Bryce Harper knew this was coming. When he arrived at the clubhouse for Washington's first full-squad workout of spring training, his teammates sent him a not-so-subtle message.
As the hours ticked toward a self-imposed Saturday deadline, Ryan Zimmerman appeared as relaxed as ever Friday morning.
Anthony Rendon is a third baseman. The Washington Nationals see him as a third baseman, they plan to play him in the minor leagues as a third baseman and they don't intend to force him into a position change unless it's necessary to get him to the major leagues.
As Edwin Jackson threw his first bullpen session of the season Wednesday, Washington Nationals' pitching coach Steve McCatty watched him closely. Alerted by McCatty, manager Davey Johnson made his way toward catcher Wilson Ramos as one of Jackson's pitches hummed past.
The words are Spanish. Black cursive, flanked by tufts of cerulean blue ink. They blanket the immense left forearm of Washington Nationals catcher Wilson Ramos. His favorite Bible verse, Philippians 4:13, now tattooed there as a permanent reminder of the day his life began anew.
For months, Bryce Harper waited for this day. The disappointment over being cut from major league spring training in 2011 stayed with him so long that in his first comments to the media in 2012, he mentioned it. It's not something he'd like to experience again.
If there was ever a winter to truly be had in the mid-Atlantic this offseason, it'll come to an end Sunday for Washington Nationals fans when the team's pitchers and catchers report to Viera, Fla.
First the Washington Nationals trade for Gio Gonzalez. Then they sign Edwin Jackson to a one-year deal. I ask you: Has this team ever been more ready for rainouts — not to mention doubleheaders?
The Washington Nationals jumped back into the free agent market on Thursday, bolstering what was already considered one of the best rotations in the National League by agreeing to a one-year deal with right-hander Edwin Jackson, pending a physical.
