“I don’t think it’s a surprise anymore, Baby Nuts,” says the manager. Davey Martinez told MLB Network hosts Mark DeRosa and Robert Flores. The press conference, which took place Wednesday afternoon in West Palm Beach, Fla., of course, featured players who will play with the Nationals this year, including James Wood, Robert Hassell III, Brady House, Trey Lipscomb, Darren Baker and Dylan Cruz. He mentioned the promising players who are participating in Major League Spring Training.
“They’re here,” Martinez said. If they continue on the same trajectory, some or all of their prospects will make it to the majors in the near future.
But for now, they’re huddled in the clubhouse, players expected to start the season in the big leagues and veterans fighting to get back on the show.
Martinez said the rows of lockers lined up close to each other are called “hope rows.”
Photo by Blaise Hemmelgarn/Minnesota Twins/Getty Images
“I lined them all up in the clubhouse and had them all meet up,” he explained.
“I call that little section ‘Hope Row’ because they’re a good group of kids and they really stick together.
“They’re the future of the Nationals and they’ve done really well. They really are. They’re enthusiastic, they’re willing to learn, and they’re willing to do anything we ask them to do. It was a lot of fun.
As much as the young, up-and-coming players are having a lot of fun and are being given great learning opportunities, Martinez said he’s also really having fun himself and enjoying watching them learn.
“This camp has been a lot of fun for me. I’ve had the opportunity to teach and I’ve had a great staff. And my coaching staff is incredible. So we’re having a lot of fun with the kids, and They’re really playing” good. “
Crews and Wood are currently ranked first and second respectively. Listed on MLB Pipeline Martinez, one of the organization’s top prospects, said he expects to make an impact in the big leagues at some point next season. I truly believe so, they are getting closer. ”
Most of the names mentioned above will be featured this afternoon as part of Major League Baseball’s first Spring Breakout Series (3:10 p.m. in Port St. Lucie. TV: SNY; Radio: Nationals.com), against top prospects. new york mets” system, teams around the majors select rosters from the ranks within their organizations for one-day head-to-head competition.
Unfortunately, Hassell III underwent an MRI scan this week and was diagnosed with a groin strain, so he will not be participating as planned.
Martinez acknowledged that development of Hassell III will take some time, but stressed that he doesn’t think it’s a major problem.
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“He feels good,” Martinez explained. Quoted by Mark Zuckerman of MASN on wednesday.
“He’s going to work on his strength now and I hope he’ll be ready as soon as possible.”
Martinez declined to provide a timeline for when the prospect, currently No. 8 on MLB Pipeline’s list, will return to action.
“We don’t want to set a date because he’s feeling good and his fitness is pretty good,” Martinez said.
“They’re going to continue to push him and see how he’s doing.”
Hassell III, who fractured the hamate bone in his right hand, struggled at the plate in 2023 (.225/.317/.324, 15 doubles, 8 HR, 476 PA in 106 games at Double-A Harrisburg). , made a hit. He performed well in the Arizona Fall League (.290/.366/.348 in 20 G, 82 PA), went 5-for-14 (.357/.412/.786) this spring, and was named the top prospect this spring. approached. He hit a double, triple, and home run in 12 games in the Grapefruit League.
“He swung the bat really well,” Martinez said.
“I think he’s one of our better defenders in all three outfield positions. But he can especially impact the ball into the left field seats, left center seats. I’ve been working on that. I talked to him about getting (his swing) a little bit shorter. He did that, and his swing looked really good. My plan was to talk to him and It’s about telling them not to change anything and to stay where they are. And when they’re ready, get off to a good start.”
