Nationals Journal: August 15, 2010 - August 21, 2010
Stephen Strasburg hurts right forearm
Nationals General Manager Mike Rizzo said starting pitcher Stephen Strasburg hurt the flexor tendon in his right forearm after throwing a changeup tonight in the fifth inning and that the club will evaluate him further after an MRI exam tomorrow...
By
Gene Wang
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August 21, 2010; 10:27 PM ET |
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Stephen Strasburg
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Strasburg removed with apparent injury
Nationals pitcher Stephen Strasburg left tonight's game in the bottom of the fifth inning with an as-yet undisclosed injury, after wincing visibly and shaking his right hand following a pitch to Phillies right fielder Domonic Brown. There was no immediate...
By
Dave Sheinin
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August 21, 2010; 8:51 PM ET |
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Stephen Strasburg vs. Ryan Howard, Part 1
In addition to Stephen Strasburg making his third start since coming off the disabled list, tonight's game against the Phillies is particularly intriguing because of the rookie pitcher's first head-to-head matchup against slugging first baseman Ryan Howard, who is back...
By
Gene Wang
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August 21, 2010; 4:49 PM ET |
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Stephen Strasburg
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Today's lineups
Nationals Morgan Desmond Dunn Zimmerman Bernadina Kennedy Rodriguez Harris Strasburg Phillies Rollins Polanco Utley Howard Victorino Ibanez Brown Schneider Kendrick...
By
Gene Wang
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August 21, 2010; 4:44 PM ET |
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Stephen Strasburg
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Unusual double play leaves Nationals at a loss
Facing Philadelphia ace Roy Hallladay is difficult enough without giving him unexpected outs, but through what players and Manager Jim Riggleman said was essentially bad luck on the bases for Ian Desmond, the Nationals allowed the 2003 Cy Young winner...
By
Gene Wang
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August 21, 2010; 12:45 AM ET |
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Categories:
Ian Desmond
,
Jim Riggleman
,
Ryan Zimmerman
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Game 122 discussion thread: Nationals at Phillies
For a team that has won three times in 11 games, facing Roy Halladay isn't exactly a recipe for beginning a late-season turnaround, but that's exactly the situation the Nationals are in. Halladay (15-8, 2.24 ERA) has been masterful against...
By
Gene Wang
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August 20, 2010; 7:00 PM ET |
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Jason Marquis
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Mike Rizzo talks Bryce Harper, Josh Willingham, pitching
Nationals General Manager Mike Rizzo spoke late this afternoon as the team took batting practice at Citizens Bank Park, covering a wide range of topics, including Bryce Harper, whom the club signed just before Monday's midnight deadline. Harper is scheduled...
By
Gene Wang
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August 20, 2010; 5:13 PM ET |
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Bryce Harper
,
Jordan Zimmermann
,
Josh Willingham
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Fan blog FAQ
For those of you interested in the fan blog we announced yesterday, you still have time to apply. Fill out this form by 11:59 p.m. ET Sunday to be eligible. We'll contact the top candidates next week to ask for...
By
Mitch Rubin
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August 20, 2010; 4:00 PM ET |
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Today's lineups
Nationals Morgan Desmond Dunn Zimmerman Bernadina Morse Rodriguez Kennedy Marquis Phillies Rollins Polanco Utley Werth Ibanez Victorino Sweeney Ruiz Halladay...
By
Gene Wang
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August 20, 2010; 3:34 PM ET |
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John Lannan getting 'back on track'
For most of this season John Lannan would throw his pitches and hope they would do what he wanted, but he really didn't know if they would. That's the difference between then and now. They physical changes Lannan made during...
By
Adam Kilgore
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August 19, 2010; 6:58 PM ET |
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John Lannan
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Calling all Nats fans
In September, The Post will introduce a new reader-driven blog for fans, by fans, focused solely on Washington sports. To fill out our roster of fan bloggers, we're looking for two of our best, most diehard Nats fans to weigh...
By
Mitch Rubin
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August 19, 2010; 6:30 PM ET |
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Game 121 discussion thread: Nationals at Braves
The Nationals will try to avoid a sweep, having already not won a road series for the 15th consecutive try. Their road record is 20-42, third-worst in the majors and, by winning percentage, nearly identical to their road record last...
By
Adam Kilgore
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August 19, 2010; 1:05 PM ET |
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Josh Willingham officially done for year, Nyjer Morgan returns
What the Nationals have known for a few days became official this morning: Josh Willingham was placed on the disabled list and will have season-ending surgery to repair the meniscus in his left knee next week. The Nationals replaced him...
By
Adam Kilgore
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August 19, 2010; 1:03 PM ET |
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Today's lineup
Wilson Ramos is starting today for the Nationals, his first appearance with the team. Nationals 1. Nyjer Morgan, CF 2. Ian Desmond, SS 3. Roger Bernadina, LF 4. Ryan Zimmerman, 3B 5. Michael Morse, RF 6. Adam Kennedy, 2B 7....
By
Alexa Steele
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August 19, 2010; 10:13 AM ET |
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Wilson Ramos
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Livan Hernandez's unique season rolls on
Livan Hernandez allows a lot of runners, few runs
By
Adam Kilgore
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August 19, 2010; 6:00 AM ET |
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Game 120 discussion thread: Nationals at Braves
One last thing to get to as the game is starting: Nyjer Morgan is here today and will be activated tomorrow. Morgan had planned to play in a rehab game for Class A Hagerstown yesterday, but General Manager Mike Rizzo...
By
Adam Kilgore
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August 18, 2010; 7:10 PM ET |
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Pitchers report to Viera, Bryce Harper coming to Nationals Park first
The Nationals have outlined an initial schedule for the four elite draft picks who signed Monday before the midnight deadline. First overall pick Bryce Harper will be introduced at Nationals Park at some point during the Nationals' next homestand, though...
By
Adam Kilgore
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August 18, 2010; 7:04 PM ET |
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Wilson Ramos called up, available today [UPDATED]
Catcher Wilson Ramos, the highly regarded prospect the Nationals acquired from the Minnesota Twins for closer Matt Capps, has joined the Nationals for tonight's game in Atlanta. Ramos landed at about 4:15 p.m. and took batting practice with the Nationals...
By
Adam Kilgore
|
August 18, 2010; 6:45 PM ET |
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Yunesky Maya to start for Potomac
Yunesky Maya continued building up for the major leagues Tuesday afternoon, throwing 66 pitches in four innings of a Gulf Coast League game. On Sunday, he will make his biggest step yet. Maya will start Sunday for Class A Potomac...
By
Adam Kilgore
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August 18, 2010; 5:57 PM ET |
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Today's lineups
The Nationals will try to solve Tim Hudson, a pitcher who's dominated them like none other in recent seasons. Here's how they'll try. Nationals 1. Roger Bernadina, CF 2. Ian Desmond, SS 3. Ryan Zimmerman, 3B 4. Adam Dunn, 1B...
By
Adam Kilgore
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August 18, 2010; 3:34 PM ET |
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Wil Nieves's big night is nothing compared to week ahead
Last night, Wil Nieves was sitting in the Nationals' dugout and he figured he would watch a game, maybe warm up the pitcher a few times, just like most nights. Without warning, as Ivan Rodriguez got ejected, Nieves switched...
By
Adam Kilgore
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August 18, 2010; 7:00 AM ET |
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Game 119 discussion thread: Nationals at Braves
Before the first game of every series, the Nationals' hitters gather with hitting coach Rick Eckstein and discuss the opposing pitching staff, making themselves familiar with what they're about to see. Today's session was unique. No one on the Nationals,...
By
Adam Kilgore
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August 17, 2010; 7:00 PM ET |
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Jason Marquis to start Friday, Nationals set rotation
Manager Jim Riggleman committed to Jason Marquis making his next start as scheduled, and he'll pitch Friday at Philadelphia. Stephen Strasburg will follow on Saturday, his first start at Citizens Bank Park, and Scott Olsen, barring anything surprising tonight, will...
By
Adam Kilgore
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August 17, 2010; 6:59 PM ET |
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Jason Marquis
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Josh Willingham likely done for the season
With an injury to the meniscus in his left knee worsening rather than improving, Josh Willingham's season -- the best of his career before the onset of knee pain -- is likely over. "It's almost a certainty he's going to...
By
Adam Kilgore
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August 17, 2010; 5:51 PM ET |
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Tonight's lineup
Josh Willingham is not in tonight's Nationals lineup: 1. Gonzalez - 2B 2. Desmond - SS 3. Zimmerman - 3B 4. Dunn - 1B 5. Pudge - C 6. Morse - RF 7. Mench - LF 8. Maxwell - CF...
By
Alexa Steele
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August 17, 2010; 3:46 PM ET |
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The 2013 Nationals
Say Bryce Harper follows a path similar to Justin Upton, the last 17-year-old to be taken with the first overall pick. He'll appear in his first game at 19 and start appearing as a regular at 20. The absolute soonest...
By
Adam Kilgore
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August 17, 2010; 1:49 PM ET |
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Stan Kasten says the system is broken
After the whipped cream and joy faded away, Nationals President Stan Kasten used the platform of signing Bryce Harper to once again reiterate his contempt for baseball's current system for signing draft choices. Three straight years, the Nationals have...
By
Adam Kilgore
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August 17, 2010; 6:28 AM ET |
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Bryce Harper
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Stan Kasten and Mike Rizzo celebrate Bryce Harper signing
in the middle of their press conference announcing the signing of first overall pick Bryce Harper, Stan Kasten pulled a whipped cream pie -- planted in the corner by administrative assistant Harolyn Cardozo -- and smeared it all over...
By
Adam Kilgore
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August 17, 2010; 12:57 AM ET |
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Categories:
Bryce Harper
,
draft
| Tags: Bryce Harper, Mike Rizzo, Stan Kasten
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Nationals, Bryce Harper reach a deal
The Washington Nationals and No. 1 draft pick Bryce Harper agreed to terms on a contract just before a midnight deadline.
By
Gene Wang
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August 17, 2010; 12:04 AM ET |
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Categories:
Bryce Harper
| Tags: Bryce Harper
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Final-hour drama ends as Nationals sign Bryce Harper
UPDATE 12:05: The Nationals have reached an agreement with Bryce Harper on a major league contract. We are still waiting to finalize the exact terms. Original post, 11:00:The Nationals and first overall pick Bryce Harper have one hour to strike...
By
Adam Kilgore
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August 16, 2010; 11:00 PM ET |
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Categories:
Bryce Harper
,
draft
| Tags: Bryce Harper
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Nationals announce signing of A.J. Cole
The Nationals signed pitcher A.J. Cole for $2 million, according to a team source, the highest bonus ever given to a fourth-round pick.
By
Adam Kilgore
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August 16, 2010; 10:06 PM ET |
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Comments (29)
Categories:
draft
,
minors & farm system
| Tags: A.J. Cole
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Nationals announce signing of Sammy Solis
The Nationals have officially agreed to terms with second-round pick Sammy Solis, a pitcher.
By
Adam Kilgore
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August 16, 2010; 8:17 PM ET |
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Categories:
draft
,
minors & farm system
| Tags: Sammy Solis
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Danny Espinosa to play second base
Class AAA Syracuse infielder Danny Espinosa played second base tonight for the first time, a potentially significant sign for his future with the Nationals.
By
Adam Kilgore
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August 16, 2010; 7:18 PM ET |
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Categories:
middle infield
,
minors & farm system
| Tags: Danny Espinosa
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Nationals announce signing of Robbie Ray
The Washington Nationals and 12th-round pitcher Robbie Ray agree to a contract higher than anyone picked after the fourth round.
By
Adam Kilgore
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August 16, 2010; 6:40 PM ET |
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Categories:
draft
,
minors & farm system
| Tags: Robbie Ray
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An update on Bryce Harper and the Nationals' draft
There's not much coming out of the Nationals' front office today, not surprising given the sensitivity of negotiations. From what I gather, there's an upbeat mood in the Nationals offices and both Team President Stan Kasten and General Manager Mike...
By
Adam Kilgore
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August 16, 2010; 5:05 PM ET |
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Bryce Harper
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Bryce Harper gives Nationals another chance to step forward
Last year, the signing of Stephen Strasburg felt much more like a referendum on the Nationals than a referendum on the player. The Nationals had lost 102 games. They had failed to sign Aaron Crow, their previous first-round pick....
By
Adam Kilgore
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August 16, 2010; 9:24 AM ET |
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Bryce Harper
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Jordan Zimmermann getting closer to the majors
In his likely second-to-last minor league appearance before rejoining the Nationals, Jordan Zimmermann allowed one run in five innings for Class AAA Syracuse today. Zimmermann threw 73 pitches and allowed five hits and one walks. It was Zimmermann's third start...
By
Adam Kilgore
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August 15, 2010; 7:15 PM ET |
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Jordan Zimmermann
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Ryan Zimmerman: Stephen Strasburg 'on a very different level' than Bryce Harper
Before Stephen Strasburg gave his thoughts about Bryce Harper, third baseman Ryan Zimmerman, the player who represents the franchise more than any other, shared his opinion on the final showdown between Harper and the Nationals before Monday's midnight deadline. The...
By
Adam Kilgore
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August 15, 2010; 6:38 PM ET |
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Categories:
Bryce Harper
,
Ryan Zimmerman
,
Stephen Strasburg
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Stephen Strasburg's strong words for Bryce Harper
One year ago, Stephen Strasburg faced the same high-stakes moment Bryce Harper is entering now, less than 36 hours away from the deadline for 2010 draft picks to sign or re-enter the draft next season. Following his start today, Strasburg...
By
Adam Kilgore
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August 15, 2010; 5:15 PM ET |
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Comments (19)
Categories:
Bryce Harper
,
Stephen Strasburg
| Tags: Bryce Harper, Scott Boras, Stephen Strasburg
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Game 118 discussion thread: Nationals vs. Diamondbacks
Nationals fan get a double dose of good news today: Their starter is not Jason Marquis, and it is Stephen Strasburg. Strasburg, of course, will try to rebound from the rockiest start of his career. The Marlins smacked him around...
By
Adam Kilgore
|
August 15, 2010; 1:30 PM ET |
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For now, Jason Marquis remains in the Nationals rotation
After another horrendous outing Saturday night, Jason Marquis will likely make his next start as scheduled and he will remain with the Nationals for the remainder of the season. Marquis allowed five earned runs in four innings Saturday, which actually...
By
Adam Kilgore
|
August 15, 2010; 1:25 PM ET |
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Report: Nationals break bank on Sammy Solis, A.J. Cole
Jim Callis of Baseball America, a go-to source on baseball draft signings, reported late last night that the Nationals have agreed to terms with second-round choice Sammy Solis and fourth-round choice A.J. Cole, including a record-breaking bonus for Cole. Callis...
By
Adam Kilgore
|
August 15, 2010; 12:48 PM ET |
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Nationals close to signing A.J. Cole
Fourth round selection A.J. Cole, a high school pitcher from Florida with a high-90s fastballs and first-round talent, is close finalizing an agreement with the Nationals, Cole said this morning in a telephone conversation. Cole said that "nothing is for...
By
Adam Kilgore
|
August 15, 2010; 10:59 AM ET |
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Today's lineups
The Nats are going with their standard lineup as Stephen Strasburg tries to return to form against the DBacks. Nationals 1. Roger Bernadina, CF 2. Ian Desmond, SS 3. Adam Dunn, 1B 4. Ryan Zimmerman, 3B 5. Josh Willingham, LF...
By
Adam Kilgore
|
August 15, 2010; 10:54 AM ET |
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