The future of the Washington Nationals was in the clubhouse, at least momentarily.
Stephen Strasburg and Bryce Harper don’t have their names above any lockers yet. But that will come.
Harper needs a little seasoning. Strasburg requires some healing. But neither will miss many future Opening Days for the Nationals, who start the season Thursday. They will be a big reason the stands are filled in coming years.
The pair attended “NatsFest” on Wednesday as a reward to a long-suffering fan base that braved a cold day at a ballpark that didn’t even offer a game. Just some batting practice and autographs. Oh, and a killer “Guitar Hero” contest.
But Strasburg made coming worthwhile just to hear him say one thing about his yearlong rehab.
“I think I’m going to be better,” he said.
Better than last season, when he was heralded as the greatest arm entering the game since Cy Young? Now that’s interesting.
Strasburg will go back to Viera, Fla., as the Nats attempt to put together their first winning season since they arrived in Washington in 2005. The toughest part will be “the grind.” Maybe he can pitch in September, when Washington fans still care about baseball with the NFL perhaps still idle.
But Strasburg won’t push himself too far even if the Nats let him, which they won’t.
“I pretty much feel [pitching coach Steve McCatty] breathing on me when I’m throwing,” Strasburg said. “They’re watching the way the ball’s coming out of my hand.
“I’m not placing expectations on myself. I can’t control how fast my body heals. Everything’s pointing to me being back at the end of the year. I’m going to let it heal naturally. I’m not trying to push the envelope. It’s definitely going to be tough, but I know the work I put in now will let me be there the next Opening Day.”
Meanwhile, Harper sat quietly in a locker marked “Lost and Found.” His own slot isn’t quite ready; he’s heading back to Class-A Hagerstown. Still, he’s so ready to come to Washington.
Harper’s mohawk is a little less pronounced than last year, and the eye black that resembled a Kiss tribute is gone. It’s hard to remember last year’s No. 1 overall draft choice is only 18, though. He’s certainly maturing quickly.
Still, that gleam of every boy who wants to play major league baseball came through. Harper visited the stadium Tuesday night. He just wanted to see it lit up. Soak it in. Most newcomers in town are eyeing the cherry blossoms. Harper loves the ballpark.
“There’s nothing like it. I got chills,” he said of the night visit. “I love being here. It’s a great place to play.”
Strasburg echoed Harper’s love of a new city. He can’t wait to return.
“I get a little taste of [Washington] every time I come back,” he said.
The pair can’t return quickly enough for Nats fans.
Examiner columnist Rick Snider has covered local sports since 1978. Read more on Twitter @Snide_Remarks or e-mail [email protected].
