The Morning Briefing: Strasburg back to normal, but Scherzer has sprained ankle

Mike Rizzo and Manager Dave Martinez met with the Press in separate sessions for the first time during Spring Training and all the latest headlines from the Washington Nationals and Major League Baseball

by Richard Wachtel

Updated February 19, 2021

The Morning Briefing: Notes from Pitchers and Catchers Reporting: Strasburg back to normal, but Scherzer has sprained ankle

Good Friday Morning, Washington Nationals Fans. TGIF!

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:

A chance of showers, with thunderstorms also possible after 1 pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 84. Breezy, with a south wind of 10 to 17 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph. The chance of precipitation is 40%.

Today's Spring Training Quote:

"We see him as Hopefully, a National for a Long Time" -Mike Rizzo discussing Juan Soto.

Countdown Clock:

Exhibition Games Begin: 11 Days

Opening Day 2021: 42 Days

2021 MLB All-Star Game: 145 Days

Today's Top Story: Strasburg back to normal, but Scherzer has sprained ankle

Yesterday, both GM Mike Rizzo and Manager Dave Martinez met with the Press in separate sessions for the first time during Spring Training. There were some very interesting quotes and comments that came out of the session.

One revelation that came out of the press conference was Max Scherzer sprained his ankle two weeks ago while he was conditioning. Moving forward, Scherzer will have a slower approach to Spring Training, which Martinez said Scherzer was okay with doing.

Rizzo also discussed some of the contracts that he put together this offseason.

Make sure to bookmark and visit our on-going Spring Training thread that will have updates, quick thoughts, pictures, and videos from West Palm Beach, FL.

How the Tatis Deal Impacts the Nationals & More Importantly, Juan Soto?

Fernando Tatis Jr. signed the third-biggest contract in Major League Baseball history. The San Diego Padres agreed to pay their young shortstop a total of $340 Million over the next 14 seasons.

The deal has an average annual value of $24.3 Million and includes a full no-trade clause for Tatis, who has not even had 600 at-bats at the big-league level. Although we look at the $24.3 AAV and immediately think that's a steal, these types of deals are not always great for the team. If you look at the 42 active contracts in baseball worth over $100 Million, it is easy to question a good amount of them. A lot can happen in 14 years, but either way, this deal lays the groundwork for what to expect in future mega-deals for baseball.

The Nationals have two players that will be due mega deals shortly, and the Tatis deal affects both of them. He impacts the shortstop market, which will affect the Turner deal, and he impacts the very top of the MLB market, which will affect the Soto deal.

Click here to read our full analysis of how the Tatis Deal Impacts the Nationals & More Importantly, Juan Soto.

What should the Nationals Do with the 5th Pitching Spot in the Rotation?

With Pitchers and Catchers reporting this week, it got me thinking about what the Washington Nationals should do with the 5th spot in the Rotation.

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

What Does a Trea Turner Extension Look Like?

Spring Training is the sweet spot during the baseball calendar where players and management are around each other everyday, and it could be a perfect time for the Washington Nationals and Trea Turner to make a deal. Here is a way to make that happen.

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

Podcast Alert: In the Clubhouse with the Nats Report

Don't miss Richard's conversation with Washington Nationals Pitching Prospect Cade Cavalli. It was a great conversation with the Pitching prospect, and hopefully, we will get him back on the show soon to talk about his first big league Spring Training Invite.

Apple: https://apple.co/2MGkpfq

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/38ZRo5Z

Click here to listen to Richard's Conversation on Your Favorite Podcasting Platform.

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