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VIERA, Fla. - Good morning. The Nationals are headed out for their final full squad workout before tomorrow's exhibition opener, and the mood in the clubhouse this morning was looser than it's been in a while. Michael Morse was in charge of the clubhouse stereo, as he often is, and he put together an eclectic playlist that ranged from U2 to Drake to Katrina and the Waves to Alabama. "There are a lot of guys in here," Morse said, connecting what seemed like disparate musical dots. "You've got to keep them all happy."
Manager Jim Riggleman said reliever Henry Rodriguez will likely arrive in Viera on Tuesday, after finally working out visa issues that have kept him out of Nationals camp for the first two weeks of spring training. Once he arrives, he'll throw a couple bullpen sessions and live batting practice before getting into a game.
Elvin Ramirez, who got to Viera on Wednesday after being delayed by visa issues, has thrown a pair of bullpen sessions, and will throw at least one live BP session, as well as possibly a simulated game, before the Nationals consider putting him in a game. "He looked strong yesterday," Riggleman said. "The rotation on his breaking ball makes it appear he must have been throwing. Usually, you wouldn't be advanced with that at this point unless you had been throwing in January."
The Nationals' final workout should be a lighter session this morning, and they'll get the spring schedule started tomorrow in Port St. Lucie. "This is the next little step in spring training," Riggleman said. "It's still pretty early on, but I'm anxious for it."
One last reminder before I head out to the fields: Be sure to check out our MASN Nationals Facebook page, where we've been posting video content and discussion topics throughout the spring. You can also follow me on Twitter for more news.
