Washington Nationals’ veterans polish rookie Bryce Harper, Steve Lombardozzi and Tyler Moore-MLB
Culture that prevails in the Washington Nationals’ clubhouse is conducive for proper development of their rookies. It is something the clubs' manager Davey Johnson is extremely proud of.
Veterans are ever ready to guide new entrants to the Majors, helping them successfully pass through the initial phase. Right fielder, Bryce Harper is latest to benefit from the club-house culture.
No wonder, success achieved thus far by the club is driven mainly by the timely contributions coming off from the younger lot. Resilience that the Nationals have showed in the face of injuries, owes a lot to their rookies.
For a club which boasts top position on National League East Division table, there was to be something special in the team, which other sides did not possess.
It was the way younger players stepped up whenever a slight decline became the worry and how it was reversed immediately.
For example, when Jayson Werth gets injured and apparently leaves the Nationals’ offence in lurch, Harper joins the party and neutralises the impact.
Similarly, on number of occasions their relievers sustained an injury before being replaced by one who proved equally effective, later.
Johnson proudly takes credit of having developed such a mechanism that supports the rookies and becomes a platform from where their talent comes out.
Every time a rookie walks up to a veteran, he comes back with an important advice, based on which he keeps improving, he stated.
“[The rookies] seem to come in and fit in,” Johnson said. “Everybody kind of opens their arms and welcomes them. I think we have a nice, relaxed clubhouse, so when the stress of the game comes on, they’re fully focused.”
Steve Lombardozzi, a rookie, admitted to the influence veteran has made on his technique and how he is making big strides toward becoming a matured hitter, in this way. Stating that he along with Harper and Tyler Moore has chat with veterans, frequently,
and funnily discuss their problems with them.
Having a system in place which encourages the potential of a player to unleash is the most important factor in the success of a club. Since, the Nationals have developed this; it is going to become their greatest strength in years to come.
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