Last Full Day Of Just Pitchers & Catchers

Chatting with Our GM Mike Rizzo the other day, he mentioned that Cole Kimball throws "absolute smoke" and has a good cutter too. This morning on the practice mounds near Space Coast Stadium, the Brooklyn born 6'3", 225 lb. hurler did not disappoint.

Without seemingly making an effort, Cole Kimball fired fastball after fastball, with a few breaking pitches thrown in, over the course of his 12 minute bullpen session. The attention during the early morning throwing was mostly directed toward Chien-Ming Wang, Jordan Zimmermann, Drew Storen and Tom Gorzelanny, but Kimball stood out above everyone. Just a few days into camp, not throwing anywhere near 100%, you had to wonder what this 25-year old is capable of accomplishing when firing on all cylinders.

Yeah, it's still February, but Cole was worth watching for the entire time he tossed baseballs. Bryce Harper aside, Cole Kimball was the next best thing this day--on the final day before Full Camp begins tomorrow. One of those guys who turns heads, unexpectedly.

He was impressive.

Other highlights from today's final day for just "Pitchers & Catchers."

Livan Hernandez was wired for sound. Comcast Sports Net miked up Ole Number 61 for the early portion of practice. As you might expect, Livo was putting on the show. Everywhere he went, the conversation and laughter was in full flow. Birthday Boy, (Officially 36 yesterday), was in top form.

Physicals were performed today on most every position player in camp. As a result some everyday players were not in attendance--Ryan Zimmerman, Jayson Werth, Ian Desmond, Danny Espinosa and Adam LaRoche--just to name a few. Every single player, except for Henry Rodriguez and Elvin Ramirez (still dealing with Visa Issues) will be on hand beginning Tuesday morning for the first full day of training camp.

Before the debacle with Bryce Harper and autograph seekers at the very end of today's practice, Chien-Ming Wang and Jordan Zimmermann were two of many players that stopped to sign for fans. Unfortunately, it is being reported tonight that Mike Rizzo and Jim Riggleman are pretty upset over what happened to Harper this afternoon. Our Washington Nationals have one of the most accessible training camps in baseball. Hopefully, a few greedy profiteers have not spoiled the fun for so many decent and respectable fans that have always been kind enough to give Washington's players their space.

And finally--as Sohna and I were walking around the practice fields near Space Coast Stadium today, she feels this tug on her shirt. She was totally surprised to see Little Andy, who sits next to us in Section 218 at Nationals Park, smiling and showing her his freshly autographed baseball. After hearing from us over the past three seasons about how much we love coming to Spring Training, Andy's parents, Charlene & Joe, flew down with Andy from Northern Virginia to spend one week having fun with Our Washington Nationals.

Good for them.

Absolutely fabulous to see all three of them in Viera, Florida.

All Photos Copyrighted--Nats320--All Rights Reserved