The Nationals have done many different drills this spring to perfect fundamentals. Pitchers have taken infield, shifts have been implemented in spring games and signs have been practiced. So when the Nats took the field for spring games, you may have thought that there would be clean plays, strong defense and low-scoring games.

Then the Nats squeaked by the Braves in a game this week, and the final score was 16-15. #SpringTrainingProblems Yes, these games mean nothing, but that box score is still pretty darn ugly. Off the field, another problem that the Nats have had this week is a flu-like illness spreading through camp. Despite a few hiccups, there have been so many positives coming out of Nats camp. Among others, Doug Fister, Stephen Strasburg, Gio Gonzalez and Tyler Clippard all made their spring debuts this week. The Nats also reunited with reliever Michael Gonzalez this week, inking the lefty to a minor league deal. For more news, click on the headlines below. (Twenty-four more days until opening day.) * Baseball Prospectus bullish on Nats' 25-and-under talent * On Walters' strong start to spring and how his game needs to evolve * Many factors need to be considered in Nats' bullpen battle * Accelerated camp attempts to emulate big league feel