Washington Nationals: Patience needed as Spring Training ends

The Washington Nationals are struggling at the end of spring training, but there is no need to worry. That and more in today’s Daily Washingtonian.

Good morning, Washington Nationals fans!

It is Friday, March 23, 2018. Six days left until the regular season starts and our last livetweet of the exhibition season.

Yes, Thursday’s loss to the New York Mets was ugly. The starting pitching is not on fire as we edge closer to April. Shawn Kelley‘s performance will leave many of you wondering if the end of his line is near.

More from District on Deck

For Kelley, it probably is. He has battled injuries the last two years and has left everything on the table.

However, for those of you asking for Dave Martinez‘s head without a regular season game played, cool it.

The one thing Martinez has done differently from the past is treat these games like glorified practice. From pitchers working on new deliveries and pitches to runners aggressive on the bases, he wants to see what the Nats can do.

Will it work? Washington carries a team priding itself as professionals. When the bell rings, they will come out hot. They do not need doubters before games count.

The Nats were ready a week ago to start and so were we. Sometimes, teams get bored. It happens.

So you do not get bored starting your Friday, here are a few links to read heading into the weekend:

District on Deck lists five necessities for 2018

2018 is an enormous year for the Nats, and several things must happen in order for them to succeed. What should they do the same from 2017, and what should they do different in 2018 to ensure success? Check out our five necessities.

The Washington Post profiles Tim Collins

Tim Collins, a 28-year-old reliever, has made quite the impression this spring. The lefty has undergone two Tommy John surgeries throughout his career, yet he continues to light up the radar gun. The Nats have a crowded bullpen, but Collins has a shot to make the Opening Day roster. Jorge Castillo discusses Collins’ road back to the bigs.

Call to the Pen says the Nats must win now

Bryce Harper‘s impending free agency makes 2018 appear to be the Nats’ final legitimate chance to win it all. However, with Victor Robles and other young prospects coming up, this may not the case. Cory Claus says the former is true.

Chicago Now previews the Nats

The Nats and Cubs are two of the best teams in baseball. The two even met in the postseason last year. Now, the Nats employ the former Cubs’ bench coach as their manager. Will this put the Nats over the top? Dan Travis previews the Nats from the Cubs’ perspective.

Next: Could Bryce Harper play first base?

With that, we hope you enjoy your day as much as Sister Jean and Loyola Chicago enjoyed their miraculous win last night.

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