The diamond in Nationals Park is in slumber under a pristine blanket of snow. The virgin white — unblemished by cleats or grounds keepers or dropped fly balls — coats the field from the stands behind home plate around to the bullpens and the outfield walls under the scoreboard.
All is quiet; peace reigns.
But on a driveway beyond the ballpark walls, a van idles and workmen are busy. They are loading balls and bats and uniforms into the trucks for the long ride south to Viera, Fla.
Wrap your snowbound hearts around this: Spring training commences in six days. This Friday, Feb. 19, pitchers and catchers are scheduled to report to Nationals spring training facility in Viera. Infielders and outfielders are supposed to show up the following Wednesday. The Nationals are scheduled to play their first game March 4, and they host the Mets March 6 for their first home game in Florida.
Let’s let the “boys of summer” warm out winter hearts.
I know, I know. We’re in the midst of the Capitals’ moment. Ovechkin this and Backstrom that. But for all of those who admire hockey from afar and pine away for the crack of the bat and the smack of a pitch in the catcher’s mitt, there’s solace in the anticipation of a new season.
Try and wrap your cynical minds around this: The Washington Nationals will not be the doormat of the National League East division this season. Based on the prognostications and natterings of baseball writers and scouts, the Nats could emerge from the cellar, where they dwelled last season, after losing 103 games.
Here are the reasons to hope for wins and fireworks along the Anacostia River this spring and summer — and perhaps even the fall.
— The Nats swapped Mike Rizzo for Jim Bowden as general manager. Bowden was a drama queen who made headlines for driving badly and signing prospects in questionable deals; Rizzo comes from a well-respected baseball family. Baseball people are rooting for Rizzo.
— Nats owners, the Lerner family, have opened their pocketbooks to pay for some serious talent. They signed Stephen Strasburg, one of the most hyped college hurlers ever. The right-hander has a fast ball that often tops 100 mph. He’s the Nats future. But the Lerners, under the guidance of Rizzo and President Stan Kasten, also added proven talent: potential ace Jason Marquis; catcher Pudge Rodriguez; and Matt Capps as closer.
— The team is building on solid corners. Ryan Zimmerman at third is the face of the franchise with the potential to make the Hall of Fame. Big and powerful, Adam Dunn is a quintessential slugger at first base.
Is this Nats squad a contender? Probably not. The Phillies will be hard to beat, and the Marlins are always tough. But the Mets. Ah, the Mets. Even without a September swoon, the Mets could take the Nats’ place in the cellar.
Now there’s something to heat up your winter’s cold, cold heart.
E-mail Harry Jaffe at [email protected].
