The Morning Briefing: Notes from the Second day of full-squad workouts at Spring Training

Thursday, February 25 2021 Washington Nationals and Major League Baseball headlines, news and the latest news coming out of Spring Training

by Richard Wachtel

Updated February 25, 2021

Good Thursday Morning, Washington Nationals Fans.

Make sure to follow The Nats Report on Twitter for updates on the latest from the Washington Nationals and Major League Baseball during the day!

Today's weather in West Palm Beach, according to the National Weather Service:

Sunny, with a high near 81. Light and variable wind becoming northeast 5 to 9 mph in the morning.

Today's Spring Training Quote:

I had never seen him before then, but all I can say is for my first time seeing him and how he looked against hitters today, he looked very good. Fastball's coming out great. His slider, curveball ... he looks very sharp right now. I'm glad I got to see a guy like him today, for first day. A guy who knows what he's doing. He is who he is for a reason, and he's got it." - Washington Nationals third baseman Carter Kieboom on LHP Brad Hand.

Countdown Clock:

Exhibition Games Begin: 4 Days

Opening Day 2021: 36 Days

2021 MLB All-Star Game: 140 Days

Today's Top Story: Recap of the Second day of full-squad workouts at Spring Training

Yesterday, for the first time this spring, all 72 players in the Nationals Spring Training were on the field and participating. Only two pitchers who had yet to participate were cleared to join their teammates: Javy Guerra and recently acquired Jeremey Jeffress, Guerra, who had been in Arizona with his wife as she gave birth to a baby, arrived in West Palm, FL, on Monday. On Tuesday, he cleared his mandatory intake testing.

Additional good news from Spring Training, Max Scherzer took another important step in returning from a pre-Spring Training injury. According to Mark Zuckerman of MASN Sports, Scherzer threw 40 pitches off a mound at 80 to 85 percent velocity.

Later in a Zoom call with Reporters, Manager Davey Martinez talked about Scherzer's status: "[Scherzer] came off the mound and he said he felt fine. The ankle didn't bother him at all.... No complaints, no issues."

Lastly, yesterday was the first time batters had a chance to take some live batting practice.

According to multiple reports, center fielder Victor Robles appeared to have "slimmed down" from his 2020 weight. I guess the COVID-19 was real. Even Martinez mentioned it during the Zoom call. "He slimmed down a little bit. His footwork has been good in the outfield. He revamped his swing a little bit; he's a little shorter to the baseball. So far everything looks good. I just want him to stay healthy, want to get him into games and get him playing again. As we all know, the upside with Victor is unbelievable. We want to get him back to that Gold Glove status and continue to develop."

Hang on, folks, because the 24-game Grapefruit League schedule kicks off this Sunday!

Don't forget to head to our Spring Training Page during the day, where we give updates on the latest news coming out of West Palm Beach, FL, including a Picture of the Day!

Confidence, a plan and a mind-set in the batter’s box for Juan Soto who is never scared!

Steve Mears from TalkNats has another great piece about Juan Soto. From the article: "The Washington Nationals had a 75.6 percent loss probability when Juan Soto stepped up to the plate against Josh Hader in the 8th inning of the Wild Card game on October 1, 2019. An outfield single could tie the game, a long double could put the team ahead, and a grand slam would be a dagger. An out would probably end the Nationals season. Soto flipped the script to an 87.3 percent win probability for his team when he hit a single that was coupled with an error to score three runs and give his team a lead."

Click here to read the full article.

It is going to be so much fun watching Soto this year. It is going to be exciting.

New Podcast: In the Clubhouse with the Nats Report

Last night, I sat down with Washington Nationals Washington Post beat Reporter Jesse Dougherty and NBC Sports Washington Nationals reporter Matt Weyrich and we talked all things Washington Nationals. We talked about some of the offseason signings, what it is like down at Spring Training this year, and much more!

Apple: http://apple.co/3qSAPRm

Spotify: http://spoti.fi/3kyPVsZ

Megaphone: https://bit.ly/3uEDr7N

Make sure that you add us to your podcast feed so that you will be notified when we publish a brand new episode

Perspective: The Case For Victor Robles Leading Off

Washington's Lineup is in a weird spot right now. They have a good amount of high-level talent, but it's not as deep as many would like, so Victor Robles might be a good option to lead off. Based on Mike Rizzo's recent comments, it appears that the Nationals are done adding players, and they haven't been outwardly linked to anyone who hits leadoff.

Thankfully, they may have the perfect leadoff candidate on the roster in Victor Robles.

Click here to read the full article on The Nats Report.

ICYMI: Perspective: Washington Nationals fans are left wondering if they will be returning to Nats Park this season

As the coronavirus vaccine continues its rollout to all regions of the U.S., Major League Baseball teams and the local governments that oversee them will be pressed with an important question: Should fans be allowed to attend games?

Click here to read the full article on The Nats Report.