Nats Add Another Boone – The Post
In Viera, a Boone family reunion – The Wash. Times
A real Boone for Nationals – The Free Lance-Star
The gang’s all here: Bret Boone joins his brother and father with the Washington Nationals – Florida Today
In case you were concerned that the Boone family was not as well represented as it could be with only Bob (special assistant to the GM) and Aaron (bench) worry no more. The Nationals signed Bret Boone, whose last baseball season was in 2005 to a minor league deal. Capital Punishment suggested a list of other Boone’s in case the club doesn’t feel it has enough.
Young Arrives, Ready for the Competition – The Post
THOM LOVERRO – A career, a life rehabilitated – The Wash. Times
Young will put up a fight for first – The Free Lance-Star
Dmitri Young arrived at spring training yesterday and took a session in the cage. He is leaner than last year, having worked out since November too. In addition to a “friendly competition” with Nick Johnson for the starting first base job, Young will try to steer the talented, but troubled Elijah Dukes onto the right path.
Also, LHP Odalis Pérez (8-11, 5.57 ERA, 26 starts in 2006) was offered a contract for some reason.
Patterson pleased with first session – The Wash. Times
RHP John Patterson had a decent first throwing session yesterday. His mechanics and demeanor are said to be good.
Nationals’ Johnny Estrada just one of the kids – Florida Today
Presumptive #2 catcher Johnny Estrada says he is just a big kid. He makes a point to be fan-friendly, signing autographs even when he finds it inconvenient.
Estrada had knee and elbow surgeries in the offseason after batting .278 in 120 games with Milwaukee last season.
Running to get a head – The Wash. Times
Tryouts for the racing presidents were held at RFK yesterday, fittingly on President’s Day. One guess which Nats blogger was there too.
SALLY SQUIRES – Guess What Real Men Eat – The Post
Lefty reliever Ray King is one of the athletes featured in this Lean Plate column. He reports to camp 23 lbs lighter.