Revere hoping to "bring the noise" at top of potent Nationals lineup

Center fielder Ben Revere once again gave Nats fans a preview of what he can do Friday night with a triple, a double and two runs scored in his first two at-bats at Nationals Park, albeit in an exhibition game.

Revere, 27, is replacing Denard Span, who was solid in center field when he was healthy. Revere should be an outstanding replacement, with the combination of speed and contact ability to set the table for the Nationals' formidable hitters.

"I'll do anything I can to get on base for these big boys behind me," Revere said. "Like I have said before, got a really great lineup. Lot of guys can put the ball in play. We crushed the ball (Friday). The ball got knocked down by the wind. Most of the time, you know these guys, playing against them a lot, (Anthony) Rendon, (Bryce) Harper, (Jayson) Werth, (Ryan) Zimmerman, (Daniel) Murphy come over here.

"They all just go gap to gap, especially in scoring position. They're going to find a way to get the guy in - a ground ball to second base or a sacrifice fly or a base hit. It's going to be a fun year. It's going to definitely be a fun year for all."

Revere said his pitching teammates of the past told him how hard it is to try to find outs facing the Nationals offense.

"We're going to have a real deep lineup," Revere said. "My guess a lot of pitchers are really going to be intimidated like I was with the Blue Jays. You face one guy, it's like all right,cool, and then you got this guy and then, oh, great, they got this guy. Me, Rendon gets on, Harper comes up they go and pitch around him and walk the bases loaded for Zimmerman. He's the type of guy with guys in scoring position he's going to get the job done."

Revere led off with a triple on Friday. Last year the Nationals had only 13 triples during the entire season, lowest total in the major leagues.

Could Revere provide that spark at top of order the Nationals need?

"Yeah, I'm just trying to get in scoring position," he said. "I think when I was coming over with the Twins, I could drive the ball well into the gaps. Get the doubles, triples. Hitting line drives but getting some backspin to it, even on some of the tough pitches."

Revere noted he actually made some adjustments to his approach at the plate that might allow him to get into a good contact mode from April 4 on. Last season, he slashed .306/.342/.377 with 31 stolen bases for the Phillies and Blue Jays.

"(I'm) trying to bring it back in definitely this offseason," Revere said. "Changing my swing a little bit, trying to get back to my old swing. Feeling very comfortable this spring and hopefully taking it into this season and bring the noise."

Programming note: Don't forget to listen to the "Nats Insider" show today from noon-1 p.m. on 106.7 The Fan.