"If you reside in last place and decide you are sick of it, the first thing to do is get to work and improve. The initiative to draw young players out of their autumnal and early winter rest and recreation to learn and drill their way into customary spring training is clearly constructive. Purists and medical staff might caution that too much early-work increases the potential for injury or fatigue later in the season, as pitch counts accumulate, for example."
"The Toboni era Nationals have shattered a paradigm with the minor league instructors they brought in this winter. A raft of teachers from baseball labs and coaches who win at all levels coalesced from all corners of America, from obscure or low-level colleges to hole-in-the-wall baseball gyms to upscale baseball labs. For those like me who are old-school, it is meritocracy meets baseball."
The Washington Nationals responded to last-place performance by intensifying offseason instruction and early development for young players. The organization moved players from rest into targeted drills and early training aimed at improving readiness for spring training. Medical and coaching voices cautioned that excessive early workload can increase injury and fatigue risk as pitch counts accumulate. The team recruited a diverse, meritocratic cohort of minor-league instructors drawn from baseball labs, small colleges, and varied coaching environments. Hiring prioritized instructional skill, inspirational teaching, and winning experience over pedigree. The coaching overhaul is expected to produce broader system improvements beyond individual player acquisitions.
Read at TalkNats.com
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