Upcoming Spring Training Games On WFED

Yeah, Sohna and I are back home in Alexandria, Virginia. We made the 14 Hour Drive beginning late Thursday Morning, March 5th--getting home just before midnight that evening. Having to be back at work on Friday at 10AM--we are spending the weekend recovering. 33 Posts in two weeks in Viera was pretty good--we thought.

Our Radio Broadcasters Charlie Slowes & Dave Jageler will be back on the air for Spring Training Games for Our Washington Nationals beginning Monday March 9th. They will team up for 8 more games this exhibition season on WFED 1500AM, 820AM and 1050AM.

Monday March 9th at Space Coast Stadium versus The Houston Astros. Broadcast at 6:55pm

Tuesday March 10th at Space Coast Stadium verus The New York Mets. Broadcast at 12:55pm.

Saturday March 14th at Port St.Lucie versus The New York Mets. Broadcast at 1:00PM

Sunday March 15th at Space Coast Stadium versus The Detroit Tigers. Broadcast at 12:55pm

Wednesday March 18th at Space Coast Stadium versus The Florida Marlins. Broadcast at 6:55pm

Thursday March 19th at Space Coast Stadium versus The Baltimore Orioles. Broadcast at 12:55pm

Friday April 3rd at Norfolk, Virginia versus The Baltimore Orioles. Broadcast at 3:20PM

And finally--Saturday April 4th at Nationals Park versus The Baltimore Orioles. Broadcast at 5:55PM

So if you have the opportunity--tune in for Our Washington Nationals on the radio with two of the best in the business. We are really fortunate to have Charlie and Dave calling our games.

That's WFED--1500AM (and 820AM & 1050AM) at the times listed above--Spring Training Baseball.

For Those Wishing

After our inquiry, The Executive Office of Our Washington Nationals emailed Sohna and I this afternoon to inform those fans wishing to show their respects for the passing of Our Team President Stan Kasten's mother--Mrs. Sylvia Kasten--in lieu of flowers or cards, the family wishes that if you desire--please make a donation in Sylvia Kasten's name to either your local Alzheimer's Association or The Atlanta, Georgia Chapter.

The Kasten Family and Our Washington Nationals are appreciative of everyone's kind thoughts.

Family Reunion--Sort Of

Nick Johnson, Cristian Guzman, Livan Hernandez and My Main Man!! Ryan Church all playing in the same game. If only Brian Schneider had been on the road trip to Viera, Florida today--a 2005 Family Reunion of Our Washington Nationals could have begun in earnest. NJ, The Guz, Livo and Church all participating in today's pre-season affair between Our Washington Nationals and The New York Mets (Also, former Nats Marlon Anderson & Rob Mackowiak played in this game). A pretty lively affair that included two TITANIC home runs, some nice two strike hitting by Alberto Gonzalez, a continuing hot bat off the hands of Ryan Zimmerman and a truly outstanding three innings on the mound by 22 Year Old Pitcher Jordan Zimmermann.

Looking to make a serious run to the 2009 Rotation for Washington, J-Zimm mowed The Mets down facing just nine batters, three strike outs, five ground ball outs recorded. "He was sharp, locked in." said Assistant GM Mike Rizzo to Sohna and I after the game. "He was very, very impressive."

But does it matter that these hitters have yet to see him before? (SBF)

"You pitch like Jordan did today and you can pitch in anybody's league," concluded Rizzo. "He was excellent."

In fact, Mike Rizzo seemed even more excited about his enhanced role given by management over the past two weeks. "It's been a lot of fun and there is much more in store. We are going to be a better team than anybody realizes right now." To us, that sounds like man that wants to stay in Washington for some time--not just on an interim basis.

Of course Jordan Zimmermann was helped out by Original Washington National Nick Johnson also making a serious run of his own to the starting lineup--while coming back from his latest wrist injury. In the bottom of first inning, Our Number 24 absolutely CRUSHED a Mike Pelfrey fastball well over the rightfield wall and onto the top of Space Coast Stadium's Batting Cage Roof. In fact, Johnson hit the ball so hard it was hard to track in the bright Central Florida sunshine. My Main Main!! Ryan Church hardly moved from his spot covering rightfield for The Mets. Church simply turned, watched and waved the ball goodbye!! A no doubt two run shot that put Washington up 3-0 in the bottom of the very first inning.

A frame that also saw Guzman lead off with a single and score on a well driven double down the rightfield line by Ryan Zimmerman. Our Number 11 continuing to show that coming to camp, in shape, ready to go, can be a world of difference in anyone's game. Ryan really looks good. Let's hope he can parlay this healthy spring into his best season so far in The Major Leagues. And Our Washington Nationals are being cautious with him. Knowing Ryan Zimmerman will play most every game of the upcoming league schedule--he, along with Nick Johnson and a few other players are only playing Home Games during the first two weeks of the Exhibition Season--in order to rest them for the real 162 Game Schedule--not the 35 Game Grapefruit League.

And as for Alberto Gonzalez. He has always been a slick fielder, but since joining Washington late last year, he has been a solid contributor at the plate. Today, facing Livan Hernandez with two out in the bottom of the 6th--Our Number 12 fought off two, two strike pitches to slash a solid two run scoring RBI single to left center--putting Washington back in the lead today for the final time. The final blow to Former Nat Livo being removed from the game after pitching 2.2 innings--giving up 5 hits, 3 walks, and three runs. Old Number 61 was not sharp--tiring noticeably in his third inning of work. But, he did fool a couple of Washington's hitters with his absolutely crazy super slow, curve--seen so many times at RFK Stadium during the first two campaigns of Our Washington Nationals. That pitch that makes you laugh that any hitter could actually miss it--but they do--all the time. I will always have a soft spot for Livan Hernandez. He was so entertaining to watch while in DC--pitched some terrific and awful games, but never lets any pressure get to him. Not many baseball players have heart like that.

Jason Bergmann, Garrett Mock and Bling-Bling!! finished this 6-4 win out for Our Washington Nationals. Jesus Colome recording his second save of the spring. The only real sore spot on the mound being Collin Balester. He simply didn't have it today and was torched for 4 runs in the top of the 4th by New York--Two Home Runs given up, including an amazing clubbed shot by The Mets Catcher--Ramon Castro--who launched a rocket to DEEP CENTERFIELD, over Lastings Milledge, over the warning track and WELL OVER THE 35' TALL GREEN BATTER'S EYE. For his part, Milledge turned around--facing the wall--hoping for the carom--only to see the fast moving baseball scream over that extremely tall wall. Ramon Castro? Wow!! Who would have thought--but it was an impressive blow. And pretty much ruined Balester's day on the mound.

Bergmann seems to be settling into the reliever's role. He was again sharp today. Maybe going all out for a inning or two better suits his mechanics getting out of a whack on the mound. There have been times when Our Number 57 has been lights out. Seems to me, he has all the make-up of also being a closer. Just like Ryan Zimmerman, Jason Bergmann came to camp, in shape, toned up, ready for action. And it appears to be paying off for him. He has done nothing to turn Our Washington Nationals away from a major role on Our 2009 Ball Club.

With Principal Owner Mark Lerner in attendance, Our Washington Nationals started a real Major League looking lineup today. Guzman, Milledge, Zimmerman, Johnson, Elijah Dukes, Josh Willingham, Ronnie Belliard and Luke Montz. You could argue about the catcher, but that's a fairly decent lineup if everyone is healthy.

As usual in all the games played at Space Coast Stadium in which Sohna and I have attended--the off the field stuff is many times very entertaining. Today that remained true.

67 Degrees at Game Time and a lady sitting a couple rows in front of us had on Ear Muffs?


Mets Fans travel with their team and they were out in abundance today. No two better than these two guys wearing special Mets' color tee-shirts digging at New York crosstown rival--Alex Rodriguez. The front of the shirt reads "A-Roid" The back: "My Third Baseman (David Wright) Doesn't Juice!!". A great shirt and typical New York--gotta love it.

For a portion of the game we sat with Nats320 Cub Reporter Tom and his wife--June. Always fun to chat with--Tom likes to travel around Florida to other Grapefruit League Ballparks during Spring Training catching other games. And will be adding his fun to Nats320 again over the next few weeks--just like last year.


Before the game--Pitching Coach Randy St.Claire was working a bullpen session with Scott Olsen on a side field outside of Space Coast Stadium. St.Claire working with Olsen on his release point during delivery. For some time, Scott has been too inconsistent with his pitches--ultimately, not placing his pitches in the right spots as they cross the plate. Randy St.Claire, spotting a flaw in his delivery, feels he can get Scott Olsen back to the quality starter he was two years ago with The Florida Marlins.


Also seen outside the ballpark on a mound today--Matt Chico in his customary #47 throwing a bullpen session for a good 25 minutes. Chatting with Matt after practice--he told Sohna and I that it has been "killing me" not being able to pitch in any games. "I really have missed not being part of the ballclub. But my arm feels really good and I have no pain." Matt Chico expects to be ready to pitch in a Big League Game by mid-season.


Finally, The Oakley Performance Eyewear folks were situated outside Space Coast Stadium this afternoon. Working out of their mobile lab, Oakley had on display these very swift looking Red Curly "W" Sunglasses. You can bet The African Queen was modeling the samples. They were cool--with a small Curly "W" on the lower left lens--available in prescription form from your Eye Specialist. Ryan Zimmerman wears the exact same non-prescription pair. Five lucky fans were picked at random today to receive a pair of these special Oakley Curly "W" Sunglasses during the ball game.

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Our Deepest Sympathy

Sohna and I just want to extend our sincere condolences to Team President Stan Kasten, and his family, in the wake of the passing of his mother.

Where Is Austin Kearns?

Justin Maxwell, Roger Bernadina, Elijah Dukes, Lastings Milledge, Adam Dunn, Willie Harris, Josh Willingham, Leonard Davis, Ryan Langerhans and even Jorge Padilla have all played multiple games this early spring in the outfield for Our Washington Nationals.

Austin Kearns just one time--the Exhibition Opener against The Houston Astros at Kissimmee. Kearns struck out twice in his two plate appearances that day. Not one time has he stepped on the field of play since.

Why?

Where Is Austin Kearns?

Is there something wrong with Our Number 25? Does he have some nagging minor injury that is day to day? Is the team resting him early in the spring while testing other's abilities?

It sure seems strange.

Kearns is reportedly healthy, in shape and ready to go. Last season's injuries and disappointments behind him.

Even if Washington wanted to trade Austin, a trading partner will want to see his skills in game situations--not practice or past video.

So what gives? Is there more to Austin Kearns not playing than just giving him a rest?

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Liking The Aggressive Approach

The report that Team President Stan Kasten is aggressively dealing with Ryan Zimmerman's Agent on a multi-year deal is a very good sign. Wanting to turn the tables and start anew after a tumultuous few weeks--Mr. Kasten met with Brodie Van Wagenen late this morning at Space Coast Stadium before Our Washington Nationals took on Team Italy--one of the World Baseball Classic contenders.

No details of what terms are being discussed, but both sides wish to have the new deal in place by Opening Day--2009. Signing Ryan Zimmerman to a long term deal, right now, would help bolster hopes again for the fan base while turning the attention back more to matters on the field of play--not off.

Liking the aggressive approach being taken by Our Team President.

The same can be said for Our Franchise Player in the top of the first inning of today's exhibition when he barreled into the rolled rain tarp while chasing a foul fly down the left field line. The best in the game at just such a defensive play, Zimmerman never slowed down, caught the ball over his head while immediately tumbling hard into and over then finally settling against the railing separating the viewing stands from the field. It was an extremely aggressive and terrific play, but Our Number 11's effort had Sohna, myself and just about everyone watching wondering whether he was going to hurt himself. Ryan Zimmerman was OK and was smiling broadly all the way to the first base dugout when his recorded out ended the inning. Ryan also scoring one run, knocking in another while recording a triple and single in three At-Bats this afternoon.

Aggressiveness which Elijah Dukes also displayed with two towering opposite field shots to right center (maybe a little wind aided)--one resulting in a triple, another a home run. Dukes is such a terrific athlete he sometimes seems to be going through the motions--then you realize his power, his speed and his possession of one fine throwing arm are tools for a player with tremendous all-around potential. He just needs to learn how to hit the breaking stuff.

The Off-Speed Pitches which both John Lannan and Shairon Martis had going in combining to pitch six shutout innings. Being aggressive as well, they took each ball and just threw their pitches. Both Lannan and Martis had excellent extended three inning efforts on the mound today. The same which can't be said of Marco Estrada, Wil Ledezma or Gary Glover who combined for Washington to blow a six run lead over the final three innings before Roger Bernadina unloaded for a NO DOUBT three run homer to right to end this marathon 4 hour Exhibition Game at Space Coast Stadium with another Curly "W" in the books: 9-6 Washington.

There was quite the remarkable and funny double play completed by Our Washington Nationals this afternoon. With a Team Italy runner on third base with one out--an Italian batter hit a routine fly ball to mid-centerfield. The runner on third tagged, waiting for Lastings Milledge to catch the baseball. When Milledge did, the runner pretended to take off and Lastings flat out LAUNCHED A ROCKET, over the cut-off man standing on the mound, over his catcher Wil Nieves, hitting John Lannan on the fly standing a good 20 feet off the plate. The Italy runner then took off thinking he could score on Lastings' errant throw. Then, upon realizing Lannan had the ball--was caught in no-where's land. Lannan to Zimmerman standing on 3rd base--to Nieves at home for the very unusual 8-1-5-2 Double Play and easily The Defensive Play of The Game. No it doesn't get much stranger than that in the record books. In fact, even if the double play was not recorded--the very sight of watching Wil Nieves turn his head back toward the crowd thinking Lastings' throw would land in the crowd or off the back screen was classic. His head jerk so fast around to his left, you thought it might unscrew. And once the play ended--the amount of laughter from Our Players running off the field was Perfect Spring Training Baseball.

It was very funny.

Other sights of Spring Training today--seemingly everyone hanging out in the bullpen.


Players doing agility and cardio workouts--AFTER the game.

Our Manager Manny Acta instructing better baserunning tactics, alongside new 3rd Base Coach Pat Listach to Alex Cintron after Cintron foolishly got himself thrown out at home with less than two outs in a tie ball game in the bottom of the 9th--when a grounder was hit directly to Team Italy's 3rd Baseman. Our Number 14 clearly telling Cintron it's OK to be aggressive--just not aggressively stupid.

A very sparse crowd--officially 1,115.

It's still fairly chilly down here--especially in the shade.

And finally--Chicken Man and Lissette are down in Viera taking in some Spring Training action. Lissette mentioning that Hugh just purchased a new chicken to wave this March--upon arriving in Florida for their trip.

PS--The Umpire Crew today was a WBC Crew getting in some extra work. The Home Plate Umpire called quite the game and I mean--CALLED THE GAME. Every pitch, every strike, every ball--he not only called the pitch but the location too: "Ball--Outside Away!" "Strike--Inside Corner!!" This guy even motioned with his arms to the location. He was very impressive and EVERYONE in the crowd could hear him. Very Nice Job by that Home Plate Umpire.

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I Am In Charge (Here)

As a life long Washingtonian, and The African Queen for 38 Years now, we appreciated the humor of Team President Stan Kasten's comment today: "I Am In Charge." The only word missing was "Here". Famously, after President Ronald Reagan was shot on August 13th, 1981--then Secretary of State Alexander Haig stated "I am in charge here." Haig wasn't then. In fact, he was third in line to the throne and was embarrassed, but Political Washington made that line--infamous in history.

Really that line was unbelievable.

As it turns out, Mr. Kasten's nearly identical comment today spoke the truth. He's wheeling and dealing, making things happen in the wake Our Now Former General Manager Jim Bowden Officially Resigning On Sunday. Alexander Haig had limited power. Stan Kasten--this day--has the final say right now. Not only is he considering trades with other ball clubs but reportedly is attempting to sign Our Franchise Player Ryan Zimmerman to a long term contract--and what could be better than that?

Good for him--because The Z-Man needs to be locked up as soon as possible. Of course, signing Our Number 11 would make The African Queen very happy. And at the same time, Mr. Kasten is asking those club employees wanting to step up and make themselves known. This is the time to make yourself a player.

What underling couldn't appreciate that? Really? What business are you in that The BossMan says bring it on--tell me what you think? What are we doing wrong here? What do we need to improve ourselves? How can we do things better?

Reportedly, that's exactly what Mr. Kasten told Baseball Operations today in his private meeting this morning with staff.

Don't be timid.

Speak your mind.

Tell it like it is.

Make Us Better.

Some may disagree, but sorry, that's pretty impressive in our book.

Having no idea how JimBo ran his operation internally--it's refreshing to publicly hear that Our Team President--Currently Also Interim General Manager--wants to listen to all options. Put everything on the table. Many times, those below have some good ideas. But are silenced over the fear that speaking out of turn will diminish their value to those in charge. Upper Management fearing those below them might make The BossMan less valuable.

That's not the case today.

Because on day two of a new era for Our Washington Nationals--"I Am In Charge (Here)" means Bring It On!! Tell me whatever you feel Our Washington Nationals need to do to get us better--not only on the field--but in The Public's Eye.

Bottom Line--Give Me Everything You Got.

You Have Got to appreciate the gumption and willingness to learn from EVERYONE involved with Our Washington Nationals--no matter who they are. Mr. Kasten understands that Washington Employees were not hired to follow the leader. They were brought on board to fill a missing void.

"I Am In Charge (Here)--Very, Very Refreshing Words From Our Team President Today.

PS- Yeah, believe it or not, The African Queen and I are still in Central Florida. An extended stay now--thanks to the never ending newsworthiness of Our Washington Nationals. And it's pretty entertaining by the way. Besides--it may have been 60 Degrees most of the day here in Melbourne, Florida--chilly by local standards. But that beats 10" of snow in Washington, DC over the past 24 hours. And thanks to Our Next Door Neighbor--Dolly--who let us know that she was shoveling both her and our driveway today--knowing The African Queen and I were still "Doing Baseball" with Our Washington Nationals. You can bet that Dolly wished she was here with us right now. Her classic comment: "Man, I hate you guys for always being away at the right time!!"

You have got to LOVE OUR NEIGHBOR DOLLY--she was getting into the spirit of it all. (There is plenty of laughter on that commentary--and you would have to know Dolly to fully understand)

Oh Yeah--There Was A Game Too!!

Many were wearing shorts, others flip flops--compare that to the blankets, winter coats snugly wrapped around others. The 54 Degree game time temperature so surprisingly low the PA Announcer actually apologized for the cold and wind--while profusely thanking the 2,635 shivering fans at Space Coast Stadium for attending. What a contrast. And when the sun poked through those dark clouds a few times throughout yesterday afternoon's game between Our Washington Nationals and The Baltimore Orioles--loud cheers broke out. This is Central Florida after all. Many here are not use to anything less than balmy weather.


Nevertheless, Our Nats & O's did play a rather entertaining game. A typical Spring Affair where the outcome didn't matter, but when Washington rallied with two scores and loaded the bases with two outs in the bottom of the 9th--those still left watching rose in unison to witness if Javier Valentin could keep the rally going, tie or bring the winning runs home. When he popped out to centerfield weakly to end the game--believe it or not fans actually BOOED!! The African Queen, Our Friend Tom and I started laughing. Tom saying: "Manny did the right thing. He's letting everybody get their cuts in, not managing for a win." Tom was right, but it was really funny hearing the displeasure of fans unhappy over an EXHIBITION SEASON LOSS.

Nick Johnson powered a totally wind blown home run in bottom of the 3rd. Get any ball up in the air to left center today and it was gone. NJ laughing at his round tripper as he crossed home plate and headed to Washington's first base dugout. Baltimore's top prospect Matt Wieters also skied a routine pop down the left field line that just went over the wall in top of the 6th. Another wind blown two run homer that to Wieter's credit also found him chuckling as he crossed home plate--smiling all the way to The Orioles third base dugout.

22 hits between the teams. 14 pitchers toed the mound. Three fielders were given errors. The Official Scorer was generous and could have granted a few more. Scott Olsen made his first start of the spring for Washington and pitched two shutout innings, thanks to Elijah Dukes throwing out Baltimore's Luke Scott from right field trying to score from third base on a fly out. A multiple hop toss that landed past Nick Johnson's cutoff mark between first base and the mound and ended up bouncing a good five times before landing in Wil Nieves' catcher's glove right on home plate. Luke Scott may hit the ball hard and well for The O's, but he's not the fasted runner. Scott was still out easily.


Not a gazelle which Justin Maxwell definitely is as he showed when he laid out all the way in centerfield for another drive off the bat of Scott in the 4th. A lunging to his left, dramatic scoop gloving of Luke's batted ball just off the outfield grass. Easily the defensive play of the game and good enough to get the shivering fans out of the blankets and huddled masses to give Maxwell a warm reception upon returning to the dugout.

Willie Harris started at second base. Tyler Clippard, Terrell Young and Garrett Mock struggled in their innings pitched. Saul Rivera, heading soon to play in The World Baseball Classic for Panama, pitched one inning for Washington. And Adam Dunn also announced yesterday, he will play for Team USA in the WBC.

When Our Manager Manny Acta put Number 56 into the game to replace Ryan Zimmerman, we had no idea who he was. Joel Guzman is huge. A tall, healthy looking athlete. Guzman knocked in a run on a sacrifice fly to deep centerfield, stroked another single and made two nice plays defensively at 3rd Base. Not sure if Joel Guzman has a chance to make Our Team, but you could see his potential on display at Space Coast Stadium yesterday.



Kids Day at the ballpark brought NASA out to Viera, Florida. An completely dressed astronaut greeted fans at the gate and NASA employees showed children how to use space gloves while handing out NASA mementos.


Before the game began, Sohna and I did run into Our Manager Manny Acta on a side field watching practice for those not playing in Sunday's game. Aware of the circumstances occurring surrounding the changes in Baseball Operations Front Office, Manny seemed a little down--saying "It's been a tough week." But he recovered nicely--The African Queen lifting his spirits a little. You would have to think that with Jim Bowden no longer in The General Manager's Seat, Manny now has full control over who plays, when and where. And that's got to be a good thing for Our Number 14..

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The Dark Clouds

The Dark Clouds began to gather moments after the word began to spread. The Storm building over Space Coast Stadium perfectly represented the day ahead. A weather change was coming and Our General Manager Jim Bowden had lost his job. Officially resigning his position as Vice-President and General Manager of Our Washington Nationals. 84 Degrees in Viera, Florida yesterday. 54 Degrees today. A chilling reminder that threatening clouds can whisk away the past, while refreshing the days ahead.

Never is it a happy day to see someone lose their job. Especially a person that displayed the passion for the game of baseball as Jim Bowden. JimBo may not have been the best General Manager out there. Yeah, he has his enemies, but Bowden has put Our Washington Nationals in a better position for 2009 and beyond. All the while directing a resurrection of Our Farm System depleted from the terrible Orphan Ownership of Major League Baseball.

No, we haven't won anything yet. We have too many Ex-Reds within Our Organization. Our Franchise was embarrassed over the Esmailyn Gonzalez revelation. And we still do not have enough talent on the Major League Roster. But rebuilding is a well long thought out process--not one completed overnight by signing every free agent out there. Ask The Washington Redskins how well they have done working just that angle?

Whether real or perceived (and life is seldom fair), The FBI Investigation of Jim Bowden on money skimming in Latin America had become a distraction to Our Washington Nationals Team--on the field. The swirling rumors polarizing the moving forward of Our 2009 Team. There is no doubt in our minds a deal was struck-saving face for both DC's Team and Mr. Bowden. And that's the way it should have been done.

Today's decision marks a major turning point in Our Washington Nationals. Over the past two weeks, Team President Stan Kasten has navigated this billowing storm with a professional insight and decision making prowess like no other. In fact, he proved how important he is to Washington's Baseball Club. Never one to play his cards publicly, he deftly waited, watched, observed and took action ONLY WHEN TIME WARRANTED. Playing Point Man for Ownership--Mr. Kasten took all the heat and warmed to its touch. Living in Washington, DC--Stan Kasten played the role of High Level Diplomat.

No one deserves to be let go from a job they love. And it's saddening to see Jim Bowden leave in such a disheartening way. But hopefully, JimBo now walks away with his head up high and with the respect of many of those now left behind to toil in his wake. We are hoping that Jim Bowden is eventually cleared of all alleged transgressions insinuated against him--those rumors advanced for some time by those that have no inside knowledge of the actual situation. And that in the end, Mr Bowden comes out clean and returns to the game he loves.

Late this afternoon those Dark Clouds lifted as Our Washington Nationals fell to The Baltimore Orioles in exhibition play 7-5 at Space Coast Stadium. The threatening storm had not brought rain--had not in fact--cancelled today's game, nor did it affect the upcoming season for Our Washington Nationals. Because at the end of the day there was no Storm, just the use of some seasoned diplomatic maneuvering to move Our Franchise forward.

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Jim Bowden's Resignation Statement

STATEMENT FROM JIM BOWDEN

I am today resigning my position as Senior Vice President and General Manager of the Washington Nationals. It is an emotional decision that saddens me, but one that I feel is in the best interests of two of the things I love most - baseball and the Washington Nationals.

My resignation is based upon my realization that my ability to properly represent the Washington Nationals has been compromised because of false allegations contained in the press. I am disappointed by the media reports regarding investigations into any of my professional activities. There have been no charges made, and there has been no indication that parties have found any wrongdoing on my part.

At the same time, while I have done nothing wrong, I place a greater value on the love, respect, and best interests of my family, friends, the game of baseball -- that I've served lovingly and faithfully for close to 25 years -- and, the reputation and future of the Washington Nationals, which I'm proud to have been a part of since its inception in 2004.

I believe I have had one of the great challenges afforded to any general manager in baseball. I was hired in November 2004 to make day-to-day baseball decisions on an interim basis with no ownership group, no permanent place to play and no legitimate minor league system. There was little to no budget for a major league roster. But, with the help of some very special assistants, we persevered. Today, we have some of the best owners in the game. We have one of the finest new ballparks, with a beautiful view of the Nation’s Capitol. And, we are headed in the right direction with the nucleus of a young, competitive and interesting major league baseball team that is capable of turning into a contender in a short period of time.

I'm proud to have had the opportunity to be part of such a special organization with so many tremendous people who will always be my friends, and am also proud of my contributions to Major League Baseball, the Washington Nationals and the game.

I wish nothing but success to the Lerner Family, Stan Kasten and the Washington Nationals organization, and to the very special players and front office personnel with whom I've built strong and meaningful relationships. I also want to thank all of the players, managers, coaches, front office staff and ownership for treating my family members like their own.

In closing, let me state this is a bittersweet moment for me. While I will always have the experiences and fond memories of my relationships with the Nationals, Stan Kasten and the Lerner family, who have always been gracious and fair in their dealings with me, I will also carry with me the cold hard realization that my life has been turned upside down by a news media that prints entire stories attributed solely to anonymous sources who refuse to be identified and who are free to allege anything they choose for any purpose without fear of retribution. One can only understand the impact of false allegations, insinuations and innuendos by the press if they themselves been the subject of those false allegations. However, I also want to thank the many media members, who have dealt with me with fairness and professionalism, and they far outweigh the others.

Like anyone else, I have made mistakes in all areas of my personal and professional life, but I leave here with the true belief that I have done nothing intentionally to harm the Washington Nationals or Major League Baseball. The team, the fans and media can now turn all of their attention from the distractions off-the-field to where it belongs, on the baseball field for the Washington Nationals and their upcoming 2009 championship season.

Stan Kasten Statement

STATEMENT FROM STAN KASTEN

We greatly respect and admire the decision made today by Jim Bowden. He showed characteristic poise and maturity, and demonstrated his selfless love for the game and the Washington Nationals.

We all believe it is imperative that we honor the integrity of the game and that fans be able to concentrate their attention and affections on the game and players on the field. Jim has maintained his innocence, but recognized that he had become a distraction, and with great grace determined to do what was best for the team and his players.

As the only general manager in the history of the Washington Nationals, his influence and direct imprint on the franchise is immeasurable. He was hired by Major League Baseball to manage a nearly unmanageable situation, without the benefit of local ownership. But, he knew he would be serving a fan base long hungry for the return of big league baseball to the Nation’s Capital. He accepted the challenge and fulfilled it with enthusiasm, intelligence, and gritty determination.

Jim’s efforts to develop a competitive club on the field, while dedicating himself to building a minor league system second to none, will serve the Washington Nationals for years to come.

The Washington Nationals ownership group, management, players, and fans, owe a great deal to Jim Bowden. He laid the groundwork for a team that we know will be a perennial contender in the National League East and throughout the league. We wish him all the best.