District Daily: 3/8
By Pablo Roa
Mar 6, 2014; Lake Buena Vista, FL, USA; Washington Nationals second baseman
Danny Espinosa(8) reacts to getting hit by a pitch in the third inning as the Braves beat the Washington Nationals 3-2 at Champion Stadium. Mandatory Credit:
David Manning-USA TODAY Sports
Start off your weekend with some great Nationals articles from around the web:
Williams impressed with Harper’s success vs. lefties
VIERA, Fla. — Nationals manager Matt Williams is impressed by what he has seen from outfielder Bryce Harper. Not only is Harper healthy, according to Williams, he has been able to handle left-handed pitchers without any problems.
…”He has faced a few lefties so far this spring and he has done well staying on the baseball. That’s good for him right now, especially early,” Williams said. “I think he is right on schedule.” Read full article here.
Nats looking into new Spring Training sites
VIERA, Fla. — The Palm Beach County board of commissioners met with the Nationals and Astros on Thursday about relocating their Spring Training facilities, according to county documents.
The commissioners talked to the two teams about different Florida sites, including locations in Vero Beach — the former Spring Training home of the Dodgers — and Port St. Lucie, home of the Mets. Read full article here.
Livan Hernandez, giving the Washington Nationals whatever they need
(Adam Kilgore, Washington Post)
VIERA, Fla. — On the morning of their first spring training workout, the Washington Nationals gathered in their clubhouse for a meeting that included formal introductions. Every coach and staff member stood, addressed the players and explained his responsibilities in a few sentences. When his turn arrived, a man many of them already knew rose to his feet.
“Livo,” he said with a wave of his hand. “Whatever you need.”
And then Livan Hernandez sat back down.
The Nationals this spring have welcomed back Hernandez, who for a team with two winning seasons in its nine-year history passes as an old-timer. In his 17-year career, Hernandez spent parts of five seasons with Washington. But he feels a deep connection to the franchise, and it to him. Hernandez threw the first regular season pitch in the District after baseball returned in 2005. He still holds team records for most wins, starts and innings pitched.
“He’s one of the few guys we can call legends,” General Manager Mike Rizzo said. Read full article here.