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You made it through another week without baseball, congrats. And if you ignore the news about the coronavirus pandemic, you can start to think about having Nationals baseball in your life again in just a few weeks. What’s that like again? It’s been so long. We are still not 100% convinced it’s a great idea, because, you know, coronavirus is still a serious issue.
But if it happens, we’ll just hope for the best. Go read your links...
NATS BEAT:
So where will they train? Nationals without clearance to use Nationals Park - (NBC Sports Washington)
"Six days before spring training is supposed to take place, the Nationals do not have clearance from the District of Columbia to operate in Nationals Park."
"The process is ongoing."
— NBC Sports Nationals (@NBCSNationals) June 25, 2020
Spring training is approaching, but the Nationals still don't have approval to practice at their home stadium. https://t.co/Y8EhLSUgu3
Projecting the Nationals’ 30-man roster - (NBC Sports Washington)
"Each team will also designate 60 eligible players for the season. About half will be inactive and training at an alternate site from the active roster."
Nationals' return to play: What to know, from schedule to universal DH plans - (Washington Times)
"That means the reigning World Series champion Washington Nationals will defend their title in a season unlike any before it. Here’s what we know (and don’t know) about the MLB restart and how it all affects the Nationals."
Looking back at top 2015 Draft picks - (MLB.com)
"Nationals: Andrew Stevenson, OF - Without a first-round pick in the 2015 Draft, the Nationals played it relatively safe when they selected Stevenson..."
Source: #Nationals Joan Adon to be included with taxi squad.
— emilycwaldon (@EmilyCWaldon) June 26, 2020
60-game season might be perfect equalizer for Carter Kieboom - (MASN)
"Even more intriguing is that when this season finally begins, Kieboom’s first start of the season at third base will be his first ever at that spot in a major league game."
NATIONAL(S) BEAT:
What It’s Like to Work as a Big League Groundskeeper - (Uni-watch.com)
"During the 2019 MLB season, I worked part-time for the Washington Nationals as a game-day grounds crew member."
The Obscenely Late, Obscenely Early ZiPS Projected Standings - (FanGraphs)
"It seems like years ago at this point, but the last time we posted preliminary projections a month before the start of a baseball season, it went, well, you know, not great!"
Andrew Friedman said members of the Dodgers organization have tested positive for COVID-19, but he declined to disclose the number and their place within the organization (i.e. players or coaches). He said none had "problematic" symptoms.
— Jorge Castillo (@jorgecastillo) June 25, 2020
NL EAST UPDATES:
New Phanatic will be at Phillies home games - (MLB.com)
"The co-creator’s agreement with the Phillies was terminated on June 15. The lawsuit is still pending, meaning whenever the team plays games at Citizens Bank Park this season, the new Phanatic will be there."
Mets sign top draft pick Pete Crow-Armstrong and Isaiah Greene - (NY Post)
"The Mets locked up two of their top three picks in this year’s draft on Thursday, including their first-round selection."
Inbox: Would Marlins be buyers if in contention? - (MLB.com)
"With a deeper farm system, they are better positioned to make trades. Of course, they’d have to weigh the risk vs. the reward for a 'rental' because that player would only be with the club for a month or two."
I’m not buying projection of less-than even playoff odds for Braves ... - (AJC.com)
"Now there’s a 60-game schedule with an altered slate of opponents. Now Szymborski’s numbers don’t like the Braves’ chances nearly as much."