ORLD SERIES OR BUST 2013 SEASON PREVIEW

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTOGRAPHS

After a breakthrough season that included an NL East title, 100 wins and one heartbreaking loss, expectations for the Nationals can’t get any higher E2 | NATIONALS ☆ R FRIDAY, MARCH 29, 2013

“Now when we are winning, we expect it, whereas last year we kind of felt our way out. ... Th is year it’ll be like ‘OK, we’re supposed to be here.’ But we’ve still got to go do it.” — Adam LaRoche

PHOTOGRAPHS BY ANDREW HARNIK/THE WASHINGTON TIMES Being a preseason pick to win the is uncharted territory for the Nationals, but the players are taking nothing for granted aft er the loss to St. Louis that ended their 2012 season (below). “What goes on in here … is something you can’t really calculate,” (above) says. “Everything else is other people’s thoughts and projections. And they don’t really matter.” CONTROL ISSUES Talented Nationals enter season as favorites, but they know luck is a factor, too

BY AMANDA COMAK There is something mystical about their wins,

THE WASHINGTON TIMES when viewed in the larger sense. Something ro- mantic. When you’ve won, and you’re supposed to There is a theory in circles when it continue, there can be fewer starry-eyed feelings comes to the playoff s. about a team from the outside. Teams are built for the grind. Built to win Inside? One quiet morning over the course of 162 grueling games from April last week, Johnson was asked if he liked it better through September. It’s a schedule intended to to be favored. weed out the lesser competitors, the teams without “Oh, amen,” he said. the depth to sustain injuries or the personnel that “It’s one thing trying to climb the hill. It’s fi ts together just so. another thing when you actually have that X on But if you get to the playoff s, if you’re one of your back,” Johnson said on another occasion. “But the elite teams that reaches that fi rst checkpoint it just makes it more fun. ... I’m going to take the en route to the promised land, that is a diff erent heat if we don’t play well, and they can have all of animal. the trophies when they do play well. I have high Then, the thinking goes, you must simply let expectations, and I know everybody in that room the Fates play out. has high expectations. There’s nothing wrong with “Once you’re in, all bets are off ,” Washington that. That’s a great feeling.” Nationals right fi elder Jayson Werth said. Everywhere the Nationals have gone this “There’s no favorites, there’s no underdogs. It’s spring, more opposing coaches, scouts and of- just who fi nds a way to win, who can get lucky.” fi cials off er a low whistle or a raised eyebrow ★★★ when the topic of how good they could be this year is broached. Or, if it isn’t, it’s often brought It is an interesting paradox, luck playing such an up unsolicited. Even their problems are coveted. important role in deciding the outcome of a season “They’re a good club,” Braves Fredi that so much work has gone into. But baseball’s Gonzalez said. “For me, they’re still the club to postseason is littered with moments that can hardly the most common result, they lost in the Fall Classic missed the playoff s entirely. beat in our division.” be explained otherwise. to the of Anaheim. “Those are other people’s projections,” Werth Just another example of how the stakes have A routine ground ball through the legs of a fi rst The chance for disappointment is great. added. “What goes on in here, and what we have, been raised. baseman. A hobbled MVP with a pinch- home “It just tells you you’re doing something right,” is something you can’t really calculate. You can’t But what that expectation does, really, is help . A fi nal out that is inches away, yet refuses to Nationals manager said. “I like it. ... really put a fi nger on it. Everything else is other put whatever they do accomplish in context. come. I certainly like the fact that what we’ve done hasn’t people’s thoughts and projections. And they don’t The playoff s may be a crapshoot, but missing Each October seems to serve as another re- gone unnoticed.” really matter.” them altogether, or failing to move past what they minder to toss your expectations out the window. There may be just one problem. The consensus is that the focus must remain did in 2012, won’t be met with an “aw, shucks,” Because it’s not very often that the team that’s According to Bovada, the last odds-on favorite on the smaller goals, even if their manager spent reaction any longer. expected to win it all actually does. to win the World Series that ultimately did it was all winter telling anyone who would listen that the “Say we lose three in a row, we’re not going to “I don’t think the best team wins every year,” fi rst the 2009 Yankees. And they’re relatively slogan for the season was “World Series or bust.” say ‘What’s wrong with this team? We’re supposed baseman Adam LaRoche said. “I think the hottest alone in that class. When the 2012 version of the Nationals was at its to be the best team how did so-and-so beat us?’” team wins.” ★★★ best, the players were able to fl oat from one game LaRoche said. “It’ll be an end of the year thing, if What, then, does that mean for to the next without carrying the results from the we’re not in the playoff s. the 2013 , a Perhaps it is the mere nature previous one with them, good or bad. They blew “Instead of ‘Man, we had a really good year, just unit so balanced with talent that of the playoff s that has brought a nine-run lead to the last July and missed the playoff s, whatever.’ When you’re a really when Werth arrived at spring those results, the “luck” that so dropped the opener of the next day’s doubleheader good team, all of a sudden, the record doesn’t even training he asked aloud if there many players, coaches and offi cials to shrink their division lead to 1 ½ games. They won matter. It goes to ‘What went wrong? Whose fault had ever before been a team this refer to. A glance back at just the eight of their next nine games. was it?’ Usually it’s the critics, fans, whoever, who complete on paper? past three World Series winners, Win the game. Win the series. Reach the All- make it a big story.” The expectations for what they and no doubt several others, would Star break in a favorable position in the division. But the Nationals are still an organization can do — largely unchanged from certainly support that idea. Win the game. Win the series. Clinch the division. whose undistinguished moments account for more the group that posted the best Or perhaps it was the expecta- The ability to maintain that pragmatic approach time than their supremacy. And for those who record in the majors in 2012 and tions that crushed those teams was paramount to their consistency last season, lived through those days, the memories haven’t with the gut-wrenching experi- before they could reach their ulti- just as it will be paramount now to brushing off the been erased. ence that a stunning playoff elimi- mate goal. The losses that weighed accelerated expectations. No one will tell you they would rather be un- nation can provide — are high. so much heavier on them — be- “I don’t think anything’s changed,” LaRoche said. heralded or under the radar. Or worse, overlooked With days to go before the cause they weren’t supposed to “If anything, now when we are winning, we expect entirely. They know they should make the playoff s. 2013 season opens, the Nationals are 7-1 favorites to suff er them — perhaps helped them pile up. it, whereas last year we kind of felt our way out. It They hope it will be more than that. win the World Series, and 7-2 favorites to take the Present the idea that outside expectations can was probably three months out before we started “It’s a good thing when you’re in this position pennant, according to the online aff ect the play of those inside the clubhouse and the expecting to win. as a team, but if you’re not in the playoff s, it’s oddsmaker Bovada. Sports Illustrated and ESPN question hangs there like coconut swaying in the “This year it’ll be like ‘OK, we’re supposed to be disappointing,” LaRoche said. “I don’t want to the Magazine picked them to win the World Series. wind, before it’s promptly swatted away. here.’ But we’ve still got to go do it.” say that that’s not our goal, to get to the playoff s. Earlier this month, a website called predic- “Pressure is just self-imposed,” Johnson said. ★★★ Obviously it’s not the end goal, but it’s step one. tionmachine.com ran the 2013 schedule through a “I think losing is what should bring teams to- Getting there. simulator that played it 50,000 times. Ten percent gether, really,” said Dan Haren, whose 2012 Angels There is something people like about a team “Unfortunately after that, a lot of the time, it’s of the time, the Nationals won the World Series. In had 7-1 preseason odds to win the World Series and that hasn’t previously won making its emergence. who’s hot at the right time. All bets are off .” FRIDAY, MARCH 29, 2013 ☆ R NATIONALS | E3 Penning the fi nal chapter It’s ‘World Series or bust’ as Johnson prepares to cap fi ve-plus decades in game BY AMANDA COMAK that’s what he believes his team is capable of. He doing that with Fred for years. turned the ship around and got it going in the right THE WASHINGTON TIMES wants to win it because, well, it’s what every man “He got me to reminiscing about things 60 years direction — or a direction.” who’s ever buttoned up a baseball uniform wants. ago,” Johnson said, his cocksure nature having He saw a quote from in which The sun beat down on the fi eld at Space Coast But there is an added weight to his desire. If the changed little from that afternoon as a preteen. the former Orioles and Yankees right-hander Stadium one day this spring as Washington Nation- Nationals do it, if Johnson pulls what he’s taken to “And that was kind of fun.” explained that Johnson’s success comes from the als manager Davey Johnson approached his second calling “A La Russa” — a reference to former St. Mostly Johnson uses his past as a tool with his fact that, when the game starts, he believes his baseman. Danny Espinosa was busy doing infi eld Louis manager , who retired days players, conveying to them an anecdote from a time players are prepared, and that he’ll have the right work during batting practice, fi elding ground balls after the Cardinals’ 2011 championship — his he dealt with a similar situation. “Experiences give guys in the right spots. and practicing his footwork. case for enshrinement in Cooperstown goes from you insight into solutions for today,” he says. And That it is the confi dence Johnson exudes that Johnson stopped and chatted with Espinosa for compelling to downright fascinating. he’ll often regale listeners with a story when he makes him so good. a few minutes. Then he made his way to the other “This year is important,” said Hall of Fame wants to get a laugh. “He believes in his guys,” Werth said. “[Mus- side of the diamond in Viera, Fla. He stopped and , Johnson’s teammate during Most of the memorabilia from his glory days sina] just hit the nail right on the head.” talked with . their days with the . “He’s not — mementos from 13 years in the major leagues ★★★ “There he goes,” said Nationals general man- worried about the Hall of Fame, but you can tie and two in Japan; managerial stints with fi ve major To fi gure out where Johnson’s Hall of Fame ager , watching from the dugout railing. the Mets era to the present era with a World Series league teams and forays into international compe- case rests on the precipice of the 2013 season is “Davey’s having his team meeting right now.” championship. tition — are hidden away in a closet at his home to wade into a gray area. Managers are voted in by This is what Johnson does. At 70, the oldest “What a beautiful present it could be. The 2013 in Winter Park, Fla. He jokes that his wife, Susan, the veterans’ committee, which will already have manager in the majors still fi lls each of his days season could be the bow to a terrifi c career.” is waiting until he dies so she can sell it and make La Russa, and to debate in with talking and teaching in his own unique way. ★★★ some money off him. the coming years. It’s when the conversation is turned toward When the Baltimore Orioles selected a baby- There are easy ways to tell the story of his Still, some feel that Johnson’s body of work him, when the topic of what his legacy in this faced high school catcher from Illinois with their success. Johnson won two World Series rings as and his impact on the game already speak loudly game might be is raised, that Johnson becomes fi rst pick in the 1997 draft, they brought a player with the Orioles, was a four-time All-Star enough to echo through the halls in Cooperstown. less comfortable. him to Camden Yards and let him sit and three-time Gold Glove winner. He hit 43 home “To me, regardless of what happens this season, “I don’t really like talking about me,” he said. on the bench during a game. He runs in 1973 and is the only man to have had the he’s a slam-dunk Hall of Famer,” Rizzo said. “I think “Because it’s not about me. marveled at the Orioles’ manager. honor of protecting two kings: Hank his legacy is cemented in “I don’t think it matters. I don’t look like it Sixteen years later, Jayson Aaron and Sadaharu Oh. and, as far as managers go, he’s as good or better matters, I don’t act like matters, I don’t want [the Werth looks down the Nationals’ As a manager, he led the than anybody I’ve ever been around. That’s really players] to think it matters.” bench and sees the same guy. to the and has won almost all I can go on.” Johnson paused every few moments as he “I had no business being there. 300 games more than he has lost. Last Others stopped a little short of that proclama- spoke, glancing out at the fi eld to keep an eye on I was like 18 years old, green as the season, after taking the Nationals to tion. Palmer said Johnson would “certainly get into each of his disciples taking batting practice and fi eld,” Werth said. “And he hit me on the postseason for the fi rst time in the mix” if the Nationals win the World Series. spitting out some of the tobacco juice collecting the leg and said something like, ‘Watch their history, he won his second Hernandez concurred. in his mouth. this.’ I don’t remember exactly what Manager of the Year award. “One more world championship and I think Both were habits Johnson formed long ago, it was, but I remember him being “I’ve got to think if he gets he’s on his way,” Hernandez said. “I wouldn’t say early in his 50-plus years in the game. He doesn’t right. And I was like, ‘Whoa, look one more world champion- he’s a lock, but he’s well on his way.” plan to stop either anytime soon. at this guy.’ ship he’ll be under serious The question, then, becomes how do you “I have to gain their respect every day,” he “My thoughts haven’t changed consideration for the Hall of evaluate a man’s life’s work to deem him worthy? said. “And their trust. And they’ve got to do that a whole lot since then.” Fame,” said former Mets fi rst Players can be evaluated on a multitude of statis- with me.” Johnson doesn’t like to talk baseman . tics, combined with the eyewitness accounts of There is a question that hangs over Johnson, about his past all that much. “He’s one of those guys. Ev- those who watched them at their best, when they though, as he begins what he and the Nationals But one night this spring, erywhere he goes, he wins. dominated an era of the game. have mutually agreed will be his fi nal season in his brother, Fred, got him He had a very nice playing Managers must win. the dugout. He has said for months that his exit to musing over when they career, but I just think he’s Johnson’s .564 winning percentage ranks 19th in means it’s “World Series or bust” for the Nationals were kids in Ruth transcended in managing. He’s major league history and comes in at No. 12 among and he would love to go out in style. League. Fred was 13, Davey always been a good judge of those who have managed at least 10 seasons. He So, if this is the end for one of the game’s great- 10. talent.” also leads all active managers with at least 1,000 est characters, how will history view him? The team didn’t have a right For those who spend their games under their belts. He’s got one World Series “Don’t you think Davey wants to be in the fi elder, so it tabbed Davey. The time with Johnson, learning title — though, as Palmer pointed out, “If Jeff rey Hall of Fame?” one of his players wondered aloud uniform top ended down around from him, listening to him, Maier had somehow stayed home with the fl u it recently. his ankles. “I was a little runt in his story is more than just the could’ve been more.” If he does, he won’t say. right fi eld,” he said. But when a accolades. Last year, Werth Some of his players don’t know the hard num- He won’t even acknowledge thinking about it. towering fl y ball was hit out there thought about what Johnson bers that defi ne his career. They see only the man “Oh, not at all,” he said emphatically. “Not with the game on the line, Johnson gave up in his own life to take whose infectious confi dence set their standard and at all.” caught it and trotted in, wondering over for in 2011. Johnson wants to win the World Series because what the big deal was. He’d been For Werth, it’s Johnson who “really » see DAVEY | E9 E4 | NATIONALS ☆ R FRIDAY, MARCH 29, 2013 Cooler than winning it all? Winning it all during the day

ill Millsaps is a former small TV with his dad. sports editor of The Rich- Davey Johnson, the manager of Bmond Times-Dispatch. Dur- the Washington Nationals, created ing a long and distinguished a mantra of sorts when he declared career, he won multiple Virginia “World Series or bust” for his team sports writer of the year awards and this season. he was named The Associated Press The Nationals are certainly Sports Editors’ Red Smith Award capable of winning the Series, just winner in 2011. as they were last year. But as we Why? Many learned last year, being good enough reasons, one isn’t enough. of them being There are probably 10 other teams Millsaps can tell that can make that claim and all of THE WASHINGTON TIMES a story with the them aren’t winning the Series. Or best of them. even getting there. Just as they did for a NL Division Series One of his If the Nats do get to the Series, it game against the Cardinals in October favorites concerns would be cooler than cool. Baseball (above), fans streaming into Nationals his father, W. may not have the overall appeal it Park for a World Series day game would Hobart Millsaps, used to have, and it is kidding itself if be cool. But now that all World Series MIKE who was principal it thinks it is as popular as the NFL. games are played at night — thanks, TV! HARRIS at Chattanooga But the World Series? It remains — it wouldn’t be as cool as the old days High School in terrifi c, and having the national spot- (left , in 1917), when day games were the Tennessee. The light shining on the town for sporting norm and streets would fi ll up with fans elder Millsaps was a stern sort and he reasons would be a ton of fun. eager to check the score. made it clear he wasn’t Dad at school That said, it would have been a lot and while there, his son was no diff er- more fun in the old days. The Series ent from the rest of the students. has always been cool. It was a lot sport in itself. So young Millsaps was a bit more cool when you had to work at A couple of generations before alarmed one day when the principal it. Simply put, the World Series was that, people used to stand in the knocked on the door of his class- much more cool during the day. That streets by the local newspaper of- room and told the teacher, “I need to will never happen again, thanks to fi ce. As every half-inning fi nished, see Bill.” the incredible amount of television someone would hang a number on Bill followed the principal into money available these days. A kid’s a makeshift scoreboard. Go to any his offi ce, trying to fi gure out what challenge these days is staying awake library in most any major league he might have done to get called out until the games end after 11 p.m. on town and check out the photo ar- of class. They got to the offi ce. The the East Coast. Heck, some adults chives. Crowds to rival Times Square door closed. have that challenge, too. on New Year’s Eve would stand for And W. Hobart Millsaps smiled So indulge an aging man. Get off son out of class, and it remains one school, he or she might turn on the hours, waiting on those numbers. and said, “Sit down, son. Don Larsen my lawn, then gather ’round while of Bill Millsaps’ fondest memories. TV during the game (with the sound People who didn’t know anything is pitching a perfect game.” I tell you why I miss the simpler It has been more than 50 years since down low). Those who didn’t have about baseball kept up with the That would have been Oct. 8, 1956, times. Why I miss those chances to my father took a half-day off from the right teacher would beg friends World Series. That much may still be when Don Larsen of the Yankees bond over a great game. Why I miss work to greet me as I got home who did to fi nd a way to slip out of the same. pitched the only perfect game in fi nding ways to get sneaky and keep from school so we could watch his class and convey the score with hand Yes, the world has changed for the World Series history. up with the score when I should beloved Dodgers — by then located signals. better in the past 50 years, in more New York beat the crosstown rival have been paying attention to my in Los Angeles — play the Yankees Even when Dad wasn’t home ways than it is possible to count. But Brooklyn Dodgers 2-0 that day and arithmetic. (and sweep that Series). It remains waiting for you, you would sprint not in all ways. The World Series re- Bill Millsaps got to experience the It has been more than 56 years one of my fondest memories. from the bus to your house to catch mains cool. I just liked it better when end of the game by watching it on a since W. Hobart Millsaps pulled his If you had the right teacher at the last few innings. That became a it was old-school cool. E6 | NATIONALS ☆ R FRIDAY, MARCH 29, 2013

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTOGRAPHS Amid a shower of champagne, Giants manager hoists the trophy aft er San Francisco fi nished off Detroit in four games for the franchise’s second title in three seasons. Championship rewind A look at how the past fi ve World Series winners took home the trophy

BY AMANDA COMAK took Game 7 one night later. From expected heroes

THE WASHINGTON TIMES like and , to unex- pected ones like Allen Craig and hometown kid It takes talent to win a World Series, of course, , the 2011 Cardinals epitomized the but luck and timing also are huge factors. As the idea that if you go into the playoff s hot, it doesn’t Washington Nationals aspire to a championship matter what happened to you during the season’s in 2013, here’s a look at how the past fi ve World fi rst 162 games. Series winners reached the top. 2010 : 2012 San Francisco Giants: 92-70, NL West champions 94-68, NL West champions How they were built: 10 free agents, nine How they were built: 10 free agents, seven drafted players, four via trades, one amateur free players drafted, two amateur international sign- agent, one waiver claim on the playoff roster. ings, fi ve trades, one waiver claim on the playoff What went right? For a good part of the sea- roster. son, not much other than . The Giants What went right? A mid-season trade for were built on a terrifi c pitching staff but it was their Marco Scutaro gave the Giants a huge infi eld penchant for 1-0 losses that helped broadcaster upgrade off ensively and defensively. Scutaro hit Duane Kuiper coin a slogan by describing watching .362 with a .385 on-base percentage in 61 games the Giants play as “torture.” Posey helped. Called for the Giants and hit an unbelievable .500 with up in May, catcher reeled off a 21-game a .533 OBP in the NLCS. They also happened to hitting streak to help buoy the team. Key midsea- have the NL MVP in Buster Posey as their catcher. son pickups, like perhaps the greatest waiver claim What went wrong? Melky Cabrera, hitting in baseball’s history in , were integral. It .346 and slugging .516, was suspended 50 games in was a 20-11 run to close the season, coupled with mid-August for testing positive for PEDs. A bump a tremendous collapse by the , in the road that could have crippled the Giants that allowed the Giants to clinch the division on as they scrambled to fi ll that hole instead helped the season’s fi nal day. rally the team. They went 30-14 after Cabrera’s What went wrong? The Giants’ rotation was suspension. their strength, but they played 17 more one-run How did they wind up hoisting the trophy? games in 2010 than they did games decided by fi ve The Giants never seem to be the most talented runs or more. When the pitching struggled, it got team at the postseason party, and that was again ugly. After the staff posted an ERA above 5.00 in true. This time around, they relied much more on August, they pulled it together and posted a 1.78 their off ense, which consistently came through mark in September to allow the Giants to go 18-8 Phillies catcher Carlos Ruiz rushes to the mound to celebrate with aft er Philadelphia with big hits and didn’t shrink when faced with and ride that wave into the playoff s. defeated Tampa Bay in Game 5 of the to win the franchise’s fi rst title in 28 seasons. Detroit’s menacing . But they, too, could How did they wind up hoisting the trophy? boast one of the league’s best pitching staff s. The The World Series against the , which importance of manager Bruce Bochy getting the the Giants won in fi ve games, put everything the , CC Sabathia and A.J. Burnett for encountered its share of struggles and the off ense, most of his players, sometimes a rag-tag bunch, Giants could do well on the game’s biggest stage. a combined $423.5 million and traded for Nick normally robust and led by , Ryan cannot be overstated. Their off ense showed up big in Games 1, 2 and 4. Swisher to add to a core that was perennially one Howard, and Jayson Werth, was And while Tim Lincecum dazzled in Game 5, a of baseball’s best. They were a juggernaut and inconsistent at times, the one thing the Phillies 2011 St. Louis Cardinals: much-maligned veteran got to play the hero one they reeled off 103 victories — six more than any could always count on was Brad Lidge. The 90-72, NL more time. Edgar Renteria’s three-run homer stood other team in the majors. Phillies’ closer, acquired the previous off season, How they were built: 10 drafted players, nine up to give the Giants their fi rst championship since What went wrong? The Yankees got off to a saved 41 of 41 chances in the regular season, and free agents, six players via trades on the playoff moving west. relatively slow start and were just two games over continued the streak with seven more saves in roster. .500 after 36 games. Their pitching staff wasn’t the Phillies’ playoff run. What went right? Just about everything. The as dominant as it could have been or, perhaps, What went wrong? The Phillies battled with Cardinals were 10½ games back of NL Central- was expected to be and they struggled to fi nd a the New York Mets for divisional supremacy all leading Milwaukee on Aug. 28 — and 9½ games consistent fi fth starter. But their off ense was led season long. After Philadelphia and shortstop behind NL wild card-leading Atlanta. The run they by Robinson Cano, and Alex Rodri- boldly predicted they would win went on to cap the 2011 season was truly one for the guez and the team scored 32 more runs than any the 2007 NL East crown, the Mets countered with ages. In the fi nal month, the Cardinals went 20-8 other team in the major leagues. their own bravado in the spring of 2008. The and they stayed late in the clubhouse in How did they wind up hoisting the tro- Phillies, who struggled to fi nd starting pitching on Sept. 28 to watch as the Braves fell and they phy? The Yankees were never pushed to the consistency all season, were a half-game back of could pop the champagne as wild-card winners. brink of elimination during the 2009 playoff s the Mets as late as Sept. 19. A 6-2 record in the What went wrong? Just about everything. On as they disposed of the , Los fi nal eight games, along with the NL’s best road top of a rash of injuries that started when ace Adam Angeles Angels and to win record (44-37) helped them fend off the Mets. Wainwright underwent surgery in the title. After mourning the death of The Boss, How did they wind up hoisting the trophy? spring training, the Cardinals blew 15 saves by Members of the Yankees gather to celebrate their , earlier that summer, the Ultimately the Phillies beat the Milwaukee Brew- the All-Star break. When all was said and done, Word Series victory over Philadelphia in 2009. It 2009 championship largely represented the last ers and then the handily to they lost 22 games that they had led or were tied was New York’s 27th championship. run for the core of a Yankee dynasty that won reach the World Series, with plenty of memorable in after seven innings. Several shrewd midseason fi ve titles in 14 years. moments built in. There was Matt Stairs’ pinch-hit trades helped stabilize them all over the fi eld and 2009 : home run in Los Angeles as the Phillies mounted key their late-season run. 103-59, AL East champions 2008 Philadelphia Phillies: a furious comeback in Game 4, and the pounding How did they wind up hoisting the trophy? How they were built: 10 free agents, seven 92-70, NL East champions rains that forced their World Series-clinching The Cardinals may be the luckiest World Series drafted players, four amateur free agents, four How they were built: Eight free agents, eight Game 5 victory over the to be winners in a long time. Twice down to their last via trades on the playoff roster. drafted players, six via trades, one amateur free spread over three days. It was the fi rst of what strike in of the World Series against the What went right? After they missed the agent, one waiver claim, one pick on many expected to be multiple championships for Texas Rangers, the Cardinals rallied from fi ve playoff s for the fi rst time in 13 years, the Yankees the playoff roster. this Phillies’ core, but they lost the World Series defi cits to win that game in 11 innings, and they made a huge splash in free agency. They signed What went right? While the Phillies’ rotation the following season and haven’t been back since. FRIDAY, MARCH 29, 2013 ☆ R NATIONALS | E7

ROTATION 37 , RHP: Having rid himself of special restrictions and put his Tommy John recovery in the past, Strasburg is 2013 ROSTER looking forward to a full season with the Nationals. 47 Gio Gonzalez, LHP: 36 , RHP: 20 Ian Desmond, SS: 2 , CF: A tumultuous end to the Th e Nationals view Clippard Coming off the best season Acquired to fi ll a long-standing off season and an ongoing of his career, Desmond need, the Nationals hope MLB investigation casts a as arguably the best setup has established his place Span can be the leadoff force shadow over Gonzalez, despite man in the major leagues among the game’s elite at his they’ve lacked for much of his best eff orts to distance and aft er a season where position and the Nationals their time in Washington. himself. He’ll have to overcome he proved he could close will be looking for more of the that to prove he is the 21- they’ll be expecting him to 28 Jayson Werth, RF: same from him in 2013. With game winner and Cy Young be the same, reliable guy. the strength in his wrist slowly candidate of a year ago. 52 Ryan Mattheus, RHP: In 8 Danny Espinosa, but surely returning, building off 27 a bullpen short on left -handed 2B: Th e health of his left the healthy parts of his 2012 shoulder will be something season should return Werth to RHP: Having added a relief, the sinkerballer knows he to watch as Espinosa plays the type of lineup complement he’s gaining will be called on to face more with a torn rotator cuff he he can be at his best. confi dence in to his repertoire, left -handed batters this season. spent all winter rehabbing. Zimmermann is primed 33 Roger Bernadina, OF: 35 Craig Stammen, RHP: He says he feels great and, to continue to build off his Manager Davey Johnson provided that remains true, Bernadina proved with his strong 2012 season. praises Stammen for his the Nationals will look for a 2012 season that he can be 48 , LHP: strength and his versatility. breakout year from him. a terrifi c complement to the Nationals’ outfi eld regulars. Finally sure of his place in Th e right-hander established 25 Adam LaRoche, He missed most of the spring the rotation aft er several himself as a valuable member 1B: It’d be unfair to expect playing for Team Netherlands years spent bouncing of the bullpen in 2012 and LaRoche to duplicate his in the WBC, but he got plenty between the minor leagues the Nationals expect nothing career-best off ensive season of at-bats there and should be and the bullpen, Detwiler is less from him this season. in 2012, but if he can hit his fi ne to fi ll the fourth outfi elder considered a top candidate 63 Henry Rodriguez, norms and be his usual Gold role again this season. for a breakout season and RHP: Glove self, the Nationals will was the Nationals’ best Th e Nationals are 12 Tyler Moore, OF/1B: be more than pleased. starter in the 2012 playoff s. looking for consistency this Th e Nationals were so season from the fl amethrowing 1 Steve Lombardozzi, 15 Dan Haren, RHP: confi dent in Moore’s abilities Th e Rodriguez, who is fi nally INF: Th e young infi elder as a power right-handed bat veteran on the staff at just 32, healthy aft er having a bone excelled in a utility role last in the outfi eld and at fi rst Haren has said he needs to spur shaved down and large year. His defensive spot will base they felt he could fi ll prove that despite being the bone chip removed from be more defi ned this year, any void left by the trade of unique right-handed pitcher his elbow last August. primarily as an infi eld backup, and they look who throws below 90 mph, he 30 Zach Duke, LHP: Th e and he’ll be an important for another year of important is still the same reliable stalwart safety net at second base if contributions from him. he’s been the last 10 years. only left -handed reliever in the bullpen, Duke will be the Espinosa’s shoulder acts up. CATCHERS Nationals’ long reliever and 18 Chad Tracy, INF: BULLPEN One 24 Kurt Suzuki: primary spot starter, a role of the best pinch-hitters in the A 29 , RHP: he earned aft er rediscovering major leagues last year, Tracy valuable asset down the stretch in 2012, Suzuki will Th eir fl ashiest addition of the himself in the minors in 2012. will return to his integral role as a veteran on the bench. have to adjust to more of winter, former Yankee Soriano a shared role with Wilson will be the primary closer and INFIELDERS Ramos as the latter continues the guy the Nationals hope will to return to full health. take their bullpen from a strong 11 , one to one of the league’s best. 3B: His shoulder cleaned up 34 , LF: 40 Wilson Ramos: As he and his need for cortisone Th e question of what feats continues what has been a 22 , RHP: shots hopefully in the past, he could accomplish as a seamless rehab from a torn Serving primarily as a setup the Nationals’ 20-year-old with almost a right ACL and meniscus, man, Storen is going to have showed no ill-eff ects at the full major league season Ramos’ workload will to adjust to a new role while he plate from off season surgery already under his belt will be gradually increase and he continues to distance himself and will show off his revamped one of the most interesting plans to retake his role as the from Game 5 of the NLDS. throwing motion this season. to see answered this year. team’s everyday catcher. The goal: From good to great Additions of Span, Haren, Soriano made with taking next step in mind

BY NATHAN FENNO Tampa, Fla., to cool off after working out.

THE WASHINGTON TIMES Span saw the 612 area code. Minneapolis. Figured a Minnesota Twins staff er was White cinder block walls lead the calling with arrangements for TwinsFest. way. Past the security guard in need of Instead, general manager Terry Ryan a cup of coff ee just after 8 a.m. on a cool told Span that his Twins career was over. March morning. Through the makeshift Span expected the call. Too many clubhouse kitchen at Space Coast Sta- outfi eld prospects lurked in the upper dium where three plug-in griddles serve levels of Minnesota’s minor-league sys- up pancakes and eggs with toppings tem that, coincidentally, was starved for stored in plastic containers. pitching. Part of Span, though, clung The new bunch is back here. to hope he’d remain with the team that Dodge the rolling laundry carts and drafted him in 2002. folding plastic tables with rolls of paper Reality arrived with the off season. towels and salt and pepper shakers He fi gured Atlanta (replacing Michael and a lonesome stack of McDonald’s Bourn) or Tampa Bay (replacing B.J. coupons in the Washington Nationals’ Upton) were likely destinations. Wash- spring training home in Viera, Fla. The ington? A deal collapsed at the July trade trio is near waist-high garbage cans and deadline in 2011 while Span recovered the dust-covered boom box with a bottle from concussion-related problems of leather conditioner resting on top. “I fi gured they moved past me,” he One long-rumored trade and $41 said. million in free agent contracts ushered General manager Mike Rizzo hadn’t Denard Span, Dan Haren and Rafael forgotten. He scouted Span at Tampa Soriano into the long room that smells Catholic High School and, a decade ASSOCIATED PRESS of breakfast and wood bats. That’s the later, the center fi elder presented the Moving quickly to bolster the team in the off season, the Nationals led off by trading for outfi elder Denard Span. Washington outside, at least. Why a team that rolled opportunity to solve a series of prob- subsequently added veteran Dan Haren as the fi ft h starter and signed Rafael Soriano (inset) to be the team’s new closer. up 98 wins and baseball’s top record, lems in one move. Span doesn’t strike then missed advancing to the National out much, can steal a base and pushed League Championship Series by one his on-base percentage to .342 in 2012. of runs a player saves or costs his team He managed 1762⁄3 innings (that broke importantly, the Nationals were poised measly strike — inches, really — ac- That’s an ideal fi t to end the years-long compared to a league-average player at a string of pitching at least 216 innings to win. The idea of moving cross-coun- quired the three men is a tale more fl ux atop the Nationals’ lineup, where the position. The statistic isn’t perfect, each season since 2005), but velocity try was the toughest part. complex than a few lines in a transac- a series of nontraditional leadoff men but it’s a solid indicator of a player’s dropped. Haren’s fastball dipped from “He’s healthy. And if he’s healthy, tion column. managed a .325 on-base percentage range. Morse checked in at minus-15.2 the low 90s to 88.5 miles per hour. Same look out,” said Kurt Suzuki, who caught They aren’t tweaks or tinkering. last season. runs per 150 games for his outfi eld with his cutter and . All down. Haren with the in They’re an aggressive, and in some “Last season we was needing a really career; Span is at plus-6.1. The Angels weren’t going to pick up 2007. “He’s a special type of pitcher.” cases unexpected, eff ort to make a good leadoff hitter,” said catcher Wilson All this came wrapped in a team- his $15 million option. Haren tries not That’s the gamble, bringing on a good team great. They bring risk: Span’s Ramos, briefl y teammates with Span in friendly contract of $11.25 million for the to think about this much. He wanted pitcher with a No. 1’s ability to replace extended concussion struggle, Haren’s Minnesota. “Now we’ve got him.” next two seasons (with a team option to return to the area where he grew the strong-armed but inconsistent season hampered by injury and Soriano The ripples push Jayson Werth from of $9 million in 2015), not to mention up in a Los Angeles suburb and played at the back of the rota- displacing two veterans from their roles. the top to a run-producing spot lower in the easy smiles and aff able personality at Pepperdine University in Malibu. tion. If Haren’s back and arm return But the three are here because of the order that better suits his skill-set. Span is known for. The cost? Fireballing A last-minute deal to send him to the to the form of previous seasons, the the no-kidding charge from And, oh, can Span patrol cen- 6-foot-9 prospect . for Carlos Marmol fell Nationals have an unabashed bargain manager Davey Johnson that ter fi eld. That’s not where Rizzo Relief hit the 29-year-old Span a through. So, the Angels bought out without the long-term payroll entangle- the coming season will go and the front offi ce wanted Bryce couple of days after the surprise of the Haren’s contract for $3.5 million and he ment a free agent like Zack Greinke bust without the World Series. Harper long-term. Too much wear. destination wore off . The rumors were became a free agent. would’ve brought. Peel back the black slipcovers So, Harper shifts to left. Swap fi nished. A short-term contract to re-establish The 32-year-old Haren may be the on the nearby moldering couches Span for Michael Morse, the “I was moving on with my life and his value was the plan. rotation’s old man, but he didn’t come and a faded (distinctly nonbase- other regular in last sea- career,” he said. “Last year didn’t go the way I wanted here to mentor young pitchers. He’s ball) fl oral pattern appears. The son’s outfi eld, and defensive ★★★ it to,” Haren said. “I’ve got to go out adamant about that. There’s nothing he same is true of how the trio metrics hint at the extent of and prove I’m healthy, and who knows thinks he can teach them. came to be in this clubhouse. the upgrade to the group. The second move almost didn’t hap- what’ll happen next year.” So, Haren reclines at his locker There’s a story under the Long since dealt to the Se- pen. Dan Haren felt like his 21⁄2 years The Nationals made a competitive between Gonzalez and Strasburg, far surface. Just don’t expect any attle Mariners, Morse dis- with the Los Angeles Angels of Ana- off er, $13 million for one year that Haren from home, but looking as if he already fl owers. tinguished himself with a heim were about to end after last season. agreed to Dec. 7 without so much as belongs. ★★★ powerful bat and A-ha walk- That’s where the complications, as the a recruiting trip to Washington. He ★★★ up music, not misadventures laid-back Southern California native liked being able to slide into a rotation The first move rang in the outfi eld. calls them, began. stacked with Stephen Strasburg, Gio The third move shocked. With es- Denard Span’s phone Nov. Take the ultimate zone rat- A low back strain harangued the Gonzalez, Jordan Zimmermann and tablished closers Tyler Clippard and 29. He happened to be in ing, which splits the fi eld into 64 onetime ace much of the year and Ross Detwiler. Nobody would lean his home’s unheated pool in zones and calculates the number landed him on the 15-day disabled list. on Haren to be the No. 1. And, most » see NEW | E9 E8 | NATIONALS ☆ R FRIDAY, MARCH 29, 2013 OUR BEST GUESS ORIOLES The Times’ alleged experts offer up their fearless predictions for the 2013 season, in Washington and beyond Baltimore in position

Amanda Comak Nathan Fenno Mike Harris Marc Lancaster to build on Nats record: 96-66 95-67 101-61 95-67 Place in NL East: First First First Second its success Nats HR leader: Bryce Harper, 32 Bryce Harper, 30 Bryce Harper, 37 Bryce Harper, 34 Nats average leader: Ryan Zimmerman, .297 Jayson Werth, .310 Jayson Werth, .312 Denard Span, .301 Nats wins leader: Stephen Strasburg, 23 Stephen Strasburg, 18 Gio Gonzalez, 22 Gio Gonzalez, 19 Nats ERA leader: Jordan Zimmermann, 2.87 Jordan Zimmermann, 2.60 Jordan Zimmermann, 2.71 Stephen Strasburg, 2.68 Expectations up Nats saves leader: Rafael Soriano, 33 Rafael Soriano, 35 Rafael Soriano, 44 Rafael Soriano, 44 after playoff berth Biggest ‘Take On Me’ plays on in mid-8th Drew Storen and Tyler Ross Detwiler makes Dan Haren reverts to Nats surprise: inning at , despite Clippard stay with Nationals the All-Star team pre-2012 form and posts BY DAVID GINSBURG the Michael Morse trade entire season an ERA in the mid-3.00s ASSOCIATED PRESS

Biggest Nats One person actually polishes New racing president Stephen Strasburg Danny Espinosa’s decision For the fi rst time since 1997, the disappointment: off a Strasburger “Bill” Taft doesn’t make the not to have surgery comes All-Star team back to haunt Baltimore Orioles are coming off a year that calls for an encore. He stays healthy, plays a full Gets a late-season cup Called up by the Up before September due After a run of 14 straight losing sea- in 2013? minor league season and earns of coffee in the bigs. All-Star break to an injury on the sons, the Orioles went 93-69 in 2012 and a September call-up big-league club beat the then-defending AL champion AL East champ: Blue Jays Blue Jays Blue Jays Blue Jays Texas Rangers in the wild-card game. AL Central champ: Tigers Tigers Tigers Tigers Baltimore then took the New York Yan- AL West champ: Angels Angels Angels Angels kees to the maximum fi ve games before AL Wild cards: Red Sox, Athletics Rangers, Royals Mariners, Rays Indians, Rangers falling in the division series. Now it’s time for the Orioles to prove NL East champs: Nationals Nationals Nationals Braves their sensational bounce-back season NL Central champs: Reds Cardinals Reds Reds NL West champs: Giants Dodgers Giants Dodgers wasn’t just an aberration, but rather the NL Wild cards: Dodgers, Braves Braves, Giants Braves, Dodgers Nationals, Giants start of something big in a city that has renewed its love for the long downtrod- AL pennant: Tigers Blue Jays Angels Angels den franchise. NL pennant: Nationals Braves Nationals Braves “You always knew World Series: Tigers Braves Angels Braves this was a sports town, AL MVP: , Twins Jose Reyes, Blue Jays , Angels Albert Pujols, Angels you always knew this NL MVP: , Cardinals Justin Upton, Braves Bryce Harper, Nationals Justin Upton, Braves was an Orioles town,” AL Cy Young: Jon Lester, Red Sox , Tigers Justin Verlander, Tigers Justin Verlander, Tigers Brian NL Cy Young: Stephen Strasburg, Nationals Clayton Kershaw, Dodgers , Braves Zack Greinke, Dodgers Roberts said. “That AL Rookie: Jurickson Profar, Rangers , Indians Wil Myers, Rays Mike Olt, Rangers NL Rookie: Oscar Taveras, Cardinals Adam Eaton, Diamondbacks , Cardinals Shelby Miller, Cardinals playoff atmosphere Showalter blew my wildest ex- pectations out of the water as to what this city was like when this team wins.” So while the Baltimore Ravens were winning the Super Bowl, the Orioles’ most significant moves during the Rendon, Walters top prospects on deck off season were to provide extensions for manager and vice BY AMANDA COMAK president of baseball operations Dan

THE WASHINGTON TIMES Duquette. Both are signed through 2018. Duquette didn’t delve deep into the The Nationals’ roster doesn’t have many weak free agent market over the winter, but spots heading into the 2013 season, but the front offi ce Baltimore didn’t lose much, either. So, always keeps an eye on the future. Here are some with a few exceptions, this is the same players in Washington’s farm system who could fi ll squad that fi nished a surprising second key roles in upcoming seasons. place in the unforgiving AL East. “Why fi x it if it ain’t broke?” right ETA: 2013 fi elder said. “We’ve got a young team, a lot of good young play- Anthony Rendon, INF, Double-A Harrisburg: ers, guys coming up. I can understand The Nationals’ top prospect did a good job of show- where Dan and Buck were coming from. casing just how talented he is with a strong showing We have a good lineup.” this spring. He will start the season in Double-A, Markakis played in only 104 games and all the Nationals are looking for this year is for last season because of injuries, one him to remain healthy and get playing time. Bar- of several Orioles to miss signifi cant ring a need because of injury that speeds up his playing time. Roberts (concussion, hip) timetable, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him get was used in 16 games, outfi elder Nolan a September call-up. Reimold (neck) was sidelined after Zach Walters, INF, Triple-A Syracuse: Ac- April 30 and right-hander Jason Ham- quired in the 2011 trade that sent to mel — the ace of the starting rotation the Diamondbacks, Walters has played his way into — pitched in only two regular-season favor with the Nationals. Manager Davey Johnson games after July 13 because of a knee is high on him and Walters’ straightened-up stance injury. helped him hit .297 and post an .809 OPS in spring Fortunately, the Orioles had the training. Walters could be in line to help the Nation- depth to cover for their injuries, and als if a rash of injuries runs through their middle they’re confi dent they can do the same infi eld corps this season. if necessary in 2013. “At no time in our clubhouse did ETA: 2014 somebody go, ‘We lost Nick. We lost Nolan. We lost Hammel. We lost Rob- Matt Skole, 1B/3B, Double-A Harrisburg: erts.’ I can go right down the line,” A left-handed power hitter, Skole’s stock has risen PHOTOGRAPHS BY ANDREW HARNIK/THE WASHINGTON TIMES Showalter said. “It gave somebody else sharply the past year or so. After earning the orga- Infi elder Anthony Rendon (above), the Nationals’ top draft pick in 2011, will start the season in Double-A, but a chance to shine.” nization’s Player of the Year honors for 2012, Skole’s he could get called up at some point this season. Rendon’s path to Washington is a little more clear than that Somebody such as rookie third base- development was aided by his stint in the Arizona of fellow infi elder Zach Walters, who impressed the organization by hitting .297 during spring training. man Manny Machado, who expects to Fall League and he was named the Nationals’ No. 4 build upon a solid 52-game debut over prospect by . His defense at both the fi nal two months. corner infi eld spots is improving and he made a to begin the season. The Nationals’ off season trade Another late-comer who shined strong impression during his time in major league for Denard Span, whose contract runs through 2014 was Nate McLouth, who was plucked camp. with an option for 2015, gave Goodwin more time from baseball’s scrap heap and took , RHP, Double-A Harrisburg: to develop in the minor leagues. His talents indicate over the leadoff spot held previously Listed as the organization’s No. 5 prospect by Base- he could be a dynamic player in the future, but he by Reimold, Markakis and Roberts. ball America, Karns is a hard-throwing right-hander needs time to evolve into a more complete player. McLouth played so well (.342 on-base whose age (25) is deceptive as his minor league A.J. Cole, RHP, Single-A Potomac: When the percentage, 12 stolen bases in 55 games) career didn’t truly begin until 2011 due to labrum Nationals involved the Oakland Athletics in the that the Orioles’ made re-signing the surgery. His curveball has a chance to turn into a three-way trade that sent Michael Morse to Seattle, free agent outfi elder one of their main “plus” pitch and he has a change-up to complement they wanted to make sure they got a top prospect off season priorities. a fastball that was clocked in the 93 to 96 mph range back. To them, Cole, traded to Oakland from Wash- McLouth stayed in Baltimore be- before leg tightness cut short his time in big-league ington in the Gio Gonzalez deal the previous off sea- cause he enjoys playing for Showalter camp. son, was that prospect. His fastball ranges from 92 to and with a team that appears to have a 97 mph and it can sink and cut. His curveball is a work bright future. ETA: 2015 in progress but has potential, and he is considered a “Expectations are obviously raised possible front-line starter in the future. Cole, and to now, and that’s a good thing,” McLouth , OF, Double-A Harrisburg: a certain extent , likely slides into the said. “I know the fans are going to have a Regarded by many as the center fi elder of the future spot once occupied by Alex Meyer, who was sent to lot of excitement. We’re looking forward for the Nationals, Goodwin will return to Double-A Minnesota in the Denard Span trade. to duplicating what we did last year and then moving beyond that.” That’s right. The Orioles won’t be satisfi ed with merely replicating their success of last season. Now that they Starting this season, fans get interleague play every day know what it’s like to taste champagne during the postseason, they’re striving BY BEN WALKER winner Miguel Cabrera and the Detroit too. Their shift from the NL Central to going to have interleague taking place the to play deep into October.

ASSOCIATED PRESS Tigers fi nish the season at Miami — the AL West left 15 teams in each league, entire course of the season. It defi nitely “Our guys were very proud of the minus a . creating all this havoc. changes roster construction.” improvement last year, but they were On a windy morning at spring train- Derek Jeter and the Yankees cross is Sunday in Houston Porter already has his pitchers in the not proud to get beat in Game 5,” Show- ing, a trio of Phillies catchers met behind over to the National League each month, when Texas comes to town. cage, working on their bunting. Too soon alter said. “I’ve got a good feeling. The the batting cage to shoot the breeze. then host World Series champion San That’s followed by Angels-Reds on for Justin Verlander and Detroit. core of people we have are very easy The topic? Interleague intrigue, right Francisco in late September. Just a guess Monday. A few days later, Philadelphia “It’s a Catch-22 because I don’t want to trust. from the get-go. — New York fans will howl at the pros- plays its home opener — against the Verlander breaking his fi nger,” Tigers “I feel like they’re willing to do what “We were just talking about that in pect of seeing Matt Cain and the pitch- . manager said. it takes to get there.” batting practice that it’s a little weird to ing-rich Giants if a playoff spot is at stake. “It is very strange,” Cincinnati man- As for his AL Central champions No matter how many players it takes. face the so early,” All- Add up the scattered AL vs. NL ager said. closing on the road against the Mar- “We have a lot of depth, not just at Star Carlos Ruiz said. “But it’s a diff erent matchups, it’s like a mini-World Series Previously, Porter said, it was easy lins, “whatever is good for baseball,” the the major league roster,” center fi elder schedule this year.” most every day. to plan for blocks of interleague games. 68-year-old Leyland said. said. “Last year, we used Sure is. “It’s going to be totally diff erent,” said “A lot of times, a National League “We have a designated hitter in the 52 guys. Now, we got guys in Triple-A Josh Hamilton and the Los Angeles Houston manager Bo Porter, one of six team would call up a DH-type guy during All-Star game, instant replay. Things that have major league experience. Angels visit Cincinnati in an opener new skippers in the majors. that segment of their schedule,” he said. change and if it is good for the game, I It defi nitely helps out. That helps the that’s hardly traditional. Triple Crown Might as well blame Porter’s Astros, “Now, that’s hard to do because you’re am all for it,” he said. psyche of this team.” FRIDAY, MARCH 29, 2013 ☆ R NATIONALS | E9

The 33-year-old Soriano is next to an empty NEW locker, well away from Storen and Clippard. Those From page E7 two are in-season roommates and have lockers next to each other. Soriano isn’t like his wisecrack- Drew Storen on the roster, signing Soriano on Jan. ing, tight-knit and much younger bullpen mates. 17 to fi ll that job strengthened a strength. That’s The quiet newcomer keeps to himself and operates how Rizzo put it. on his own schedule, to Johnson’s amusement. Try Drawing a line from the cold October night at to fi nd Soriano after he pitches and, like a ghost, Nationals Park when heavy plastic sheets hung he’s usually long since disappeared. in the team’s clubhouse to shield the inevitable “Oh, yeah, I feel old right now,” Soriano said, beer-and-Champagne deluge after the decisive then laughed. Game 5 of the National League Division Series to After saving 42 games for the New York Yan- Soriano’s addition is understandable. One strike kees last season while recovered away from ending the game and ’s from a torn anterior cruciate ligament, Soriano stadium-silencing two-run single and Storen opted out of the fi nal season of his three-year, $35 stunned at his locker next to the tarps that couldn’t million contract on faith a better deal (and op- be removed in time. portunity to close with Rivera returning) existed But the Nationals insist the two-year, $28 million elsewhere. The pitcher had no idea where he’d deal (half is deferred; there’s a team option for 2015, land. Discussions between his agent, Scott Boras, too) isn’t a reaction to last season ending abruptly and the Nationals started in November. Owner enough to produce whiplash. No, the move is a became involved. luxury to deepen a bullpen that limited batters to a That snagged the veteran with 132 saves over .231 average last season. While Clippard scuffl ed in 11 seasons, gave the Nationals their most experi- the second half of a season during which he piled up enced closer since and squeezed 32 saves, the bullpen’s average, an upgrade into the last part of the roster with per nine innings and walks didn’t change much in room for one. two fewer innings than the fi rst half. In the clubhouse, conversation hums like the “To me, I think every team fi nd something that large refrigerator crammed with bottles of water. they need,” Soriano said. “They think they need Playing cards and cellphones come out. Bowls of the closer, the veteran that can help the young guy granola and plates of ham and eggs fi lter back from and they picked me for that situation and I’m so the kitchen. The trio waits on red-and-blue stools. happy that they did.” The clock ticks down.

The Nationals will have to spend more to keep BUILDING the team they have now intact, even just through From page E5 arbitration. And they have the fl exibility fi nan- cially to aff ord luxury items like Soriano, with Nationals have made in building their team, the that rising cost. man leading them on the fi eld still sees weaknesses But while their status as contenders may have if they’re to be set for several years. changed, they still view the path to sustained “I said it before I was managing, I thought the excellence coming through their minor league system was a couple years away, even though system — with players who are cheaper and can we had some really good drafts, from really hav- be controlled for longer. ing the insurance at all positions,” said manager “When you’re struggling, that means people Davey Johnson, pointing to areas where the team aren’t playing well,” Rizzo said. “The diff erence lacks depth, like starting pitching at the top level now is that when you’ve got talented players who of the minors. perform better, you can just rely on them and go At one time that weakness was in the outfi eld. with that until something nudges you to make The trade for Denard Span, the emergence of Bryce a chance. That nudge is players performing or Harper and the use of Moore, a fi rst baseman, in outperforming even what our plan is for them. the outfi eld alleviated that while allowing some Those are good issues. of their top prospects, like Brian Goodwin and “It always comes down to roster construction, Destin Hood, to continue to develop. control of players and cost certainty.” “I think now we’re about maybe a half-year, For now, Rizzo will continue working on the year away from being a fi rst-division organization grease boards. He’ll write, and erase, and write through the whole system,” Johnson said. again.

Johnson still will not have written his fi nal chapter ANDREW HARNIK/THE WASHINGTON TIMES DAVEY in the game. Dan Haren was slowed by a low back strain for much of last year with the Los Angeles Angels, but the From page E3 But if it is, everyone knows one more World Nationals still felt confi dent enough to give him $13 million for one year. “Last year didn’t go the way I Series certainly wouldn’t hurt his cause. wanted it to,” Haren said. “I’ve got to go out and prove I’m healthy, and who knows what’ll happen.” helped establish their identity as a team. The man “I could see how this year plays a lot into who constantly hammers home one fact about the [his legacy],” Werth said. “I hope we win. I want players on his teams: They almost always play up nothing more than to win. Not only for myself, to their capabilities. but for him. “When they decide whether he’s a Hall of “I wouldn’t mind sending the old man off into Famer, I just hope character comes into play,” the sunset on top.” said fi rst baseman Adam LaRoche. “Because that should go a long way with him.” ★★★ When the Nationals announced in November that this would be Johnson’s last season in their dugout, though his contract as a consultant runs through 2014, it seemed like he was signaling for retirement. He emphasizes now the fact that it is a mutual agreement — and retirement is the wrong word. “I will be working even if I’m not here,” he said. “I know the organization feels that this should be my last year. I didn’t really make that decision, as much as I felt that that was what they wanted. So I’m very comfortable with all of that.” While Johnson often jokes about Susan’s “honey-do” lists and the tasks piling up for him around the house, he’s not exactly ready to be put out to pasture, either. The next opportunity might be doing more work with MLB’s Urban Youth Academy to help bring one to Orlando. Maybe it’ll be with the Collegiate Summer League, or back with USA Baseball. Maybe it’ll be something completely diff er- ent. He won’t know until the phone rings. He just knows there will be something. “I’m still going to be working at something that I think is challenging and that I’m the best candidate to do,” he said. “That’s always what turns my wheels.” It’s possible that when the 2013 season is over, E10 | NATIONALS ☆ R FRIDAY, MARCH 29, 2013 Mets Twins Braves Phillies Indians Marlins Marlins 7:10 pm 7:10 1:10 pm 1:10 7:15 pm 7:15 pm 7:15 7:05 pm 7:05 pm 7:05 D’backs 4:05 pm Rockies 10:10 pm 10:10 12:05 pm TIME EASTERN DAYLIGHT ALL TIMES Mets Twins Indians Phillies 7:10 pm Marlins Marlins 7:10 pm 7:05 pm 7:05 pm 7:05 pm 7:05 7:05 pm 7:05 pm 7:05 Rockies 9:40 pm D’backs Mets Mets 1:10 pm 1:10 Marlins 7:05 pm 7:05 3:10 pm 3:10 7:05 pm 7:05 4:05 pm Rockies 7:05 pm 7:05 D’backs Rockies SEPT. SEPT. 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