Gio Gonzalez Is Not On PEDs

Hey there, Nationals fans. Today's post will be more opinionated/personal than most of my posts on Nationals Faithful. Why, you ask? Because today's post involves a strange story including my favorite pitcher, Gio Gonzalez.

Early Tuesday morning a story broke from a Miami newspaper, claiming that several superstar players had purchased performance enhancing drugs (PEDs) from a now shut-down clinic in the city, run by one "Tony Bosch." On that list were several names commonly associated with drugs, such as Alex Rodriguez and Melky Cabrera. But another name was mentioned - Gio Gonzalez. I was extremely shocked at first and I didn't believe Gio was guilty, nor do i now.

According to several sources on Twitter, the items Gio supposedly bought are legal and are not even classified as PEDs. He allegedly purchased zinc, MIC, and Aminorip. At this time I do not know what MIC is, but I do know what Aminorip is. Aminorip is a protien supplement-type drink used post-workout to help repair muscle damaged during exercise. It is not a banned substance, and neither are zinc or MIC at this time.

If Gio did purchase these items, he is still innocent, because none of them are on the list of banned products.

On Tuesday Gio tweeted: "I've never used performance enhancing drugs of any kind and I never will, I've never met or spoken with Tony Bosch or used any substance provided by him. Anything said to the contrary is a lie."

Strong words. And I believe them. Maybe I'm biased - but I just don't see Gio doing such a thing and abusing his body in that manner. If Gio says he did not buy drugs, I believe him.

Rumors have circled through the Web - was the list forged? Does Tony Bosch really exist? Is the Miami New Times inventing stories for publicity? Fans are thinking up every excuse to save the reputations of their beloved Gio. All I know is that once this is over, poor Gio will have that cloud hanging over his head, and people will always wonder if he is juicing.

Gio, I don't think you're guilty. But that's just me - a teenage girl who just loves you to death. Even if you were on steroids, I would support you 100%, and I will always be your biggest fan.

Around The League | Braves trade Martin Prado for Justin Upton

ATLANTA--- The Atlanta Braves have aquired Justin Upton from the Diamondbacks for Martin Prado and several top prospects. This trade will unite the recently-signed BJ Upton with his younger brother, creating a power duo in the outfield. J. Upton is a powerhouse, and it can be expected that he and his brother will cut down the opposition easily. Justin Upton was a valuable asset to the Diamondbacks and will undoubtedly be the same (or better) for Atlanta. The Braves' outfield is now absolutely stacked, with the Upton brothers and Jason Heyward.

The prospects Arizona recieved are pitchers Randall Delgado and Zeke Spruill, who was ranked at number 6 on the Braves' Top 20 prospects, utility man Martin Prado, and infielders Nick Ahmed and Brandon Drury.

source(s): MLB.com, Mark Bowman

Ex-Nationals News | Mark DeRosa Signs with Toronto

TORONTO -- Mark DeRosa, a former Nationals bench/utility player, has signed with the Toronto Blue Jays for 1yr/$750k with an option for 2014. DeRosa, 37, was injured for part of the 2012 season, but proved his abilities upon his return. His years of experience assisted the younger players and his personality added to the chemistry in the dugout. In June of 2012, DeRosa suggested to teammate Roger Bernadina that he use a lighter bat; afterwards, the speedy outfielder boosted his batting average and saw more at-bats.

DeRosa has been known to fill in at third base if Ryan Zimmerman needed a day off. He will no doubt be of assistance in Toronto as a utility player, able to play anywhere in the outfield in addition to third or first base. Despite his lack of productivity at the plate, DeRosa's shared wisdom and kindness was felt by the whole team and he will likely be missed.

sources- Gregor Chisholm, MLB.com 

Player Spotlight | Tyler Moore

PLAYER SPOTLIGHT

WEEK OF 1/19/2013 - 1/27/2013

Name: Tyler Michael Moore

Born: Jan. 30, 1987

Bats/Throws: R/R

Height: 6'2"

Weight: 215

Debut: April 29, 2012

Tyler Moore's first appearance with the Washington Nationals came on the 29th of April in 2012. Since then he has impressed fans with his hitting power. In the minor leagues in 2011, Moore hit 31 home runs with a .270 average. 

In his first season with the Nationals, Moore hit two home runs vs. the Toronto Blue Jays, his first two HRs and RBIs in the MLB.

Moore is a first baseman, but for the Nationals has primarily been stationed at left field. He adjusted well to his foreign position, filling in for Michael Morse when needed. 

With Michael Morse traded away now, it is to be expected that Moore will be of use at first base, as backup for Adam LaRoche. His talent at the plate (10 home runs in 2012) make him a valuable pinch hitter.

Welcome

Hello. If you're reading this blog, it's likely that you read my letter to Michael Morse. Perhaps you're a Twitter follower of mine, or even a random fan who stumbled across my blog. Wherever you found me, I'm glad you're reading.

Let me tell you a little about myself. I'm Sandra, and I live and breathe baseball. Sandra, are you just one of those annoying cleat chasing girls that only watches for Bryce Harper? No, rude italic text, I am not.  Instead, I'm one of the annoying fans that goes nuts over every play, getting way too involved in the game and stressing over mistakes. I like to think that I'm one of those fans who would never give up, even in the bottom of the ninth, down by one, bases loaded, two outs, and the pitcher up to bat. That's why my blog is called Nationals Faithful.

Now that I have told you about myself, I might as well explain my blog. On this blog I would like to do a few different things for you all.

• Player Spotlights - Every week I'll write a post highlighting a certain player and their stats last year. During the offseason this post will come on either Sunday or Monday. When the season begins I'll talk about their statistics for the week and what I think of their performances. This will be published on Saturday or Sunday during the season.
• Around the League - News from around the Major Leagues, including trade talk and my opinions on trades, contract signings, and more. During the season this post will include scores from Nationals' rivals and my notes on those games.
• Game Previews - Before games I will write statistics of the starting pitchers and my predictions for the game. Of course, I'll do it in an unbiased way and I definitely won't predict every game for the Nationals.
• Team Reviews - My comments on a team before, during, and after the season, as well as a 'halfway' review at the All-Star break.
• Girl Talk - Something for the ladies. I'll highlight one of those beautiful faces every so often, and talk about their stats and more.

If I can, I want to get interviews via Twitter direct message with players. However that would be very difficult to do. If you have any suggestions for what I should write, or you want to write a guest post, please email me at natsgirl19@dcbaseball.com.

Be sure to follow me on Twitter, @NatsGirl19, for sports tweets, updates on my blog, humor, and more. Thanks for reading this introduction. I promise the rest of my posts will be much more interesting. Suggest a player spotlight or other feature I can do.