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Ryan Zimmerman News & Rumors

Sources: Nationals know Zimmerman's price
January 24
Foxsports.com
 
"As the Nationals talk to free-agent first baseman Prince Fielder, they face a significant contractual decision on one of their own players – third baseman Ryan Zimmerman. Zimmerman has informed the team of the exact terms he would accept long-term, according to one major-league source. He has said in the past that he does not want to sign an extension that would restrict the club from making other moves. Contract negotiations are fluid, but two other sources suggest that an agreement between Zimmerman and the Nationals is within reach. Zimmerman, 27, is under contract for $12 million in 2012 and $14 million in 2013. After that, he is eligible for free agency."
Nats, Zimmerman in talks for extension
January 19
MLB.com
 
"Third baseman Ryan Zimmerman made it clear recently that he wants to stay with Nationals for the rest of his career. Zimmerman's current contract has two years and $26 million remaining. But according to two baseball sources, the Nats and agent Brodie Van Wagenen were discussing an extension for Zimmerman. This news comes on the heels of Washington's attempt to acquire free-agent first baseman Prince Fielder. It's not known how the discussions went between Zimmerman and the team. Neither Zimmerman, Van Wagenen nor general manager Mike Rizzo was available for comment on contract talks. However, back in December, Zimmerman indicated that he wants to be with the Nationals when they start"
For the Nationals, Prince Fielder or Ryan Zimmerman is only a choice if they make it one
January 6
Washington Post
 columnist Adam Kilgore
"The Nationals, if they're inclined, do not have to choose between Ryan Zimmerman and Prince Fielder. They have the means to sign the face of their franchise to a contract extension and to land the game-changing free agent slugger. But for the Nationals to acquire Fielder and extend Zimmerman, it would require a fundamental change in how the team's ownership operates. Since the Lerner family purchased the team from Major League Baseball in 2006, the perception has been that ownership has run the team more as a bottom-line business than as a competitive outlet."
Ryan Zimmerman may miss Nationals' final two games with hamstring soreness
September 28
Washington Post
 
"Ryan Zimmerman could miss this season's final two games with mild hamstring soreness, Manager Davey Johnson said. Zimmerman has been getting treatment on his hamstring for a while, which is nothing out of the ordinary, and last night he complained to a Nationals trainer about the injury. Johnson decided he would shut Zimmerman down today, and possibly tomorrow, too. Zimmerman would probably play during the middle of the season, but the risk of Zimmerman pulling his hamstring and delaying his offseason work outweighs the reward of him playing."
New throwing motion finally an afterthought for Zimmerman
September 14
Washington Times
 
"The Nationals spent nine weeks at the start of the season running out a lineup that didn't include their best player. So when Ryan Zimmerman returned to Washington's active roster June 14, six weeks after surgery to repair a torn rectus muscle in his abdomen, it was with a somewhat sore core and during the midst of a revamping of his throwing motion. But he was back. When he first returned, though, each day he'd spend significant time before batting practice working on fielding ground balls and making throws to first base. He did it under the watchful eye of infield coordinator Jeff Garber and with the interest of an entire fan base. It didn't go smoothly at first. Zimmerman's throwing"
Ryan Zimmerman is worth every cent to make a Nat for life
August 31
Washington Post
 columnist Tracee Hamilton
"Isn't re-signing Ryan Zimmerman to a long-term, bank-busting, career-long contract a no-brainer for the Washington Nationals? While implementing The Plan, the Nats have been .?.?. let's call it fiscally conservative. Recently, they've opened their wallets — no truth to the rumor that moths flew out — to pay large sums to a lot of youngsters, and Jayson Werth. The jury is still out on those moves, but there's no question paying Zimmerman will pay dividends. Right now, he is the Nats' marquee player, without question. Stephen Strasburg could become that guy — but even in a perfect world, Strasburg will only pitch every five days. Bryce Harper could become that guy — but he's still a work in"
What's next for Jordan Zimmermann?
August 30
Washington Post
 columnist Adam Kilgore
"Jordan Zimmermann came out on the other side of Tommy John surgery as both an example to Stephen Strasburg and a legitimate No. 2 starter. At 25, he ranked among the top 25 in the majors in ERA (3.18) FIP (3.15) and wins above replacement (3.5). The Nationals, really, could have hoped more out of him this year. Now that he has reached his 160-inning limit, what comes next? Well, in regard to the Nationals' rotation, the happenings in Class AAA Syracuse's doubleheader last night could be a clue. Both Tom Milone and Brad Peacock tossed five scoreless innings. Either could replace Zimmermann in the rotation and remain schedule. Milone, who's older and more polished, is the more likely choice."
Lasting images not ones to savor Zimmermann's
August 29
Washington Times
 
"The lasting images from Jordan Zimmermann's final innings of 2011 weren't great. There was the Washington Nationals right-hander, rubbing the ball between his hands, quietly fuming as he marched around the mound after the second solo home run he surrendered. And Zimmermann hitting Brandon Phillips to load the bases, then walking Fred Lewis to force home a run. But the indelible image from Zimmermann's last start of the season, a 5-4 loss to the Cincinnati Reds in 14 innings, was of Collin Balester standing on the mound 8 2/3 innings after Zimmermann had vacated it pitching his third inning on his fourth consecutive day of work. The Nationals' sixth straight loss came hours after Zimmermann"
Ryan Zimmerman comes through in a pinch, again
August 29
Washington Post
 columnist Adam Kilgore
"About a million things worth noting happened in the Nationals' 5-4 loss to the Reds today. Here are three more that either got overlooked or short-changed in the game story. >>> Ryan Zimmerman does not pinch-hit often, but he had a pretty clear idea of what he wanted to do Sunday in the eighth inning, when he interrupted his day off with his second pinch-hit appearance of the season. Danny Espinosa stood on second base with two outs, the Nationals down by a run, and on the mound was fire-balling Aroldis Chapman. "That guy throws 200 miles per hour," Zimmerman said. "So I'm looking fastball, from the first pitch to the last pitch. Pinch-hitting, I haven't done it much. Against a guy like"
'Dragging' Ryan Zimmerman to get rest, Jayson Werth adjusts to center field
August 28
Washington Post
 
"Nationals Manager Davey Johnson double-switched Ryan Zimmerman out Saturday night's 6-3 loss in the ninth inning, which turned out to be an early start on a long break for Zimmerman. Johnson, feeling that Zimmerman is tiring, will give him the day off Sunday, allowing Zimmerman two consecutive days off with Monday's scheduled off day. Zimmerman underwent surgery in May to repair a torn abdominal muscle that kept him out months. Johnson said Zimmerman has no specific injury now, just typical wear and tear. "I know he's been dragging," Johnson said. "He's just so valuable to the ballclub. I wanted to give him a breather, but we've got an off day coming Monday. I'm planning on giving him"
For Zimmermann, it's late-inning blues
August 25
Washington Examiner
 
"All season long, Nats right-handed pitcher Jordan Zimmermann has performed well enough to at least etch his name among the sport's elite. Ignore that 8-11 record. By almost every statistical measure he has done what starting pitchers are supposed to do – give his team a chance to win on a consistent basis. But one issue keeping Zimmermann out of that esteemed group of 10 or 15 top pitchers is his inability to finish games. It happened earlier this season in Baltimore on May 22 when a 1-0 lead in the seventh turned into a 2-1 deficit on a Vladimir Guerrero homer. It happened Aug. 11 at Chicago when a 1-1 game turned into a 4-1 deficit after the Cubs hit two seventh-inning homers off"
With no run support, Zimmermann's mistake proves costly in Nats' 2-0 loss to Diamondbacks
August 24
Washington Times
 
"Jordan Zimmermann doesn't carry the same cachè, didn't sign the same type of monster contract and certainly doesn't pack a stadium the way the Washington Nationals' best-known right-handed pitcher does. He's not Stephen Strasburg, and that's just fine. But in his first full season of major league work after August 2009 Tommy John surgery, Zimmermann has evolved into a must-see starter every five days in his own right. The way his mid-90s fastball moves, his curveball drops and his slider breaks, it's all an impressive package to watch each time out — at least for five or six innings. For the first 90-100 pitches of Zimmermann's starts in a mostly dominant season, he cruises. He gets"
Ryan Zimmerman hits walk-off grand slam to cap Washington's improbable rally
August 20
Washington Post
 
"Ryan Zimmerman walked from the Nationals Park on-deck circle Friday night and into the dream in every kid's backyard: Tie game, full count, two outs, bases loaded, bottom of the ninth inning. A long, wild game had spilled past midnight and led to this. Zimmerman stared out to the mound at Philadelphia Phillies closer Ryan Madson. "The pressure's on him, man," Zimmerman said. "It's not on me." Zimmerman had stepped into a fantasy and responded with nonchalance, the way he treats most every moment on a baseball diamond. He completed the Washington Nationals' stunning, 8-4 victory with a two-out, full-count grand slam to left field, capping the rally Jayson Werth started with a memorable,"
Morse, Zimmerman spark Nationals' 6-4 win over Reds
August 17
Washington Post
 
"Michael Morse months ago dashed the last remaining doubts about whether he could play every day in the major leagues, and now he is using the final stretch of this season to grind them into dust. Morse provided the Washington Nationals a cheery subplot with a wicked offensive surge in June. And then something unexpected happened. Morse never stopped hitting baseballs as hard as any player on Earth. The Nationals will play the final six weeks with an emphasis on their future, and Tuesday night Morse again showed why he has become an integral part of it, and also why he will find himself playing left field on occasion for the remainder of the season. In a 6-4 victory over the Cincinnati Reds"
Ryan Zimmerman meets Mike Schmidt
August 14
Washington Post
 
"The Phillies are currently holding their annual alumni weekend, and a gaggle of former players turned out for last night's induction of John Kruk into their Wall of Fame and Sunday's unveiling of a statue of legendary broadcaster Harry Kalas. One of the players present is Mike Schmidt. Before Friday's game, as players were heading out to stretch, Schmidt sat next to Manager Davey Johnson on the Nationals' bench. Schmidt told Johnson specifically that he wanted to chat with Zimmerman, whom he had never met."
Why Ryan Zimmerman is all the way back
August 5
Washington Post
 
"Ryan Zimmerman is playing like himself again because he is working like himself again. Zimmerman returned from the disabled list June 14, well enough to go back on the field again after he missed two months with an abdominal tear that required surgery. He had healed enough to play, but scar tissue still crackled inside him, and soreness surfaced every two or three days. Zimmerman could play, but, crucially, he could not do what has made one of baseball's best players. The soreness in the middle of his abdomen forced him to forego his post-game workouts. He sensed a dearth of strength. He felt like he was in spring training, and the rest of the league had warped into June. "It was"
Werth and Zimmerman heating up at the plate alongside Morse
August 4
Washington Post
 
"For much of the season, it was Michael Morse and Danny Espinosa carrying the Nationals offense. And as the rest of the offense sputtered through inconsistency, lack of hits with runners in scoring position and injury, players kept saying and holding out hope that eventually more than two guys' hot streaks would overlap. Though the run totals have yet to show it, over the past three weeks, Jayson Werth and Ryan Zimmerman have joined Morse as the team's hot hitters. "We're inching closer to the whole lineup being productive," Johnson said before Wednesday's 6-4 loss to Atlanta. "You see flashes of a guy here and a guy there but the consistency basically for a year, Morse has been pretty"
Cy Young in sight for Zimmermann
July 3
Washington Examiner
 columnist Phil Wood
"I'm going out on a limb and predicting that Jordan Zimmermann will win a Cy Young award one day. Zimmermann isn't just good -- he's very, very good. Pay no attention to the won-lost record. Zimmermann's peripheral numbers are more indicative of a guy who rarely loses. Last Wednesday's game against the Angels was a good indicator of how he's pitched over the past two months. In his last 11 starts, he's not allowed more than three earned runs, and in half of those he's given up just one earned run or less. He's a true four-pitch pitcher, and his makeup is off the chart good. If you were to screen his postgame interviews after every start this year without knowing whether it was a win or loss"
Ryan Zimmerman on his new throwing mechanics are 'something that I have to be patient with'
July 1
Washington Post
 
"When Ryan Zimmerman decided to overhaul his throwing mechanics in the middle of a major league season, he understood the ramifications. There would be hard work and inelegant throws and errors made. He made a conscious bet that they bumps would be worth the end result. Since he returned from the disabled, Zimmerman has made four throwing errors, including one yesterday that aided the game-winning run. But Zimmerman remains confident that, while he's still in the middle of the process of making the changes to his form, his throwing will be fine and better than before in the end. "Just like any new thing, it's going to take a little while," Zimmerman said. "It's obviously tough to learn"
Zimmerman's event: fun at the park for a worthy cause
June 28
Washington Times
 
"The Washington Nationals' recent run has made for some memorable nights at the ballpark, but Ryan Zimmerman plans to bring sports and entertainment together for a good cause in an unforgettable event of his own. "A Night at the Park" will be presented at Nationals Park on Thursday by the ziMS Foundation, which Washington's third baseman started with his brother Shawn. The event raised about $200,000 in its D.C. debut last year. The ziMS Foundation's mission is to work toward the cure of Multiple Sclerosis, a chronic disease that affects the central nervous system. Ryan and Shawn's mother, Cheryl, was diagnosed with MS in 1995. She is one of about 400,000 Americans who suffer from the"
How Ryan Zimmerman is changing his throwing mechanics
June 18
Washington Post
 
"Jeff Garber leaned on a rail outside the first base dugout during batting practice this afternoon, looking across the field at Ryan Zimmerman at third base. "You can tell what he's working on by just watching him," Garber said. Garber, the Nationals infield coordinator, began working with Zimmerman during his recent rehab stint in the Nationals' minor league system. Zimmerman felt prolonged stiffness and soreness in his surgically repaired abdominal muscle while making throws, and he approached Garber about changes he wanted to make. "It's slowly evolved from that," Garber said. This afternoon, Garber watched as Zimmerman fielded a ball and cro-hopped into a position unfamiliar to those"
Zimmerman's return sparks offense
June 15
Washington Examiner
 
"The crowd at Nationals Park wasted no time. When third baseman Ryan Zimmerman was announced as a starter prior to Tuesday's home game against the St. Louis Cardinals, a loud cheer went up from the stands. It was as much a roar of relief as anything. Zimmerman hadn't played since April 9 thanks to a torn abdominal muscle and subsequent surgery on May 3 and the Nationals' hapless offense has looked lost without him. Zimmerman warned before the game that his presence alone will not provide instant relief. He is but one player, after all. Point taken. But his teammates were still glad to have Zimmerman back. And their joy was only compounded after a six-run seventh inning capped a thrilling"
Zimmerman returns in 8-6 victory
June 15
Washington Post
 
"Over a week ago, sitting before a throng of reporters in the modest and messy media room of the low Class A Hagerstown Suns, Ryan Zimmerman detailed the progress of his two-month-long rehabilitation from a frustrating abdominal muscle tear that, because of its reluctance to improve since its injury on April 9, needed surgery to remedy. For a player of his caliber, among the best at his position in the league and the best on his major league team, the experience was somewhat humbling, having to rebuild his strength and play at that level of the minor leagues for the first time since his rookie season in 2005. But then, Zimmerman spoke with a slight grin about his hopeful return to his major"
Plenty glad to see Zimmerman return
June 14
Washington Examiner
 
"Nats third baseman Ryan Zimmerman won't be a savior when he returns Tuesday, but he will be welcomed with huge open arms. Not just by manager Jim Riggleman, but by guys like Jayson Werth. Zimmerman's return from a torn abdominal muscle in late April is reason for the Nats to feel optimistic about a decent rest of the season. The Nationals are adding a Gold Glove third baseman, making a team strength (defense) even stronger."
Nationals eager to welcome Ryan Zimmerman back from DL
June 14
Washington Post
 
"The Washington Nationals have missed their best player for more than two months. They've missed the buzz in the crowd when Ryan Zimmerman charges a slow-rolling groundball and whips a sidearm throw across the infield, the steadiness he provides in their clubhouse, the fear from the opposing dugout that he might walk to the plate in the ninth inning with the game in the balance. They are on the brink of having all of that for the first time in 58 games, but there is also something simpler that they have been missing. "It's just having Zim," Nationals shortstop Ian Desmond said. "It's like missing your brother for the whole season." The Nationals will activate Zimmerman off the 15-day"
Ryan Zimmerman is close to returning to Nationals' lineup
June 12
Washington Post
 
"Ryan Zimmerman continued his rehab from abdominal surgery tonight with Class AAA Syracuse, going 2 for 4 with a double. Zimmerman played in all nine innings and showed again that his swing takes little time to return after a long layoff. Zimmerman has not played in the majors since April 9, and yet he is 8 for 18 with four doubles and a triple on his rehab assignment. Manager Jim Riggleman still does not want to put any public timetable on Zimmerman's return. Zimmerman has expressed some discomfort with throwing, and Riggleman does not want to make Zimmerman think he should rush back before he is 100 percent. But Zimmerman has played nine innings two days in a row, and he will likely join"
Ryan Zimmerman 'unlikely' to return on road trip, but could
June 7
Washington Post
 
"Third baseman Ryan Zimmerman made his second minor league rehab appearance tonight in Class A Potomac, going 2 for 3 and playing seven innings at third base. Manager Jim Riggleman still said it's "unlikely" that Zimmerman will return to the Nationals before their 11-game road trip ends Sunday in San Diego, but did not rule it out. "If it's before we get home, then we'll certainly welcome that," Riggleman said. "We don't want to push it. I really want him to be 100 percent. I don't want any setbacks." When Zimmerman does come back, the Nationals will have some personnel decisions to make. It seems an overwhelming likelihood that utility man Brian Bixler will be sent down to Class AAA"
Zimmerman sharp in first rehab start in Class A
June 6
MLB.com
 
"Nationals third baseman Ryan Zimmerman went 2-for-2 with a walk, two runs and an RBI Sunday in his first rehab start with Class A Hagerstown. Zimmerman, who has not played since suffering a left abdominal tear April 9 against the Mets, recorded a double and triple as Hagerstown defeated Greensboro, 6-5. He was replaced from the game in the sixth inning. "Any time somebody is coming off an injury and hasn't played as long as he has, you always worry that he is going to be a little bit rusty," Washington principle owner Mark Lerner said. "But he sure doesn't look rusty. I'm just glad to see him back in a uniform -- I don't care what uniform it is. I think he'll be in D.C. pretty quickly now"
Ryan Zimmerman to play in extended spring training game
June 1
Washington Post
 
"Ryan Zimmerman will played in an extended spring training game for the first time tomorro, his most significant step since undergoing surgery in early May to repair a torn abdominal muscle. Zimmerman still feels "a little discomfort" when he throws, Manager Jim Riggleman said. The Nationals have not changed their expectation that Zimmerman will return around mid-June. Zimmerman reported to Viera, Fla. more than a week ago, at which point he began light baseball activity. "I think it's getting a little better every day," Riggleman said. "He's progressing.""
Reports good on Zimmerman's progress
May 28
MLB.com
 
"Nationals manager Jim Riggleman spoke to third baseman Ryan Zimmerman on Thursday. Zimmerman, who is on the disabled list after surgery to repair an abdominal injury, is performing baseball activities -- taking batting practice, hitting off a batting tee, taking ground balls and long tossing -- at the team's complex in Viera, Fla. "He is feeling good about his work down there. He is feeling better, but he has a way to go yet," Riggleman said. The Nationals are hoping that Zimmerman can play in a Major League game by mid-June. Zimmerman had problems with his groin and his abdomen during Spring Training, and he recovered from both before hurting the abdomen again in the first few games of"
An update on Ryan Zimmerman
May 14
Washington Post
 
"Third baseman Ryan Zimmerman jogged for the first time in his rehab from abdominal surgery, which remains in the "very early stages," Zimmerman said. The Nationals expect Zimmerman, who underwent the surgery 10 days ago, to return about four and a half weeks from now. Before today, Zimmerman had only walked, "and that he was it," he said. He feels some swelling and soreness, which is to be expected, but less so than in the days immediately following the surgery. He has always deals with scar tissue from the surgery. Still, the mental aspect has been more challenging than the physical recovery. "That's the hardest part, being patient," Zimmerman said. "Just sitting around, watching them"
Ryan Zimmerman takes first steps in rehab from surgery
May 5
Washington Post
 
"Still sore from surgery, Ryan Zimmerman began his rehab this morning by walking one mile on a treadmill. It took him 30 minutes to complete. "I was flying," he said. After undergoing the operation on Tuesday and speaking with Bill Meyers, the specialist who performed the procedure, Zimmerman still thinks he will remain out for six weeks, which the doctor and the Nationals expected before surgery. "There was a decent tear in there that he fixed," Zimmerman said. "But with what he looked at in the MRI, it was exactly what he thought it was going to be when he went in there. Most importantly, he thinks that the timetable that they set before he went in there is right, about the right time. So"
Ryan Zimmerman to undergo surgery, will miss six weeks
May 1
Washington Post
 
"Washington Nationals third baseman Ryan Zimmerman will undergo surgery Tuesday to repair a torn abdominal muscle and "if all goes well," he will return in six weeks, General Manager Mike Rizzo said. Zimmerman has already missed 17 games since he hurt himself sliding into second base April 9, an injury the team originally believed to be a severe strain. Zimmerman has tried to rehab the injury, most recently playing catch with athletic trainer Lee Kuntz. Experiencing a dearth of progress, Zimmerman and the Nationals decided mutually for him to see specialist Bill Meyers in Philadelphia on Friday. Meyers diagnosed a tear of the rectus muscle — commonly known as the "six pack" — and it"
Ryan Zimmerman throwing, to miss at least another week
April 29
Washington Post
 
"Third baseman Ryan Zimmerman continued his rehab from an abdominal strain this afternoon by briefly playing catch at Nationals Park with head athletic trainer Lee Kuntz. Zimmerman, who last played April 9, said he remains "just in the beginning stages" of his recovery and will stay on the 15-day disabled list for another week, perhaps longer. "This next week coming up is kind of the important week," Zimmerman said. "That's what they say. I can't say anything really good or bad. It's just the protocol that they have me on." Today, Zimmerman made about a dozen throws playing catch, which is "just the way it's supposed to go," Zimmerman said. Manager Jim Riggleman said "it's going to be a"
Nationals not going to rush Ryan Zimmerman back
April 13
Washington Post
 
"Both Ryan Zimmerman and Manager Jim Riggleman said they hope he can return to baseball activity within 10 days, which could probably get him back on the field some time around April 24, the first day Zimmerman will be able to come off the 15-day disabled list. Still, Zimmerman said he had "no clue" when he might return. As we reported yesterday, it would be a surprise to see Zimmerman back before three weeks. "It's frustrating," Zimmerman said. "I think nobody every wants to go through it but the important thing is to get healthy. There's a long season ahead so you don't want to have to deal with something like this for six months." The Nationals will be cautious with Zimmerman, who is on"
Nationals place Ryan Zimmerman on 15-day DL with strained abdominal muscle
April 12
Washington Examiner
 
"Nationals third baseman Ryan Zimmerman will miss at least two weeks after being placed on the 15-day disabled list Tuesday thanks to a strained abdominal muscle, according to a baseball source. Zimmerman, 26, fought that same injury during spring training and aggravated the condition while sliding into second base during the third inning of an 8-4 loss to the New York Mets on Saturday night at Citi Field. He remained in that game but was not able to play Sunday in the series finale. Because the move was not yet official, there was no corresponding replacement on the 25-man roster. Outfielder Roger Bernadina was one of the final cuts in spring training but has been on personal leave the"
Without Ryan Zimmerman, the Nationals will try to stay afloat
April 12
Washington Post
 
"Last season, in games Ryan Zimmerman did not play, the Nationals went 9-11. That was actually better than their winning percentage with him on the field, which is an obvious and meaningless fluke. The Nationals are an awfully diminished team without Zimmerman at third base and in the middle of their lineup, and now they will have to play without him for at least three weeks, 20 some-odd games. Currently 4-5, the Nationals' objective now is to still be playing meaningful games when Zimmerman returns. One obvious key will be the Nationals' starting rotation continuing to hold their own and defy the dire conventional wisdom that it would doom the rest of the team. For all nine games, the"
Ryan Zimmerman uncertain about return
April 11
Washington Post
 
"Third baseman Ryan Zimmerman is unsure about the severity of his strained abdominal muscle and when he may return after aggravating it Saturday night sliding headfirst into second base. Asked how worried he was, Zimmerman responded only by saying, "Don't know." Zimmerman first strained his abdomen a week into spring training games, but at the time he called that ailment "a non-factor." Zimmerman had started feeling the muscle right in the middle of his stomach flare up once the season began, but it severely worsened Saturday night. "It felt bad enough not to play today," Zimmerman said. "It's worse than it was. It's not terrible. So we'll see. It kind of goes in and out. Every one in here"
The risk of waiting on Ryan Zimmerman's next deal
March 28
Washington Post
 
"The longer the Nationals wait to address Ryan Zimmerman's contract, the larger risk they take. That's one of the points that was hinted at in Sunday's birdcage-liner story, but largely got left on the cutting-room floor. Why a risk? Several reasons. Zimmerman wants to play for a winner, and believes the Nationals will be one soon. But if the Nationals' turnaround does not occur on the schedule the front office and Zimmerman believe it will, another losing season or two could make Zimmerman wonder what it would be like to play for a perennial power. That opportunity would surely be there. If Zimmerman continues his current progression without an extension, he would become a free agent at"
Zimmerman wants to keep calling Washington home, but the Nationals will have to make it happen
March 27
Washington Post
 
"The Washington Nationals' brief history includes almost no chapters without Ryan Zimmerman. Less than six months before they used their first ever draft pick on Zimmerman — then a 20-year-old third baseman from the University of Virginia — Nationals executives ran the franchise out of trailers parked in the RFK Stadium lot. They played 134 games before Zimmerman appeared in his first, and they have not played one without him on the roster since. Zimmerman knows nothing of major league baseball outside Washington. He lives in a Clarendon townhouse, eats dinner at Liberty Tavern and last season at Nationals Park walked to bat while Wale's "D.C. Chillin'" blared at his request. Nowhere else"
Nats' Zimmerman, Pudge to miss time with leg ailments
March 16
SportingNews.com
 
"The Washington Nationals couldn't catch a break Tuesday night. Neither could the fans hoping to see them bring their A team to play the New York Mets. All-Star third baseman Ryan Zimmerman and future Hall of Fame catcher Ivan "Pudge" Rodriguez both were scratched from the lineup a couple of hours before first pitch with minor leg injuries. Zimmerman reported a groin injury that figures to sideline him at least four days, manager Jim Riggleman said. Rodriguez injured a calf earlier in the afternoon, and figures to be shut down for at least "a couple of days," Riggleman said. Pudge was working out at the Mets' Digital Domain Park by himself before either team took batting practice and, said"
Nationals' offseason spending should eventually trickle down to Zimmerman
December 8
Washington Post
 
"Baseball's offseason has become very much about the Washington Nationals, about their mega-deal with Jayson Werth, their pursuit of Cliff Lee, their inquiring on most every significant free agent available, their desire to turn their franchise from a punch line into something that must be reckoned with. At the moment, it is not about Ryan Zimmerman. As Stephen Strasburg overshadowed him in the summer, Werth has overshadowed him in the winter. In the near future, though, the ramifications of this offseason could resonate as much for Zimmerman as any other player. Zimmerman again reiterated his desire to finish his career in Washington last weekend, and the Nationals are effectively forced"
Zimmerman eyes Tulowitzki-type contract
December 3
MLB.com
 
"After Rockies shortstop Troy Tulowitzki agreed to a seven-year contract extension worth $134 million, third baseman Ryan Zimmerman said Thursday that he would love to sign a similar extension with the Nationals. But Zimmerman, who has three years left on a five-year, $45 million contract, wants to make sure the Nationals are winning on a consistent basis. "[Signing an extension] is something I would want," Zimmermann said. "I made it clear that I wouldn't mind playing in Washington for the rest of my career. Obviously, we need to do something to prove that we are going to try win championships here for the next 10 years. I have no doubt that the front office will do that. It's one of the"
Ryan Zimmerman deserved better in MVP voting
November 23
Washington Post
 
"When Felix Hernandez won the Cy Young on Thursday, writers and pundits across the Internet, including me, hailed the award not only as a victory for Hernandez, but also the proliferation of advanced statistical measures in baseball's mainstream. Today's National League MVP vote, which Joey Votto deservedly won, served as an example that one 13-game winner's Cy Young trophy doesn't mean sabremetrics have been fully embraced. We know this thanks to the case of Ryan Zimmerman, the Nationals' best player. Simply, he deserved better. If there had truly been a sea change, Zimmerman would have fared better and finished more closely to where he should have. Zimmerman finished 16th and appeared on"
Zimmerman wins second Silver Slugger
November 12
Washington Examiner
 
"He may not have won a National League Gold Glove Award, but Nationals third baseman Ryan Zimmerman will not leave the 2010 season empty-handed. Major League Baseball announced Thursday that the 26-year-old earned his second consecutive Silver Slugger Award. That honor goes to the top offensive player at each position in both the American and National Leagues. Zimmerman batted .307 with 25 home runs and 85 RBI while hitting third in the order for Washington. Only Arizona's Mark Reynolds (32) and New York's David Wright (29) had more homers from that position in the National League. But Zimmerman had by far the best on-base percentage (.388) among all qualifying candidates. That's why 2010"
Zimmerman wins Silver Slugger
November 12
Washington Post
 
"Awarded his second consecutive Silver Slugger Award on Thursday as the best-hitting third baseman in the Nationals League, Ryan Zimmerman used that platform to lobby once again for the Washington Nationals to retain first baseman Adam Dunn, the slugger whose presence behind him in the Nationals' lineup undoubtedly contributed to Zimmerman's excellent 2010 season. "As much as this award was mine," Zimmerman said in a conference call with reporters following the announcement, "having those guys behind me [was] important. Having Adam come back needs to be a big priority for our team -- for everyone, but it obviously helps me out a lot." Zimmerman's Silver Slugger came one day after he was"
As award season dawns, more Silver and Gold for Zimmerman?
November 10
Washington Post
 
"Today marks the opening of baseball's award season, with all the coveted hardware handed out over the next two weeks. It begins at 3:30 this afternoon with the announcement of the AL Gold Glove winners, and ends Nov. 23 with the AL most valuable player award. For Nationals fans, the day that matters is tomorrow. That's when the the NL Gold Gloves, along with the Silver Slugger Awards for both leagues, are announced. And once again, it stands to be a big day for Nationals third baseman Ryan Zimmerman. A year ago, Zimmerman was doubly rewarded for his breakout 2009 season, earning both the Gold Glove and Silver Slugger awards for NL third basemen, and joining Los Angeles Dodgers center"
Ryan Zimmerman wants to return, probably won't
September 28
Washington Post
 
"While Nationals third base Ryan Zimmerman did not rule out a return by the end of this season, he said he wants to make caution a priority with his injury and seemed mostly resign to finishing as a spectator, vowing not to play unless his strained rib muscle heals completely. "I wouldn't say it's all the way done yet," Zimmerman said. "I'm working every day to see if I can rehab and get back out there. We're just being cautious. We don't want to come back a little bit too soon and hurt it even worse. I'm getting better each day. I'm trying as hard as I can to get back out there for a few more." Zimmerman, who turns 26 tomorrow, said his injury - a strain to the intercostal muscle on the"
Ryan Zimmerman wants to return, probably won't
September 28
Washington Post
 
"While Nationals third base Ryan Zimmerman did not rule out a return by the end of this season, he said he wants to make caution a priority with his injury and seemed mostly resign to finishing as a spectator, vowing not to play unless his strained rib muscle heals completely. "I wouldn't say it's all the way done yet," Zimmerman said. "I'm working every day to see if I can rehab and get back out there. We're just being cautious. We don't want to come back a little bit too soon and hurt it even worse. I'm getting better each day. I'm trying as hard as I can to get back out there for a few more." Zimmerman, who turns 26 tomorrow, said his injury - a strain to the intercostal muscle on the"