Washington Nationals News: Nats happy to have seasoned Murphy on board
By Pablo Roa
Today’s District Daily features stories on what Washington Nationals infielder Daniel Murphy can bring to the team and Jayson Werth‘s age.
Good afternoon 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, MLB.com’s Bill Ladson discusses what new Nationals infielder Daniel Murphy can bring to the team. As Ladson notes, Murphy demonstrated on Opening Day why the Nationals signed him to a 3-year, $37.5 million deal in the offseason.
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Murphy went 2-for-3 with a homer and two walks during Monday’s opener in Atlanta. If he can stay healthy and productive, the Nationals should continue to expect him to make contact and drive in runs all season long.
Also in today’s Daily, the Washington Post’s James Wagner discusses Nationals outfielder Jayson Werth’s mindset heading into 2016 — his age 37 season. As Wagner notes, Werth has struggled mightily with injuries in recent years, and many expect him to continue to decline this season.
Despite his age, however, Werth is optimistic that he can continue to be a productive member of the Nationals. Not only does he expect to do well in 2016, but he also hopes to play beyond 2017, which is the final year of his contract.
Here’s what Werth had to say about his age and his future, via Wagner’s article:
"“At some point, no one is going to want me,” he said. “That’s the reality. It happens to everybody. The trick is not letting it happen to you for as long as you can. . . . My will to work is still there. I still work hard. Until that day comes where I lose the will to want it or to work at it, I don’t see why I can’t keep playing.”"
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.
Nats happy to have seasoned Murphy on board
ATLANTA — Daniel Murphy not only went deep in his Nationals debut, but he hit the game-winning double as the the Nats edged the Braves, 4-3, in 10 innings.
It was Murphy’s first regular-season game as a member of the Nationals and, for one game at least, one can understand why the team signed him for three years and $37.5 million. Besides going 2-for-3, Murphy also had two walks. He admitted he had Opening Day jitters, but he settled in the batter’s box quickly.
“You’re always a little geeked up for Opening Day and try to get in there and get settled in the box, and kind of feel your feet a little bit,” Murphy said. Read full article here.
At 36, Jayson Werth believes that age is just a number, even in baseball
(James Wagner, Washington Post)
ATLANTA — The aging curve doesn’t look kindly upon baseball players in their early-to-mid-30s, let alone 36 going on 37. But Jayson Werth has long considered himself an anomaly. He didn’t play more than 100 games in a season until he was 26. At 27, he missed a full season. He wasn’t an all-star until age 30. His best season was at 34.
Injuries again slowed Werth in 2015, rehab from shoulder surgery and a fractured wrist limiting him to 88 games and a .221 average. The Washington Nationals pursued top free agent outfielders this offseason but whiffed. Two seasons, including this one, and $42 million remain on Werth’s contract. The left fielder turns 37 on May 20. His teammates call him grandpa, but Werth hopes to prove he is an anomaly again. Read full article here.