Questions Remaining for Nationals
(Mark Zuckerman, Washington Times) - Spring training is all about routine. Players wake up early in the morning, are on the field stretching at precisely 9:30 a.m., run through defensive drills after that, then batting practice, then prepare for that afternoon's exhibition game.
So the Washington Nationals' lone break from that daily ritual yesterday -- their one and only day off this spring -- was relaxing yet also disconcerting for a group of players that doesn't know what to do with free time right now.
If nothing else, this brief respite offers a chance to regroup for what promises to be an intense final week before the Nationals head north.
Way back in mid-February, The Washington Times detailed the five biggest questions going into spring training. Now seems an appropriate time to revisit those subjects and see what has (or hasn't) been resolved.
1. Is the pitching healthy?
The pre-eminent story line entering camp remains the most uncertain topic entering the final week. Shawn Hill reported to Space Coast Stadium confident his surgically repaired right arm and left shoulder were 100 percent, and his performances in bullpen sessions and against live hitters the first two weeks seemed to corroborate that assertion.
But Hill's forearm started feeling tight and then painful when he tried to throw, so he was shut down. An MRI revealed no structural damage, but the pain wouldn't go away. So Hill received a cortisone shot to numb the pain and is now attempting to rebuild his strength and stamina in an attempt to pitch through whatever ails him.
All that is known is Hill won't be ready for Opening Night. Meanwhile, John Patterson insists he feels great. Trouble is he hasn't come close to regaining his old velocity.
Read More: A few questions remain [Washington Times]
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