Seen and heard at spring training

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VIERA, Fla.

Rain, rain, go away ... you're ruining spring training.

For the second time in three days, the Nationals were forced to hold an abbreviated workout after another downpour rolled through town yesterday morning.

Unable to use the soggy practice fields, the team instead did what it could under cover. Guys stretched, pitchers still threw and hitters took batting practice in the cage. But there were no baserunning drills, no fielding practice and none of the lively banter that usually is found.

Of course, there weren't too many guys complaining about the light day for a change, especially the pitchers and catchers who have been here for more than a week. Frank Robinson and his coaches, on the other hand, probably would have preferred a full workout. Not that they had any control over it.

"It always makes a difference," Robinson said. "But if there's going to be setbacks in the weather, it's better to have it now than have it a little later on." ...

Brian Schneider and Chad Cordero were modeling their Team USA jerseys yesterday. The two stars leave for the World Baseball Classic on Thursday, and both are starting to sound excited about the opportunity.

Cordero will wear his usual No. 32, but Schneider will wear No. 24 (because first baseman Mark Teixeira got dibs on his No. 23).

THE BUZZ