Nationals position players don’t have to officially report until Friday, but you couldn’t tell that from hanging around the clubhouse the past few days. Almost all 54 of the players in major league camp — 23 of whom are neither pitchers nor catchers — have shown up early.
By my unofficial count, 16 of those 23 position players have arrived at the Nationals’ complex, including every projected member of the opening day lineup aside from left fielder Michael Morse. The high attendance may represent the way the Nationals are approaching 2012.
“It’s great,” shortstop Ian Desmond said. “Everyone kind of feels a certain energy about this season. We talked to each other in the offseason, and everyone is chomping at the bit to get out here. It’s nice to get in early and see where everyone is at, just kind of be around the guys again. That’s the way all baseball players are. They’re anxious to get back to that fraternity-type lifestyle.”
(Jonathan Newton - The Washington Post)
As far as pitchers and catchers go, General Manager Mike Rizzo confirmed yesterday that everyone had been accounted for — no visa issues like what Henry Rodriguez experienced last year. And here are those non-catchers and non-pitchers that have shown up.
OF Rick Ankiel
OF Roger Bernadina
IF Andres Blanco
OF Corey Brown
SS Ian Desmond
2B Danny Espinosa
OF Bryce Harper
IF Jarrett Hoffpauir*
1B Adam LaRoche
IF Steve Lombardozzi
1B Tyler Moore
IF Anthony Rendon
OF Mark Teahen
IF Chad Tracy
OF Jayson Werth
3B Ryan Zimmerman
FROM THE POST
Boz spins stories from the first day of camp, maybe the most relaxed day of the year.
Straddling adolescence and adulthood, Bryce Harper aims to make the leap to the majors.
FROM YESTERDAY’S JOURNAL
Ryan Zimmerman’s extended take on Harper
Davey Johnson excited to get going
Harper plans to shut his mouth and work hard
The Nationals will replace Mike Cameron from within
Anthony Rendon will play all over the infield
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