Sports News and Trade Rumors: Pro Sports Daily

Strasburg scratched from championship start

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November 20

Washington Times

"The Washington Nationals said No. 1 overall draft pick Stephen Strasburg has a twisted left knee and was scratched from his start in the Arizona Fall League championship game. Strasburg was hurt during a workout Thursday, and an MRI exam showed inflammation. He is scheduled to travel to Los Angeles Friday to be examined by Dr. Lewis Yocum. The Nationals issued a news release saying Strasburg's injury "is not considered serious." The title game is Saturday. Strasburg also was held out of a scheduled start in the Arizona Fall League Rising Stars game Nov. 7 because of a strained neck muscle. The San Diego State right-hander signed a record $15.1 million contract after being the top pick in ..."

This National intelligence estimate is decidedly favorable

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November 20

Washington Post

columnist Thomas Boswell

"Unless you're the Yankees and can buy titles, the core of any baseball franchise is not its starting rotation or batting order. Over time, you are your organization. Before spring training, the Nats probably will sign two free agent starting pitchers and a couple of bullpen arms. They might trade for a middle infielder, too. But from a long-term view, the Nats have signed their most important offseason class, even though the average fan might not recognize a single name. Roy Clark, Ron Schueler, Davey Johnson, Kasey McKeon, Jay Robertson, Johnny DiPuglia, Doug Harris, Bryan Minniti and Jay Sartori will change the Nats' future more than a couple of 12-game winners. When the regular season ..."

Strasburg hurts knee, out of Saturday's AFL title game

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November 20

Washington Post

"Stephen Strasburg, the Nationals' prized pitching phenom, twisted his left knee while shagging flies during batting practice before the Phoenix Desert Dogs' regular season finale in the Arizona Fall League on Thursday, and has been scratched from Saturday's scheduled start in the AFL championship game, the team said in a news release Thursday night. According to the release, the injury is not considered serious, and an MRI exam taken shortly after the incident showed only "inflammation." Still, Strasburg is scheduled to fly to Los Angeles on Friday to be examined by orthopedist Lewis Yocum. Nationals General Manager Mike Rizzo did not immediately return voice and text messages seeking ..."

Sharp mind is Strasburg's secret weapon

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November 19

Washington Times

"The first thing everyone notices about Stephen Strasburg is the fastball. Really, it's not even fair to call it a simple fastball, as though it were some 92 mph four-seamer coming out of the hand of Joe Blanton or Jeff Suppan. No, this is a high-and-tight heater that regularly reaches triple digits, yet emerges from Strasburg's right arm so effortlessly that batters don't realize its lethality until it's too late. The next thing everyone notices about Strasburg is the breaking ball. It's a slider. Or maybe a curveball. Perhaps it's a hybrid of the two, a "slurve." Whatever it is, it's devastating, a power off-speed pitch that darts down and away from right-handed batters and when thrown ..."

Wilkie hopes to find doors opening in Washington

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November 19

Washington Post

"Josh Wilkie hopes one day to ride the Metro to work, just like you and me. He'd like to hop on the Orange Line at Foggy Bottom, head to L'Enfant Plaza and then take the Green Line straight to his office. There's where his commute would differ from ours. His office would be the pitching mound at Nationals Park. He's so close. If anything, Wilkie, 25, has overachieved. The right-handed pitcher was an undrafted free agent out of George Washington University, signed by the Nats in 2006. He worked his way through every stop in their minor league system until reaching Class AAA Syracuse, just one phone call short of the big league roster, and he was one of seven Nationals prospects chosen to ..."

This National intelligence estimate is decidedly favorable

Comment

November 19

Washington Post

columnist Thomas Boswell

"Unless you're the Yankees and can buy titles, the core of any baseball franchise is not its starting rotation or batting order. Over time, you are your organization. Before spring training, the Nats probably will sign two free agent starting pitchers and a couple of bullpen arms. They might trade for a middle infielder, too. But from a long-term view, the Nats have signed their most important offseason class, even though the average fan might not recognize a single name. Roy Clark, Ron Schueler, Davey Johnson, Kasey McKeon, Jay Robertson, Johnny DiPuglia, Doug Harris, Bryan Minniti and Jay Sartori will change the Nats' future more than a couple of 12-game winners. When the regular season ..."

Nationals hire McLaren as bench coach

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November 18

Washington Times

"The Washington Nationals hired John McLaren as bench coach, the first staff change since Jim Riggleman took over as permanent manager, a club source confirmed. McLaren, 58, was manager of the Seattle Mariners in 2007 and 2008, posting a combined 68-88 record before getting fired and replaced by his bench coach, who at the time was Riggleman. McLaren will replace Pat Corrales, who had reassumed his position as bench coach in July after Manny Acta was fired and replaced by Riggleman. Corrales is expected to remain with the Nationals in another capacity."

Nationals interested in John Lackey

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November 18

MLB.com

"The Nationals are one of several teams who have expressed interest in free agent right-hander John Lackey, according to a baseball source. The team is reportedly in competition with the Angels, Red Sox, Yankees and Mets for his services. The Nationals are looking for an ace who can tutor pitchers such as John Lannan, Ross Detwiler and Stephen Strasburg. Washington has been looking for this type of pitcher since after the Trade Deadine. It ended up signing right-hander Livan Hernandez in late August. While he did a god job for the Nationals, it's less than 50-50 that he will return to the club. Lackey, who is 31-years old, has played his entire eight-year career with the Angels. He ..."

Strasburg gets one more start

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November 17

Washington Examiner

"The Nationals will indeed get one more look at top draft pick Stephen Strasburg. His Phoenix Desert Dogs clinched their division title last night in the Arizona Fall League so Strasburg will pitch in the championship game this Saturday. Game will be broadcast live on MLB Network at 2:30 p.m. Strasburg so far? He is 4-1 with a 4.26 ERA. But one very, very bad outing - seven earned runs in 2 2/3 innings - skewed his ERA. In the other four stars Strasburg has been excellent. He's been clocked as high as 101 miles-per-hour. Remember, the AFL is considered a hitter's league since the pitchers generally take longer to get back into game shape. Most of these kids last played a real game in early ..."

Interest in Wagner still strong

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November 16

Foxsports.com

"Teams would have to surrender a draft pick in order to sign Billy Wagner, but interest in the left-hander remains strong. Bean Stringfellow, Wagner's agent, said Monday that eight clubs have called to express interest in Wagner, a Type A free agent. "The best way to put it," Stringfellow said, "is that the teams that called are aware that he's a Type A free agent, and they're calling anyway." Boston, Atlanta, Washington, Houston and Baltimore are on the list, according to Stringfellow, along with three teams that preferred to remain anonymous. Of that group, Stringfellow said only the Red Sox — Wagner's most recent team — would slot him in a role other than closing. The unnamed teams are ..."

Nats drawing interest in Willingham

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November 15

Foxsports.com

"The Nationals again are drawing strong trade interest in left fielder Josh Willingham. Whether they are willing to move him is another question. Willingham, 30, produced a career-high .863 OPS last season, hitting 24 home runs in 427 at-bats. His offense would be difficult for the Nats to replace. The Braves, looking for a right-handed power hitter, like Willingham but harbor concerns about his defense and past back troubles. Willingham might be a better fit in the American League, where he could be used as a DH. The Nats control Willingham for two more seasons. He earned $2.95 million last season, and his salary likely will rise to the $4.5 million to $5 million range in his second year ..."

Expect the Nationals to improve, not perform miracles, in 2010

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November 15

Washington Examiner

columnist Phil Wood

"The Nationals have a small checklist for 2010: 1. Beef up front office staff. Check. 2. Remove "interim" tag from manager. Check. 3. Upgrade roster: catcher, middle infield and pitching staff. Now comes the hard part. Nationals General Manager Mike Rizzo has his work cut out for him between now and mid-February when pitchers and catchers report to Viera, Fla., for the start of spring training. The task should be a lot easier than it was when he took over as GM last March; now, at least, he has his own support people in place. He made it clear in October that he'd do what he could to strengthen -- or fix -- the club's most glaring weaknesses. It's not going to be as simple as just writing a ..."

Riggleman keeps 'dream' job with Nationals

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November 13

Washington Times

"Jim Riggleman officially became the Washington Nationals' full-time manager Thursday when the 57-year-old Rockville native was reintroduced during a news conference at Nationals Park. The path that led to this quiet, veteran baseball man getting the "interim" label stripped from his title, though, began July 15, the day he conducted his first workout following the firing of Manny Acta. During a lengthy meeting with his players and coaches, Riggleman outlined his expectations for the underachieving club. They would play better defense. They would be more fundamentally sound. They would give their full effort. They would be held accountable for their performance. Nationals players and ..."

Rizzo's choice feels right now - but later?

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November 13

Washington Times

columnist Thom Loverro

"The most important decision a general manager in baseball can make is choosing a manager. That's the kind of decision someone who aspires to be a GM thinks of when he dreams of running a baseball team. Somehow I doubt Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo used to think to himself, "When I become a general manager someday, the guy I am going to hire is Jim Riggleman." But that's who Rizzo hired. Riggleman isn't the dream candidate for this nightmare of a franchise. The hiring simply might be explained this way: It seemed like a good idea at the time. And maybe it is a good idea, but the decision still has a white-flag feel to it. It feels like the Nationals are saying this to their dwindling ..."

Nationals' Zimmerman receives Silver Slugger

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November 13

Washington Times

"One day after getting recognized for his superior defensive skills, Washington Nationals third baseman Ryan Zimmerman was honored for being one of the sport's best offensive players as well. Zimmerman won his first Silver Slugger Award on Thursday, selected by National League managers and coaches as the league's best offensive third baseman. The 25-year-old set career highs with 33 homers, a .292 average and 110 runs while also driving in 106 RBI. His 30-game hitting streak in April and May was the majors' longest in 2009. Combine that production at the plate with his stellar work in the field - he won his first Gold Glove Award on Wednesday - and Zimmerman put together quite a season. ..."

The right man for the plan

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November 13

Washington Post

columnist Thomas Boswell

"The Nationals hired Jim Riggleman as their permanent manager on Thursday in what they hope will be another step in the construction of a baseball franchise that will someday rival the excitement that the Capitals now create for their NHL fans. For the Lerner family, especially principal owner Mark Lerner, who's on the board of the Caps, a friend of owner Ted Leonsis and a rabid Caps fan, the comparison is seldom off the radar screen. To the Lerners, the Nats' 102 and 103 losses the last two seasons have simply been their version of the dark days of tearing down and rebuilding a franchise that their friend Leonsis endured from '03 until '08 with the Caps. Joke to genius: it happens. Time ..."

Riggleman officially takes Nationals' reins

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November 13

Washington Post

"Eight months ago, Mike Rizzo and Jim Riggleman were midlevel lieutenants -- Rizzo an assistant general manager, Riggleman a bench coach -- for an organization full of mismatched parts and internal intrigue. On Thursday afternoon, they sat together on a stage in the interview room at Nationals Park as the new faces of the Washington Nationals' management, united in the quest to change the direction of the franchise. Rizzo, the general manager who got the "interim" tag removed from his own job title in August, performed the same merciful surgery on Riggleman's title, selecting the former interim manager for the full-time managing position at the end of an interview process that smacked of ..."

Nationals keeping Riggleman as manager

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November 12

Washington Times

"The Washington Nationals selected Jim Riggleman as their 2010 manager, promoting the former interim skipper to the full-time position. Riggleman was informed of the decision Wednesday, according to multiple club sources. A news conference is scheduled for Thursday afternoon to announce the move. Riggleman, who owns a career record of 555-694 with one playoff berth in parts of 10 seasons as a big league manager, appeared to be the front-runner for some time out of a pool of candidates that included former major league skippers Bobby Valentine and Bob Melvin, plus former All-Star first baseman Don Mattingly. The Rockville native, 57, was well-respected by Washington players and staff members ..."

Nationals' Zimmerman earns first Gold Glove

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November 12

Washington Times

"There was plenty of complicated statistical evidence that suggested Ryan Zimmerman was the National League's best defensive third baseman this season. Despite his impressive baseball IQ, though, the Washington Nationals star doesn't get caught up in arcane measurements like range factor and ultimate zone rating. "I don't look at any advanced stats," he said. "To be honest with you, I just try to get every single ball that comes my way." Perhaps the NL managers and coaches who handed Zimmerman his first Gold Glove Award on Wednesday based their decision not only on numbers but also on what they saw with their own eyes. In either case, it was tough not to go with Zimmerman as the NL's top ..."

Rollins, Victorino again get Gold Gloves

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November 12

Philadelphia Inquirer

"Jimmy Rollins and Shane Victorino did not win the World Series again this year, but they are repeat winners of the Gold Glove at their positions.Rollins won his third consecutive National League Gold Glove at shortstop yesterday, while Victorino claimed his second straight in the outfield.Rollins, who will turn 31 on Nov. 27, led all major-league shortstops with a .990 fielding percentage and made just six errors, fewest among full-time big-league shortstops. He had an 86-game errorless streak during the season.Rollins is the first NL shortstop to win three straight Gold Gloves since Rey Ordonez did so with the New York Mets (1997-99). He is the first Phillie to win three in a row at any ..."

Zimmerman wins Gold Glove award

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November 11

Washington Times

"Ryan Zimmerman won his first Rawlings Gold Glove award on Wednesday, yet another affirmation of the finest season of the Washington Nationals third baseman's career to date. Zimmerman, regarded as an exceptional defensive player by the Nationals from the moment they drafted him out of Virginia in 2005, now has been recognized by the rest of the baseball world for his work in the field. The Gold Gloves are awarded based on the votes of managers and coaches from that players league, conducted near the end of the season. National League coaches clearly took notice of Zimmerman's flair for the dramatic and his ability to get to balls few other players could. He led all major leaguers in "Web ..."

Riggleman looks like leader for Nats managing job

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November 11

SI.com

(scroll down)

"Interim manager Jim Riggleman appears to be the favorite to get the Nationals job. It's somewhat unusual to have conducted a full search complete with several interviews and still return to hire the interim manager, but Nationals people always seemed very comfortable with Riggleman. Nats' GM Mike Rizzo said they expect to make a managing hire this week. Rizzo declined to say Riggleman was getting the job, but signs are pointing that way. Turnaround expert Bobby Valentine is among others to have interviewed for the job."

Phils, Cards, LA each take two Gold Gloves

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November 11

MLB.com

"They flashed leather, pulled off web gems, picked it, got their uniforms dirty, and stoked stadiums with razor-sharp routes, dazzling dives and wall-scraping wows. They're the 2009 National League winners of the Rawlings Gold Glove Awards, announced on Wednesday. At first base, San Diego Padres slugger Adrian Gonzalez repeated his 2008 crown by tying for fourth in the league with a fielding percentage of .995. Gonzalez made only seven errors in 1,367 total chances in the midst of his second straight All-Star campaign. The second base Gold Glove returned to the possession of Orlando Hudson, the Dodgers veteran who won Senior Circuit hardware in 2006 and 2007 while with the D-backs after ..."

Valentine a finalist to be Nats manager

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November 10

Foxsports.com

"The Nationals, down to two finalists for their managerial vacancy, expect to make a decision by the end of the week, general manager Mike Rizzo said Monday night. Interim manager Jim Riggleman is one of the finalists, Rizzo said. Bobby Valentine is the other, according to major-league sources. The Nationals have hired former Mets and Orioles manager Davey Johnson as a senior advisor and Bryan Minnitti, the Pirates' director of baseball operations, as Rizzo's assistant GM. The Nats still plan to hire one more front office executive, but the managerial opening remains the team's largest piece of unfinished off-field business. Riggleman appears to be the favorite. The Nationals went 33-42 ..."

Nats' search for manager could lead to Riggleman

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November 10

Washington Post

"While the Washington Nationals have launched in earnest -- and in secret -- a search for Manny Acta's permanent successor as manager, there is an increasing feeling around baseball that the team is moving closer to naming interim manager Jim Riggleman to the permanent job. Nationals President Stan Kasten confirmed Monday that the team has begun the interview process, but he declined to speak about individual candidates. The team has also asked interviewees not to discuss the process with the media, according to a source who has spoken to one of the candidates. "We're talking to all kinds of candidates, gathering opinions and perspectives," Kasten said. "As you know, I enjoy the ..."

It's time for the Nationals to take the interim tag off Riggleman

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November 8

Washington Examiner

columnist Phil Wood

"OK, OK. The Nationals' new front office brain trust seems to be in place. Mike Rizzo has his own team of faces ready to create a championship-caliber roster. Why waste any more time before removing the interim tag from Jim Riggleman? C'mon now, the winter meetings get underway in Indianapolis on Dec. 7. It makes no sense to fritter any more time away on what ifs and howzabouts. Do the right thing. Manny Acta finished 35 games under .500 during his time as Nats' skipper is 2009 -- and could've had either of the other two open jobs, opting to accept a 3-year deal with Cleveland, one more than he got when he took the job here. Riggleman finished 9 games under after he got the gig following ..."

Nats decline Kearns' option

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November 7

Washington Examiner

"The Nationals on Friday declined a $10 million option for outfielder Austin Kearns, who instead was granted a $1 million buyout and is now a free agent. That ends a dissapointing tenure for the 29-year-old in Washington. He was acquired with high hopes in a 2006 trade with the Cincinnati Reds along with second baseman Felipe Lopez, among others. Kearns was given a three-year, $17 million extension by then-general manager Jim Bowden the following winter. A thumb injury proved costly in 2009 as Kearns hit .195 with three homers and 17 RBI. But 15 of those RBI came in the season's first five weeks. He has a long history of hand injuries and finally went on the disabled list for good in early ..."

Strained muscle sidelines Strasburg

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November 7

Washington Times

"Top Washington Nationals pitching prospect Stephen Strasburg was scratched from his scheduled start in Saturday's Arizona Fall League Rising Stars Game because of a neck strain. Strasburg, the top pick in June's draft, was slated to start the exhibition, which pits the best AFL prospects against one another and will be televised by MLB Network. The Nationals said the decision to scratch Strasburg was precautionary. He woke up Wednesday with a stiff neck, then was examined Friday and diagnosed with a strained muscle."

Pitching prospects are rising in Arizona

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November 7

Washington Post

columnist Tracee Hamilton

"Getting hammered in his second Arizona Fall League start may have been the best thing that ever happened to Stephen Strasburg. The No. 1 pick of the 2009 draft and the linchpin of the Plan got beat like a drum on Oct. 22, giving up eight runs and seven hits in 2 2/3 innings. His ERA before the game: 0.00. His ERA after the game: 23.62. "He took it personal," said Paul Menhart, the pitching coach at Class A Potomac and the Nationals' representative on the Phoenix Desert Dogs. "I don't think he liked that very much. You hate to ever see anybody give up that many runs, but I believe it got his focus where he needed it to be. He's had an unbelievable bulldog attitude ever since." Indeed, ..."

Strasburg and other Nats and O's stars to be featured on MLB Network

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October 30

Washington Examiner

"Stephen Strasburg Era is starting quietly in Arizona but you can bet over the next couple of weekends we will have a chance to have a peek at the Nats young star along with a number of the best young talent in baseball. He is playing for the East leading Phoenix Desert Dogs of the AFL and we will see him in the Rising Stars game and quite likely in the playoffs on MLB Network. Also on the team is fellow Nationals prospoect Drew Storen. But Orioes fans can be happy that their top young players are also Desert Dog teammares with the Nats gang."

Strasburg bounces back with impressive effort

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October 28

Washington Times

"Bouncing back from a ragged outing last week, Stephen Strasburg was dominant over 4 1/3 innings Tuesday in his third Arizona Fall League start. The Washington Nationals' top prospect, pitching for the Phoenix Desert Dogs, allowed one run and one hit to beat the Surprise Rafters. The right-hander carried a no-hitter into the fifth and struck out five, flashing a fastball that reached 100 mph three times in the first inning. It was an impressive performance for Strasburg, who was roughed up for eight runs in 2 2/3 innings Thursday against Peoria, serving up three homers in the process. "The thing about being a pitcher and something that I learned from being a closer at [San Diego State] my ..."

Marlins hire former Washington Nationals pitching coach

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October 27

Palm Beach Post

"The Florida Marlins, who earlier this month dropped pitching coach Mark Wiley, have a replacement. Randy St. Claire, who was fired June 1 as pitching coach for Washington, will take over for Wiley, a source said this morning. St. Claire, 49, had been pitching coach for the Montreal Expos/Washington Nationals for six-plus seasons."

Former Nats manager Acta gets another chance with the Indians

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October 26

Washington Post

"Three months after being fired as manager of the Washington Nationals, Manny Acta had no trouble lining up his next gig. The Cleveland Indians on Sunday named Acta their new manager, after Acta reportedly turned down the Houston Astros. Acta, who turns 41 in January, so impressed the Indians the team sped up its hiring process, apparently handing the job to Acta before he could change his mind about Houston. In a statement released through the team, Acta called the Indians "a talented group of young men who seem to possess a lot of energy and passion for their work." His contract with the Indians reportedly is for three years, plus a team option for 2013. "After speaking with an impressive ..."

Indians select Manny Acta as new manager with 3-year contract

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October 25

Cleveland Plain Dealer

"Manny Acta will be named the 40th manager of the Indians today. Acta reportedly turned down an offer to become Houston's manager to accept the Indians job, which is for three seasons with a team option for 2013. Acta played eight years in the Astros' minor-league system and managed another seven years. The Indians interviewed Acta, Bobby Valentine and Torey Lovullo last week to be Eric Wedge's replacement. They were scheduled to interview Dodgers hitting coach Don Mattingly later this week. Acta managed Washington from 2007 until he was fired July on 13. His overall record was 158-252. The Nationals were 26-61 when he was fired this year. He used the free time by watching the Indians on ..."

Acta, Mills get second Astros interviews

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October 22

MLB.com

"Former Nationals manager Manny Acta and Red Sox bench coach Brad Mills both interviewed Wednesday for a second time with the Astros for the managerial position than became open when Cecil Cooper was dismissed last month. Acta, who was fired in July after 2 1/2 seasons as manager of the Nationals, and Mills were two of 10 men to interview with the Astros during a six-day span ending Monday. Houston general manager Ed Wade confirmed Acta interviewed with the front office, including owner Drayton McLane. "Manny came to town and had an opportunity to sit with us and sit with our group, including Drayton," Wade said. Acta arrived in Houston from Cleveland, where he interviewed Tuesday for the ..."

Nats weigh managerial candidates

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October 22

Washington Post

"As their managerial search gains traction, the Washington Nationals have compiled a list of candidates that includes Los Angeles Dodgers bench coach Don Mattingly and former big league managers Bobby Valentine and Bob Melvin. Mattingly told reporters on Tuesday that he's been approached by the Nationals, who are interested in an interview. Sources both within and outside the organization confirmed the interest in Valentine and Melvin, though certainly the team's list goes deeper than three. "I told [Nationals GM] Mike [Rizzo] to call me back after our season's over," said Dodgers General Manager Ned Colletti. "[Mattingly] is tremendously valued in our organization, both professionally and ..."

Strasburg turns up the heat in debut

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October 17

Washington Times

"The temperature hit 100 here Friday, and Stephen Strasburg got close enough to make Washington positively glow. Strasburg threw two fastballs clocked at 99 mph in his start for the Phoenix Desert Dogs on Friday, turning his professional debut in the Arizona Fall League into a coming out party that made the Nationals' major league-record $15.1 million investment look like money conservatively spent. Strasburg hit 99 with his first pitch against Scottsdale and 99 again with pitch No. 46 before leaving one batter later, after his pitch count reached 50. He gave up two singles, walked one and struck out two, earning the win. "It definitely was a positive," said Strasburg, whose family flew in ..."

Nats Make Additions to Front Office; Managerial Decision Is on Hold

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October 17

Washington Post

"The Washington Nationals on Thursday made official a series of front-office additions, and though General Manager Mike Rizzo isn't necessarily finished with high-level organizational changes, he now feels comfortable turning his attention to the team's managerial opening. "The [managerial] search is going to begin a little more seriously in the very near future," Rizzo said, "but I wanted to make sure we got these vital hirings in the front office [first]." In the last few days, the Nationals have added three members to their front office. Roy Clark, the longtime Atlanta Braves scouting director, will serve as vice president of player personnel. (He'll be Rizzo's de facto right-hand man, ..."

Strasburg preparing to make his fall debut

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October 16

Washington Times

"As an experiment, Baltimore prospect Brandon Snyder wore a Stephen Strasburg jersey when he left the clubhouse after an Arizona Fall League game Wednesday night. Snyder still wore the rest of his Orioles gear - not that it mattered. He could not get to the team bus before being mobbed. "I thought it was funny until I had about 50 people surrounding me," he said with a laugh. "Then I didn't know if it was such a good idea. I got a little nervous after that." Strasburg will take the next step in what could be a short transition to the major leagues Friday night when the Washington Nationals' No. 1 pick makes his debut with the Scottsdale Scorpions. Strasburg, whose fastball hit triple digits ..."

Ex-Nationals manager Manny Acta among the Indians' candidates to replace Wedge

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October 15

Cleveland Plain Dealer

"Former Washington Nationals manager Manny Acta is one of the candidates to replace Eric Wedge as manager of the Indians. Acta told The Plain Dealer Wednesday evening that he already went through a phone interview with General Manager Mark Shapiro earlier this week. Acta also will interview with Houston on Friday for their managerial opening. "I'm excited and honored to be part of this process," Acta said. "This team was only one game away from the World Series two years ago. They have lost some pieces, but I think things are going to be very exciting in Cleveland very soon. We are still very early in the process and I have to respect that process." Acta managed the Nationals for three ..."

Nats' MacDougal has surgery on hip

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October 14

Washington Times

"Washington Nationals closer Mike MacDougal underwent arthroscopic surgery on his right hip Tuesday in Vail, Colo., repairing an injury that hampered the right-hander during the last week of the regular season. MacDougal is expected to begin a throwing program in six to eight weeks and should be ready for spring training. The 32-year-old, who saved 20 games in 52 appearances with the Nationals this season and posted a 3.60 ERA, is entering his final year of arbitration. He is the likely pick to be the Nationals' closer next season, though the team could pursue other options this winter to add depth to a spot at which MacDougal was inconsistent late in the year."

Braves lose scouting director to Nationals

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October 14

Atlanta Journal-Constitution

"The Braves are losing scouting director Roy Clark, who accepted a job with the Washington Nationals after 20 years in the Braves organization. After interviewing Monday in Washington, Clark told the Braves Tuesday that he had accepted a post as Nationals assistant general manager and vice president of player personnel. Clark, 51, will have wide-ranging duties including oversight of player development and all scouting -- amateur, professional, and international. The Braves have three different directors in charge of player development, international scouting and amateur scouting, and two other team officials run professional scouting. "It's one of those situations that come along in your ..."

Braves may lose scouting director to Nationals

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October 13

Atlanta Journal-Constitution

"Longtime Braves scouting director Roy Clark might leave the organization for a higher-ranking job with the Washington Nationals. Clark interviewed Monday in Washington for a position as assistant general manager and vice president of player personnel, with sweeping responsibilities that would include overseeing player development and scouting, including international scouting. "I'm going through a very tough time," Clark, 51, said before sitting down with his family Monday night to discuss the decision. "It's very difficult to let go of 20 years, but they're putting together a pretty good package up there. It's very exciting." A scouting director for the past 11 years, Clark was first ..."

Melvin joins list of managerial candidates

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October 12

MLB.com

"Bob Melvin, the 2007 National League Manager of the Year with the Arizona Diamondbacks, confirmed on Monday he will interview with the Astros this week for their vacant managerial position. Melvin is the latest in growing list of candidates who will be given interviews, including Boston Red Sox first-base coach Tim Bogar, bench coach Brad Mills, former Washington Nationals manager Manny Acta and Astros interim manager Dave Clark. Astros general manager Ed Wade on Monday confirmed Bogar, Mills and Acta would interview later this week, along with Astros Minor League field coordinator Al Pedrique. Clark will be among one of two candidates to interview on Wednesday. "It's obviously a great ..."

Penalties cost Capitals vs. Red Wings

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October 11

Washington Times

"The effort was better and the execution improved, but the biggest obstacle for the Washington Capitals - their discipline issues - remained. In a battle of the league's top power plays from a season ago, the Caps' penchant for providing those opportunities cost them again. Detroit netted a pair of extra-man markers, each time with one of Washington's young stars in the box, and the Red Wings limited their own penalties in a 3-2 victory Saturday night at Joe Louis Arena. The loss was the Caps' third in a row. "When you take those dumb penalties, it is going to cost you in the end, and it did," coach Bruce Boudreau said. "You can kill the first two or three, but I knew when we took the ..."

Nats want a lot from a little

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October 6

Washington Times

"On the one hand, Adam Dunn looks at the Washington Nationals' just-completed season and has a hard time finding any silver lining. "It was terrible. It was horrible," the first baseman said. "You lose 100 freaking games, you obviously didn't do very good." On the other hand, Dunn looks at a Nationals roster that produced a 59-103 record and sees little need to make anything more than a couple of calculated changes this winter to produce a far different result in 2010. "That's the number one thing you take out of this season: We're really not that far off," he said. "If we were, I would tell you. I'm not going to blow smoke. I really know we're a couple of pieces away from being really ..."

A Start From Scratch

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October 6

Washington Post

"Stephen Strasburg's first professional baseball appearance will surely go down as one of his most humble career outings; many Little League games draw bigger crowds. Space Coast Stadium was so sparsely attended Monday afternoon, players left the ballpark when taken out of the game by climbing up through the stands and strolling through the main concourse. Strasburg's performance fit in with the sleepy atmosphere, which is exactly what his overseers in the Florida Instructional League wanted to see. Strasburg, who signed a $15.1 million contract with the Washington Nationals in mid-August, didn't show the quiet crowd of 50 all of his pitches. He threw mostly fastballs, as instructed, and ..."

Nationals Prepare for Offseason Makeover

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October 6

Washington Post

"When the final game ended in the Washington Nationals' 2009 season, a fair portion of the team -- players and coaches alike -- transformed, almost immediately, from employees into job seekers. Veteran pitcher Liván Hernández, luggage already packed, walked through the middle of the Turner Field visitors' clubhouse and raised his arms, as if making a public declaration. "All people, I love you guys," he said. "I hope to see you next year." "If not," he continued, after a pause, "you know where to find me." General Manager Mike Rizzo overheard the plea, walked over to Hernández, and said they'd be talking soon. "We just have to get [agent] Barry Praver on board," Rizzo told his pitcher. For ..."

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