After the second day of workouts for pitchers and catchers in Viera, Florida's Space Coast Stadium, Washington Nationals' manager Matt Williams was asked about how major league players, coaches and managers motivate themselves year after year to go out and compete and put in the work necessary to play at the highest level of the game?
"I think the ultimate motivation is to be the last one standing," the seventeen-year veteran and one-time World Series winner told reporters.
"That's the ultimate. Because there are guys that sit in this clubhouse that have been there. And ultimately, that is the prize that we're all after, so that's motivation in and of itself. For me, it's enjoying the grind of it all, is the motivation. The work involved, whether you're a player, a coach or a manager, whatever it is, it's all about the work. Ultimately, we love what we do, so you find the joy and the motivation in that and if you can get to that point then the results will come."
Getting to that point, however, can take some time.
"Ultimately you get to that point when you're older," Williams explained. "When it's not about establishing yourself as a player. It's not about staying in the big leagues. It's at the end when you go, 'You know, I only have a certain amount of time left and I might as well enjoy it.' But beyond that though, I think it's enjoying the process.
"We're here with an opportunity to go out there and win our division first and foremost. We have that opportunity. We have to do things right to do it, but let's enjoy the process of planning to do that and working to do that and then beyond that, we want to be the last team standing like everybody else does."
Williams will never say anything, "World Series or Bust"-ish. He just won't. On to the links...
NATS BEAT: Injury updates from Spring Training via Matt Williams
McLouth:
• "McLouth won’t feel completely at ease until he is in the full swing of games. He isn’t sure yet if he will be restricted when spring training games start on March 5." - "Nate McLouth excited to test out surgically repaired shoulder" - James Wagner, The Washington Post
The Daily Wrap is live! News of the day, Images of the day & much more from #Nats camp: http://t.co/J2Vrdsnq8U pic.twitter.com/I6OQNyM9aT
— Washington Nationals (@Nationals) February 22, 2015
• "The Nationals plan on allowing outfielder Nate McLouth to progress slowly this spring as he recovers from right shoulder surgery." - "Motivated McLouth taking it slow after shoulder surgery" - Jamal Collier, nationals.com
Uggla talk:
• "The problem: Uggla, like Grissom before, had perfect vision (20/15) when holding his head still but terrible vision (20/100) when his head was moving. Like when swinging a baseball bat." - "Dan Uggla hopes better vision leads to revived career with Nationals" - Mark Zuckerman, Nats Insider
New #Nats infielder Dan Uggla talks hitting with the one and only Rick Schu. pic.twitter.com/YLzSCpcCYY
— Washington Nationals (@Nationals) February 22, 2015
• "During the past two seasons in Atlanta, Uggla batted .171 with more strikeouts (217) than hits (101) before the Braves released him in July." - "At Nationals camp, Uggla sees chance to resurrect career" - Jamal Collier, nationals.com
Denard Span's recovery:
• "Jeff Kobernus and Denard Span arrived in camp, joining more than half the invited position players who have already reported. The official report day for position players is Tuesday." - "Injury updates, Matt Williams’s thoughts, and other observations from Day 2 in Viera" - Chelsea Janes, The Washington Post
• "While the Nationals hope for swift recoveries from their trio of rehabbing outfielders, they've decided to stretch right-hander Blake Treinen out as a starter in spring training." - "Nationals Pastime: Williams on Span and Werth's recoveries, Treinen as a starter and apple turnovers" - Chris Johnson, MASNSports.com
• "Span suffered the injury toward the end of last season, but it wasn't enough to miss any games, including the National League Division Series against the Giants." - "Coming off career year, catalyst Span seeks more" - Bill Ladson, nationals.com
Coming off career year, catalyst #Span seeks more http://t.co/IYgzHBCYUU #Nats #Nationals #MLB
— William Ladson (@washingnats) February 22, 2015
• "Span, 30, isn’t shy about setting grand goals for himself. Last season it was to finally become a better base stealer and swipe 30 bases..." - "Denard Span on sports hernia surgery recovery, his goals and walk year" - James Wagner, The Washington Post
NATS BEAT: Non-Injury Spring Training updates
• "Some think the Nats may, unconsciously, coast in a weak division that they won by 17 games last year." - "In 2015, Nationals have to balance ‘we’ and ‘me’ motivations" - Thomas Boswell, The Washington Post
• "No, manager Matt Williams hasn't changed his number. No. 0 is minor league pitching coordinator Spin Williams." - "Nationals Pastime: Gonzalez, Fister and Zimmermann throw first bullpen sessions of spring (with workout photos)" - Chris Johnson, MASNSports.com
Tanner Roark section:
• "So, Roark probably is destined for a long-relief role. Except that’s not exactly the best way to maximize his talent." - "Tanner Roark ready for whatever role Nationals want him in" - Mark Zuckerman, Nats Insider
Now it's time for the position players to get some work. #GloveWork #Nats https://t.co/BXbuumc5YI
— Washington Nationals (@Nationals) February 22, 2015
• "As spring training gets into gear, Nationals manager Matt Williams doesn't want to alter Roark's preparation for the season, at least for now." - "Nationals Pastime: The unselfish Tanner Roark" - Chris Johnson, MASNSports.com
#RSOD:
• "General manager Mike Rizzo seemed to indicate that this is a crucial moment as Espinosa aims to begin his sixth season in the majors." - "Nationals Pastime: Can Espinosa be right this season?" - Chris Johnson, MASNSports.com
• "'I’m looking at in a positive way,' he said. 'I just want more success than I’ve had previously. If that means hitting all right-handed, then that’s fine.'" - "Danny Espinosa on hitting right-handed during spring training" - James Wagner, The Washington Post
NATS BEAT: Non-#RSOD links
On his way to Viera and the #Nats @NASCAR: .@Bharper3407 is in the building! #DAYTONA500 pic.twitter.com/nGG5w0HUJs"
— HoldenKushner (@Holdenradio) February 22, 2015
• "Spring training began in earnest here Saturday and with the same regimented schedule and meticulously organized leadership the Nationals have come to expect from Williams." - "Nationals Manager Matt Williams tries to be both regimented and relaxed" - James Wagner, The Washington Post
#JZimm and @dougfister58 get their first official bullpens of the spring in! #aces pic.twitter.com/CLvOt0pu27
— Washington Nationals (@Nationals) February 22, 2015
• "Some people believe the Washington Nationals’ starting rotation has the potential to be historic. Pitching coach Steve McCatty is not one of those people." - "Max Scherzer, Nationals not worried about rotation's historic expectations" - Tom Schad, Washington Times
• "Nationals catcher Pedro Severino was invited to big league Spring Training for the first time this year, and it looks like he feels right at home." - "Promising prospect Severino soaking up spring lessons" - Bill Ladson, nationals.com
• "Gonzalez was the last of the five to step in the box to receive pitches from the JUGS machine delivered by pitching coach Steve McCatty. Let's just say it didn't go so well." - "Nationals Pastime: Video: Jeers and cheers for Gonzalez during comical bunting drill" - Chris Johnson, MASNSports.com
2nd part of Gio video with more laughs from teammates. #Nats pic.twitter.com/LqAFahdMfS
— Chris Johnson (@masnCJ) February 22, 2015
• "In 2013, the team had the slogan, 'World Series or bust' and didn't make the playoffs." - "Rizzo confident in his club heading into 2015" - Bill Ladson, nationals.com
• "'Hey, Dougie: You need to slow down!' manager Matt Williams said. 'Slow down?' Fister replied with a quizzical look and a smile." - "News and notes from Sunday’s workout at Space Coast Stadium" - Mark Zuckerman, Nats Insider
This is the only way we can find to slow @dougfister58 down. #Nats https://t.co/hf3gAiedRm
— Washington Nationals (@Nationals) February 22, 2015
• "No, manager Matt Williams hasn't changed his number. No. 0 is minor league pitching coordinator Spin Williams." - "Nationals Pastime: Gonzalez, Fister and Zimmermann throw first bullpen sessions of spring (with workout photos)" - Chris Johnson, MASNSports.com
NATS PROSPECT TALK: Kie-BOOM; Little Gio
• "Kieboom's invite to camp as a non-roster player was a reward for his stellar 2014, when he hit .309 with nine homers and 61 RBIs at low Single-A Hagerstown." - "Nationals Pastime: Kieboom savoring every minute of his first major league camp" - Pete Kerzel, MASNSports.com
• "Giolito was shut down during his senior year in the spring of 2012 when his throwing elbow started barking. Health question marks caused Giolito to slide down draft boards." - "Five Things To Know About Nationals Prospect Lucas Giolito" - Justin Silberman, Pressbox DC
NATIONAL(S) BEAT: Scherzer evolving; Ohlendorf
• "Ohlendorf was a valuable swing pitcher for Washington in 2013, going 4-1 with a 3.28 ERA in 60 1/3 innings. He was with Rangers manager Jeff Banister in the Pittsburgh organization in 2008-11." - "Non-roster invitee puts past frustration behind him, hopes to help Rangers" - Gerry Fraley, Dallas Morning News
• "Where does Max Scherzer go from here after winning the American League Cy Young award in 2013 and signing a seven-year, $210 million contract with the Washington Nationals in January?" - "Max Scherzer aims to improve and evolve in 2015" - Mark Townsend, Big League Stew - Yahoo Sports
bids are coming in for moncada, and so far they are past $20M. http://t.co/2BENOsWVOz
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeymanCBS) February 23, 2015
BREAKING - Source: Cuban INF prospect Yoan Moncada agrees with Red Sox on a deal in $30 million range. Check http://t.co/mkcBseoZWQ.
— Jesse Sanchez (@JesseSanchezMLB) February 23, 2015
NL EAST UPDATES: Melvin Upton, Jr.; Harvey's totally loveable + Latos talks
• Mets: "Matt Harvey added a curveball and slider to his workout Sunday in the slow climb toward game-readiness." - "‘Stinking dynamite': One Matt Harvey pitch has Mets drooling" - Mike Puma, New York Post
• Phillies: "Before departing for Clearwater, Ruben Amaro Jr. reached out to Ryan Howard and asked him to come into the office." - "Amaro apologizes to Howard" - Ryan Lawrence, Philadelphia Daily News
• Marlins: "The order of questions is as I asked them. I made minor edits to some of the answers, but these are Latos’ words." - "Q&A: Marlins pitcher Mat Latos opens up" - Ken Rosenthal, FOX Sports
In Q-and-A, Latos offered strong opinions on his injury-marred 2014, free agency, Votto, #Reds’ clubhouse culture. http://t.co/29az9YRo8A
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) February 23, 2015
• Braves: "Leadership and chemistry matter, folks. Talent is more important, no doubt. A lot more important." - "Despite predictions, Braves should be interesting and more enjoyable" - David O'Brien, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
It’s official: B.J. is now Melvin Upton Jr. http://t.co/Mz4WQPo6GN #Braves
— David O'Brien (@DOBrienAJC) February 22, 2015