 2 early mistakes. One was a 98 mph fastball that was hit by Virginia's Phil Gosselin over the left center field wall. The other was a ...
Before the game on Friday night against the Orioles, nine youngsters took the field for the Nationals starting nine. Friday was a Military Appreciation Night and these kids were guests of the Nationals through a program called TAPS (Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors). ...
As reported by MASNsports.com's Roch Kubatko, it's widely believed that right hander Jason Berken will be called up from Triple A Norfolk tomorrow to make the start in place of Adam Eaton who was released by the Orioles over the weekend. Here's some food for thought. Who will be ...
The Nationals' 10-day homestand ended Sunday with an 8-5 win over the Baltimore Orioles. How 'bout a guy named Adam Dunn, getting it done with a two-run homer and a grand slam driving in a career-high six runs! ...
Watching Adam Dunn, Austin Kearns and Kip Wells interact with injured soldiers at Walter Reed Hospital Friday, I couldn't help but admire these different sets of warriors as they spent time together and shared personal moments under difficult circumstances. These Nationals graciously gave of their time on a game ...
I'm no scout. But, Nolan Reimold looks like a player. If I was pitching, I would want him in the lineup. He seems to have all the tools, and more importantly, the instincts to play the game. ...
Let's all revert back to our Sesame Street days and hope the Orioles series against the Nationals this weekend is brought to us by the letters R, B and I. It's an acronym that hasn't showed up on the O's scorecard a whole lot lately. ...
Ross Detwiler and Craig Stammen did something in their respective starts that we haven't seen very often this year from the Nationals' starters. They threw strikes. Detwiler, in only his second full season of professional baseball, pitched as though he was a five-year veteran in the major leagues. ...
From the start I was hoping, as most of us were, that the Orioles would be able to keep up the good play they put on the field in the first eight games. Realistically, I knew it wasn't going to be so easy. But some things have happened that ...
This week we have welcomed Nolan Reimold to the Orioles and watched as he has gotten his first taste of big league baseball - and I think he likes it. I actually saw Nolan sitting in the lobby of the team hotel on Thursday in Kansas City and asked ...
One thing about Nick Johnson this season is that he seems to be doing it all. What a difference a year makes. Wednesday night against the Pirates, Nick tied the game at 1-1 in the fifth inning with an RBI single. He also stole his first base since August ...
Okay let me say it and get it out of the way. This is getting to be ridiculous! Is there no justice in the game of baseball? And just what does this Washington Nationals ballclub have to do to get a win? ...
Every young pitcher coming to the big leagues for the first time has to go through the adjustment process of facing experienced and patient major league hitters. Big league hitters know what they want to hit and they are patient enough to wait out a pitcher, especially an inexperienced ...
When Nolan Reimold was called up to the big leagues on May 14th, it was assumed he only had about twelve days to earn his right to stay. That's not a whole lot of time to show you deserve a longer look in the majors, but Luke Scott is ...
From the middle of the O's road trip covering Kansas CIty, New York, and Washington, Brian Roberts took some time out while at the new Yankee Stadium to check in with his fans for his weekly video blog on MASNsports.com. B-Rob gave his impressions of the new Yankee Stadium, ...
After the excitement of being the last team to play in the old Yankee Stadium, Dave Trembley sat down with MASN's Carolyn Wiedel on the field at the new Yankee Stadium to shoot the latest entry for his weekly video journal. This week Dave gave his impressions of the ...
Hello NatsTown, After playing better baseball during our West Coast trip, we've had a grueling week at home. We faced The Phillies (who had been struggling themselves) and dropped four games in three days, in one of the most tiresome weekends that we have endured so far. ...
Nats Manager Manny Acta spent a good part of his morning on Tuesday visiting with kids at Kimball Elementary, the Nats' adopted school. Manny teamed up with Reading is Fundamental (RIF) President and CEO Carol Rasco to read to 45 second graders at the school. ...
Having a shortstop like Cesar Izturis on the Orioles is a big lift to the pitching staff. It's a pleasure watching him play everyday. It's so important to know that the guys behind you are going to make the routine plays. ...
The Nationals and Phillies all wore #42 Saturday night at Nationals Park in honor of Jackie Robinson, the man who broke the color barrier in baseball. Nats outfielder Willie Harris told me it's special to wear the #42 and he tries to play hard like Jackie Robinson always did. ...
Expect to see Adam Jones back in the lineup when the Orioles open a three-game series against the Yankees on Tuesday night. ...
It wasn't too long ago that I was dressing out in my uniform and heading out to work with the Oriole catchers on some of the fundamentals of the position. It was a time that the O's were talking about a youth movement, and it wasn't going to be ...
Coming off another high-scoring loss Friday night, the Nationals sit among the National League's elite when it comes to offense. The Nats are hitting .277, 3rd in the league and exceeded only by the high-payroll Mets and Dodgers at .291. ...
It looks like tonight's game against the Royals will be played, just much later than expected. It was just announced in the press box here at Kauffman Stadium that we can expect the game to start an hour to an hour and a half late. ...
It is not easy being the back up. You are expected to be ready at all times. You are expected to pick up where the starter left off. Perform at that high level. Sustain the team at the position. That's why I really admire guys like catcher Wil Nieves. ...
Ryan ready for another one... Ryan Zimmerman acknowledged after Wednesday's win over the Giants that he was exhausted and couldn't wait for the day off on Thursday. He also admitted that he now understands more about how tough it was for Yankee legend Joe DiMaggio to set the record ...
We've all heard the expression, "If I had a son, I'd want him to be just like..." - fill in the missing blank. From my perspective, I'd want him to be just like Ryan Zimmerman. All good things must come to an end and the Nationals' third baseman, saw ...
Count Luke Scott out for tonight's game against the Tampa Bay Rays. Dave Trembley thought he'd be available to pinch hit off the bench, but Luke told me he is not. ...
During an appearance at the ESPN Zone in the inner harbor Wednesday, Chris Ray reflected on the lonely time spent in Sarasota last season while rehabbing from reconstructive elbow surgery which cost him the 2008 season. Before signing autographs, Ray spoke to fans, recalling how tedious, and at times ...
On a warm Wednesday afternoon at Camden Yards, Brian Roberts sat down to film the latest post for his video blog on MASNsports.com. From the collective anticipation to check out the new Yankee Stadium to his weekly thoughts on American Idol, Brian takes you though what's new with him ...
Hello NatsTown, I hope all is well with every one of you. It has certainly been an interesting trip for us. LA was a two day trip, where we found a hot Dodgers team that had won 12 games in a row at home; they made it 13 against ...
I have watched this man over the last two-plus years handle himself with so much class. I don't think there is another manager in the game who could have endured as many gut wrenching, last-at-bat defeats. ...
Giants second baseman Emmanuel Burriss told me today it means a lot to him that he is a role model for other inner city kids in the Washington, DC area. He said he hopes he can inspire those youngsters to play baseball. ...
In the latest edition of his MASNsports.com Video Journal, O's manager Dave Trembley sat down with Roch Kubatko and touched on a variety of topics, including Luke Scott's health and Felix Pie's need to find consistency on the diamond. The Birds' skipper also talked in detail about the complex ...
It's good to hear from you all again, and I'm glad I can be answering some of your questions and have the chance to thank those of you who have taken the time to write in your kind words. Keep the questions coming, and we're all looking forward to ...
On Sunday Aubrey Huff did what so many ball players have often dreamed about as kids: hitting a homer against the New York Yankees and a tough pitcher, then celebrating as you run around the bases. The only thing missing was the music from The Natural. Way to go ...
Nats rookie Jordan Zimmermann grew up in Wisconsin, so he enjoys pitching in the cooler weather. We're talking about someone who has pitched in the snow; so this chilly San Francisco weather is nothing to him. ...
Aubrey Huff's imitation of Joba Chamberlain's signature fist pump on Sunday was well done. Huff pumped his fist twice in Chamberlain's direction while running around the bases after hitting a three-run homer off the Yankee pitcher on Mother's Day. ...
West coast swing... Adam Dunn told me after the Nats took two out of three from the Diamondbacks in Arizona that he couldn't remember the last time a team he was on won a series out west. It's a tough thing to do and the Nats should be proud ...
Last season the World Champion Phillies won the NL East by three games over The NY Mets. The Phillies finished 2008 with a 92-70 record. My wife Jonna helped me do this, so if my math is wrong, blame her, she has the Masters in teaching. The Nats can ...
If you haven't stayed up late with us the last few nights from the West Coast, you've missed some interesting and entertaining baseball. There wasn't much memorable from the 10-3 loss at L.A. Wednesday night, but Thursday night's 11-9, come-from-behind win had a little of everything. ...
Old friend and former Nats closer Chad Cordero was sitting behind the Nationals dugout watching his former team defeat the Diamonbacks on Friday night. Before the game, he renewed acquaintances with his former coaches, teammates and friends on the Nationals. ...
If history is any indicator of the future, it would behoove the Orioles to get after C.C. Sabathia early tonight. ...
Baseball needs to look at their drug policy again. Manny Ramirez is in the news for violating the MLB drug policy. He was suspended for 50 games. Period! No excuses! No reasons! No explanations! ...
Manny Ramirez joins a select group of major league players to have been implicated in the use of performance enhancing drugs. Rogers Clemens, Barry Bonds, Jose Canseco, and Alex Rodriguez are marquee names in Baseball. But Manny might be the most prominent of them all. ...
Hello NatsTown, Here we are into our west coast trip, LA - SF - AZ. Frisco is one of my favorite places - shopping for shoes and great seafood by the Bay. But okay, enough about the west coast...How about the kids in the starting rotation? After having a ...
As The Orioles returned home to Camden Yards to open a seven-game homestand, I caught up with hitting coach Terry Crowley to talk about the O's 1-4 road trip and overall team hitting. Talking with "The Crow" on the field during batting practice, I asked Crowley about the numbers ...
In Dave Trembley's latest video journal entry, he and Roch Kubatko discussed the one area Trembley would like to see the improve in the short run, as well as the status of Oriole Ryan Freel. He also answered a few fan questions about how he helps prospects making their ...
The Orioles' schedule has allowed Brian Roberts to shoot his weekly video blog from the dugout at Camden Yards for the last three weeks; and though it was a dreary day in Baltimore, B-Rob was happy to check in with his fans once again. In this week's entry, Brian ...
There's nothing wrong with the offense. This team can score runs. It comes down to the pitching. I guess that's the case with most baseball teams. They always say, pitching and defense. Pitching and defense. But its nice to have an offense after what happened last year. Adam Dunn, ...
Thanks again for your questions Nats fans. Check out my latest responses to some good questions fans have submitted on my past entries, including my thoughts on Hanrahan and the closer situation. ...
Washington Wizards forward Caron Butler redeemed himself on Tuesday when he threw out the ceremonial first pitch before the Nats game against Houston. You might remember the last time he tossed a ceremonial first pitch. It was at RFK in 2007 and embarassingly, it bounced in the dirt. ...
When the Orioles scored three runs in the first inning Monday night against Scott Kazmir and the Rays, it was a good sign of things to come in game one of the abbreviated two-game set to wrap up the road trip. The top of the order has been great ...
So for the first time in three seasons, the Nationals had a pitcher throw a complete game...and win! Hard to believe. The previous two complete games were thrown by Tim Redding and Jason Bergmann, both in 2008, and both were in losing eight-inning efforts. ...
With the Nats waiting to take on the Houston Astros, the rain at Nationals Park forced Manny Acta into the dugout for the latest installment of his video blog. The skipper didn't let the conditions get him down, however, commenting that, "It's still a beautiful day, it's just raining." ...
Washington Nationals principal owner Mark Lerner, Team President Stan Kasten, acting General Manager Mike Rizzo, and Manager Manny Acta should be extremely proud of the players, coaches and staff that represent their organization. First class guys from top to bottom is how I would rank them. ...
One of the weak spots for the Nationals since they moved to DC has been their pitching; but there are a couple of youngsters who are going to change all that. Jordan Zimmermann and Shairon Martis are two of the best young pitchers I've seen in the last 20 ...
It wasn't too long ago that the Orioles were counting on Danys Baez to be the everyday closer. At that time, Baez was struggling to find everything or anything in his arsenal of pitches to justify the mega million dollar signing. ...
Dream Foundation Gala a Hit! It's not very often you get an entire baseball team to attend a charitable dinner together. Well, Saturday night at the Gaylord National Harbor Resort and Convention Center the Nationals did just that. ...
Several things jumped out at me after the Nats lost the second game of the series to the Cardinals Friday night. They were only simple things, but they were simple things that make a difference in winning or losing ballgames. ...
OK, so lets talk about the left field tryout for a moment. So far, not so good. I've heard the hype for Felix Pie for a while now. Not from the Orioles. But, from most of the people who follow the minor leagues. ...
During my 40 years in professional baseball, I have never experienced the lack of control that our pitchers have exhibited during our first 20+ games. With 11 walks, 4 wild pitches, and a hit batter in just a single game, it's unbelievable. ...
Patience of a Saint... You have to give Nats pitching coach Randy St. Claire kudos for coming out to speak with the media after Thursday night's disappointing loss to the St. Louis Cardinals. You could see the look of despair on his face after he watched his pitchers issue ...
Hi everyone, I hope all is well. We are back in D.C., where we just suffered another tough loss. When we left spring training, we knew that our bullpen was going to be our biggest challenge - after all, you just can't replace two back-end bullpen guys like Cordero ...
As the Orioles concluded their nine-game homestand, Koji Uehara gave the starting rotation a much needed deep outing. Uehara pitched 6.1 innings in a tough luck 3-2 loss to the Angels. Getting deep into games has been a consistent dilemma for the Orioles rotation and that has put the ...
After the O's final game of a nine-game homestand, Amber Theoharis stood outside the Birds' locker room to discuss the reason behind the Birds' recent struggles. While the Orioles' bats started the season on fire, Amber talked with Dan Kolko about the lack of clutch hitting of late. ...
This past week I broadcast the first seven games of the nine-game homestand, and I thought I would take you for a spin in the truck to see what goes on behind the scenes with a MASN telecast. I normally start my day with an email from our producer ...
So glad to have you back Guzzie! Now we can see what the lineup was intended to look like from the beginning. Cristian Guzman has been a monster masher against NL East opponents. In 2008, he hit .348 vs. Florida, Philadelphia, Atlanta and the NY Mets. He was scorching ...
Jordan Zimmermann could not have asked for a better start in the big leagues. He's 2-0 after his first two starts, with a 2.38 ERA, and it's worth a mention that he has beaten two division rivals in the Braves and Mets. ...
Thanks as always for submitting your comments and questions to my blog on MASNsports.com. It's been fun to write a blog and then to answer questions and talk to fans of the team. Keep them coming and check back soon for my latest entry of the week, but for ...
Teasing Brian Roberts that age usually comes before beauty, Orioles Manager Dave Trembley sat in the dugout with Roch Kubatko to shoot his latest video journal entry following the filming of B-Rob's video blog. Among other topics, the timing of the O's announcement that Melvin Mora was being reinstated ...
A day early this week because of the afternoon game on Wednesday, Brian sat on top of the O's dugout to shoot his latest video blog entry for MASNsports.com. Despite the heat (even though Brian revealed he'd rather play in hot weather than in the cold--unlike teammate Aubrey Huff!), ...
Go with the Flo... Nats catcher Jesus Flores grew up in Carupano, Venezuela speaking Spanish, but he has made incredible strides in mastering the English language since becoming a professional baseball player. Manny Acta told me it is extremely important for Flores to speak English so he can communicate ...
Could the Orioles be headed toward a logjam in left field? It's looking that way. Felix Pie is clearly still developing, but it seems he's doing it in the major leagues whereas his future competition is developing in the minors. ...
A few days ago I said that I believe the 2009 Nationals will prove to be, by far, the best club that Manny Acta has had during his tenure as manager. To make that argument, I pointed out the offenstive potential of this year's Nationals; to take it one ...
Well we are three weeks into the season, and the Nationals appear to be on their way to finishing last in the NL East. It is not that I, or by anyone else who knows baseball, wasn't ready for it, but it is how they're doing it that is startling. ...
Youth certainly showed through in the Nationals win over the NY Mets Sunday. The Nationals' 24-year-old Catcher Jesus Flores hit another home run and 25-year-old outfielder Justin Maxwell, who started in center, got on base three times and stole two bases. ...
Rookie Hopes to End Road Woes... Nats Rookie pitcher Jordan Zimmerman said he is looking forward to pitching in front of a packed Citi Field and under the spotlight in New York. The stage doesn't get any bigger than this for the young righty who is trying to help ...
I still don't think we are getting enough speed at the top of the lineup to set the table and cause more havoc for opposing pitchers. Anderson Hernandez good choice to lead off. But lets go with Alberto Gonzalez to bat 2nd. I need to see more movement from ...
I believe the 2009 Nationals will prove to be, by far, the best club that Manny Acta has had during his tenure as manager. For today, let's take a look at the offensive potential: ...
Moments ago, the Nats lost their first-ever game at Citi Field in New York, and I have mixed feelings about the ballpark. The Mets may have some hitters who aren't too happy with this place in the months to come. ...
Melvin Mora is eligible to come off the 15-day disabled list this Tuesday April 28th. He said he's feeling better and is continuing to get treatment on his tight hamstring but doesn't want to rush back if he's not one hundred percent. ...
No this entry doesn't have anything to do with Aubry Huff. It actually has to do with a few of you who were upset by my comments a few days ago about the way players prepare themselves for the season and some games in particular. ...
It was nice to see the success of Brad Bergesen on Tuesday night. It was a great night for him and his family, and I know one particular part of his extended family that's feeling proud is the Orioles player development department. ...
So there I was standing by the batting cage before the Nats-Marlins game. One of our newest coaches, bench coach Jim Riggleman walked by. I nodded in his direction, and he replied how are you Mr Holliday. ...
In this day of HDTV and Regional Sports Networks, I thought it might be appropriate to talk about technology and the impact it has on the players who play the game. Often during the course of a telecast, we look at replays of pitches during an at bat to ...
Lannan Successful with First Pitch... John Lannan threw first pitch strikes to 17 of the 28 Braves batters that he faced on Wednesday night. That's something that Nats pitching coach Randy St. Claire has been preaching to the 24-year-old lefty since he first put on a big league uniform. ...
Brad Bergesen was spectacular in his Orioles debut against the White Sox. He had a plan; he executed the plan; and he pitched. He mixed up his pitches, used his slider and change up effectively and he held a very good hitting White Sox team in check. ...
Straight from a meeting and thoughtful enough not to make anyone wait on him to change into his uniform, Brian sat in the damp dugout in his dress clothes to check in with his fans for his latest video blog on MASNsports.com. Addressing the tough road trip, Brian admitted ...
It's amazing how the Orioles offense heats up again when they have a pitcher on the mound who works fast, gets quick outs and gets his defense back in the dugout. ...
Justin Maxwell is adjusting well to his new role with the Nationals, even though it's only been a couple of days. He's also adjusting to being a first time father, but more on that in a moment. ...
Happy to be out of the rough weather the O's ran into on their last road trip, manager Dave Trembley sat with MASNsports.com's Roch Kubatko on a clear, sunny afternoon at Oriole Park to discuss the state of the O's in his latest video journal entry. Roch and Dave ...
Hi everyone, Great news in NatsTown - the signing of Ryan is a huge step in the right direction. It is an excellent move, knowing that for five years we are going to have him without the talks of arbitration or free agency. It's a very good feeling. ...
I wasn't here last year, so I didn't get to see all 102 losses; but I would guess many of those could have gone the Nationals' way if the players were ready on every play and every pitch. All baseball players and professional athletes are not that much different ...
The Z man is the concrete foundation of this club, and it was a huge get by the front office to lock him in for years to come. Ryan Zimmerman is one of those anchor type players for a young franchise. He is a great citizen and a local ...
When things aren't going as everyone might hope in NatsTown, Manny Acta isn't hiding from anyone. Instead, here are his direct responses to fans of the ballclub he's trying to bring around; he addresses some fans' doubts and explains the posititive attitude he never seems to lose hold of ...
To lose to the team in baseball with the most wins is nothing to be ashamed about. But it was the way the Nationals got swept by the Florida Marlins that really got under Manager Manny Acta's skin. ...
Nats outfielder Roger Bernadina visited the Nats clubhouse this morning just hours after having two screws put in his fractured right ankle. He could be walking in a month, and he told me he hopes to begin his rehab in about two months, though he added that he wants ...
Ollie Rematch with friends now foes: The Marlins... Scott Olsen spent some time Friday renewing acquaintances with his former Florida teammates. During the baseball season this year, Olsen has a tenant in his South Florida home--Marlins closer Matt Lindstrom. Olsen told me that so far Lindstrom is neat, keeping ...
The Orioles are taking too long to get off the field when on defense. Today in Boston Dave Trembley spoke about the value of quick outs. It's a big reason why the Orioles pitchers are struggling to go deep in games. ...
Monday was a tough day at Nationals Park as we were stunned by the death of Harry Kalas. I'll add my thoughts to the long list of accolades he is getting this week. ...
As I sit at my desk watching the opening game of four against the Red Sox I am reminded of just how much I hate the dread pirate Youkilis. I don't know about you, but in the last few years I have grown to hate the Red Sox more than ...
This week B-Rob shot his first video blog from the road during a trip splitting six games between Texas and Boston--in the past, he kept up with his blog on MASNsports.com by calling in to talk with fans through an audio entry when the Birds were on the road; ...
We are winning games, but the starters have got to start going deeper. I know it's only the first week of the season, but at this rate our bullpen will be wiped out by the All-Star break. ...
I'm sure by now every Oriole fan knows who Adam Jones is. Maybe because of the position the O's have been in for the last, say, 10 years, no one has really taken a good look. Well in case you haven't noticed, he is playing center field for the ...
Caps forward Brooks Laich took in the game Thursday night with his dad, Harold. The Caps are in the playoffs and coming off a disappointing Game One 4-3 loss to the Rangers, so it was nice for Laich to take a break from the rink for a little bit ...
With the Nats back in DC for the first homestand of the season, Manny Acta took some time to sit down with MASNsports.com's Pete McElroy for his first video blog of the season. The Nats' skipper discussed the slow start to the '09 season, but he kept things positive, ...
The Nats' outfield picture cleared up a little bit this week when Lastings Milledge was optioned to AAA and Roger Bernadina was recalled. Bernadina will give Manny another left-handed pinch hitting option, as well as a base stealing threat. I wouldn't be surprised to see him used in late ...
While in Texas for the O's first road series of the season, Dave Trembley took some time to sit down with MASN's Carolyn Wiedel for his weekly MASNsports.com video journal. The skipper talked about the Orioles' strong hitting the first week of the season and the importance of getting ...
When the Washington Nationals sent Lastings Milledge down to Triple A, it helped to loosen up the log jam in the outfield; but it should also help the pitching. You always hear the phrase "pitching and defense win Championships," but why? ...
Update: Dave Trembley said today before the game that he's leaning toward starting Hendrickson Monday in Fenway. With the day off Thursday he'll be on his normal turn. Trembley did add that the decision will depend on how Hendrickson does in Texas tonight. If Hendrickson starts Monday, that will ...
With their series win in Texas to begin the first road trip of the season, the Orioles have put together three consecutive series wins to begin the season for the first time since winning the first four series to begin 1998. After going wire to wire in 1997, the ...
There's no denying something had to be done. The Nationals' outfield consisted of five players, all of whom wanted to be in the lineup every day. ...
Isn't Cristian Guzman amazing? 5 hits in 5 at bats Monday. He got hits in every way imaginable and then pulled up lame after the 5th hit. ...
Hi Everyone, I hope all is well... Me? I could be doing better, but it's not your fault. We've had a really tough start, certainly not the way we were anticipating it; but baseball is a funny, interesting game and always finds a way to humble people. ...
During game one of the series against the Rangers, Orioles fans emailed questions to MASN that were answered on air. One viewer had a great question: Why is a strikeout symbolized by the letter "K" in box scores? ...
There was a sad feeling at Nationals Park today with the passing of Hall of Fame broadcaster Harry Kalas. Nats Assistant GM and VP Bob Boone told me he was shocked and saddened by the sudden death of the longtime voice of the Phillies. ...
The Orioles closed out the first week of the season with a very impressive 4-2 start against the powerful New York Yankees and the AL Champion Tampa Bay Rays. It also meant they won the first two series of the season and snapped a 12-game losing streak to Joe ...
Second baseman Willie Harris is going to be re-evaluated Monday in Washington. After Sunday's game Manny Acta admitted the second base position is a concern to him. It looks like Anderson Hernandez might be brought back sooner than expected from his rehab start. ...
Thanks to all of you for your kind wishes and appreciation in response to my first blog entry on MASNsports.com. It was nice to hear from so many Nats fans, and I thought I'd answer a few questions from some of you who took the time to comment. Keep ...
All of us at some time in our lives will lose a loved one. A parent, a friend, a relative. It might be someone who has lived a long life or someone who is just beginning theirs. Any loss of life is tragic. The Los Angeles Angels have begun ...
Players really do have to have a short memory in Major League Baseball. The disappointments and failures of one day can't be allowed to carry over to the next, and what happened yesterday has nothing to do with today, or tomorrow. ...
Adam Jones is making the adjustment to batting in the two hole this year. Coming up in the minor leagues he was always a number three hitter; then last year with the Orioles he frequented the seventh and eighth spots in the lineup. ...
Before getting ready to open a three game set against the Tampa Bay Rays, O's manager Dave Trembley sat down with Roch Kubatko for his first video journal exclusively on MASNsports.com. The skipper shared his thoughts on how the Orioles looked through the first three games of the year. ...
A lot of good baseball in the first series of the season would make me believe that the O's can find themselves in a pennant race sooner than later. One thing I was very impressed with was our defense. ...
I am already sick of hearing Nats fan say how bad the team stinks and how terrible they are. First of all, we've only played three games, and even the most novice of fans should know that three games does not define a season by any means. ...
Welcome to Syracuse! It snowed the first two days for Jason Bergmann when he arrived in Syracuse as he embarks on his first few games with the Triple A Chiefs. ...
I know it has only been one game. But I am excited about Koji. To me, he is a guy who can show the young Oriole pitchers that throwing strikes equals success. ...
Everybody relax....It's THREE games out of a 162-game season! One of the great things about the internet is that anyone at anytime can make their feelings known on a variety of subjects. ...
Nats first base coach and former Expos and Braves Outfielder Marquis Grissom is spending his day off here in Atlanta giving back to the community. He's kicking off the grand opening of the Marquis Grissom Field of Dreams located about 20 minutes outside of Atlanta. ...
It's the third inning and Gregg Zaun has only visited the mound to speak with Koji Uehara once. If you're wondering how they communicate with the language barrier, Zaun told me it's not as hard as everyone thinks. ...
Brian Roberts strolled out of the clubhouse doors and into the dugout a good ten minutes early to meet us for his first video blog of the season, showing us just how much he's looking forward to another season of talking with you, the fans, about Orioles baseball. He ...
Well O's fans, Opening Day has come and gone. The excitement of a new season, a new beginning, a new hope has passed. And for one day, the city bled orange. Now let's see if we can keep up the magic of Opening Day last throughout the entire year. ...
Opening Day at Camden Yards was, as always, a big event, and successful with the Orioles' 10-5 win over the Yankees. There was a tremendous electricity in the air as O's fans, devoted to their team, made their presence felt and created an exciting home field advantage. Opening Day ...
Welcome to Manny Acta's first blog on MASNsports.com:Don't miss your chance to submit your questions for Manny using the comment box below; then check back each week for his answers to your questions and for news and thoughts on the Nats straight from the dugout. Also coming soon is Manny's ...
The Orioles couldn't have asked for a better start to their 2009 season. The Yankees were in town with their star-studded lineup and CC Sabathia on the mound. So many Orioles fans were concerned about Jeremy Guthrie's last start in spring training when he was hit all over the ...
With the O's 2009 season just underway, Amber Theoharis checks in from Camden Yards to discuss some hot topics surrounding the Birds. Amber touches on one of the more intriguing storylines coming out of Spring Training -- outfielder Felix Pie and where he will fit in Dave Trembley's plans, ...
Former Marlins starter Scott Olsen told me he spent a good part of Opening Day catching up with old friends on the home side of Dolphins Stadium. You can tell a lot about the character of a player when he takes time out not only for his former teamates ...
The Nationals have to keep pushing forward and forget what people say. You can't go back and change history, nor can you go back to last season and try to win more than the 59 wins we finished with. What we can do is prove all the nonbelievers wrong ...
The Washington Nationals' 2009 baseball season kicks off today in South Florida. The Nats open up against the Florida Marlins at Dolphin stadium. Ray and I will get things rolling on MASN with our pregame show at 3:30; then Bob and Rob take it at 4 p.m. with all ...
There's not much to like about a 3 a.m arrival at a hotel, but for the Nats in the wee hours Sunday morning, nobody was complaining. A nice win in the spring finale against the Orioles left the Nats' record at 15-17-2 and it was great to be at ...
Before Saturday's game, Ryan Zimmerman said this Nationals team already has better chemistry than last year's squad. He said the guys get along and have fun. Zimmerman added that the 2009 team has better defense and that should help the Nats avoid giving teams extra outs. ...
As we wind down the longest spring training in history, I'd like to take a look at a guy I think is going to have a real breakout season for the Birds this year. Everybody has a feel for what to expect from Brian Roberts, Aubrey Huff, Melvin Mora ...
As the season begins, one fan like myself would have to think, how are these Orioles ever going to match up with the rest of the league? So far it's undecided what the rotation will be and there are only two days to go before Opening Day. ...
Watch Adam Jones early on this season. He looks really good at the plate. His maturation as a hitter from last season to this season is clear. The young centerfielder could be very exciting to watch in 2009. ...
It was nice to visit with Nats LHP Matt Chico in Viera recently. The promising lefty had his summer interrupted last season because of pain in his pitching arm. Now he's trying to come back after having Tommy John surgery. ...
Have you ever wondered how much minor league players make each year? I always get a kick out of the look on people's faces after I tell them how much the players make. ...
I know there are some veterans in the bullpen who support Andy MacPhail and Dave Trembley's decision to go with twelve pitchers. Yesterday I met with some of the players who felt strongly about the issue, but didn't want to voice their opinions publically before a decision was made. ...
Andy MacPhail's announcement that the Orioles will go with a 12 man pitching staff on the Opening Day roster still gives the O's an extra arm if needed in the early season games. If the O's decide to keep the top four starters on normal rest in the rotation, ...
Ever since Manny Acta made his announcement of the starting 5 pitching rotation coming out of the blocks for 2009, I know you have been wondering, "Where are Byron's thumbnails on our new starting 5?" Well, this is your lucky day: Here it is, drum roll please, "And now ...
There has been a lot of speculation, but no official confirmation just yet on whether Dave Trembley will keep twelve or thirteen pitchers on the roster. It's believed the club is leaning toward keeping thirteen because of the uncertainty of the starting rotation. The Orioles might need some extra ...
It's time to say 'so long' to Viera. This is the final week that the Nationals will be in Florida before heading home for Saturday's game against the Baltimore Orioles. ...
While Dmitri Young's season last year was a bust, let's hope he can control his diabetes and turn things around this year to win another Comeback Player of the Year Award in 2009. Who wouldn't want to see his healthy bat coming off the bench? I'm sure Manny Acta ...
For the many who may not know me, let me introduce myself. My name is Rob Dibble, and I played 7 1/2 seasons in Major League Baseball, mostly with the Cincinnati Reds, from June of 1988 to 1996. ...
The Nationals were far too polite with the bats in 2008; and after visiting spring training twice, I can see where the team should be much more potent and offensive this season. The addition of Adam Dunn will be huge; Nick Johnson's return will skyrocket the team's on-base percentage; ...
I've enjoyed watching and talking to Ty Wigginton this spring. He's one of those players fans are really going to attach themselves to here in Baltimore. Obviously his versatility is why the O's signed the veteran to a two year deal this offseason. Having a right handed power hitter ...
This is a great time of year for most baseball players and fans--All the excitement of your major league team dwindling down the roster. For some players, it's wondering if they are going to make the major league team and spend their first opening day as a big league ...
While the Orioles are trying to figure out who will be the starting staff for the beginning of the season, rest assured that those problems could soon be a thing of the past. It was great to come into spring training this year and see some of the best ...
Julian Tavarez is in the Dominican Republic today trying to obtain his work visa. Once he does that he should be in camp tomorrow to workout and get back on track. Manny Acta told us in his pre-game visit that Dimitri Young looked good in a minor league game ...
With Opening Day less than two weeks away, the Orioles still have some difficult decisions to make for that day's roster. The biggest decision is the make up of the pitching staff and whether to go with 12 or 13 pitchers. With the starting rotation still a work in ...
Following up some readers questions concerning Jeremy Guthrie... Yes, Jeremy Guthrie is in the Orioles future plans as far as I know; although I've never asked Andy MacPhail that question directly. ...
Jeremy Guthrie has been making headlines and message boards lately as if he was the chairman of AIG. Here's a newsflash: Guthrie should be the least of anybody's concerns right now. ...
When Japan won its second straight WBC title last night, it sent a message to the rest of the baseball world--"We are The Best"--Japan may not have the stars Major League Baseball has during its regular season, but when Japan puts on its international baseball uniform, it is way ...
Now that the World Baseball Classic is finished (Congrats to Japan), Adam Dunn and Joel Hanrahan will be heading back to Viera to rejoin the Nats. I really think the WBC helped boost Hanrahan's confidence and it helped Dunn play in a playoff type atmosphere. These are the types ...
Jeremy Guthrie showed a little extra effort when he jumped on the red eye at LAX and flew across country, only to jump on a bus and motor over Alligator Alley to make his start against the Twins Monday afternoon. Operating on very little sleep and dealing with a ...
I wish I was getting ready to travel with the Maryland Terrapins to Glendale Arizona for the Sweet Sixteen of the NCAA Tournament. But I'm not and nor is the team. The Memphis Tigers took care of that Saturday in Kansas City. After watching the Tigers, it would not ...
I've been waiting a while to visit with you Nats fans, at least until I could get to Florida and see in person what all the buzz is about with our ballclub this year. After our initial MASN telecast Wednesday and after spending a few days in camp, I ...
Manny Acta wasn't particularly concerned about Collin Balester's 4-inning outing against the Tigers today in Lakeland: "I'm not that concerned. He's a young kid, still developing. He threw some good changeups. We're not talking about a veteran here. He's a kid. There's nothing to be alarmed about. i was encouraged ...
The Nationals never got any offense going against Detroit lefty Nate Robertson, who allowed just 2 hits and a walk over 4 innings of work. He struck out 5, including striking out the side in the first, with a Nick Johnson double sandwiched in between. ...
Bobby Seay now pitching for Detroit. Harris flies out to deep right. Gustavo Molina flies out to right. Pena flies out to center. No runs, no hits, no one left. Final score, Detroit 5, Washington 2. ...
Brad Eldred flies out to left. Cory Kasto called out on srikes. Maxwell flies out to deep left. No runs, no hits, nobody left. Steven Shell now pitching for Washington. Larish walks. Ramirez flies out to center. Gomez singles to left between third and short, Larish to second. Max St. ...
For Detroit, Fu-Te Ni now pitching (if he makes the big leagues, he'll have the shortest last name in baseball history). Max St. Pierre now catching. Justin Maxwell singles to left. Willie Harris flies out to right. Valentin walks, Maxwell to second. Pena doubles to left, Maxwell scores, Harris to ...
Scott Williamson now pitching, Mike Hessman now playing third, Larish to First. Milledge strikes out swinging. Johnson flies out to center. Zimmerman grounds out third to first, breaking his bat. No runs, no hits, none left. Kory Casto now playing third, Justin Maxwell in right, Brad Eldred now playing first, ...
Brandon Lyon now pitching, Will Rhymes now playing second for Detroit. Valentin walks. Pena lines a single to center. Cintron flies to left. Gonzalez grounds into a 6-4-3 double play. No runs, one hit, one left. Ryan Wagner now pitching, Jose Castillo now playing second for Washington. Sheffield flies out ...
Zimmerman pops up to second. Dukes walks. Dukes caught stealing 1-3-4-1. Kearns lies out to center. No runs, no hits, none left. Thames singles to left. Kelly singles off of Balester's glove, Thames to second. Larish singles to short right field, loading the bases. Ramirez sacrifice fly to right scoring ...
Austin Kearns singles off of the shortstop's glove. Javier Valentin flies out to left. Wily Mo Pena flies out to right. Alex Cintron flies out to left. No runs, one hit, one left. Jeff Larish walks. Wilkin Ramirez called out on strikes. Alexis Gomez fouls out to third. Matt Treanor ...
Nate Robertson is a classic over-the-top lefty who's got a win and a loss this spring with a 5.14 ERA in 7 innings of work. He struck out Lastings Milledge swinging on a 3-2 pitch, Nick Johnson doubled into the right field corner. Ryan Zimmerman was called out on strikes. ...
I've been to spring training in Florida at least 25 times over the years, but this is my first trip to Lakeland's Joker Marchant Stadium. Now I know what I was missing. ...
In my last blog I said the Orioles' defensive upgrades would pay dividends in the future. Let's clarify. The rotation this year is a huge question mark. A strong defensive team is only going to help. That being said, the point of the blog was to emphasize the word ...
Catching in the years past had always seemed like it was going to be one of the team's strong points. Going back to the days of Javy Lopez, who everyone thought was going to be a great acquisition, actually began the thinking that if the O's had a good ...
Collin Balester gets the start today at Lakeland against the Tigers, and it's becoming evident he's really going to have to crank it up to make the rotation by Opening Day. If the season started tomorrow, the Opening Day rotation would likely be John Lannan, Scott Olsen, Daniel Cabrera, ...
A couple of thoughts from being in Viera this week ... While the release of Shawn Hill was disappointing to many of his teammates, it also sent a message that acting GM Mike Rizzo isn't worried about hurting anyone's feelings. ...
The Nats today announced that pitcher Gustavo Chacin, infielders Brad Eldred and Pete Orr, and outfielder Ryan Langerhans have been reassigned to minor league camp. In addition, catcher Luke Montz and outfielder Roger Bernadina have been optioned to Syracuse. ...
On June 15, 1967, the Washington Senators traded outfielder Jim King to the Chicago White Sox for outfielder Ed Stroud. It was an almost totally unremarkable deal, other than that King was the last original member of the expansion Senators, circa 1961. ...
VIERA - Okay, okay, it's an exhibition game and doesn't really count for anything, but the Nationals 5-4 come-from-behind win over the Orioles this afternoon once again displayed their ability to get men on base late in a close game. ...
...are two song titles,the first by Maureen McGovern, the other by the Beatles. But I digress. The Marlins beat the Nats 7-5 last night here at Space Coast Stadium. It was not an artistic triumph by Washington lefty Scott Olsen, who perhaps was reeling from the stadium PA announcer ...
I have always wondered why MLB teams want their bench players to be better defensive players than offensive players. They aren't on the field very often. Sure, they want them to be both. But, they seem to lean towards the defensive side. Especially with backup catchers. They want that ...
The Orioles took their first steps toward having a great pitching staff last year. Before the men in white coats come to take me away to the insane asylum, allow me to prove I'm not crazy. ...
Prayers for Aaron Boone as he goes through open heart surgery. The former Washington National made the announcement Wednesday that he needs the procedure done to fix a faulty aortic valve. Boone said doctors told him he could play baseball when he recovers, but he isn't sure whether he ...
The Nationals today released righthanded pitcher Shawn Hill. Manager Manny Acta chalked it up to a "baseball business decision" based on the "uncertainty" of Hill's ability to stay healthy. ...
It's another nice day in Viera, closing in on 80 degrees, scattered clouds. Tonight the Nationals host the Florida Marlins at 7:05 p.m. with Scott Olsen facing Josh Johnson. ...
When asked what he is looking for from the pitching candidates in spring training camp, O's manager Dave Trembley made a simple statement: "Pitch to contact and good things will happen." After a season of watching Orioles pitchers lead the major leagues in walks and hit batsmen the manager ...
Wednesday night's game against the Marlins not only features newcomer Scott Olsen facing his former Florida team for the first time, but it's also the first time MASN viewers will get to hear Rob Dibble in the Nationals broadcast. The last time I saw Rob was back in January ...
VIERA - Gorgeous day, near 80 degrees. My flight was delayed about 30 minutes, but it wasn't a major issue. The final for the intrasquad game at Space Coast Stadium was 9-3, Nats. ...
The Nats are off today, which is fine, since I'm headed down to Viera in about an hour myself to check out the club for the rest of the week. Tomorrow night's game against the Marlins will also air live on MASN, so be sure to check that out. ...
I sat down with Dave Trembley for just a few minutes in his Ft. Lauderdale office and the topic I was most eager to discuss was Brad Bergesen. From the minute I arrived at Spring Training, there had been a lot of buzz and speculation around the 23-year-old righty. ...
What the Washington Nationals were in dire need of a couple of weeks ago was stability. I think they found it when Nats President Stan Kasten named Mike Rizzo to fill Jim Bowden's VP and GM chair as the acting general manager. ...
It's only a single inning, but Shawn Hill's performance against the Marlins this afternoon has those of us in his corner exhaling a little bit. Hill threw 16 pitches - 12 for strikes - to retire the Marlins in order to start the game. He got a flyball out ...
So they say spring training is too long. That players experience the "dog days" of March. That the routine of games in the Grapefruit League become laborious. Having gone through these days as a player, manager and broadcaster, I agree with all of the above. But a little change ...
With three weeks to go before Opening Day, the Nationals this morning re-assigned right-handed pitcher Josh Towers, catcher Gustavo Molina, infielders Freddie Bynum and Joel Guzman, and outfielder Jorge Padilla to minor league camp. The Nats also optioned right-handed pitchers Tyler Clippard and Marco Estrada and outfielders Leonard Davis ...
It's a small sample - just 12 AB's - really too small to get that excited about, but Austin Kearns is batting .333 with a double and a home run this spring. He's also walked a couple of times. Austin is battling back from an injury-plagued year in which ...
The Nationals' home opener is Monday, April 13 against the defending World Champion Phillies. I know you've got your calendar marked. Now we need to convince the White House scheduling department to make some room on its calendar for a very special occasion. ...
Jack McGeary, drafted by the Nats in the 6th round of the 2007 draft, says he's going to take an extended leave from school at Stanford University and concentrate on baseball. ...
Chatting with my Saturday morning broadcast partner Dave Johnson today about Julian Tavarez, he mentioned that he'd been a teammate of Julian's in winter ball in the early 1990's. "He was a lot of fun to be around, though at times he could be a little 'out there,'" Dave ...
The Nationals have signed right-handed journeyman reliever Julian Tavarez to a minor league contract. Tavarez, 35, is 85-75 with 22 saves and a 4.45 ERA (677 ER/1369.1 IP) in 786 games (108 starts) over 16 seasons with 10 teams: Cleveland, San Francisco, Colorado, Chicago (NL), Florida, Pittsburgh, St. Louis, ...
Chad Cordero signed a minor league deal with the Seattle Mariners yesterday. Here's hoping he's back in the big leagues this year. Chief held a couple of open workouts for clubs to check out his recovery from last seaon's surgery, and in the end, three clubs offered minor league ...
Former Nationals GM Jim Bowden was a product of Rollins College in Florida. Another Rollins alum currently runs a big league club: Dan O'Dowd of the Colorado Rockies. ...
Rookies are given two pieces of advice upon arrival in the Big Leagues. Do your job, and shut up. Throughout history those two simple instructions have kept many rookies from being 'put in their place' by clubhouse veterans. ...
Although the Nats fell to the Braves today 6-2, there were a couple of good things going on for Washington. ...
The big joke when the Nationals signed Daniel Cabrera was that he'd have to hit in the National League. When the Orioles played the Nats the past few years, we saw what Daniel could do with a bat in his hands, and it wasn't pretty. ...
I wouldn't read anything into the Nationals' signing of Kip Wells to a minor league contract last night. He's a big league veteran, but at 31 (32 in April), he's not one of those "building block" type acquisitions. ...
I still can't understand why teams and the media put so much stock into spring training performances. It is such a short, quick, unrealistic view. ...
Quality Competition is the lifeblood of a major league baseball organization. And the Orioles are in the process of a competitive spring training camp for the 2009 season. After spending the last week with the O's in Florida it's apparent Andy MacPhail's blueprint for making the Orioles more competitive ...
Adam Jones has cut the self proclaimed fro-hawk he sported this offseason, but the 23-year-old doesn't want to shed something else he developed over the winter; about 20 pounds of muscle and two inches, height wise, on the old growth chart. ...
Ever watch the NBC sitcom "The Office" Thursday nights at 9? It's been on for a few seasons now, and my kids turned me on to it. The lead character, Michael Scott, is played by Steve Carell. Michael manages the regional office for a paper company, Dunder Mifflin, in ...
I hate to break this to you, but at some point this spring, Jordan Zimmermann will give up a run. Today's outing against the Mets at least gave him some jams to work out of, but it's hard to think at this point that he won't make the rotation ...
If you look at today's linescore against the Mets, you'll see that Jordan Zimmermann continues to impress. He threw three and a third scoreless innings and continues to have a perfect 0.00 ERA this spring. ...
The Fielding Bible-Volume II is out. John Dewan has quantified defensive prowess throughout baseball. Good news, Nats' fans - Washington finished 10th out of 30 teams in defensive runs in 2008, with a score of +22, just behind Tampa Bay and tied with Houston. ...
Brad Eldred picked up a little facetime yesterday with his walk-off, game-winning home run against Houston. Eldred was signed as a minor league free agent this winter with an invite to big league camp. ...
The Nationals' crowded outfield situation is no clearer this morning following yesterday's 8-6 extra inning win over the Astros in Viera. Austin Kearns, who's already been written off by a lot of fans, went 2-for-2 with a home run and 3 RBI, and is batting .500, though it's a ...
So much for the proposition that players need a month and a half to get ready for Opening Day. If you watched the US-Canada WBC game, it appears that Adam Dunn is in mid-season form. ...
I trust that no one is terribly nonplused (look it up) at yesterday's 6-2 exhibition loss to the Orioles. Other than Cristian Guzman, who else in Manny Acta's lineup figures to be on the field Opening Day? ...
There is a definite feeling of renewed enthusiasm around the ballpark here in Viera, Florida. Players are competing for spots and now with the resignation of Jim Bowden as the team's General Manager, front office folks are competing to show the Nationals brass the team can be run effectively. ...
I saw some very encouraging signs Wednesday in Ft. Lauderdale. The O's went up against the Dominican team for the World Baseball Classic that featured Big Papi David Ortiz, Hanley Ramirez, Jose Guillen and former Bird Miguel Tejada. The day started in a peculiar fashion. ...
So my cell phone rings the other day and look who's on the line calling from some hunting field in Albany, Georgia...my pre and post game partner, the silver fox, Raymond Charles Knight. The former World Series MVP and I spoke at great length about spring training finally being ...
Hello again, Nats fans, and a belated Happy New Year! I think we're in for a fun year on MASN with our new broadcast partner Rob Dibble. Those of you who visit with us on a nightly basis will enjoy Rob's insight into the game, his sense of humor ...
I had a chance to catch up with Nationals pitcher Shawn Hill who is anxious to get to spring training and return from the elbow and forearm injuries that limited him to 12 games in 2008. ...
In The Spirit of the Game... Nationals General Manager Jim Bowden, Assistant General Manager Mike Rizzo, Vice President of Player Development Bob Boone and Special Assistant to the General Manager Moose Stubing, along with Advance Scout Wade Taylor were among 1300 people gathered at the Century City Plaza Hyatt ...
I think Andy McPhail and the Orioles have had an exceptional offseason. Yeah, I know they didn't get Mark Teixeira, CC Sabathia or AJ Burnett, but how much of an impact could one of them have had on this current roster? For my money, the O's accomplished many of ...
We often hear players and coaches talk about the 24-hour rule--as in you've got 24 hours to enjoy a win or wallow in a defeat then it's time to move on. Maybe it should be a 48-hour rule for the playoffs and the sudden death that goes with it. ...
The Other Side of the Ball: Almost every article you read or any time you turn on sports talk radio, it's about the Steelers' and Ravens' defenses and how they will be the deciding factor in the AFC Championship game Sunday night in Pittsburgh. While that may be true, ...
It's an all AFC-North battle for a trip to the Super Bowl, and who better than the Ravens and Steelers in what many now consider the best rivalry in the NFL. "We're a humble team," Hines Ward said. "We are humble, selfless. You're not going to get any crazy ...
The Other Side of the Ball: After Baltimore beat the Tennessee Titans on Saturday night, a group of Ravens gathered to watch the Steelers battle the Chargers on Sunday. Conventional wisdom would think that Baltimore would want San Diego to win so they could play in sunny California for ...
The Other Side of the Ball: The Pittsburgh Steelers, the only home team to win a divisional playoff game this past weekend, advanced to the AFC Championship game with a 35-24 victory over the visiting San Diego Chargers at Heinz Field. The win sets up Steelers-Ravens Part 3 next ...
The Ravens have always talked a good game and often played one. Saturday they survived one. The slugged it out for 60 minutes with the Titans, and somehow, someway, were still standing at the end. I think they won the game in the first half; the Titans went up ...
The Other Side of the Ball: Saturday's AFC Divisional playoff matchup between the Tennessee Titans and the Baltimore Ravens has all the makings of a knockdown, drag out, 60 minute heavyweight bout. Both teams are nearly identical in every offensive and defensive category, such that on paper, they look ...
The countdown has begun.... Spring Training for the Washington Nationals is just around the corner. Pitchers and catchers will be reporting to the Nats' complex in Vierra in less than a month! ...
Let's see, the Ravens are the number 6 seed, and Tennessee is the top seed in the AFC; so why does it feel like they've got it backwards? Most Ravens fans feel confident about this one, and some in Tennessee tell me Titans fans are crying, "We don't get ...
The Other Side of the Ball: The Tennessee Titans received good news this week when two of their best defensive lineman are expected to be in uniform when they face the Baltimore Ravens on Saturday in their AFC Divisional playoff game. Pro Bowl defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth and end ...
The Tennessee Titans have a rematch with the Baltimore Ravens on Saturday with the winner advancing to the AFC Championship game. The last time the Titans were in this same position, the top-seed in the AFC, in 2000, Baltimore came into LP Field and knocked off Tennessee 24-10 on ...
The Cardinals advanced by Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Bolden making big plays; Brian Westbrook broke the Vikings back; and Darren Sproles stepped in for "LT" and rolled up 328 total yards as the Chargers did the Colts in on Saturday. The Ravens lack playmakers like those above--on offense that ...
The Other Side of the Ball Sunday's Wild Card playoff game between the Dolphins and Ravens figures to be a defensive battle. Miami tied the NFL record for fewest giveaways in a 16-game season with just 13 turnovers and Baltimore led the league with 34 takeaways. Both teams rank ...
No whining this week from you Raven fans who feel your team always gets the short end of the respect stick. Your Baltimore Ravens, the #6 and last seed to qualify for the AFC playoffs, are playing the #3 seed on the road, a team that has won nine ...
The Miami Dolphins were 2-3 heading into their Week 7 showdown with the Baltimore Ravens at Dolphin Stadium. Another loss would remind Dolfans of the 2007 season (where they went 1-15) and that this year was better, but not by much. Miami was using the new "Wildcat" formation that ...
The Other Side of the Ball A 1-15 record: that's where the Miami Dolphins were last year. Now, by beating the New York Jets 24-17 on Sunday, they are the AFC East Champs (their first division title since 2000) and they get to host the Baltimore Ravens in the ...
The AFC's two most improved teams will meet Sunday in Miami; call it the outhouse to the penthouse Bowl. While the Ravens were flipping a 5-11 season into an 11-5 winner, the Dolphins equaled the best turnaround in NFL history, coming back from a 1-15 stinker to 11-5 and ...
It's been a tough season for the Jacksonville Jaguars and it finally comes to an end on Sunday at M&T Bank Stadium against the Baltimore Ravens. Losers of five of their last six games, Jacksonville would like to knock the Ravens out of position for a postseason berth, but ...
Don't miss Scott Garceau's quick once-over of the Ravens' playoff scenario: Playoff Picture This A year ago the Ravens went into week 17 on a nine-game losing streak. They had a 4-11 record and owner Steve Bisciotti had decided he'd fire head coach Brian Billick. The Jacksonville Jaguars were 11-4; ...
Here's the deal...If the Ravens beat the Jaguars Sunday they'll lock up the 6th seed in the AFC playoffs and will play the number 3 seed, the winner of the AFC East Division. The Dolphins can clinch the East with a win at the Jets; if they get it ...
At what point in the 4th quarter do you think the inner voice of Jason Garrett screamed, 'I should have taken the damn job!' In January the Cowboys' offensive coordinator just said no to the Ravens head coaching job, instead, returning to Dallas as "Coach Future." ...
The Jacksonville Jaguars, who face the Ravens in the final game of the regular season, squandered a 10-point, fourth quarter lead last Thursday night and lost to the Indianapolis Colts 31-24. The Jags scored on four of their five drives through three quarters, with three touchdowns and a field ...
The Other Side of the Ball: The Cowboys look to continue their winning ways and move one step closer to nailing down a spot in the postseason in the final regular season game at Texas Stadium. Tomorrow night, Dallas welcomes the Baltimore Ravens to Big D, and everyone is ...
STUDS OF WEEK 15 QBs: Matt Cassel, Tarvaris Jackson and David Garrard RBs: Pierre Thomas, Michael Turner and Dominic Rhodes WRs: Andre Johnson, Steve Smith and Randy Moss TEs: Dallas Clark, Tony Gonzalez and David Martin Ds: Cowboys, Jets and Eagles DUDS OF WEEK 15 QBs: Joe Flacco, Eli ...
Ironic that the Ravens' first trip to Dallas is the last game the Cowboys will ever play at Texas Stadium. The place with the hole in the roof (so God can look down on his favorite team?) has been around since 1971 and a Baltimore team has never won ...
The Other Side of the Ball: Just when it looked like everything was running smoothly in Dallas, as the Cowboys get ready for Saturday night's game with the Ravens, opinionated wide receiver Terrell Owens tells Stephen A. Smith of ESPN that he is treated as "a villain" by the ...
The Steelers have outscored their past three opponents, 37-0, in the fourth quarter. That kind of fourth quarter work will get you an AFC North division title and leave Ravens fans scratching their heads. The three most talked about topics on my radio shows since the Steelers' 13-9 win: ...
The Other Side of the Ball: The Dallas Cowboys, just like the Ravens, were in a defensive battle with a conference rival on Sunday. The only difference was the Cowboys came out on the winning end of their contest; beating the NY Giants 20-8 and holding onto a playoff ...
The Other Side of the Ball: It's quite obvious that Sunday's AFC North showdown between the Steelers and Ravens is going to be a defensive battle. The biggest question is how is each offense going to get into the end zone? Pittsburgh has the top ranked defense, giving up ...
I don't need visions of Joey Porter laying a cheap shot on injured Todd Heap or James Trapp leaping Jordan-like into the air with his landing aimed on Plaxico Burress's head. Not this time, forget the T-Sizzle bounties and all that chirping, this time it's pure football and that's ...
STUDS OF WEEK 14 QBs: Matt Schaub, Peyton Manning and Matt Ryan RBs: Brian Westbrook, DeAngelo Williams, Jonathan Stewart and Pierre Thomas WRs: Antonio Bryant, Brandon Marshall and Deion Branch TEs: Tony Gonzalez, Visanthe Shiancoe and John Carlson Ds: Colts, Cardinals and Steelers DUDS OF WEEK 14 QBs: Tony ...
During the Orioles first big move at the Winter Meetings, Buck Martinez took a few minutes to check in with MASN's Roch Kubatko for an update on his take on the Ramon Hernandez-Ryan Freel trade. Buck shares his special knowledge of Freel from managing him in Toronto back in ...
The Other Side of the Ball: When the Steelers and Ravens clash at M&T Bank Stadium on Sunday afternoon, one thing is certain; there won't be any love lost between the two AFC North rivals. Bitter enemies for the past 13 years (as long as the Ravens have been ...
It's the heartbeat of wrestling; it fuels NASCAR; and teams like the Yankees, Cowboys, Notre Dame and Duke are good for the game. What I'm talking about my friends is H-A-T-E. We hate a lot of things: Monday's, taxes, long lines, in-laws, outlaws and if you're a Ravens fan, ...
In the midst of day one of the Winter Meetings, Roch Kubatko talks with Buck Martinez about the odds of the two big names of the Orioles offseason, Mark Teixeira and A.J. Burnett, signing with the O's and who of the two Buck sees as bringing more value to ...
The Steelers looked like they were going to drop their fourth game of the season, and fall into a tie with the Ravens in the loss column, as they trailed Dallas 13-6 with 2:10 to play in the fourth quarter. Pittsburgh rallied and scored two touchdowns in 24 seconds ...
The Other Side of the Ball: As the Redskins look to get healthy for Sunday night's primetime showdown with Baltimore, the biggest question head coach Jim Zorn keeps answering is how will your offense score against the vaunted Ravens defense? The Ray Lewis-led D is ranked second in the ...
STUDS OF WEEK 13 QBs: Donovan McNabb, Aaron Rodgers and Tony Romo RBs: Brian Westbrook, DeAngelo Williams and Steve Slaton WRs: Mark Clayton, Larry Fitzgerald and Bernard Berrian TEs: Jason Witten, Tony Gonzalez and John Carlson Ds: Titans, Colts and Ravens DUDS OF WEEK 13 QBs: Matt Cassel, Peyton ...
First in war, first in peace and last in the hearts of Baltimore football fans, Washington, welcome to Charm City. I hope those Redskins buses have GPS systems because they haven't headed up the Parkway for a regular season game in Baltimore in the 13 years since the Ravens ...
As the Redskins, who have lost three of their last four games, turn their focus to the Baltimore Ravens, the thing that concerns first year head coach Jim Zorn the most is getting his team healthy. Running back Clinton Portis may be sidelined for Sunday night's "Battle of the ...
Remember last week when John Harbaugh warned us that the Cincinnati Bengals were a good football team? His credibility took a hit Sunday but not his football team. The scoreboard says 34-3 as the Ravens win for the 6th time in seven games. Let the record (1-10-1) show that ...
The Other Side of the Ball: The Redskins, unlike their next opponent, the Baltimore Ravens, are going in the wrong direction as the regular season enters the final month. Yesterday, the New York Giants dominated Washington 23-7, and in the process the Redskins fell to 7-5, a game behind ...
The Other Side of the Ball: The Cincinnati Bengals have nothing to play for except pride and the chance to hand their AFC North rivals a loss, which would drop the Ravens a game and half behind division leading Pittsburgh. The Steelers face the Patriots at 4 p.m. If ...
Let's get one thing straight: this isn't Southern Cal, or some other major college power, against a lowly mid-major. This is the NFL where on any given Sunday, anybody, except the Detroit Lions, can win. There are upset games, but I'm never really SHOCKED when it comes to the ...
The Other Side of the Ball: As the Bengals prepare for Sunday's home game against the Ravens, they will have to do it without defensive ends Robert Geathers and Frostee Rucker. Both players were placed on the injured reserve because of leg injuries suffered in last Thursday's loss to ...
STUDS OF WEEK 12 QBs: Matt Cassel, Trent Edwards, Chad Pennington and Drew Brees RBs: Michael Turner, Matt Forte and Pierre Thomas WRs: Randy Moss, Terrell Owens and Lance Moore TEs: Tony Gonzalez, Heath Miller and Kevin Boss Ds: Ravens, Buccaneers and Bears DUDS OF WEEK 12 QBs: Donovan ...
The Ravens defense and special teams outscored the Eagles offense. Ouch! The Ravens forced five Philadelphia turnovers and the purple defense pitched a shutout. Ed Reed had 31 more return yards than the Eagles had passing yards. A week after they got whipped by the Giants, the Ravens' defense ...
The Other Side of the Ball: Last Thursday's 27-10 loss to the Steelers dropped the Bengals to 1-9-1 with five games remaining in what has turned into a miserable year for head coach Marvin Lewis. Cincinnati was supposed to be fighting for the AFC North crown, not serving as ...
The Other Side of the Ball: As the Eagles and Ravens prepare for Sunday's showdown at M&T Bank Stadium and all the "Donovan McNabb not knowing the OT rule" is in the past, one interesting note came out of Philadelphia on Wednesday. Veteran safety Brian Dawkins felt compelled to ...
When the Eagles (5-4-1) and Ravens (6-4) square off this Sunday at M&T Bank Stadium, they find themselves in the thick of the NFC and AFC Wild Card races. However, Baltimore has their sights on winning the AFC North division, while Philadelphia has a remote shot at the NFC ...
Thanks to Bobby H from Rehoboth Beach, Delaware for his response to my last blog. Of course, we would never forget Sussex County! Regarding his request for info on my family and what I do during the offseason .... I usually don't talk publicly about my family much, but ...
The Philadelphia Eagles went into Cincinnati on Sunday and thought they would come away with an easy win. After all, the Bengals were 1-8 and without quarterback Carson Palmer, but sloppy play from Eagles' signal caller Donovan McNabb led to the 13-13 tie, the first in the NFL since ...
The good news: there's nobody else like 264-pound Brandon Jacobs on the Ravens' schedule and the only possible way the Ravens will see the big bruiser again this season is if they get to the Super Bowl. It was men against boys at the Meadowlands; the NFL's best rushing ...
It's hard to believe it's been six weeks since the baseball season ended, but getting back into a "normal" offseason life back home has been interesting and relaxing. Fall is a beautiful time of the year in Oklahoma and college football reigns supreme out here, so it was great ...
I'm sure you've heard all week that the winner of Sunday's game between the Ravens and Giants will come down to which team will be able to run the ball and which team can stop the run. You already know the Giants are the top-ranked rushing offense in the ...
For those who say the Ravens haven't played anybody in their 6-3 start, I say you are misguided. Remember, the Ravens played the undefeated Titans and without a terrible roughing the passer call they would have given Tennessee their only loss of the season. They've also been to Pittsburgh, ...
The NY Giants are rolling along like a finely tuned machine. They are riding a four-game win streak, just like their opponent this week, the Baltimore Ravens, and they have a 5-0 record at the Meadowlands, where they have outscored their opponents 150-67. I think it's fair to say ...
Ever wonder what your favorite broadcasters do during the baseball offseason when they're not announcing games for you every night on MASN? Here's a look at how one broadcaster has been filling his offseason hours along with his own reflection on the impact sports can have on people's lives. In ...
The New York Giants are proving that last year's Super Bowl title was no fluke, and they certainly don't look like they have a hangover from the celebration. Last night, the Giants proved to be the Beast of the NFC East by beating the Philadelphia Eagles 36-31, at Lincoln ...
In my days of broadcasting, which covers more than 40 years, I've had the privilege of meeting some incredible people from the sports and entertainment worlds. Recently, I spent more than six hours with some of America's greatest baseball players who served our country in World War II. ...
Who knew that after losing nine of their last 10 games last season the Ravens would be tied for the division lead after nine games this season. A Ravens blowout win in Houston and a Steelers loss to the Colts (the Redskins couldn't help the Ravens last Monday, but ...
If the Houston Texans want to beat the Baltimore Ravens, they will have to keep quarterback Joe Flacco in check. The Texans allow opposing QB's to complete 65.1 percent of their passes while throwing 12 touchdowns and only six interceptions. Their passer rating is a combined 97.2. ...
Scottsdale, AZ I took my daughter Kaitlyn to her first professional baseball game this week. She got a chance to see the Peoria Saguaros take on the Scottsdale Scorpions at Scottsdale Stadium, the Spring Training home of the San Francisco Giants. ...
STUDS OF WEEK 9 QBs: Kurt Warner, Tyler Thigpen, Peyton Manning RBs: Chris Johnson, Adrian Peterson, Ray Rice, Peyton Hillis WRs: Derrick Mason, Donald Driver, Michael Jenkins, Antonio Bryant TEs: Owen Daniels, Brent Celek, Derek Fine Ds: Steelers, Falcons, Giants DUDS OF WEEK 9 QBs: Brad Johnson, Brett Favre, ...
The impact of Hurricane Ike forced the postponement of the scheduled Ravens-Texans matchup in Week 2, so John Harbaugh's gang will be flying down to Houston to face the 3-5 Texans at Reliant Stadium this Sunday. Amber Theoharis took some time to talk with MASNsports.com's Dan Kolko about the ...
Sunday's game in Houston has TRAP written all over it. The Ravens are on a roll. They've won 3 straight and are coming off an emotional comeback win in Cleveland. Houston is 3-5, playing their back-up quarterback, and the last time I checked you could write the history of ...
Houston, coming off a tough 28-21 loss to the Vikings, finally meets the Ravens, nearly two months after the game was originally scheduled. The two teams were set to face each other on September 14 in Houston, but Hurricane Ike had other ideas. The third most destructive hurricane to ...
While baseball's 2008 season has officially ended, the offseason talks are only beginning. Here, Buck Martinez gives his take on moves the Orioles might look to make in the offseason. Watch Buck's video interview with MASN's Carolyn Wiedel for thoughts on the O's organizational depth, free agent and trade ...
The Houston Texans saw their three game winning streak come to an end Sunday with a 28-21 loss to the Vikings in Minnesota. It was Houston's first road game in more than a month due to hurricane-related postponements, and the reality of playing away from Reliant Stadium, where they ...
With three straight wins, the Ravens have equaled their win total for the entire 2007 season. They still haven't beaten a team with a winning record, but they are taking care of business and are a legit contender as they hit the halfway mark of the season. Sunday's win ...
The Cleveland Browns are ready for the Baltimore Ravens, but no one is more excited about playing their AFC North rival than running back and former Raven Jamal Lewis. I know it's been two years since Lewis last played for the Ravens, but every time he goes against his ...
Baltimore's 3-game road trek starts in Cleveland Sunday with the Ravens and Browns in a pick-um game. The Browns left Baltimore September 21st with a 28-10 loss and a 0-3 record; they looked like a team prime to get a fork stuck in 'um. But hold the silverware, the ...
MVP, MVP! Sunday the Ravens hit the halfway mark of the 2008 season, and earlier this week I asked readers to pick their NFL and Ravens mid-season MVP. Here are my picks for both categories and we'll see what you think. ...
STUDS OF WEEK 8 QBs: Drew Brees, David Garrard, Philip Rivers, Matt Schaub RBs: Brian Westbrook, Leonard Weaver, LaDainian Tomlinson WRs: Roddy White, Santana Moss, Steve Smith TEs: Dallas Clark, Antonio Gates, Tony Gonzalez Ds: Texans, Giants, Ravens ...
Sunday's battle between the Ravens and Browns is more than just a divisional rivalry. It's a chance for Cleveland to pull even with Baltimore and into a tie in second place in the AFC North. In Week 3, the Ravens forced three turnovers and held the Browns to 169 ...
Say it ain't so Joe! Sunday the Ravens rookie quarterback was one stumble away from doing something that's never been done by an NFL quarterback. Not since the NFL teed it up in 1921 (did they have tees then?) has a quarterback run for, passed and caught a touchdown ...
As the days get shorter and colder, we're right smack in the middle of football season--both college and the Pro's, the NHL is underway and the NBA is about to kick off. Three months remain before thoughts begin to turn toward Spring Training camps around the country and for ...
The Cleveland Browns, Baltimore's next opponent, went into Jacksonville and came away with a 23-17 win and improved to 3-4 in the AFC North. The win leaves the Browns one game behind the Ravens and two back of Pittsburgh, who sits alone in first place. ...
The Ravens are about a seven-point favorite to get their second straight win Sunday. The Ravens and Raiders are only a game apart in the standings (Ravens 3-3 and Raiders 2-4) but the organizations seem worlds apart. The Ravens aren't without problems but Al Davis's team is about as ...
Sunday's matchup between the Raiders and Ravens, two teams looking to improve their standings in the AFC, is going to be a battle of young quarterbacks going through growing pains. Oakland looks to use their 1-2 punch of Justin Fargas (son of Antonio Fargas, Huggy Bear, from the popular ...
STUDS OF WEEK 7 QBs: Matt Cassel, Kyle Orton, Matt Schaub RBs: Steven Jackson, LenDale White, Mewelde Moore WRs: Calvin Johnson, Randy Moss, Steve Smith, Andre Johnson TEs: Owen Daniels, Greg Olsen, Visanthe Shiancoe Ds: Bears, Packers, Patriots DUDS OF WEEK 7 QBs: Brett Favre, Peyton Manning, Jay Cutler ...
Some weeks the stories write themselves. The Baltimore sports writers and broadcasters fraternity would like to thank Chris McAlister and Terrell Suggs for making their jobs soooo easy this week. Granted this isn't Jerry Jones' version of Dallas but the Ravens produced a nice little mini-series this week. ...
Just a few days removed from beating the New York Jets 16-13 on Sebastian Janikowski's 57-yard field goal in overtime, the Raiders turn their attention to the Baltimore Ravens and their vaunted defense. Oakland will travel cross country to face the top ranked D at M&T Stadium on Sunday ...
Run out of Miami after a 1-15 season, Cam Cameron left Dolphins Stadium with a game ball Sunday. It was a special day for the Ravens offensive coordinator, and a nice day for the Ravens, as they snapped a three-game losing streak. ...
Sebastian Janikowski's 57-yard field goal with 2:30 left in overtime lifted the Oakland Raiders to their 16-13 win over the New York Jets. Janikowski set the record for the longest game-winning field goal in OT history and gave new head coach Tom Cable his first victory. ...
The Miami Dolphins already have more wins this season, at two, than all of last year and they look to even their record at 3-3 as they host the Ravens. Miami's lone win last season was a thrilling 22-16 overtime victory over Baltimore. I was there last year and ...
I need to hire one of the those network political fact finders to confirm what I think I already know. At some point in this NFL season, all 32 teams will have an owner, player, coach or mascot scream, "We don't get any respect." This week the no-respect cry ...
Going into Week 7, you are probably at that crossroad in your season where you are kicking butt and taking names, or you need to have a string of victories to make it to postseason play. If that's the case, here are a number of interesting storylines to consider ...
The Miami Dolphins, 2-3 through their first five games this season, are playing with the kind of focus and emotion that Executive Vice President Bill Parcells' former teams' have shown in the past. Parcells was brought to South Florida to bring a renewed sense of pride to a team that ...
A defensive coordinator says he'll spend time during his bye week studying the Miami Wildcat Offense, and he doesn't even play the Dolphins this season. So you can imagine how much time Rex Ryan and the Ravens' defensive coaches have been looking at Miami tape this week. ...
How do the Ravens go to Indianapolis and beat the Colts? Start by checking out the tape from Week 1 when the Bears went to Oil Can Stadium and whipped the Colts, and then stick to the program. In that game, the Bears ran for 183 yards against a ...
Right before joining Amber Theoharis and Roch Kubatko on MASN's Playmakers show, Tom Matte called in to discuss this Sunday's Ravens-Colts game. Matte answered questions on the difficulty of facing Peyton Manning, what the Ravens will attempt to do on the offensive side of the football, and what the ...
STUDS OF WEEK 5 QBs: Ben Roethlisberger, Aaron Rodgers and Kyle Orton RBs: DeAngelo Williams, Brandon Jacobs, Steve Slaton WRs: T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Andre Johnson, Roddy White TEs: Chris Cooley, Jason Witten, Heath Miller Ds: Panthers, Bears, Giants ...
When the Colts left these parts for Indy, in anger I announced that Baltimore would host a playoff game before Indianapolis--a bold prediction seeing as we didn't have a team. Looking back, it was very bold considering Baltimore would get kicked to the curb for 12 years waiting for ...
Tom Matte called in Monday morning to provide his analysis of the Ravens' 13-10 loss to the Titans. Matte discussed Joe Flacco's struggles against the Tennessee defense, the personal foul on Terrell Suggs that gave the Titans new life, and the injuries that the Ravens sustained. He also previews ...
There will be little not discussed at the Orioles organizational meetings in Sarasota, Florida. President of Baseball Operations Andy MacPhail will preside over the meetings, where the front office staff, manager Dave Trembley, Minor League personnel, and scouts will go over every player in the organization, from the 40-man ...
The Ravens are about a field goal underdog, but they match up well with the 4-0 Titans. Tennessee's calling card is similar to the Ravens: run the football, limit mistakes and win the game with defense. ...
With the chance to talk to Tom Matte this morning about the Ravens-Titans matchup this weekend, the two-time Pro Bowl running back broke down his keys to the Ravens picking up the win and moving to 3-1 on the season. Check out what Matte says the Ravens need out ...
These two have a history! The Ravens have met the Titans 17 times, that's more than any other team outside their division and only one game less than they've played the Browns who are in their division. The Ravens' first game against the Titans was in 1996 when the ...
STUDS OF WEEK 4 QBs: Brett Favre, Matt Schaub, Drew Brees RBs: Larry Johnson, Steven Jackson, LaDainian Tomlinson WRs: Laveranues Coles, Lance Moore, Greg Jennings TEs: Jason Witten, Zach Miller, Antonio Gates Ds: Jets, Buccaneers, Titans ...
I'm anxious to see the Steelers offensive game plan. Their chances of being able to run on the Ravens are slim to none, so why not spread the field and go after a secondary that will be missing starters Dawan Landry and Samari Rolle. Doesn't it makes sense to ...
After spending the morning packing and preparing for his offseason move to Arizona, Brian took a few minutes before the beginning of the final series of the final homestand to check in with his fans one last time before the end of the O's 2008 season. For his final ...
The season is coming to a close and while it has certainly been challenging, there are some nice moments to reflect on. Who can forget Ryan Zimmerman taking center stage on Opening Night? He is the face of the franchise and this reporter hopes the Nats are able to ...
Another Baseball season has flown by! This was not just another season though for the Washington Nationals. It was a season unlike any other, full of injuries and tough losses. But it was also a season of optimism for the future. I would wager almost every dollar that Ray ...
Visiting Clubhouse Manager Fred Tyler had about 100 bottles of champagne ready to go last night in case Tampa Bay clinched their first ever AL East division title. The Orioles knew they were there before the game. That had to be irritating. Those champagne bottles just sitting there on ...
The other night we had a little problem running the bases. Here is the deal. First and second, one out. Huff on second and Salazar on first. HIGH fly ball hit to center. Huff is about three quarters of the way to third and Salazar is about fifteen feet ...
A few hours before the O's-Rays series finale at Camden Yards, Buck Martinez took a few minutes to sit down with MASN's Carolyn Wiedel to discuss the 2008 playoff picture. Buck talked about what teams he sees making the postseason, who is playing the best baseball right now, and ...
Do you think we should sit John Harbaugh down and tell him about Joey Porter's cheap shot on Todd Heap, or the time James Trapp jumped high into the air with the intention of landing on Plaxico Burress's throat, or how 'bout the time after playing four quarters, Ray ...
Gary Thorne and Buck Martinez discussed the contract status of several current Orioles on the MASN game broadcast last night. It prompted me to look up the complete list. Here's where the core veterans stand in 2009: ...
All five starting pitchers from the beginning of the season for the O's are not in the rotation. The starting rotation next year for the Orioles is without question undecided. But, the O's need to fill these five starting slots with someone...who will they be? ...
There's an air of both excitement and sadness here in the Bronx as the Orioles play the Yankees in the final series ever at Yankee stadium. The excitement comes from all the wonderful memories baseball fans are reliving here this weekend. For the next three days, grown adults will ...
It feels like a month since the Ravens won their opener. With the Ike-adjusted schedule, the Ravens' first 3 games are now against their three AFC North opponents, Cincinnati, Cleveland and Pittsburgh. The only other time they've opened with three straight division games was 2004; that year, they lost ...
STUDS OF WEEK 2 QBs: Jay Cutler, Philip Rivers, Kurt Warner, Aaron Rodgers RBs: Brian Westbrook, Marion Barber, Darren McFadden WRs: Anquan Boldin, Santana Moss, Calvin Johnson, Brandon Marshall TEs: Tony Scheffler, Jason Witten Ds: Packers, Giants, Titans ...
I took at look at the recently released 2009 schedule outside the Orioles clubhouse in Toronto last night. It didn't take long for some of the players to start peaking over my shoulder. They wanted to know how it looks. Here are the highlights and lowlights I pointed out ...
The 3rd annual Brian's Baseball Bash at ESPN Zone was an overwhelming success. And Brian Roberts again came through as a gracious and accommodating host. Three years ago, Roberts decided to do something big for the University Of Maryland Hospital for Children. Roberts is a frequent visitor of the ...
Jim Palmer sits down with MASN's Carolyn Wiedel to talk about the state of the Orioles. Jim discusses where the O's stand after a tough 2008 season, which players will play key roles as the team develops, and what the Birds need to do to make positive strides in ...
Another year of sold out games at the ballpark they call Fenway. The Red Sox fans broke the record for most consecutive sellout crowds last Thursday with a 456th consecutive sellout. Red Sox nation is real and perhaps at a high point. I only bring this to the attention of ...
Hurricane Ike means Monday Night Football for the Ravens and Texans in Houston. The postponement got me thinking about some other schedule altering events in Ravens history. The Ravens next scheduled game after winning Super Bowl XXXV was never played. The pre-season opener in Philadelphia was cancelled when the ...
Jim Palmer sits down with MASN's Carolyn Wiedel to discuss his involvement with the 2008 Orioles. Jim talks about his interactions with current O's players, and discusses the questions that people around baseball have about the Birds. He also gives some insight into what life is like as a ...
Heading into week 2, Anita gives you the studs and duds of week 1, more injury reports, and more help for your fantasy leagues this week. Think you're the biggest fantasy freak out there? Tell Anita what you think, share how you did, or make judgements and predictions of ...
Aubrey Huff is having a career year in 2008. He has a .315 average, 31 home runs, and 102 RBI's on the season and is leading the team in all 3 categories. With the team looking toward the future, is it worth it for the Orioles to keep him around, ...
With the Ravens preparing for their matchup with the Houston Texans, Amber Theoharis checks in from team headquarters in Owings Mills. Amber discusses the possibility of Hurricane Ike affecting Sunday's game, the Ravens facing defensive end Mario Williams, and Willis McGahee working his way back from injury. ...
Orioles fans are quick to call for the promotion of Matt Wieters to the big club, and he may have played well enough to deserve that promotion. He was just named the Baseball America Minor League Player of the Year, a great accomplishment and well deserved. He should be ...
This just in, and its pretty cool, Elijah Dukes is getting it done. One of the most refreshing parts of the Nationals latest surge has been the play of outfielder Elijah Dukes. Elijah has the potential to put up box score numbers like he did recently, all next year, ...
Brian took a few minutes to sit in the dugout on a rainy Tuesday afternoon to talk about what's coming up for the O's, Dave Trembley's contract renewal and his upcoming Baseball Bash. He noted that he'd love to see Trembley be the guy to take the O's back ...
A caller to our Monday Morning Quarterback show on MASN told Tom Matte, Bruce Laird and me that he thought the Ravens were about a 3-win team this year, but after watching them beat the Bengals, he's upped it to 9 or 10 wins and a playoff spot. He ...
Ramon Hernandez took ground balls at first base today along with Aubrey Huff. Dave Trembley said we could see Ramon play first again before the season is over. Hernandez made one appearance at first back on September 2nd in Boston as a late inning replacement for Kevin Millar. Clearly, ...
Jim Palmer sits down with MASN's Carolyn Wiedel to discuss the topic he knows best: pitching. Jim gives his take on being a young pitcher, Jeremy Guthrie as a good role model for the young starters, the variables a pitcher can control and those he can't, and the physical ...
After a very successful homestand that saw the Nats sweep the Dodgers and Braves, before taking two of three from the Phillies, it was off to Atlanta for a long four-game series with the Braves. Life on the road has been tough on our ballclub this year, as wins ...
Glad to be here on MASNsports.com talking Ravens and NFL football with you during the 2008 season. Not since 2002 have Ravens fans had such low expectations for their team. I can't ever remember a Ravens team coming into a season with so much baggage. There's the transition to ...
There's the curse of the Bambino, but is there the curse of the Tremblino? Every time Dave Trembley gets a promotion or an extension, the most miserable of Orioles games ensues. We all remember the the 30-3 loss to the Texas Rangers on August 22, 2007, the same day ...
Joel Hanrahan has only been with the Washington Nationals for two seasons. But in those two years, Joel has firmly entrenched himself into the community with his constant work with those less fortunate. ...
When the Orioles drafted catcher Matt Wieters with the 5th overall pick in the 2007 draft, they knew they were getting a special player. He was the top rated position player in the draft; he's a switch hitter with power; and he understands what it takes to be a ...
So I'm sitting here watching the game, and it's almost unbearable. I know I am beating the proverbial dead horse, but come on; our pitching is downright horrible. There is no way to sugarcoat this, our pitching staff has the worst ERA in the league. That's right; we just surpassed ...
A few years back, I was at a minor league baseball game with my nephew. The Portland Seadogs were losing and the middle-inning promotional entertainment had lulled by the fifth. My nephew asked me who 'the fat guy in the suit' was? I was about to answer Santa Claus, when ...
Hurricane Gustav hit the Gulf Coast today, and Oriole pitcher Lance Cormier had a reason to keep an eye on the news. Cormier is a Louisiana native, and his parents, grandparents and sister still live in LaFayette, LA. He excused himself from our discussion in the clubhouse to call ...
With due respect to all of those who are trying so hard to find a way to help, I applaud your efforts. I have been around here and other places for a long time, and I've seen all the changes that have occurred in this game. God only knows ...
There have been some really well articulated speeches made the last few days on the national stage at the Democratic National Convention. But the most entertaining public speaker I have seen has been Dave Trembley and his series of press conferences during the White Sox series. The emotional roller coaster ...
A lot is said about the Nats' role as a spoiler. With the Dodgers on their heels, the Nats look to figure prominently into the postseason races. With six games each against the Phillies, Marlins, and Mets, the Nats will serve to make the NL East race very interesting. If ...
Well I know what you all must be saying after this last homestand. Here they go again! But dont dispair, things aren't as bad as they seem. The win/loss record isn't going to change that much from last year, but as for the team, a lot of good things ...
Manny Acta Pitches in... Nats Skipper Manny Acta spent part of his morning on Wednesday packing and delivering meals along with Food and Friends, a partner of the Capitol Area Food Bank to some local folks in need of it. Manny said his community service commitment is the easiest ...