VIERA, Fla. - Nationals pitchers and catchers will work out for the first time this morning, and manger Davey Johnson will put into motion his plan to find enough innings to make sure all of his starting pitchers are ready for the 2012 season. It won't be easy. Quite frankly, the math doesn't work in Johnson's favor. He's got 10 pitchers in camp who have started a game in the bigs in the past two seasons, and only five spots in the rotation. Figuring that his rotation will consist of lefty...

VIERA, Fla. - The swing is free and easy, and Adam LaRoche hopes that he can soon throw with more strength. The Nationals first baseman can finally cut loose a throw without worrying that lingering soreness would inhibit his movement for a couple of days or more. Having his left shoulder surgically repaired in June turned out to be the right course of action for the 32-year-old LaRoche, who signed a two-year, $16 million deal with Washington last offseason and lasted only 43 games, with a .172...

SARASOTA, Fla. - First baseman Chris Davis is out of options, but not out of chances to establish himself in the majors. He's getting another one in 2012. It's time to make the most of it. "For me, it feels like the first time in a couple years that I'm going to actually be given a shot to play every day in the big leagues," he said. "The last couple of springs (with the Rangers), I knew I was going to have to come in and compete just for a chance to break with the team. It feels good...

VIERA, Fla. - Not so long ago, the Nationals would report to Space Coast Stadium for spring training with more question marks than sure things. The collection of journeymen, hangers-on, hopeful youngsters, guys who had flamed out elsewhere and a few legitimate talents would go through workouts and play games; the front office and manager would try to piece together a 25-man roster that could last the season. Suffice it to say Davey Johnson's job this spring will be much easier. "I'd say...

VIERA, Fla. - If there's a tagline attached to Bryce Harper's second major league spring training, it's this: D.C. or bust. The Nationals' top prospect arrived at Space Coast Stadium on Monday, still tiptoeing between cockiness and confidence, yet still sure that he can break camp with the Nats and contribute at the major league level as a 19-year-old. "They're going to make their decisions and I'm going to come here and play. ... I think that's the biggest thing," Harper said. "If...

SARASOTA, Fla. - Six more pitchers need to be tested Tuesday on director of pitching development Rick Peterson's biomechanical analysis. I think you should pass the test if you can repeat that sentence without stumbling. Asked about Zach Britton's progression, manager Buck Showalter said, "So far, so good. It's kind of like trying to keep in mind where the finish line is. The only thing we try to do is slow him down a little bit." More from Showalter: On Andino: "I'm real proud of...

Opening day is always a celebration of sorts in Baltimore, as fans pack Camden Yards and revel in another season getting underway. But as has been the case the last 21 years, you have the opportunity to celebrate opening day with Orioles fans right outside the park even before the party inside Oriole Park begins. The Babe Ruth Birthplace Foundation is hosting their annual "Opening Day Block Party" again this season, complete with food, drink and plenty of O's fun. The event will be held...

SARASOTA, Fla. - Second baseman Brian Roberts showed up at major league camp today. We're not ready to put a tracking device on him, but it's good to know he's at the Ed Smith Stadium complex. Roberts took some swings in the cage. He's been hitting soft toss and off a tee, and he's playing catch. Manager Buck Showalter has been darting from one back field to the next, so he's in the process of obtaining an update on Roberts that he can pass along to the media. Robert Andino will get...

VIERA, Fla. - Anthony Rendon is no stranger to Space Coast Stadium, having made an appearance here at fall instructional league after the Nationals made the Rice third baseman the sixth overall pick in the June draft. But arriving at his first spring training made the 21-year-old think of how far he's come in a very brief time. "It's crazy," Rendon said after arriving at his locker stall in the Nationals clubhouse Monday morning. "Feels like just yesterday I was playing select ball...

SARASOTA, Fla. - Zach Britton said his flat-ground session went "really well" today, and he remains encouraged by the progress he's making after being bothered again by inflammation in his left shoulder. Britton moved back to 100 feet today while making 60-70 throws. He also simulated his delivery on another 10-15 throws, also on flat ground. Britton said he'll do the same thing Tuesday in his first back-to-back days of throwing. "They want me to keep my throws up to 120 throws for...