The risk of assembling a high-priced bullpen
The last four World Series champs have changed closers in midseason. Should big money go to the back end of the bullpen?
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Ian Desmond, Anthony Rendon win Silver Slugger awards
![Ian Desmond, Anthony Rendon win Silver Slugger awards](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/dentonfracking/20141107103051im_/http://img.washingtonpost.com/rf/image_145x100/WashingtonPost/Content/Blogs/nationals-journal/201411/Images/454802606.jpg)
Desmond, a shortstop, claims his third straight Silver Slugger award, while Rendon, a third baseman, wins his first.
Adam LaRoche kills huge elk on Wyoming hunting trip
LaRoche is enjoying his offseason.
There are many ugly sports sweaters; these 10 are by far the ugliest
![There are many ugly sports sweaters; these 10 are by far the ugliest](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/dentonfracking/20141107103051im_/http://img.washingtonpost.com/rf/image_145x100/WashingtonPost/Content/Blogs/early-lead/201411/Images/2014-06-28T004455Z_1718409647_NOCID_RTRMADP_3_NHL-2014-NHL-DRAFT.jpg)
Fair warning: Gazing at these sweaters is basically like looking directly into the sun.
A roundup of Nationals playing winter ball
![A roundup of Nationals playing winter ball](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/dentonfracking/20141107103051im_/http://img.washingtonpost.com/rf/image_145x100/WashingtonPost/Content/Blogs/nationals-journal/201411/Images/moore.jpg)
Tyler Moore, who is out of options come spring training, is off to a hot start in the Dominican winter ball league.
Is Bill Simmons trying to get suspended from ESPN again?
![Is Bill Simmons trying to get suspended from ESPN again?](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/dentonfracking/20141107103051im_/http://img.washingtonpost.com/rf/image_145x100/WashingtonPost/Content/Blogs/early-lead/201411/Images/ESPN_Simmons_Suspension-0c789.jpg)
He got into a Twitter tiff with ESPN radio host Mike Golic before getting a jab in on ESPN ombudsman Robert Lipsyte.
The risk of assembling a high-priced bullpen
![The risk of assembling a high-priced bullpen](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/dentonfracking/20141107103051im_/http://img.washingtonpost.com/rf/image_145x100/2010-2019/WashingtonPost/2014/10/22/Sports/Images/2014-10-15T223919Z_1774696280_NOCID_RTRMADP_3_MLB-ALCS-BALTIMORE-ORIOLES-AT-KANSAS-CITY-ROYALS.jpg)
The last four World Series champs have changed closers in midseason. Should big money go to the back end of the bullpen?
Throwback Thursday: Davey Johnson’s big day
![Throwback Thursday: Davey Johnson’s big day](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/dentonfracking/20141107103051im_/http://img.washingtonpost.com/rf/image_145x100/WashingtonPost/Content/Blogs/dc-sports-bog/201411/Images/DaveyJohnson2-e1415283224217.jpg)
On this day 17 years ago, the big news was that Davey Johnson was out as manager of the Orioles -- and won manager of the year a few hours later.
Nationals reliever Jerry Blevins is worth following on Twitter for the cat sweaters alone
![Nationals reliever Jerry Blevins is worth following on Twitter for the cat sweaters alone](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/dentonfracking/20141107103051im_/http://img.washingtonpost.com/rf/image_145x100/WashingtonPost/Content/Blogs/dc-sports-bog/201411/Images/BlevinsSweater.jpg)
Blevins made one of the greatest purchases in Mall of America history.
$100-million pitchers come loaded with risks
![$100-million pitchers come loaded with risks](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/dentonfracking/20141107103051im_/http://img.washingtonpost.com/rf/image_145x100/2010-2019/WashingtonPost/2014/11/05/Sports/Images/488334229.jpg)
Warning signs scream, “Don’t give pitchers nine-figure deals.” Yet teams have, and they will.
Nationals keeping an eye on Cuban free agents
Nationals scouts are expected to attend Yoan Moncada’s workout in Guatemala later this month.
Nationals announce spring training schedule
![Nationals announce spring training schedule](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/dentonfracking/20141107103051im_/http://img.washingtonpost.com/rf/image_145x100/WashingtonPost/Content/Blogs/nationals-journal/201411/Images/viera1.jpg)
Team will open against the Mets on March 5 at Space Coast Stadium in Viera.
Jimmy Fallon tried on Madison Bumgarner’s underwear
![Jimmy Fallon tried on Madison Bumgarner’s underwear](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/dentonfracking/20141107103051im_/http://img.washingtonpost.com/rf/image_145x100/WashingtonPost/Content/Blogs/early-lead/201411/Images/madbum1104B.jpg)
No, it wasn’t a shirt-off-his back type of situation.
Span, LaRoche lose out on Gold Glove awards
![Span, LaRoche lose out on Gold Glove awards](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/dentonfracking/20141107103051im_/http://img.washingtonpost.com/rf/image_145x100/WashingtonPost/Content/Blogs/nationals-journal/201411/Images/Mets_Nationals_Baseball-02ad7.jpg)
Both Nationals players were finalists for NL awards at their respective positions, but they lost out to Juan Lagares and Adrian Gonzalez.
Williams is finalist for NL manager of the year
![Williams is finalist for NL manager of the year](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/dentonfracking/20141107103051im_/http://img.washingtonpost.com/rf/image_145x100/WashingtonPost/Content/Blogs/nationals-journal/201411/Images/JN2_11701410999250.jpg)
The Nationals manager is vying for the award along with San Francisco’s Bruce Bochy and Pittsburgh’s Clint Hurdle.
Nats launch ‘10 Moments of Thanks’ campaign to honor longest-standing season ticket holders
![Nats launch ‘10 Moments of Thanks’ campaign to honor longest-standing season ticket holders](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/dentonfracking/20141107103051im_/http://img.washingtonpost.com/rf/image_145x100/WashingtonPost/Content/Blogs/dc-sports-bog/201411/Images/456220724.jpg)
The Nats will offer special experiences, keepsakes and signage to pay tribute to season-ticket holders who have been around since the beginning.
A look at the Nats’ payroll
![A look at the Nats’ payroll](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/dentonfracking/20141107103051im_/http://img.washingtonpost.com/rf/image_145x100/WashingtonPost/Content/Blogs/nationals-journal/201411/Images/NLDS_Nationals_Giants_Baseball-0767d.jpg)
With raises coming to many players under contract, the Nationals’ payroll will rise in 2014.
Scherzer leads 10 most intriguing 2014 FAs
![Scherzer leads 10 most intriguing 2014 FAs](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/dentonfracking/20141107103051im_/http://img.washingtonpost.com/rf/image_145x100/2010-2019/WashingtonPost/2014/10/02/Sports/Images/2014-09-09T235114Z_270531954_NOCID_RTRMADP_3_MLB-KANSAS-CITY-ROYALS-AT-DETROIT-TIGERS.jpg)
The Tigers right-hander heads the class, but there are other players who could provide fascinating offseason tales.
Madison Bumgarner reportedly wanted to ride a horse in the World Series parade, but police wouldn’t let him
![Madison Bumgarner reportedly wanted to ride a horse in the World Series parade, but police wouldn’t let him](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/dentonfracking/20141107103051im_/http://img.washingtonpost.com/rf/image_145x100/WashingtonPost/Content/Blogs/early-lead/201411/Images/World_Series_Giants_Celebration_Baseball-08e70.jpg)
As a compromise, though, MadBum did get to take a picture mounted on a police horse.
New Cubs manager Joe Maddon ends first presser by promising everyone ‘a shot and a beer’
![New Cubs manager Joe Maddon ends first presser by promising everyone ‘a shot and a beer’](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/dentonfracking/20141107103051im_/http://img.washingtonpost.com/rf/image_145x100/WashingtonPost/Content/Blogs/early-lead/201411/Images/04475223.jpg)
The ex-Tampa Bay Rays manager can afford it. His five-year contract is reportedly worth $25 million.
Minnesota Twins confirm Paul Molitor as team’s new manager
![Minnesota Twins confirm Paul Molitor as team’s new manager](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/dentonfracking/20141107103051im_/http://img.washingtonpost.com/rf/image_145x100/WashingtonPost/Content/Blogs/early-lead/201411/Images/Twins_Molitor_Baseball-00495.jpg)
The team will hold a news conference on Tuesday morning to officially introduce him.
Nats claim reliever from Cards
The Nationals added Eric Fornataro off waivers from the St. Louis Cardinals.
Nationals hire Bob Miller as VP, assistant GM
![Nationals hire Bob Miller as VP, assistant GM](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/dentonfracking/20141107103051im_/http://img.washingtonpost.com/rf/image_145x100/WashingtonPost/Content/Blogs/nationals-journal/201411/Images/JN1_1735_1330196761.jpg)
The former Reds executive is familiar with GM Mike Rizzo, as the two worked together for seven years in Arizona.
Nats’ second base options
![Nats’ second base options](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/dentonfracking/20141107103051im_/http://img.washingtonpost.com/rf/image_145x100/WashingtonPost/Content/Blogs/nationals-journal/201411/Images/SP-Nats_12161408764611.jpg)
The Nationals’ clearest mission this winter is to fill second base, but they have many possibilities.
Metallica had a float in the Giants’ parade, so why did Train perform?
![Metallica had a float in the Giants’ parade, so why did Train perform?](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/dentonfracking/20141107103051im_/http://img.washingtonpost.com/rf/image_145x100/WashingtonPost/Content/Blogs/early-lead/201410/Images/World_Series_Giants_Baseball_Celebration-07714.jpg)
For some, the World Series victory celebration in San Francisco ended on a bit of a sour note.
Nats could have been Giants
![Nats could have been Giants](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/dentonfracking/20141107103051im_/http://img.washingtonpost.com/rf/image_145x100/WashingtonPost/Content/Blogs/nationals-journal/201410/Images/456822158.jpg)
Even as the World Series played out, many believed the Nationals had the better team.
A look at what the Giants’ Pablo Sandoval will make as a free agent
![A look at what the Giants’ Pablo Sandoval will make as a free agent](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/dentonfracking/20141107103051im_/http://img.washingtonpost.com/rf/image_145x100/WashingtonPost/Content/Blogs/fancy-stats/201410/Images/Sandoval.jpg)
Over the past four seasons, Sandoval has the eighth-highest wins above replacement among third baseman at 13.4.
Jose Canseco is really sad about shooting his middle finger off
![Jose Canseco is really sad about shooting his middle finger off](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/dentonfracking/20141107103051im_/http://img.washingtonpost.com/rf/image_145x100/WashingtonPost/Content/Blogs/early-lead/201410/Images/Canseco_Gun_Accident-0a6e5.jpg)
The 50-year-old ex-baseball star broke down in tears during an interview with “Inside Edition” that will air Thursday.
Magic Johnson joins Mia Hamm as part-owner of MLS’s Los Angeles Football Club
![Magic Johnson joins Mia Hamm as part-owner of MLS’s Los Angeles Football Club](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/dentonfracking/20141107103051im_/http://img.washingtonpost.com/rf/image_145x100/WashingtonPost/Content/Blogs/early-lead/201410/Images/457096216.jpg)
Who’s looking forward to a derby between LA Galaxy and LAFC?
Editor's Choice
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/dentonfracking/20141107103051im_/http://img.washingtonpost.com/rw/sites/twpweb/img/blogs/spacer.gif)
A veteran works through the grind
With more than 1,100 major league games under his belt, how does Ryan Zimmerman prepare for 162 games in 182 days?
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/dentonfracking/20141107103051im_/http://img.washingtonpost.com/rf/image_172x114/2010-2019/WashingtonPost/2013/11/14/Sports/Images/DaShawn_.jpg)
First and 17
Inside the season with the nation’s top-rated football prospect, Woodbridge’s Da’Shawn Hand.
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3Garrett Temple giving the Washington Wizards exactly what they need with Bradley Beal out
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4UPDATED: ESPN's Bill Simmons and Mike Golic have squashed their drama
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52014-15 NBA Power Rankings: Warriors start strong as Cavaliers stuggle