It may be December, but it's nearly 60 degrees in Washington, D.C. today, which means it's time to start thinking about spring training. In 78 short days, pitchers and catchers report to Space Coast Stadium in Viera, FL to begin preparing for a better 2010 season. Early-bird fans may arrive for scheduled practice days, which last through March 5th. This is a great time to get autographs and pictures. The early morning practices include a lot of drills and bullpen sessions. If you'd...

With holiday spirit, Nationals front office staff and players will give back to the community this weekend at two special events geared toward those in need. On Thursday and Friday, Nationals employees will help with the refurbishment of Unity Health Care's Southwest Health Center as part of the Washington Nationals Dream Foundation's continued partnership with Rebuilding Together DC. Together, as a team, they will make small repairs, install cabinets and shelving, paint walls and create...

On Saturday morning, over 120 children from the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Washington (BGCGW) gathered at ESPN Zone for a special holiday treat from the Washington Nationals. John Lannan, Justin Maxwell and the one and only Screech met the children for the Nationals 4th annual holiday party with BGCGW. Lannan and Maxwell distributed gifts and Screech dolls, signed autographs, mingled and answered baseball questions and played video games with the children. "The Nationals give our...

Got a question for Mike Rizzo? Something you'd like to hear directly from the general manager? Maybe a suggestion, compliment or concern? Tomorrow, you'll get your chance. General manager Mike Rizzo will be chatting with fans online at noon. Fans will need an MLB.com online account to log into the chat. Perhaps he'll be asked about Aroldis Chapman's workout, the team's strategy with free agents, the organization's goals for improving the team before spring training or how Rizzo will...

This should warm your heart in anticipation of that big winter storm headed our way. The Nationals are busy planning for their annual Winter Caravan and NatsFest. We'll know more details after the new year, but for now, mark your calendars for Wednesday, January 27 through Sunday, January 31st. Meet-and-Greets, autograph signings and community appearances are scheduled throughout the greater D.C. metro area for the week. Participating players and specific locations will be released at a...

Topps announced today that Nationals prospect Stephen Strasburg has inked an exclusive deal granting the card manufacturer exclusive rights to his autographed cards, game-used memorabilia cards and a special line of autographed memorabilia. Topps will also be permitted to use Strasburg's image for advertising. The agreement is Strasburg's first major endorsement. "I can't wait to see myself in uniform on my first Topps card," said Strasburg in the release. "That's when I know I will...

Ryan Zimmerman is teaming up with Chris Cooley of the Redskins to host a memorable New Year's Eve Party on Thursday evening at George in Georgetown. Here's hoping the new year brings better luck for both of their teams. Other VIPs bringing in the New Year with Zimmerman and Cooley include Bill Dean, Brendan Harris, Brendan Sullivan, Reed Landry, Hunter Campbell and David Chung. Tickets for the New Year's Party at George are still available for $125 with a $4 service fee at...

So, you're looking for a New Year's resolution? Something you can stick with throughout 2010? Here's a helpful tip from Nats center fielder Nyjer Morgan: Pilates. Morgan began incorporating Pilates into his workout routine during the 2009 season and he quickly became a huge fan of the program. "I really can't tell you why," said Morgan. "The stretching...it helps you use your core. It's relaxing." Developed during World War I to rehabilitate soldiers returning from war,...

''Any time you have an opportunity to make a difference in this world and you don't, then you are wasting your time on Earth.'' -- Roberto Clemente As we begin the new year, many of us are searching for ways to become better people in 2010. Whether that's at the gym, on the clock or with our families, January always brings a new opportunity to make positive changes in our lives. In the spirit of Roberto Clemente, who we lost 37 years ago this week, one possible resolution is to give...

Between discussing his pitching mechanics, new teammates and expectations for 2010, new National Matt Capps spoke of the importance of family and character in a year that has been especially trying for the young closer. On top of the strain of struggling through the '09 season and eventually being non-tendered by the Pirates, Capps lost his father, Mike, an instrumental part of his life and baseball career. "I can't tell you how much I missed him through this whole process," Capps said. ...