Nationals

Ryan Zimmerman (Nationals)

2/22/12 2:46 pm

Ryan Zimmerman reiterated Wednesday that he will cut off contract talks with the Nationals if an agreement isn’t reached by Saturday.

“It’s not fair for me to answer questions about that every day,” said Zimmerman, who is currently signed through 2013. “We’ve got a good team and everybody has to worry about baseball. Everyone’s here already and they’re working and that’s what it needs to be about. It needs to be about that, and not whether this gets done or doesn’t. … If it gets done, great. If it doesn’t, I’ve got two years left and we’ll play it out.” Zimmerman’s agent, Brodie Van Waganen, is in Nationals’ camp, so there’s still a chance something could get done in the next few days. If not, the two sides will likely reexamine the situation during the offseason.

Source: masnsports.com

Ivan Rodriguez (Nationals)

2/22/12 11:11 am

Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com reports that Ivan Rodriguez has fielded inquiries from a few teams, including the Diamondbacks.

The Diamondbacks are known to be in the market for some catching depth, so it could be a decent match. Rodriguez is seeking a chance for “real playing time,” but it’s unlikely he’ll get it at this point. The 40-year-old batted .218/.281/.323 with two home runs and 19 RBI over 137 plate appearances last season and threw out 52 percent (13-for-25) of attempted basestealers.

Source: twitter.com

Tyler Moore (Nationals)

2/22/12 9:54 am

Nationals’ prospect Tyler Moore will play some outfield this spring.

Moore has exclusively played first base in the minor leagues, but the Nationals want to test his versatility. The 25-year-old has slugged 62 homers over the past two seasons between High-A Potomac and Double-A Harrisburg and was recently ranked as the Nationals’ No. 16 prospect by Baseball America.

Source: twitter.com

Mark DeRosa (Nationals)

2/22/12 9:25 am

Mark DeRosa said Tuesday that his surgically-repaired left wrist feels “as good as it’s felt” since his initial injury in 2009.

Source: twitter.com

Adam LaRoche (Nationals)

2/22/12 8:55 am

Adam LaRoche (shoulder) has yet to attempt to long-toss the ball from more than 90 feet.

Hitting hasn’t been an issue following shoulder surgery, but doctors have instructed him to take things slow with throwing. LaRoche is curious to see if he’s fully recovered or whether the condition will linger. “It could be another year, or it could be a month,” said LaRoche. “Who knows? Until you don’t feel it any more, that’s the only time it’s going to be completely out of your mind. But again, it doesn’t hurt at the plate. I can handle a little discomfort throwing the ball, as long as it’s not carrying over for two or three days.” LaRoche hopes to cut things loose by the end of spring training and serve as the Nationals’ regular first baseman this season.

Source: natsinsider.com

Chris Marrero (Nationals)

2/21/12 9:55 am

Nationals prospect Chris Marrero (hamstring) is expected to be out until after the All-Star break.

Marrero suffered a badly torn left hamstring while playing in the Dominican Winter League this offseason. He’s been able to jog and hit off a batting tee in Nats camp, but the organization is not going to rush him.

Source: twitter.com

Chien-Ming Wang (Nationals)

2/20/12 2:43 pm

Chien-Ming Wang came down with a bit of shoulder soreness after his first few workouts in Nationals camp.

Any type of discomfort is concerning when it comes to the injury-prone right-hander, but he was able to throw an aggressive side session on Monday morning in Viera, Florida and reported feeling fine. Wang is not expected to be held to an innings limit this season in Washington despite making only 11 starts last year.

Source: twitter.com

Nationals GM Mike Rizzo insisted Monday that Stephen Strasburg’s pitching schedule will not be manipulated this year to allow him to last later into the season.

Strasburg, who missed a majority of 2011 due to Tommy John surgery, will be limited to around 160-170 innings in 2012. And that’s not going to change, even if the Nationals are in position to make the playoffs. “There’s not going to be a whole lot of tinkering going on,” Rizzo said. “We?re going to run him out there until his innings are gone and then stop him from pitching.” He’ll simply pitch every fifth game.

Anthony Rendon (Nationals)

2/20/12 10:44 am

Nationals’ 2011 first-round pick Anthony Rendon will play third base, second base and shortstop this spring.

Rendon played primarily at the hot corner in college at Rice University and is likely to play third base this year in the minor leagues. But the Nationals want him to add a bit of defensive versatility to his game in case his arrival in the big leagues comes sooner rather than later. Ryan Zimmerman, of course, currently has a firm grasp on the third base job in the nation’s capital.

Source: twitter.com

Cole Kimball (Nationals)

2/19/12 4:59 pm

Cole Kimball (shoulder) has progressed his rehab and is now throwing from 100 feet.

Kimball, 25, underwent shoulder surgery in July and is not likely to return until around the All-Star break. He’s been working out at Washington’s facility since January 10. “It feels normal,” Kimball said. “Everything is identical, and that’s what’s encouraging. A lot of guys change their delivery and change their arm action. It’s the same thing, so I’m excited.” He posted an 1.93 ERA and 11/11 K/BB ratio over 14 innings with the Nationals this season.