Guzman Has a Vision – The Post
SS Cristian Guzman has arrived in camp two days early, eight pounds lighter, and with eyes that underwent laser surgery after the season. He says people are going to like “the new Guzie.”
More from The Wash. Times: ‘New Guzie’ eyes rebound
Nats make offter to Astacio – The Wash. Times
The Nats have made an offer to former Padre Pedro Astacio, who went 4-2 with a 3.17 ERA in 12 appearances line last year. Astacio is 50-50 between taking Washington up on the offer or returning to San Diego, even though he cannot pitch until May 1.
Patterson key to Nationals rotation – Florida Today
A profile of P John Patterson that fails to mention his new beard. It does mention when he turned the corner (vs. Pittsburgh in a no-decision), his annoyance with people ignoring the ravages of Hurricane Rita, which hit his hometown of Orange, Tex. and that he is working on his change-up this spring.
Few Spots Open for Numerous Relievers – The Post
Of the 30+ pitchers in camp, most of them are relievers, which is entirely logical when you consider that the bullpen was a strength of the team last year and they need three starters. Oh wait, that is only logical if you are a former Reds GM.
Frosty forecast for Fla. – The Wash. Times
Frank Robinson is not happy about the situation that Jim Bowden put him in with catchers.
According to reports, this was the backup catcher plan general manager Jim Bowden had for the Nationals going into spring training. It’s not manager Frank Robinson’s plan, though. Either no one asked Robinson what he wanted in a backup catcher or no one paid attention.
Robinson’s take on the LeCroy-Fick combination at catcher: “From what I read, that is the perfect scenario for this ballclub. That’s what I read.”
Asked if he was comfortable with that, Robinson said: “That’s the first time I’ve been asked. It’s a little late now. You would think that would be something coming from the manager, wouldn’t you? But you guys chose to go to the general manager. So I am not going to comment and second guess the general manager. I just work here.”
I’ll side with Frank, a hall-of-famer who won the triple crown over Bowden who has 1 1/2 playoff appearances in about ten seasons as a GM.
Seen and heard at Spring Training – The Wash. Times
Pitchers don’t like to run.
Court Battle With Apparel Firm Threatens Nats Merchandise – The Post & Nationals involved in patent dispute – The Wash. Times
The most interesting thing (we already know the story) in these articles is that there is no disclosure by The Wash. Times that Bygone Sports LLC is an advertiser on their Web site, including this very article.
Sosa rejects another Nationals offer – nationals.com
Just as I feared, Bowden went after Sammy Sosa again, but thankfully, Sosa said no.