Nationals rookie phenom Stephen Strasburg gives his pitching arm a different kind of workout as he signs autographs for fans.
Jonathan Newton-Washington Post
Jordan Zimmermann does long toss in the outfield, as he attempts to strengthen his arm after having Tommy John surgery last August.
Jonathan Newton-Washington Post
For Ryan Zimmerman, center, and the rest of the Nationals, it hasn't felt like spring in Viera, Fla.
Jonathan Newton-Washington Post
Manager Jim Riggleman works with his squad on March 3.
Jonathan Newton-Washington Post
Nationals first baseman Chris Duncan, right, leans back to get out of the path of budding first baseman Adam Dunn during infield drills.
Jonathan Newton-Washington Post
Adam Dunn goes to his left to snag a groundball during morning workouts. Though many critics say Dunn would be best-served as a designated hitter, the slugger is adamant about playing in the field.
Jonathan Newton-Washington Post
Jordan Zimmermann was 3-5 with a 4.63 ERA last year before Tommy John surgery cut short his rookie season.
Jonathan Newton-Washington Post
Pitcher Tyler Clippard works on his bunting skills.
Jonathan Newton-Washington Post
Nationals practice their footwork during conditioning drills.
Toni L. Sandys-The Washington Post
Catcher Wil Nieves gets in some stretching to start the day.
Toni L. Sandys-The Washington Post
Pete Orr gathers a ground ball with designs on a throw to second base.
Toni L. Sandys-The Washington Post
Eric Bruntlett looses the handle as he tries to flip the ball to second base.
Toni L. Sandys-The Washington Post
Pitcher Stephen Strasburg leaves the mound after throwing batting practice.
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Pitcher Jason Marquis eyes his target.
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Adam Kennedy, left, and Willy Tavares fill up the cages to take batting practice.
Toni L. Sandys-The Washington Post
Nationals catcher Ivan Rodriguez, right, looks on as Derek Norris takes a few pops in the mit.
Toni L. Sandys-The Washington Post
Adam Dunn fields a grounder in the dirt.
Toni L. Sandys-The Washington Post
Josh Whitesell jumps out of the way as Adam Dunn fields a ball.
Toni L. Sandys-The Washington Post
First baseman Adam Dunn, center, takes a breather during fielding drills.
Toni L. Sandys-The Washington Post
With rainy weather keeping the fans away, pitcher Tyler Clippard walks past the empty bleachers while changing fields.
Toni L. Sandys-The Washington Post
Washington Nationals pitching coach Spin Williams watches pitcher Brian Bruney on March 1.
Toni L. Sandys-Washington Post
Nationals pitcher Brian Bruney throws live batting practice on March 1.
Toni L. Sandys-The Washington Post
Nationals pitcher Victor Garate fields a groundball on March 1.
Toni L. Sandys-Washington Post
Nationals Manager Jim Riggleman watches batting practice on March 1.
Toni L. Sandys-Washington Post
Nationals infielder Pete Orr shows up for practice in a Canadian hockey jersey the day after Canada's overtime win over the U.S. team in Olympic hockey.
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Washington Nationals outfielders Nyjer Morgan, left, and Justin Maxwell warm up on March 1.
Toni L. Sandys-Washington Post
Nationals pitcher John Lannan, left, talks with pitching coach Steve McCatty before a March 1st practice.
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Nationals pitcher Stephen Strasburg autographs a baseball on March 1.
Toni L. Sandys-Washington Post
Nationals outfielder Justin Maxwell works on his sliding technique on March 1.
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Spectators watch spring training on March 1.
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Nationals third baseman Ryan Zimmerman uses the end of Adam Dunn's broken bat as a foot rest on March 1.
Toni L. Sandys-Washington Post
Nationals infielder Mike Morse, right, drags outfielder Jerry Owens around the field while conditioning with a resistance cord on March 1.
Toni L. Sandys-Washington Post
Nationals catchers Ivan Rodriguez and Will Nieves watch practice on March 1.
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Nationals outfielder Willie Harris takes part in conditioning drills on March 1.
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Robert Lebron, whose work is featured at Space Coast Stadium, sketches during practice on March 1.
Toni L. Sandys-Washington Post
Nationals Manager Jim Riggleman talks with his pitchers on March 1.
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Washington first baseman Adam Dunn performs a baseball balancing act before practice.
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Nationals left-hander Ron Villone poses for photographer Mike McLaughlin on spring photo day.
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Flanked by daughter Kaley, 4, and son Nashawn, 6, Nationals outfielder Elijah Dukes leans down to give his son Devin, 2, a kiss after practice.
Toni L. Sandys-Washington Post
Nationals pitcher Matt Capps, right, throws in the bullpen.
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Nationals pitcher Stephen Strasburg shares a joke with pitching instructor Spin Williams.
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Nationals Manager Jim Riggleman shouts a direction.
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Nationals shortstop Cristian Guzman catches a throw.
Toni L. Sandys-Washington Post
Nationals pitcher Stephen Strasburg throws live batting practice for the first time during spring training.
Toni L. Sandys-Washington Post
Nationals Manager Jim Riggleman, third from left, talks with the team after practice.
Toni L. Sandys-Washington Post
Nationals first baseman Adam Dunn gets hit with the ball after it is misplayed by Josh Whitesell.
Toni L. Sandys-Washington Post
Nationals shortstop Cristian Guzman, left, and pitcher Craig Stammen, right, joke around.
Toni L. Sandys-Washington Post
Washington Nationals first baseman Adam Dunn takes batting practice during the first full squad practice of Spring Training in Viera, Fla., on Friday.
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Washington Nationals' first full squad practice during Spring Training in Viera, Fla. on Friday.
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Washington Nationals third baseman Ryan Zimmerman runs to a base at the first full squad practice during Spring Training in Viera, Fla., on Friday.
Toni L. Sandys-Washington Post
Washington Nationals first baseman Adam Dunn signs autographs during the first full squad practice of Spring Training in Viera, Fla., on Friday.
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Washington Nationals infielder Willie Harris during the first full squad practice of Spring Training in Viera, Fla., on Friday.
Toni L. Sandys-Washington Post
Washington Nationals pitcher Tyler Walker, perhaps seeking additional warmth, rests his glove atop his head during Spring Training in Viera, Fla., on Friday.
Toni L. Sandys-Washington Post
Washington Nationals first baseman Adam Dunn is mobbed by fans seeking autographs duringthe first full squad practice of Spring Training in Viera, Fla., on Friday.
Toni L. Sandys-Washington Post
Washington Nationals outfielder Nyjer Morgan takes it easy during the first full squad practice of Spring Training in Viera, Fla., on Friday.
Toni L. Sandys-Washington Post
Washington Nationals Manager Jim Riggleman watches as the position players take the field for the first full squad practice during Spring Training in Viera, Fla., on Friday.
Toni L. Sandys-Washington Post
Washington Nationals third baseman Ryan Zimmerman uses a bucket to catch a bunt from Adam Dunn during the first full squad practice of Spring Training in Viera, Fla., on Friday.
Toni L. Sandys-Washington Post
Washington Nationals Manager Jim Riggleman walks with Elijah Dukes during the first full squad practice of Spring Training in Viera, Fla., on Friday.
Toni L. Sandys-Washington Post
Collin Balester fields a ground ball on the mound as Nationals pitchers get a head start on their teammates.
Toni L. Sandys-The Washington Post
Pitcher Scott Olsen, drawstrings pulled tight, seeks refuge from the cold during a team workout.
Toni L. Sandys-The Washington Post
Pitcher Joel Peralta tosses the ball back to home plate during a fielding drill.
Toni L. Sandys-The Washington Post
Craig Stammen takes aim during a group workout with fellow Nationals pitchers.
Toni L. Sandys-The Washington Post
Pitcher Ryan Speier keeps his pitching hand warm during a bullpen workout in chilly Viera.
Toni L. Sandys-The Washington Post
Pitchers warm up on the field at Space Coast Stadium.
Toni L. Sandys-The Washington Post
Pitcher Tyler Walker prepares to toss a medicine ball.
Toni L. Sandys-The Washington Post
Pitcher Matt Capps works out with a medicine ball.
Toni L. Sandys-The Washington Post
General Manager Mike Rizzo, special adviser to the GM Tim Foli and Manager Jim Riggleman observe.
Toni L. Sandys-The Washington Post
Pitcher John Lannan does a standing broad jump as part of a conditioning drill.
Toni L. Sandys-The Washington Post
Catcher Ivan "Pudge" Rodriguez. adjusts his chest protector.
Toni L. Sandys-The Washington Post
Manager Jim Riggleman greets pitcher Shawn Estes.
Toni L. Sandys-The Washington Post
Pitchers participate in a conditioning drill.
Toni L. Sandys-The Washington Post
Pitchers Jason Marquis, left, and Shawn Estes work on conditioning.
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General Manager Mike Rizzo talks with catcher Ivan "Pudge" Rodriguez.
Toni L. Sandys-Washington Post
Pitcher Stephen Strasburg stretches.
Toni L. Sandys-Washington Post
Pitcher Eddie Guardado shares a laugh with another player.
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From left , pitchers Tyler Clippard, Jason Marquis and Shawn Estes, and outfielder Nyjer Morgan watch bunting drills.
Toni L. Sandys-Washington Post
Outfielder Nyjer Morgan talks with Manager Jim Riggleman.
Toni L. Sandys-Washington Post
Coach Pat Corrales keeps an eye on the pitchers and catchers.
Toni L. Sandys-Washington Post
Pitcher Stephen Strasburg works in the bullpen.
Toni L. Sandys-Washington Post
Nationals catchers Jesus Flores, right, and Ivan Rodriguez, background, stretch before practice on Feb. 22.
Toni L. Sandys-The Washington Post
Nationals right-hander Collin Balester pitches on Feb. 22.
Toni L. Sandys-The Washington Post
Nationals catcher Jesus Flores practices fielding low pitches on Feb. 22.
Toni L. Sandys-The Washington Post
Nationals catcher Jesus Flores, right, tosses the ball to bullpen catcher Jose Martinez.
Due to Flores's sore shoulder, Martinez handled all of the throws back to pitchers on Feb. 22.
Toni L. Sandys-The Washington Post
Nationals pitcher Drew Storen takes part in spring training on Feb. 22.
Toni L. Sandys-The Washington Post
Left to right: Nationals President Stan Kasten, General Manager Mike Rizzo and Manager Jim Riggleman discuss matters on Feb. 22.
Toni L. Sandys-The Washington Post
Nationals pitcher Ross Detwiler, who recently had hip surgery, watches practice on Feb. 22.
Toni L. Sandys-The Washington Post
Nationals catcher Jesus Flores, who has battled injuries, spent the winter rehabbing with strength coach John Philbin and physical therapist Liz Wheeler.
Toni L. Sandys-The Washington Post
Nationals pitcher Collin Balester catches a ball on Feb. 22.
Toni L. Sandys-The Washington Post
Max Jordan, of Cocoa Beach, Fla., has Nationals pitcher Matt Capps pose for a photo with his dog Leroy on Feb. 22.
Toni L. Sandys-The Washington Post
Nationals pitcher Atahualpa Severino, left, and others get set to take the field for the first official practice of Spring Training in Viera, Fla.
Toni L. Sandys-Washington Post
Nationals pitchers and catchers take the field for the first official practice of spring training in Viera.
Toni L. Sandys-Washington Post
Lindsey Bailey, 10, of Centerreach, N.Y., watches Nationals pitchers and catchers take the field at spring training, with hopes of autographs to come.
Toni L. Sandys-Washington Post
Nationals pitchers, from left, Ryan Matteus, Jordan Zimmermann,and Stephen Strasburg step lively in conditioning drills.
Toni L. Sandys-Washington Post
Nationals Manager Jim Riggleman, left, and bullpen coach Randy Knorr watch over the troops.
Toni L. Sandys-Washington Post
Nationals Manager Jim Riggleman, right, tosses the ball to spring instructor Trent Jewett, left, during a drill for the pitchers.
Toni L. Sandys-Washington Post
Stephen Strasburg, last year's No. 1 draft pick, takes part in the Nationals' first official practice of the spring.
Toni L. Sandys-Washington Post
Stephen Strasburg gets set to throw in the bullpen in Viera.
Toni L. Sandys-Washington Post
Stephen Strasburg attracts a crowd as he throws in the bullpen.
Toni L. Sandys-Washington Post
Infielder Ian Desmond takes batting practice under the watchful eye of hitting instructor Rick Eckstein.
Toni L. Sandys-The Washington Post
Pitcher Sean Burnett takes a break after throwing with a teammate.
Toni L. Sandys-The Washington Post
Washington Nationals hitting coach Rick Eckstein, right, talks with infielder Pete Orr.
Toni L. Sandys-The Washington Post
Washington Nationals non-roster invitee outfielder Chis Duncan waits to take batting practice.
Toni L. Sandys-The Washington Post
There's lots of media interest in what Senior Vice President & General Manager Mike Rizzo has to say.
Toni L. Sandys-The Washington Post
Groundskeeper Chris Rand works on rebuilding a pitcher's mound.
Toni L. Sandys-The Washington Post
Pitcher Garrett Mock cuts an imposing figure during throwing workouts.
Toni L. Sandys-The Washington Post
The future is now: Drew Storen, left, and No. 1 overall draft pick Stephen Strasburg walk back to the clubhouse after working out.
Toni L. Sandys-The Washington Post
Ready to learn, Stephen Strasburg talks with spring instructor Jeff Garber.
Toni L. Sandys-The Washington Post
Mike Rizzo helps Chien-Ming Wang into his latest fashion statement before Wang is introduced to the media.
Toni L. Sandys-The Washington Post
Chien-Ming Wang meets the media.
Toni L. Sandys-The Washington Post
Team President Stan Kasten looks on as Chien-Ming Wang is introduced to the media.
Toni L. Sandys-The Washington Post
The newest Nat, pitcher Chien-Ming Wang is all smiles on his first day with the new club.
Toni L. Sandys-The Washington Post
Facing the media, Chien-Ming Wang stands tall.
Toni L. Sandys-The Washington Post
Gallery Credits:
Producer, Photo Editor Stephen Cook
Text Editor Sports