Washington Nationals News

When Ryan Zimmerman was drafted by the Washington Nationals in June 2005, general manager Jim Bowden threw around names like Brooks Robinson and Scott Rolen while describing the kid’s talent. Not much pressure there, right? Fast-forward to 2007, and not only is Zimmerman already an established big league third baseman, he’s the guy Bowden points […]

CLEARWATER, Fla. – Jimmy Rollins’ challenge to the Mets adds to a season, like every other, full of hope.

Washington Nationals rookie Matt Chico’s path to the major leagues began with a tryout in an alley behind a warehouse. Well, actually, Chico’s roundabout route to Washington’s starting rotation this season started long before his ad-hoc audition about a month before the 2003 amateur draft for Mike Rizzo, then the Arizona Diamondbacks’ scouting director.

To get inside players’ heads, check these Q&A’s from players on teams in the National League East. For more 2007 preview info, get this week’s Sporting News.

With the first pitch ready to be thrown, we take a look at who will shine and who will flop in 2007.

The Marlins didn’t even need Dontrelle Willis on Wednesday. Aaron Thompson limited a Nationals split squad to one hit in four innings in Florida’s 1-0 win after the Marlins scratched their ace to prevent Washington from seeing Willis so close to opening day. Willis, who will start the opener Monday in Washington, allowed two runs […]

Along with his hunting equipment and his red baseball gloves with the nickname “NASTY” stitched in blue, John Patterson was able to tuck away something else as he prepared Wednesday for the trip north: the knowledge that he’s finally the No. 1 starter on a major league staff. “John has taken his appointment as an […]

Washington first baseman Nick Johnson went on the 15-day disabled list Wednesday, while he recovers from the broken right leg that ended his 2006 season. Right-hander Luis Ayala (reconstructive elbow surgery in March 2006), left-hander Mike O’Connor (left elbow surgery in November) and outfielder Alex Escobar (right shoulder surgery in September) also were put on […]

The Washington Nationals purchased the contracts of first baseman Dmitri Young and left-handed reliever Ray King from Triple-A Columbus on Tuesday, adding them to the 40-man roster. Both came to spring training on non-guaranteed minor league deals. Young will make $500,000 this season, and King $850,000.

Cristian Guzman is doing what he can to put a certain number behind him, a number that defines his Washington Nationals career so far: .219. That was his 2005 batting average, and, because he missed all of last season after shoulder surgery, it’s the most recent number in the “AVG” column under his name.