Foster Griffin started his final Grapefruit League game tonight, but he and three other Nats starters will be staying in Florida for one last tune-up before Opening Day
Spencer has a nice article describing the “homework” that the pitchers and catchers have done during the spring. Here are some snippets:
“In the most recent assignment, pitchers identified which pitch type they most frequently threw for first-pitch strikes. In another, they looked at how their fastball played in different parts of the zone. One fun assignment had them rank how well each pitch in their arsenals performed at putting hitters away late in the count…”
To familiarize catchers with the new metrics, new process and new priorities, their assignments were as daunting as they were amusing: Scout Team USA during the World Baseball Classic.
The idea was to get them to understand a new metric the team had constructed: Run value score.
"That leaves only one more assignment in the docket. Catching coach Bobby Wilson — who has received a ton of praise early in camp from Butera and the team’s catchers for improving their receiving technique and results — has also asked the catchers to build out their schedules for the day, then went over tweaks with them for the catchers to be more efficient with their time once the season starts."
Glad they're working with the catchers.
Overall, it sounds like the new regime is emphasizing teaching, analysis, players thinking through what they do and why, and a feedback loop.
I like what Toboni and Butera are doing. They sure seem to know what they are doing and have a plan both big picture and what is in the immediate future. I'm really looking forward the season!
I agree. I believe we will see him in the rotation at some point this year, possibly sooner than later. As Mark has often said, the 26 players you start with are not the 26 players you end with. The roster can change month to month, and most likely will under Toboni and Butera, especially where pitchers are concerned. Hah, it might even change weekly!
So the new Wunderkinder couldn't work any majick with Dylan Crews and their "plan" is to just bring back my dad's guys for another year. A lot of thought must have gone into that but the upside is it probably means that the Rizzo name will be be restored to the GM position, sooner rather than later. Just as Mark Lerner took over from dad, so shall Fredo assume the reins closing this ghastly interregnum. A Golden Age of nepotism is at hand, folks. Wait 'til Barry 'Baz' Bezos take over at WAPO. The you-know-what will hit the fan.
And speaking about defecation, over at The Athletic, Keith Law was crapping all over 2025 first-round pick and coulda-been Nat, Ethan Holliday. Can't say that about Reggie's boy.
Sounds like a solid plan for all concerned
Mark,
Will you be attending either (both?) of the exhibition games with the Orioles?
That's good to hear that he was working on things, and it wasn't a case of him just being hit around. Better in FL than in MLB.
Spencer has a nice article describing the “homework” that the pitchers and catchers have done during the spring. Here are some snippets:
“In the most recent assignment, pitchers identified which pitch type they most frequently threw for first-pitch strikes. In another, they looked at how their fastball played in different parts of the zone. One fun assignment had them rank how well each pitch in their arsenals performed at putting hitters away late in the count…”
To familiarize catchers with the new metrics, new process and new priorities, their assignments were as daunting as they were amusing: Scout Team USA during the World Baseball Classic.
The idea was to get them to understand a new metric the team had constructed: Run value score.
I asked Spencer if the position players have a learning system in place. His reply:
Spencer Nusbaum
· 29m ago
STAFF
@Testudonal F. There are a handful of things! I’ll touch on that soon.
Good stuff from Spencer. I also noticed this:
"That leaves only one more assignment in the docket. Catching coach Bobby Wilson — who has received a ton of praise early in camp from Butera and the team’s catchers for improving their receiving technique and results — has also asked the catchers to build out their schedules for the day, then went over tweaks with them for the catchers to be more efficient with their time once the season starts."
Glad they're working with the catchers.
Overall, it sounds like the new regime is emphasizing teaching, analysis, players thinking through what they do and why, and a feedback loop.
I like what Toboni and Butera are doing. They sure seem to know what they are doing and have a plan both big picture and what is in the immediate future. I'm really looking forward the season!
GO NATS!! ⚾️⚾️⚾️⚾️⚾️⚾️⚾️⚾️⚾️
Can't wait to see how this all "plays out"!
I still think Alvarez is a worthy although 4th or 5th starter.
I agree. I believe we will see him in the rotation at some point this year, possibly sooner than later. As Mark has often said, the 26 players you start with are not the 26 players you end with. The roster can change month to month, and most likely will under Toboni and Butera, especially where pitchers are concerned. Hah, it might even change weekly!
Yeah, thought he had a chance of going north but he fits into that broad category of guys they want to get plenty of work at AAA.
Saw his debut in DC last year and he seemed poised beyond his years.
So the new Wunderkinder couldn't work any majick with Dylan Crews and their "plan" is to just bring back my dad's guys for another year. A lot of thought must have gone into that but the upside is it probably means that the Rizzo name will be be restored to the GM position, sooner rather than later. Just as Mark Lerner took over from dad, so shall Fredo assume the reins closing this ghastly interregnum. A Golden Age of nepotism is at hand, folks. Wait 'til Barry 'Baz' Bezos take over at WAPO. The you-know-what will hit the fan.
And speaking about defecation, over at The Athletic, Keith Law was crapping all over 2025 first-round pick and coulda-been Nat, Ethan Holliday. Can't say that about Reggie's boy.
Go Nats!