VIDEO: Detwiler at NatsFest

Last weekend at NatsFest I had the chance to interview Ross Detwiler and ask him about his eventful offseason. He also had some interesting stuff about how having success against the Cardinals in the playoffs last year could help him to have a strong 2013.

VIDEO: Clippard on his offseason

Mark had a chance to talk with Tyler Clippard last weekend about his offseason and what he expects from 2013. In the beginning of the clip he discusses hearing about the Rafael Soriano signing and what it means for him.

Christian Garcia: Starter or reliever?

Photo by USA Today Sports Images

During a press conference at Nationals Park last September, manager Davey Johnson revealed the team’s plans to convert 27-year-old relief pitcher Christian Garcia into a starter. The decision was predicated on Garcia’s repertoire of three strong pitches and a looming shift in the organization's pitching depth.

Months later at NatsFest, reporters had the chance to talk to Garcia about the switch, but according to him he hasn’t heard what his role will be on the 2013 Nationals.

“I have no idea. Wherever they want to put me to play I am okay with it. Whatever I can help the team, any spot they need help with I would love to help in any way I can. So if it is starting, relieving, whatever it is.”

Garcia said that neither path really changes his offseason workout, that his training program will continue as is until he hears otherwise. He is currently training in Tampa, FL at the Performance Compound with Tyler Clippard and former Nats lefty John Lannan. 

As far as 2013 goes, Garcia is flexible to start or come out of the bullpen and has no real preference either way.

“I love relieving, I love it. Definitely late inning relieving, I love it. I like the pressure, I like that kind of stress, it’s just the kind of person I am.”

“Starter, it’s definitely different,” he said. “I got nine guys to worry about and remember all nine. There is a lot more thought that goes into starting than there is relieving, but I am up for the challenge either way.”

Two Nats fans going for Fan Cave

Photo via MLB.com

After bringing you a classic prank by Buck Showalter and the Nats’ bullpen reading excerpts of ’50 Shades of Grey’ last season, the MLB Fan Cave is back for another year and it’s time to pick the new ‘cave dwellers.’ Two young Nationals fans are in the running and have until Feb. 13 to rally enough votes to be one of the two selected to participate this season.

Katie Gregerson (@katiegregerson) of Alexandria, VA and Drew Wildes (@DrewieLemoine) of Annandale, VA are finalists for the contest which places two baseball fans in ‘The Cave.’ The two winners will go to New York and be asked to watch every MLB game of the 2013 season. Along the way they share their experiences through a blog, social media, and videos.

Read more >>

VIDEO: Zimmermann ready to go

CSN caught up with Jordan Zimmermann on Saturday at NatsFest and talked about, among other things, his excitement for the season. Jordan says the way the 2012 season ended gives the team even more motivation heading into Spring Training.

Also, check out this story from CSNwashington.com:

**MLB to meet with Gio, other players involved in PED report