Williams not concerned about Strasburg, impressed by prospects

VIERA, Fla. - Most of the focus of spring training has surrounded the Nationals rotation, especially since the addition of Max Scherzer in January. Scherzer and Jordan Zimmermann started the Nats' first two exhibition games. On Saturday, it was Stephen Strasburg's turn. The tall righty looked strong early, as he needed just 12 pitches to retire the Cardinals in the first. But Strasburg struggled in the second surrendering two runs on three hits, two walks and two strikeouts before manager Matt Williams pulled him after 1 2/3 innings.

Williams didn't seem concerned at all about Strasburg.

"I think he was throwing the ball really well," Williams said. "He got to the 40 pitch mark and that's plenty for him first time out. We didn't catch one behind him or it could've been a much different result. He threw great."

The play he referred to was actually Strasburg's fault for not hustling to cover first base on a ground ball hit between first baseman Ryan Zimmerman and second baseman Emmanuel Burriss. Burriss fielded the ball that drew Zimmerman away from the bag but Strasburg didn't get there in time, allowing the Cardinals' second run to score.

Strasburg, who has started the Nationals' last three opening days, has shown the tendency to struggle early in games at times. Williams didn't think that had anything to do with his performance today.

"Traditionally, he's a very aggressive pitcher, and often times, if they're swinging, it's good for us because he's getting quick outs," Williams said. "But if they're squaring it up, too, it can lead to some early runs. He's tenacious and he works through any patches."

"Not worried about it. When he does come out and command really well in the first couple innings he's really tough to hit."

The Nationals rallied in the sixth inning to take the lead behind two-run singles off the bats of Matt Skole and Wilmer Difo. Skole and Difo, two of the Nats' highly ranked prospects invited to spring training, have impressed Williams early.

"They're talented players," Williams said. "Matt's worked really hard at becoming a good third baseman. He's made a couple of diving plays the last couple of days, not to mention his bat."

"Difo, both sides of the plate. It's quick, it's repeatable and he's got a good knowledge of the strike zone too."

Skole finished 1-for-1 with a walk and two RBIs, while Difo drove in two runs on a 2-for-2 afternoon.

Michael A. Taylor is the organization's top outfield prospect and one of the most highly regarded in all of baseball. After a brief call-up last season, the 23-year-old came to camp eyeing a spot on the opening day roster, especially with outfielders Jayson Werth and Nate McLouth still recovering from shoulder surgeries. Taylor tweaked a neck muscle earlier this week, which prevented him from playing in the first two exhibition games. He was able to get a couple of at-bats today as the DH, going 1-for-2 with a run scored. Williams doesn't expect any additional setbacks for Taylor.

"Dove back into first on a pickoff play with no issues, so I think all is well," said Williams. "He's going to throw tomorrow and make sure he's good to go, and if that's the case, then he'll play again tomorrow."

Williams brought A.J. Cole in when Strasburg departed. The Nationals' second-ranked pitching prospect was able to get out of the bases-loaded jam he inherited. In the third, he was tagged for a solo home run off the bat of Cardinals right fielder Randal Grichuk. In 2 1/3 innings, Cole allowed two runs (one earned) on two hits. Williams was satisfied with the effort from the lanky right-hander.

"We gave him three ups, which is not something we generally do with our starters early, but he came in and threw limited pitches the first batter and got out of the inning," Williams said. "And then going into his third, he had a total of 11 pitches, so we got to push him a little bit there, but I thought he threw the ball really well."

Zimmerman looked good as he continues to familiarize himself with first base. Many have wondered how he'll perform fielding the ball and having to make the throw to second base in a double play situation. That happened in the fourth inning and Zimmerman handled the ball and throw well. Danny Espinosa, playing shortstop, dropped the ball for an error. At the plate, Zimmerman went 2-for-3.

The Nationals travel to Tampa tomorrow to play the New York Yankees. Ian Desmond is the only regular making the trip. Doug Fister will make his first start of the exhibition season.