Veteran reliever Drew Smith officially joined the Nationals today, while manager Blake Butera said Saturday's split-squad starting pitchers will be Jake Eder and Shinnosuke Ogasawara
Some quick thoughts from our second (and potentially last) day in WPB:
Jarlin Susana and Travis Sykora are laughably large humans. Irvin and Rutledge are the only other two that can compete on height, but aren’t nearly as muscular. Susana in particular is built like an NFL left tackle.
The Goliath that towers over them all, however, is a lesser name. NRI Montes de Oca from the Mets is not only an easy 6’8, but he has traps like Bill Goldberg. I have no idea if he can pitch, but he should be WWE World Champion right now. Just one of the most physically imposing dudes I’ve ever seen in my life.
On the other end of the spectrum, Abi Ortiz looks like friendly neighborhood dad of twin girls manning the grill at the block party, but man oh man is his bat electric. Easily the most impressive BP’s along with Wood and House. The ball just flies.
Yoyo Morales is another. Really big dude, really loud sounds. Don’t give up on him.
Glad you enjoyed your time at Spring Training. I’ve also been over there a couple of days (I live here now) and agree with your assessments. Thanks for identifying Bryce Montes de Oca. He’s hard to miss! I couldn’t find a name for No. 73 on any of the rosters. I also made the comment that if baseball doesn’t work out for him, the Commanders could use him as a defensive end.
Everybody gonna have his opportunity, Butera said. Yes, no bad for both of them to open SP for a MLB org. We need to prove everyone! Good choices by the manager
I really appreciate hearing about who is doing what at ST. It's good to heard some newer names along with some familiar ones. I can wait to see players in the field under the direction of the new coaching and player development staff. I'm expecting a noticeable improvement across the board.
This is so great and given that NO other media outlet will give 2 mins of Nationals news so important for fans of this team (the team they say that has no fans as the flagship 106.7 recently said when asked about why they don't cover the team)
Sam Sallick on federalbaseball.com talks about the black bands most of the Nats pitchers are wearing on their throwing arm:
“The device is a Pulse workload monitor made by Driveline. It costs $320 and is designed to help pitchers know their limits. Pulse measures arm speed and workload metrics. If a pitcher’s arm speed drops unexpectedly, you now know when to take a break.”
Some quick thoughts from our second (and potentially last) day in WPB:
Jarlin Susana and Travis Sykora are laughably large humans. Irvin and Rutledge are the only other two that can compete on height, but aren’t nearly as muscular. Susana in particular is built like an NFL left tackle.
The Goliath that towers over them all, however, is a lesser name. NRI Montes de Oca from the Mets is not only an easy 6’8, but he has traps like Bill Goldberg. I have no idea if he can pitch, but he should be WWE World Champion right now. Just one of the most physically imposing dudes I’ve ever seen in my life.
On the other end of the spectrum, Abi Ortiz looks like friendly neighborhood dad of twin girls manning the grill at the block party, but man oh man is his bat electric. Easily the most impressive BP’s along with Wood and House. The ball just flies.
Yoyo Morales is another. Really big dude, really loud sounds. Don’t give up on him.
Glad you enjoyed your time at Spring Training. I’ve also been over there a couple of days (I live here now) and agree with your assessments. Thanks for identifying Bryce Montes de Oca. He’s hard to miss! I couldn’t find a name for No. 73 on any of the rosters. I also made the comment that if baseball doesn’t work out for him, the Commanders could use him as a defensive end.
Heading down next week for 10 days and can't wait.
Yes, Susana resembles an NFL player. Two years ago, he was staying in the same hotel as our group and we ran into him in the lobby. Big guy.
Interesting on Ortiz. He's going to get a chance to compete for the first base job.
I'm really bullish on Yoyo this Spring. I think the success he had in winter ball will keep him going.
At least I hope so.
Is it their intention to keep Eder a reliever?
Everybody gonna have his opportunity, Butera said. Yes, no bad for both of them to open SP for a MLB org. We need to prove everyone! Good choices by the manager
Any hints on whether games are going to be shown on Verizon Fios this spring?
Mark, you are killing it this week - we're getting spoiled with the multiple daily updates!
It’s great! The MASN shackles are off. He’s his own boss now and the early results are fabulous!!!
I really appreciate hearing about who is doing what at ST. It's good to heard some newer names along with some familiar ones. I can wait to see players in the field under the direction of the new coaching and player development staff. I'm expecting a noticeable improvement across the board.
Would love it if something clicks for Ogasawara and he breaks camp. There were flashes of it last year
This is so great and given that NO other media outlet will give 2 mins of Nationals news so important for fans of this team (the team they say that has no fans as the flagship 106.7 recently said when asked about why they don't cover the team)
Sam Sallick on federalbaseball.com talks about the black bands most of the Nats pitchers are wearing on their throwing arm:
“The device is a Pulse workload monitor made by Driveline. It costs $320 and is designed to help pitchers know their limits. Pulse measures arm speed and workload metrics. If a pitcher’s arm speed drops unexpectedly, you now know when to take a break.”
https://www.federalbaseball.com/washington-nationals-spring-training/88981/why-washington-nationals-pitchers-wearing-black-band-on-elbow