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Don’t worry, new Nationals’ reliever Brad Hand is cool with all the references to Fast Times.
Hand was actually asked if he finds the puns and pop culture-y jokes funny or tiresome in a Zoom call with reporters after he signed a one-year deal in Washington on Tuesday.
“I think it’s funny,” Hand said of the mostly bad Spicoli and Ray Waltson-inspired humorous-ish jokes people like to make.
“My pitching coach in San Diego when he would call down to get me going, he would say, ‘Get Mr. Hand hot.’ It’s funny. I enjoy it. I would say it never gets old.”
We’ll see about that. Go read your links. I’m just wasting your time. But If I’m here and you’re here, doesn’t that make it our time?
NATS BEAT:
Aloha, Mr. Hand. Don’t worry, he’s cool with the jokes:
Brad Hand wants to increase his fastball velocity with the Nationals - (WaPost)
“The reliever's fastball has slowed down in recent season. His success, however, has not.”
Nationals add Brad Hand to 'pen - (MLB.com)
"The Nationals sign Brad Hand to bolster the bullpen and search for a backup to catcher Yan Gomes."
https://t.co/9VlJBTpyhY Aloha Mr. Hand! Brad Hand on his jersey number, Yan Gomes and that famous character from that famous movie
— Byron Kerr (@ByronKerr) January 26, 2021
Newly signed Hand comfortable with any late-inning role - (MASN)
"Early in the process, though, Hand knew the Nationals were among the teams interested in him."
Brad Hand joins a Nationals clubhouse with lots of familiar faces - (NBC Sports Washington)
"The Nationals officially announced on Tuesday their one-year deal with reliever Brad Hand, arming themselves with an accomplished left-hander out of the bullpen capable of closing out games."
Brad Hand could bring stability to the Nationals' bullpen - (WaPost)
“The Nationals’ addition of lefty Brad Hand over the weekend just might give them their best bullpen heading into the season since — well, let’s think about it.”
For those of you desperate to get a Brad Hand #Nationals jersey of shirsey, he's thinking about #52 if no one has it (no 40-man players or any of the coaches do on a quick check): "If 52 is available, I’m probably going to go back to that. That’s what I had earlier in my career."
— federalbaseball (@federalbaseball) January 26, 2021
Other Nats Stories:
4 infielders the Nationals could sign to polish off their 2021 roster - (NBC Sports Washington)
“Perhaps the most pressing need for the Nationals is their infield, where Carter Kieboom is slated to start the season as their everyday third baseman.”
Patrick and Jen Corbin surprise Youth Baseball Academy families with shopping spree - (MASN)
“Check out the video below, courtesy of the Nationals, of Patrick and Jen surprising the families and continuing the seemingly never-ending and always heart-warming trend of surprise Zoom calls.”
NATIONAL(S) BEAT:
What’s Going On at MASN? - (Washingtonian)
"MASN has been mired in controversy for its entire history. The network, which is co owned by the Baltimore Orioles and the Nats, was established in 2005."
MLB's spring training decision won't be rooted in COVID-19 safety - (MLB.com)
"There were just over 70,000 new coronavirus cases in the United States on July 23, 2020, when the New York Yankees played the Washington Nationals in an empty D.C. stadium to kick off the delayed, shortened season."
We've agreed to terms on a one-year contract with left-handed pitcher Brad Hand.
— Washington Nationals (@Nationals) January 26, 2021
// https://t.co/qkA7UBXwJe pic.twitter.com/GvnjwcA6tS
Edwin Jackson ranks his top MLB cities - (MLB.com)
"Jackson has made his home in more places than anyone to ever play the game. He's lived in 13 different MLB cities (14 teams) in 17 seasons..."
NL EAST UPDATES:
J.T. Realmuto, Philadelphia Phillies sign $115.5 million, 5-year contract - (Philadelphia Inquirer)
“The months long saga of J.T. Realmuto’s free agency came to a close on Tuesday with baseball’s best catcher deciding to stay in Philadelphia.”
The Philadelphia Phillies and JT Realmuto are in agreement on a 5 year $115.5 million dollar contract. Pending physical. Per source.
— Craig Mish (@CraigMish) January 26, 2021
Mets in talks with Jackie Bradley Jr. after George Springer miss - (NY Post)
"Jackie Bradley Jr. isn’t George Springer, but he’s available as the best remaining option on the center field free-agent market."
Podcast: Breaking down Miami Marlins’ bullpen, rest of roster - (Miami Herald)
“The Miami Marlins continued to solve one area of need. Their attempts to address another could signal interesting roster decisions in both the short and long term.”
Spring Training, 1954, changed Aaron's life - (MLB.com)
"[Hank] Aaron, who passed away Friday at the age of 86, offered plenty of proof during Spring Training in 1954 that he was prepared to be something special. He was the buzz of Braves camp."