http://www.sportsnipe.com Washington Nationals, Team News, Updates, and Stats from all sports sources, updated continually. http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/2932208/blog-livan-argues-umps.html Washington Nationals - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/2932207/new-york-mets-take-first-road-rubber-match-season-32-over-washington-nationals.html More photos » Evan Vucci - AP about 6 hours ago: Washington Nationals first baseman Adam Dunn, center, pats starting pitcher Livan Hernandez, left, on the back as manager Jim Riggleman pulls him from the game in the seventh inning of a baseball game against the New York Mets on Wednesday, Sept. 8, 2010 in Washington. The Mets won 3-2. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) Browse more photos » Washington Nationals Drop Two Of Three To NY in DC... 2-0 NY: Nats' center fielder Nyjer Morgan ends up over-running a liner to center from Luis Hernandez off Livan Hernandez that takes an odd bounce in the outfield grass and becomes an RBI double after New York gets back-to-back singles from Mets’ pitcher R.A. Dickey, who scores on the play and outfielder Angel Pagan, who moves to third on Hernandez hit off the Nats' right-hander and Pagan scores on a sac fly to left from Carlos Beltran to make it 2-0 Mets after three... WILSON!!!: Wilson Ramos’ second hit as a National is the Nats’ first hit of the game off R.A. Dickey, and it comes with with one out in the third, a day after debuting Mets' starter Dillon Gee held Washington hitless through 5.0 last night. Ramos, who’s starting in place of a scratched Pudge Rodriguez, (generic "Illness"), hustles to beat out a throw in to second from Carlos Beltran on the Nats' first hit today, and the 23-year-old catcher moves to third on a groundout by Livan Hernandez, but is stranded when Nyjer Morgan’s groundout ends the inning. WIL....SON!!!: Ramos ties it with a looong HR (his first in the majors) that goes out to center and up into the batter's eye grass where only Zim (OK and Desmond) really hits'em, 2-2 tie on the two-run HR one out after Mike Morse’s one-out fifth inning single. Livan Hernandez issues a leadoff walk in the Mets’ sixth then gets back-to-back backwards K’s from Ike Davis and David Wright before popping up "The Animal" Chris Carter to end the inning with the score still tied at 2-2.  RISP FAIL!!!: Nyjer Morgan drops a bunt in front of home and the Mets’ starter R.A. Dickey calls off the catcher and falls while throwing to first, so it’s late and Morgan’s on. Ian Desmond fails at two bunt attemps, but Dickey throws a wild pitch by NY backstop Josh Thole to advance the runner himself. Desmond grounds back to the mound for the first out, Morgan stays put. Dickey hits Zim with a knuckler to set Adam Dunn up with two on, one out, and then the Mets’ starter goes 3-0 to the Nats’ big middle-of-the-order bat. Dunn rips a sharp liner to right and Morgan slows up and stays at third. (What?) Bases loaded for Roger Bernadina, who pops an 0-2 pitch up foul of third, so it’s up to Michael Morse. Morse grounds weakly to Tejada at short, and the Mets’ knuckler works his way out of a bases-loaded one-out jam. Still 2-2 after six. Mr. National: Livan Hernandez is lifted after giving up his second-straight leadoff walk to Josh Thole in the seventh and a sac bunt to Mets' SS Ruben Tejada. Sean Burnett comes on to face left-handed hitting pinch hitter Lucas Duda, who replaces Dickey after (6.0 IP, 5 H, 2ER, 1 K) and Mets’ skipper Jerry Manuel counters by replacing Duda with right-handed hitting Nick Evans. Evan hits a broken-bat liner toward first and Adam Dunn lets the sharp one-hopper skip by him and into right and Livan's leadoff walk comes around to score and give the NY Mets a 3-2 lead. E: 108: is a 2-out error by Ryan Zimmerman on a sharp grounder by David Wright in the eighth, and it's E: 15 on the season by the Nats’ Gold Glove third baseman. Wright returns the favor in the bottom of the inning on a sharp grounder to third by Ian Desmond that’s rule an infield hit when Wright can’t make the play. Ryan Zimmerman follows in the next at bat, with a double play grounder to shor--the throw to first is high and pulls Ike Davis off the bag. Zim’s safe. Desmond out on the force at second. Adam Dunn vs Pedro Feliciano with 1 on and 2 out. Feliciano goes 3-0 to Dunn, gets a called strike, 3-1, swinging strike, 3-2, and Dunn grounds into the shift to end the threat. First Road Rubber Match? Really?: Hisanori Takahashi gets a groundout to third from Alberto Gonzalez. Michael Morse K’s swinging at a two-strike change. Danny Espinosa lines to left and deep and foul!! NO!! Espinosa's almost the HERO again. 1-2 count after Espinosa nearly ties it. That pitch from Takahasi brings the catcher out for a visit. Takahashi gets a groundout from Espo to short to end it, and the Mets win a rubber match on the road for the first time this season according to the Mets’ radio announce team. They were 0-7 in road rubber matches in 2010 before today... • Miss The Game? The DC Faithful Were Watching... Num Name - Comments 1 Dave at NNN - 110 2 Jorgath - 34 3 RobBobS - 23 4 RoscoeNats - 21 5 Doncosmic - 21 6 Berndaddy - 18 7 SeattleExPat - 16 8 NewJerseyAveSE = 15 9 Doghouse - 14 10 Brotato - 9 • Final Score: Mets 3, Nats 2. • Doghouse's Post Game WPA Graph: "Game 140: Moar Ramos, but moar RISP FAIL, too..." via www.fangraphs.com More than a mentor? Livan Hernandez (+7.2%) gives up 3 ER in 6.1 IP with 4 Ks and 2 walks, but it's not enough. New rookie hero: Wilson Ramos (+26.3%) goes 2-3 with a double and a two-run shot to tie the game in the 5th (+25.4%).  He is the only Nat with positive WPA as a hitter today. No other heros? The non-Ramos part of the order goes 1-6 with RISP (with the one hit loading the bases but not scoring a run) and leaving 5 LOB, for -84.4% WPA.  Do better. Nationals now 60-80. Washington Nationals - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/2931024/espinosa-may-slot-in-natsamp39-leadoff-spot.html Espinosa may slot in Nats' leadoff spot Washington Nationals - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/2931023/natsamp39-morgan-declines-to-play-winter-ball.html Nats' Morgan declines to play Winter Ball Washington Nationals - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/2931022/illness-keeps-pudge-from-starting.html Illness keeps Pudge from starting Washington Nationals - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/2931021/poll-desmond-candidate-for-nl-roy.html Washington Nationals - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/2931020/livanamp39s-solid-start-enough-for-nationals.html Livan's solid start not enough for Nationals Washington Nationals - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/2931019/game-140-moar-ramos-but-risp-fail-too.html via www.fangraphs.com More than a mentor? Livan Hernandez (+7.2%) gives up 3 ER in 6.1 IP with 4 Ks and 2 walks, but it's not enough. New rookie hero: Wilson Ramos (+26.3%) goes 2-3 with a double and a two-run shot to tie the game in the 5th (+25.4%).  He is the only Nat with positive WPA as a hitter today. No other heros? The non-Ramos part of the order goes 1-6 with RISP (with the one hit loading the bases but not scoring a run) and leaving 5 LOB, for -84.4% WPA.  Do better. Washington Nationals - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/2930225/nationals-daily-evolutions-9810.html More photos » Evan Vucci - AP about 13 hours ago: Washington Nationals starting pitcher Yunesky Maya reacts after giving up a three-run home run to New York Mets' Ike Davis during the first inning of a baseball game Tuesday, Sept. 7, 2010 in Washington. The Mets won 4-1. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) Browse more photos » I feel off this week. I don't know what it is. Most likely it was the trip this weekend and then the off day Monday. I just feel like I am stuck in some weird week that is running backwards. It was really dark this morning too. I didn't realize the year is starting to get late and soon it will be autumn and all that fun stuff. I guess I just feel like I have lost my sense of time. The important thing is the Nationals played a game last night, and while Maya did not look very good at the beginning of the game, once he settled down and got comfortable he pitched well enough to give us hope that he can be better. Let us not look past the comment near the bottom of this game story that points out just how bad Pudge has been doing for awhile now. It is almost to the point where Pudge would be better bunting every time he comes to the plate with a runner on first, and this is a case where bunting isn't giving an out away it is saving one. --Dave Nichols from natsnewsnetwork.com Among the players the Nats called up yesterday was Joe Bisenius*. My only comment when I saw that name was "Who?" I don't really follow the minors that much outside of reading what other people write about them (thanks sd), but I don't recall ever reading that name. He is an interesting story as it has been a bit of a struggle for him and I know all of us National's fans hope he finds success and a home in Natstown**.  --Mark Zuckerman natsinsider.com * The name Bisenius reminds me of some name that should appear in the Starz series "Spartacus: Blood and Sand." ** At first I hated this marketing campaign, but it has really grown on me. It was probably during the Phillies invasion when I just imagined Gerard Butler lining up Phillies fans and kicking them off the Red Porch and screaming, "THIS IS NATSTOWN!!!" It is time for the jump. What is a reliever? For the most part they are failed starters. So, in a way it is good to see the Nationals having failed starters of their own becoming decent relievers rather than having to buy 20 minor league free agents every season. --Byron Kerr from masnsports.com What fun would the world be without teenage celebrities? Probably a lot more fun, but then we wouldn't get to make fun of them. Of course lumping Bryce Harper in with Justin Bieber doesn't exactly seem right, but whatever. Harper gets the treatment of having his interview picked apart by the good people at deadspin. --David Mathews from deadspin.com More on the game last night and how Maya showed something special by not just folding after the long, long , long homerun by Ike Davis. --Mark Zuckerman csnwashington.com Espinosa* might not have done it with the bat last night, but that doesn't mean he didn't impress with the glove. --Adam Kilgore at washingtonpost.com * I just want to say that I think we need a new nickname for Espinosa because when I see spinner all I can think of is this definition (not safe for children).        The year is stacked with solid rookies. I think in any other year Desmond might get a few votes for fifth place, but I am not even sure this year he is top ten. --Results of Twitter poll conducted by Bill Ladson from nationals.com The Nationals most special rookie is currently on the DL and won't be back until September of next year at the absolute earliest, but that doesn't mean he doesn't have one of the 32 fastest fastball of all time. --Joe Posnanski from si.com  September is fan appreciation month. If anyone at the Nationals is reading this I have never won anything at Nats Park or RFK for that matter. So I think row CC section 132U should be selected for a prize Friday night. Preferably food. --Cheryl Nichols at natsnewsnetwork.com Former National and native Candian is making his season debut for the Toronto Blue Jays. Good luck Shawn Hill. --John Lott at montrealgazette.com  Nyjer Morgan got in fights on the ice too. I know, the news that a hockey player got in a fight is big. This is still an interesting look at the personality of Nyjer Morgan. I think it is important in all this to remember that although he has lacked focus on the field this year Nyjer is not a bad guy. --Jon Paul Morosi from foxsports.com  Around the NL East Jason Heyward has had a pretty good year, and an even better rookie year than former Braves slugger Henry Aaron. Of course this makes me wonder how comparable the two eras are. --Alex Remington from yahoosports.com And the Phillies are in first. --David Brown from yahoosports.com  General Baseball One of the most entertaining characters in baseball is still playing baseball at the age of 63. Spaceman Bill Lee is still having fun and throwing Leephus pitches and getting batters out. --Barry Petchesky at deadspin.com Since getting a new manager the Orioles have been playing better, but not everyone is a fan. --Keith Olberman* at mlb.com  * Just as an observer it is funny to me that a lot of people freaked out that Pujols and La Russa went to Glen Beck's rally, but yet no one finds it at least a little bit ironic that Keith Olberman has an mlb sponsered blog. They are pretty much the same guy. If you remove their political views from the equation they are both political commentators that speak in hyperbole and appeal to one side and disgust the other. If I ever got to sit right behind home plate and the umpire made a flat out terrible call I might get ejected, but I don't think I would heckle the oppossing catcher. The big story of this game should have been Hoffman getting his 600th save, but all it gets is a little mention at the end. --AP from yahoosports.com Pitching like a winner is my favorite baseball cliche to make fun of. It is even better than talking about scrappy, gritty, short people getting their uniforms dirty. Anyway, Sabathia hasn't pitched like more of a winner than Felix Hernandez, but might still win the Cy Young because...just because. --Geoff Baker at seattletimes.com It is sad when any area loses baseball. The sad tale of how MLS is displacing America's pastime in one of America's great cities, Portland Oregon. --Maury Brown at fangraphs.com Early game today which means lots of green, red, and blue dots on my work computer, and hopeing I see in play run(s) for the Nationals and in play out(s) for the Mets. I just hope that Livan is better than he was in his last two starts. The fact that he hurt his knee really has me worried. That is where all his problems from before came from.     Washington Nationals - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/2930024/nationals-dunn-looking-for-fouryear-deal-yahoo-sports.html Washington Nationals first baseman Adam Dunn's reps have been talking to the team about a contract extension... Washington Nationals - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/2930023/washington-nationals-josh-willingham-nominated-as-finalist-for-roberto-clemente-award.html Nats' outfielder Josh Willingham was nominated as finalist for the Roberto Clemente Award which "...which is given every year to a baseball player to recognize his community service efforts." View full size photo » Tuesday afternoon it was announced that Washington Nationals' outfielder Josh Willingham was nominated as one of 30 (one from each MLB team) finalists for the Roberto Clemente Award, "...which is given every year to a baseball player to recognize his community service efforts." The Nats announced Willingham's nomination in a press release that further explained what the award recognized:  "The Roberto Clemente Award presented by Chevrolet recognizes players who best represent the game of baseball through sportsmanship, community involvement and positive contributions to their clubs. The award is named for the 12-time All-Star and Hall of Famer who died in a plane crash on New Year’s Eve 1972 while attempting to deliver supplies to earthquake victims in Nicaragua. The award pays tribute to Clemente’s achievements and character by recognizing talented current players who truly understand the value of helping others." Willingham and his wife established, (according again to the press release), established "The Josh Willingham Foundation" [which] is committed to providing life-changing opportunities and experiences to underserved children in the communities in which the couple has lived throughout Josh’s career, primarily focusing on their hometown of Florence, Alabama. The foundation’s first project, for instance, involved building a public playground in Florence. Since its inception, Willingham has been actively involved in the organization and hosted the first major fundraiser – a charity golf tournament in Alabama – in the fall of 2009." Nats' team President Stan Kasten said the Nationals, "...are proud to have Josh serve as our team’s nominee for this prestigious award,": Stan Kasten: "'Josh’s willingness to give so much of his time to the team’s community service efforts on top of his own Foundation commitments is a true testament to his generous spirit and integrity.'" • You can vote for Josh Willingham HERE, and by voting you make yourself eligible to win a trip to the 2010 World Series. The voting ends October 8th, so support Willingham now.  Washington Nationals - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/2919315/dibble-off-tv-for-nats-had-criticized-strasburg-ap.html The Washington Nationals say Rob Dibble will no longer work as a TV analyst for the team's games, a split that comes after the former reliever made comments critical of rookie pitcher Stephen Strasburg. Dibble lashed out at Strasburg last week for not pitching through pain. Dibble said on Sirius XM Radio that "You can't have the cavalry come in and save your butt every time you feel a... Washington Nationals - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/2919314/benchclearing-brawl-as-marlins-beat-nationals-ap.html Nyjer Morgan once again found himself in the middle of trouble. The speedy Washington leadoff man charged the mound after a pitch sailed behind him Wednesday night, triggering a bench-clearing brawl during the Florida Marlins' 16-10 win over the Nationals. "There's nothing good I can say about someone who doesn't play the game the right way and doesn't respect the integrity of... Washington Nationals - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/2919313/nationals-ax-rob-dibble-after-stephen-strasburg-criticism-sportingnewscom.html Rob Dibble's duties with the Washington Nationals television crew are over. The team announced Wednesday that Dibble was removed from his job as analyst on its TV play-by-play crew, the Washington Post reports. The decision was made by the Nationals and not its broadcast partner, MASN. Ray Knight might finish the season working with play-by-play man Bob Carpenter, but for now his assignment lasts through the team's current road trip. Dibble has not been on a Nationals telecast since Aug. Washington Nationals - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/2919312/strasburg-has-tommy-john-surgery-in-california-ap.html Nationals rookie phenom Stephen Strasburg had reconstructive elbow surgery Friday that could keep him out of the starting rotation until the 2012 season. Lewis Yocum performed the procedure in Inglewood, Calif., in which a piece of ligament was taken from the 22-year-old right-hander's left leg and transplanted into his pitching elbow. Washington Nationals - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/2919311/nationals-say-strasburgs-tommy-john-surgery-successful-sportingnewscom.html Washington Nationals right-hander Stephen Strasburg underwent successful Tommy John surgery Friday, the team announced. "He came through it with flying colors," Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo told The Washington Post. "It went smooth and uneventful." The three-hour procedure, performed in Los Angeles by specialist Dr. Lewis Yocum, involved replacing the ulnar collateral ligament in Strasburg's pitching elbow with a tendon from his thigh. Washington Nationals - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/2919310/lannan-nationals-shut-down-pirates-92-ap.html John Lannan continues to make a midseason demotion to Double-A pay dividends. He allowed only one run for the second consecutive start, Ivan Rodriguez had three hits and four RBIs and the Washington Nationals broke a three-game losing streak with a 9-2 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates on Saturday night. Washington Nationals - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/2919309/nationals-team-report-yahoo-sports.html The Nationals are at the end of another year in which their future is more important than their present, and they're spending the last month of the season assessing what might make them better next year. Performances like those of Danny Espinosa are what keeps them going this time of year. The infielder has been tremendous in his first five games in the majors. Starting at shortstop for the first time, Espinosa hit two homers, including his first career grand slam, and drove in six runs. The team's third-round pick in 2008, Espinosa came up as a shortstop but will play most of the month at second base. The team is hoping to pair him with Ian Desmond—last year's September star and this year's rookie shortstop—in the middle of its infield. In five games,... Washington Nationals - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/2919308/nationals-recall-cubanborn-maya-for-majors-debut-ap.html The Washington Nationals recalled right-hander Yunesky Maya from Triple-A Syracuse on Tuesday, hours before his major league debut against the New York Mets. Maya, a Cuban defector who signed with the Nationals on Aug. 3, faced another pitcher making his debut in the majors, New York's Dillon Gee. Washington Nationals - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/2919307/albert-pujols-hits-400th-career-homer.html by Marc LancasterFiled under: Cardinals, Nationals, MLB MilestonesWASHINGTON -- Albert Pujols hit his 400th career home run Thursday night, becoming the 47th major league player to reach that milestone. The Cardinals first baseman cranked a 0-1 pitch from Nationals starter Jordan Zimmermann over the center field fence at Nationals Park in the top of the fourth inning for his 34th homer of the season. The 30-year-old hit the milestone in his 1,523rd major league game, breaking a tie with Al Kaline and Andres Galarraga on the all-time list. Both of those sluggers retired sitting on 399 homers. Pujols' total ranks eighth among active players, with Andruw Jones next at 405. Every player ahead of Pujols on that list is at least three years older, so he should have plenty of time to keep chipping away at the statistical landmarks still to be conquered. Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments Washington Nationals - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/2919306/cool-confident-bryce-harper-at-home-already-in-washington.html by Marc LancasterFiled under: Nationals, ProspectsWASHINGTON -- You might think Bryce Harper doesn't belong here just yet. That no 17-year-old, no matter how hyped, can be that good. That even if he has an other-worldly swing, surely the pressure inherent in signing a $9.9 million deal when he should be preparing for his senior year of high school will creep in and become an issue at some point. As evidence to the contrary, we offer this exchange from Harper's introductory press conference Thursday at Nationals Park. It had been noted previously that Harper engaged in a brief chat with Albert Pujols after the kid took a couple rounds of batting practice earlier in the afternoon. That had to be a thrill, right? "I've known Albert for a while," Harper said breezily, as if every teenager was on a first-name basis with the best player in the game. "He's a great guy, has a great swing. Just a humble, incredible guy to be around. I hung out with him at the All-Star Game also, him and Matt Holliday, actually." Oh. OK. Never mind. Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments Washington Nationals - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/2919305/masn-broadcaster-rob-dibble-to-miss-nationals-upcoming-road-trip.html by FanHouse StaffFiled under: Nationals, MLB Media Watch, Sports Business and MediaRob Dibble's absence from the Nationals' broadcasting booth will extend through the team's upcoming six-game road trip, according to MLB.com. Dibble, Mid-Atlantic Sports Network's regular color commentator on Nationals broadcasts, asked for a few days off earlier in the week after he was sharply critical of Stephen Strasburg on his Sirius XM Radio show when the young pitcher came out of a start last weekend with an injury. "So for me, a little bit has to be put back on Strasburg here," Dibble said then. "OK, you throw a pitch, it bothers your arm, and you immediately call out the manager and the trainer? Suck it up, kid. This is your profession. You chose to be a baseball player. You can't have the cavalry come in and save your butt every time you feel a little stiff shoulder, sore elbow. ... Stop crying, go out there and pitch. Period." Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments Washington Nationals - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/2919304/nationals-lock-up-livan-hernandez-through-2011.html by Andrew JohnsonFiled under: Nationals, MLB TransactionsThe first player ever to throw a pitch in a Nationals uniform will be staying in Washington for a little while longer. Livan Hernandez and the Nationals agreed to a contract extension Sunday that will keep the right-hander, who started the first game after the team moved from Montreal to Washington in 2005, in the nation's capital through the end of the 2011 season. The deal has a base value of $1 million, but could be worth more with incentives, according to MLB.com. Hernandez, 35, has undergone a bit of a renaissance this year in D.C., going 9-9 with a 3.49 ERA, despite a staggeringly low 91 strikeouts in 175 1/3 innings. Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments Washington Nationals - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/2919303/bryce-harper-on-initial-roster-for-arizona-fall-league.html by FanHouse StaffFiled under: Nationals, ProspectsThe rosters for the Arizona Fall League are out, and Bryce Harper is not listed. But that doesn't mean the Nationals won't give their newly signed top draft pick a test drive in the desert. Six Nationals prospects led by highly regarded catcher Derek Norris are on the initial roster of the Scottsdale Scorpions, with an additional Washington pitcher still to be added to the slate. Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo said last week that there was a "possibility" Harper, the 17-year-old who signed two weeks ago for $9.9 million, might play in the AFL. Harper will begin his professional work in the Florida Instructional League, the traditional introductory course for teams' younger prospects. Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments Washington Nationals - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/2919302/stephen-strasburg-to-have-tommy-john-surgery-on-friday.html by Andrew JohnsonFiled under: Nationals, MLB InjuriesThe foregone conclusion has become a reality. Washington Nationals pitcher Stephen Strasburg will undergo Tommy John surgery on Friday, the team announced Tuesday. Dr. Lewis Yocum will perform the procedure on Strasburg in California. Recovery time is estimated at anywhere from 12 to 18 months. The Nats announced last Friday that an arthrogram on the 22-year-old right-hander's forearm had revealed a "significant" tear in his ulnar collateral ligament suffered during his last start in Philadelphia on Aug. 21, making the ligament replacement surgery a virtual certainty. A second round of tests with Yocum Monday made the decision official. Kevin Blackistone: Strasburg and All the Other Cool Kids Are Doing It (Surgery)  Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments Washington Nationals - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/2919301/stephen-strasburgs-tommy-john-surgery-judged-success.html by Marc LancasterFiled under: Nationals, MLB InjuriesThe good news for the Nationals and their fans Friday was that there apparently were no surprises when Dr. Lewis Yocum performed surgery on Stephen Strasburg's elbow. The bad news was it's still probably going to be at least a year before he's back on the mound in D.C. Nonetheless, the three-hour Tommy John procedure is in the books for Washington's phenom, and that means the rehab process isn't far behind. Yocum, the Angels' team orthopedist, replaced Strasburg's torn ulnar collateral ligament with a tendon from the pitcher's thigh. Strasburg should be headed home to San Diego on Saturday. "He came through it with flying colors," Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo told the Washington Post. "It went smooth and uneventful." The best-case scenario for a return from Tommy John surgery is usually about 12 months, but considering the 2011 season will be just about over by then, it's conceivable that Strasburg may not return to the majors until 2012 even if his rehab goes well. Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments Washington Nationals - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/2919300/espinosa-bringing-excitement-since-callup.html Espinosa bringing excitement since callup Washington Nationals - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/2919299/pudge-paces-15hit-attack-in-rout-pirates.html Pudge paces 15-hit attack in rout of Pirates Washington Nationals - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/2919298/inform-lannan-looks-to-finish-year-strong.html In-form Lannan looks to finish year strong Washington Nationals - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/2919297/nats-bolster-pitching-depth-callups.html Nats bolster pitching depth with callups Washington Nationals - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/2919296/maya-excited-to-make-impact-in-majors.html Maya excited to make impact in Majors Washington Nationals - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/2919295/triplea-manager-jewett-to-join-nats.html Washington Nationals - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/2919294/resurgent-marquis-puts-end-to-road-woes.html Resurgent Marquis puts end to road woes Washington Nationals - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/2919293/injury-limits-desmond-to-pinchhit-duty.html Injury limits Desmond to pinch-hit duty Washington Nationals - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/2919292/morgan-considering-winter-ball-options.html Morgan considering winter ball options Washington Nationals - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/2919291/espinosa-homers-twice-drives-in-six-rout.html Espinosa homers twice, drives in six in rout Washington Nationals - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/2919290/clemente-nominee-willingham-gives-back.html Clemente nominee Willingham gives back Washington Nationals - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/2919289/wang-out-for-year-preparing-fall-ball.html Wang out for year, preparing for fall ball Washington Nationals - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/2919288/nats-boost-pitching-staff-callups.html Nats boost pitching staff with callups Washington Nationals - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/2919287/maya-finishes-up-losing-debut-strong.html Maya finishes up losing debut strong Washington Nationals - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/2919286/jason-marquis-outdone-by-roy-halladay-in-washington-nationals-10-loss-to-philadelphia-phillies.html Jason Marquis gives his best performace of the year for the Nations, but is outdueled by Philly's Roy Halladay in a 1-0 loss. Roy Halladay - Philadelphia Phillies - sport - Baseball - Washington Nationals Washington Nationals - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/2919285/stephen-strasburg-washington-nationals-await-results-mri-exam.html The Nationals can only wait and hope rookie pitcher Stephen Strasburg's MRI results, which are expected to come Monday morning, are just as comforting as they were the first time. Stephen Strasburg - Washington Nationals - Magnetic resonance imaging - Washington - Medicine Washington Nationals - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/2919284/washington-nationals-rally-in-ninth-falls-short-54-loss-to-chicago-cubs.html After their high school-style fielding practice Tuesday afternoon, the Washington Nationals gathered at the pitching mound around Manager Jim Riggleman. Before batting practice, Riggleman offered a scowling, finger-waving, 10-minute reminder that a lack of effort, even in games that lack relevanc... Washington National - Sport - Baseball - Chicago Cubs - Major League Washington Nationals - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/2919283/bryce-harper-could-turn-washington-nationals-dreams-to-reality.html Look directly at Bryce Harper. Watch his batting practice home run on Thursday as it lands in the third deck in Nationals Park. Watch him blast balls over the fence in every direction. Washington Nationals - 3D - Bryce Harper - Rendering and Modelling - Graphics Washington Nationals - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/2919282/stephen-strasburg-pledges-to-return-in-top-form-from-tommy-john-surgery.html On Saturday, as he flies to Los Angeles, where he will undergo ligament-replacement surgery that will place his nascent, breathtaking career on pause, Stephen Strasburg will pull out a piece of paper and write down everything he is thinking. Tommy John - Washington Nationals - Stephen Strasburg - Surgery - Medicine Washington Nationals - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/2919281/lannan-wins-as-nationals-post-consecutive-for-first-time-since-july.html John Lannan came through with his best outing of the season as the Washington Nationals beat the St. Louis Cardinals, 4-2, at Nationals Park to take three of four games in the series. John Lannan - United States - Recreation - Ian Desmond - Ryan Zimmerman Washington Nationals - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/2919280/washington-nationals-fire-tv-announcer-rob-dibble-after-his-comments-about-stephen-strasburg.html The Washington Nationals cut beleaguered television color analyst Rob Dibble from their broadcast team, following his comments about Stephen Strasburg. Washington Nationals - Rob Dibble - United States - WASHINGTON - Stephen Strasburg Washington Nationals - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/2919279/nationals-nyjer-morgan-suspended-eight-games-for-brawl-marlins-other-incidents.html PITTSBURGH - Major League Baseball suspended Washington Nationals center fielder Nyjer Morgan eight games for his role in Wednesday's benches-clearing brawl with the Florida Marlins and two other recent incidents, finalizing his controversial week with the harshest penalty of any participant in the... Nyjer Morgan - Sport - Florida Marlins - Washington Nationals - Baseball Washington Nationals - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/2919278/featured-advertiser.html Washington Nationals - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/2919277/nl-westleading-padres-lose-10th-straight.html SAN DIEGO -- No matter what they try, the San Diego Padres just keep losing. San Diego Padres - United States - sport - National League West - San Francisco Giants Washington Nationals - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates