Bobby Blanco
@bobbyblanco.bsky.social
Nats insider for MASN. Managing Editor MASNsports.com. D.C. sports & nerd stuff. University of Maryland & Gonzaga College High School (D.C.) grad.
Pinned
Bobby Blanco
@bobbyblanco.bsky.social
· Nov 25
Hey, friends! Gonna give this place a go. I'll still be on the other one, but I'll also link stuff here.
Nats announce 30-year-old Simon Mathews as their new pitching coach. He comes from the Reds, where he was the assistant pitching coach.
A quote from manager Blake Butera and more interesting background on Mathews:
A quote from manager Blake Butera and more interesting background on Mathews:
November 11, 2025 at 9:41 PM
Nats announce 30-year-old Simon Mathews as their new pitching coach. He comes from the Reds, where he was the assistant pitching coach.
A quote from manager Blake Butera and more interesting background on Mathews:
A quote from manager Blake Butera and more interesting background on Mathews:
Reposted by Bobby Blanco
The Braves have hired Darnell Coles as assistant hitting coach.
November 11, 2025 at 4:21 PM
The Braves have hired Darnell Coles as assistant hitting coach.
Reposted by Bobby Blanco
More on the Nationals’ new bench coach, who worked with Blake Butera for the Rays and oversaw one of the majors’ best baserunning teams this season.
www.masnsports.com/blog/entry/b...
www.masnsports.com/blog/entry/b...
Butera hires former Rays colleague Johns as bench coach
Blake Butera’s right-hand man in the dugout will be a familiar face to the Nationals’ new manager, not to mention one with more experience at the sport’s higher levels.Butera has selected Michael John...
www.masnsports.com
November 11, 2025 at 2:39 PM
More on the Nationals’ new bench coach, who worked with Blake Butera for the Rays and oversaw one of the majors’ best baserunning teams this season.
www.masnsports.com/blog/entry/b...
www.masnsports.com/blog/entry/b...
Daylen Lile finished fifth for NL Rookie of the Year.
November 11, 2025 at 12:57 AM
Daylen Lile finished fifth for NL Rookie of the Year.
Reposted by Bobby Blanco
Nationals have announced the hiring of Michael Johns as bench coach. Quote from manager Blake Butera, who overlapped with him in the Rays organization the last 9 seasons:
November 10, 2025 at 10:03 PM
Nationals have announced the hiring of Michael Johns as bench coach. Quote from manager Blake Butera, who overlapped with him in the Rays organization the last 9 seasons:
Nats officially named Michael Johns as Blake Butera’s bench coach.
November 10, 2025 at 10:03 PM
Nats officially named Michael Johns as Blake Butera’s bench coach.
With news coming out about Blake Butera's coaching staff, here's a look at his close friendship with new Orioles manager Craig Albernaz, who hopes to attend Butera's introductory press conference like Stephen Vogt attended his. www.masnsports.com/blog/entry/b...
Butera receives support from close friend Albernaz in Baltimore
Baseball – a game that spans generations around the globe – is a vast world. And yet, sometimes we discover hidden connections that make it seem oh so tiny.Much like that Disneyland theme ride says: I...
www.masnsports.com
November 10, 2025 at 4:57 PM
With news coming out about Blake Butera's coaching staff, here's a look at his close friendship with new Orioles manager Craig Albernaz, who hopes to attend Butera's introductory press conference like Stephen Vogt attended his. www.masnsports.com/blog/entry/b...
Michael Johns oversaw Rays' baserunning as 1st base coach the past 2 seasons.
TB was 2nd in MLB over last 2 years in stolen bases, stealing safely ~79% of the time (Nats at ~75%). Rays jumped from below league average in 2024 to 5th-best in 2025 at 80% (Nats 3rd-worst at 73%).
TB was 2nd in MLB over last 2 years in stolen bases, stealing safely ~79% of the time (Nats at ~75%). Rays jumped from below league average in 2024 to 5th-best in 2025 at 80% (Nats 3rd-worst at 73%).
Michael Johns will be the Nationals' new bench coach, per Ken Rosenthal. Johns, 50, has worked in the Rays organization since 2008, including 9 seasons as a minor league manager, before becoming Tampa Bay's first base coach in 2024. Already has an established relationship with manager Blake Butera.
November 10, 2025 at 4:43 PM
Michael Johns oversaw Rays' baserunning as 1st base coach the past 2 seasons.
TB was 2nd in MLB over last 2 years in stolen bases, stealing safely ~79% of the time (Nats at ~75%). Rays jumped from below league average in 2024 to 5th-best in 2025 at 80% (Nats 3rd-worst at 73%).
TB was 2nd in MLB over last 2 years in stolen bases, stealing safely ~79% of the time (Nats at ~75%). Rays jumped from below league average in 2024 to 5th-best in 2025 at 80% (Nats 3rd-worst at 73%).
Live with Amy Jennings talking Blake Butera and hearing from Paul Toboni! youtube.com/live/bSZ9rmF...
Reacting to Blake Butera as Nats’ next manager | District Chat
YouTube video by masn Nationals
youtube.com
November 7, 2025 at 3:29 PM
Live with Amy Jennings talking Blake Butera and hearing from Paul Toboni! youtube.com/live/bSZ9rmF...
Juan Soto now has six Silver Slugger Awards to keep on the floor beneath his PlayStation 5.
November 6, 2025 at 11:32 PM
Juan Soto now has six Silver Slugger Awards to keep on the floor beneath his PlayStation 5.
James Wood did not win a Silver Slugger Award after being a finalist for the first time. Juan Soto, Corbin Carroll and Kyle Tucker took home the NL honors in the outfield.
November 6, 2025 at 11:28 PM
James Wood did not win a Silver Slugger Award after being a finalist for the first time. Juan Soto, Corbin Carroll and Kyle Tucker took home the NL honors in the outfield.
Reposted by Bobby Blanco
More on today's transactions and who's left on the Nationals' ever-shrinking 40-man roster:
www.masnsports.com/blog/entry/n...
www.masnsports.com/blog/entry/n...
Nats lose Brzykcy, Loutos on waivers, outright Lipscomb to Triple-A
The Nationals continued to remake their 40-man roster this afternoon with a series of transactions that included the departures of pitchers Zach Brzykcy and Ryan Loutos, the demotion of infielder Trey...
www.masnsports.com
November 6, 2025 at 9:21 PM
More on today's transactions and who's left on the Nationals' ever-shrinking 40-man roster:
www.masnsports.com/blog/entry/n...
www.masnsports.com/blog/entry/n...
Zach Brzykcy was also claimed by the Marlins. So 34 players on the Nats’ 40-man roster.
Nats announce roster moves:
*Trey Lipscomb cleared outright waivers and has been assigned outright to Triple-A Rochester
*Mariners claimed Ryan Loutos off outright waivers
*Josiah Gray, DJ Herz, Drew Millas & Trevor Williams have been reinstated from the 60-Day IL
*Trey Lipscomb cleared outright waivers and has been assigned outright to Triple-A Rochester
*Mariners claimed Ryan Loutos off outright waivers
*Josiah Gray, DJ Herz, Drew Millas & Trevor Williams have been reinstated from the 60-Day IL
November 6, 2025 at 8:37 PM
Zach Brzykcy was also claimed by the Marlins. So 34 players on the Nats’ 40-man roster.
Nats announce roster moves:
*Trey Lipscomb cleared outright waivers and has been assigned outright to Triple-A Rochester
*Mariners claimed Ryan Loutos off outright waivers
*Josiah Gray, DJ Herz, Drew Millas & Trevor Williams have been reinstated from the 60-Day IL
*Trey Lipscomb cleared outright waivers and has been assigned outright to Triple-A Rochester
*Mariners claimed Ryan Loutos off outright waivers
*Josiah Gray, DJ Herz, Drew Millas & Trevor Williams have been reinstated from the 60-Day IL
November 6, 2025 at 8:11 PM
Nats announce roster moves:
*Trey Lipscomb cleared outright waivers and has been assigned outright to Triple-A Rochester
*Mariners claimed Ryan Loutos off outright waivers
*Josiah Gray, DJ Herz, Drew Millas & Trevor Williams have been reinstated from the 60-Day IL
*Trey Lipscomb cleared outright waivers and has been assigned outright to Triple-A Rochester
*Mariners claimed Ryan Loutos off outright waivers
*Josiah Gray, DJ Herz, Drew Millas & Trevor Williams have been reinstated from the 60-Day IL
Reposted by Bobby Blanco
One of the most intriguing questions with a brand-new Nationals organization: How much day-to-day influence will the front office have on the manager's office?
www.masnsports.com/blog/entry/h...
www.masnsports.com/blog/entry/h...
How much influence will Nats' new front office have on manager's office?
For generations, the division between a franchise’s front office and the manager’s office was clear-cut. The general manager’s job was to assemble the team’s roster. And the manager’s job was to use t...
www.masnsports.com
November 6, 2025 at 4:44 PM
One of the most intriguing questions with a brand-new Nationals organization: How much day-to-day influence will the front office have on the manager's office?
www.masnsports.com/blog/entry/h...
www.masnsports.com/blog/entry/h...
Quick rundown of the highlights of the Nats' just-released 2026 spring training schedule, including home games vs. the Phillies, Yankees and Team Venezuela, the Spring Breakout game, and a home-and-home exhibition series vs. the Orioles back up north. www.masnsports.com/blog/entry/n...
Nats announce 2026 spring training schedule
While the Nationals continue to make plans for new president of baseball operations Paul Toboni to formally introduce new manager Blake Butera, we now know how the two young heads will begin their jou...
www.masnsports.com
November 5, 2025 at 6:59 PM
Quick rundown of the highlights of the Nats' just-released 2026 spring training schedule, including home games vs. the Phillies, Yankees and Team Venezuela, the Spring Breakout game, and a home-and-home exhibition series vs. the Orioles back up north. www.masnsports.com/blog/entry/n...
Not many people make the jump from a front office role in player development to first-time major league manager.
But Paul Toboni and the Nats believe Blake Butera's "unique set of experiences" will help the 33-year-old become a successful skipper. www.masnsports.com/blog/entry/b...
But Paul Toboni and the Nats believe Blake Butera's "unique set of experiences" will help the 33-year-old become a successful skipper. www.masnsports.com/blog/entry/b...
Butera's background in player development appealed to Toboni, Nats
Blake Butera has officially been the Nationals’ new manager for five days. But we won’t hear from the 33-year-old skipper for a couple of weeks while he and his wife, Caroline Margolis, get settled af...
www.masnsports.com
November 5, 2025 at 3:12 PM
Not many people make the jump from a front office role in player development to first-time major league manager.
But Paul Toboni and the Nats believe Blake Butera's "unique set of experiences" will help the 33-year-old become a successful skipper. www.masnsports.com/blog/entry/b...
But Paul Toboni and the Nats believe Blake Butera's "unique set of experiences" will help the 33-year-old become a successful skipper. www.masnsports.com/blog/entry/b...
Reposted by Bobby Blanco
Paul Toboni had never formally met Blake Butera before, but the Nats' new president of baseball operations already knew all about the 33-year-old before hiring him as his first manager, then was blown away during their interview.
www.masnsports.com/blog/entry/t...
www.masnsports.com/blog/entry/t...
Toboni believes unique background made Butera best choice for Nats manager
Though he didn’t literally know Blake Butera before, Paul Toboni felt like he already knew all about the young man he just hired to be Nationals manager, long before either was employed by the franchi...
www.masnsports.com
November 4, 2025 at 8:45 PM
Paul Toboni had never formally met Blake Butera before, but the Nats' new president of baseball operations already knew all about the 33-year-old before hiring him as his first manager, then was blown away during their interview.
www.masnsports.com/blog/entry/t...
www.masnsports.com/blog/entry/t...
Notes from Paul Toboni on Blake Butera:
*Didn't know him personally before this process, but heard a lot of good things, scouted him at BC
*They will work together to hire coaching staff, MLB experience not required
*Nats ownership was "extremely supportive" of decision
*Didn't know him personally before this process, but heard a lot of good things, scouted him at BC
*They will work together to hire coaching staff, MLB experience not required
*Nats ownership was "extremely supportive" of decision
November 4, 2025 at 6:53 PM
Notes from Paul Toboni on Blake Butera:
*Didn't know him personally before this process, but heard a lot of good things, scouted him at BC
*They will work together to hire coaching staff, MLB experience not required
*Nats ownership was "extremely supportive" of decision
*Didn't know him personally before this process, but heard a lot of good things, scouted him at BC
*They will work together to hire coaching staff, MLB experience not required
*Nats ownership was "extremely supportive" of decision
Paul Toboni, on a Zoom with reporters to discuss hiring Blake Butera, says he is not going to hire a general manager to work below him.
November 4, 2025 at 6:20 PM
Paul Toboni, on a Zoom with reporters to discuss hiring Blake Butera, says he is not going to hire a general manager to work below him.
Reposted by Bobby Blanco
Daylen Lile didn’t finish in the top three for NL Rookie of the Year.
November 4, 2025 at 12:01 AM
Daylen Lile didn’t finish in the top three for NL Rookie of the Year.
Reposted by Bobby Blanco
The World Series is over. The offseason has begun. And the Nationals, with Paul Toboni and Blake Butera now in charge, have a lot of work to do.
www.masnsports.com/blog/entry/t...
www.masnsports.com/blog/entry/t...
Toboni, Butera have plenty of work to do as offseason begins
The 2025 Major League Baseball season ended early Sunday morning, in just about as dramatic fashion as possible. Whether you were happy, upset or indifferent to the result, you have to admit Game 7 of...
www.masnsports.com
November 3, 2025 at 3:18 PM
The World Series is over. The offseason has begun. And the Nationals, with Paul Toboni and Blake Butera now in charge, have a lot of work to do.
www.masnsports.com/blog/entry/t...
www.masnsports.com/blog/entry/t...
Reposted by Bobby Blanco
Blake Butera brings plenty to the table with his successful background in player development. But make no mistake, his surprise hiring is still a gamble for the Nationals and their new president of baseball operations. www.masnsports.com/blog/entry/b...
Butera brings plenty to the table, but his hiring is a gamble for Nats (Alfaro becomes free agent)
Once the initial shock of Thursday’s news – They hired who? He’s how old? He’s never played or coached above what level? – wore off, the case for the Nationals’ hiring of Blake Butera as their new man...
www.masnsports.com
October 31, 2025 at 4:50 PM
Blake Butera brings plenty to the table with his successful background in player development. But make no mistake, his surprise hiring is still a gamble for the Nationals and their new president of baseball operations. www.masnsports.com/blog/entry/b...
Nats announce Jorge Alfaro cleared outright waivers and elected to become a free agent.
As a player with at least 5 years of major league service time, he had that option.
As a player with at least 5 years of major league service time, he had that option.
October 31, 2025 at 3:36 PM
Nats announce Jorge Alfaro cleared outright waivers and elected to become a free agent.
As a player with at least 5 years of major league service time, he had that option.
As a player with at least 5 years of major league service time, he had that option.
* Youngest MLB manager in 53 years
* 1st became MiLB manager at 25
* Headed Rays player development last 2 years
* Connections to Craig Albernaz and Mike Piazza
* Became a father yesterday!
What we know about the Nats' new skipper Blake Butera. www.masnsports.com/blog/entry/w...
* 1st became MiLB manager at 25
* Headed Rays player development last 2 years
* Connections to Craig Albernaz and Mike Piazza
* Became a father yesterday!
What we know about the Nats' new skipper Blake Butera. www.masnsports.com/blog/entry/w...
What we know about Nats' new skipper Butera (official)
On what was supposed to be a quiet off-day from this year’s very entertaining World Series, the Nationals made headlines Thursday by reportedly hiring Blake Butera to be their new manager.At just 33 y...
www.masnsports.com
October 31, 2025 at 2:57 PM
* Youngest MLB manager in 53 years
* 1st became MiLB manager at 25
* Headed Rays player development last 2 years
* Connections to Craig Albernaz and Mike Piazza
* Became a father yesterday!
What we know about the Nats' new skipper Blake Butera. www.masnsports.com/blog/entry/w...
* 1st became MiLB manager at 25
* Headed Rays player development last 2 years
* Connections to Craig Albernaz and Mike Piazza
* Became a father yesterday!
What we know about the Nats' new skipper Blake Butera. www.masnsports.com/blog/entry/w...