Bullpen never far from Rizzo’s thoughts

(John McDonnell / The Washington Post)

Many long-term contract decisions will influence how GM Mike Rizzo approaches the bullpen in the offseason, and he will also look to bolster the Nationals’ bench.

Scores and Schedule

Teams | Standings | Statistics | Scoreboard

Nationals close to re-signing Kevin Frandsen

Nationals close to re-signing Kevin Frandsen

The 32-year-old utility man liked his time in Washington, and the Nationals were interested in bringing him back.

P-Nats 2015 promotional schedule features Buff-A-rine and Michael Taylor flattop bobblehead

P-Nats 2015 promotional schedule features Buff-A-rine and Michael Taylor flattop bobblehead

Potomac will also commemorate Steven Souza Jr.’s no-hitter-saving catch.

The logic behind keeping Jordan Zimmermann without an extension

The logic behind keeping Jordan Zimmermann without an extension

The Nationals could still benefit if they neither sign nor trade Jordan Zimmermann.

Jerry Blevins did not bring his amazing cat sweater to Japan

Nationals reliever is in Japan for all-star series.

Mike Rizzo on the Nationals payroll

Mike Rizzo on the Nationals payroll

Washington GM says there are “no restrictions” and “nothing off the table.“

Nats offered Desmond $107 million, seven-years

Nats offered Desmond $107 million, seven-years

Washington shortstop turned down offer with market putting premium on potent offensive players.

MLB free agency: Finding studs and duds

MLB free agency: Finding studs and duds

Using FanGraphs’ crowdsourced median free agent contract projections, here are three bargains and three players who won’t be worth the money.

Victor Martinez and the Tigers’ $68 million bet

Victor Martinez and the Tigers’ $68 million bet

The Tigers agreed to give their designated hitter $17 million a year not only because he’s good -- but because in modern baseball, hitters are valued like never before.

Clayton Kershaw is the NL Cy Young winner but it’s his friends who steal the show

Will he (and they) make a repeat appearance when the NL MVP is announced?

Throwback Thursday: The first commissioner of baseball

Throwback Thursday: The first commissioner of baseball

This week 94 years ago, baseball appointed its first-ever commissioner.

Dominican official says Oscar Taveras was drunk at the time of his fatal car crash

Dominican official says Oscar Taveras was drunk at the time of his fatal car crash

The promising Cardinals outfielder had a blood-alcohol level five time the legal limit.

Want to buy a championship? Stay away from the NFL.

Want to buy a championship? Stay away from the NFL.

Even if an NFl team has a high payroll with lots of talent, they would only have a 9 percent chance of winning it all.

No Jordan Zimmermann-Cubs talk, and other GM meeting notes

No Jordan Zimmermann-Cubs talk, and other GM meeting notes

And other odds and ends about the second base situation.

Entire Nationals coaching staff to return in 2015

Entire Nationals coaching staff to return in 2015

All seven coaches will be back in the same roles next season.

Nationals, Cubs reportedly talking Jordan Zimmermann?

Nationals, Cubs reportedly talking Jordan Zimmermann?

A report said the Cubs asked the Nationals about the right-handed starter with only one year left of control.

Second base is Nats’ first priority

Second base is Nats’ first priority

With Anthony Rendon expected to be back at third base full time, Nationals must decide what to do at second

Column

Blaming the manager is the easy way out

Blaming the manager is the easy way out

Matt Williams and Davey Johnson have faced plenty of second-guessing for Nats’ playoff woes.

Williams wins NL Manager of the Year

Williams wins NL Manager of the Year

In his first season in Washington, Matt Williams earned the top honor after leading the Nationals to 96 wins.

GM meetings begin, and the Nationals have much to consider

GM meetings begin, and the Nationals have much to consider

The meetings officially began Tuesday in Phoenix and Mike Rizzo is here with some front office officials.

Cricket spectator wins $4,000 with a catch that would make an MLB outfielder jealous

Cricket spectator wins $4,000 with a catch that would make an MLB outfielder jealous

Way to catch a six on the fly! (Don’t worry, you don’t need to know what a six on the fly is to see this was one spectacular catch.)

MLB Rumors: Big names in trade winds

MLB Rumors: Big names in trade winds

This free agent class isn’t that boffo. But the potential for trades involve some of the game’s biggest stars.

MLB reportedly investigating whether Cubs tampered with Joe Maddon ahead of departure from Rays

MLB reportedly investigating whether Cubs tampered with Joe Maddon ahead of departure from Rays

Tampa Bay is alleging that Chicago started talking to Maddon while he was still under contract.

MASN ruling delayed until March

A pivotal hearing in the legal saga between the Nationals and MASN was pushed from December to March, ensuring the team will not receive a potential windfall until after this offseason.

Cuddyer signing signals Mets ready to win now

Cuddyer signing signals Mets ready to win now

ON BASEBALL | The Mets made the first real move of free agency. But will a 36-year-old hitter solve their problems?

Abreu sets table for next star: Yasmani Tomas

Abreu sets table for next star: Yasmani Tomas

White Sox first baseman Abreu was AL’s top rookie and the latest star to thrive after leaving Cuba. Tomas figures to be next in line.

Nats sign Burriss, Delcarmen

Nats sign Burriss, Delcarmen

The Nats brought back D.C. Native Emmanuel Burriss and Manny Delcarmen.

Nationals add more scouting positions

The Nationals had one of the smallest scouting staffs in the major leagues and are adding more.

Editor's Choice

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?

First and 17

Inside the season with the nation’s top-rated football prospect, Woodbridge’s Da’Shawn Hand.