For an organization that just passed its eighth birthday and has a history strewn with moments of ineptitude and instability, the tranquility that presides over it now is incomparable. For the two men who exemplify that stability most, the symbiotic nature of their relationship sets the precedent for the organization.
Tony La Russa waited until after the championship parade and then called a team meeting with his players.
The Nationals made official on Monday the long-expected move to solidify the start to one of the most anticipated offseasons in team history: They agreed to keep manager Davey Johnson in the dugout for the 2012 season.
Ripples from the Nats' hot streak have improved TV ratings and season-ticket sales.
When the season ends Wednesday, the Washington Nationals will begin the process of searching for their 2012 manager. Their list, general manager Mike Rizzo said Sunday, is not long. They know what they want and who they're looking at.
Seven games of minor league experience at second base were all Danny Espinosa had when he walked into the Washington Nationals' clubhouse last Sept. 1. Jim Riggleman told the rookie that he'd fit him into the lineup when he could.
The only thing missing from Davey Johnson's search for a leadoff hitter is a help-wanted sign taped to his office door.
Fans who began following the Nationals last year, when Stephen Strasburg swept through baseball like Halley's Comet, have a rosier outlook than fans who began following in 2005 when the team relocated to Washington, where it has never produced a winning record but twice managed 100-loss seasons.
The pitch left Jordan Zimmermann's teammates in stitches. And it showed how far the Washington Nationals' right-hander has come in the 22 months since Tommy John surgery rebuilt his right elbow.
