By Rand Paul
Obama acts as though we no longer have a Constitution
The Nationals' roster doesn't have many weak spots heading into the 2013 season, but the front office always keeps an eye on the future. Here are some players in Washington's farm system who could fill key roles in upcoming seasons.
White cinder block walls lead the way. Past the security guard in need of a cup of coffee just after 8 a.m. on a cool March morning. Through the makeshift clubhouse kitchen at Space Coast Stadium where three plug-in griddles serve up pancakes and eggs with toppings stored in plastic containers.
To be clear, it's Michael, not Mike Morse. That's one of the things that has changed since the last time Morse was a member of the Seattle Mariners more than three years ago.
If Braden Holtby hasn't done enough to lock down the No. 1 goaltender job and lock it down hard, one can only wonder what people were watching the last time hockey was actually played.
The Mariners added some much-needed power to their lineup Wednesday, acquiring Michael Morse from Washington in a three-team deal that moved catcher John Jaso from Seattle to Oakland.
The Washington Nationals traded power-hitting Michael Morse to Seattle on Wednesday in a three-team deal that moved catcher John Jaso from the Mariners to Oakland.
A person familiar with the trade says the Washington Nationals have agreed to send Michael Morse to Seattle as part of a three-team deal that would move catcher John Jaso from the Mariners to the Athletics and pitcher A.J. Cole from Oakland to the Nationals.
The Nationals also received minor-league right-hander Blake Treinen from the A's and will get a player to be named from Oakland in the deal, which also sent catcher John Jaso from Seattle to Oakland.
This winter, as Adam LaRoche waded through free agency, he presented the various options coming across his desk to his children. Each time LaRoche furnished the options to his familial panel — including his 10-year-old son Drake, who became a fixture in the Washington Nationals' clubhouse last season — the answer was always the same.
Once again, it's to check off some items on my "TIDU List" — Things I Don't Understand:
Even before the Washington Nationals' contingent had arrived at the Gaylord Opryland Hotel on Sunday afternoon, the question was being bandied about by members of the baseball community: What will the Nationals do next?
The Washington Nationals filled one of their longest-standing needs Thursday and, in turn, opened up a litany of options as they build their roster for the 2013 season.
With the addition of Denard Span, the Washington Nationals aren't just plugging a player into the lineup and moving on. He's like that nice new piece of furniture that causes the homeowner to redecorate the entire room _ just so everything is in the perfect spot.
It was three weeks ago, a month removed from one of the most gut-wrenching nights of his career as a general manager, that Mike Rizzo reflected on the Washington Nationals' playoff exit.
As Bryce Harper made his way through his first major league season, a day rarely went by without another milestone for the Washington Nationals' outfielder. Another small bit of history made. Another step toward a conversation among the game's greats.
"I'm just glad this whole thing has unfolded the way it has," Morse said on a conference call, noting he was aware he might be traded by Washington.
"If you ask me, I feel like I can hit the ball out of the Grand Canyon. The fences are not a problem for me," Morse said.
