Today’s District Daily discusses how Washington Nationals manager Dusty Baker once again hinted that Max Scherzer will be the Opening Day starter.
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, MLB.com’s Bill Ladson discusses some comments made by manager Dusty Baker suggesting that Max Scherzer will be the team’s Opening Day starter. As Ladson writes in his article, Baker has yet to make an official announcement as to who the Opening Day starter will be.
Here’s what Baker had to say when asked about Scherzer’s ‘ace’ status, via Ladson’s article:
"“[Scherzer] was Opening Day when I got here. You just want me to name him.”"
Of course, there has never been any real doubt that Scherzer will get the Opening Day nod. While someone like Stephen Strasburg could likely be an ace on many other teams, Scherzer is undoubtedly the best pitcher on the Nationals. And after a dominant first season with the team, Scherzer should get the start on Opening Day and play a major role in the Nationals’ chances of making the postseason this year.
Also in today’s Daily, The Washington Post’s James Wagner writes an interesting story on how Jonathan Papelbon‘s intensity has helped him throughout his career, and how it has also hurt him at times.
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.
Baker hints Scherzer will start Opening Day
VIERA, Fla. — The Nationals are in their fifth week of Spring Training, and manager Dusty Baker hasn’t officially named his Opening Day starter for April 4 against the Braves in Atlanta, although he hinted once again that it would be right-hander Max Scherzer.
Asked before Sunday’s 4-4 tie with the Cardinals if he would name his Opening Day starter, Baker replied, “ was Opening Day when I got here. You just want me to name him.” Read full article here.
Jonathan Papelbon’s intensity has helped him as much as it as hurt him
(James Wagner, Washington Post)
VIERA, Fla. — Fair or not, the lasting image of the Washington Nationals’ disappointing 2015 season was Jonathan Papelbon’s hands around Bryce Harper’s throat. Papelbon, brought in at the trade deadline to replace a popular player in the closer role, was the aggressor, reminding some fans of his checkered past.
But former and current teammates and coaches offer a different view of Papelbon. All admit he is brash, outspoken and quirky, but insist that Papelbon is also friendly and meticulously dedicated to his craft.
“People probably just think this guy just shows up, is crazy and throws, and he’s a time bomb,” said Boston Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia, who came up through the minors with Papelbon and played with him for six major league seasons, including the 2007 World Series triumph. “It’s actually the exact opposite.” Read full article here.