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Alex Avila is just the latest signing in the nation’s capital to talk about his excitement over joining a team that features young starts Juan Soto and Trea Turner.
In his Zoom call with reporters once the veteran catcher’s one-year deal with the Nationals was announced, he said he was looking forward to watching the 22-year-old outfielder and 27-year-old shortstop.
“It’s obviously — with what Soto’s done over his short time so far in the big leagues, it’s pretty incredible, spectacular really, so he’s a lot of fun to watch,” Avila explained.
“I’m looking forward to getting to see Trea Turner play every day. That’s for one thing. He seems like one of the most dynamic players in baseball, and that will be fun to watch every day.”
We can assure you, Alex. It is fun.
Go read your links...
NATS BEAT:
Avila eager to work with Nats pitchers again, seek first ring - (MASN)
"The thought of reuniting with Max Scherzer six years since they were last batterymates in Detroit certainly was appealing to Alex Avila."
5 players who should follow Fernando Tatís Jr. as MLB The Show cover athletes - (NBC Sports Washington)
"If youthful exuberance is the direction MLB The Show is trying to embrace, there are few better options than the Nationals outfielder."
A small note about the Nationals' spring training facility in West Palm Beach: It's open again for player workouts and guys who are already down there have been going in shifts. Pitchers and catchers report on 2/17.
— Jesse Dougherty (@dougherty_jesse) February 4, 2021
NATIONAL(S) BEAT:
Top 10 RF Right Now: Soto - (MLB.com)
"Juan Soto places second on MLB Network's list of the Top 10 Right Fielders Right Now."
Fauci says he hopes he gets another chance to throw out Nationals first pitch after 'embarrassing' first try - (TheHill)
"Top infectious diseases expert Anthony Fauci said on Wednesday in an interview with JAMA that he wants another chance to throw out the ceremonial first pitch for the Washington Nationals after his first try didn’t go as planned."
Fauci says he hopes he gets another chance to throw out Nationals first pitch after "embarrassing" first try https://t.co/qn17sYVmvg pic.twitter.com/Tzo8Z4hYra
— The Hill (@thehill) February 4, 2021
— federalbaseball (@federalbaseball) February 4, 2021
Still on the Shelves, Part I: Top Remaining Free Agent Position Players - (FanGraphs)
“The ice has begun to thaw for some of the top free agents, particularly in the past two weeks as the likes of George Springer, J.T. Realmuto, Michael Brantley, Brad Hand, Marcus Semien, Nelson Cruz, Kolten Wong, Joakim Soria, and Alex Colomé have found homes.”
Nationals Fans Will Love to Hear Who Bryce Harper’s Two Favorite MLB Players Are – (NBC4 Washington)
"'Definitely Juan Soto. One of the best swings in the game and a lot of fun to watch,' Harper said.
"'My other favorite player is another guy I played with, Trea Turner,' Harper continued. 'Both dynamic players and a lot of fun to watch.'"
Fantasy Breakdown: Washington Nationals for 2021 - (Pitcher List)
"The Nationals are a team built for the moment, but not necessarily prepared to take it on. Their improbably 2019 title run definitely softens some of the several blows the team has taken since..."
Gerardo Parra Baby Shark signs Washington Nationals - (wusa9.com)
"Gerardo Parra, who popularized Baby Shark during the Washington Nationals World Series run in 2019, will be back with D.C.'s favorite baseball team when it starts Spring Training in March..."
A amazing field level photo of Ted Williams during his final season in 1960. The Green Monster without any signage and the various shades of green in this picture are a beautiful thing. pic.twitter.com/EYUc86aNCq
— Matt Dahlgren (@mattdahlgren12) February 4, 2021
Teams that had a great offseason, are now World Series contenders – (The Athletic)
"[T]he Nationals are primed for a comeback and should get right back in the race with the Braves and Mets thanks to some shrewd offseason moves..."
Mookie or Soto? Debating the No. 1 RF - (MLB.com)
"Soto now shares a position with Mookie Betts.That created a quandary for the panelists participating in MLB Network’s 'Top 10 players Right Now' series, which aired its final episode, on right fielders on Wednesday night."
Just because I didn't get enough pain in my mentions last night .. here's @SlangsOnSports @_dadler @AndrewSimonMLB and I talking about Soto/Betts atop the RF rankings list: https://t.co/dzKRTYXpp7
— Mike Petriello (@mike_petriello) February 4, 2021
NL EAST UPDATES:
Inbox: Extensions for Lindor, Conforto? - (MLB.com)
"As much as Mets officials say they are pleased with their trade for Lindor regardless of the long-term ramifications, the deal would certainly look better if the Mets can lock him up to an extension."
Understanding the Marlins’ current outfield circumstances and who might be expendable - (Fish Stripes)
"The Marlins have new plans for right field in 2021 in case they don’t get a new corner outfielder. Let’s dive right into it."
Top 10 RF Right Now: Acuña Jr. - (MLB.com)
"Ronald Acuña Jr. places third on MLB Network's list of the Top 10 Right Fielders Right Now."
Chase Anderson on joining Phils - (MLB.com)
"Chase Anderson talks about his decision to sign with the Phillies and how he can help the rotation in the 2021 season."