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Darren Baker, who grew up around the game, inches closer to his dream

Published

2 years ago

February 13, 2024

Darren Baker, who grew up around the game, inches closer to his dream

Darren Baker and his dad don’t just share a love for baseball. They also have an appreciation for wildlife. The two spent time fishing together in South Florida during the last two spring trainings and also visited a turtle reserve, not too far from where they were staying.

But Darren’s dad, Dusty Baker, retired in this past fall after four seasons as the Houston Astros manager. The baseball lifer stayed around the game, returning to the San Francisco Giants as an adviser. The Astros share a spring training complex in West Palm Beach, Fla., with the Washington Nationals, who are scheduled to have their first pitchers and catchers workout Wednesday. The Giants prepare for the coming MLB season in Arizona, though, which means Darren Baker’s third spring training with the Nationals will look slightly different.

“I’ve definitely thought about it a lot,” Darren Baker said last month. “It happens a lot with parents. You maybe take something for granted and then it’s too late. And then it’s like, ‘Man, that was really nice.’ But yeah, it’s definitely gonna be weird.”

Spring training may bring the future into focus for the Nationals

This isn’t the only change for the younger Baker. The 24-year-old second baseman is one of six prospects set to participate in their first big league camp. Baker spent last season with Class AAA Rochester; though he missed some time with a groin injury and rehabbed at lower levels. Now there’s a sense of urgency for Baker, who enters 2024 hoping to assert himself as a player who can help the Nationals compete in the future.

Baker has typically gone to Houston during his offseasons to spend time with his dad for the Astros’ postseason runs before returning home to California to train. He went back home earlier than normal last fall, though, to maximize his offseason ahead of 2024.

“I can feel like I’m getting closer,” he said. “Like to a dream, you know? I just know I can take it to another level.”

The offseason heading into 2023 was a lost one for Baker. He tore a ligament in his thumb sliding into a base in September 2022, but played through the rest of the season. He participated in the Arizona Fall League briefly, but ultimately he couldn’t move his hand without pain and opted for surgery.

Baker ended his 2023 season hitting .284 with three home runs and 44 RBI. It was a solid year, but there’s certainly room for improvement. Power has never been a part of Baker’s game, yet he still only had 11 doubles in 107 games in 2023 after 24 in 105 games in 2022. His slugging percentage (.349) was the same as his on-base percentage. Extra-base hits at the major league level will be even harder to come by.

Baker also missed most of June with a groin injury that lingered into July. He played sparingly and admits that he came back too soon. But the desire to prove himself outweighed the fact that he didn’t feel 100 percent.

“I just want something so bad,” said Baker, who grew up in big league clubhouses. “It’s hard not to see ahead a little bit sometimes.”

Baker said he’s made his biggest jump in an offseason. He put on almost 15 pounds since leaving Rochester. Baker also hopes to display better plate discipline this year, including being “more stubborn” in swinging in his hot zones. Last season, he felt like pitchers at Class AAA exploited him on balls inside, resulting in him getting jammed on fastballs or chasing breaking pitches down and in.

The Nationals have Luis García at second base, though Manager Dave Martinez said García has to earn the job this spring. Jake Alu, Ildemaro Vargas and Rule 5 pick Nasim Nuñez are all utility options behind him. But that hasn’t stopped Baker from believing his opportunity could come soon.

Baker still plans to continue some of his spring traditions, but not all of them. That turtle reserve trip was more of a father-son outing, he says. And, of course, not living with his dad means fewer free meals. But Baker said his dad plans to make it out to Florida to watch him play.

“He’ll be down there. I mean, he can’t stay away from it even if he wanted to,” Baker said. “My whole life literally, give or take a year or two, he’s been in the game. So I think he’ll really enjoy being able to see me.”

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Washington

Bill strengthening Washington child sex abuse material laws focuses on consciousness, AI

Published

6 hours ago

March 4, 2026

Press Room

Bill strengthening Washington child sex abuse material laws focuses on consciousness, AI

SEATTLE — A bill aimed at tightening Washington’s laws on child sex abuse material is headed to Gov. Bob Ferguson’s desk after clearing the Legislature unanimously.

King County Prosecuting Attorney Leesa Manion said 2ESSB 5105 passed the House unanimously Tuesday night after the Senate unanimously approved it on Jan. 28, 2026.

SEE ALSO | Washington exempts clergy from reporting abuse learned in confession after settlement

Manion called the measure one of her public safety legislative priorities.

“People who peddle in the misery of sexually abused children must be held accountable,” Manion said. “I am grateful for the work of Senior Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Laura Harmon – both in prosecuting these cases and advocating for these legal fixes – and Senators Tina Orwall and Manka Dhingra for championing this legislation.”

Manion’s office said the current state law has gaps that can prevent prosecutors from holding offenders accountable in some cases.

Under current law, prosecutors cannot charge defendants for creating images of child sex abuse unless the child victim was conscious or knew they were being recorded.

The office also said that possessing sexually explicit fabricated (AI) images of non-identifiable minors is not considered child sex abuse material under Washington law.

The bill would update RCW 9.68A.040 to remove the requirement that a child be aware of an abusive recording. It would also update the definition of child sex abuse material to include fabricated (AI) images of non-identifiable minors.

The legislation would also increase the statute of limitations to 10 years for depiction crimes. Manion’s office said the current statute of limitations is three years, and argued that because the images can remain online indefinitely, victims can be re-traumatized for decades.

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Utah Starts Road Trip with Win in Washington | Utah Mammoth

Published

18 hours ago

March 4, 2026

Press Room

Utah Starts Road Trip with Win in Washington | Utah Mammoth

Both of Utah’s power play units scored in the win. Sergachev scored his 10^th goal of the season on the power play 13 and a half minutes into the first period. Peterka scored his 21^st of the season, on the man-advantage, in the final two minutes of the middle frame.

Peterka has three power play goals in the 2025-26 campaign while Sergachev has matched a career-high with five power play goals this season. Overall, Utah’s power play has scored six goals in the last six games. That output matches the Mammoth’s total from their previous 18 games (per Mammoth PR). Tourigny discussed what’s changed with the team’s performance in recent games.

“(The) puck gets in,” Tourigny laughed. “But, no, I think there’s a number of things. The most important thing is we’re aggressive. We’re attacking.

“…If you look at our goal, the first one, it’s a direct play to the net and then on the loose puck recovery we take a shot with traffic and we score,” Tourigny continued. “On the second one, it’s a slot pass, a great shot by (Peterka). I think we had that attack mindset.”

Guenther, who is on the Mammoth’s top power play unit, agreed with Tourigny’s assessment of attacking more.

“I think just attacking, less predictable,” Guenther explained. “Shooting it more, I think (it is) just work really. Trying to play like a 5-on-5 mindset but on the (power play).”

The Mammoth made several line changes for tonight’s game and the new lines started to find chemistry, despite it being the first game with these changes.

“I like them,” Tourigny said of the changes. “Obviously (Guenther) got a goal, but Cooley’s line was really good. I was looking at the expected goals at the end, I think they were above 90%. So that’s pretty, pretty awesome. Then I think (Barrett Hayton’s) line worked really hard. They’re heavy on pucks and they play well defensively. I did like (Michael Carcone’s) line in (the) previous three games, and I did like them again tonight.”

When Washington pushed back with a power play goal and multiple close chances in the third period, Utah fought hard against the momentum swing to secure the win.

“I thought we did a pretty good job,” Keller explained. “Weathering the storm as much as we could. They’re a great veteran team. They made it hard on us. They pressured us all over the ice, but I was proud of the way we fought there towards the end.”

Utah’s bench was positive and calm throughout the game, especially late in the third. This helped the Mammoth through the momentum swings. Keller, who had two assists in the win, was one of the key voices for the Mammoth.

“He’s one of the guys who was really positive on the bench,” Tourigny explained. “(All the players) were but (Keller) was really vocal. He was really good energy on the bench. So that was really good.”

Additional Notes from Tonight (per Mammoth PR)

Guenther had two points in the win (1G, 1A) and the forward has earned a team-high nine points (5G, 4A) through six road games in 2026. He has become the third Mammoth skater to reach the 50-point mark this season (28G, 23A) and established a new career-high in goals.

Sergachev has 18 power play points this season (5G, 13A) and is tied with Keller for the team lead this season.

Keller has recorded multiple primary assists in a game for the seventh time this season and the 27^th time in his NHL career. He has now tallied multiple points in four of his last six contests (2G, 8A), with three multi-assist outings over that span.

The Mammoth continue their five-game road trip in Philadelphia on Thursday night. Game time is 5 p.m. MT and available to watch on Mammoth+ and Utah16.

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Commanders 2026 Mock Draft Madness 5.0

Published

1 day ago

March 3, 2026

Press Room

The views and opinions expressed in this article do not reflect the opinion of the team.

In anticipation of the 2026 NFL Draft, which will be held April 23 – 25 at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, here’s a compilation of various league experts’ predictions about what the Washington Commanders will do with the No. 7 overall pick. Check back weekly until the draft for more updates.

Expert: Nate Davis, USA Today

Selection: Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State (March 2)

Analysis: Is he the best defender in this draft? Arguably. Can he play exceptionally in the slot, box or center field? Yep. And Washington could need a leader who can make plays behind the line given the potential departure of LB Bobby Wagner, who will be 36 next season, in free agency.

Expert: Brent Sobleski, Bleacher Report

Selection: Rueben Bain Jr., EDGE, Miami (March 2)

Analysis: At Miami last season, he was easily one of the top two or three players in all of college football. He has explosive power and quickness to work up and down the line of scrimmage. His play is everything a team wants in a high first-round selection.

Expert: Jordan Reid, ESPN

Selection: Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State (March 3)

Analysis: Downs is one of the smartest football players I’ve ever studied. His football IQ, versatility on the back end and sure tackling ability make him a worthy selection at this spot even though a safety hasn’t been drafted in the top 10 since 2017 (Jamal Adams). Washington gave up a lot of explosive passing plays last season, with opponents averaging 8.1 yards per attempt (third worst in the NFL). The Commanders also had a mere eight interceptions in 2025, which was the fourth worst in the league. Downs could help them improve in both areas.

Expert: Lance Zierlein, NFL.com

Selection: Rueben Bain Jr., EDGE, Miami (March 2)

Analysis: This pick would fade the historical norm for edge defenders with shorter arms, but Bain can rush the passer and is a block destructor against the run. Just a damn-good football player.

Expert: Jaime Eisner, The Draft Network

Selection: Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State (March 2)

Analysis: Sonny Styles is the kind of dynamic player the Commanders desperately need on the second level. He offers a rare combination of energy, versatility, and pass-rush ability. The fact that he’s already excelled as the green dot for Ohio State proves he has the leadership and high football IQ to be an instant starter and the commander of the Washington defense. Styles wowed with his measurables and athleticism at the NFL Combine.

Expert: Nate Tice and Charles McDonald

Selection: David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech (March 2)

Analysis: As tempting as it will be to add an offensive player of some kind here, with tasty options at offensive line, wide receiver, tight end and running back, the Commanders instead add firepower to a defense that has to get faster, younger and just straight up better. Bailey is an explosive pass rusher who is constantly attacking offensive tackles. He will never be a strong run defender, but he has long arms (measured at 33 ¾ inches at the combine) and has improved in that area. Bailey is the exact type of talent injection this defense needs.

Expert: Ryan Wilson, CBS Sports

Selection: Arvell Reese, LB, Ohio State (March 2)

Analysis: Could Reese fall to No. 7? It seems like a long shot, but if the Bills trade up for a WR, things can get interesting quickly. This is a best-case scenario for the Commanders, who have to upgrade their pass rush.

Expert: Trevor Sikkema, Pro Football Focus

Selection: Rueben Bain, EDGE, Miami (March 2)

Analysis: Bain measured in with short arms (sub-31 inches), but we already knew that would happen. That doesn’t change his tape or the fact that he is one of the top three-down defensive linemen in the class. He would immediately be the biggest difference maker on the Commanders’ defensive line after racking up the most pressures (83) in college football this past season.

Expert: Henry McKenna, FOX Sports

Selection: Arvell Reese, LB, Ohio State (Feb. 26)

Analysis: Dan Quinn was in Dallas when the Cowboys had the inspired idea to convert Micah Parsons into a pass-rusher. Can Quinn do it again with Reese?

Expert: Vinnie Iyer, Sporting News

Selection: David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech (March 2)

Analysis: The Commanders should be prepared to jump on Bailey should he fall here after his freakish athletic profile was on display at the Combine. Dan Quinn needs this level of dynamic pass rusher who also has rare dropback coverage skills outside.

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