Sights from the first day of Nationals workouts (with video and photos)

VIERA, Fla. - At 10:39 a.m. this morning, a few seconds before the horn signaling the first drill of Nationals spring training sounded, right-hander Max Scherzer uncorked a throw toward catcher Wilson Ramos in the area where the first bullpen sessions were convening.

Spring training 2015 was under way.

It was cloudy and cool at the Space Coast Stadium complex the Nationals call home. Players made the short hike from the clubhouse to the practice fields a little more briskly than usual, owing to the chilly temperatures in the upper 50s. Drizzle spit from the sky but stopped just as pitchers and catchers gathered on one of the practice diamonds to stretch.

Two-fifths of the Nats' projected - and dominating - rotation led off the first 'pen session of camp, an eight-minute drill that featured Scherzer and right-hander Stephen Strasburg side-by-side, with relievers Matt Thornton, Drew Storen and Tanner Roark rounding out the five-man group. Other collections of Nats pitchers worked on bunting with first base coach Tony Tarasco, fielded grounders, made throws to first base from the mound and gobbled up faux bunts.

As the initial bullpen sessions ended, Scherzer and Ramos embraced, and the sun peeked out. Though tempered by the breeze, the burst of warmth was greeted by players and spectators alike.

General manager Mike Rizzo, the architect of a team he hopes will play deep into October, was caught off-guard by the sudden rise in temperature. Rizzo, who had watched part of the first workout from a golf cart while chatting with principal owner Mark Lerner, hopped inside the gated area and grabbed some sunscreen, rubbing it on his bald head and neck. No reason to tempt fate with sunburn, not on the first day of camp.

Manager Matt Williams, who earlier in the day had his 2016 option picked up by the Nationals, bounded off his golf cart and headed to the next field, to the next drill, to get a better glimpse of his team in action.

Here are some images from Day One of Nationals spring training:

Nationals pitchers and catchers stretch prior to Saturday's workout.

GM Mike Rizzo chats with principal owner Mark Lerner.

The schedue for the first workout is affixed to the steering wheel of a golf cart.

Catchers prep for the first bullpen sessions of spring training.

Manager Matt Williams checks out a drill from his perch in a golf cart.

A group of Nats pitchers gets bunting instruction from first base coach Tony Tarasco.

Pitchers' fielding practice is a staple of early spring training drills.