Washington Nationals: Celebrating Adam Eaton’s return
By Ron Juckett
New Washington Nationals pitcher Jeremy Hellickson and Adam Eaton’s return dominate our Daily Washingtonian. Also, bullpen issues and Ryan Zimmerman.
Good morning Washington Nationals fans!
Today is March 18th, 2018. Only 11 days left until the season begins for real in Cincinnati. Welcome to the fist Sunday edition of the Daily Washingtonian.
As you recover from an interesting St. Patrick’s Day evening, forget your busted bracket and join us on Twitter at 1 PM this afternoon for coverage of the Nats and St. Louis Cardinals. A good time will be had by some.
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It was wonderful to see Adam Eaton return to Grapefruit League action during Washington’s 9-7 loss to the New York Mets. Not many dry eyes in the dugout after he clobbered a home run either. Ryan Zimmerman smashed one 450 feet in batting practice Saturday morning. This offense is something special.
Something to keep an eye on as the week gets underway. With Jeremy Hellickson in camp, 47 players are still with the Nats. With only a week left in Florida, that needs to reach 25 around the time Washington hosts the Minnesota Twins a week from Tuesday.
We want to wish the students and alumni of the University of Maryland at Baltimore College the best of luck heading into their second round NCAA Basketball game.
Now, here are some good reads for Sunday, including more on the Hellickson signing:
MASN on the pitching depth
Mark Zuckerman takes a closer look at how this affects the Nats starting depth. He argues they want a mid-starting upgrade. Instead, they bolstered the back end and hope Hellickson can regain his old form. As we have said most of the winter, Zuckerman thinks July will address big holes.
Washington Post on Hellickson
Chelsea Janes walks us through Hellickson’s history, off-season and how he signed with Washington. She says the Nats were the only team to call with interest. He flew all-night from the west coast and threw a 60-pitch bullpen session Saturday in Florida.
You must love players who are hungry and Hellickson qualifies.
MLB.com talks Nats bullpen options
Jamal Collier, in a Friday notes column, wonders if Enny Romero and Matt Grace will make the final 25-man roster. He mentions Sammy Solis has minor-league options while the other two do not. Solis has pitched well this spring while Romero’s command is an issue.
MASN on Eaton’s return
Lastly, Mark Zuckerman gives you great color from Eaton’s return to action along with quotes. It is not easy coming back from ACL surgery and learning a new position with those tricky winds in West Palm Beach.
Next: Nats wise signing Hellickson
Enjoy the madness and your Sunday!