Span gearing up, no regrets for Suarez, plus 30 more grapefruits

Denard Span is coming off an outstanding season in 2014. His 184 hits tied Philadelphia's Ben Revere for most in the National League. For the year, Span batted .302 with 39 doubles and 31 stolen bases, and once again played stellar defense in center field.

In early December, Span underwent surgery to repair a nagging sports hernia. On Tuesday, Span appeared on MLB Network's "Hot Stove" and provided an update on his recovery.

"I'm working towards Day One being able to work through all the drills and do everything I'm supposed to be doing," Span said. "But from talking with our training staff, they say they're going to be a little smart. You know, the last month and a half, I've been pushing myself as far as workouts and swinging and getting my fly balls and my ground balls just to prepare myself for spring training."

For the second straight season, Span's offensive production improved dramatically during the second half of the year, though many pointed to swirling rumors and doubts of his abilities as a reason for his turnaround. Span once again addressed this during Tuesday's interview.

"You know what? Honestly, I did hear it. But I think I've said time and time again that things like that don't inspire me," he said. "Does it upset me? Maybe a little bit, but I'm the type of person that I'm very goal-oriented, I'm a very driven person by nature. So things like that don't push me. I think my work ethic and things I want to accomplish in this game push me year in and year out to give forth my maximum effort. I think it was kind of one of those things where it seemed like I was inspired because my play increased I guess in the second half, but honestly I try to block out all that stuff."

After the season, the Nationals picked up Span's $9 million option for 2015. But Span becomes a free agent at the end of the year. He admitted on Tuesday that playing without a future contract is "nerve-racking," even during the offseason.

When host Fran Charles asked if it was "World Series or bust" in the Nats clubhouse heading into 2015, a savvy Span quickly responded.

"I'm not going to let you catch me up on that one. Nice try. I'm not going to say that," Span said. "We definitely like our chances. We like the ballclub that we have. We can't get complacent. You know, it looks good on paper, but we all know that we have to go out there and execute and play ballgames and win ballgames. I think coming into spring training, I'm sure Matt Williams is going to have us focused and keep our heads and our minds focused on the process."

No regrets for Suarez: The Nationals selected left-handed pitcher Andrew Suarez with the 57th overall pick in June's First-Year Player Draft. On Friday night, Suarez takes the mound for the first time in 2015, still in a Miami Hurricanes uniform.

That's because the 22-year-old Suarez balked at the $987,800 slot value offered by the Nats and decided to return to college. This week, Suarez spoke to the Miami Herald about his mindset.

"I've been hearing I'm crazy ever since I didn't sign," Suarez said. "Everyone tells me, 'What if you get hurt? What if you regret it?' But that's the chance you take. I think I made a good decision. I get to graduate and hopefully have an even better year and negotiate for more."

The Nationals receive a compensatory pick in next June's draft because Suarez chose not to sign. That pick comes at No. 58 and will be the franchise's highest selection.

Closer to resolution?: Florida Gov. Rick Scott issued a press release on Wednesday regarding the Nationals' spring training future in his state.

"Florida is proud to be the home of 15 spring training teams, and we are excited to announce that the Washington Nationals and the Houston Astros have chosen to stay in Florida for the next 30 years," Scott said. "Spring training has helped to bring Florida families together, create jobs in our communities, and drive tourists to our state. Florida is undoubtedly the best state for baseball, and we look forward to many more years of spring training attracting visitors and creating opportunities for Florida families."

The Nationals and Astros are awaiting a March vote on the proposed construction of a new spring training facility in West Palm Beach for both teams to share. The plan is for the $135 million stadium to be built in time for 2017's Grapefruit League season.

Nationals principal owner Mark Lerner added this statement in Scott's release: "We at the Washington Nationals appreciate Governor Scott's commitment to keeping all 15 major league baseball spring training venues in the Sunshine State, ensuring that Florida remains the premier spring training destination."