:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/59037411/usa_today_10703166.0.jpg)
As of today, there are fewer than two weeks until Opening Day. Wrap your head around that, would you?
Here’s the beat from the FITTEAM.
(14 days.)
Some Nats are playing at midseason form already. Is it too early?
Max Scherzer? Probably not. Matt Wieters, on the other hand, provokes a little more thought. Joaquin Benoit and Tim Collins — well, consider them the other end of the Scherzer spectrum.
As the Nats reassign him, could Bryan Harper crack the big-leagues this year?
After being slowed down by Tommy John, a September call-up wouldn't be out of the question for Bryan Harper.
Dave Martinez wishes Jake Arrieta the best, and good luck against the Nats' lineup
Dave Martinez knows Jake Arrieta very well, both from his time as an opponent with the Orioles while Martinez was a Ray, and from when he bench coached him in Chicago.
Despite trades, the Nats feel like they have pitching depth on the farm
With Felipe Rivero, Lucas Giolito, and Reynaldo Lopez all gone, it's down to Erick Fedde, Seth Romero, Wil Crowe, and a few others.
Bryce Harper isn’t getting $400 million, and the Nationals’ title window ‘just got bigger’
Remember last year, when it was a done deal that Bryce Harper was getting $400 million over ten years no matter where he went? Turns out, baseball is re-evaluating its contract system, and Harper probably won't get that money. But that does mean the Nats can legitimately contend to keep him, at a slightly more reasonable price. Which means they can do something similar for Anthony Rendon, meaning that... hey, wait a minute!
Jayson Werth takes the "first spring break of [his] life"
The former Nationals outfielder was in Vero Beach on Tuesday watching his son play in a high school baseball tournament.
Fifteen years in, Nationals pitcher Edwin Jackson still trying to extend his journey
12 organizations, 15 years, more than a few contracts and trades, and a World Series ring under his belt, Jackson wants to crack the Nats' rotation. However, if he doesn't, he's likely stuck in Syracuse until June 1st, when he can ask for an opt-out.
Top 20 players who will shape NL East race
Sean Doolittle, Trea Turner, Max Scherzer, and Bryce Harper are all (unsurprisingly) on the list for the Nats.
The Nats still need to make some decisions
Who will be the fifth starter? The backup catcher? The middle relievers?
Let’s Watch Lucas Giolito Look Very Good And Then Cry
Lucas Giolito changed some of his wind-up, and is looking really, really good, both movement and velocity-wise. Even though it's just Spring Training, this could be the Giolito we've been hearing about for so many years.
Minor League Baseball has new pace-of-play rules, including a pitch clock
Most importantly/weirdly: Extra innings will now start with a runner on second base. So, that's something.
Today’s Game: Astros vs Nationals — 1:05 PM
Probable Pitchers: Dallas Keuchel vs Tommy Milone