NATIONALS NEWS NETWORK: Off The Field: 2010

Tuesday, December 28, 2010

Nats Player Shirts Have New Look

As you probably know, the Washington Nationals have changed their primary logo to the Curly W in the off-season. The "block lettering" is gone.

It wasn't until we were out doing a little after Christmas shopping that I realized how different the player t-shirts will look from the front!

This is how the player t-shirts have looked since 2005 with the Nationals block lettering on the front:

Photo from mlb.com

Now, there is simply a Curly W on the left chest. I think that they look like a free giveaway shirt now and need a little something else. Just not sure what exactly. What do you think?

Photo 2010 © Cheryl Nichols Photography/

Friday, December 17, 2010

Nats Re-Signed RHP Chien-Ming Wang

Press Release:

NATIONALS RE-SIGN RIGHTHANDER CHIEN-MING WANG

The Washington Nationals tonight signed free-agent right-handed pitcher Chien-Ming Wang to a one-year Major League contract. Nationals Executive Vice President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Mike Rizzo made the announcement.

Wang, 30, returns for a second season with the Nationals organization. He did not pitch in 2010 while working with the Nationals’ training staff on a rehab program designed to regain full health from July 2009 right shoulder surgery.

Wang is 55-26 with a 4.16 ERA in 109 career games/104 starts spanning five seasons with the Yankees. An extreme ground-ball pitcher, Wang’s career ground ball-to-fly ball ratio of 2.73/1 ranks third among active pitchers with 100-plus starts, trailing only Brandon Webb (3.63/1) and Derek Lowe (3.09/1). His .679 career winning percentage ranks second among active pitchers with 100 or more starts.

Perhaps best known for posting consecutive 19-win seasons for the Yankees in 2006 and ‘07, Wang’s consistency afforded him the honor of starting the Yankees’ first post-season contest in 2007 vs. Cleveland. During the same two-year span, Wang led MLB with 38 wins and a .745 winning percentage while pacing the American League with 864 ground balls induced and a 2.9/1 ground ball-to-fly ball ratio.

Wang originally signed with the Yankees as a non-drafted free agent on May 5, 2000.

(Click image to enlarge)

Thursday, December 16, 2010

RIP Bob Feller

Hall of Bob Feller, 92, passed away on Wednesday, December 15. May he rest in peace.

Bob Feller threw out the first pitch to LHP John Lannan at Nationals Park when the Nats hosted the Orioles on May 24, 2009.

Photos © Cheryl Nichols Photography/
Nats News Network. All Rights Reserved.

Thursday, December 9, 2010

Fans Reach Out to Cordero Family

Many citizens of NatsTown particpated in the moment of silence on Wednesday, December 8 for former Nationals closer Chad Cordero and his family. Chad's three month old daughter,Tehya, passed away a few days ago. See previous post for more info.

During the moment of silence, candles were lit and posted to Facebook to show support to Chad, Jamie and Riley Cordero. Here are a few of the photos posted tonight on the Facebook page. The response was fantastic and I'm sure that the Cordero family was touched by all of the messages.

Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

All Photos from Moment of Silence for Sweet Baby Tehya Facebook Page

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Happy Holidays from the Nats

"Off Season Greetings" from the Washington Nationals

Click here to see animated holiday card.

Monday, December 6, 2010

Condolences to Chad Cordero

Nats fans have a few former beloved players that they continue to follow and support even after leaving the Nationals. Closer Chad "Chief" Cordero is definitely one of those players.

Many of you have already heard the tragic news of Chad and Jamie Cordero's three month old daughter Tehya's recent passing.

Nats starting pitcher Matt Chico's wife, Stephanie, has organized a "Moment of Silence" to honor Chad and his family on Wednesday, December 8 from 7-10pm. See the Facebook Event for more information.

Please keep Chad, Jamie and Riley Cordero in your thoughts and prayers.

This is a beautiful slideshow "In Loving Memory of Tehya Irene Cordero,
September 12, 2010 - December 4, 2010."

Friday, November 12, 2010

The Z Man Does It Again!

Congratulations to Ryan Zimmerman on his second Silver Slugger Award!

Borrowing a Charlie Slowes signature phrase, "The Z Man Does It Again!" As I mentioned last year, there will be many more awards to come.

Last year's award

Photos © Cheryl Nichols Photography/

Press Release:

NATIONALS 3B RYAN ZIMMERMAN EARNS SECOND CONSECUTIVE

LOUISVILLE SLUGGER SILVER SLUGGER AWARD

WASHINGTON THIRD BAGGER IS ONE OF FIVE TO WIN AWARD FOR SECOND CONSECUTIVE SEASON

Washington Nationals third baseman Ryan Zimmerman tonight was named the recipient of the 2010 Louisville Slugger Silver Slugger for National League third basemen. The Silver Slugger citation is the second of Zimmerman’s career. He earned his initial Silver Slugger last season.

Zimmerman recorded arguably his finest offensive campaign in 2010, hitting a career-best .307 (161-for-525) with 32 doubles, 25 home runs, 85 RBI and 69 walks in 142 games. In addition to hitting .300-plus for the first time, Zimmerman also established career highs in on-base percentage (.388) and OPS (.899), a metric which combines on-base and slugging percentages.

The first qualified Washington National (2005-present) to hit .300 or better against both left- (.331) and right-handed (.300) pitching in the same season, Zimmerman is one of five 2009 Silver Slugger recipients to again garner the Silver Slugger citation in 2010. He is joined on this list by Cardinals first baseman Albert Pujols, Brewers left fielder Ryan Braun, Braves catcher Brian McCann and Twins catcher Joe Mauer.

The 26 year-old Zimmerman ranked among NL leaders in batting average against left-handed hitters (seventh, .331), game-winning RBI (tied seventh, 14), OBP (eighth), OPS (eighth, .899), batting average (eighth), runs created/27 (ninth, 6.75), batting average with runners on base (ninth, .335), slugging percentage (10th, .511), batting average at home (10th, .317) and go-ahead RBI (tied 10th, 26).

Zimmerman’s Silver Slugger citation is also the third in the six-year history of the Washington National (2005-present). Alfonso Soriano was awarded a Silver Slugger after hitting .277 with 41 doubles, 46 home runs, 95 RBI and 41 stolen bases in 2006, his lone campaign with the Nationals, before Zimmerman was first recognized by Louisville Slugger in 2009.

In June of 2005, Zimmerman was the first draft selection in the history of the Washington Nationals.

Thursday, November 11, 2010

Pete Orr Signs Minor League Contract with Phillies

Pete Orr spent all of last season in Triple-A Syracuse. Today the Philadelphia Phillies signed him to a minor league deal.

Orr was drafted by the Atlanta Braves and signed as a free agent with the Washington Nationals in January 2008 so he played in the Nats organization for three years.

Pete Orr has had position flexibility and in his career, he has played every position except first base and catcher. Yes, he has even pitched. The Nats had discussed sending to Orr to instructional league last September to learn how to play catcher so that he could be an emergency back-up if necessary, however, they ended up not sending him.

When Orr was with the Nats, he seemed willing to play wherever and whenever he could and played hard with a great attitude. He was always very good with fans. Best of luck Pete Orr!

Photo © Cheryl Nichols Photography/

2011 Nationals New Uniforms

The Washington Nationals unveiled their 2011 new uniforms in an invite-only fashion show in the Stars and Stripes Club at Nationals Park on Wednesday night, November 10.

Early speculation was that the home white jerseys would change from block letters to script, however, when Ryan Zimmermn and Drew Storen stepped onto the stage wearing the new home bright whites, jaws dropped. Both fans and media seemed surprised to see that "Nationals" had been dropped completely from the uniform and simply has a Curly W on the left chest like the alternate jerseys.

"I really like the clean look especially the white uniform how the white pops out," Nationals General Manager Mike Rizzo told media. "We wanted to go with our base logo and we really think that the Curly W is our brand."

Nationals COO Andrew Feffer explained, "We wanted something unique and different. We don't want to be a 'Me-Too' brand of the Phillies or the Mets or the Braves or anyone else. We wanted something to differentiate ourselves, not only within this marketplace but within baseball. And I think you can see from that it's something very unique and different. And it will stand out. If you lined up all the jerseys of all the teams across a wall and you looked at that, you would immediately see that the Nationals stand out as something different."

The new Nationals Primary Logo

Tyler Clippard is wearing the new ROAD jersey and hat. The road hat changed from a dark blue solid hat to a two-tone blue with red bill. This jersey looks basically the same as last season, however, piping was moved to the end of the sleeve and the new primary logo was added to left sleeve.

The gold trim has been removed from the numbers and the MLB silhouetted batter colors have changed to red, white and blue.

Jordan Zimmermann is wearing the PATRIOTIC/BLUE ALTERNATE uniforms which will be worn for special occasions, including Memorial Day, Fourth of July and September 11. The color is a darker blue and the interlocking DC is now a Curly W with stars and stripes. The piping was moved to the end of the sleeve and the new primary logo was added to left sleeve. The road hat will be worn with these uniforms which changed from a dark blue solid hat to a two-tone blue with red bill.

The gold trim has been removed from the numbers and the MLB silhouetted batter colors have changed to red, white and blue.

Ian Desmond and John Lannan are wearing the RED ALTERNATE uniforms which will be worn for Saturday and Sunday home games as well as occasional road games. These are similar to the reds worn last season. Blue piping was added to the white piping and the new primary logo was added to left sleeve.

The red hat with a white Curly W is the same except that the MLB silhouetted batter colors have changed to red, white and blue.

The gold trim has been removed from the numbers and the MLB silhouetted batter colors have changed to red, white and blue.

Drew Storen and Ryan Zimmerman are wearing the new HOME uniforms which will be worn for weekday home games. The white is a brighter white, a red Curly W with blue outline was added to left chest and red numbers with blue outline were added to the right chest. Blue and red piping was moved to the placket, piping was moved to end of the sleeve and the new primary logo was added to left sleeve.

Name and numbers are red with blue outline. The gold trim has been removed from the numbers and the MLB silhouetted batter colors have changed to red, white and blue.

Mike Rizzo closed the event by introducing Screech and the Racing Presidents who were also wearing the new jerseys.

Players thoughts on new jerseys -

"I love them. They are all really nice and they did a great job with them." - Jordan Zimmermann

"I definitely like the white ones better." - Ian Desmond

"Like the Dodgers uniforms" - Ryan Zimmerman

"Clean and simple" - Drew Storen

Photos 2010 © Cheryl Nichols Photography/

Autograph Session at Nationals Park Team Store

Reminder about the Autograph Sesssion with Washington Nationals players Tyler Clippard, Ian Desmond, Drew Storen and Jordan Zimmermann at the Nationals Park Team Store on Thursday, November 11. Autograph session will take place from 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and doors open from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

o Ian Desmond 11:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
o Tyler Clippard 12:10 p.m. to 12:40 p.m.
o Drew Storen 12:50 p.m. to 1:20 p.m.
o Jordan Zimmermann 1:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m

The Nationals Park Team Store will be the ONLY place in town to purchase new Nationals jerseys from November 11 to November 17.

Fans will also receive 15% off the price of a new Nationals jersey when they trade in any MLB jersey at the Team Store through December 1.

STORE HOURS:
Thursday, Nov. 11 – Saturday, Nov. 20: 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Monday, Nov. 22 – Friday, Nov. 31: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Store will be closed on Sundays, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Hours are subject to change.

New primary logo t-shirts on mlb.com as well as the new home whites and blues.

Photos 2010 © Cheryl Nichols Photography/

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Skipper and GM Changes at P-Nats

Matt LeCroy was named Field Manager of Class A Potomac. LeCroy managed Hagerstown the last two seasons going 121-153.

Matt LeCroy played for the Minnesota Twins from 2000-2005 and again in 2007 and for the Washington Nationals in 2006.

LeCroy replaces Gary Cathcart who will have dual roles with the Nationals organization in 2011. According to Byron Kerr of MASN, Carthcart will be a roving instructor for the Nationals in the Gulf Coast League and Hagerstown and then after the draft in June, he'll manage Auburn in the New York/Penn league.

The Potomac Nationals Vice President and General Manager Jonathan Griffith resigned in September and has been replaced by Josh Olerud. Olerud was the General Manager of the Rockford RiverHawks for the last five seasons.

Nats to Unveil New Uniforms, Again (Photos)

The Washington Nationals are approaching their seventh season since moving to DC from Montreal and are unveiling the fourth round of jersey changes on Wednesday night, November 10.

Washington Nationals players Tyler Clippard, Ian Desmond, John Lannan, Drew Storen, Ryan Zimmerman and Jordan Zimmermann will join Nationals Executive Vice President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Mike Rizzo in unveiling the team’s new uniforms during an exclusive fashion show.

This first-of-its-kind event at the ballpark will include a pre-show cocktail reception and raffle drawing. Following the fashion show, invited guests will have the opportunity to mingle with players and purchase the new jerseys. The invitation-only affair will be held from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. in the Stars and Stripes Club at Nationals Park.

Nationals players will also take part in an autograph session the next morning, Thursday, November 11, at the Nationals Park Team Store. Select players will be on hand to sign autographs and meet fans from 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. (one player each half hour).

The Nationals Park Team Store will be the ONLY place in town to purchase new Nationals jerseys from November 11 to November 17. Fans will also receive 15% off the price of a new Nationals jersey when they trade in any MLB jersey at the Team Store through December 1.

STORE HOURS:
Thursday, Nov. 11 – Saturday, Nov. 20: 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Monday, Nov. 22 – Friday, Nov. 31: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Store will be closed on Sundays, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Hours are subject to change.

There is a lot of speculation as to what will be revealed on Wednesday night. The inaugural season of 2005 introduced the home whites with block letters and that is the only uniform that has remained the same (except for changing fabric to quick-dry). Many think that the home whites will change the block letter to script and remove the gold.

Photos of the prototype jersey were circulated on Twitter over the last couple of weeks and I was not sure of the origin, however, thanks to a comment on this post, got my answer and have removed the photos. You can see the prototype jersey here, which is pretty much what I was expecting to see tonight. What do you think? Could the hat look like this?

Keep in mind that players may change their numbers too so wait to confirm before purchasing a jersey. There are plenty of fans that bought the Zimmerman #25 jerseys after Ryan wore that number during his September call up in 2005, however, changed to #11 in 2006. Pitcher Drew Storen announced that he changed his number from #58 to #25.

Here is a stroll down memory lane for you of the previous jersey unveilings in 2005 and 2008.

After the first season, the Nationals unveiled new blue spring training jerseys and caps with interlocking DC and the red alternated and cap with interlocking DC. The November 19, 2005 event was open to the public at Modell's in the Springfield Mall. Charlie Slowes was emcee and Nationals OF Jose Guillen and Relief Pitcher Gary Majewski modeled the new jerseys for fans. If you missed the event, here are a few photos and video. Enjoy.

Fans at Modell's at Springfield Mall, 11/19/2005

OF Jose Guillen and RRP Gary Majewski about to unveil new jerseys in 11/19/2005

Gary Majewski modeling the new blue spring training jersey

and cap with interlocking DC, 11/19/2005

Charlie Slowes with Jose Guillen modeling the

new red alternate jersey and cap with interlocking DC, 11/19/200

Jose Guillen posing for fans, 11/19/2005

Gary Majewski and Jose Guillen signing for fans, 11/19/2005

Fans watching the jersey unveiling at Modell's at Springfield Mall, 11/19/2005

"Baby" Screech was there too, 11/19/2005

The Nationals unveiled the long-awaited away greys with the Washington script on November 6, 2008 at an event open to the public at ESPN Zone downtown Washington, DC.

The red alternate jerseys made the change from interlocking DC to a Curly W and added white piping. A second alternate jersey was introduced -- the blue stars and stripes interlocking DC jersey was designated to be worn for military nights and holidays such as Fourth of July.

Charlie Slowes was emcee and Nationals Manager Manny Acta and OF Lastings Milledge modeled the new jerseys for fans. If you missed the event, here are a few photos.