NATIONALS NOTEBOOK
Versatility Is Fick's Specialty
|
TOOLBOX
   Resize
COMMENT
 Discussion Policy
 CLOSE
Comments that include profanity or personal attacks or other inappropriate comments or material will be removed from the site. Additionally, entries that are unsigned or contain "signatures" by someone other than the actual author will be removed. Finally, we will take steps to block users who violate any of our posting standards, terms of use or privacy policies or any other policies governing this site. Please review the full rules governing commentaries and discussions. You are fully responsible for the content that you post.
Who's Blogging  |
Thursday, June 22, 2006
BOSTON, June 21 -- Robert Fick was drafted by the Detroit Tigers as a catcher. He made the 2002 American League all-star team as an outfielder. He played 115 games for the Atlanta Braves the following year as a first baseman. Within the last week, he's played all three for the Washington Nationals.
"I like to catch," Fick said. "That's what I did till my first season in pro ball. . . . But to be honest with you, I really couldn't be happier getting a chance to catch, play a little outfield, play a little first. That's what I signed here to do. Everything's working out all right now."
Fick, who is hitting .282, started at first for the third straight game Wednesday night against the Red Sox. He said he is finally feeling more comfortable after missing the first six weeks of the season following elbow surgery.
"I feel like I'm kind of right there with my bat," Fick said. "It's starting to all come together. It's hard to catch up. It really is. I don't wish that upon anybody, missing spring training."
Ortiz Excused
Right-hander Ramon Ortiz is dealing with a family illness and has been excused from the team's trip to Boston. Though club officials are hoping he will rejoin the team for the three-game series in Baltimore that begins Friday, it's possible he'll miss his scheduled start on Saturday. Left-hander Mike O'Connor has been told to be prepared to pitch Saturday, which would be on five days' rest.
The prospect is appealing to O'Connor, the 25-year-old rookie who is from Ellicott City and grew up as an Orioles fan going to games at Camden Yards. "I'd love to pitch there," he said.
Good News
The Nationals received good news from the MRI exams taken Wednesday on both Nick Johnson's back and Tony Armas Jr.'s right forearm, and neither player will have to go on the disabled list immediately.
Armas has swelling in his right forearm and had a cortisone injection. He will rest for three days and then be reevaluated, but General Manager Jim Bowden said Armas could miss one turn in the rotation.
"Armas's is basically a non-factor," Bowden said.
Johnson, who hasn't played since Saturday after straining his back against the New York Yankees, had a normal MRI and is still listed as day-to-day. "Hopefully, Nick can come back some time over the weekend in Baltimore," Bowden said.
