Ladies and gentlemen, your 2005 Washington Reds
Submitted by Jeff on Fri, 02/25/2005 - 6:06am.
- Today's common theme between the WashPost and WashTimes is the influence the Cincinnati Reds have on the Nats. In addition to former Reds GM Jim Bowden, the team's special assistants/instructors include Bob Boone, Jose Cardenal, Barry Larkin, and Jose Rijo. As the Times notes, the team has no legacy of its own to draw upon and invite former players to camp (after all, they're not the Expos), so Bowden turned to former Reds to provide "the young Nationals players a sense of legacy and baseball knowledge, even if by osmosis."
- The Times identifies, to no one's real surprise, Brian Schneider and Brad Wilkerson as the "foundation of the franchise" who will now be in the much brighter spotlight of Washington just as they are "hitting the peaks of their careers".
- MLB has turned to former DC councilman John Ray to serve as a lobbyist to help smooth relations with the current DC Council, according to the Post. One current councilman, Vincent Orange, said he asked MLB to appoint an African American as team president.
- Who's paying for Mayor Williams' trip to spring training? The DC Sports & Entertainment Commission, the Times reports, will pay for "most" of the trip. Every DC Council member has also been invited.
- He's no playa: the Times and the Post's blog note that Bowden has a penchant for wearing track suits and greeting people with the phrase "What up, dog?". The players have dubbed him "Eminem"; it's a wonder they don't double over in fits of laughter.
- Yo, Florida Today! You're a day late with your Nick Johnson profile…