Soriano Won’t Play — for Now – The Post
Alfonso Soriano will not play in any spring training games before the World Baseball Classic. None of the other WBC’ers will either.
More from The Wash. Times: No Soriano before WBC & Florida Today: Soriano won’t play before WBC
Guillen’s rehab going well – Florida Today
RF Jose Guillen hopes to be playing in a few weeks. Team trainer Tim Abraham says Guillen is ahead of schedule in his recovery from a torn labrum.
Rebuilt shoulder, outlook – The Wash. Times
Speaking of shoulder surgery, Tony Armas, Jr. is back after team doctor Tim Kremchek said to GM Jim Bowden:
This is one of those surgeries that I’ve done, medically speaking, that this is a guy to bet on. If this guy went 7-7 last year, I can see him going 15-10 this year. This surgery should really loosen him up, really help him, really allow him to finish his delivery that he wasn’t able to do last year.
That quote and the fact that Dr. Kremchek also works for the Reds was enough for Bowden.
Lopes has plenty to teach Nationals – The Wash. Times
First base coach Davey Lopes is here and is expected to change the mindset of players when it comes to stealing bases. The Nats were awful last year, even fans with 20 game ticket packages probably saw only a handful of steals all year. The baserunning mindset I would like to see change the most is the one that believes 1B Nick Johnson can run.
Astacio Is Expected to Be Ready – The Post
Despite missing two weeks of camp, the Nats are counting on Pedro Astacio to be ready soon.
Williams Digs Up More Stadium Cash – The Post
Mayor Anthony Williams found $20 million for cost overruns which lends credence to the rumors of MLB being unhappy with the lease that passed. There is grumbling on the council of course, mostly from members who voted against the lease. We will hear plenty more about this one.
Seen and heard at spring training – The Wash. Times