Capps talks Character and Community
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. ...
With just about six weeks to go until pitchers and catchers report, the Nationals have released details about the annual Winter Caravan and NatsFest scheduled for January 27-31.
MASN's Rob Dibble, manager Jim Riggleman and prospects Drew Storen, Danny Espinosa and Ryan Speier will kick off the caravan on Wednesday, January 27 with stops at the Unity Health Care's Southwest Health Center in DC, Hard Times Cafe in Arlington and the Build-A-Bear Workshop in McLean.
On Thursday, this same group...
The Washington Nationals Fan Forum, one of the most active online communities of Nats fans, is hosting a chat with Drew Storen on Sunday.
The first round draft pick keeps fans regularly updated with a blog and a Twitter account (@DrewStoren). Still, there are plenty of questions for fans to ask about his development, upbringing, goals, etc.
His fellow tech-savvy teammate Collin Balester chatted last week.
The chat begins at 8 p.m. EST, but you can begin submitting questions now.
Copying the great idea of our Orioles Buzz blogger, Kate, I took a trip down to Nationals Park last week to take some photographs for our brand new weekly game, "Where at Nats Park?"
Some will be easy and some will be more challenging. We'll post the correct answer on Wednesday. Put your answer in the comments and keep track of your correct guesses. Who knows, maybe we'll come up with a prize down the road.
You've been to Nats Park dozens -- maybe hundreds -- of times, but how well...
Last week, DC Council Member Tommy Wells introduced the "Mamie 'Peanut' Johnson Field Designation Act of 2010" which will name the multipurpose field at the Rosedale Recreation Center after Mamie "Peanut" Johnson. The field is located just a few blocks from RFK Stadium in Washington D.C.
Johnson's big break came while practicing at Rosedale Recreation Center in 1953 when former player Bish Tyson observed her skills. After one tryout with Bunny Downs, Johnson joined the Indianapolis...
The Nationals are searching for athletes, gymnasts, cheerleaders, promotions people and "outstanding personalities" to join their Nat Pack in 2010.
The Nat Pack is the in-game entertainment crew. They host pre-game features and games, shoot t-shirts, rally the crowd and generally serve as fan ambassadors at games and in the community.
Applicants should be "energetic, positive, talented, enthusiastic, dependable and fun." Of course, they should also love the Nats!
To apply, send your...
The Nationals Park logo is all over the place, but where is this particular one located?
Trust me, it's very visible and shouldn't be too difficult. We'll work up to the more challenging ones.
Our second installment of "Where at Nats Park" is late because of the holiday, so we'll reveal the answer on Thursday instead of Wednesday.
Just like last week, put your answers in the comments and keep track of your total wins!
Update: Some of you got this one! The answer is on top of the...
When I was a child, my father refereed high school and college basketball games. He was tough, but impartial. I hated watching him work, mostly because he couldn't please fans from either side. It's never fun to watch your Dad get booed. But his experience taught me to see the game in a different way and to respect those that try to enforce the rules.
As such, I've always had a curiosity and interest in the world of umpiring. Perhaps you have too? Imagine deciding whether each and...
I'm sorry for the break in updates. I left suddenly for Pennsylvania for a few days to attend my grandfather's funeral.
But I'm back now and with the Nationals caravan and NatsFest approaching quickly, we'll be sure to have plenty of Nats Buzz news for you, starting with this week's "Where at Nats Park" photograph.
Think you have the answer? Put it in the comments below and we'll let you know on Wednesday.
Update:
What a week!! The answer to last week's Where at Nats Park was...
If you want to enjoy the season ticket holder experience but 22, 42 or 81 games are just too many for your budget or schedule, the Nats have a solution.
Today, they introduced the Champions Plan (14 games for the price of 13), the Sunday Fun-day Plan (13 games for the price of 12), and Zim's Silver Slugger Plan (10 games for the price of 9).
The Sunday plan is particularly exciting as fans can collect autographs before the game during Signature Sundays and enjoy the post-game Kids Run the...
Jesus Flores can't make it to this week's caravan, but he has been pretty busy this offseason. The catcher spent the winter working out and rehabbing his shoulder in Miami. He expects to resume baseball activities next month and come back healthy, strong and ready for a productive 2010 season.
Flores has been plagued by unfortunate injuries in recent seasons. His first big setback occurred in September of '08 following a dangerous collision with Chase Utley. Though his ankle was ready...