tag:www.masnsports.com,2010-04-03:/the_goessling_game//4 2011-12-05T01:33:29Z Movable Type Pro 5.12 tag:www.masnsports.com,2011:/the_goessling_game//4.18947 2011-12-03T22:42:36Z 2011-12-05T01:33:29Z

Don't buy into too much of rumor mill frenzy as Winter Meetings get under way

Pete Kerzel http://www.masnsports.com/ I'm told that covering baseball's Winter Meetings - which convene tomorrow in Dallas - is a lot like my maternal grandfather's time-tested method for telling whether a pot of boiling spaghetti has reached the peak of tenderness - al dente, as the culinary whizzes among us like to say. Pop ... Read More <img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/TheGoesslingGame/~4/uhR8vJXqslI" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.masnsports.com/the_goessling_game/2011/12/rumors-rumors-everywhere---whats-a-fan-to-think.html tag:www.masnsports.com,2011:/the_goessling_game//4.18944 2011-12-03T17:03:43Z 2011-12-05T05:49:53Z

Top free agent starters are attractive to Nats, but all come with question marks

Pete Kerzel http://www.masnsports.com/ The Nationals want to bolster the rotation with a veteran starting pitcher, and depending upon whom you choose to believe, general manager Mike Rizzo has been linked to the top three starters on the free agent market: left-handers Mark Buehrle and C.J. Wilson, and right-hander Roy Oswalt. Will Rizzo return ... Read More <img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/TheGoesslingGame/~4/_rZdEaaS2EI" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.masnsports.com/the_goessling_game/2011/12/top-free-agent-starters-attractive-to-nats-but-come-with-question-marks.html tag:www.masnsports.com,2011:/the_goessling_game//4.18936 2011-12-02T18:26:03Z 2011-12-04T20:02:07Z

Examining the trade chips Nationals, Rizzo may bring to Dallas Winter Meetings

Pete Kerzel http://www.masnsports.com/ It seems like only yesterday we were drawing the curtain on the 2011 season at Nationals Park. Now, we're a couple of days away from baseball's power brokers convening in Dallas at the Winter Meetings, where they'll engage in trade chat, sign free agents and generally talk shop until the ... Read More <img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/TheGoesslingGame/~4/XKpbHKdtoCo" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.masnsports.com/the_goessling_game/2011/12/examining-the-nationals-trade-chips.html tag:www.masnsports.com,2011:/the_goessling_game//4.18930 2011-12-02T14:56:17Z 2011-12-03T16:18:00Z

Farewell and thanks, NatsTown, for memories of four years on baseball beat

Ben Goessling http://www.masnsports.com/the_goessling_game As a reporter, I've always felt a little odd about the concept of a big, protracted goodbye on a blog - we're supposed to relay stories about the people we cover to our readers, not be the center of the story ourselves. Then again, I've spent the last two years ... Read More <img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/TheGoesslingGame/~4/eGo0imDnPzI" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.masnsports.com/the_goessling_game/2011/12/farewell-and-thanks-natstown.html tag:www.masnsports.com,2011:/the_goessling_game//4.18923 2011-12-01T22:54:49Z 2011-12-02T17:07:50Z

Nats shuffle minor league skippers, promoting a pair of managers from within

Ben Goessling http://www.masnsports.com/the_goessling_game After promoting Triple-A Syracuse manager Randy Knorr to the major league staff as Davey Johnson's bench coach for 2012, the Nationals filled his old job the way they've been staffing their minor league teams for the last few seasons: moving managers up from within their ranks. They promoted Double-A Harrisburg ... Read More <img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/TheGoesslingGame/~4/2keMX4mg7JQ" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.masnsports.com/the_goessling_game/2011/12/nationals-shuffle-minor-league-managers.html tag:www.masnsports.com,2011:/the_goessling_game//4.18913 2011-12-01T14:42:30Z 2011-12-02T22:48:30Z

What if Stephen Strasburg hadn't gotten hurt? Would Nationals have contended?

Ben Goessling http://www.masnsports.com/the_goessling_game Welcome to a special Thursday edition of "What If?" Wednesdays, where we look at how things might have worked out differently for the Nationals if some event had worked out differently. And our installment this week, if I do say so myself, was worth waiting for, since it's probably one ... Read More <img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/TheGoesslingGame/~4/P3GqwS5IBQ8" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.masnsports.com/the_goessling_game/2011/12/what-if-stephen-strasburg-hadnt-gotten-hurt.html tag:www.masnsports.com,2011:/the_goessling_game//4.18902 2011-11-30T19:15:24Z 2011-12-01T14:23:55Z

Original National Vinny Castilla makes debut on Baseball Hall of Fame ballot

Pete Kerzel http://www.masnsports.com/ The Baseball Writers' Association of America has announced the 2012 Hall of Fame ballot, and an original National is among 13 candidates in their first year of eligibility. Vinny Castilla, the third baseman on the club in 2005, makes his first appearance on the ballot, which includes two former American ... Read More <img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/TheGoesslingGame/~4/th1_-LUyV-c" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.masnsports.com/the_goessling_game/2011/11/original-nat-castilla-debuts-on-hall-of-fame-ballot.html tag:www.masnsports.com,2011:/the_goessling_game//4.18899 2011-11-30T18:56:43Z 2011-12-01T13:12:19Z

Market size and revenue disqualify Nats from first competitive balance draft

Ben Goessling http://www.masnsports.com/the_goessling_game Major League Baseball has released details about its first competitive balance lottery, which will award extra draft picks to small-market teams beginning in 2013. Not surprisingly, the Nationals are not one of the 13 teams that will be eligible for the first lottery. MLB will choose teams for the new ... Read More <img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/TheGoesslingGame/~4/ELZ-io1OpX0" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.masnsports.com/the_goessling_game/2011/11/nationals-not-eligible-for-first-competitive-balance-lottery.html tag:www.masnsports.com,2011:/the_goessling_game//4.18896 2011-11-30T15:33:42Z 2011-12-01T13:14:35Z

Strong season earns Nats' Espinosa a spot on Topps All-Rookie team for 2011

Ben Goessling http://www.masnsports.com/the_goessling_game Nationals second baseman Danny Espinosa, who finished sixth in the National League Rookie of the Year race, was named to the Topps Major League Rookie All-Star team on Wednesday morning. Espinosa hit 21 homers in 158 games for the Nationals during the 2011 season. The second baseman finished behind teammate ... Read More <img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/TheGoesslingGame/~4/goJ21VSvGpc" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.masnsports.com/the_goessling_game/2011/11/danny-espinosa-named-to-all-rookie-team.html tag:www.masnsports.com,2011:/the_goessling_game//4.18888 2011-11-29T19:25:09Z 2011-12-02T17:10:21Z

Marrero's injury, LaRoche's recovery could further cloud Nationals' first base picture

Ben Goessling http://www.masnsports.com/the_goessling_game The Nationals' picture at first base next season got a little more uncertain this week, with the news that Chris Marrero had surgery to repair a torn hamstring and will miss the start of the 2012 season. When paired with the fact that Adam LaRoche is coming off shoulder surgery, ... Read More <img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/TheGoesslingGame/~4/3CjiIKnq9Cc" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.masnsports.com/the_goessling_game/2011/11/revisiting-the-nationals-first-base-situation.html tag:www.masnsports.com,2011:/the_goessling_game//4.18873 2011-11-28T14:37:36Z 2011-11-30T23:59:16Z

A week from today, the Nationals will set up shop at the Winter Meetings in Dallas, where they'll be looking to cross two items - a veteran starting pitcher and a leadoff hitter - off their offseason shopping list. But it's as clear as ever this morning that they shouldn't...

Ben Goessling http://www.masnsports.com/the_goessling_game A week from today, the Nationals will set up shop at the Winter Meetings in Dallas, where they'll be looking to cross two items - a veteran starting pitcher and a leadoff hitter - off their offseason shopping list. But it's as clear as ever this morning that they shouldn't ... Read More <img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/TheGoesslingGame/~4/LH5Uk4lkb18" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.masnsports.com/the_goessling_game/2011/11/race-for-pitching-heats-up-as-nationals-head-toward-winter-meetings.html tag:www.masnsports.com,2011:/the_goessling_game//4.18863 2011-11-27T03:19:05Z 2011-11-30T16:13:29Z

Nationals have taken the aggressive path when drafting in recent history

Ben Goessling http://www.masnsports.com/the_goessling_game We're back at work on the blog after a couple days off for Thanksgiving; hope you all had a safe and enjoyable holiday. We'll be gearing up for the Winter Meetings next week - highlighted by a live video chat with MASNsports.com's Byron Kerr and Pete Kerzel on Tuesday at ... Read More <img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/TheGoesslingGame/~4/2_j9t6vuK9g" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.masnsports.com/the_goessling_game/2011/11/another-look-at-the-nationals-aggressive-drafts.html tag:www.masnsports.com,2011:/the_goessling_game//4.18859 2011-11-25T21:45:39Z 2011-11-27T20:02:15Z

With arbitration declined, Oswalt might be more attractive to Nationals

Ben Goessling http://www.masnsports.com/the_goessling_game The Phillies decided not to offer right-hander Roy Oswalt arbitration, effectively reducing the price it would cost the Nationals to sign the veteran starter. And though left-hander Mark Buehrle is also high on the team's list of targets this winter, the development could make Oswalt a more attractive alternative. Had ... Read More <img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/TheGoesslingGame/~4/GtRe2SL8JiQ" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.masnsports.com/the_goessling_game/2011/11/no-arbitration-offer-for-oswalt-pitcher-would-cost-nationals-less.html tag:www.masnsports.com,2011:/the_goessling_game//4.18831 2011-11-23T14:10:53Z 2011-11-27T20:03:04Z

Among the handful of other sweeping changes in Major League Baseball's new collective bargaining agreement - like a second wild card spot and blood testing for HGH - was one that should be of particular interest to Nationals fans, or at least anyone who has watched the transformation the team...

Ben Goessling http://www.masnsports.com/the_goessling_game Among the handful of other sweeping changes in Major League Baseball's new collective bargaining agreement - like a second wild card spot and blood testing for HGH - was one that should be of particular interest to Nationals fans, or at least anyone who has watched the transformation the team ... Read More <img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/TheGoesslingGame/~4/6CYSaHSysB4" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.masnsports.com/the_goessling_game/2011/11/the-new-cba-the-nationals-and-the-end-of-signability.html tag:www.masnsports.com,2011:/the_goessling_game//4.18821 2011-11-22T19:46:01Z 2011-11-23T15:14:12Z

Breakout season earns Nationals' Morse 19th-place finish in NL MVP balloting

Ben Goessling http://www.masnsports.com/the_goessling_game Nationals outfielder Michael Morse, who hit .303 and slugged 31 homers during a breakout season, received two votes to finish 19th in the National League Most Valuable Player balloting. The results were announced today by the Baseball Writers' Association of America. Morse received a seventh-place vote on one ballot and ... Read More <img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/TheGoesslingGame/~4/pUqbK4V6vCE" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.masnsports.com/the_goessling_game/2011/11/michael-morse-finishes-19th-in-nl-mvp-race.html tag:www.masnsports.com,2011:/the_goessling_game//4.18815 2011-11-22T14:13:48Z 2011-11-23T15:15:44Z

As price of good relievers continues to climb, bullpen-rich Nats are in good shape

Ben Goessling http://www.masnsports.com/the_goessling_game The point was made again yesterday, as Joe Nathan - a 37-year-old closer who used to be one of the game's very best, but hasn't been at the top since 2009 after Tommy John surgery - got a two-year, $14.5 million deal from the Rangers with a $9 million option ... Read More <img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/TheGoesslingGame/~4/ZzQymwbcuDc" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.masnsports.com/the_goessling_game/2011/11/as-price-of-relievers-continues-to-climb-nationals-are-in-a-good-position.html tag:www.masnsports.com,2011:/the_goessling_game//4.18801 2011-11-21T17:11:17Z 2011-11-22T20:17:40Z

Just as they did at trade deadline, Nats still seeking to improve in center field

Ben Goessling http://www.masnsports.com/the_goessling_game One of the Nationals' big pursuits of the offseason is the same as one of their big pursuits of the July trade deadline: a center fielder. They, of course, didn't land one in July, backing away from a deal with the Twins for Denard Span when the price got higher ... Read More <img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/TheGoesslingGame/~4/dkVDoh_Zeik" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.masnsports.com/the_goessling_game/2011/11/sizing-up-the-nationals-center-field-market.html tag:www.masnsports.com,2011:/the_goessling_game//4.18791 2011-11-20T22:19:47Z 2011-11-22T13:07:43Z

The Nationals add four to their 40-man roster, get Kimball back from Toronto

Ben Goessling http://www.masnsports.com/the_goessling_game The Nationals added four minor leaguers to their 40-man roster today, protecting a quartet of players who would have otherwise been eligible for the Rule 5 draft in December. As expected, they added catcher Derek Norris and first baseman/outfielder Tyler Moore to the 40-man roster, keeping two of their top ... Read More <img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/TheGoesslingGame/~4/0ypu8yMZeUc" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.masnsports.com/the_goessling_game/2011/11/nationals-add-four-to-40-man-roster-get-kimball-back-from-toronto-1.html tag:www.masnsports.com,2011:/the_goessling_game//4.18769 2011-11-18T17:50:02Z 2011-11-19T14:14:57Z

Rizzo on Ramos' return to D.C. after ordeal: "He's happy, smiling and relieved"

Ben Goessling http://www.masnsports.com/the_goessling_game For as much as the Nationals wanted their fans and a handful of Wilson Ramos' teammates to see him healthy, as much as they needed to put him through a physical examination after his kidnapping in Venezuela last week, the real benefit of Ramos' trip to Washington came a few ... Read More <img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/TheGoesslingGame/~4/q5-38KNLcXI" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.masnsports.com/the_goessling_game/2011/11/nationals-welcome-wilson-ramos-back-to-washington.html tag:www.masnsports.com,2011:/the_goessling_game//4.18760 2011-11-18T01:02:21Z 2011-11-20T18:55:39Z

Nationals name Randy Knorr bench coach, last piece of Johnson's staff

Pete Kerzel http://www.masnsports.com/ The Nationals announced manager Davey Johnson's coaching staff Thursday, adding last year's manager at Triple-A, Randy Knorr, as the new bench coach. Knorr replaces Pat Corrales, who was reassigned to another position in the organization last month As expected, the remainder of the staff that finished the 2011 season with ... Read More <img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/TheGoesslingGame/~4/KVNBOJZRbuk" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.masnsports.com/the_goessling_game/2011/11/knorr-joins-johnsons-staff-as-bench-coach.html tag:www.masnsports.com,2011:/the_goessling_game//4.18753 2011-11-17T17:39:22Z 2011-11-18T19:05:39Z

What do you think about baseball realignment, expanded wild card round?

Ben Goessling http://www.masnsports.com/the_goessling_game If you're a devout follower of baseball's wild card system as it's existed since 1994 - and if a 17-year-old system can have devout followers - you should enjoy the 2012 season. Because as the system hits age 18, it's apparently ready to graduate. Major League Baseball's owners voted unanimously ... Read More <img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/TheGoesslingGame/~4/63eT0l4mhWY" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.masnsports.com/the_goessling_game/2011/11/baseballs-new-playoff-setup-good-or-bad.html tag:www.masnsports.com,2011:/the_goessling_game//4.18743 2011-11-16T20:05:18Z 2011-11-17T12:57:21Z

Toronto claims Kimball off waivers, Nats outright Brown to Triple-A Syracuse

Ben Goessling http://www.masnsports.com/the_goessling_game The Nationals made a pair of moves today that took players off their 40-man roster in advance of Friday's deadline to add players to the roster and protect them from the Rule 5 draft. Right-hander Cole Kimball, who saw a promising first year in the majors cut short because of ... Read More <img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/TheGoesslingGame/~4/eSoeBdxAGoo" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.masnsports.com/the_goessling_game/2011/11/cole-kimball-claimed-off-waivers-corey-brown-outrighted.html tag:www.masnsports.com,2011:/the_goessling_game//4.18738 2011-11-16T17:00:31Z 2011-11-18T19:04:11Z

Revisiting the lopsided 2002 swap that brought Bartolo Colon to the Expos

Ben Goessling http://www.masnsports.com/the_goessling_game Welcome to another "What If?" Wednesday, where we take a look back at a moment that had a significant effect on the Nationals and how things might have turned out if one event had gone just a little bit differently. Today, we're going to track a ways back, back before ... Read More <img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/TheGoesslingGame/~4/vXhhj3Tu2qQ" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.masnsports.com/the_goessling_game/2011/11/what-if-the-expos-hadnt-traded-for-bartolo-colon.html tag:www.masnsports.com,2011:/the_goessling_game//4.18735 2011-11-16T14:11:28Z 2011-11-17T10:08:31Z

Abduction ordeal behind him, Ramos works out with his winter league team

Ben Goessling http://www.masnsports.com/the_goessling_game Less than a week after he was abducted in front of his home in Valencia, Venezuela, Nationals catcher Wilson Ramos returned to the field Tuesday, working out with the Tigres de Aragua, the Venezuelan Professional Baseball League team he was planning to play with this winter. Ramos has said he ... Read More <img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/TheGoesslingGame/~4/pUCA_q8r6GI" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.masnsports.com/the_goessling_game/2011/11/wilson-ramos-returns-to-action-in-venezuela.html tag:www.masnsports.com,2011:/the_goessling_game//4.18727 2011-11-15T14:24:28Z 2011-11-16T17:57:02Z

At GM meetings, Nationals talk to agent representing both Wilson and Oswalt

Ben Goessling http://www.masnsports.com/the_goessling_game We're firmly in the hot stove league season now, and this will be one of the hot-stoviest (to coin a phrase) stories you read on this blog. Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo met with Bob Garber - the agent for pitchers Roy Oswalt and C.J. Wilson - at the general ... Read More <img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/TheGoesslingGame/~4/8D0YUAEPoXs" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.masnsports.com/the_goessling_game/2011/11/nationals-reportedly-talk-with-wilson-and-oswalts-agent.html tag:www.masnsports.com,2011:/the_goessling_game//4.18721 2011-11-14T21:31:06Z 2011-11-15T15:56:13Z

Rizzo: Despite kidnapping, Nats will continue to have a presence in Venezuela

Ben Goessling http://www.masnsports.com/the_goessling_game Mike Rizzo boarded a plane for Milwaukee this afternoon, as he'd been planning to do for months and as most general managers in baseball were doing this week for the annual GM meetings. It's a routine trip that, as of Friday morning, Rizzo didn't know if he'd be making. At ... Read More <img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/TheGoesslingGame/~4/TrCYeVeWR8M" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.masnsports.com/the_goessling_game/2011/11/nationals-wont-shy-away-from-venezuela-in-the-future-rizzo-says.html tag:www.masnsports.com,2011:/the_goessling_game//4.18717 2011-11-14T19:10:12Z 2011-11-15T03:13:59Z

Ramos finishes fourth, Espinosa places sixth in NL Rookie of the Year voting

Ben Goessling http://www.masnsports.com/the_goessling_game Baseball's postseason awards announcements began today with the National League Rookie of the Year results, and the Nationals wound up with two players in the top six of the race. But their two rookies weren't even among the top three choices in a loaded NL East field. Catcher Wilson Ramos ... Read More <img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/TheGoesslingGame/~4/3h2PiM8dktM" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.masnsports.com/the_goessling_game/2011/11/wilson-ramos-4th-danny-espinosa-6th-in-nl-roy-vote.html tag:www.masnsports.com,2011:/the_goessling_game//4.18714 2011-11-14T14:35:29Z 2011-11-16T19:42:00Z

It's a Monday morning in the middle of November, and there is no pins-and-needles wait for news out of Venezuela, no piano wire-tight drama about what might happen to Wilson Ramos. We're just back to regular old hot stove news, and it's refreshing. Anyway, the general manager's meetings begin today...

Ben Goessling http://www.masnsports.com/the_goessling_game It's a Monday morning in the middle of November, and there is no pins-and-needles wait for news out of Venezuela, no piano wire-tight drama about what might happen to Wilson Ramos. We're just back to regular old hot stove news, and it's refreshing. Anyway, the general manager's meetings begin today ... Read More <img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/TheGoesslingGame/~4/LbgYT1sMDoU" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.masnsports.com/the_goessling_game/2011/11/focus-turns-back-to-baseball-as-nationals-prepare-for-gm-meetings.html tag:www.masnsports.com,2011:/the_goessling_game//4.18706 2011-11-13T22:07:06Z 2011-11-14T16:14:02Z

Ramos expects to thank winter league by playing for Tigres on Wednesday

Ben Goessling http://www.masnsports.com/the_goessling_game Nationals catcher Wilson Ramos, who returned safely to his family on Friday night after being abducted in Valencia, Venezuela on Wednesday, intends to play for the Tigres de Aragua in the Venezuelan Professional Baseball League on Wednesday, according to family friend/PR representative Marfa Mata. Mata tweeted this afternoon that Ramos ... Read More <img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/TheGoesslingGame/~4/-gWcrvzcDB8" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.masnsports.com/the_goessling_game/2011/11/wilson-ramos-intends-to-play-in-venezuela-on-wednesday.html tag:www.masnsports.com,2011:/the_goessling_game//4.18701 2011-11-13T13:04:28Z 2011-11-13T21:02:53Z

Just a quick anecdote this morning from Nationals pitching prospect Ryan Tatusko, who is pitching for the Bravos de Margarita in the Venezuelan Professional Baseball League this winter. The Bravos were playing at home against the Cardenales de Lara on Friday night when it was announced over the public address...

Ben Goessling http://www.masnsports.com/the_goessling_game Just a quick anecdote this morning from Nationals pitching prospect Ryan Tatusko, who is pitching for the Bravos de Margarita in the Venezuelan Professional Baseball League this winter. The Bravos were playing at home against the Cardenales de Lara on Friday night when it was announced over the public address ... Read More <img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/TheGoesslingGame/~4/MHqEujEJRv4" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.masnsports.com/the_goessling_game/2011/11/tatusko-says-stadium-went-nuts-when-ramos-news-announced.html