Spring Training Report

SEEN AND HEARD IN VIERA, FLA.

It was a Boone family reunion yesterday. Aaron Boone reported to camp, and his brother Bret, out of baseball for more than a year, signed a minor league contract and was introduced to reporters with his father, assistant general manager Bob Boone, watching.

What’s next? Pat Boone singing the first national anthem at Nationals Park? T. Boone Pickens throwing out the first pitch? …

It was a little windier than Sunday, but another good crowd showed to watch pitchers and catchers — including two dogs wearing Nationals colors. Yesterday, a short haired terrier wore a cape that said, “Little Nationals fan.”

TEMPERATURE CHECK

UP — MARK ZUCKERMAN

The Washington Times’ beat writer predicted Bret Boone would join the Nationals moments before he walked in the room.

UP — NEW CARTS

The new red and white carts that team officials drive around the complex are four seaters, front and back.

DOWN — VIERA

It is amazing they roll up the streets in much of the area so early at night.

DOWN — EMERGENCY CATCHER

Aaron Boone? “I’d bring back the Tony Pena, the leg sticking out. I don’t know how long I could squat,” he said.

OVERHEARD

“You guys look a little puzzled.”

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