Stephen Strasburg‘s first bullpen session (Nats Insider) led Nyjer Morgan to comment on the messianic qualities of the Washington Nationals 2009 first round draft pick (Nationals Journal, The Post).
Scott Olsen wants to win a spot in the rotation (Florida Today), doesn’t think that being a lefty helps him and has not seen so much pitching talent in one spring training before. Olsen had surgery to repair a torn labrum last summer.
Mike Rizzo talked to the media on Saturday, but did not elaborate on whether he was in the “best shape of his life.”. He wants Adam Dunn to sign an extension, Ian Desmond is an every day shortstop, but whether it is in Washington or Syracuse has yet to be determined.
The Nats were the first suitor for the services of Chien-Ming Wang (The Post) after the Yankees non-tendered him. Wang won’t be available until May at the earliest though, this signing was made with the next two seasons in mind.
Ross Detwiler explains himself after hip surgery (Nationals Journal, The Post). Can you believe one blogger blamed Jim Riggleman for the young pitcher’s decision to not let the Nats know about the injury until Spring Training?
Speaking of Jim Riggleman, a profile (Florida Today) and some remarks (Nats Insider).
An update on Jordan Zimmerann’s rehab from Tommy John surgery. As an sides, maybe 288 game winner Tommy John is worthy of the hall.
Wang will also be good for building up the critical Taiwanese fanbase. I’m looking forward to DC Sports Bog’s posts about Nats ratings in Taipei.
Relief pitcher Sean Burnett lost his arbitration case (nationals.com), claims he is not upset.
Speaking of arbitration, we know that the Nats take their players to arbitration more than anybody else. Here is how the arbitration process goes down (The Post).
I still want to know about how much the Atlanta Braves went to arbitration when Stan Kasten was the president there. The lead their division for 14 years in the standings, but did they lead it in arbitration as well?
I wonder how well Ivan Rodriguez will get along with Jesus Flores (nationals.com) if/when the latter is catching and the former is not.
Reliever Tyler Clippard shot a hole in one after ordering a hot dog from a girl on a cart. It sounds great, but the last time a D.C. athlete had a hole in one just before the season, he had his worst season ever. Yes, that year Alex Ovechkin had a pathetic 46 goals. You’ve been warned Clippard.
