While there’s no denying that huge money drove Stephen Strasburg’s return to the Nationals, there were some other key elements that informed his decisionmaking this winter. As Britt Ghiroli of The Athletic reports (subscription link), Strasburg actually worked in family-related travel benefits into his negotiations and contract. Those changes will redound to the benefit of other players with the organization. Strasburg also negotiated for year-round access to Nationals Park and access to certain equipment for training.
The whole story provides a nice look at the shy but increasingly assertive Nats’ co-ace. More from D.C. …
- Strasburg has toiled quietly even under intense scrutiny. Max Scherzer isn’t exactly a trash-talker, but his mound-stalking and glowering certainly represent a challenge to opposing hitters. Both arms, and both personalities, have made the Nats’ pitching staff one of the best in the business for some time now. But for how long? Todd Dybas of NBC Sports Washington looks at the question whether Scherzer could end up inking a new deal with the club. The 35-year-old is presently two high-priced seasons away from a return to the open market. While it’s tough to imagine losing the rare pitcher that has outperformed a mammoth free agent deal, it’s also not an obvious situation for an extension. Scherzer says it’d be up to the team to “drive those conversations” if it wishes. On his side, he says he’s going to “stay in the moment” and not think too hard about the future.
- The Nats’ hopes for a repeat crown obviously rest on quite a few players. If there’s a clear wild card, it’s probably young infielder Carter Kieboom. MLB.com’s Jessica Camerato checks in on his progress at learning to handle the third base position. The top prospect is accustomed to the left side of the infield, having spent plenty of time at shortstop, but says it’s still an adjustment to move to the hot corner. He’s keeping a steady demeanor and focusing on the big picture, but it’s obvious he’s also receiving something of a trial by fire this spring. Both Kieboom and manager Dave Martinez expressed confidence … and emphasizing the need for loads of reps both in practice and at game speed. “We really believe that he could be our third baseman,” says Martinez.
Max is my favorite Nat ever, I would love for him to retire a Nat but it is a business. This year will determine if those extension talks happen.
Yeah. I fully expect him to re-sign. If fully healthy he could probably get a Verlsnder type 2-year 30+ mil extension
I would have guessed Termel Sledge
I like Kieboom but I think that Cabrera will see the majority of the playing time at 3b in 2020, with Castro at 2b.
if that happens we dont even get back to the playoffs this year
Kieboom will be the next phenom Nat rookie. Few will miss Rendon. You heard it here first.
I think the most logical impression to have for your expectation of Kieboom is to be skeptical. Rendon is a rare player. However, I remember the phrase that it’s much more difficult to predict success than failure.
“Redound”. You are at it again. Is there an internal contest that requires one new word in each post today? Back away from Thesaurus.com and put down the keyboard. Maybe go for a nice walk. While not malapropisms, these word choices are egregious in the context of a sports rumors/new site.
Silliness. Does that drive you nuts too? Good vocabulary is not something to criticize. These words are less obscure than you think.
This guy sniffs farts out of wineglasses.
Sounds like you have personal experience. Sounds like projection.
Ha! Well played, Mo.
I’m not sure whos in trouble for what, but I like this comment regardlessnessivity.
I think what Trigato is saying is that when authoring an article, one is to consider one’s audience and write to the lowest common denominator. In these cases, it seems the writer is attempting to impress the audience by supplanting one word for a more complex word.
I am not saying it is wrong or that I care, just explaining what I interpret his statement to be, from well-founded points of view on constructing articles.
I get it. Seems like he’s overreacting. Seems petty. Like someone who criticizes a commenter for a simple spelling, punctuation or grammatical mistake.
Maybe just google the word, and be happy you are one word smarter than you were yesterday.
This guy…this guy gets it.
The guy is a glorified troll. He won’t be back to defend his comment. Some people just have to complain about something.
Max Scherzer should go into the hall of fame
That should be a total lock.
Should? Dude is a total lock for the HoF
The Braves and Nationals are both hoping rookies or close to it can be the next big producer at 3B. These two teams are so close on paper that the biggest difference maker between these two teams is which one gets better production out of 3B. I know there will probably be MANY difference makers it’s just that this one sticks out the most to me.
That’s not to say that the Phillies or Mets can’t win the division though. The Braves and Nats look good but neither team looks like they will run away with the division. Probably going to have to defend this next statement but the Mets are kind of my dark horse pick for a deep playoff run.
Anyone of those 4 could win the division. I could see the braves winning, but, I could also see them being in 4th place. It should be a fun but stressful season to watch. I’m ready though :)
From least holes to most holes I’d go Braves, Nationals, Phillies, and Mets. This meaning reasonable and consistent expectations (healthy, past performance, depth) combined with best/worst case scenarios (unproven prospects, health, and wild card players).
Atlanta currently looks to be good-not-great everywhere (Their lineup is top heavy imo, but still a good lineup)
Washington’s starting pitching is elite pared with a good offense.
Philadelphia has a great collection of talent, but how good their depth and health will be could dictate their season.
The Mets are just limited in how they can win: Healthy, elite starting pitching along with a good offense. Easy on paper, but they haven’t been able to crack that formula for a few years now.
It’ll be tough. It always feels like the NL East is decided by a team going on a scorching hot run for a couple of weeks that ultimately decides the crown.
I see both Nationals and Braves winning 90+ this year, at least as currently built and assuming no one goes down for an extended period. One of these days the bets laid by Jeter in Miami will pay off, but not this year. Phillies and Mets 3rd/4th.
Love Scherzer but see no reason for an extension now. Wait at least one more year and see how aging progresses. He may be another Verlander I see them as very similar in style but he may not age quite as well no reason to take unnecessary risk so early
When Scherzer turned down the massive Tigers extension, I thought bad choice because his motion is so violent that injury always felt like a risk. He bet on himself and it paid off. He’ll bet on himself again, put up huge numbers this year and next, and secure a deal that dwarfs Verlander’s deal. You read it here first.