The Nationals' clubhouse this spring is full of 'high energy youth and exuberance mixed in with a few vets to guide us through how to be big-leaguers,' and according to GM Mike Rizzo, 'the energy is terrific, the work ethic is great, and there's a good vibe that's fun to be around.'
Grant & Danny got a little bit of that vibe on Monday when they, live in West Palm Beach for Spring Training, chatted with Rizzo about this year's squad, which indeed has a different vibe with the youth movement getting closer and closer.
"These are guys that have come up together through the Minors, and even the MLB club last year was very young, and you can kind of see them growing together," Rizzo said. "It's fun to see the separations, but in the clubhouse it's a melting pot, and they all get along great."
And that's part of the reason why this offseason for the Nationals saw a few veterans added, mostly to replace vets that departed, on shorter-term commitments – because when that movement is ready, it's coming.
"We had a certain milepost to hit, and we felt we got the best bang for our buck," Rizzo said. "Nick Senzel has a chance to be a big-time bounce-back player, in the vein of (Jeimer) Candelario and (Kyle) Schwarber; Dylan Floro is a good veteran arm who has closed games and can help the back of our bullpen; and then, we went the non-roster route with guys who have a history of being good quality major-league players."
And then there's Joey Gallo, playing mostly first base this spring (and likely early in the season) just because he needs more reps there – but he can move around, and can be a big factor for the Nats as a player and maybe even as a trade chip?
"Trades are always there depending on where we are at the deadline, but if he's having such a great year and we're competing, what's to say we don't sell?" Rizzo said. "He's been an established player and we know what we've got with Joey. The only thing about him that is underrated is he's a terrific defender; he's a Gold Glove-caliber outfielder and becoming a heck of a first baseman, and he's a great athlete for his size."
Gallo has also fit in well as that perfect blend of veteran mentor and everyday player, so Rizzo says 'we're happy he's on board," and there's one other veteran who he's extremely thrilled to have, too: Pitching Strategist Sean Doolittle, who will be the conduit between the front office and analytics department and the MLB staff.
"I think he's an important hire. When he announced his retirement, we immediately discussed a role at his retirement party," Rizzo said. "Often times, guys who played as long as he did like to take some time off before thy figure out what they want to do, but he's a DC resident and is gonna stay here, and felt it was something that was an easy match with him."
A beloved Nat coming back to be an important part of the next beloved Nats team.
"(Pitching coach Jim) Hickey and Davey (Martinez) love him, I love him, and he is close enough to pitching age to really know those guys. He walks in here with respect and a credible voice," Rizzo said. "He's gone through a lot of things in his career that broaden him even more, and he has the mental, physical, and spiritual knowledge it takes to excel in the big leagues. And, his biggest asset to me is he's analytical and smart, but also knows how to filter and distribute info so players receive it well."
All a part of the ultimate goal:
"It's to win games. We want to win games this year, and it's not out of our expectations to give ourselves a chance to win every day."
