by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com (4/4/2013) Nationals manager Davey Johnson is still learning the limits of new closer Rafael Soriano, according to The Washington Post. But once he figures it out, it will help him figure out how to use setup men Drew Storen and Tyler Clippard.
Storen is considered the backup closer and Clippard is in the mix as closer to spell both relievers. Soriano recorded a save in each of the Nationals' first two games.
"That’s something I’ll learn and hopefully [Soriano will] let me know if he’s getting overworked," Johnson said. "That’s a really good problem to have. I hope that happens a lot. But I got a lot of choices for guys who want to step in."
Clippard coming along slowly
(3/1/2013) Nationals reliever Tyler Clippard made his first appearance of the Grapefruit League on Friday night against the Braves. He worked a perfect inning, striking out one of the three batters he faced. After making 224 appearances over the last three seasons, MLB.com reports the club wants to bring the right-hander along slowly this spring. "Absolutely. We talked early this spring that this is what we want to do. I'm glad they're letting me do that, take my time and get ready for April 1," Clippard said. "I've had a heavy workload. So there's no reason for me to come in here and kill myself. I'm not really going to change anything or do anything drastically different this spring. It's just getting my body and arm ready for the season, and that's what I'm going to do."
Clippard signed for setup duty
by Bill Passonno | CBSSports.com (1/18/2013) The Nationals and relief pitcher Tyler Clippard agreed to a one-year contract Friday to avoid arbitration, The Washington Times reports. Terms of the deal were not released after he made $1.65 million last season, his first time through the arbitration process. Clippard took over for injured reliever Drew Storen as the team's closer at the beginning of last season and converted 32 of his 37 saves opportunities.
