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I have a theory that you can measure the proximity of a certain date in March to the end of spring training by the length of the manager's pregame press conferences, sort of like you can measure how close lightning is by how long it takes for thunder to sound.
The reason is simple: As we go later and later into the spring, there's less and less to ask about. And we're getting to that point now.
The big discussion in Nationals manager Jim Riggleman's session with reporters this morning was whether or not he'll need to keep a right-handed bat among his right field options. Riggleman said he would, and my guess is that means Mike Morse is on the team.
I asked Riggleman if he'd keep Morse simply because he's the best option to back up Adam Dunn at first, and while Riggleman said he'd be comfortable putting Adam Kennedy, Cristian Guzman or even Alberto Gonzalez as a defensive replacement, Morse, though, probably makes it for another reason; if the Nationals' bench includes Wil Nieves, Guzman, Alberto Gonzalez/Eric Bruntlett and Willy Taveras/Roger Bernadina, there's still no right-handed bat that can be counted on to drive the ball in a pinch. Morse doesn't have a great track record of hitting home runs, but he's shown a little pop through his career.
In other news: Riggleman said he will get Guzman a few innings at second today and start him at second tomorrow against the Cardinals. He also said he'd try to play new acquisition (and Fargo, ND native!) Chris Coste today or tomorrow.
And finally, Riggleman said catcher Jesus Flores, who will start the season on the DL while continuing to recover from shoulder surgery, isn't yet ready to take on much activity.
"I don't think he's doing much," Riggleman said. "He's in the resting mode."
