Washington

Washington Nationals Need To Retain Veteran Bench Piece Even if Roster Is Upgraded

Published

1 year ago

October 13, 2024

Washington Nationals Need To Retain Veteran Bench Piece Even if Roster Is Upgraded

The Washington Nationals are a team that many people expect to be active during the upcoming offseason to upgrade their roster.

There are clear needs on the team that the front office will look to address. The corner infield is among them and the catcher could be upgraded as well. At the very least, this is a team that needs to add a home run threat to the lineup.

At least the Nationals have some solid young players making up their core, as development from those players will improve the team’s outlook as well.

While fans are likely hoping a spending spree results in multiple starters being acquired, they need to make sure that the pieces fit and mesh well together. Clubhouse morale is important, especially for such a young team.

One player who has excellent leadership qualities is Ildemaro Vargas.

After signing a $1.1 million deal for the 2024 season in September of 2023, the versatile utility man is arbitration-eligible this offseason. No late-season contract this time around doesn’t change the fact that he is someone that the franchise thinks very highly of.

“No matter what your day’s like, you look at him and he makes you laugh, he makes you smile. He’s been incredible. He’s a great teammate, loves to play the game. … He gives me everything he has every time he’s out there. And even when he doesn’t play, he’s the one guy in the dugout that you can hear constantly chirping … and rooting for his teammates. I really feel blessed that he’s with us, that he’s on this team, and I hope we get a chance to bring him back,” manager Dave Martinez said via Mark Zuckerman of Masn.

That is the exact kind of player that teams want on their roster. Vargas is well-respected by everyone in the franchise and is someone who needs to be brought back this offseason.

The camaraderie and positivity he brings to the clubhouse are as important as any production he provides on the field.

Now 33 years old, if he is an everyday player heading into the 2025 season, something went very wrong during the offseason. Ideally, he will be a bench player, capable of filling in at several spots in the infield when a starter needs a breather, providing the team with important depth.

He is an elite defender at third base, solid at second base and holds his own at shortstop. That kind of player is important on a team looking to compete as he can be a late-game defensive replacement even when his bat isn’t hot.

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Washington

Tulip Day Washington draws buzz as sign-up site goes down

Published

28 minutes ago

March 2, 2026

Press Room

WASHINGTON – Coming up this month, spring’s most colorful new event: Tulip Day Washington.

What we know:

On March 15, 2026, Tulip Day Washington will transform DC’s National Mall into a vibrant tulip-picking garden beautiful views of U.S. Capitol

This one-day event will take place from 11:15 AM – 4:15 PM, offering a floral showcase of approximately 150,000 tulips; visitors are invited to pick their choice of 10 tulips for free upon arrival.

Dig deeper:

The registration site for Tulip Day is currently down, showing users “This site is currently unavailable. If you’re the owner of this website, please contact your hosting provider to get this resolved.”

Users on social media say the event may be sold out.

Check tulipday.eu for updates.

The backstory:

The event is organized by the Embassy of the Netherlands and Royal Anthos, a Dutch trade association, in honor of America’s 250th birthday. The display of tulips will be in the shape of the number 250.

The bulbs come from the Netherlands, but are being grown in Virginia and New Jersey.

These won’t be the first tulips on the National Mall, however. The Floral Library, also known as the Tulip Library, features 93 beds of flowers near the Tidal Basin. The Floral Library was established in 1969, and is maintained by the National Park Services. These flowers, though, are to be enjoyed only – not to be picked.

Things To Do in the DMVNewsWashington, D.C.

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Washington

PHOTOS: Long Beach State Dirtbags vs. Washington State, Baseball

Published

13 hours ago

March 2, 2026

Press Room

PHOTOS: Long Beach State Dirtbags vs. Washington State, Baseball

The562’s coverage of Dirtbags Baseball for the 2026 season is sponsored by P2S, Inc. Visit p2sinc.com to learn more.

Long Beach State dropped a 9-7 decision against Washington State on Sunday afternoon, closing out a busy weekend on Bohl Diamond at Blair Field.

The visiting Cougars took the lead for good in the eighth inning when Long Beach Poly grad Ryan Skjonsby delivered a game-winning two-run single with two outs and the bases loaded. Skjonsby was 2-for-4 with a walk, a run scored and three RBIs for Washington State in their road victory.

For the Dirtbags, catcher Damon Valdez scored twice and had a key two-run single in the sixth to help lead a Long Beach comeback. Trevor Goldenetz had a pair of hits at the top of the order, including an RBI triple. Camden Gasser walked twice and singled, improving his on-base percentage to .574 on the season.

Long Beach State (4-7) will be back in action at home on Tuesday with an exhibition match against Waseda University from Japan. The Dirtbags will then visit San Diego State on Wednesday and open Big West play at UC Santa Barbara this weekend.

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Washington

Week Ahead in Washington: March 1

Published

1 day ago

March 1, 2026

Press Room

WASHINGTON (Gray DC) – Operation “Epic Fury” — the weekend military operations carried out by the U.S. and Israel against targets in Iran — tops the agenda for Congress as lawmakers return to Washington.

Sunday, President Donald Trump said the new leadership in Iran wants to talk to the Trump Administration.

Democrats in both chambers called for Congress to return as soon as possible for classified briefings on Iran, followed by a move to vote on the War Powers Act. The Constitution gives Congress the power to declare war on another country.

Congress’ return to Washington was originally delayed due to the start of the 2026 midterm elections cycle.

Tuesday, voters in Arkansas, North Carolina and Texas head to the polls for primary elections.

North Carolina and Texas are drawing significant attention, as both states are facing congressional redistricting and competitive primary races for Senate seats.

In Texas, incumbent Sen. John Cornyn (R) is facing primary challenges from state Attorney General Ken Paxton and Rep. Wesley Hunt. On the Democratic side, Rep. Jasmine Crockett is facing state Rep. James Talarico.

In North Carolina, candidates are vying to replacing retiring Sen. Thom Tillis (R) . They include former Governor Roy Cooper (D) and former Republican National Committee Chair Michael Whatley.

Also this week, the Rev. Jesse Jackson is laid to rest. He will be honored Wednesday in Washington before a final memorial service Saturday. Jackson died Feb. 17.

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