Opposite dugout: After latest distractions, Mets need to focus on catching rival Nationals

Opposite dugout: After latest distractions, Mets need to focus on catching rival Nationals
Manager: Terry Collins (5th season) Record: 52-50 Last 10 games: 4-6 Who to watch: 2B Daniel Murphy (.271/.324/.393 with 36 RBIs), RF Curtis Granderson (.255/.350/.440 with 16 HR, 36 RBIs), SS Wilmer Flores (.249 with 10 HR, 40 RBIs), 1B Lucas Duda (18 HR, 45 RBIs), RHP Jacob deGrom (10-6, 2.05 ERA), RHP Jeurys Familia (27 saves, 2.22 ERA) Season series vs. Nationals: 4-6 Pitching probables: July 31: LHP Gio Gonzalez vs. RHP Matt Harvey, 7:10 p.m., MASN Aug. 1: RHP Joe Ross vs. RHP Jacob...
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David Huzzard: Examining the final two months

David Huzzard: Examining the final two months
Now that the Washington Nationals are almost fully healthy and have added Jonathan Paplebon, it is as good a time as any to discuss what to expect for the last couple of months of the season. The Nats may not be done adding players before the non-waiver trade deadline tomorrow or via the waiver trade market in August, but those moves are expected to be much smaller and no trade will make the Nats better than having Anthony Rendon back in the lineup. Whether it was from magic, voodoo or a...
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Rachel Levitin: How will Jonathan Papelbon mix in with Nationals bullpen?

Rachel Levitin: How will Jonathan Papelbon mix in with Nationals bullpen?
It looks like there's a new closing pitcher on Washington's roster. All-Star pitcher Jonathan Papelbon was traded from the Philadelphia Phillies to the Washington Nationals on Tuesday in exchange for minor league pitcher Nick Pivetta, and now it'll be interesting to see how the team's newest player integrates into the clubhouse. Outside of the business of baseball, many fans have expressed displeasure with the selection. That aside, I think the effect Papelbon has on the clubhouse and on...
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Matt of Matt's Bats: Hoping for a big splash from Nats at trade deadline

Matt of Matt's Bats: Hoping for a big splash from Nats at trade deadline
The trade deadline: baseball's most frantic and exciting time of the year. Already, Johnny Cueto, Scott Kazmir and Juan Uribe have been dealt to the Royals, Astros and Mets, respectively. There are probably a lot more deals coming before July 31 as teams that are postseason contenders are buying, and teams that probably won't make it to October are selling. The first-place Nationals are probably buyers this year because they have a few holes that need to be fixed to be playoff-ready. Last...
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Marty Niland: Taylor's breakout recalls past Senators rookie phenom Allison

Marty Niland: Taylor's breakout recalls past Senators rookie phenom Allison
There's nothing quite like seeing a major league rookie come into his own, especially when he's making the most of an opportunity to fill in for a starter. You can say, "I remember when ..." So it was fun watching Michael A. Taylor have a breakout weekend, even though the Nationals lost a difficult series in Pittsburgh and saw their NL East lead over the New York Mets shrink to two games. The rookie recorded the first four-hit game of his career on Saturday, including a two-run,...
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Opposite dugout: Marlins haven't improved much since managerial change

Opposite dugout: Marlins haven't improved much since managerial change
Manager: Dan Jennings (1st year) Record: 41-58 Last 10 games: 3-7 Who to watch: SS Adeiny Hechavarria (.276, 37 RBIs), LF Christian Yelich (.265, 5 HR, 22 RBIs), 1B Justin Boar (.263 with 10 HR, 30 RBIs), RHP Jose Fernandez (3-0, 2.77 ERA), RHP Tom Koehler (8-6, 3.16 ERA), RHP A.J. Ramos Season series vs. Nationals: 4-2 Pitching probables: July 28: RHP Jordan Zimmermann vs. RHP Jose Fernandez, 7:10 p.m., MASN2 July 29: RHP Doug Fister vs. RHP Tom Koehler, 7:10 p.m., MASN2 July 30: RHP Max...
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Patrick Reddington: Is trading for late-inning option worth cost of prospects?

Patrick Reddington: Is trading for late-inning option worth cost of prospects?
There have been plenty of rumors involving the Washington Nationals as the July 31st non-waiver trade deadline approaches, and Nats GM Mike Rizzo has heard the chatter. One report after another says the Nationals are in the market for relief help. So are they looking for a set-up man? An eighth-inning option? "That seems to be the popular opinion," Rizzo joked in an MLB Network Radio interview this week, "that our bullpen needs more depth, although, going into last night's game, I think we...
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David Huzzard: Explanation of slow trade market

David Huzzard: Explanation of slow trade market
By next Friday, our memories on this trade deadline will be very different, but the current atmosphere is one of inaction. The biggest news we have is that the Tigers might be sellers but haven't made up their minds. Lots of people blame the second wild card for the lack of moves, but the Reds, Phillies, Braves, Padres, Athletics, and a few other clubs are known to be sellers. The inaction can best be explained by what people think should happen and what is actually going to happen. Look at...
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Opposite dugout: Pitching highlights series again as Pirates look to get back at Nationals

Opposite dugout: Pitching highlights series again as Pirates look to get back at Nationals
Manager: Clint Hurdle (5th season) Record: 54-40 Last 10 games: 4-6 Who to watch: CF Andrew McCutchen (.290/.388/.486 with 12 HR, 57 RBIs), LF Starling Marte (.289/.336/.458 with 13 HR, 50 RBIs), 1B Pedro Alvarez (12 HR and 43 RBIs), RHP Gerrit Cole (13-4, 2.31 ERA), RHP A.J. Burnett (8-3, 2.44 ERA), RHP Mark Melancon (1.43 ERA, 30 saves) Season series vs. Nationals: 0-3 Pitching probables: July 23: RHP Doug Fister vs. LHP Francisco Liriano, 7:05 p.m., MASN July 24: RHP Max Scherzer vs. LHP...
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Rachel Levitin: Reconsidering the roles of Nats relievers

Rachel Levitin: Reconsidering the roles of Nats relievers
Here's the thing about Tuesday night's game at Nationals Park between the Washington Nationals and New York Mets - Washington starter Joe Ross threw a good game. He was able to keep up with 2015 All-Star pitcher Jacob deGrom in a head-to-had match-up, which should be viewed as an accomplishment for the young rookie pitcher. The unfortunate part is that the accomplishment dissolved amid a quiet offense and struggling relief pitchers. The onus isn't completely on the quiet offense. deGrom is a...
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Matt of Matt's Bats: Nationals in good place after All-Star break

Matt of Matt's Bats: Nationals in good place after All-Star break
The All-Star break has passed and the second half of the 2015 MLB season has officially begun. After the series with the Los Angeles Dodgers over the weekend, the Nationals face the Mets to kick off the second half. This is the first time the Nats are facing their second-place rival since the first week of May, if you can believe it. Even with all the injuries and the poor performance in May, it was a very good first half for the Nats. They ended the first half with sole possession of first...
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Marty Niland: Nats get some good news on a tough weekend

Marty Niland: Nats get some good news on a tough weekend
It was a frustrating, weekend of dormant offense for the Nationals against Dodgers aces Clayton Kershaw and Zack Greinke, who combined to hold the Nats scoreless for 18 innings, striking out 25 batters. Amid all the whiffs and groundouts, however, the Nats did get a key bit of good news: Injured stars Jayson Werth, Anthony Rendon and Ryan Zimmerman are all off to good starts on minor league rehab assignments. Although none will be on the field for what has turned out to be a crucial series...
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Nats Star Wars Day: May the Force be with you

Nats Star Wars Day: May the Force be with you
In honor of Nats Star Wars Day, shouldn't the players be trading in bats for lightsabers? If that was the case, we might hear Matt Williams yelling, "I've got a bad feeling about this!" from the dugout. While the Nationals will be looking to figure out Zack Greinke this afternoon, fans will be looking on dressed as Yoda, C-3PO, Han Solo and more at Nats Park. Check out the photos and tweets below for a closer look at a galaxy far, far away ... Happy #NatsStarWarsDay! May the force be with...
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Opposite dugout: Strong-armed Mets remain in NL East contention

Opposite dugout: Strong-armed Mets remain in NL East contention
Manager: Terry Collins (5th season) Record: 48-44 Last 10 games: 7-3 Who to watch: IF Daniel Murphy (.268 with 5 HR, 30 RBIs), 1B Lucas Duda (12 HR, 38 RBIs), RF Curtis Granderson (14 HR, 30 RBIs), RHP Jacob deGrom (9-6, 2.14 ERA), RHP Matt Harvey (8-6. 3.07 ERA), RHP Jeurys Familia (27 saves, 1.42 ERA, 0.95 WHIP) Season series vs. Nationals: 3-4 Pitching probables: July 20: RHP Matt Harvey vs. LHP Gio Gonzalez, 7:05 p.m., MASN July 21: RHP Jacob deGrom vs. RHP Joe Ross, 7:05 p.m. MASN2 July...
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Patrick Reddington: Enjoy Jordan Zimmermann while you can

Patrick Reddington: Enjoy Jordan Zimmermann while you can
The Washington Nationals made three selections in the 2007 draft before their second-round pick came up at No. 67. At that point they had a decision to make, but they couldn't come to an agreement. There was a difference of opinion among the front office executives and scouts gathered in the nation's capital, as now-former general manager Jim Bowden explained in a 2011 segment of his show on MLB Network Radio. "Everybody's lists are different," Bowden explained. "We got to the point of...
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Opposite dugout: Dodgers look to continue controlling NL West with strong pitching

Opposite dugout: Dodgers look to continue controlling NL West with strong pitching
Manager: Don Mattingly (5th season) Record: 51-39 Last 10 games: 6-4 Who to watch: 1B Adrian Gonzalez (.283/.355/.520 with 18 HR, 55 RBIs), C Yasmani Grandal (.282/.401/.526 with 14 HR, 36 RBIs), CF Joc Pederson (.230 with 20 HR, 40 RBIs), 2B Howie Kendrick (.292 with 37 RBIs), RHP Zack Greinke (8-2, 1.39 ERA, 0.84 WHIP), LHP Clayton Kershaw (6-6 with 160 strikeouts, 2.85 ERA) Season series vs. Nationals: First meeting (2-4 in 2014) Pitching probables: July 17: RHP Mike Bolsinger vs. RHP Jordan...
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#AskRendon: Anthony Rendon answers fans questions in Twitter takeover

#AskRendon: Anthony Rendon answers fans questions in Twitter takeover
While he doesn't have a Twitter account of his own, Nationals infielder Anthony Rendon was an old pro when he took to the @masnNationals account to answer fans' questions. MASN's Twitter followers submitted questions for Rendon using #AskRendon, and then the real fun began. Rendon wielded both baseball-related and off-the-field questions, with topics ranging from his favorite baseball player growing up to "the biggest bromance on the team." Naturally, some of his answers proved to be...
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Patrick Reddington: Taking a look at Doug Fister's struggles

Patrick Reddington: Taking a look at Doug Fister's struggles
While plenty of digital ink has been spilled examining what's wrong with Stephen Strasburg, Nationals rotation mate Doug Fister has struggled as well, though a little more quietly. Before Washington's 31-year-old sinkerballing right-hander landed on the DL with forearm tightness in mid-May, the free agent-to-be put up a 4.31 ERA in seven starts and 39 2/3 innings over which opposing hitters had a .291/.331/.456 line. In four starts since he's returned to the rotation, Fister has put up a...
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David Huzzard: Re-examining how free agency affects the Nationals

David Huzzard: Re-examining how free agency affects the Nationals
One of the big refrains coming into the 2015 season for the Nationals was that because of the loss of pending free agents Denard Span, Ian Desmond, Doug Fister and Jordan Zimmermann at the end of the season, the window is closing. While this has always been somewhat faulty logic, it made sense that the Nationals would have difficulty replacing four good players. But the season has not gone according to plan, and the idea that the window would be closing because of the loss of those four players...
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Opposite dugout: Slumping Orioles still in the thick of AL East race

Opposite dugout: Slumping Orioles still in the thick of AL East race
Manager: Buck Showalter (6th season) Record: 43-42 Last 10 games: 2-8 Who to watch: 3B Manny Machado (.301/.360/.535 with 19 HR, 48 RBIs), DH Jimmy Paredes (.299, 10 HR), CF Adam Jones (.284/.430/.471 with 11 HR, 40 RBIs), 1B Chris Davis (19 HR, 52 RBIs), LHP Wei-Yin Chen (4-4, 2.82 EA), RHP Darren O'Day (5-0, 1.10 ERA, 0.80 WHIP), LHP Zach Britton (23 saves, 1.77 ERA, 1.04 WHIP) Season series vs. Nationals: First meeting (3-1 in 2014) Pitching probables: July 10: LHP Gio Gonzalez vs. RHP...
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