Bullpen never far from Rizzo’s thoughts
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.
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Nationals close to re-signing Kevin Frandsen
![Nationals close to re-signing Kevin Frandsen](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20141114000816im_/http://img.washingtonpost.com/rf/image_145x100/WashingtonPost/Content/Blogs/nationals-journal/201411/Images/04281803-5813.jpg)
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](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20141114000816im_/http://img.washingtonpost.com/rf/image_145x100/WashingtonPost/Content/Blogs/dc-sports-bog/201411/Images/2015-Early-Bird-P-Nats-Promo-Schedule.jpg)
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](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20141114000816im_/http://img.washingtonpost.com/rf/image_145x100/WashingtonPost/Content/Blogs/nationals-journal/201411/Images/456654766-16625.jpg)
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](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20141114000816im_/http://img.washingtonpost.com/rf/image_145x100/WashingtonPost/Content/Blogs/nationals-journal/201411/Images/JN1_1735_1330196761-3355.jpg)
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](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20141114000816im_/http://img.washingtonpost.com/rf/image_145x100/WashingtonPost/Content/Blogs/nationals-journal/201411/Images/SP-nats_18241412736130.jpg)
Washington shortstop turned down offer with market putting premium on potent offensive players.
Metta World Peace’s panda sneakers go from concept to reality, so do Cubs prospect Kris Bryant’s Wrigley Field inspired kicks
![Metta World Peace’s panda sneakers go from concept to reality, so do Cubs prospect Kris Bryant’s Wrigley Field inspired kicks](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20141114000816im_/http://img.washingtonpost.com/rf/image_145x100/WashingtonPost/Content/Blogs/early-lead/201411/Images/Hkg10115476.jpg)
There’s a whole lot to love about sneakers these days.
MLB free agency: Finding studs and duds
![MLB free agency: Finding studs and duds](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20141114000816im_/http://img.washingtonpost.com/rf/image_145x100/WashingtonPost/Content/Blogs/fancy-stats/201411/Images/10_10_25_70CAMOY7XX.jpg)
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](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20141114000816im_/http://img.washingtonpost.com/rf/image_145x100/2010-2019/WashingtonPost/2014/11/13/Sports/Images/Red_Sox_Tigers_Baseball_013d0.jpg)
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](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20141114000816im_/http://img.washingtonpost.com/rf/image_145x100/WashingtonPost/Content/Blogs/dc-sports-bog/201411/Images/Landis.jpg)
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](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20141114000816im_/http://img.washingtonpost.com/rf/image_145x100/WashingtonPost/Content/Blogs/early-lead/201411/Images/0TaverasC1112.jpg)
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.](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20141114000816im_/http://img.washingtonpost.com/rf/image_145x100/WashingtonPost/Content/Blogs/fancy-stats/201411/Images/10_10_25_66CAAXLSZ3.jpg)
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](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20141114000816im_/http://img.washingtonpost.com/rf/image_145x100/WashingtonPost/Content/Blogs/nationals-journal/201411/Images/Marlins_Nationals_Baseball-03164.jpg)
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](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20141114000816im_/http://img.washingtonpost.com/rf/image_145x100/WashingtonPost/Content/Blogs/nationals-journal/201411/Images/JN2_8243a1393359738.jpg)
All seven coaches will be back in the same roles next season.
Red Sox are ‘all in’ on pursuit of Giants’ free agent Pablo Sandoval, report says
San Francisco, though, is intent on keeping him.
Nationals, Cubs reportedly talking Jordan Zimmermann?
![Nationals, Cubs reportedly talking Jordan Zimmermann?](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20141114000816im_/http://img.washingtonpost.com/rf/image_145x100/WashingtonPost/Content/Blogs/nationals-journal/201411/Images/454032556-3461.jpg)
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](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20141114000816im_/http://img.washingtonpost.com/rf/image_145x100/2010-2019/WashingtonPost/2014/10/05/Interactivity/Images/crop_358sp-nats1004_201412464150.jpg)
With Anthony Rendon expected to be back at third base full time, Nationals must decide what to do at second
Blaming the manager is the easy way out
![Blaming the manager is the easy way out](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20141114000816im_/http://img.washingtonpost.com/rf/image_145x100/2010-2019/WashingtonPost/2014/10/09/Production/Outlook/Graphics/matt%20williams%20outlook%201012.jpg)
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](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20141114000816im_/http://img.washingtonpost.com/rf/image_145x100/WashingtonPost/Content/Blogs/nationals-journal/201411/Images/453094260.jpg)
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](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20141114000816im_/http://img.washingtonpost.com/rf/image_145x100/WashingtonPost/Content/Blogs/nationals-journal/201411/Images/sp-nats_011400431990.jpg)
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](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20141114000816im_/http://img.washingtonpost.com/rf/image_145x100/WashingtonPost/Content/Blogs/early-lead/201411/Images/CRICKET0031373828291.jpg)
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](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20141114000816im_/http://img.washingtonpost.com/rf/image_145x100/2010-2019/WashingtonPost/2014/11/11/Sports/Images/Tulowitzki.jpg)
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](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20141114000816im_/http://img.washingtonpost.com/rf/image_145x100/WashingtonPost/Content/Blogs/early-lead/201411/Images/Cubs_Maddon_Baseball-0726c.jpg)
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.
Mets sign outfielder Michael Cuddyer to two-year contract, will send draft pick to Rockies
![Mets sign outfielder Michael Cuddyer to two-year contract, will send draft pick to Rockies](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20141114000816im_/http://img.washingtonpost.com/rf/image_145x100/WashingtonPost/Content/Blogs/early-lead/201411/Images/Mets_Cuddyer_Baseball-04225.jpg)
The move has many confused.
Cuddyer signing signals Mets ready to win now
![Cuddyer signing signals Mets ready to win now](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20141114000816im_/http://img.washingtonpost.com/rf/image_145x100/2010-2019/WashingtonPost/2014/11/10/Sports/Images/Nationals_Mets_Baseball-06955.jpg)
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](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20141114000816im_/http://img.washingtonpost.com/rf/image_145x100/2010-2019/WashingtonPost/2014/11/10/Sports/Images/Orioles_White_Sox_Baseball-06070.jpg)
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](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20141114000816im_/http://img.washingtonpost.com/rf/image_145x100/WashingtonPost/Content/Blogs/nationals-journal/201411/Images/AP487308651599.jpg)
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
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20141114000816im_/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/web/20141114000816im_/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.
Sports at a Glance
Most Read: Sports
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1Nationals offered Ian Desmond $107 milllion over seven years last offseason
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2Santana Moss says dry snitching to the media has to stop
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3Let's talk about Bret Baier's pre-game Wizards reports
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4Tennessee women's athletes know what it means to be a 'Lady'
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5Jose Canseco has thoughts about the Rosetta comet landing. Deep, deep thoughts.