Out of the Park: Giolito bakes and Harper, Nats say goodbye to Desmond

Out of the Park: Giolito bakes and Harper, Nats say goodbye to Desmond
If you've been following along with the Nationals this spring training, you've probably come across a few mentions of top pitching prospect Lucas Giolito and his baking. Giolito and his roommate at big league camp, catcher Spencer Kieboom, have posted pictures here and there of the pitcher's tasty creations. But this week, we got some good views of Giolito's banana bread. Spring Training Monday baking round 3... pic.twitter.com/ua1ySMQS1m -- Lucas Giolito (@LGio27) February 29, 2016 The...
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#TBT: Ian Desmond receives ovation in last home start in D.C.

#TBT: Ian Desmond receives ovation in last home start in D.C.
Drafted by the Expos in 2004, longtime National Ian Desmond was a staple in the infield. Over seven big league seasons with the Nationals, Desmond earned three Silver Slugger Awards and was named an All-Star in 2012. In 2015, as the Nats' season began to wind down, Desmond and fans knew that the shortstop's time in D.C. was likely coming to an end. In Desmond's last home game of the season, Trea Turner entered the game at shortstop in the ninth inning as manager Matt Williams allowed fans to...
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Out of the Park: A look at what the Nats are doing outside of spring training workouts

Out of the Park: A look at what the Nats are doing outside of spring training workouts
It's been a somewhat quiet week on social media for the Nationals, which can be a good thing with the full team reporting and working out in Viera, Fla. They're more concerned with what they're doing on the field than what they're doing off of it. But how are the Nats winning off the field? (Anyone?) I found some nuggets for those of you who are wondering how the team is doing all-around at spring training. Earlier this week, MASNsports.com's Mark Zuckerman wrote about the story behind new...
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#TBT: Nationals pull off circus play against Giants

#TBT: Nationals pull off circus play against Giants
One player who has made an early impression in spring training is flamethrower Felipe Rivero. "Boy, that lefty out there throwing 100 mph, he's got a pretty good chance," manager Dusty Baker said earlier this week. Last season, over 49 appearances, Rivero pitched to a 2.79 ERA. Headed into his sophomore season, will the 24-year-old be able to keep up his reputation as a staple in the bullpen? Leave a comment with your predictions and check out one of the Nationals' best plays from last...
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Out of the Park: Pitchers and catchers report to start spring training

Out of the Park: Pitchers and catchers report to start spring training
I have some housekeeping business to address before we get to the best of the Nationals getting ready for spring training. As I'm sure you've noticed by now, we have a new Nats beat reporter here on MASNsports.com, Mark Zuckerman! Guess the news is out there now: Yes, I've been hired as @masnNationals new beat writer. Thrilled to get started, heading to Viera tomorrow! -- Mark Zuckerman (@MarkZuckerman) February 16, 2016 JUST IN: Welcome @MarkZuckerman as MASN's new #Nats beat writer!...
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#TBT: Joe Ross strikes out 11 in third career start

#TBT: Joe Ross strikes out 11 in third career start
BASEBALL. IS. BACK. Pitchers and catchers report today, which means that Nationals baseball is officially here for the 2016 season! Spring training will answer a lot of questions surrounding the Nationals, including how the bullpen and starting rotation will shape up. Tanner Roark is likely to rejoin the rotation since he had an impressive 2014 campaign as a starter, posting a 15-10 record and a 2.85 ERA. Pitching out of the bullpen last season, he pitched to a 4.38 ERA. Another pitcher likely...
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Bobbleheads, Bryce Harper Chia Pet highlight 2016 Nationals promotional schedule

Bobbleheads, Bryce Harper Chia Pet highlight 2016 Nationals promotional schedule
If you've got a thing for bobbleheads, the Nationals will make you happy in 2016 by giving you the opportunity to add a few new pieces to your collection. The Nats have released their 2016 promotional schedule, and it includes six bobbleheads - two depicting Max Scherzer's no-hitters (May 23 and Aug. 26) along with nodders of new manager Dusty Baker (July 19), a Racing President (July 3) and National League MVP Bryce Harper (May 11). There will also be a fans' choice bobblehead issued on...
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Out of the Park: MVPs take in the Super Bowl with baseball returning in a week

Out of the Park: MVPs take in the Super Bowl with baseball returning in a week
Do you know how I know it's almost time for baseball? Truck Day. The annual tradition of packing up a 53-foot tractor trailer and shipping it off from Nats Park to Viera, Fla., took place on Monday. It gets you excited for pitchers and catchers reporting next Thursday, but it also means this next week is going to feel like the longest of the year. Next step: Viera! Watch the #Nats load up their 53-foot truck with spring training equipment. #IBackTheNats 🚚☀️⚾️...
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#TBT: Max Scherzer strikes out 16 in dominant performance

#TBT: Max Scherzer strikes out 16 in dominant performance
When reflecting on Max Scherzer's 2015 season, two no-hitters immediately come to mind - and rightfully so. However, I could argue that a performance that wasn't a no-hitter may have been his best start of the season. This game is a standout, as the Nationals ace simply made Brewer after Brewer look silly. In the shutout victory, Scherzer allowed just one bloop single and one walk while striking out 16. Yes, 16 batters! While he went on to record a nearly perfect no-hitter in his next start,...
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MLB Network to air Dusty Baker documentary on Feb. 9

MLB Network to air Dusty Baker documentary on Feb. 9
Since being named as the new manager in early November, Dusty Baker has been busy learning about his new team. While the veteran skipper might prefer to rely on his own eyes at spring training, he met with his new charges during Winterfest weekend and has been having dialogue with key players throughout the offseason. Nationals fans have also been getting to know their new manager, who has made several trips to D.C. this winter to get acquainted with his new environment. If you're still trying...
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Out of the Park: Nats and MASN personalities get ready for spring training

Out of the Park: Nats and MASN personalities get ready for spring training
It was a slow week on social media for the Nationals, which must mean we are getting closer to spring training. The guys are probably busy getting their affairs in order, planning their workouts for the next two weeks and setting their packing checklist before heading out for Viera, Fla. However, it seems that we do have some guys who are too eager and are already down by Space Coast Stadium. Well hello there!... #SpringTraining #nats #AmIEarly pic.twitter.com/IwtyGdGFjg -- Clint Robinson...
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#TBT: Anthony Rendon charges grounder, makes great play to first

#TBT: Anthony Rendon charges grounder, makes great play to first
He's got pop in his bat and range while manning the hot corner. Unfortunately, third baseman Anthony Rendon was limited to 80 games last season due to injury. However, some experts are saying that Rendon could become a top infielder in the National League in 2016. Rendon certainly showed off his talent in the 2014 season. He scored 111 runs en route to finishing fifth in National League MVP voting and being named a Silver Slugger. So what could be on deck for a healthy Rendon? Hopefully, many...
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Out of the Park: The blizzard, Throwback Tuesday and new attire

Out of the Park: The blizzard, Throwback Tuesday and new attire
Well, Winter Storm Jonas came through the area last weekend and crushed D.C. like Bryce Harper crushes fastballs. It also crushed MASN broadcaster F.P. Santangelo's elbow from all the snow it left for shoveling. Is there a Tommy John for shoveling snow? #leftarmprobs -- F.P. Santangelo (@FightinHydrant) January 25, 2016 Although Jonas left everyone stuck in their houses and exhausted from shoveling almost three feet of snow, the storm also left a pretty scene at Nationals Park. A beautiful...
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#TBT: Walk this way

#TBT: Walk this way
So what's an easier task: walking four times in a single game or walking down any street in the area without wiping out on the snow and ice? OK, I'll admit the latter is probably a much easier feat in comparison, but I figured I'd try to at least garner some sympathy for my clumsiness. But I digress ... In this week's #TBT, let's look back at one of the most amazing moments at the plate in 2015. OK, so when you think of a key offensive moment, you probably think of a huge home run or a...
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Out of the Park: Racing Presidents, Bryce Harper likes that and Nats Park concert

Out of the Park: Racing Presidents, Bryce Harper likes that and Nats Park concert
The Nationals family isn't made up of just baseball guys, since they clearly cannot get enough of the NFL playoffs. Granted, the ending to last Saturday's NFC divisional game between the Packers and Cardinals was unlike anything I've ever seen. Sports are just the best, guys. -- Dan Kolko (@masnKolko) January 17, 2016 This game has officially turned into PE -- F.P. Santangelo (@FightinHydrant) January 17, 2016 I don't believe what I just saw... -- Max Scherzer (@Max_Scherzer) January...
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Out of the Park: The good and bad from the rest of D.C. sports, plus National Hat Day

Out of the Park: The good and bad from the rest of D.C. sports, plus National Hat Day
Good news: Nationals pitchers and catchers report in almost a month (Feb. 18)! Bad news: One of the other D.C. teams that was holding you over until then finished its season last weekend. Even though the Redskins were handed an early exit in their surprising playoff run at the hands of a 35-18 defeat to the Green Bay Packers, there is a lot of upside for this team in the future. And MASN's Dan Kolko, for one, enjoyed a season that surpassed expectations, included a division championship and...
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#TBT: Nats hit four homers, outslug Bronx Bombers

#TBT: Nats hit four homers, outslug Bronx Bombers
If you missed it, MASN's spring training broadcast schedule was announced yesterday, bringing us just one step closer to the return of baseball. Whether it's from Viera, Fla., or from the broadcast booth at Nats Park, we're excited hear Bob Carpenter's "See you later!" call once again in 2016. And on a May night last season, we got to hear Carpenter call not just one home run, but four! Facing the Yankees, Ian Desmond, Bryce Harper and Wilson Ramos had all homered, but the game was tied...
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Out of the Park: Football playoffs and welcoming a new teammate while another leaves

Out of the Park: Football playoffs and welcoming a new teammate while another leaves
Happy new year and welcome back to "Out of the Park," Nats fans! I hope everyone had a very nice holiday season as we return to the real world this week. It would probably take a short novel to put together all of the holiday posts from the Nationals players over the break, so we'll just pick up from this week. Outfielder Matt den Dekker happened to spend his New Year's Eve in Dallas and was able to get over to AT&T Stadium with wife Christine to watch the NFC East champion Redskins...
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#TBT: Denard Span makes dazzling snag

#TBT: Denard Span makes dazzling snag
Happy 2016, Nats fans! A new season of Nats baseball will be here before we know it, with pitchers and catchers set to report in just a little more than a month. The Nationals have been busy this offseason, adding players such as Daniel Murphy, who had his introductory press conference today. With additions and with players heading into free agency after the 2015 season, the Nats roster will look much different in 2016. A key subtraction is veteran Denard Span, who just signed a three-year deal...
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Out of the Park: City keys, a rap song and a Nats license plate

Out of the Park: City keys, a rap song and a Nats license plate
Obviously, there was a lot happening on social media last week with the Winter Meetings at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center in Nashville, however much of it was just hearsay. Those posts were mostly focused on what was happening (or could happen) on the field. This being our third edition of Out of the Park, you know by now we are more concerned with what is going on with the Nationals off the diamond, and this week didn't disappoint. You knew it was going to be a big week...
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