,

Nats lose ugly on groundbreaking day

First the bad news….

Nationals Give New Boss Another LossThe Post
So much for the ownership resolution getting the players to focus on baseball. Livan Hernandez pitched poorly again, and the Nats got crushed 11-3 by the Marlins. The Nats had better play well this weekend with the Pirates in town; there is more at stake for me than just bragging rights.

More from The Wash. Times: Hernandez gets pounded, again


Guillen’s girlfriend robbedThe Wash. Times
The poor judgement of Jose Gullien’s girlfriend — cashing a $12,000 check at a check cashing store in NE — was rewarded when she was robbed. D’oh! Guillen immediately blamed Mike Scosia.


STEVEN PEARLSTEINNext on Baseball Agenda: Fix the Nats’ TV ProblemThe Post
Pearlstein wants the District to sue MLB and Peter Angelo$ over TV rights.


Some Concerns About Parking at New StadiumWTOP
Oh yeah, some people are going to want to drive, but where will they park?


Happier news…

Nats Stadium Dig Begins; Design Still Up in the AirThe Post
Ground was officially broken for the new ballpark yesterday, even though the design is expected to be modified. Stan Kasten thinks it can be finished on time.

For an up close look, check out MissChatter’s trip to the ceremony.

More from The Wash. Times: Nats ballpark finally under way & The Wash. Examiner: Builders put Nationals stadium construction ‘on the fast track’
They think they can get it ready for 2008. Well, dreams are nice…


Acrimony Fades Amid Signs Of Unity and Sighs of ReliefThe Post
The bad feelings created since Sept. 29, 2004 over the Nationals ballpark were not visible amongst the VIPs in attendance at yesterday’s groundbreaking.


2 First-Round Picks in Draft Provide a StartThe Post
Kasten has a lot to work with in the early part of the upcoming draft.

More from The Wash. Times: Fixing a franchise


Patterson seeks painless rehabThe Wash. Times
P John Patterson pitched three scoreless innings in an intrasquad extended spring training game. Also, C Robert Fick is in Harrisburg for more rehab with the plan to get him as many bats as possible.


Honor Big Train at new ballparkThe Wash. Times
Heller wants the ballpark to be “Walter Johnson Park.” Johnson’s daughter knows that it will not happen, but hopes for a statue or some other tribute. Add a “retired number” sign that is visible from the field too. It is important that Johnson and other heroes of Washington baseball are honored so that D.C. delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton can find out who there were.