The Morning Briefing: Washington Nationals Regular Season and Spring Training Schedule is Out

With Spring Training and the Regular Season Schdule is out and other Washington Nationals and Major League Baseball Headlines for Feb, 12, 2021

by Richard Wachtel

Updated February 12, 2021

Good Friday Morning, Washington Nationals Fans! TGIF!

I hope that you had a great week. Man, Baseball is so close to starting, and we can't wait.

Countdown Clock ️

Days to Pitchers and Catchers Report: 5 Days
Exhibition Games Begin: 17 Days
Opening Day: 48 Days

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

Top Story: Washington Nationals Regular Season and Spring Training Schedule is Out

Baseball is so close to starting that the Washington Nationals released their Spring Training and Regular Season schedule. Both schedules are jam-packed with some amazing baseball, and I can't wait. So set your clocks because on April 1, 2021, at 7:06 pm EST, the Washington Nationals will be kicking off their season against the New York Mets. The most likely pitching matchup will be Max Scherzer v. Jacob DeGrom, and I have a feeling it's going to be a great game!

Talking about Games...

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Click here to see the full regular schedule and here to see the Spring Training Schedule.

The NL East was the most active division in Baseball this offseason. Who put themselves in the best position to win in 2021?

Today on the Nats Report, we will take a closer look at the New York Mets, one of the most active baseball teams during the offseason, and they put themselves right in the mix to win the NL East.

Here is a sneak preview of the article: "During the offseason, the Mets signed relievers Aaron Loup and Trevor May, catcherJames McCann, outfielders Albert Amora and Jose Martinez and utility man Jonathan Villar.

They also traded for left-handed starter Joey Lucchesi from the Pittsburgh Pirates and, in a blockbuster trade, acquired shortstop Francisco Lindor and right-handed starter Carlos Carrasco from the Cleveland Indians. Not only were the Mets busy adding players on the field, but during the offseason, investor Steve Cohen took ownership of the team. Cohen brought back Sandy Alderson to serve as team president and then hired Jared Porter to be general manager before having to dismiss him just 37 days later when it was revealed he sexually harassed a female reporter in 2016. Assistant GM Zack Scott was named as Porter's replacement."

Washington Nationals Youth Baseball Academy Season Three of YBA PLAY TV: Spring Training.

The video series is a free instructional baseball clinic that will continue to have a virtual option with episodes airing every Wednesday, right here on their Facebook page.

Black History Month on the Nats Report

February is Black History month, and at the Nats Report, we have published an in-depth report on the Homestead Grays and their impact on Washington D.C. It is worth a read. Additionally, you should listen to Richard's interview with Bob Kendrick, President of the National Negro League Baseball Hall of Fame in Kansas City.

League News: Major League Baseball Updates its Sexual Harassment policy

In the wake of the Jared Porter and Mickey Callaway sexual harassment stories, Major League Baseball has updated its sexual and discrimination policy. The main points of the new policy are for "MLB and it's Clubs strive to create environments in which all individuals, including MLB and Club personnel, employees of MLB's business partners and members of the press are accepted and respected." Additionally, Major League Baseball created a third-party anonymous hotline for reporting incidents of harassment. According to Lindsey Alder of the Athletic: "The league recently proposed the changes to the MLBPA, which agreed to the modifications." Major League Baseball also created a guide for employees on their new policy and how to report a complaint that must hang outside the clubhouse. Click here to read the full policy.

Commissioner Rob Mandred stated in the updated document: "Major League Baseball aspires towards a collective culture of acceptance and mutual respect for the individual differences of the people that make the game of Baseball truly unique and exceptional."