Spring Training 2013

[JCA-CrystalCity]

Jordanz - I'm not so sure.  If Bernie starts getting much more than $1 - $1.5MM, then I could see parting with him and going with an internal option as a backup CF.  Also, Bernie might be a guy who could be a
<========
starter for a 2d division club.  Of course, now that we are a contender, keeping some more expensive bench pieces is realistic.

[blue911]

He's been known to take an adventurous route sure, but his athleticism makes him a pretty good defender. According to UZR he improved last year, although it isn't super fond of him.
http://mlb.com/search/media.jsp?query=Bernadina+catch&c_id=mlb
He does make quite a few highlight grabs.

The AVG (and BABIP), OBP, and SLG were all career highs last year. So I'm not sure what you're talking about at all in the second part.

SLG is terrible to use to describe pure power. It is largely driven by AVG, about 65% league wide in 2012. ISO and XBH% tell a better power story.

[Squab]

SLG is terrible to use to describe pure power. It is largely driven by AVG, about 65% league wide in 2012. ISO and XBH% tell a better power story.

Alright, his ISO was .005 down and his XBH% was down 4%. I suppose in the strictest sense yes his power was down last year. But the sample sizes are very small and the differences negligible.

[PC]

Nationals PR @NationalsPR
#Nationals re-assign the following to minor-league camp: LHP Bill Bray, LHP Brandon Mann, LHP Will Ohman, RHP Tanner Roark.

[Galah]

Hehehe ...  we will get you ...

Good to see you guys, hope it warms up for you the rest of your stay.

[CALSGR8]

This is not a good time for the NATS to be complaining about Florida Weather.

http://www.wtop.com/?nid=893&sid=3239008

[Rig24]

Going down in a couple weeks.  Are fans able to watch the team workout, or is it just games?  Never been to ST before, looking forward to it.

[imref]

Lorb:  "RHP Chris Young allowed two unearned runs in the second inning. 20 pitches, 11 strikes." (minor league game today)

[Galah]

Going down in a couple weeks.  Are fans able to watch the team workout, or is it just games?  Never been to ST before, looking forward to it.

The batting cages are pretty well hidden and the onfield BP before the game is usually limited to Spring Training STH's
I should know the answer to this, since I just got back from Vierra, but I didn't get my butt out of bed early enough this year so....last year, it was easy to get to the practice fields right in front (north of) the ball park, there were a few players taking BP on one field (I saw Ankiel, LaRoche, and Ramos) and all the pitchers were on the other field doing ...calesthics for lack of a better description. Lasted for about an hour, got some good pictures....this all took place from about 0900 - 1030....you could hear then batters working in the cages but you couldn't see much.
Worth going early, worst case, nothing is going on and you go out for breakfast while you wait for the park to open up.
 

[Rig24]

The batting cages are pretty well hidden and the onfield BP before the game is usually limited to Spring Training STH's
I should know the answer to this, since I just got back from Vierra, but I didn't get my butt out of bed early enough this year so....last year, it was easy to get to the practice fields right in front (north of) the ball park, there were a few players taking BP on one field (I saw Ankiel, LaRoche, and Ramos) and all the pitchers were on the other field doing ...calesthics for lack of a better description. Lasted for about an hour, got some good pictures....this all took place from about 0900 - 1030....you could hear then batters working in the cages but you couldn't see much.
Worth going early, worst case, nothing is going on and you go out for breakfast while you wait for the park to open up.

Thanks. 

[Mathguy]

Where does one go to breakfast near the ballpark ?

Worth going early, worst case, nothing is going on and you go out for breakfast while you wait for the park to open up.

[Galah]

Where does one go to breakfast near the ballpark ?

Well, I'd probably go across the Pineda Causeway and down A1A into Satellite Beach to Son-on-the-Beach...surprisingly good food and views of the ocean, but that's not exactly near the ballpark (probably 8 miles away).
But you might just want to go over to The Avenue, in Viera (near the Rave Theater) there's plenty of chains there if you want to stay close
(btw, restroom facilities suitable for 2 IPA are not easily available at the ballpark, until the park opens..
Enjoy!

[Squab]

Nationals option LHP Matt Purke to Single-A Hagerstown. Spring Training roster now at 49.
Zuckerman wrote about him yesterday:
http://www.csnwashington.com/baseball-washington-nationals/talk/purke-taking-slow-and-steady-path-back

[RobDibblesGhost]

One week til I'm in Viera!  Anyone else going to be there next Wednesday-Thursday?

[varoadking]

One week til I'm in Viera!  Anyone else going to be there next Wednesday-Thursday?

Nope...but we'll be there for the home games a week from Saturday and Monday, at Lakeland on St. Patrick's Day, and at Walt Disney World on the 21st.

[Mathguy]

For anyone going to Viera, Harbor City Diner has great food and portions.  12 oz burgers cooked to perfection.  1630 S. Wickham Rd.

[wpa2629]

Nathan Fenno ‏@nathanfenno
One #Nationals injury note: Henry Rodriguez threw batting practice without incident Tuesday and will pitch in a game later this week.

[Jordanz Meatballz]

Nathan Fenno ‏@nathanfenno
One #Nationals injury note: Henry Rodriguez threw batting practice without incident Tuesday and will pitch in a game later this week.

Here's hoping it clicks for him this year.

[terpfan417]

I sort of wonder if Henry had never been made closer if he wouldnt have been a pretty good reliever for us last year. That really got into his head. Maybe with one more shot he can be a decent 7th/8th inning guy.

[Minty Fresh]

I could live my entire life and be satisfied if I never see Henry Rodriguez pitch for us again.

[wpa2629]

I sort of wonder if Henry had never been made closer if he wouldnt have been a pretty good reliever for us last year. That really got into his head. Maybe with one more shot he can be a decent 7th/8th inning guy.

He was hurt last year - had to have surgery. I'm hoping that what the main reason for his problems - though you never know

I guess we'll find out soon enough

[Lintyfresh85]

I could live my entire life and be satisfied if I never see Henry Rodriguez pitch for us again.

So much this.

[GburgNatsFan]

"Without incident" meaning he didn't kill anyone with an out-of-control 103 MPH fastball.

Nathan Fenno ‏@nathanfenno
One #Nationals injury note: Henry Rodriguez threw batting practice without incident Tuesday and will pitch in a game later this week.

[zimm_da_kid]

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2013/03/braves-could-listen-on-venters.html#disqus_thread

If the Braves were to trade Venters they'd still have left-handers Eric O'Flaherty and Luis Avilan available in the bullpen. Teams such as the Nationals, Tigers and Dodgers could have interest in a reliever of Venters' caliber in my view. The Braves could seek a left-handed hitting bench player if they do consider trading Venters.

I'd love for it to happen, but trading venters to us would be handing the division to us.

[blue911]

"Without incident" meaning he didn't kill anyone with an out-of-control 103 MPH fastball.

Nope, meaning likely to survive.