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Okay. Max Scherzer has pitched. Everyone but Adam Eaton, Daniel Murphy, and Ryan Zimmerman has started. Stephen Strasburg still needs to pitch.
Once we get that stuff out of the way, can we just skip March?
Here’s what’s what in West Palm.
For the Nats, the question of the spring is the fifth rotation spot
It could be A.J. Cole. It could be Erick Fedde. Or, if what appears to be the inevitable happens, it could be Jake Arrieta.
After an unproductive year, Nationals’ Matt Wieters starts spring with a home run, 2 RBI
If he keeps this up in the regular season, Federal Baseball dot com is reserving the rights to "feeling pretty sexy about his swing." That's all.
Max Scherzer doesn’t think he’s reached his peak: ‘I may be better in 2018’
Max Scherzer only gave up one hit (a home run) on Sunday in two innings of work. He was, understandably since it was February 25th, unworried.
Lupica: Max Scherzer is baseball's top ace
There are other aces in baseball. Clayton Kershaw, Chris Sale, Justin Verlander to name a few. But nobody has Scherzer's grit and mentality — and nobody has Scherzer's numbers, in every category from ERA to strikeout rate.
Scherzer loose, healthy after first Spring Training start
Max Scherzer may be someone who's hyper-competitive, but even he knows to tone it down on February 25th. Most importantly: He's healthy.
Scherzer strong, Kelley healthy in first outings of spring
It wasn't exactly a breeze for Max Scherzer, because real games never are. But he was healthy, and felt good about his command. Shawn Kelley was also healthy, and, compared to last season, felt phenomenal.
Nats set with Adam Eaton leading off, Trea Turner hitting second
Turner will still get free rein on the bases. But having Eaton — someone who, with his experience, is better at getting on base — leading off will take a lot of pressure off of Turner and make things even better for when either Bryce Harper or Daniel Murphy get to the plate.
Mike Rizzo deserves a long-term deal
He does everything correctly, from the media to trades to free-agent signings. What in the name of all things holy are the Nats waiting for?