Good Wednesday Morning, Washington Nationals Fans. We are almost at the end of this week.
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 20 percent chance of showers after noon. Mostly sunny, with a high near 79. East wind 8 to 11 mph.
[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!]
Today's Spring Training Quote:
I would love to play here my entire career... I've said it in the past — I’ve always liked it here and don’t think the grass is greener on the other side necessarily, but it’s a business, and things change. But as of right now, I would love to play here for my entire career. Those talks have happened in the past and hopefully, they’ll happen in the future but as of right now, we’re taking it day by day, I guess...." Trea Turner on a Zoom Call yesterday talking about staying in Washington D.C.
Countdown Clock:
Exhibition Games Begin: 5 Days
Opening Day 2021: 37 Days
2021 MLB All-Star Game: 140 Days
Today's Top Story: Trea Turner Wants to be a Washington Nationals' player for life
Let's file this in the good news category for today. Yesterday, Turner in a Zoom Call expressed his want to be a Washington Nationals' player for life, saying: "I would love to play here my entire career, I’ve always liked it here and don’t think the grass is greener on the other side necessarily, but it’s a business and things change. But as of right now, I would love to play here for my entire career."
Steve Mears from TalkNats.com has a great article on this very topic that is worth your time to read. From the article: "With a seventh place finish in the 2020 NL MVP voting, Turner really raised his stock price. Some have said a 59-game season like 2020 cannot be relied on, but if you look at Turner’s 2019 season after he returned to the team in May, recovering from broken fingers, the team’s resurgence was at the same time that Turner put up a slash of .306 /.363/ .509/ .871 from May 28 to the end of that championship season."
Last week, Frank wrote an article for us titled: "What Does a Trea Turner Extension Look Like?" In light of this news coming out of Spring Training, you should re-read the article.
Since publishing our article on the strength of the 2021 Washington Nationals bullpen, that topic has been mentioned on Team 980's afternoon show and other Washington Nationals blogs and websites. Just in case you missed reading the article, here is a link to it. We would love to hear your feedback on the article.
One of my favorite interviews so far on the podcast was getting a chance to interview Washington Nationals Pitching Prospect Cade Cavalli. During the conversation, we talked about his dad’s influence on him becoming interested in Baseball, becoming a Washington Nationals pitching prospect, and a unique hobby.
Apple: http://apple.co/2MqZGwE
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/38ZRo5Z
Megaphone: https://traffic.megaphone.fm/AMPM8917616136.mp3
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.
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?
A good deep bullpen will take some pressure off of the starting pitching! via Talk Nats
Juan Soto and a contract extension that hasn’t come to pass... via Federal Baseball
Juan Soto, Nationals Contract Extension Talks 'Didn't Go Very Far' in Offseason via Blecher Report
Soto is an emerging star but still feels like the ‘same rookie’ via NBC Sports Washington
With M.L.B.’s Help, Baseball Returns at an H.B.C.U. via the New York Times
Meanies, Beer Bellies, Big City Boys: The MLB team names that almost were via The Athletic
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