Monday workout notes, observations

March 1, 2010 3:20 PM by Ben Goessling View Comments

VIERA, Fla. -- This won't be the last post of the day -- check back later for a longer piece on the Nationals' new coaching staff -- but I'm in need of lunch. So some scraps for you, then some food for me. Here you go:

--Garrett Mock looked impressive again in spots during live BP today, resuming his tongue-in-cheek confrontation with Adam Dunn. Mock's first pitch was a fastball he blew by Dunn, who fired back, "Can you do it again?" He fouled off Mock's next pitch, and after two balls, Mock broke Dunn's bat on a fastball that would've been a groundout to third. There's never been any question about Mock's stuff, but he needs to challenge hitters and keep his pitch counts lower than they have been.

--Brian Bruney looked strong in spots, though his command was an issue at times. Collin Balester struggled to get his fastball down in the zone for much of his session.

--This isn't confirmed, but I'm hearing there's a decent possibility MASN will show Stephen Strasburg's debut against the Tigers on March 9. There are quite a few factors that need to be worked out yet, and nothing is certain, but it looks like it could come together. Again, nothing certain, and I'll hope to hear more in the next few days. But to paraphrase the immortal words of Lloyd Christmas, I'm telling you there's a chance.

--John Lannan will start Saturday's game against the Mets in Viera, with Jason Marquis pitching against them Sunday in Port St. Lucie. As I tweeted this morning, that would put Lannan in line to be the Opening Day starter, with Marquis pitching on an extra day's rest against the Phillies, but there is still time for all that to change.

--Josh Willingham is expected in camp on Wednesday or Thursday, and could get into a game by Monday. I'm told mother and baby are well.