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Davey Martinez didn’t bring a portable gaming device with him on the road during the 2020 season, so how did the Washington Nationals’ skipper spend his time in the bubble the club built in their hotels during this 60-game COVID campaign?
“I watched a lot of TV shows, caught up on some shows,” Martinez told reporters over the final weekend of the season.
“Spent a lot of time just on my iPad. Doing different things. But mainly you couldn’t do much. I learned how to work out in my room via Youtube.
“So that was kind of interesting, but I got it done.
“We had so many different bus times and buses because we had to keep everyone social distanced, so buses would start leaving fairly early to get to the ballpark, and then all of a sudden we had to through these protocols when we got there, so you try your best to keep busy, but I did catch up on a lot of movies and a lot of shows, so it was kind of nice.”
We’ve got anecdotes for weeks. You’re welcome. Go read your links...
NATS BEAT:
George Springer’s postseason run should further put him on Nationals’ radar - (NBC Sports Washington)
"Springer will be a free agent at the end of the month. He is the best outfield option on the market. The Nationals need outfield help. A union would be costly and effective."
Ryan Zimmerman’s biggest 2019 playoff moment came in NLDS Game 4 - (NBC Sports Washington)
"When the 2019 playoffs began, Ryan Zimmerman didn’t have an everyday spot in the lineup."
"He commanded his FB well today, pitched down in the zone and elevated effectively," Justin Lord wrote in a text today to @federalbaseball of three scoreless innings by RHP Jackson Rutledge of #Nats in win over Marlins. Lord was slated to be high Single-A pitching coach in 2020.
— David Driver (@DaytonVaDriver) October 8, 2020
Will Nats give Eaton another shot or decide to part ways? - (MASN)
"Eaton had every reason to feel good about himself coming out of a 2019 World Series in which he earned MVP consideration."
NATIONAL(S) BEAT:
District Line Daily: Championship Slump - (Washington City Paper)
"It’s enough to make professional athletes like Nationals pitcher Sean Doolittle appreciate what his team accomplished last year even more."
Nationals prospect report from alternate site - (MLB.com)
"Washington’s system is very pitching-heavy, with hurlers comprising the top 10 spots and 19 spots overall on the Nationals' Top 30 Prospects list..."
Adam Eaton came to the Nationals with five years of affordable control on his contract. But after a disappointing 2020, the club may decide not to bring him back for year five. https://t.co/s6Zgacj77L
— Mark Zuckerman (@MarkZuckerman) October 7, 2020
NL EAST UPDATES:
Marlins’ Don Mattingly reacts to Ronald Acuna Jr. hit by pitch - (Miami Herald)
"To put it simply, Miami Marlins manager Don Mattingly was fired up Wednesday morning."
Bryce Harper’s J.T. Realmuto crusade could end in Phillies nightmare - (NY Post)
"While Bryce Harper continues his public campaign for the Philadelphia Phillies to re-sign J.T. Realmuto, team ownership expects the two-time All-Star catcher to reach free agency this offseason."
BNNY: Is Travis d’Arnaud or the Yankees postseason success more frustrating for Mets fans? [Video] - (Yahoo!Sports)
"On BNNY, the guys discuss whether Kyle Higashioka should be the Yankees everyday catcher, if Travis d'Arnaud or Yankees postseason success is more frustrating for Mets fans..."
After long layoff, Kyle Wright will make postseason debut in Game 3 - (AJC.com)
"Kyle Wright last pitched in a game Sept. 25. Thirteen days later, he’ll return to the mound Thursday afternoon as the Braves' starting pitcher in Game 3 of the National League Division Series against the Miami Marlins."