Nats Links: Nats and Marlins tie at 2-2

Written by Mark Buterbaugh on Monday, 25 February 2013 08:57. Posted in Washington Nationals

The Washington Nationals are 0-1-1 in the Grapefruit League. No, that is not the Caps record. The Nats and Marlins settled at 2-2 after ten innings yesterday in their second Grapefruit League game. Nats manager Davey Johnson had to enjoy the two runs scored by the Nats. They came off a two run home run by the 6th overall pick in the 2011 MLB Draft, Anthony Rendon. No doubt the Nats will start Rendon out at Harrisburg (AA), but they will be keeping an extremely close eye on Rendon this season. Rendon is looking to shed an injury riddled first two years. More on Rendon's homer.

“I guess it was my bad luck, my three or four years,” Rendon said last week. “That’s how I’m going to view it right now. I’m just looking forward to what’s ahead in my future.” Rendon knows some people have attached an “injury prone” label on him. He disagrees, but he understands.

“I can’t blame them,” Rendon said. “If I were to see somebody, if I were in their perspective, seeing how many injuries they had, I might probably feel the same way. But obviously, I don’t feel that way about myself. I couldn’t help the way fields are. It’s just a freak accident.”

Speaking is injuries, the Nats will be watching Danny Espinosa closely this season. Espinosa has a torn rotator cuff, but opted to rehab rather than surgery. So far, Espinosa said the shoulder feels great. Additionally, Nats reliever/starter Chriostian Garcia will be shutdown for 10-14 days. Good news for Garcia is a forearm MRI revleaed only a strain. Garcia has been suffering from forearm tightness.

Game Recaps: Wash Post, Wash Times, CSN Washington,

Nats reliever Drew Storen shrugs off his blown save yesterday.

Nats take on the Mets today at 6:15 for their second meeting with the Mets in three games. Gio Gonzalez takes the mound for his spring debut. Here is the expected lineup for this evening.

Nationals’ lineup:

Eury Perez CF, Steve Lombardozzi 2B, Corey Brown RF, Tyler Moore DH, Chris Marrero 1B, Carlos Rivero LF, Matt Skole 3B, Chris Snyder C, Zach Walters SS
Gio Gonzalez P

Jordan Zimmermann yielded two hits and one run in his Spring debut. He was pleased and is focused on the task at hand in spring training, improving his change up pitch.

The Nats packed the house at Viera yesterday for their spring training home opener. Although fans support the Nats are Viera, it is likely not an option past 2014. The Nats wish to move to the West Coast of Florida to cut down on travel times. Most spring training stadiums are on the west coast. Nats owner Mark Lerner did admit that it is unlikely the Nats will have a deal in place for next spring. Washington DC Mayor Vincent Gray was on hand in Viera yesterday to toss out the first pitch.

Here is another article on Micah Owings attempt to make a switch from pticher to first base. He is a non-roster invitee.

In Davey Johnson's final managing season, he may very well be the right guy, int he right place, at the right time.

More expectations from MLB.com. Nats shoudl just get ready for a growing bandwagon.

Five Nats players were on hand for Jimmy Johnson's Daytone 500 win. Here is Jayson Werth's appearance at Daytona 500.

Justin Miller and Kevin Keyes are testing out position changes.