Stacey Long: Is it too early to consider an extension for Hardy?

Stacey Long: Is it too early to consider an extension for Hardy?
Of all the offseason acquisitions made by the Orioles, the one I found most exciting was the trade for shortstop J.J. Hardy. I thought he'd be a good fit for the Orioles back when he played for the Brewers, so picking him up from the Twins for the bargain price of two minor league relievers was, in my opinion, a fantastic move. The only thing that could make the deal better is if Orioles President of Baseball Operations Andy MacPhail takes the next step and extends Hardy before he has the...
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A correction: Fan, not Harper, won contest at NatsFest

A correction: Fan, not Harper, won contest at NatsFest
Last week, I wrote about the fan experience at NatsFest, but my post had an important error. I mentioned that Bryce Harper easily won a Guitar Hero contest against a fan - information that I later found out was incorrect. In fact, Cody Strakonsky, a 15-year-old first baseman and right fielder from Brunswick, Md., handily beat Harper during their Guitar Hero faceoff at Nationals Park. Competing to the song "Tick Tick Boom," Strakonsky crushed Harper, despite being slightly nervous to meet...
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Stacey Long: A different feel with invested, invigorated O's fans

Stacey Long: A different feel with invested, invigorated O's fans
The online community for the Baltimore Orioles is a passionate and relatively tight-knit bunch. We comment on each other's blogs, we follow each other on Twitter and we never stop talking about the O's. Because of this it can be hard to have the proper perspective on the team's fan base as a whole. There are, of course, a lot of things to be excited about as an O's fan: The offseason acquisitions changed the look of the lineup, the young players are a valid reason for hope and we have our...
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Dave Nichols: Rehab, not hitters, is Strasburg's new challenge

Dave Nichols: Rehab, not hitters, is Strasburg's new challenge
The most important development for the Washington Nationals this season won't take place on the field. With no disrespect to an up-and-coming middle infield, a $126 million dollar man in right field or the growth of a potential All-Star phasing out one of the greatest catchers in baseball history, the biggest story to watch this season will take place in doctor's offices and on minor league fields across the mid-Atlantic. As much as Nats fans want to see a winner in Nationals Park in 2011,...
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Dave Nichols: Baseball driven by stats, stoked by hope

Dave Nichols: Baseball driven by stats, stoked by hope
Hi, my name is Dave NIchols and I write about the Washington Nationals. No, that's not my introduction at some self-help meeting, but it may as well be. I started a general baseball blog several years ago that grew into what Nats News Network is today: one of the very few independent Web sites credentialed to cover Major League Baseball and the Washington Nationals. I am also credentialed to cover, and have a site dedicated to, the Washington Capitals. I consider it a great privilege and...
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Stacey Long: There's no opener like an opener in Baltimore

Stacey Long: There's no opener like an opener in Baltimore
Hello MASNsports.com readers, and welcome to my first post on this fine Web site. My name is Stacey Long and I am the editor-in-chief at CamdenChat.com. Since 2005, Camden Chat has provided daily coverage of the Baltimore Orioles that is, in my (admittedly biased) opinion, the best you'll find on the Internet. Our writers are always intelligent, often hilarious and occasionally grumpy. With statistical analysis, thoughtful commentary and an occasional inspired haiku, Camden Chat covers the...
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Nats appear in Kimmel monologue

Nats appear in Kimmel monologue
Because April Fools' Day is all about jokes and pranks, here's an opportunity for a Nats-related chuckle. The Nationals had two references last night in Jimmy Kimmel's monologue last night on "Jimmy Kimmel Live." The ABC late-night host and comedian joked about the opening day ceremonial first pitch by members of the military at Nationals Park and about Larry King's upcoming first pitch at Saturday afternoon's game. Tune in 4:50 into the monologue to catch Kimmel's jokes related to...
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Nats support UNICEF efforts in Japan

Nats support UNICEF efforts in Japan
Beginning on Thursday, the Nationals launched a "text to give" initiative to support UNICEF's relief efforts after the recent earthquake in Japan. Fans can donate $10 by simply sending a texting JAPAN to 864233. The Nationals will also sell special $10 tickets to both games this weekend and half of the ticket cost will be donated to UNICEF. Fans can purchase those tickets at nationals.com/japanaid. All proceeds will benefit UNICEF's programs to help children recover from the disaster in...
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Ladies and gentlemen, choose your bobblehead

Ladies and gentlemen, choose your bobblehead
The Nationals have released the list of fan choice bobblehead candidates for the Sept.10 game against the Houston Astros. Options include Adam LaRoche, Ryan Zimmerman, Jordan Zimmermann, Drew Storen and Danny Espinosa. Fans can vote and encourage friends to vote through social networking. Jayson Werth and Ian Desmond will also be honored with bobbleheads in 2011. Last season's fan choice bobblehead winner was Ivan Rodriguez. The winner will be decided April 4, so vote early and vote...
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Did you know?

Did you know?
With his start Thursday, catcher Ivan Rodriguez has started 20 consecutive opening day games behind the plate. This is the longest streak in Major League Baseball regardless of position. Meanwhile, starter Livan Hernandez made his ninth opening day start. Hernandez is 4-3 with a 4.65 in previous opening day games. He's also tied for most opening day starts and wins among active pitchers. Of course, Ryan Zimmerman has started the most consecutive opening day games for the Washington...
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Rainy NatsFest still a treat for fans, players

Rainy NatsFest still a treat for fans, players
Despite the gloomy weather and the weekday mid-afternoon timing, hundreds of fans gathered at Nationals Park on a rainy Wednesday afternoon to meet and greet their team and start a new season of Nationals baseball. Along with players, coaches and broadcasters, Nationals fans seemed optimistic about the season as they gathered to celebrate the team's third annual NatsFest. The weather interfered with many of the planned outdoor activities, as well as participation from local Little League...
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Nationals release suite tickets for opening day

Nationals release suite tickets for opening day
Still looking for Nationals tickets for opening day? Enjoy the climate controlled atmosphere of a suite for just $145 (with a two-seat minimum purchase). The available suites are on the Jefferson suite level and have comfortable leather seats, as well as access to the Stars and Stripes Club. Most importantly, you'll avoid any inclement weather. Suite tickets are available at Nationals.com. The team will also sell 400 game-day tickets for $5 on Thursday beginning at 10:30 a.m. at the...
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Popular Shake Shack headlines new concessions at Nationals Park

Popular Shake Shack headlines new concessions at Nationals Park
The Nationals announced on Wednesday that renowned restaurateur Danny Meyer and his Union Square Hospitality Group (USHG) will bring the very popular Shake Shack concessions concept to Nationals Park this season. This will mark the third sports venue location for the hot spot, which is also very popular at Citi Field and Saratoga Race Course. The Shake Shack features ShackBurgers, hot dogs and frozen custard. Fans can enjoy the new items at the Miller Lite Scoreboard Walk. Other new concepts...
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Baseball themed musical opens April 9

Baseball themed musical opens April 9
"National Pastime," the musical comedy will make its world premiere at the District's Keegan Theatre on April 9. The production, directed by Mark A. Rhea and Susan Marie Rhea, tells the story of a near-bankrupt radio station inventing a fictitious baseball team to spark ratings in mid-1930's Iowa. Tony Sportiello wrote the play while his colleague Al Tapper provided the music and lyrics. The show runs from April 9-May 15, 2011 and tickets cost $35-$40. The Keegan Theatre at Church...
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Larry King takes the mound

Larry King takes the mound
Retire. Start a foundation. Help save lives. Work on your strike zone. One of the most beloved broadcasters of our time will be making a stop at Nationals Park on April 2. The one and only Larry King is slated to throw the ceremonial first pitch before the Nationals host the Braves on Saturday. A die-hard baseball fan, King even penned a book about his passion for the national pastime. The 77-year-old will be appearing at Nationals Park to promote the work of his foundation, the Larry King...
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Details for opening day

Details for opening day
The Nationals will celebrate opening day 2011 without presidential fanfare. According to a team release, the first pitch will be thrown by five flag officers representing each branch of the military. The team's military tribute will include a pregame ceremony and military children lining up to greet Nationals players on the red carpet. The ceremony is scheduled to include a flyover by the 113th Fighter Wing stationed at Andrews Air Force Base. The Nationals will also be the new home of the...
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Rain or shine - and Suns

Rain or shine - and Suns
A quick note to pass along on NatsFest. The third annual NatsFest will take place rain or shine on Wednesday afternoon. More details can be found here. Also, for those of you western Maryland, the Hagerstown Suns are hosting a "Meet the Suns" event Monday, April 4 from 6-9 p.m. at Cancun Cantina. While Suns season ticket holders will participate in an exclusive autograph session, the public can meet and greet Suns players between 7-9 p.m. Bryce Harper is expected to be in attendance....
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New details and full schedule released for NatsFest

New details and full schedule released for NatsFest
On Wednesday afternoon, the Nationals announced some new details about NatsFest, scheduled for Wednesday, March 30 from 4-8 p.m. at Nationals Park. According to the release, Stephen Strasburg, Bryce Harper, Derek Norris, Chien-Ming Wang and Cole Kimball are all scheduled to attend the team's third annual NatsFest celebration. Upon entering the ballpark at 4 p.m., fans can watch the Nationals take batting practice until 5:45 p.m. Following practice, at approximately 6:15 p.m., fans will be...
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Nationals set to build baseball field for special needs children

Nationals set to build baseball field for special needs children
The Nationals are hard at work creating yet another opportunity for local youth to experience the magic of baseball. In association with the Washington Nationals Dream Foundation, the Nationals will partner with the Miracle League of Montgomery County and other local civic organizations to build the Washington Nationals Miracle Field in Germantown, Md., this summer. The Miracle League of Montgomery County will give children with mental or physical challenges the opportunity to play competitive...
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Guest bloggers joining Nationals Buzz

Guest bloggers joining Nationals Buzz
After a week of visiting with familiar faces in NatsTown South, I remembered how close-knit this community of baseball lovers can be at times. It certainly feels like a family - or to reach back to a favorite sitcom theme song, "a place where everybody knows your name." As you probably know, fans in this market are lucky to have so many quality fan-generated blogs covering this team and providing unique perspectives in sophisticated ways. You may already be reading the dozens of popular,...
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