Spring Training Update: Nationals #1.

Let me begin by saying that the Spring Training experience with the Washington Nationals was FAR superior to that of the Red Sox. Not even close.

Of course, the argument could be made that this has more to do with the level of the two teams - one which may fighting for the league championship and another that is - by all measurements - the worst in baseball. Also, crowd control may be an issue, at least for the Red Sox. More than 7,000 people showed up for the Red Sox game on Sunday, whereas the Nationals hosted 2,400 fans on Monday night and 3,7oo on Tuesday afternoon.

As I described, in a previous post, the Red Sox were kept away from most fans. But in Viera, the Nationals were very accessible.

Here's Jordan Zimmermann...




















and even Ryan Zimmerman signing autographs for fans...















Lastings Milledge signed for folks, except some Met fan who ran off taunting him and claiming that Milledge was going to "get cut". It was odd...but Lastings laughed it off then signed autographs for several fans, starting with a young blonde.

Yep, everyone was great - everyone except Daniel Cabrera - that guy couldn't care less - maybe he had just finished reading this review of his start against the Orioles.




















But with a little homework, that unfortunately HSB didn't do prior to leaving, fans can see the stars go through their Spring rituals.

This post will detail some of the background and the next post will show some pictures from the two games we attended.

HSB started the tour by entering the gate labeled for Season Ticket holders. Heck, we don't get this kind of treatment in Washington, we thought.




















We later learned that "Season Ticket Holders" refers to people who have tickets to the Spring Training Season. Anyway, we didn't get booted from this parking lot - just paid the $5 and went on our way.

First stop was bunting practice...















Here's Kory Casto working on his technique...















Then we wandered out to right field and overheard Jason Bergmann and Scott Olsen chatting. They talked about outings they'd had against the Phillies and Bergmann said that he really liked to watch Shane Victorino. Olsen called Victorino "above average". And Bergmann shared a story about Ryan Howard hitting a bomb off him.















One odd exchange came between Bergmann and a Mets fan. The fan said he worked with one of Bergmann's friends' mother. Then Bergmann and the fan talked about how tough it is to be a Mets fan with Bergmann saying, "Especially since the Phillies keep on beating you guys..."

Really Jason? You're on the bottom of the depth chart for the worst team in baseball and you're talking trash about the Mets? We also learned that Jason liked the Yankees growing up.

Here's Bergmann shagging fly balls...




















And Steven Shell playing second base.















HSB got this close to getting a ball.















One neat touch at Space Coast Stadium: the foul poles commemorate the ill-fated Space Shuttle Challenger and Columbia.







































The Space Shuttle Discovery launch scheduled for tonight was scrubbed. They'll try again tomorrow.