As position players report, Scherzer ready to face hitters
As position players report, Scherzer ready to face hitters
Mark Zuckerman
Nationals
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. - Nationals position players officially report to spring training this morning, and there may be nobody in camp happier to hear that than Davey Martinez. "I've actually been excited since right after the New Year, really," the third-year manager said. "I've started gathering my thoughts and looking forward to seeing all the guys, and then all of a sudden you're here, you're excited and after about two days of watching pitchers throw bullpens, it's like: 'Let's...
What's next?: Can Grayson Rodriguez repeat his strong 2019?
What's next?: Can Grayson Rodriguez repeat his strong 2019?
Steve Melewski
Orioles
So what can 20-year-old right-hander Grayson Rodriguez do for an encore? In 2019, he had a great season for Single-A Delmarva, pitched a scoreless inning in the All-Star Futures Game and ended his year as co-winner of the Jim Palmer Award as the Orioles Minor League Pitcher of the Year. Rodriguez, who shared that award with right-hander Michael Baumann, went 10-4 with an ERA of 2.68 for the Shorebirds. Held to 94 innings, Rodriguez gave up just 57 hits and only four homers with 36 walks and 129...
Upbeat Castro fits right in on first day with Nationals
Upbeat Castro fits right in on first day with Nationals
Mark Zuckerman
Nationals
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. - Some might be intimidated walking into a clubhouse full of returning veterans - veterans returning from a World Series title, for that matter - and trying to blend in as one of only a handful of new guys. Starlin Castro walked into the Nationals clubhouse today for the first time, though, and looked and acted like he's been here all along. "I've been in the league a while and I know a lot of guys," the 29-year-old infielder said. "It's a little bit scary when you...
Suzuki takes the high road after Correa lashes out
Suzuki takes the high road after Correa lashes out
Mark Zuckerman
Nationals
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. - Kurt Suzuki wasn't expecting to find himself in the middle of the war of words between the Astros and players around the majors who are now blasting the 2017 champs for cheating by illegally stealing signs. But when the Nationals catcher was quoted in The Washington Post saying he believed the Astros were still cheating during the 2019 World Series - "We could hear it from their dugout. We heard their whistling." - he suddenly was thrust into the fray and earned the...
Davey Martinez excited to get full squad in spring training camp
Davey Martinez excited to get full squad in spring training camp
Bobby Blanco
Nationals
Davey Martinez met with the media after Sunday's spring training workout.
Núñez hoping for more opportunities to play defense
Núñez hoping for more opportunities to play defense
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
SARASOTA, Fla. - Orioles manager Brandon Hyde said he expects everyone in camp for Monday's first full-squad workout. No visa issues or unexcused absences. No unwanted drama. "Haven't heard of a situation where anybody's not going to show up," he said, "so I think everybody's going to be ready to go tomorrow." Catcher Pedro Severino took batting practice on the Camden Yards replica field this morning, the surest sign that he finally beat the bug. Severino has been ill, but he began...
Starlin Castro says Davey Martinez was a big factor in signing with the Nats
Starlin Castro says Davey Martinez was a big factor in signing with the Nats
Bobby Blanco
Nationals
Starlin Castro met with reporters after Sunday's spring training workout in West Palm Beach.
Kurt Suzuki discusses recovering from 2019 postseason run
Kurt Suzuki discusses recovering from 2019 postseason run
Bobby Blanco
Nationals
Kurt Suzuki met with reporters before Sunday's spring training workout in West Palm Beach.
Kurt Suzuki responds to Carlos Correa's "Enjoy your ring" comment
Kurt Suzuki responds to Carlos Correa's "Enjoy your ring" comment
Bobby Blanco
Nationals
Kurt Suzuki met with reporters before Sunday's spring training workout.
Alberto among position players reporting today
Alberto among position players reporting today
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
SARASOTA, Fla. - Position players are due to report to the Ed Smith Stadium complex today and arrivals spotted during the media's clubhouse access included Hanser Alberto, Yusniel Diaz, Dilson Herrera and Richard Ureña. A backpack was placed on a chair in front of Stevie Wilkerson's locker, so perhaps he's also here. Or maybe it's similar to Ronny Paulino's car sitting in the lot. Still no sign of Chris Davis. Alberto is going to experience a different camp in 2020. He isn't trying to...