Washington Nationals News: Joe Ross adds splitter with help from Jonathan Papelbon
By Pablo Roa
Today’s District Daily features stories on Washington Nationals pitcher Joe Ross and prospect Trea Turner.
Good evening DoD readers, and welcome to today’s District Daily. Get caught up on the latest Nats news and opinions with some great Washington Nationals articles from around the web below.
In today’s Daily, the Washington Post’s Chelsea Janes discusses the latest addition to Joe Ross’s pitching arsenal. As Janes writes in her article, Ross is working on a split-fingered fastball with some help from Nationals closer Jonathan Papelbon.
Papelbon learned the pitch from Curt Schilling when he was with the Red Sox. Ross, who also added a changeup to his repertoire last season, will likely start the season as the team’s fifth closer.
Also in today’s Daily, MLB.com’s Bill Ladson discusses how manager Dusty Baker is impressed with shortstop prospect Trea Turner, specifically with his speed.
Here’s what Baker had to say about Turner, via Ladson’s article:
"“The No. 1 thing is his speed, and speed kills. That’s something the game doesn’t have much of,” Baker said. “When you have speed, it makes [the opponent] make mistakes he wouldn’t normally make.”"
Be sure to check out both articles below, they’re definitely worth a read. And as always, stay tuned to DoD for all your Washington Nationals needs.
Aided by Jonathan Papelbon, Joe Ross adds a split-fingered fastball to repertoire
(Chelsea Janes, Washington Post)
VIERA, Fla. — Joe Ross, Jonathan Papelbon and several other Nationals were on their way to watch the Golden State Warriors play the Orlando Magic a couple weeks back, when Papelbon presented Ross with a suggestion. Most coaches and players in the Nationals organization know Ross has been trying to hone a change-up since he came up last year. Papelbon suggested he try a split-fingered fastball, not instead of the change-up, but as another change of speeds, a different look.
“He said that was a big pitch he learned from (Curt) Schilling when he was in Boston,” Ross said. “I thought if Schilling throws a splitter, and teaches Papelbon to throw a splitter, I should probably try it.” Read full article here.
‘Trea Burner’ has attention of Baker, Nats
VIERA, Fla. — Nationals manager Dusty Baker said he is impressed with Trea Turner‘s speed. In the first inning of Washington’s 5-2 victory over the Cardinals on Sunday, Turner led off and hit a routine grounder to second baseman Kolten Wong, who bobbled the ball, allowing Turner to reach first base.
An inning later with the bases loaded, Turner’s speed prevented him from hitting into a double play, and that allowed Matt Skole to score the second run of the game. No wonder he earned the nickname, “Trea Burner.” Read full article here.