As winter turns to spring, Nationals baseball begins anew in Florida

SNYDER: We shouldn't question Bryce Harper's youthful outlook

By Deron Snyder - The Washington Times

Can we let Bryce Harper be Bryce Harper for now, when he's 19 and still learning the ways of the world? Can we appreciate his personality, letting him grow and mature, without asking him to be a plastic player filled with false humility? Can we encourage him to be as honest and open as possible, letting him experiment with the boundaries, instead of turning him into a colorless cliche machine who never says anything remotely interesting or stimulating?

Hall of Fame catcher Gary Carter dies at 57

By Ben Walker - Associated Press

updated 43 minutes ago

Gary Carter was nicknamed "Kid" for good reason.

Spring training gives fans a different view of the games

By Mitch Stacy - Associated Press

Major league baseball teams started coming to Florida for spring training almost a century ago, traveling by rail from the often still-frozen North to get in shape and play some exhibition games in the sun.

COMAK: Edwin Jackson's deal makes sense, thanks to new CBA

By Amanda Comak - The Washington Times

When the Washington Nationals added right-hander Edwin Jackson to their corps of starters two weeks ago, his $11 million deal made him the highest-paid pitcher on the staff for 2012. But baseball's new Collective Bargaining Agreement could make his contract more advantageous to the Nationals than it originally appeared.

AL experienced seismic shift by adding Pujols, Fielder

By Ronald Blum - The Washington Times

Tim Lincecum thought about the seismic shifts of baseball's offseason, the ones that saw Albert Pujols and Prince Fielder migrate to the American League.

HELLER: Death to the DH would be a dream come true

By Dick Heller - The Washington Times

The designated hitter is an abomination foisted on us by a desperate American League in 1973. Nearly four decades later, its tentacles choke traditional baseball at nearly every level from Little League to the minors.

Nats reaping bountiful harvest on the farm

By Amanda Comak - The Washington Times

"To get from the Dead Sea — below sea level — to going up Mount Everest, it's a long haul," Nationals principal owner Mark Lerner said of the team's farm system. "Doing it in just five years, patting ourselves on the back, it's pretty phenomenal."

DALY: Nats' Rizzo aiming to get a leg up in arms race

By Dan Daly - The Washington Times

First the Washington Nationals trade for Gio Gonzalez. Then they sign Edwin Jackson to a one-year deal. I ask you: Has this team ever been more ready for rainouts — not to mention doubleheaders?

Nationals sign Rick Ankiel to minor league contract

By Amanda Comak - The Washington Times

According to a source with knowledge of the negotiations, the Washington Nationals have agreed to terms with outfielder Rick Ankiel on a minor league deal that includes an invitation to spring training.

Nats sign Teahen to minor-league deal

By Amanda Comak - The Washington Times

The Washington Nationals announced the minor league signing of Mark Teahen on Monday afternoon, adding the 30-year-old corner infielder and outfielder to the mix for a bench role.