25 Comments
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Robert Johnson's avatar

Enjoyed. Keep up the good reporting and observations

Patrick M's avatar

This is great and all but what about the sign on the fence with the pithy slogan about throwing strikes instead of balls?

But seriously reading this feels like waking up from a nightmare and realizing it's nice and sunny outside. Sure the day may not turn out to be the best day but at least you have a good feeling going forward.

Cameron Smith's avatar

The days of hanging up signs saying “I don’t care how fast you throw ball 4” are behind us.

Hopefully the technology investment pays off.

Jeremiah Ogle's avatar

I could honestly cry reading this, how far we’ve come in such a short time. I Believe!!!!

mulch spider's avatar

In my fantasy scenario, the Nats development was so bad under Rizzo that everyone "breaks out" this year just from transitioning to a more sophisticated regime - know it's not likely across the board, but quotes like Irvin's here give me hope!

Noodles & Cabbage's avatar

Both frustrating and exciting/hopeful to read this. Thank goodness we are supporting Mark's presence in Florida. Spring has sprung!

GLH aka NatsFan4Ever's avatar

THIS SOUNDS AWESOME!! I love it!

777701's avatar

like my old writing coach use to say:

“I like it”…⚾️🙋🏼‍♀️

Daniel's avatar

Jake and Drew said it all!! We’ve a better SP that we saw last year… Davey Martinez was the worst manager in Washington history (only the 19-31/WS span was good-and I always thought it was Parra, Howie, Adam, Ryan the engines there-). Butera throwing BP? Hey boy! That says a lot! GASS

Tony Dillon's avatar

Love love love the adoption of new (modern) technology. This is why I haven't really cared what the payroll looks like on the big league roster. The investments made in bringing this organization on par with the rest of the league in terms of technology and player development is going to have a far greater impact than any one free agent signing.

Also cool to see Butera throwing BP. I think he'll quickly earn the respect of the players just by how relatable he is. Taking the approach that no job is too small goes a long way in setting the tone.

EL's avatar

This is what we are paying (you) for! Great stuff.

Brandon Persinger's avatar

The comments from Irvin and Millas are telling. The noticeable investment in technology is encouraging. Butera's willingness to throw BP is endearing. I think we all realize this team has a long way to go, but I'm hopeful the fresh approach can raise the team's floor even if it doesn't raise the ceiling for all players. Just still stings to get a sense of how aimless this franchise has been the last few years.

Duane Edwards's avatar

The fact that Irvin is thrilled about being able to quantify the break of a pitch shows you how far behind the Nats were in cutting edge technology. That was a telling (and stunning) quote. What a welcome change. Let’s hope it leads to significant player development.

tulku sherdor's avatar

win the championship this year and then sell tickets to watch the pundits take turns committing Hari Kari.

Chris Wilson's avatar

I appreciate Irvin’s candor. I am very excited to see how the player development changes lead to improvements.