http://www.yardbarker.com/rss/team/30 Recent articles about the Washington Nationals en-us Prospect ranking season is here. Top 10 lists will be arriving shortly and in preparation for that, we present an intro series looking at some of the players who deserve mentioning but probably will not be appearing on their teams’ Top 10 lists. The series is back for a second year. Washington Nationals The Graduate: Jordan Zimmermann, [...] Mon, 09 Nov 2009 14:30:01 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/A_Minor_Review_of_09_Washington_Nationals/1532781 http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/A_Minor_Review_of_09_Washington_Nationals/1532781 Nats pass on Kearns' option - nationals.comRF Austin Kearns' Washington career appears to be over. THe Nationals declined to pick up the 2010 option on his contract, buying him out for $1 million instead of paying him to play for $10 million. It is obviously the right decisions because Kearns can no longer hit.Kearns arrived with Felipe Lopez in a 2006 trade with the Cincinnati Reds for relievers Gary Majewski, Bill Bray and Daryl Thompson, infielder Brendan Harris and shortstop Royce... Mon, 09 Nov 2009 09:45:00 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/all_sports/article_external/Nats_dont_pick_up_Austin_Kearns_option/1529073 http://www.yardbarker.com/all_sports/article_external/Nats_dont_pick_up_Austin_Kearns_option/1529073 http://www.yardbarker.com/all_sports/article_external/Nats_dont_pick_up_Austin_Kearns_option/1529073 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/8/d/8d85eebe1571f32f6091493f09f4c2f729d1566d/small/MLB_MAY_13_082e.jpg 59-103, 5th Place 34 GBPositional MVP: Ryan Zimmerman - .294/.366/.523 – The Nats third baseman is their franchise player so far in their brief history. With over 30 homers and a slick glove he’s a star already.Cy Young: John Lannan – 8-11, 4.14 – The 24 year old southpaw is establishing himself as a Mark Buehrle-lite. He’s not a great pitcher but he is a good pitcher who is unfortunately miscast at the top of the rotation. Allowed to be a Tim Wakefield sort, eat some innings, get some wins, ... Mon, 09 Nov 2009 09:26:00 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/Two_a_Days_Washington_Nationals/1528974 http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/Two_a_Days_Washington_Nationals/1528974 http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/Two_a_Days_Washington_Nationals/1528974 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/c/2/c290c967239985f7422b43257b87782bc3b2abeb/small/MLB_JUN_21_3f26.jpg (by Mike Henderson) We begin the countdown to Opening Day 2010 with some thoughts on the rotation in general and lefty starter Scott Olsen in particular. Mon, 09 Nov 2009 08:35:00 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/all_sports/article_external/21_Mondays_to_go_Wondering_about_Scott_Olsen/1528793 http://www.yardbarker.com/all_sports/article_external/21_Mondays_to_go_Wondering_about_Scott_Olsen/1528793 http://www.yardbarker.com/all_sports/article_external/21_Mondays_to_go_Wondering_about_Scott_Olsen/1528793 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/f/1/f12298a0d66e97fd51d86693fc9f02bc7b513145/small/BravesNats_b068.jpg More photos » by Ben Margot - AP 5 months ago: Washington Nationals' Elijah Dukes (34) is tagged out on a steal-attempt by San Francisco Giants third baseman Pablo Sandoval, front left, during the fourth inning of a baseball game Wednesday, May 13, 2009, in San Francisco. (AP Photo/Ben Margot) Browse more photos » In early September several sources reported that Washington Nationals' out... Mon, 09 Nov 2009 03:42:38 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/all_sports/article_external/Where_In_The_World_Is_The_Washington_Nationals_Elijah_Dukes/1528255 http://www.yardbarker.com/all_sports/article_external/Where_In_The_World_Is_The_Washington_Nationals_Elijah_Dukes/1528255 http://www.yardbarker.com/all_sports/article_external/Where_In_The_World_Is_The_Washington_Nationals_Elijah_Dukes/1528255 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/9/5/95e54f8e09d22824200e64633e1f23f09f07063b/small/MLB_MAY_06_b845.jpg Let's take a look at some Nationals tidbits courtesy of the latest mailbag from MLB.com's Bill Ladson and Phil Wood of MASNsports.com:
 Mike MacDougal is currently the favorite to be the Nats' closer in 2010.  In 52 appearances last season, the 32-year-old posted an ERA of 3.60 but had as many walks as he did strikeouts.  However, the club could be looking to upgrade as Ladson hears that they are interested in acquiring free agent reliever Mike Gonzalez.  If they ink Gonzalez... Sun, 08 Nov 2009 20:02:46 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/all_sports/article_external/Nationals_Notes_MacDougal_Dukes_Flores/1526502 http://www.yardbarker.com/all_sports/article_external/Nationals_Notes_MacDougal_Dukes_Flores/1526502 http://www.yardbarker.com/all_sports/article_external/Nationals_Notes_MacDougal_Dukes_Flores/1526502 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/9/e/9e6c5f26ae75b95bc8e4f5f2caa2ae22904bec65/small/Chicago_White_Sox_e3bd.jpg More photos » by Gerald Herbert - AP Browse more photos » The Washington Nationals' second first-round pick of the '09 First-year Player Draft, Drew Storen of Stanford, and right-handed pitching prospect Josh Wilkie, an amateur free agent signed out of George Washington University in 2006, both tipped their caps to the crowd as they were introduced before the Arizona Fall League's Rising Stars Showcase on Saturday n... Sun, 08 Nov 2009 04:48:55 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/all_sports/article_external/Washington_Nationals_Drew_Storen_Takes_Loss_In_AFL_Rising_Stars_Showcase/1522903 http://www.yardbarker.com/all_sports/article_external/Washington_Nationals_Drew_Storen_Takes_Loss_In_AFL_Rising_Stars_Showcase/1522903 
 
 (AP Photo. The Austin Kearns Era is effectively over in D.C. Unless he comes back for really cheap.)
 
 
 Ted Lerner says: I'll take the $1 million buyout, thank you very much!
 
 And just like that, the only remaining character from the deal that epitomized the Jim Bowden Era in DC is gone.
 Kearns, Da Meathook, Ron Villone, Livo, and Josh Bard have filed for Free Agency.
 Meanwhile...
 Nats now just waiting to announce Jim Riggleman... Sat, 07 Nov 2009 15:16:13 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/all_sports/article_external/Can_you_believe_the_Nats_declined_that_10_million_option_on_Austin_Kearns/1519722 http://www.yardbarker.com/all_sports/article_external/Can_you_believe_the_Nats_declined_that_10_million_option_on_Austin_Kearns/1519722 http://www.yardbarker.com/all_sports/article_external/Can_you_believe_the_Nats_declined_that_10_million_option_on_Austin_Kearns/1519722 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/8/d/8d85eebe1571f32f6091493f09f4c2f729d1566d/small/MLB_MAY_13_082e.jpg (by Mike Henderson) The Nats and Austin Kearns part ways after three-plus mostly disappointing seasons. Sat, 07 Nov 2009 09:35:00 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/Austin_Kearns_buyout_ends_another_sad_Bowden_chapter/1518406 http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/Austin_Kearns_buyout_ends_another_sad_Bowden_chapter/1518406 http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/Austin_Kearns_buyout_ends_another_sad_Bowden_chapter/1518406 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/8/d/8d85eebe1571f32f6091493f09f4c2f729d1566d/small/MLB_MAY_13_082e.jpg I think we all want our closers to be just a little bit insane. There's something about the position--the pressure, the tension, the occasional self-flagellation involved--for which many reasonable, level-headed pitchers just aren't fit. Pitchers on the verge of lunacy just seem a little better-equipped to be the one to take the ball in the ninth inning. As with many things in life, however, there's a rather fine line between "a little bit insane" and "certified wa... Sat, 07 Nov 2009 08:00:00 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/all_sports/article_external/Today_in_Philly_Sports_History_Ugie_Arrested_for_MacheteGasoline_Attack_2005/1518175 http://www.yardbarker.com/all_sports/article_external/Today_in_Philly_Sports_History_Ugie_Arrested_for_MacheteGasoline_Attack_2005/1518175 http://www.yardbarker.com/all_sports/article_external/Today_in_Philly_Sports_History_Ugie_Arrested_for_MacheteGasoline_Attack_2005/1518175 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/2/1/216a13e1768bdc4646d664f0b492c57bdca53bd7/small/Urbina_takes_over_93f5.jpg More photos » by Lori Shepler - AP Browse more photos » In early 2007, when then-DC GM Jim Bowden signed right fielder Austin Kearns to a 3-year/$17.5 million dollar deal with a $10 million dollar club option for a fourth year or a $1 million dollar buyout, Kearns told Washington Post writer Barry Svrluga, as quoted in an 2/2/07 article entitled, "Kearns to Have an Extended Stay With Nats", that he decide... Sat, 07 Nov 2009 01:42:46 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/Washington_Nationals_Buy_Out_Austin_Kearns5_Others_Become_Free_Agents/1517524 http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/Washington_Nationals_Buy_Out_Austin_Kearns5_Others_Become_Free_Agents/1517524 http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/Washington_Nationals_Buy_Out_Austin_Kearns5_Others_Become_Free_Agents/1517524 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/8/d/8d85eebe1571f32f6091493f09f4c2f729d1566d/small/MLB_MAY_13_082e.jpg More photos » by Charles Dharapak - AP Browse more photos » Washington Times' writer Ben Goessling just put up a brief Chatter post entitled. "Strasburg scratched from Rising Stars Game", wherein Mr. Goessling reports that the Washington Nationals' '09 No. 1 overall pick, pitcher Stephen Strasburg will not be participating in Saturday night's Arizona Fall League Rising Stars Game, having b... Fri, 06 Nov 2009 14:34:27 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/Stephen_Strasburg_Pulled_From_Saturdays_AFL_Rising_Stars_Game_Acc_To_Washington_Times/1514055 http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/Stephen_Strasburg_Pulled_From_Saturdays_AFL_Rising_Stars_Game_Acc_To_Washington_Times/1514055 As Alden Gonzalez notes, the Nationals will have some payroll flexibility this offseason. Rejoice!?"The day after the end of the World Series marks the unofficial beginning of the offseason and the official start of free agency, which means it's decision time for Major League clubs. For the Nationals, it also means one very important thing: a little contractual freedom.Beginning Thursday, players with expiring contracts and at least six years of Major League service time have a 15-da... Thu, 05 Nov 2009 14:20:00 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/What_Should_the_Nationals_Do_this_Offseason/1506644 http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/What_Should_the_Nationals_Do_this_Offseason/1506644 Well, I can’t make Spring Training come any faster, but John Lannan and Craig Stammen will be among the attendees at the Bethesda Big Train Auction. Come support The Big Train, who were ranked #9 among colligate summer league teams and improve the quality of baseball and softball fields in Montgomerty County and the District [...] Wed, 04 Nov 2009 17:26:48 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/all_sports/article_external/Starting_to_Miss_the_Nats/1500560 http://www.yardbarker.com/all_sports/article_external/Starting_to_Miss_the_Nats/1500560 http://www.yardbarker.com/all_sports/article_external/Starting_to_Miss_the_Nats/1500560 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/7/2/7249f1c11312890353c0cc3ea870fd8c55659817/small/MLB_JUN_23_cdf5.jpg (by Mark Hornbaker) The Washington Nationals' and their fans have known for awhile they have a gem of a player at third base with Ryan Zimmerman. Most people who follow the Nationals knew it was just a matter of time before the talented third baseman would be recognized as one of the best player at his position. It looks like the time is now. Thu, 29 Oct 2009 11:48:04 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/all_sports/article_external/Zimmerman_is_a_Gem_Is_he_Gold/1458905 http://www.yardbarker.com/all_sports/article_external/Zimmerman_is_a_Gem_Is_he_Gold/1458905 http://www.yardbarker.com/all_sports/article_external/Zimmerman_is_a_Gem_Is_he_Gold/1458905 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/0/f/0fc64fb97df97a2c46a0cc5c88c312eeaee766ce/small/MLB_JUN_21_0c9b.jpg (by Mark Hornbaker) The Washington Nationals' and their fans have known for awhile they have a gem of a player at third base with Ryan Zimmerman. Most people who follow the Nationals knew it was just a matter of time before the talented third baseman would be recognized as one of the best player at his position. It looks like the time is now. Thu, 29 Oct 2009 11:48:04 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/all_sports/article_external/Zimmerman_is_a_Gem_Is_he_Golden/1458324 http://www.yardbarker.com/all_sports/article_external/Zimmerman_is_a_Gem_Is_he_Golden/1458324 http://www.yardbarker.com/all_sports/article_external/Zimmerman_is_a_Gem_Is_he_Golden/1458324 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/5/7/57bb76e294a8a976a44d05af4deccaea8c801843/small/Washington_Nationals_Ryan_861d.jpg (Photo by Nationals Enquirer staff. In this photo, throngs of blue-shirt clad Nationals fans celebrate the selection of Stephen Strasburg in the MLB Draft back on June 9th at Nationals Park. Good luck finding those same die-hard Nationals fans for a TV show.) Move over Danny Bonaduce! A production company is looking to cast "die-hard Nationals fans who have such an intense devotion to the lovable Nats that they have had trouble balancing their 'real life' responsibilities wit... Wed, 28 Oct 2009 20:42:16 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/Nats_Fans_Subject_of_Worst_Reality_TV_Show_Concept_Ever/1454482 http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/Nats_Fans_Subject_of_Worst_Reality_TV_Show_Concept_Ever/1454482 http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/Nats_Fans_Subject_of_Worst_Reality_TV_Show_Concept_Ever/1454482 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/3/6/364d8d1edfa5ce9401aa65f573a2db4e07e854e8/small/89990670.jpg 
 
 (Photo of TV by Nationals Enquirer staff. Ryan Zimmerman admires his hardware on last night's Baseball Tonight Web Gem Awards on ESPN. Real hardware, forthcoming?)
 
 
 Gold Glove is next, right?
 
 Ryan Zimmerman and the Washington Nationals cleaned up on last night's Baseball Tonight Web Gem Awards show. Zim was the top Web Gem points leader at third base, and led the majors overall with 19 Web Gems, good for 61 points; while the Nationals, wo... Tue, 27 Oct 2009 05:18:21 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/all_sports/article_external/Zim_aka_Peter_Franchise_aka_Mr_Walkoff_is_now_aka_Mr_Web_Gem/1442479 http://www.yardbarker.com/all_sports/article_external/Zim_aka_Peter_Franchise_aka_Mr_Walkoff_is_now_aka_Mr_Web_Gem/1442479 http://www.yardbarker.com/all_sports/article_external/Zim_aka_Peter_Franchise_aka_Mr_Walkoff_is_now_aka_Mr_Web_Gem/1442479 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/9/d/9daa91bf09fd0f2ec0c47d119b124d0416776861/small/San_Diego_Padres_4c64.jpg  
 (Photo by Getty Images. The Nationals Enquirer says yes to Bob Melvin.)
 
 
 If not Jim Riggleman, then...?
 
 If Mike Rizzo is convinced he needs to make a change (and anonymous sources with no knowledge of the situation tell us he is); we're not interested in Don Mattingly. Or Bobby Valentine (but it sounds like that has little or no chance of happening, anyway). The Nationals Enquirer is officially endorsing Bob Melvin to be the next manager of the Wash... Sat, 24 Oct 2009 10:48:39 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/If_not_Riggles_then_Bob_Not_Bobby_or_Don/1426797 http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/If_not_Riggles_then_Bob_Not_Bobby_or_Don/1426797