Desmond wants to stay "hungry"
Nationals shortstop Ian Desmond told me this week he gets to camp every day before 7:00 a.m. because he wants to be there "early, as a younger player". He reads on the board what he will work on that day and gets on the field.
He spent a few moments with me talking about his experiences so far and the possibility he could be the everyday shortstop for the Nationals.
How has spring training gone for you so far?
"I got here early and settled in (February 10th). I feel really good. My...
As the Nationals get ready to play actual baseball against other teams (yes!) at spring training, I thought it would be good to see what others think about the Nationals and some of their young talent.
Steven Goldman, one of the editors of the 2010 Baseball Prospectus, joined me recently to preview major league baseball for the upcoming season. Goldman has helped run the annual for five seasons.
I had a chance to ask Steven about the Prospectus and how it is put together (not easy), how he...
Nats outfielder Justin Maxwell gets his first start in center field Thursday versus the Marlins. I spoke with Justin to get his pulse on spring training so far. He talked about a variety of subjects including how his swing is feeling in spring training, how is stance is set this season in the batters box and the different feeling in the clubhouse this year.
Maxwell says expectations are high for this team, and he comments on what the young guys have learned from the veterans who have been in...
As we get ready to embark on the first "Strasburg game" March 9th on MASN, I had a chance to check in with a collegiate coach that watched his team face Stephen Strasburg in the NCAA tournament and also coached Ryan Zimmerman.
What's it like to face Strasburg? What did Zimmerman mean to the University of Virginia program? What's it like to be ranked #1?
One person can answer all of these questions; it's UVA head baseball coach Brian O'Connor.
The Cavaliers took on Strasburg and San...
Nationals pitcher Craig Stammen checked in to talk about his first outing and the strides he's making heading into his second game against the Astros on Thursday.
Stammen says the jitters from his first outing are out of the way and his bullpen session went very well on Monday.
On his first outing:
"I felt good. It was nice for me to pitch without pain and be at full strength and let some things go a little bit. I'm kind of pitching with a new arm a little bit. It took a little time...
What will the Nationals be up against in the N.L. East in 2010? They've had trouble getting off to good starts the last two seasons, especially early on against the Phillies and the Marlins, so it is imperative they begin quickly and not dig themselves an early hole.
Steven Goldman, top editor for the Baseball Prospectus, breaks down the Nationals' competition for us in the Eastern division.
The Phillies are the favorites again. Goldman thinks they should have worked harder to keep Cliff...
Nationals pitcher Drew Storen recently checked in to give us a little insight on how spring training has gone for him so far.
Storen is off to a great start on the mound: 3 games, 3.0 IP, 1 hit, 0 runs, 0 earned runs, 1 walk, 3 strikeouts, and obviously a 0.00 ERA.
Drew talked about the Nats' 0-10 start to spring training, his pitching repertoire and one pitch he has yet to throw in a game, who he likes in the Big Dance and his thoughts on possibly making the opening day roster.
Audio:...
March Madness is underway and that means baseball that counts is just two weeks away! The weather seems to be responding in kind, at least in the National Capital area.
A couple of wins yesterday helps the optimistic spring feeling. It was good see both squads come up with curly W's behind the pitching of John Lannan and Craig Stammen.
So who do you think can win it all? The Yankees or Phillies again? The Red Sox, Mariners or Giants? The Nationals and a dream season?
We know what the...
Recently, I had a chance to talk with Nationals starting pitcher Garrett Mock about his pitching and how Ivan "Pudge" Rodriguez has been integral to his progression in spring training.
Mock says Rodriguez is helping each pitcher work on finer points of pitching in spring training, specifically in hitting a spot "to see if they can or show them that they can".
"During the season I believe Pudge came here to win at all costs," Mock said, but that may be sacrificed during spring training...
Could the Nationals be getting serious about a youth movement?
It's looking more and more possible that Justin Maxwell and Ian Desmond will make the team this year out of spring training. If they do, here's a breakdown of the potential new lineup defensively:
Josh Willingham, Nyjer Morgan and Justin Maxwell in the outfield.Ryan Zimmerman, Ian Desmond, Adam Kennedy and Adam Dunn in the infield.Stephen Strasburg and Drew Storen as the bookend pitchers (June 1).Pudge Rodriguez giving way to a...
With the news that pitching phenom Stephen Strasburg will start his professional career at the Double-A level with the Harrisburg Senators, I took care of the leg work for you and checked in with the Director of Broadcasting for the Senators, Terry Byrom, about the upcoming season.
Byrom let us know when tickets will go on sale, and talks about the history of big names playing baseball in Harrisburg and the Eastern League All-Star game.
He also discusses the impact of new manager Randy Knorr,...