TheKingofKings
12-26-2006, 04:36 PM
According to MLB.com:
January
The Nationals agreed to terms with catcher Brian Schneider on a four-year, $16 million contract. This deal avoided two years of arbitration, two years of free agency and assures Washington of keeping one of its best players. The Nationals announced their coaching staff for the 2006 season, naming Mitchell Page hitting coach, Tony Beasley third-base coach and Davey Lopes first-base coach. The trio joined pitching coach Randy St. Claire and bench coach Eddie Rodriguez, the only holdovers from the 2005 staff.
February
The Nationals introduced Soriano to the media for the first time, and neither he, Robinson nor general manager Jim Bowden indicated whether Soriano will switch from second base to left field. Washington learned that right-hander Brian Lawrence will miss the 2006 season with a torn labrum. Lawrence was acquired from the Padres in the Vinny Castilla trade on Nov. 3, 2005. Lawrence took a physical before the trade was announced and there was no indication that he had arm problems. Soriano will not start Washington's first two games of the exhibition season before going to Kissimmee, Fla., to work out with the Dominican Republic team for the World Baseball Classic. In need of a starter because of Lawrence's injury, the Nationals signed right-hander Pedro Astacio to a one-year Major League deal.
March
The Nationals signed first baseman Nick Johnson to a three-year, $16.5 million extension. Johnson was scheduled to become a free agent after the 2006 season and will earn $3.2 million plus incentives based on playing time in 2006. One day after pitching for Team Mexico in its final game of the World Baseball Classic, Nationals right-hander Luis Ayala learned that he needs Tommy John elbow reconstruction surgery and will miss the 2006 season. Soriano informs the Nationals he will not switch from second base to left field, but after being told he could be placed on the disqualified list if he didn't change positions, he decides to play left field in the Nationals' Spring Training game against the Cardinals.
April
A near brawl between Mets right-hander Pedro Martinez and Nationals outfielder Jose Guillen overshadowed Washington's 10-5 loss to New York. Robinson's patience with Soriano ran out against the Mets. After Johnson homered with one out in the top of the sixth inning, Soriano followed and swung at Brian Bannister's first pitch, popping up to catcher Paul Lo Duca. Soriano stood in the batter's box and never ran to first base, as Lo Duca easily caught the ball in fair territory. Robinson was then seen waving his towel in disgust, and the manager immediately took Soriano out of the game and replaced him with Marlon Byrd. Robinson picked up his 1,000th victory as a big-league manager as the Nationals pounded the Phillies, 10-4, at Citizens Bank Park. Robinson became the 53rd skipper to reach 1,000 victories. Right-hander John Patterson landed on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to April 22, with a right forearm strain.
May
After a yearlong search, Major League Baseball sells the Washington Nationals to a group headed by Theodore and Mark Lerner. The new owners, political leaders, members of the DC Sports and Entertainment Commission, Robinson, Schneider and Marlon Anderson attended the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Nationals ballpark. The sale of the Washington Nationals is unanimously approved at the quarterly owners' meeting, ending Major League Baseball's four-year role in owning and operating the franchise, which relocated from Montreal prior to the 2005 season. After defeating the Astros, 8-5, a tearful Robinson talked about taking catcher Matthew LeCroy out of the game in the middle of the seventh inning after allowing the Astros to steal seven bases and committing two errors. The fans cheered loudly after Robinson made the move.
June
The team had two first-round picks in the 2006 First-Year Player Draft, and it selected third baseman Chris Marrero with the 15th pick and right-hander Colton Willems with the 22nd selection. It's the first time since 2002 that the Nationals/Expos went the high school route in the first round. After a loss to the Rockies, the Nationals dismissed bullpen coach John Wetteland because of philosophical differences with Robinson.
July
Incoming president Stan Kasten announced that Bowden will remain with the team in the same capacity. It's the first move Kasten has made that will affect the on-field product. Soriano is selected as a starting outfielder for the National League in Pittsburgh on July 11. Soriano finished third among NL outfielders in the fan voting with 2,411,892. Looking to get better in the long term, the Nationals began what could be an eventful run to the July 31 trade deadline with an eight-player deal, acquiring outfielder Austin Kearns, shortstop Felipe Lopez and right-hander Ryan Wagner from the Reds in exchange for pitchers Gary Majewski, Bill Bray and Daryl Thompson, infielders Brendan Harris and Royce Clayton. The Nationals announced the official transfer of ownership from Major League Baseball to the Lerner group and its partners. Believing that they can work out a long-term contract with Soriano and not impressed with the assortment of offers for their All-Star left fielder, the Nationals decided not to make a move at the non-waiver trading deadline.
August
Needing to improve their farm system, the Nationals traded right-hander Livan Hernandez to the D-backs for Minor League right-hander Garrett Mock and left-hander Matt Chico. The tension was heavy in the home clubhouse after the Nationals lost to the Mets, 3-1. Schneider flashed his temper, and Robinson said that Schneider and reliever Jon Rauch called the wrong pitch to Mets outfielder Michael Tucker. Soriano hit his 200th career home run in a 3-1 loss to the Mets at Robert F. Kennedy Stadium. Soriano became the first member of the Nationals to reach 30 home runs and 30 stolen bases in a season. Soriano became the fastest man in baseball history to reach 200 home runs and 200 stolen bases in a 7-6 win over the Braves. The Nationals dealt Anderson and cash to the Dodgers for right-hander Jhonny Nunez. Washington also sent infielder Daryle Ward to the Braves for right-hander Luis Atilano.
September
Ramon Ortiz came within three outs of throwing the team's first no-hitter since moving to Washington in a 4-1 victory over the Cardinals. Johnson suffered a fractured right femur in the eighth inning of the Nationals' 12-6 loss to the Mets at Shea Stadium, colliding with Kearns in pursuit of a pop fly. An Amtrak train carrying the Nationals from New York to Washington, D.C., derailed early in the morning, but no members of the team were hurt. The accident occurred after the Nationals defeated the Mets, 7-3, at Shea Stadium. Kasten and Bowden met separately with Robinson to discuss the manager's future. Although Kasten and Bowden weren't available for comment, and the club hasn't acknowledged that a decision has been made, baseball sources said that Robinson will not manage the team after the 2006 season.
October
Robinson showed his emotions when the Nationals paid tribute to the Hall of Famer before Sunday's season finale against the Mets. The special event came a day after Robinson and Bowden announced that Robinson would not be back as Washington's manager in 2007. Soriano was named to The Sporting News' National League All-Star team. Soriano was one of four outfielders -- Andruw Jones, Lance Berkman and Carlos Beltran are the others -- to make the team.
November
In need of depth in both their 40-man roster and Minor League system, the Nationals agreed to terms with 21 Minor League free agents. Right-handers Tim Redding and Joel Hanrahan, infielder Josh Wilson and outfielder Michael Restovich agreed to one-year contracts and were added to the 40-man roster. Soriano is one of three National League outfielders to win Louisville Slugger's Silver Slugger Award. The Nationals formally named Manny Acta their manager during a news conference at the Washington Square Building.
December
The Nationals selected catcher Jesus Flores and right-hander Levale Speigner in the Major League phase of the Rule 5 Draft, while taking left-hander Justin Jones in the Triple-A phase. The Nationals traded second baseman Jose Vidro to the Mariners for outfielder Chris Snelling and pitcher Emiliano Fruto.
January
The Nationals agreed to terms with catcher Brian Schneider on a four-year, $16 million contract. This deal avoided two years of arbitration, two years of free agency and assures Washington of keeping one of its best players. The Nationals announced their coaching staff for the 2006 season, naming Mitchell Page hitting coach, Tony Beasley third-base coach and Davey Lopes first-base coach. The trio joined pitching coach Randy St. Claire and bench coach Eddie Rodriguez, the only holdovers from the 2005 staff.
February
The Nationals introduced Soriano to the media for the first time, and neither he, Robinson nor general manager Jim Bowden indicated whether Soriano will switch from second base to left field. Washington learned that right-hander Brian Lawrence will miss the 2006 season with a torn labrum. Lawrence was acquired from the Padres in the Vinny Castilla trade on Nov. 3, 2005. Lawrence took a physical before the trade was announced and there was no indication that he had arm problems. Soriano will not start Washington's first two games of the exhibition season before going to Kissimmee, Fla., to work out with the Dominican Republic team for the World Baseball Classic. In need of a starter because of Lawrence's injury, the Nationals signed right-hander Pedro Astacio to a one-year Major League deal.
March
The Nationals signed first baseman Nick Johnson to a three-year, $16.5 million extension. Johnson was scheduled to become a free agent after the 2006 season and will earn $3.2 million plus incentives based on playing time in 2006. One day after pitching for Team Mexico in its final game of the World Baseball Classic, Nationals right-hander Luis Ayala learned that he needs Tommy John elbow reconstruction surgery and will miss the 2006 season. Soriano informs the Nationals he will not switch from second base to left field, but after being told he could be placed on the disqualified list if he didn't change positions, he decides to play left field in the Nationals' Spring Training game against the Cardinals.
April
A near brawl between Mets right-hander Pedro Martinez and Nationals outfielder Jose Guillen overshadowed Washington's 10-5 loss to New York. Robinson's patience with Soriano ran out against the Mets. After Johnson homered with one out in the top of the sixth inning, Soriano followed and swung at Brian Bannister's first pitch, popping up to catcher Paul Lo Duca. Soriano stood in the batter's box and never ran to first base, as Lo Duca easily caught the ball in fair territory. Robinson was then seen waving his towel in disgust, and the manager immediately took Soriano out of the game and replaced him with Marlon Byrd. Robinson picked up his 1,000th victory as a big-league manager as the Nationals pounded the Phillies, 10-4, at Citizens Bank Park. Robinson became the 53rd skipper to reach 1,000 victories. Right-hander John Patterson landed on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to April 22, with a right forearm strain.
May
After a yearlong search, Major League Baseball sells the Washington Nationals to a group headed by Theodore and Mark Lerner. The new owners, political leaders, members of the DC Sports and Entertainment Commission, Robinson, Schneider and Marlon Anderson attended the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Nationals ballpark. The sale of the Washington Nationals is unanimously approved at the quarterly owners' meeting, ending Major League Baseball's four-year role in owning and operating the franchise, which relocated from Montreal prior to the 2005 season. After defeating the Astros, 8-5, a tearful Robinson talked about taking catcher Matthew LeCroy out of the game in the middle of the seventh inning after allowing the Astros to steal seven bases and committing two errors. The fans cheered loudly after Robinson made the move.
June
The team had two first-round picks in the 2006 First-Year Player Draft, and it selected third baseman Chris Marrero with the 15th pick and right-hander Colton Willems with the 22nd selection. It's the first time since 2002 that the Nationals/Expos went the high school route in the first round. After a loss to the Rockies, the Nationals dismissed bullpen coach John Wetteland because of philosophical differences with Robinson.
July
Incoming president Stan Kasten announced that Bowden will remain with the team in the same capacity. It's the first move Kasten has made that will affect the on-field product. Soriano is selected as a starting outfielder for the National League in Pittsburgh on July 11. Soriano finished third among NL outfielders in the fan voting with 2,411,892. Looking to get better in the long term, the Nationals began what could be an eventful run to the July 31 trade deadline with an eight-player deal, acquiring outfielder Austin Kearns, shortstop Felipe Lopez and right-hander Ryan Wagner from the Reds in exchange for pitchers Gary Majewski, Bill Bray and Daryl Thompson, infielders Brendan Harris and Royce Clayton. The Nationals announced the official transfer of ownership from Major League Baseball to the Lerner group and its partners. Believing that they can work out a long-term contract with Soriano and not impressed with the assortment of offers for their All-Star left fielder, the Nationals decided not to make a move at the non-waiver trading deadline.
August
Needing to improve their farm system, the Nationals traded right-hander Livan Hernandez to the D-backs for Minor League right-hander Garrett Mock and left-hander Matt Chico. The tension was heavy in the home clubhouse after the Nationals lost to the Mets, 3-1. Schneider flashed his temper, and Robinson said that Schneider and reliever Jon Rauch called the wrong pitch to Mets outfielder Michael Tucker. Soriano hit his 200th career home run in a 3-1 loss to the Mets at Robert F. Kennedy Stadium. Soriano became the first member of the Nationals to reach 30 home runs and 30 stolen bases in a season. Soriano became the fastest man in baseball history to reach 200 home runs and 200 stolen bases in a 7-6 win over the Braves. The Nationals dealt Anderson and cash to the Dodgers for right-hander Jhonny Nunez. Washington also sent infielder Daryle Ward to the Braves for right-hander Luis Atilano.
September
Ramon Ortiz came within three outs of throwing the team's first no-hitter since moving to Washington in a 4-1 victory over the Cardinals. Johnson suffered a fractured right femur in the eighth inning of the Nationals' 12-6 loss to the Mets at Shea Stadium, colliding with Kearns in pursuit of a pop fly. An Amtrak train carrying the Nationals from New York to Washington, D.C., derailed early in the morning, but no members of the team were hurt. The accident occurred after the Nationals defeated the Mets, 7-3, at Shea Stadium. Kasten and Bowden met separately with Robinson to discuss the manager's future. Although Kasten and Bowden weren't available for comment, and the club hasn't acknowledged that a decision has been made, baseball sources said that Robinson will not manage the team after the 2006 season.
October
Robinson showed his emotions when the Nationals paid tribute to the Hall of Famer before Sunday's season finale against the Mets. The special event came a day after Robinson and Bowden announced that Robinson would not be back as Washington's manager in 2007. Soriano was named to The Sporting News' National League All-Star team. Soriano was one of four outfielders -- Andruw Jones, Lance Berkman and Carlos Beltran are the others -- to make the team.
November
In need of depth in both their 40-man roster and Minor League system, the Nationals agreed to terms with 21 Minor League free agents. Right-handers Tim Redding and Joel Hanrahan, infielder Josh Wilson and outfielder Michael Restovich agreed to one-year contracts and were added to the 40-man roster. Soriano is one of three National League outfielders to win Louisville Slugger's Silver Slugger Award. The Nationals formally named Manny Acta their manager during a news conference at the Washington Square Building.
December
The Nationals selected catcher Jesus Flores and right-hander Levale Speigner in the Major League phase of the Rule 5 Draft, while taking left-hander Justin Jones in the Triple-A phase. The Nationals traded second baseman Jose Vidro to the Mariners for outfielder Chris Snelling and pitcher Emiliano Fruto.