Wire Taps: Matt Wieters to Nationals, an idea that caught on; Nats' new ballpark completed on time; Erick Fedde impresses

Remember that whole thing from two days ago, when the Nats beat the Mets, about how Grapefruit League success totally predicts the entire season? Yeah, scrap that.

Here's the news from West Palm.

Matt Wieters, Washington National: An idea that finally caught on
It took a long time, but everyone -- Mike Rizzo, Ted Lerner, Scott Boras, and Matt Wieters -- all got on the same page about the catcher coming to Washington.

Nats, Astros share first victory of 2017 season by completing new ballpark on time
Less than a year ago, the Ballpark of the Palm Beaches was mainly dirt and concrete slabs. The project went over budget, and a few things, such as a pool and Mike Rizzo's office, didn't get finished -- but the fields, clubhouse facilities, and kitchen, as well as the actual stadium itself will be ready to go for the first game on February 28th.

Presidents' Race at Nats park reverts to original size with Taft retiring to Florida.
The Nats already retired Racing Presidents Calvin Coolidge and Herbert Hoover to Florida -- but William Howard "Bill" Taft, Teddy's rival that never quite caught on, will also be sent down to West Palm, leaving the Nats with their original four-man race.

Erick Fedde impressive in spring debut
Erick Fedde faced major league batters for the first time in his career on Sunday, and performed pretty well.

Having bulked up, A.J. Cole hopes to be Nats' sixth starter
A.J. Cole gave up four earned runs, but his velocity was up a few ticks in his first start of spring training on Sunday.

Joe Nathan starts spring with scoreless inning
Joe Nathan is trying to earn a roster spot this spring, and got off to a good start on Saturday with a 1-hit inning.

Nationals need World Series more than anyone now that Cubs' drought is over
Chicago finally has their World Series, so it makes sense that the Nats, with a surplus of talent and not a whole lot of time left with all of it together, should have the most urgency to win their ring.

Dusty Baker and Joe Torre talk rule changes
Torre was present at the Nats' first Grapefruit League game versus the Mets, and before the game, Baker talked to Torre about the elimination of a pitcher being required to throw an actual intentional walk (the intentional walk will instead be prompted by a manager's signal from the dugout).

What's the story behind Harper's "Warm Body, Cold Mind" t-shirt?
The shirt was first spotted on the 2012 Olympic weightlifting champion Aleksey Torokhtiy (now a powerlifting coach). We don't know if Harper used his program, but it's probably something he would be interested in.

Boras' relationship with the Nats again benefits Scott Boras
The Nats didn't have $10 million dollars to spare when it was time to restock the bullpen or make a big outfield addition -- but when Scott Boras came calling, the money was there. Advantage: Boras.

Former Nats: Drew Storen looks to return to old self with Reds
Drew Storen decided to favor his sinker over his slider more often with the Blue Jays. When he was sent to the Mariners, he went back to his old repertoire, and will continue doing that with the Reds.

Today's Game: Nationals vs Cardinals - 1:05 PM

Probable Pitchers: Tanner Roark (0-0, 0.00 ERA) vs Lance Lynn (0-0, 0.00 ERA)
Days until Opening Day: 36