New Washington Nationals' Outfielder Denard Span Talks About Trade From Minnesota Twins

The Washington Nationals traded for 28-year-old outfielder Denard Span Thursday night in a deal that sent pitching prospect Alex Meyer to the Minnesota Twins. Span talked to reporters about joining a new team after the deal...

Driven. Talented. Rangy. Controllable (contract-wise). A strong defender. Leadoff hitter. A left-handed bat. Denard Span is everything the Washington Nationals said they wanted in an outfielder this winter.

The Nats acquired the 28-year-old Span in a trade with Minnesota tonight that sent 22-year-old, 2011 1st Round pick Alex Meyer to the Twins. Span finished his fifth MLB season with a .283/.342/.395 line, 38 doubles, four triples and four home runs in 128 games and 586 PAs over which he had a .989 fld% and just four errors total in a year he was worth +3.9 fWAR. "You're talking about a true defensive ballhawk center field type of guy with great range," Nationals' GM Mike Rizzo told reporters last night after announcing the deal.

"Sabermetrically and with a scout's eye, he's a front line defensive center fielder."

And more importantly from Washington's perspective, he's signed under a relatively modest deal through the next two seasons with an option for a third. The last two years of the 5-year extension Span signed with the Twins in 2010 will pay him $4.75M this season and $6.5M in 2014, with a club option for the soon-to-turn-29-year-old outfielder in 2015 that will pay him $9M if the team picks it up. The Nationals couldn't pass up a chance to acquire a player like Span even at the cost of the top pitching prospect in their organization.

"To get a good, established major league player at Denard's age, with the contract that he has," Rizzo said, "you're going to have to give up a good quality player."

It wasn't the first time the Nationals tried to acquire Span. There were plenty of rumors at the non-waiver deadline in 2011 about a trade that never transpired. The Nationals persisted and a year and a half later finally agreed with the Twins on a deal that got them the outfielder they felt they needed. Span told reporters Thursday night that he didn't think he was ready for a trade to happen if it had back in 2011.

"I think a year and a half ago when I first heard the rumors, I definitely [don't] think I was ready for it then," Span said. "But fast forward to now, I'm definitely ready for it, I'm ready to be coming to a team that already is in place to win and I just hope that I can come here and not get in the way." An arduous recovery process from concussions combined with all the rumors to make things difficult for Span at the time.

"It was probably one of the hardest things that I had to go through," the outfielder said, "The reason why I said that I wasn't ready for it a year and a half ago was because I was going through the concussions. You know, hearing trade talks and going through a concussion wasn't easy for me, but fast forward to today, I'm definitely ready."

Though he's coming off a strong 2012 campaign, Span said, "I don't feel like I played to my 100% capability last year, but I was able to go out and prove that I still can be a good player." His best season in the majors was in 2009 when he put up a .311/.392/.415 line with 16 doubles, 10 triples, eight HRs and 23 stolen bases in 145 games and 676 plate appearances over which he was worth +4.1 fWAR. In five major league seasons, Span has a .281/.350/.379 line.

In his first year away from the American League, Span will be joining the defending NL East champs as part of an outfield in Washington that will feature 2012 Rookie of the Year Bryce Harper and veteran Jayson Werth in a configuration to be determined when Davey Johnson speaks to Werth.

The Twins' '02 1st Round pick said he looked forward to the opportunity to play with his new teammates. "[I'm] very excited to be playing alongside [Harper and Werth], two All-Star caliber players," Span said, "and now I feel like I need to step my game up and try to get to an All-Star Game hopefully, but I think they're definitely going to elevate my game just by playing alongside with them."

What's also motivating Span is the enthusiasm Nats' general manager Mike Rizzo showed when he spoke to the newest National tonight after pursuing the outfielder for the last year and a half. "That's the greatest feeling any ballplayer can have, when you're wanted," Span explained, "And when a team does whatever they have to do I guess to trade for you or try to get you, acquire you whether it's free agency or in this case being traded and it was a good feeling to be wanted. When I talked to [GM Mike Rizzo], I could hear it in his voice how excited he was to have me, and when I heard his voice it kind of brought some energy into me because I just got off the phone with our GM and it was kind of a sad conversation and when I talked to [Rizzo] it kind of gave me some life."

Asked to describe himself as a player for anyone unfamilar with the outfielder's game, Span said, "I definitely believe I'm a grinder in the sense I love to have fun, I try to bring my 'A' game every game. I'm definitely going to bring a lot of range in the outfield. I love to go get it out in center field. I thrive on being one of the best leadoff hitters in the game, or trying to be. And I love setting the tone. I love getting up to start the game and taking pitches and trying to give my teammates the best look they can [get] and try to set the tone and get on base and stealing bases for me, I'm still a work in progress. I'm still trying to up that and I'm not going to start working until I do that."

                                                                                                                                                                                                               

Washington Nationals' GM Mike Rizzo On Trade With Minnesota Twins For Denard Span

The Washington Nationals announced tonight that they had acquired 28-year-old outfielder Denard Span from the Minnesota Twins in exchange for 22-year-old right-hander Alex Meyer. The Nats' GM talked to reporters about the deal shortly after it was announced...

The Washington Nationals announced tonight that they had acquired 28-year-old outfielder Denard Span from Minnesota in a 1-for-1 deal that sent 22-year-old 2011 1st Round pick pitcher Alex Meyer to the Twins. Span, a veteran of five MLB seasons, is coming off a .283/.342/.395, 38 double, four triple, four home run, +3.9 fWAR 2012 campaign. The Nats have been tied to Span in the past, with a rumored deal before the deadline in 2011 failing to transpire, but the two sides apparently started talking about a deal again a few weeks back, as Nats' GM Mike Rizzo told reporters on a conference call tonight.

"We've been in contact with [GM] Terry Ryan and the Minnesota Twins for approximately three of four weeks [since] we started discussing the deal," the Nationals' 51-year-old general manager explained, "It started gaining momentum last week after the GM Meetings and we started really getting some progress this past couple of days." The Nationals have been after Span for a while, the Nats' GM explained because, "... he fits very well for us. First of all, outstanding character, big-time make-up guy. His teammates love him, on the field, off the field, community guy. I've known him for a long time."

Rizzo said he'd scouted Span and been familiar with the outfielder for years, determining that, "... his skill set is something that we were looking for, we've been looking for for a couple years now. You're talking about a true defensive ballhawk center field type of guy with great range. Sabermetrically and with a scout's eye, he's a front line defensive center fielder. He's a confident leadoff type of hitter. He appeals greatly to us because of his skill set as an offensive player. You know, high average guy, .350 OBP-type of guy, doesn't strike out -- one of the tougher guys in the league to strike out -- so a contact bat and can really, really run... from the left side of the plate, which keeps our lineup balanced and a guy that in the past has stolen a lot of bases and we feel is really going to come into his own as a base stealer in the National League."

Span signed an 5-year extension with the Twins in 2010 that covers 2013 when he'll make $4.75M and 2014 when he'll earn $6.5M. The deal also includes an option year for 2016 that would pay the outfielder $9M. The acquisition fits the plan the Nationals have discussed previously of giving them a controllable outfielder who can bridge the gap to some of the prospects they have in the organization who are now a few years away from being major league ready. Span, the GM said, is different type of player than the Nationals have had in center before, describing him tonight as, "... the first guy with this type of skill set that's an established major league player."

"We think we've got guys in the system that fill this role," Rizzo explained, "But they're years away. They're in the pipeline and we're looking for big things from them down the road. But as far as an established guy, at his age... he's a 28-year-old guy, still just reaching the prime of his career, with his skill set, I really think that his game is going to translate to the National League very, very well."

The acquisition also allows the Nats to rearrange their outfield, moving Bryce Harper to a corner spot. "The way we look at it," Rizzo said, "we've got three players in Jayson Werth, Bryce Harper and Denard Span that can play center field in the major league effectively. So, in effect, we have three center fielders playing the outfield for us. I think they're going to be a rangy bunch, they all throw well, they're accurate and they're going to be an exciting group to watch."

Asked if the deal would have any ramifications on the Nats' negotiations with Adam LaRoche and what it means for Michael Morse, who is suddenly the odd man out in the Nationals' outfield, Rizzo said simply, "Michael Morse is under contract with us. He's a guy that's a middle-of-the-lineup productive player for us and Adam LaRoche was our first baseman last year and we're still discussing it with him and in contract negotiations. So it gives us some options in dealing with our roster."

As for Alex Meyer, the 23rd overall pick in 2011 after the Nats selected Anthony Rendon with their first 1st Round pick of the Draft, Rizzo admitted that it was tough to part with such a talented young pitcher. Meyer had a 3.10 ERA, 2.63 FIP, 34 walks (3.40 BB/9) and 107 Ks (10.70 K/9) at Class-A Hagerstown and the former University of Kentucky right-hander had a 2.31 ERA and a 3.23 FIP with 11 walks (2.54 BB/9) and 32 Ks (7.38 K/9) in seven starts and 39.0 IP when he moved up to High-A Potomac. "To get a good, established major league player at Denard's age, with the contract that he has," Rizzo admitted, "you're going to have to give up a good quality player. [Twins' GM] Terry Ryan is one of the best general managers in the game. You're not going to pull the wool over his eyes."

"You have to give to get," Rizzo said, "And we feel that we have great depth in our minor league system. We continue to call upon our scouts and player development to add to that system each and every year and to give up an Alex Meyer for a Denard Span is always a difficult decision to make, but one that we felt fit our time frame, fit our skill set and was something that the front office and ownership was willing to do."

                                                                                                                                                                                                               

Washington Nationals Acquire CF Denard Span From Minnesota Twins For RHP Alex Meyer

The Washington Nationals announced this afternoon that they had acquired Minnesota Twins outfielder Denard Span in a deal for 2011 1st Round pick RHP Alex Meyer ending the team's search for a center fielder/leadoff man.

While the chatter this winter has surrounded the Washington Nationals' interest in free agent outfielders like B.J. Upton and Michael Bourn, the Nats apparently returned to an old target to fill their need for a center fielder, agreeing upon a deal announced this afternoon that will send 22-year-old 2011 1st Round pick RHP Alex Meyer to the Minnesota Twins in return for 28-year-old center fielder Denard Span. The Nationals have previously talked about acquiring the outfielder, with the two sides reportedly coming close to a deal before the 2011 Non-Waiver deadline.

According to multiple reports this afternoon the two sides have finally found a deal that both sides liked:

The #Nationals today acquired OF Denard Span from the Minnesota Twins in exchange for minor league RHP Alex Meyer.

' Nationals PR (@NationalsPR) November 29, 2012

Span, who was born in Washington, D.C., was drafted by the Twins in the 1st Round of the '02 Draft out of Catholic High School in Tampa, Florida. In five MLB seasons, the 6'0'', 210 lb left-handed hitting and throwing outfielder has posted a combined .284/.357/.389 line with a 162-game average of 29 doubles, 10 triples and six home runs. Span is coming off a .283/.342/.395 2012 season which saw him hit 38 doubles, four triples and four home runs.

Alex Meyer, the 23rd overall pick in the 2011 Draft, finished his first pro season at Class-A Potomac after starting the year at Low-A Hagerstown. In 18 games and 90.0 IP with the Hagerstown Suns, Meyer had a 3.10 ERA, 2.63 FIP, 34 walks (3.40 BB/9) and 107 Ks (10.70 K/9). Once he moved to High-A Potomac, the former University of Kentucky right-hander had a 2.54 ERA and a 3.23 FIP with 11 walks (2.54 BB/9) and 32 Ks (7.38 K/9) in seven starts and 39.0 IP.

In an interview this morning on 106.7 the FAN in D.C., Nats' GM Mike Rizzo told hosts Holden Kushner and Danny Rouhier that the Nationals continued to search for what he described as a, "... "... dynamic type of... if possible... a guy who can play center field and lead off for us, [and] make [Bryce Harper] more comfortable in a corner outfield position which is where we see his future down the road."

The Nats' general manager had a conference call with reporters scheduled for 4:45 pm EST this afternoon. More news and quotes to follow...

                                                                                                                                                                                                               

Cross B.J.Upton Off The Washington Nationals' Winter Wish List; Upton Signs With Atlanta Braves

Will the Washington Nationals pursue any of the other available outfielders this winter now that B.J. Upton has signed with the Atlanta Braves.

Atlanta Journal-Constitution reporter David O'Brien wrote 10 days before the Atlanta Braves signed him to a 5-year/$75.25M dollar deal this afternoon that 28-year-old free agent outfielder B.J. Upton was likely to get a contract for somewhere in the area of five years and $75M dollars from whichever team ended up signing the former Tampa Bay Rays' 1st Round pick this winter. Michael Bourn, however, the Journal-Constitution's Mr. O'Brien wrote on Twitter (@ajcbraves) that day, "... and agent [Scott] Boras are asking for more $ than that."

Bourn, the now-even-more-likely-to-be-a-former Braves' outfielder who'll be replaced in center in Turner Field by Upton is said to want a 5-6-year deal worth around $80-$100M dollars this winter coming off a .274/.348/.391, 26 double, 10 triple, nine home run, 42 stolen base, +6.4 fWAR 2012 season in Atlanta.

Upton finished his eighth major league season at +3.3 fWAR with a .246/.298/.454 line, 29 doubles, 28 HRs and 31 SBs in 146 games and 633 PAs, leaving him with a .255/.336/.422 career line 966 games into his MLB career. Bourn, who will turn 30 next month, entered free agency with a .272/.339/.365 line over seven major league seasons played in Philadelphia, Houston and Atlanta.

The Phillies were rumored to be high on Upton and are rumored to be interested in signing Bourn, (w/ one writer saying they're going to shock the world and get Josh Hamilton) as are the Washington Nationals, though, as the Nats have stated repeatedly and Yahoo!Sports.com's Jeff Passan wrote last week, "... Bryce Harper's evolution into a bona fide center fielder might save the Nationals from making an unnecessary $80 million investment," this winter. Harper's evolution and the presence of some potential future center fielders in the organization as the Nats have previously explained.

Denver Post writer Troy E. Renck too wrote last week about Washington and Philadelphia being among the teams that are in the market for a center fielder this winter, speculating that, "If Braves get Upton [it] should help clarify/intensify market for [Rockies' OF Dexter] Fowler. Phils, Nats might emerge but Rox asking price will be very high."

The 26-year-old Fowler, who won't become a free agent until 2016, had a .300/.389/.474 line with 18 doubles, 11 triples, 13 HRs and 12 stolen bases in a +2.9 fWAR season in 2012 which left the center fielder with a .271/.364/.427 line over four seasons-plus in the majors with the Rockies.

According to Yahoo!Sports.com's Mr. Passan, "Colorado is using his emergence to ask for a huge return," with one executive the reporter spoke to describing the asking price as "Absurd."

Davey Johnson told MLB Network Radio hosts Jim Bowden and Casey Stern recently that he liked what he had and didn't see the need to spend big on an outfielder. "Bryce Harper is going to be my center fielder," Johnson said, "and probably [Michael] Morse in left and [Jayson] Werth in right."

That's if the Nationals sign Adam LaRoche, of course. If not, Morse might move to first and the Nats could explore the market or go with Tyler Moore, Roger Bernadina or another option in left with Harper and Werth in center and right or sign one of the center fielders out there and move Harper to a corner spot where the Nationals think he'll eventually end up anyway.

$80M over five years for a 30-year-old outfielder? A high price in prospects for an outfielder at peak value coming off his best season in the majors? Do either Bourn or Fowler make sense for the Nats?

                                                                                                                                                                                                               

Is Washington Nationals' Outfielder Tyler Moore Ready To Play Every Day?

If the Washington Nationals fail to sign Adam LaRoche this winter they can move Michael Morse to first, but can the defending NL East Champs start the year with Tyler Moore in left field?

In explaining the decision to bring then-19-year-old outfielder Bryce Harper up to the majors in late April in favor of another option from the Triple-A Syracuse Chiefs' roster, D.C. GM Mike Rizzo told reporters at the time that, "It was a choice between a couple of players on the farm, Tyler Moore and Bryce Harper. Tyler Moore just didn't have the experience to play left field at the major league level yet."

Moore would end up debuting one day after Harper. The 25-year-old '08 16th Round pick played his first game in the majors on April 29th, after back-to-back 31 HR seasons in 2010 at Class-A Potomac and 2011 at Double-A Harrisburg in the Nats' system.

In 29 games and 115 PAs at Triple-A in 2012, Moore had a .307/.374/.653 line with six doubles, a triple and nine HRs. In the majors, Moore had a .263/.327/.513 line in part-time work, with nine doubles and 10 HRs in 75 games and 171 PAs over which he was worth +0.6 fWAR as a rookie. Moore was one of eight outfielders to play left field for Washington in 2012, finishing the year tied with Roger Bernadina for 3rd on the NL East Champions' roster in games played with 33 games in left behind Michael Morse (62) and Steve Lombardozzi (36). Moore played four games total in the outfield in Triple-A.

Should the Nationals decided to let Adam LaRoche walk this season, the prevailing wisdom is that the Nats would simply move Michael Morse to first base. The now-30-year-old, range-challenged OF/1B had his best year in the majors in 2011 when he played first base in place of the injured LaRoche, putting up a .303/.360/.550 line over 146 games and 575 PAs in a 36 double, 31 HR, +3.3 fWAR campaign. Morse could fill in for LaRoche again in 2013 if the Nats fail to sign the 33-year-old free agent, and as Rizzo put it in a recent interview, move into, "... his most comfortable defensive position where he plays defense very well."

Moving Morse to first leaves the Nationals with a mix of Moore, Bernadina and maybe Lombardozzi again (or possibly Corey Brown?) in left field barring any additional signings or trades. Washington Post writer Thomas Boswell wrote earlier this week that if Morse were to move to first in place of LaRoche, the Nationals could give, "... Moore the playing time he's earned in left field."

In discussing potential moves this winter to bring a first baseman or outfielder in, the WaPost writer noted in a chat with readers, after talking to both the Nats' GM and manager, that, "... Rizzo did emphasize that he is more inclined to action than Davey, who tends to love what he has -- possibly because he has so much confidence in his ability to bring out talent." Davey Johnson praised Moore after the outfielder/bench bat came through big with a two-run single late in Game 1 of the NLDS with St. Louis.

"He's got a great stroke," Johnson said, "He's short through the ball. He's got a great future. He's done '' all of my young guys have done a great job, out of position and not in a regular role." Is Moore ready for a regular role if the Nationals let LaRoche walk? Roger Bernadina had his best year in the majors as a fourth outfielder, putting up a .291/.372/.405 line with 11 doubles and five home runs in 129 games and 261 PAs over which he was worth +1.9 fWAR in 2012. Lombardozzi, playing the outfield for the first time as well, finished the year with a .273/.317/.354 line with 16 doubles, three triples and three home runs in 126 games and 416 PAs in a +0.8 fWAR campaign.

Davey Johnson told ESPN980's Kevin Sheehan and Thom Loverro in a recent interview that he wanted LaRoche back at first in the nation's capital in 2013, but said that if LaRoche was at first with Morse in left it might be difficult to get players who deserve it sufficient at bats. "I really like the depth that we have in the system," Johnson said, "the one problem we have coming in next year is we're going to be more of a set lineup and I've got guys that are going to be on the bench, Lombardozzi, Tyler Moore and [need] to get them more playing time.

Is Moore ready for an everyday role in the majors if the Nationals need to turn to him? Can the Nationals get by with Moore, Bernadina and maybe Lombardozzi (or Corey Brown?) playing left with Bryce Harper and Jayson Werth in center and right, respectively? Would the Nats need to sign an outfielder if LaRoche walked and Morse moved to first? All of these questions hinge on whether or not Adam LaRoche returns of course... any day now...

                                                                                                                                                                                                               

Wilson Ramos Update: Washington Nationals' Catcher Gets Update From Doctor

Washington Nationals' catcher Wilson Ramos hopes to return from two separate surgeries to repair a torn meniscus and ACL in his right knee and be 100% for Spring Training.

On a night that saw the Philadelphia Phillies receive some bad news about their All-Star backstop Carlos Ruiz, who was suspended for 25 games for a positive test for amphetamine, the Washington Nationals received a welcome update on the status of their recovering catcher Wilson Ramos. According to a couple of tweets from Marfa Mata (@Marfamata), a PR rep for Ramos whose name became familiar to fans in the nation's capital during last winter's frightening kidnapping incident in the catcher's home country of Venezuela, the 25-year-old former Minnesota Twins' prospect acquired by the Nats in July of 2010, who tore his ACL and meniscus last May, has seen a doctor and received a positive report on the progress in his recovery:

Wilson Ramos #nats went to his checkup with Dr Steadman today. He is fine and his rehab will continue, increasing physical activities...

' Marfa Mata (@Marfamata) November 27, 2012

Dr Steadman is optimistic that Wilson will be ready for spring training. Ramos is working hard on his rehab, he's eager to play soon...

' Marfa Mata (@Marfamata) November 27, 2012

Ramos had two surgeries perfomed on his right knee this past summer with doctors first repairing a torn meniscus which they discovered during the first procedure and then the ACL when the knee had healed sufficiently from the first surgery. When the Nationals' catcher talked to reporters, including the Washington Post's James Wagner, on the anniversary of his kidnapping earlier this winter, Ramos said he had moved on from the incident and was concentrating solely on his recovery.

"'It'll be hard to totally forget something like that,'" Ramos told the WaPost reporter, "But, overall, I'm pretty calm now and worrying totally about my recovery. And I think that's more important for me, taking care of my knee."

With Ramos injured the Nationals acquired 29-year-old catcher Kurt Suzuki from the A's after the non-waiver deadline last summer, with D.C. GM Mike Rizzo telling CSNWashington.com's Mark Zuckerman at the time that the backstop who's locked up for 2013 with an option for 2014 was, "... not a rental. He's going to be here for more than this season. He's a guy who can really take that rotation together and get it going better than it already has.'"

According to Ramos, the presence of Suzuki on the roster wasn't a concern for him as much as making sure he was 100% healthy for the start of Spring Training. "'I'm not worrying about competing with another catcher but about getting ready 100 percent,'" Ramos told the Washington Post. "'If I'm not 100 percent, how can I compete.'"

The Nationals have until Friday to make a decision on the third catcher in the mix at the major league level. Jesus Flores, the 28-year-old, 5-year veteran taken from the New York Mets' organization in the '02 Rule 5 Draft, is arbitration-eligible so the Nats must decide whether or not to tender a contract to the backstop who earned $815,000 in 2012 when he put up a .213/.248/.329 line with 12 doubles and six home runs in 83 games and 296 plate appearances.

Ramos had a .265/.354/.398 line with two doubles and three home runs in 25 games and 96 PAs before his injury this season coming off a .267/.334/.445, 22 double, 15 HR, +3.3 fWAR 2011 campaign. Kurt Suzuki came to D.C. with a .218/.250/.286 line, but put up a .267/.321/.404 line with Washington, and had a .301/.355/.482 line with three doubles and four home runs in 26 games and 93 PAs over the last month-plus with the Nationals, finishing the year at +0.8 fWAR overall after a +2.2 fWAR 2011 season.

                                                                                                                                                                                                               

Washington Nationals' Prospects Anthony Rendon And Matt Skole Named To Arizona Fall League Top Prospects Team

Washington Nationals' prospects Anthony Rendon, 22, and Matt Skole, 23, were named to the Arizona Fall League Top Prospect Team this afternoon in recognition of their success in the AFL this Fall.

After a strong .291/.426/.559, 28 double, 27 HR 2012 season at Class-A Hagerstown and High-A Potomac which earned 23-year-old, 2011 5th Round pick Matt Skole the honor of being named the Washington Nationals' Minor League Player of the Year, the 6'4'', 230 lb left-handed hitting slugger went to the Arizona Fall League where he posted a .305/.419/.525 line with four doubles and three home runs in 17 games and 59 AFL ABs.

Skole's fellow 2011 Draft pick Anthony Rendon, who was taken 6th overall by the Nationals that year, struggled with injuries in his first pro season, suffering a partial fracture of his left ankle, but he returned late in the year and posted a .233/.363/.489 line with eight doubles, four triples and six home runs over 43 games and 160 PAs at four levels in the Nats' system, ending the 2012 campaign at Double-A Harrisburg.

Rendon, 22, went to the Arizona Fall League too, where he played third base for the Salt River Rafters, making it necessary for Skole to move over to first base. Rendon hit 10 doubles, one triple, stole six bases and put up a .338/.436/.494 line over 22 games and 94 PAs. The former Rice third baseman whose injury issues resulted in his being available for the Nationals to select 6th overall in the 1st Round of the '11 Draft, earned a spot on the AFL's Rising Stars' roster with his play in Arizona.

Rendon, considered by some the best hitter available in his Draft class, was also a strong defender in college and was described by D.C. GM Mike Rizzo after his selection as having, "Gold Glove caliber defensive skills at third base. MLB.com's Jonathan Mayo wrote recently that the infielder, "... [showed] excellent defensive skills at third," in the Arizona Fall League as well. Though Skole played third base in college and throughout his first two professional seasons, the Nats' general manager told MLB Network Radio hosts in a recent interview that the right-handed throwing infielder, "... probably profiles as a left-handed power bat at first base." The two could find themselves as teammates again at Double-A Harrisburg at the start of the 2013 campaign.

The Nationals' young potential future corner infielders were each recognized for their work in the Arizona Fall League this afternoon with the Nats announcing via Twitter @NationalsPR that both Skole and Rendon had been named to the Arizona Fall League Top Prospects Team:

#Nationals prospects Anthony Rendon and Matt Skole have been named to the 2012 Arizona Fall League Top Prospects Team.

' Nationals PR (@NationalsPR) November 26, 2012

                                                                                                                                                                                                               

Wire Taps: Washington Nationals Weekend In Review: B.J. Upton Rumors; Adam LaRoche Chatter

The Winter Meetings start next week and that's when the Hot Stove REALLY HEATS UP!! The Washington Nationals are talking like a team that thinks they don't have too many holes, but it could just be GM Mike "Run Silent" Rizzo doing his thing as he works on adding a starter ... or a CF...

Have you been daydreaming about adding Zack Greinke to the Washington Nationals' rotation? D.C. GM Mike Rizzo admitted that he had in a recent MLB Network Radio interview, but added that, "Thinking about it; dreaming about it; implementing it are different things." When Davey Johnson talked about the Nats' offseason needs in his own MLB Network Radio interview a few weeks back, he said no.1 on the list of things to do was re-sign Adam LaRoche, but other than bringing the first baseman back, the soon-to-turn-70-year-old skipper said the team didn't need to do too much. Both the general manager and bench manager reiterated their positions in an interview with Washington Post writer Thomas Boswell on Sunday.

"'Davey and I like our players a lot,'" Rizzo told the WaPost reporter, "'If money were free, we'd get Greinke, [Michael] Bourn and two more closers.'" Johnson's still saying he wants LaRoche back, but Boswell writes that, "The Nats' dream is that LaRoche actually re-signs ' but for the two-year deal that is almost certainly as far as they'll go," and quotes Johnson asking the Buck Commander, "'How much feed do you need to buy? Another $25 million ought to do it. What does he need three or four years [on a contract] for?'" Can the Nats get LaRoche back on another 2-year deal? Will someone outbid them for the free agent first baseman's services? Are they still in on B.J. Upton? The Hot Stove warms up/heats up/gets cracking/picks up/starts burning/fills the room with smoke/ignites next week at the Winter Meetings... until then, LINKS and lots of them as many as we could find... starting RIGHT NOW!!!:

' THE BIG STORY!!!!!:

' "Davey [Johnson] expects a couple of Rizzo surprises before Viera. But, regardless, he's planning 'to ride off into the sunset and all that' with the horses he has now.'" - "Nationals' Mike Rizzo: 'We don't have any pressing needs'" - Thomas Boswell, The Washington Post

' NATS BEAT:

' "1. ADAM LAROCHE: So much of the Nats' offseason hinges upon the veteran first baseman. If he returns to D.C., the lineup is set." - "Hot Stove ready to ignite at last" - Mark Zuckerman, NatsInsider.com

' "If [B.J.] Upton picks a team other than the Braves or Phillies, both of those teams might then have to bid against each other for Bourn, boosting the demand for his services and perhaps taking things to a level the Nationals are unwilling to go." - "Nationals Pastime: Waiting for the action to heat up" - Dan Kolko, MASNSports.com

' Twitter: Denver Post's Troy Renck: "If Braves get [B.J.] Upton should help clarify/intensify market for [Dexter] Fowler. Phils, Nats might emerge but Rox asking price will be very high."

' "Checking in on Erik Davis' season, we saw the incredible numbers he is putting up for Gigantes del Cibao of the Dominican Winter League." - "More winter league updates for Nats prospects" - Byron Kerr, MASNSports.com

' "Is Bryce Harper the newest member of KISS?" - "Cut 4" - MLB.com: News

' "The Rangers, a main Angels rival, loom as another threat in the [Zack] Greinke market, and so might the Nationals, who have long coveted Greinke..." - "MLB execs: Zack Greinke is headed for a record payday for right-handed pitchers" - Jon Heyman, CBSSports.com

' "Throughout much of spring training last year, it appeared Craig Stammen was likely ticketed for the starting rotation at Triple-A Syracuse." - "Nationals Pastime: Stammen suddenly a major part of Nats' bullpen" - Dan Kolko, MASNSports.com

' Twitter: Atlanta Journal Constitution's David O'Brien @ajcbraves: "Probably. But Reds also have interest, & maybe Nats. RT @biggy_man: @ajcbraves do you thinks its between Atlanta and philly for upton"

' Twitter: Washington Post's Adam Kilgore @AdamKilgoreWP: "The Nats handed out 49 full playoff shares, each worth $37,045.32. They also gave out 6.65 partial shares and three 'cash awards.'"

' Your Daily Message From The Dalai Lama On Twitter (@DalaiLama): "I always try to share with others the idea that in order to become compassionate it is not necessary to become religious."

' NATSTOWN:

' "Tyler Moore had a very fine season for the Nats last year. He has legit major league power. He also will turn 26 in January and has a strike out to walk ratio of 3.45 to 1 in the minors..." - "Monday Quickie" - Harper, Nationals Baseball

' "The magical '300 win' threshold remains one of the more challenging career objectives for any starter, and remains an interesting benchmark to discuss." - "Have we seen the last 300-game winner? (updated post 2012 season)" - Todd Boss, Nationals Arm Race

' "November 26, 1960 Twins is chosen as the new name for the original Washington Senators franchise, transplanted to the Twin Cities of Minneapolis-St. Paul after the end of the 1960 season." - "This Date in Washington Senators History ' Transplanted Senators are now the Twins" - Art Audley, D.C. Baseball History

' "In other Washington Nationals Hot Stove news, Stephen Strasburg and Bryce Harper were at last night's Notre Dame-USC game at the Coliseum in LA." - "Stephen Strasburg had better seats than Bryce Harper for the Notre Dame-USC game" - Nats Enquirer

' "Winter League Roundup" - Luke Erickson, NationalsProspects.com

' "Happy Birthday, Corey Brown" - Cheryl Nichols, District Sports Page

' NL EAST UPDATES:

' Mets: "It's around the baseball world, not just in New York, where folks wonder, 'What will the Mets do with R.A. Dickey and David Wright?'" - "Mets can't spend too much for Wright, Dickey just to satisfy fans" - Ken Davidoff, NYPOST.com

' Braves: "[B.J.] Upton, 28, hasn't made an All-Star team or won any significant award, hasn't finished in the AL's top 10 in offensive WAR since his 10th-place in '07..." - "Braves waiting for free agent B.J. Upton's decision" - David O'Brien, Atlanta Journal-Constitiution

' Phillies: "There are 11 centerfielders in the history of baseball who have accomplished what B.J. Upton did in 2012. Upton smashed 28 home runs and stole 31 bases." - "Inside the Phillies: Case is strong for Phillies to pursue B.J. Upton" - Matt Gelb, Philadelphia Inquirer

' Marlins: "A survey of 400 South Florida Major League Baseball fans, 90 percent of them self-described Marlins fans, found that the Marlins organization ' Loria, in particular ' antagonized and may have permanently alienated a majority of the fan base." - "In popularity poll, Miami Marlins' Jeffrey Loria ekes out a win over Fidel Castro" - Michelle Kaufman, MiamiHerald.com

                                                                                                                                                                                                               

How Much Feed Does Adam LaRoche Need? Will The Washington Nationals And The Free Agent First Baseman Get A Deal Done?

The Washington Nationals are rumored to be unwilling to give 33-year-old free agent first baseman Adam LaRoche more than a two-year deal, but both sides are said to want to work something out.

FOXSports.com's Ken Rosenthal wrote back on November 4th that though both the Washington Nationals and Adam LaRoche wanted to work out a deal, the Nats to that point had, "...been reluctant to offer him more than two years, according to major-league sources." The 33-year-old declined a $10M dollar option, turned down the Nationals' 1-year/$13.3M dollar qualifying offer and hit free agency looking for a multi-year deal after a .271/.343/.510, +3.8 fWAR 2012 campaign in which the nine-year MLB veteran hit 35 doubles and 33 HRs in 154 games and 647 PAs in the second year of the 2-year/$16M dollar deal he signed with Washington in January of 2011.

Washington Post writer Thomas Boswell spoke to both the Nationals' GM, who called LaRoche one of, "... of the most consistent players that there are," when he signed him in '11, and Davey Johnson for an article on Sunday night and wrote that ideally, "The Nats' dream is that LaRoche actually re-signs ' but for the two-year deal that is almost certainly as far as they'll go." In a recent MLB Network Radio interview, when Davey Johnson was asked what the no.1 priority for the Nats was this winter he said, ".. the one thing we need over the winter? Adam LaRoche. We need him back."

In the Washington Post's Mr. Boswell's article, however, Johnson asks the first baseman indirectly just what he needs to return to the nation's capital while joking about the Fort Scott, Kansas native's other life as a rancher. "'How much feed do you need to buy?'" Johnson asks, "'Another $25 million ought to do it. What does he need three or four years [on a contract] for? Let's go, man.'" The general manager and skipper both want LaRoche back, but, the WaPost writer added in a chat with readers this afternoon, Johnson, "... said about 10 times how much he likes LaRoche," before explaining the Nationals' position:

"We love him. But this is where the business end comes into play. You can hurt your organization with a deal that costs a whole lot of money and hurts the development process. I think we're going to get him signed. But it's one of those tough decisions...Mike sticks to his guns. And he always has (other) plans and options in mind...We need to draw a line and know when we're done with Adam (one way or the other.)"

Is that line drawn at 2-years? Would another mutual option for a third year get it done? Elsewhere in Monday's chat, the WaPost's Nats writer says if it was up to him, " Two years, yes. Four years, no way. And I have to admit I think three years is a 'No.' But three is 'thinkable.' But it sure doesn't seem like the Nats are thinking it."

Should they allow LaRoche to leave the Nationals will receive a compensatory draft pick since they made a qualifying offer, and they believe they have depth at first base and other options in the organization to compensate for the loss of LaRoche as Rizzo explained in an MLB Network Radio interview earlier this month:

"We can shift Michael Morse there to his most comfortable defensive position where he plays defense very well. Not Adam LaRoche-caliber, but very well. We also have a young kid that's primarily a first baseman in Tyler Moore. We've got a left-handed bat in the farm system named [Matt] Skole [who] probably profiles as a left-handed power bat at first base. So we're very deep there, but we would like to get Adam under contract."

Will the Baltimore Orioles, Texas Rangers, Boston Red Sox or another of the reportedly interested teams give LaRoche more than the two years the Nationals appear to be offering? Will LaRoche, who's stated publicly his desire to return to the nation's capital take a 2-year/$12-13M dollar deal to help the Nationals and Davey Johnson attempt to duplicate and perhaps surpass the success they had as a team in 2012? Will they decide one way or another soon so that the other "metaphorical" Hot Stove dominoes can start falling into place?

                                                                                                                                                                                                               

Report: B.J. Upton To Make A Decision This Week... Are The Washington Nationals Still Interested?

According to a report by Tampa Bay Times' writer Marc Topkin, soon-to-be-former Rays' outfielder B.J. Upton is expected to make a decision on a new home at some point this week. Will the Washington Nationals' years-long flirtation with the outfielder end up with Upton signing in D.C.?

Former LA Angels' outfielder Torii Hunter wanted to get a deal done quickly this winter. "'It's gonna be quick,'" Hunter told the hosts of MLB's Hot Stove show, "'I'm not gonna wait it out. I know who I want to play for.'" After five years in the Anaheim outfield, the 36-year-old, 16-year veteran who had a .286/.352/.462 line during his time with the Angels, signed a 2-year/$26M dollar deal with the Detroit Tigers. "'You try to grab those teams that best fit you and if you know who you want to play for and you're talking to those teams, you go ahead and grab them right then and there,'" Hunter said, "'[There is] no use in wasting time and getting to the Winter Meetings and letting everybody know, 'Hey, look at me. I'm signing with whoever.'"

Hunter's represented by Larry Reynolds, president of Reynolds Sports Management. Another client of Mr. Reynolds is soon-to-be-former Tampa Bay Rays' outfielder B.J. Upton. The '02 Rays' 1st Round pick heads into free agency after eight seasons with Tampa Bay in which the outfielder had a combined .255/.336/.442 line and a 162-game average of 34 doubles, 20 HRs and 39 stolen bases.

After back-to-back +4.1 fWAR seasons in 2010-11, Upton likely finished his time with the Rays with a .246/.298/.454, +3.3 fWAR 2012 campaign, in which he hit a career-high 28 HRs. Bill James' projections have Upton posting a .248/.329/.436 line with 34 doubles, 23 HRs and 35 stolen bases in 2013, in what will likely be the first year of a long-term deal with... ?

Upton made visits to Atlanta and Philadelphia recently, meeting with representatives of each team and according to a report by Washington Post writer Adam Kilgore the Washington Nationals have spoken to the free agent outfielder as well. The WaPost writer reported that though Upton didn't visit the nation's capital on his tour of prospective new homes, the Nationals, "... have had initial dialogue with free agent outfielder B.J. Upton... and are expected to have increased communication with Upton in the near future."

The Nationals have long been linked to Upton via rumor as they've searched for a long-term center fielder. Asked about the Nats' interest in the top free agent outfielders available this winter, D.C. GM Mike Rizzo, in an MLB Network Radio interview, described Upton as a center fielder who provides, "... great defense, steals bases," and is a, "... more power-orientated, less on base percentage guy who would have to hit in the middle of the lineup instead of the top of the lineup, [but] a great make-up guy from a great family we have great relationships [with] and I've known for several years."

The Nats' years-long flirtation with Upton, the older brother of Justin Upton who was the Arizona Diamondbacks' '05 no.1 overall pick when Rizzo was the D-Backs' Director of Scouting, will likely end one way or another this week according to a report out of Tampa Bay. Tampa Bay Times' writer Marc Topkin, who's covered B.J. Upton throughout the outfielder's career with the Rays, wrote today that Tampa Bay is preparing for life without their center fielder, who is expected to make a decision on where he'll play sooner rather than later.

"Upton is looking to make a decision this week," Mr. Topkin writes, "with both the Braves (who brought in former manager Bobby Cox to impress during his visit) and Phillies considering him their top choice."

CBSSports.com's Jon Heyman, in a report on the possible landing spots for Upton and fellow free agent outfielder Michael Bourn, wrote last week that, "Washington isn't quite as set on adding an outfielder as Philly and Atlanta, two teams that need center fielders."

In explaining the Nats' situation in his MLB Network Radio interview, Mike Rizzo told the hosts the Nationals were, "... very versatile in what we do position player-wise because [Bryce Harper] can play both center field and if we go out and get a center fielder he can move over to the corner very comfortably where probably his ultimate position is as a power-hitting corner outfielder."

If the Tampa Bay Times' Mr. Topkin's report is correct, one of the two big free agent outfielders could be off the market by the end of the week. The Winter Meetings start next week (Dec. 3-6). Though the Nationals have said previously that re-signing Adam LaRoche is the no.1 priority this winter, the Nats' GM has said that the team is carrying on "parallel" discussions while they talk to the free agent first baseman. Have they talked to Upton again? Will they talk to him this week? Will Upton end up in the NL East? We could find out soon...

                                                                                                                                                                                                               

Is Erik Davis The Next Tyler Clippard? Washington Nationals Add Reliever To 40-Man Roster

Washington Nationals' reliever Erik Davis was added to the Nats' 40-Man Roster last week after a strong season as a reliever at Double and Triple-A in the Nationals' system in 2012.

Though Erik Davis made one start at Triple-A in San Diego's organization in 2010, he split most of his third pro season, after the Padres' drafted the 6'4'' right-hander out of Stanford in the 13th Round of the 2008 Draft, with the High-A Lake Elsinore Storms and the Double-A San Antonio Missions. At Lake Elsinore, the then-23-year-old pitcher was (9-3) with a 3.82 ERA, 3.29 FIP, 34 BB (3.09 BB/9) and 91 Ks (8.27 K/9) in 19 starts and 99.0 IP.

With San Antonio, Davis had a (4-0) record with a 2.75 ERA, 2.74 FIP, 12 BB (2.75 BB/9) and 35 Ks (8.01 K/9) in seven games and 39.1 IP. Before the 2011 season began, Davis was traded to the Washington Nationals in a deal that sent veteran infielder Alberto Gonzalez to San Diego.

After four seasons at Stanford in which he was (15-7) with a 4.80 ERA, 95 walks (3.77 BB/9) and 195 Ks (7.73 K/9) in 78 games, 27 starts and 227.0 IP as a Cardinal, Davis was a combined (32-9) with a 3.49 ERA, 99 walks (3.03 BB/9) and 278 Ks (8.52 K/9) over 73 games, 51 starts and 293.2 IP in the Padres' organization before the trade to the Nationals. While dealing with a knee injury in 2011, Davis was (5-7) with a 4.79 ERA, a 3.87 FIP, 41 BB (3.93 BB/9) and 93 Ks (8.90 K/9) in 20 games, 19 starts and 94.0 IP at Double-A Harrisburg and (0-5) with a 6.48 ERA, 4.43 FIP, 16 walks (4.32 BB/9) and 24 Ks (6.48 K/9) in six starts and 33.1 IP at High-A Potomac where he worked with P-Nats' pitching coach Paul Menhart for the first time.

In 2012, having transitioned to a relief role, Davis was (7-3) with five saves, a 2.52 ERA, 2.95 FIP, 18 BBs (2.52 BB/9) and 69 Ks (9.65 K/9) in 40 games and 64.1 IP at Double-A Harrisburg. As Menhart told Patriot-News' writer Geoff Morrow in a late May article, the improvements Davis made after moving to the bullpen changed the perception of the right-hander within the organization. "'I think the whole organization thinks differently of him,'" Menhart said:

"'There's a different fire about it. I don't think it's too far-fetched to compare him to somebody like [new Washington Nationals closer and former minor league starter] Tyler Clippard.'"

Clippard was primarily a starter in the New York Yankees' organization, but was moved into a bullpen role after going (6-13) with a 4.66 ERA, 4.26 FIP, 66 walks (4.15 BB/9) and 125 Ks (7.87 K/9) in 27 starts and 143.0 IP at Triple-A Columbus in 2008 in his first year in the Nats' system following a December '07 trade with NY. In '09, Clippard transitioned to the pen and was (4-1) with a save, a 0.92 ERA, 2.87 FIP, 15 walks (3.46 BB/9) and 42 Ks (9.69 K/9) in 24 games and 39.0 IP in relief at Triple-A Syracuse before he was called back to Washington, where he's remained and flourished since June of '09.

Asked about the difference between starting and relieving, Clippard, in a 2010 interview, said that realizing that there was no difference and that it was just pitching made it easier for him:

"It's still pitching, you know. So for me that was the biggest thing that helped me in the transition, was keeping my same philosophy. I think to do it one time through the order, when you're only facing a guy one time, you can come at him with all your stuff and I think that is conducive to being more successful in the sense that you don't have to face him more times through the lineup and they get a feel for what you're trying to do. So I think in that sense it's more beneficial to kind of go after everybody with all your pitches, and a starter [who] has four pitches and they go to the bullpen can use all those pitches to their advantage."

"'This kid had an unreal turnaround in his career from last year to this year,'" Menhart told MASNSports.com's Byron Kerr last week after Erik Davis was added to the Nats' 40-Man Roster, protecting the now-26-year-old right-hander who would have been eligible for selection in the Rule 5 Draft which takes place on December 6th, the last day of the upcoming Winter Meetings. MASN's Mr. Kerr notes that once Davis moved into a bullpen role he started relying on his fastball, "... which he could pinpoint at 95 mph, and got big-time results.":

"'He was not trying to nibble at the corners,' Menhart said. 'He really challenged hitters. His fastball set up his off-speed pitches, which are well above-average.'"

Davis also throws a knuckle curve and a circle change as Patriot-News' writer Geoff Morrow noted last season. The right-hander finished his second year in the Nats' system at Triple-A Syracuse and is currently pitching for the Gigantes del Cibao in the Liga de Beisbol Dominicano where he's (3-0) with a 0.50 ERA, seven walks (3.50 BB/9) and 17 Ks (8.50 K/9) in 16 games and 18.0 IP in relief in which he's allowed 10 hits and five runs (one earned) while holding opponents to a .156 BAA so far this winter. Paul Menhart compared Davis to Tyler Clippard. With a strong start at Triple-A in 2013 the right-hander could now be in a position to earn himself a call to D.C. as Clippard did in his second season in the organization. Not a bad year of development for a pitcher who was previously known mostly for having shown the fortitude to recover from a devastating line drive that hit him in the face.

                                                                                                                                                                                                               

Will Sean Burnett Be A Part Of The 2013 Washington Nationals' Bullpen?

Washington Nationals' left-hander Sean Burnett is a free agent, but the Nats have expressed interest in bringing the 30-year-old reliever back to the nation's capital.

The Washington Nationals' organization lost one left-handed reliever to free agency already this winter. 28-year-old Dominican-born lefty Atahualpa Severino signed with Kansas City following a 2012 campaign spent at Triple-A Syracuse in which the pitcher signed as an international free agent by the Expos in 2004 posted a (3-0) record with a 2.81 ERA, 5.20 FIP, 36 BB (6.75 BB/9) and 43 Ks (8.06 K/9) in 46 games and 48.0 IP in his seventh year in the Nats' system. The Nationals also added a left-handed reliever, inking 26-year-old Fernando Abad on a minor league deal after a 2012 season in the Astros' organization in which the Dominican-born pitcher signed as an international free agent by Houston in 2002 was (0-6) with a 5.09 ERA, 4.57 FIP, 19 BB (3.72 BB/9) and 38 Ks (7.43 K/9) in 37 G (6 GS) and 46.0 IP.

The big question when it comes to left-handed relievers this winter, however, is whether or not the Nationals will bring Sean Burnett back for 2013. The 30-year-old lefty finished his fourth season in D.C. with a 2.38 ERA, 2.79 FIP, a career-low 12 BB (1.91 BB/9) and 57 Ks (for a career-high 9.05 K/9) in 70 games and 56.2 IP. Coming off a 2-year/$3.95M dollar deal, Burnett declined the mutual option that would have paid him $3.5M in 2013, opting for free agency at a time when there are few left-handed relievers on the market.

Giants' left-hander Jeremy Affeldt, 33, who put up a 2.70 ERA, 2.73 FIP, 23 walks (3.27 BB/9) and 57 Ks (8.10 K/9) in his 11th major league season in 2012, signed a 3-year/$18M dollar deal with San Francisco already this winter. Nationals' GM Mike Rizzo told reporters, including the Washington Times' Amanda Comak, that the Nats had talked to both Burnett and fellow left-hander Mike Gonzalez and wanted both back in the nation's capital in 2013. Considering the options on the free agent market and the fact that Tom Gorzelanny is currently the only left-handed reliever on the Nationals' 40-Man roster, the Nationals might want to act soon.

Though he had a strong season in 2012, Burnett also had injury issues in 2012. The left-hander experienced tightness in his elbow in July which he said he'd been dealing with for six weeks and he missed time in September with what was described then as nerve irritation in his left elbow. After holding opposing hitters to a .231/.272/.350 line in the first half of the year, opposing hitters had a .298/.345/.385 line against the lefty in the second half of the 2012 season. Burnett pitched just twice in the NLDS with St. Louis, giving up three hits a walk and four runs, three earned in Game 2 before coming back to retire one batter in Game 5 with the Cardinals.

Before Game 4 of the series, Nats' skipper Davey Johnson admitted that Burnett, "... did have a little discomfort toward the end of the season and then he was up and pretty straight in the game that I brought him in, last game in St. Louis." When the season was over, Burnett had surgery to remove bone spurs from his left elbow. Earlier in his career, Burnett had Tommy John surgery in 2004, four years after the Pittsburgh Pirates had selected him 19th overall in the 1st Round of the 2000 Draft. Johnson told MLB Network Radio hosts Jim Bowden and Casey Stern in an interview a few weeks back, "I hope we get Sean Burnett back."

Will the Nationals give Burnett a multi-year deal to keep him in the bullpen in 2013 and beyond? Should they? What other options do the Nats have this winter?

                                                                                                                                                                                                               

Did the 2012 Washington Nationals Turn D.C. Into A Baseball Town?

The 2012 Washington Nationals won 98 games and the NL East, but did they win over the fans in the nation's capital and finally turn Washington, D.C. into a baseball town.

Davey Johnson saw the signs of Washington, D.C. becoming a baseball town late in the summer of 2011. In front of a crowd of 41,727, many of them Philadelphia Phillies fans, the Washington Nationals went behind in the top of the ninth of an August 21st game in the nation's capital when closer Drew Storen gave up a one-out walk followed by back-to-back singles to turn a 3-3 tie into a 4-3 Philly lead. Phillies' reliever Antonio Bastardo came on to close out the game in the bottom of the ninth and retired the first two batters, but Ian Desmond took a 1-2 pitch from the left-hander deep to left field for a two-out, game-tying solo home run and the Nats won the game in the bottom of the tenth when Brad Lidge loaded the bases and hit Jonny Gomes to force in the winning run.

The Nats' manager, who had taken over on the bench several months earlier when Jim Riggleman resigned, was asked after the game about what it was like for him as a "baseball guy" to watch the Phillies fans "invade" Nats Park and boisterously cheer the way they had when Philadelphia appeared to have the game won in the bottom of the ninth only to get disappointed by Desmond's game-tying blast. The only thought Johnson had watching a good deal of the crowd cheer for the visiting team, he told reporters, was, "You know they're going to have to sit down." Though the Nationals' skipper said he enjoyed the atmosphere a full house created and liked playing under those conditions, he said that he would prefer it if the stands were full of Nats fans.

"We want to get our fans out here," Johnson said, "but I love playing in front of a packed house and I know my guys like the same feeling, even if it's for the other team."

"I like good crowds," the then-68-year-old manager continued. "I like crowds that are in the game. Ballplayers, we like the big audience and my guys certainly weren't shying away from anything." Asked by a reporter if wins like that day's helped build up the local fanbase, Johnson said, "I'm hoping. I think anywhere I've ever been when the team starts winning, fans come out. They didn't come out the first year in New York, by the third year, we were packing them in, and that's what I'm hoping happens here."

Flash forward a little over a year, to October 11, 2012. The Nationals have unseated the Phillies they'd taken two of three from with that dramatic walk-off HBP the previous August and won the NL East, breaking Philadelphia's streak of five-straight NL East titles and earning the first postseason berth by a D.C.-based team in over 79 years. The Nationals have lost two of the first three games of the NLDS with St. Louis, however, and managed only one run in eight innings in Game 4, which was tied at 1-1 after eight and a half with Washington facing elimination.

44,392 fans filled Nationals Park that day. 45,017 were there for Game 3 of the NLDS the day before to see the Nationals get shut out 8-0. If there were Cardinals fans in attendance for the two games, which there surely were, they didn't make up the majority of the crowd as opposing team's fans had in seasons past. The fans from the nation's capital who filled Nationals Park for Game 4 were standing on their feet, living and dying with each pitch of the game and of Jayson Werth's leadoff at bat in the top of the ninth inning that night.

The one-time Phillies' outfielder who'd signed with D.C. after playing a part in four of Philadelphia's five NL East crowns from 2007-2010, battled reliever Lance Lynn for thirteen excruciating pitches before launching the biggest home run in the franchise's history into the left field bullpen. Nats fans had cheered wildly when the Nationals clinched the NL East at home several weeks earlier, but the sound they made when Werth's walk-off left his bat was heard for blocks around the Navy Yard.

The Nats' 33-year-old outfielder told reporters afterwards that though the crowd was going wild he didn't hear it at the time. "I didn't hear a thing," Werth said, "It was pretty quiet to me." Things were different in D.C., however, as the nation's capital embraced its team in a new way in 2012, especially late in the year. "Yeah, I mean, the last two games were -- the place was packed," Werth said. "I don't think it -- it hasn't been packed. We've sold out, but it wasn't like it was. You know, a lot of times, it's a little mix of other team's fans. Today it seemed like -- the last two days, it was all our fans."

"You know hopefully they will show up again tomorrow," Werth said, "and we'll do it again."

"It seems like the last two months," Davey Johnson said, backing his outfielder's take on the growth of the team's fanbase in Washington, "our crowd here has been electric. And it translates to the players. We feed off it. You know, my guys like playing for a packed house and they were up on their feet, waving those red flags and giving us red instead of white."

"It was fun," Johnson continued, "and really fun for me. I don't get excited too much , but I was excited to see the crowd."

45,966 fans turned out the next night for Game 5 and watched the Nationals lose to the Cardinals in the final game of 2012 for Washington's Nats.

For most of the summer of 2012, but especially the last two months of the season as the possibility of the Nationals holding on in the NL East looked more and more possible, Washington, D.C. became a baseball town. The Nationals moved up from 23rd in average attendance in 2010 when they drew 22,568 per game and 20th in 2011 when they averaged 24,877 to 14th overall in Major League Baseball in 2012 with an average of 30,010 turning out for games in Nationals Park.

The Nats will start the 2013 season as the defending NL East champs. In a chat with readers right after the season ended with the Nationals' loss the Cardinals in Game 5, Washington Post writer Thomas Boswell said baseball will only get bigger in D.C. next season, guessing that the Nats will draw, "... just under 34,000," per game next year, "Might be more.":

"But what's different, I suspect, is that fairly quiet Nats crowds suddenly became among the very loudest in baseball in Games Four and Five. I underrated my own town! I [admit] I was shocked. It really did rival RFK when the Redskins were good and the loudest Caps crowds. (Of course, they ARE the SAME people __D.C. fans.)

"Of course, a game in May isn't going to get the reaction of a playoff game. But I bet that Nats crowds are considerably more active in '13. Now they understand the VERY significant impact that they can have on games. (You couldn't hear yourself think. The Cards have great crowds and I'm not sure which was louder.)"

While there's no doubt that Nationals fans reclaimed their own park this season, not everyone's convinced that they're the new standard in the NL East. Phillies' shortstop Jimmy Rollins, who matches even Davey Johnson in the bold prediction department, said two weeks back in an interview with CSNPhilly.com that the road to the NL East title still goes through Philadelphia:

"It still runs through Philly," Rollins said. "[Washington] had one year to win it. It was just like when the Mets took it from Atlanta, it was still up for grabs. I'm sure Atlanta felt it was still theirs, but fortunately we were able to come in and take it the next five years."

I believe those are called "fighting words"...

                                                                                                                                                                                                               

Things The Washington Nationals Should Be Thankful For...

Some ideas, real, sarcastic and ... here are a few things that the Washington Nationals should be thankful for today [Thursday, Thanksgiving] after the Nats' successful 2012 campaign...:

[This National] should be thankful for...

' Ian Desmond: ... Larry Bowa's advice. When Ian Desmond talked about his breakout season in 2012 on the MLB Network a few weeks back, he attributed his success this season to, "... really just learning how to practice properly." The Nats' 27-year-old infielder credited Bowa with giving his some advice that changed things for the Nats' shortstop defensively. "Before I would take a million ground balls," Desmond said, "But the wrong way. I talked to... actually, Larry Bowa deserves a lot of credit. He gave me a pointer last year in the middle of the year, that I needed to shuffle my feet instead of crossing my feet. My ball is coming out more straight. And it took away that sink." Desmond finished his fourth major league season at a career-high +5.4 fWAR with a .292/.335/.511 line, 33 doubles, 25 HRs and 21 SBs in 130 games and 547 PAs, up in all but steals from a .253/.298/.358, 27 double, eight home run and 25 SB season in 2011. Defensively, Desmond had a career-best .970 fld% with 15 errors (eight fielding, seven throwing) down from 23 Es (19 FE, 4 TE) in 2011 and 34 Es (21 FE, 13 TE) in 2010...

' Danny Espinosa: ... having Ian Desmond as a template for how a Nationals' middle infielder can improve offensively one season to the next.

' Mike Rizzo: ... the day some time in the near future when the Lerner family inevitably gives a thumbs up to the Nats' GM's plan to once again go after Zack Greinke. Managing principle owner Theodore N. Lerner did impress Greinke with his desire to win when the pitcher met with the team in 2010.

' Jesus Flores: ... a chance to start somewhere else in the majors if he isn't brought back to the nation's capital.

' Tyler Clippard: ... for the fact that he even comes close when he and room/teammate Drew Storen have Twitter followers vote on which player should pick up the check for dinner between them since the closer has him outnumbered (34,359 Twitter followers to 13,093).

' Drew Storen: ... second chances.

' Kurt Suzuki: ... being taught the secrets of the Wack-O.

' Ross Detwiler: ... Davey Johnson's faith in him. Link: Washington Nationals' Faith In Ross Detwiler Rewarded...

' Roger "The Shark" Bernadina: ... the best PR team in D.C.

' Stephen Strasburg: ... the fact that reporters nationwide have agreed to never ask him about his 2012 innings limit again.

' Ryan Zimmerman: ... the fact that Anthony Rendon still has something to prove in the minors after an injury-shortened first pro season, so Zim doesn't have to be moved to first base right away this Spring...

' Adam LaRoche: ... the Nats' infielders, for turning the formerly stone-handed first baseman into a Gold Glove winning infielder.

' John Lannan: ... getting the respect he deserved for what he provided the major league team in what was probably a tough season for the left-hander.

' Henry Rodriguez: ... another chance to prove himself and see if it was the bone chips that caused the control issues...

' Sean Burnett: ... Jeremy Affeltd's deal with the Giants. (3-year/$18M)

' Christian Garcia: ... fourth chances.

' Michael Morse: ... the chance he got to travel in time to back to the late '70s and visit Studio 54, where the glasses he bought were just right for the times and the occasion. [ed. note - "Congrats on the wedding, Morse."]

' Bench Coach Randy Knorr: ... Bo Porter getting that job in Houston.

' Jordan Zimmermann: ... the fact that in 2013, writers will be more likely to mention him in articles about his own success on the mound instead of as a template for Strasburg's innings limit in articles about Strasburg since they all agreed to stop writing those articles about Stras...

' Craig Stammen: ... the Nationals moving him into a bullpen role and creating a monster.

' Ryan Mattheus: ... Davey Johnson's continued support. The Nats' manager singled Mattheus out again in a recent interview as a, "... guy that goes under the radar..." and has a, "Great arm."

' Bryce Harper: ... the chance to believe until it's proven otherwise that seasons like 2012 in D.C. happen all the time and he'll be in the postseason for the next 20 years.

' Wilson Ramos: ... the presence of Kurt Suzuki on the roster so he can take his time and make sure he's 100% recovered from his torn ACL when he returns.

' Jhonatan Solano: ... that ride that the onion truck driver gave him.

' Chad Tracy: ... Davey Johnson's preference for Hairy-Chested Bench Bats on his roster.

' Steve Lombardozzi: ... the fact that the Nationals' skipper got the 23-going-on-24-year-old infielder the at bats he needed for his continued development in 2012 ... and the fact that his father raised a good kid.

' Tyler Moore: ... whatever it was he figured out in the middle of the 2010 season, because he hasn't stopped crushing the ball since.

' Jayson Werth: ... being right about the team he chose when he was a free agent back in 2010...

' Gio Gonzalez: ... being blessed with such fantastic hair.

' Davey Johnson: ... getting one more chance to win his second World Series as a manager.

' Did I forget anyone? Enjoy the holiday...

                                                                                                                                                                                                               

Washington Nationals' GM Mike Rizzo Named BBWAA Executive Of The Year

The Washington Nationals won the NL East in 2012 with a 98-64 record, earning Davey Johnson the Baseball Writers' Association of America's Manager of the Year Award last week and Nats' GM Mike Rizzo the BBWAA's Executive of the Year this afternoon.

In expressing their admiration for one another this year, D.C. GM Mike Rizzo told ESPN980's Kevin Sheehan and Thom Loverro that there should be an investigation if Washington Nationals' skipper Davey Johnson didn't win the Baseball Writers' Association of America's Manager of the Year Award, while Johnson said the story of the Nats' success this season was, "... the Mike Rizzo story." Johnson was named the BBWAA Manager of the Year last week. This afternoon, the GM was named the Executive of the Year by the Boston Chapter of the BBWAA. The Nationals' 69-year-old bench manager called it in late September.

"I think [Rizzo] is definitely the Executive of the Year," Davey Johnson told reporters before the end of the season, "I think he should have been last year, the year before, I mean, the draft and the trades and things he's done. Awfully good baseball man. As I said before there's no question in my mind. We've had, and the proof is in the pudding, we had this year devastating injuries and the young players in the system have done an outstanding job in different roles."

As the Nationals noted in a press release on the BBWAA naming the Nats' 51-year-old GM Executive of the Year after his fourth year at the helm in the nation's capital, Rizzo's Nats, "... have won at least 10 more games than the season prior each of the last three years (59 wins in 2009, 69 in '10, 80 in '11, 98 in '12). The last team to do this was the Boston Red Sox from 1906-09. Thus, Rizzo's Nationals are the first team in over 100 years to accomplish this feat without the benefit of an artificially deflated win total associated with a work stoppage."

The former scout and scouting director rebuilt the Nationals' front office and the organization through the draft, the press release notes, brought Johnson in as first a consultant and then manager and helped assemble a team that, this past season "... led MLB in victories (98) and run differential (+137) en route to ending D.C.'s 79-year postseason drought."

Previous winners of the BBWAA's Executive of the Year Award include the Rangers' Jon Daniels (2011), the Giants' Brian Sabean (2010) and the Yankees' Brian Cashman (2009).

                                                                                                                                                                                                               

Washington Nationals Add Two Players To 40-Man Roster, Protecting RHPs Nathan Karns And Erik Davis

The Washington Nationals announced tonight that they added Rule 5 eligible pitchers Nathan Karns and Erik Davis to the 40-Man roster, protecting both for the upcoming Rule 5 Draft.

The Washington Nationals announced tonight that they had added two right-handed pitchers, Nathan Karns and Erik Davis to the 40-Man roster, protecting both from the upcoming Rule 5 Draft. Karns, a 24-year-old '09 12th Round pick was named the Nats' Minor League Pitcher of the Year after going (11-4) with a 2.17 ERA, 47 walks (3.65 BB/9) and 148 Ks (11.48 K/9) in 24 games, 18 starts and 116.0 IP between Class-A Hagerstown and High-A Potomac this season. Davis, who turned 26 in October, was acquired by the Nationals in a March 2011 trade that sent infielder Alberto Gonzalez to San Diego. The '08 13th Round pick moved into a bullpen role with the Nats after starting in the Padres' system and went (8-3) with five saves, a 2.71 ERA, 20 walks (2.47 BB/9) and 74 Ks (9.12 K/9) in 48 games and 73.0 IP.

Among those Rule 5 eligible players left unprotected by the Nationals were 25-year-old left-hander Danny Rosenbaum, who was (8-10) with a 3.94 ERA, 3.41 FIP, 39 BB (2.26 BB/9) and 99 Ks (5.74 K/9) in 26 games and 155.1 IP at Double-A Harrisburg this season; 22-year-old, '08 2nd Round pick Destin Hood, who had a .242/.301/.339 line with 21 doubles, three triples and three home runs in 99 games and 409 PAs between Class-A Auburn and Double-A Harrisburg in his fifth minor league season; and 27-year-old right-hander Jeff Mandel, who was (10-9) with a 3.50 ERA, 36 walks (2.17 BB/9) and 86 Ks (5.18 K/9) in 30 games, 22 starts and 149.1 IP between Double-A and Triple-A Syracuse in 2012.

With the two additions, the Nationals' 40-Man Roster now stands at 38. There was some speculation that there might be some movement with players already on the 40-Man Roster like LHP John Lannan and C Jesus Flores, who are not expected to be tendered contracts for the 2013 season, but there were no other moves announced by the Nationals tonight.

                                                                                                                                                                                                               

Washington Nationals Have To Decide Which Rule 5 Eligible Players To Protect Before Tonight's Deadline

The Washington Nationals have decisions to make before tonight's deadline to add Rule 5 eligible players to the 40-Man Roster.

When Washington Nationals' general manager Mike Rizzo talked to Washington Post writer Adam Kilgore at the end of the recently-completed GM Meetings, the 51-year-old Nats' executive told the WaPost reporter he thought the pitching and infield depth in the organization might allow them to trade for what they need this winter. Rizzo admitted to what he described as, "... a little drop-off in Triple A," but said, "... then you go four or five deep in guys who are going to be here the next wave, in '14: [Alex] Meyer, [Sammy] Solis, [Matt] Purke, [Nathan] Karns. Those are four guys that are pretty coveted around baseball."

Solis, 24, a 2010 2nd Round pick [Tommy John surgery] and Purke, 22, a 2011 3rd Rounder [shoulder] are coming off injuries and surgeries. Meyer, the Nationals' second of three 1st Round picks in 2011, had a strong first season in the organization, going (10-6) with a 2.86 ERA, 45 walks (3.14 BB/9) and 139 Ks (9.70 K/9) in 25 games and 129.0 between Class-A Hagerstown and High-A Potomac.

Nathan Karns, 24, was (11-4) with a 2.17 ERA, 47 walks (3.65 BB/9) and 148 Ks (11.48 K/9) in 24 games, 18 starts and 116.0 IP between Hagerstown and Potomac in his second season on the mound in the Nats' system. The right-hander selected out of Texas Tech University in the 12th Round of the '09 Draft, missed the entire 2010 season with an elbow injury, but was impressive enough in 2012 to earn the Nats' Minor League Pitcher of the Year Award.

If the Nationals want to avoid the possibility of Karns being selected in the Rule 5 Draft by one of the teams out there that might covet the pitcher as the Nats' GM said, the Nationals will have to add the right-hander to the 40-Man Roster before 11:59 pm EST tonight. The Nationals have until then to add any Rule 5 Draft eligible players to the 40-Man. Those players that must be protected are any that were 18-years-old or younger when signed who have five years of minor league service time in, and any players who were 19-years-old when they signed and have put in at least four years of service in the minors.

Any team that selects a player in the Rule 5 Draft must keep the player on their 25-Man Roster throughout the season following the draft or return them to their original team. Among those eligible for the Rule 5 Draft this year who will have to be added to the Nats' 40-Man Roster tonight or risk being exposed are: RHPs Karns, Paul Demny (who just completed a stint in the AFL), Jeff Mandel, Brad Meyers (who was selected by the NY Yankees last year and returned), Erik Davis and Rob Wort, LHP Danny Rosenbaum, outfielders Destin Hood, Erik Komatsu (who was selected by St. Louis last winter) and Justin Bloxom and infielders Josh Johnson and Jeff Kobernus.

The Nationals have until just before midnight to make any additions to the 40-Man Roster which currently stands at 36 players. More info on which players have been added to the roster when it's available...

                                                                                                                                                                                                               

Washington Nationals' Second Baseman Danny Espinosa, Contact and Ks

Washington Nationals' second baseman led the NL in Ks in 2012 and finished third overall in the majors in strikeouts. It's all about contact for the Nats' 25-year-old infielder.

In 2012, Danny Espinosa had the NL's second-highest O-Swing%, ("The percentage of pitches a batter swings at outside the strike zone," as defined by Fangraphs.com), behind only Cincinnati Reds' second baseman Brandon Phillips who finished at 40.7%, with 40.5% of the pitches Espinosa swung at this past season outside of the strike zone. In his second full major league season, the 25-year-old Washington Nationals' second baseman had the third-lowest O-Contact% among qualified second baseman at 57.0% ahead of only Milwaukee's Rickie Weeks at 53.2% and Atlanta's Dan Uggla 51.2% among second baseman in terms of contact made on the pitches swung at that were outside of the zone.

As for pitches inside the zone, Espinosa had a 70.4% Z-Swing%, ("The percentage of pitches a batter swings at inside the strike zone" as Fangraphs.com explains the stat), behind only the Reds' Phillips, who was at 74.0%. The Nats' '08 2nd Round pick out of Cal State Long Beach had the second-lowest Z-Contact%, making contact with 81.5% of the pitches he swung at inside the zone, with only the Braves' Uggla (78.3% Z-Contact%) making less contact on pitches inside the zone this season amongst qualified second baseman.

As for straight-up Contact%, ("The overall percentage [of pitches] a batter makes contact with when swinging the bat," again according to Fangraphs.com), Espinosa had the second-lowest Contact% among second baseman in the National League in 2012 with a 70.6% Contact%, ahead of only Uggla (70.1%). Since he was swinging away at pitches outside the zone and struggling to make contact, Espinosa saw the second-lowest percentage of pitches inside the zone among qualified NL second baseman, with a 41.8% Zone%, ahead of only the Pirates' Neil Walker, 40.1% Zone%.

Espinosa led all second baseman in strikeouts in 2012, with 189 in 160 games and 594 plate appearances, which was good for 3rd overall in the majors, behind only Curtis Granderson (195 Ks) and Adam Dunn (222 Ks).

Espinosa finished his second full season with a .247/.315/.402 line, 37 doubles, two triples, 17 HRs and 20 SBs with a .989 fld%, up from .982 in 2011, six errors, down from 14 in 2011 and a +7.1 UZR (Ultimate Zone Rating) up from +1.0 in 2011. The Nats' infielder was worth +3.8 fWAR, up from +3.5 fWAR in 2011, with the +3.8 the sixth-highest amongst 2B league-wide and the third highest in the NL behind only Brandon Phillips, +4.0 fWAR and the D-Backs' Aaron Hill, +6.2 fWAR.

Without the help of a strong .300/.330/.490 month of July, during a four-week stretch in which Espinosa had a .403 BABIP, things would have been worse for the infielder, who followed up on a .232/.309/.374 first-half with a .264/.321/.432 line after the All-Star Break before going 1 for 15 with two walks and seven Ks over the first five postseason games of his career. Bill James' projections say that the Nationals are likely to get a .253/.327/.434 line out of their second baseman in 2013, 31 doubles, 21 HRs, 82 runs scored.

Nats' skipper Davey Johnson expects to see continued improvement on the part of his switch-hitting infielder. "You know, he's just a young hitter, aggressive, tons of talent," the 69-year-old manager told reporters during the NLDS, "You know, he just needs to stay within himself."

"He's still learning how to make adjustments up here," Johnson explained, and he's one of several Nationals who have yet to reach their potential in the Nats' veteran manager's opinion. "We still," Johnson said, then paused before changing direction, "... a lot of guys haven't hit their stride. There's still a bigger ceiling for a number of players on this ballclub."

When Johnson assessed the talent in the organization before deciding to come back for the 2012 campaign, he thought the Nationals had the talent to compete for a postseason berth. As he told reporters last week after being named NL Manager of the Year for leading his team to 98 wins, the NL East crown and a loss in the NLDS, "My evaluation of the talent after the 2011 season, I think it was pretty correct." Hopefully for the Nats, Johnson's right about Espinosa too.

                                                                                                                                                                                                               

Wire Taps: Washington Nationals Weekend In Review - Adam LaRoche Talks Moving Slowly; Spring Training Schedule Released...

MLB.com's Bill Ladson wrote this weekend that his sources told him the Washington Nationals' talks with Adam LaRoche are progressing slowly. That's what passes for the biggest Nats-related news of the last week. Don't worry, it will be Spring in no time...

What did we learn this season? Postseason games are stressful. Jayson Werth is teh clutch. If "clutch" existed. Ross Detwiler can come up big when called upon. When the team you follow comes close (even as close as an NLDS loss), the winter seems a lot longer. The Washington Nationals' Spring Training schedule was announced last week and it only served to remind everyone just how long it will be before there is baseball again. The AFL Championship Game was fun to watch, but it was more of a tease, with some top prospects playing good baseball and some #umpshow antics interfering with enjoyment. It was just enough to remind you how long it will be before the Nationals and the rest of the major league teams are back in action. At least the, uh, Hot Stove League, is, uh, heating up. I hate myself. When does the WBC start again? The only real "news" this week was MLB.com's Bill Ladson's report that talks with free agent first baseman Adam LaRoche are progressing slowly. I hate not having baseball to watch. I haven't turned to MLB.tv to start rewatching 2012 games yet, however. There's a lot of time left this winter... For now it's rumors, rumors and links, and Lots Of Them... As many of them as we could find... Starting RIGHT NOW!!!

' THE BIG STORY!!!:

' "Negotiations between the Nationals and first baseman Adam LaRoche are going slowly, according to a source familiar with the talks." - "Nationals' negotiations with Adam LaRoche going slowly" - Bill Ladson, nationals.com

' NATS BEAT:

' "As readers of this column know, I'm as bullish on Rendon as anyone. I thought he was the best prospect in the 2011 draft, and I thought his ankle and shoulder injuries at Rice were fluky rather than recurring problem." - "Ask BA" - Jim Callis, Baseball America

' "The Marlins have Stanton under team control for FOUR more years. He's not going anywhere." - "Ask Boswell: Redskins, Caps, Nationals and more" - Thomas Boswell, The Washington Post

' "The Nationals have announced the exhibition schedule for what likely will be their final spring training in Viera..." - "Spring training schedule released" - Mark Zuckerman, NatsInsider.com

' "How's this for some surprising news: ESPN's Buster Olney reports that the new-look Blue Jays are close to finally naming a manager." - "Nationals Pastime: Riggleman's name resurfaces (plus some notes)" - Dan Kolko, MASNSports.com

' "There is quite a skirmish going on in the National League East for the services of the top two center fielders on the free-agent market, B.J. Upton and Michael Bourn." - "Battle royale going on atop NL East over Bourn, B.J. Upton" - Jon Heyman, CBSSports.com

' "My dad came up with the idea of trying to get some stuff together, get a van...and take it up there to help whoever we could," says [Steve] Lombardozzi Jr..." - "Nats infielder, father help Sandy victims - Dick Uliano, WTOP.com

' "The Nationals will play 15 games at Space Coast Stadium in Viera, Fla., and season tickets will be available starting on Monday morning at 10 a.m. at the team's official website." - "Washington Nationals' 2013 spring training schedule announced" - Amanda Comak, Washington Times

' "The Nats' exhibition schedule will start on Feb. 23, when they play the Mets in Port St. Lucie, Fla. The next day, Washington will host Miami at Space Coast Stadium." - "Nationals unveil 2013 Spring Training slate" - Bill Ladson, nationals.com: News

' "The Nationals released Friday their 2013 spring training game schedule." - "Nationals announce earlier spring training game schedule" - James Wagner, Washington Post

' Your Daily Message From The Dalai Lama On Twitter (@DalaiLama): "When you are warm-hearted, there is no room for anger, jealousy or insecurity."

' NATS MINORS/AFL:

' "Leadoff hitter Brian Goodwin is hitting .238 but has a .340 on-base percentage and .475 slugging percentage with a three home runs, tied for second on the team." - "Nationals prospects playing in Arizona Fall League championship" - James Wagner, Washington Post

' "For [Anthony] Rendon, this was both a successful AFL stint and also confirmation of his advanced skills." - "AFL season wraps up" - Mark Zuckerman, NatsInsider.com

' "Not all that much went on in the baseball world over the weekend, but the last couple days were pretty eventful for Michael Morse." - "Nationals Pastime: AFL season provides plenty to like for Nats fans" - Dan Kolko, MASNSports.com

' "[Cole] Kimball was not selected because of his numbers -- he finished with a 4.80 ERA over 15 innings of work -- but rather for how hard he continued to work to get back to where he was pre-injury." - "Nationals' Cole Kimball wins AFL's 2012 Dernell Stenson Sportsmanship Award" - Jonathan Mayo, nationals.com

' "Brian Goodwin went 2-for-3 with a triple and a walk. Matt Skole went 0-for-4 with two strikeouts. Anthony Rendon went 1-for-4 with a triple..." - "Perry gets roughed up early in finals, Salt River comeback falls short in 4-3 loss" - Byron Kerr, MASNSports.com

' NATSTOWN:

' "November 19, 1960 Ed Doherty is appointed the first general manager of the expansion Senators. It is also announced that fan favorite Mickey Vernon will be the field manager of the new franchise." - "This Date in Washington Senators History ' Vernon named as manager of the new franchise" - Art Audley, D.C. Baseball History

' "Another edition of mlb.com Nats beat reporter Bill Ladson's inbox for 11/16/12. As always, I write my responses before reading his and edit some questions for clarity." - "Ladson's Inbox: 11/16/12 edition" - Todd Boss, Nationals Arm Race

' "Final AFL Stats & Thoughts" - Luke Erickson, NationalsProspects.com

' "Bryce Harper's girlfriend is pretty good at soccer" - Nats Enquirer

' "[Sean Burnett] went the entire month of April without allowing an earned run, and pitched through May giving up just one, earning his two saves in key situations that month." - "2012 Player-By-Player Wrap Up: Sean Burnett" - Erin Flynn, The Nats Blog

' NL EAST UPDATES:

' Mets: "Sandy Alderson said he needed 'clarity' with a pair of his most important players Friday and he could be closer to getting that with at least one of them." - "Source: R.A., Mets talking 2-year deal" - Dan Martin, NYPOST.com

' Braves: "The Braves hope that catcher Gerald Laird keeps a personal streak alive by playing in a third consecutive World Series in 2013." - "Braves sign Laird as backup catcher (updated)" - David O'Brien, Atlanta Journal-Constitution

' Phillies: "The Phillies currently have 34 players on their 40-man roster. It's unlikely they fill all six spots with minor leaguers..." - "To protect or not to protect" - Matt Gelb, Philly.com

' Marlins: "Juan Pierre is back. The Marlins have agreed to terms with Pierre, a key catalyst on their 2003 World Series team, on a 1-year deal worth $1.6 million." - "Marlins go back to the past, sign Juan Pierre" - Clark Spencer, Fish Bytes, Miami Herald

                                                                                                                                                                                                               

Washington Nationals Rumors: Week In Review - B.J. Upton, Michael Bourn?

The Washington Nationals talked to B.J. Upton, they're rumored to be interested in an outfielder, but just how hard are the Nats pushing for the top free agents like Upton and Michael Bourn this winter?

Atlanta Braves' GM Frank Wren was answering a question about any potential interest in free agent outfielder Josh Hamilton, but spoke more broadly when he told MLB Network Radio hosts Jim Bowden and Casey Stern this morning that in reality, "The dance hasn't really started on most of these big free agents." Teams looking at the big names on the market this year are in more of a recruiting phase right now as we saw this week in reports about B.J. Upton's visits to Atlanta and Philadelphia. When it comes to terms and dollar amounts, however, Mr. Wren explained, they haven't really, "... started exchanging your thoughts with the representatives." Not yet.

The Braves did have Upton in for a visit though, and as the general manager explained, the goal of such visits is to help the player, "... to get a real understanding of what your organization is all about." Representatives from the team, "... spent the better part of six hours on Thursday with B.J. and his representative Larry Reynolds," Mr. Wren said, "and it was really an opportunity for all of us to get to know one another." In addition to a tour of all the team facilities, the Braves' GM, hitting coach Greg Walker, manager Fredi Gonzalez and former skipper Bobby Cox were on hand to meet with the 28-year-old outfielder and talk about the organization with him.

When Upton met with the Phillies, Jimmy Rollins was on hand according to a report this week by FOXSports.com's Ken Rosenthal, who wrote that the market for Upton was heating up. While Atlanta and Philadelphia are openly courting free agent center fielders this winter, the Washington Nationals, in Mr. Rosenthal's words, "... are a wild card in the market," since their decision may depend upon what Adam LaRoche decides to do. That's what Nats' skipper Davey Johnson said too...

In an interview on MLB Network Radio last week, the Nats' 2012 NL Manager of the year told the former Nationals' GM Jim Bowden and Casey Stern, "It depends on Adam LaRoche. I need a middle of the lineup left-hand bat." After that, the 69-year-old skipper said, "Bryce Harper is going to be my center fielder and probably [Michael] Morse in left and [Jayson] Werth in right." Johnson didn't sound convinced the Nationals would do anything big on the free agent market.

"We didn't do anything at the deadline," Johnson said, "We didn't need to." In a separate MLB Network Radio interview last week, D.C. GM Mike Rizzo reiterated that the Nationals were conducting "parallel discussions" while they waited to see how the situation played out with Adam LaRoche. According to a report by Washington Post writer Adam Kilgore this week, the Nationals have had "initial dialogue" with B.J. Upton, but the outfielder did not visit the nation's capital on his recent tour of prospective destinations.

CBSSports.com's Jon Heyman wrote this week, the Nationals are not, "... quite as set on adding an outfielder as Philly and Atlanta, two teams that need center fielders."

As the Nats' general manager explained Washington's situation, "... we're very versatile in what we do position player-wise because [Bryce Harper] can play both center field and if we go out and get a center fielder he can move over to the corner very comfortably where probably his ultimate position is as a power-hitting corner outfielder." That position on the Nationals' behalf hasn't changed since last season when Washington Times' writer Amanda Comak explained state of the Nats' search for an outfielder. The Nationals have players who can fill the positions now, and they believe they have the players on the way up in the organization that can play in the future.

So if Harper can play center now, and they feel one of the prospects in the organization can do so in the near-future why commit to either Upton or Bourn on any long-term deal? If LaRoche leaves and Michael Morse or Tyler Moore moves over to first, however and suddenly there might be a need in the outfield in 2013...

CBSSports.com's Mr. Heyman wrote Saturday that he sees Washington as, "... logical landing spot for Bourn," noting that, "They have shown interest in both Bourn and Upton in the past," and adding that, "... as leadoff hitters, both players fit the Nats (Jayson Werth was their atypical yet effective leadoff hitter at the end of the 2012 season) but Bourn may fit slightly better." Rizzo described Bourn as a, "... prototypical leadoff guy who hits for a high average, steals bases, great defense, great make-up," while Upton, he said, provides, "... great defense, steals bases," and is, "... more power-orientated, less on base percentage guy who would have to hit in the middle of the lineup instead of the top of the lineup."

So if the Nats want a leadoff man, Bourn makes sense ... Of course, Davey Johnson told ESPN980's The Sports Fix's Kevin Sheehan and Thom Loverro this week that he was happy with Werth at the top of his lineup and liked his 20-year-old 2012 Rookie of the Year behind him. "I really like Jayson Werth and [Harper] 1-2," Johnson said, "I mean, they're not only run producers, but they got on base. They were outstanding at getting on base and both of them [are] outstanding base runners. I wouldn't trade those two guys for any [1-2] combination in baseball."

So Upton? When do the Winter Meetings start again? [ed. note - "December 3-5 in Nashville."]