BallHype - Latest Washington Nationals News Articles

The (Quiet) International Signing Period

Fri, 10 Oct 2008 23:09:19 +1900

With the international signing period for 2008 now in the past -- and in full focus for perspective -- Baseball America has done the good deed of sorting through the final spending totals for each ballclub. As we know, the Nationals stayed very quiet with player-signing in Latin America this year. When I spoke to him once in late August about it, President Stan Kasten told me that the ongoing federal investigation into scouting practices...Please click on the title to continue reading this entry.

Find more top sports news, videos, and blogs on BallHype: MLB, Washington Nationals, Stan Kasten

Persistence paying off for Davis

Thu, 9 Oct 2008 19:05:00 +1900

After not making it above Class A in his first four professional seasons, Nationals prospect Leonard Davis is now one step away from the big leagues.

Find more top sports news, videos, and blogs on BallHype: MLB, Washington Nationals

Post-Season Top Five: Washington Nationals

Mon, 6 Oct 2008 20:15:29 +1900

The Washington Nationals top five could have looked a whole lot different had they signed first-round pick Aaron Crow, arguably the best pitcher available in the year's draft. Instead, their top prospects run-down remains mostly the same as the pre-season list, with a few names switched around to keep things from getting stale. In addition to the loss of Crow, two other losses re-shaped the way the Nats brass thought about their 2008 in terms of development: the losses of Chris Marrero to a broken leg and Justin Maxwell to a broken wrist. That said, here is the top five for the Washington Nationals organization 1. Jordan Zimmerman, right-handed starting pitcher, A+ Potomac, AA Harrisburg It's hard to believe that someone born six days before me can do so much more with his life. Zimmerman had a great year in 2007 at Vermont of the NY-Penn League, and followed up with a brilliant pit stop in Potomac in 2008 before ending the season at Double-A Harrisburg. He was downright dominant ...

Find more top sports news, videos, and blogs on BallHype: MLB, Washington Nationals

"They Tried To Bully Me"

Mon, 6 Oct 2008 13:15:33 +1900

Time to break the silence. Umm, not my own; I'm in Chicago for some ALDS action. I'm referring to Aaron Crow, who needs no introduction in these parts -- but who apparently needs a reminder to show up for his interviews. Check out this story in The Kansas City Star, which describes Crow's world now that baseball season is over and life with a major league franchise is on hold. The Star's Bill Reiter describes...Please click on the title to continue reading this entry.

Find more top sports news, videos, and blogs on BallHype: MLB, Washington Nationals, ALDS, Aaron Crow, Kansas City Royals

History of Nos. 1 and 2 picks in the draft

Sun, 5 Oct 2008 05:58:51 +1900

By virtue of their 101 losses, the Mariners will pick second overall, after the 102-loss Washington Nationals, in the 2009 June draft. This chart examines the...

Find more top sports news, videos, and blogs on BallHype: MLB, Seattle Mariners, Washington Nationals

Would the Washington Nationals Pounce on Daniel Cabrera?

Thu, 2 Oct 2008 00:51:00 +1900

According to the Washington Post, the Orioles could decided to not tender a contract to wild pitcher Daniel Cabrera, who could be looking at at least three million dollars despite a disappointing season. Cabrera is young and needs time to mature, so expect several teams competing for his services if he is released. The Nationals could move in on Cabrera keeping him close to his home in Baltimore. However, Cabrera may be more interested in working with a respected pitching coach. The Cardinals could make a play for him knowing that Dave Duncan has worked his magic with several young pitchers. The Padres are another possibility if he is released. This story was approved by MLB Rumors.

Find more top sports news, videos, and blogs on BallHype: MLB, Daniel Cabrera, Washington Nationals, Melky Cabrera, Baltimore Orioles, Dave Duncan

Angels' Vladimir Guerrero is no Mr. October

Wed, 1 Oct 2008 07:00:00 +1900

For all his success, the slugger has been pretty much a bust in the postseason, but the Angels hope that changes this year. > Torii Hunter had admired Vladimir Guerrero from afar since 1996, when, as a Minnesota Twins minor leaguer, he came to appreciate the "old-school" sensibilities of the Montreal Expos prospect who played with the hard-nosed, leave-it-all-on-the-field kind of edge Hunter loved.

Find more top sports news, videos, and blogs on BallHype: MLB, Los Angeles Angels, Vladimir Guerrero, Torii Hunter, Minnesota Twins, Washington Nationals

A Baseball Legend Passes: Mickey Vernon Remembered

Wed, 1 Oct 2008 04:53:22 +1900

In an age where money and social status drive popularity, Mickey Vernon would not have been considered your typical athlete. Widely recognized as one of the top ballplayers of the 1940s, the Delaware County native mixed charm and good nature with outstanding talent and was recently named one of 10 finalists being considered for induction into the Hall of Fame by the Baseball Veterans Committee in December. If selected, the honor will have to be awarded posthumously, though, as the 90-year-old Vernon, who finished his 20-year big-league career with a .286 lifetime average, passed away last week at Riddle Memorial Hospital in Delaware County after suffering a stroke. “What I think I’ll remember most about Mickey is what a quality person he was,” said Jim Vankoski, chairman of the Delaware County Athletes Hall of Fame. “He was a role model, a true gentleman, someone you can embrace. His baseball accomplishments are really secondary against what Mickey was as a ...

Find more top sports news, videos, and blogs on BallHype: MLB, Washington Nationals, Philadelphia Phillies, Hall of Fame

Nats begin search for new coaches

Tue, 30 Sep 2008 19:29:00 +1900

After informing five coaches Sunday that they would not be returning in 2009, the Nationals have begun looking for replacements for Manny Acta's staff.

Find more top sports news, videos, and blogs on BallHype: MLB, Washington Nationals, Manny Acta

An Interview With Manny Acta

Tue, 30 Sep 2008 14:13:52 +1900

Deearest NJers, Thank you so much for both the kind words and the suggestions. It's a challenge, of course, to jump into a beat midseason, and I know I took my lumps this year. Plus, Barry didn't just leave behind big shoes to fill; he left behind size 16 Timberland boots. By no means am I satisfied, even the slightest, by my coverage from Year 1. The day-to-day detailing is fine and dandy -- if...Please click on the title to continue reading this entry.

Find more top sports news, videos, and blogs on BallHype: MLB, Washington Nationals, Manny Acta