"Nationals Spring Training 2024: New Signs, Top Prospects, and Minor League Storylines"
Washington Nationals General Manager Mike Rizzo has placed signs behind each of the 11 plates at the team’s spring training facility with the message "I don’t care how fast you throw ball four" to emphasize the importance of getting ahead of hitters and staying ahead. The move comes as the team aims to address issues with high walk rates and a low stuff-plus rating among its pitchers. Rizzo's message has resonated with the young pitching staff, who are focusing on being aggressive in the strike zone and improving their pitch location to cut back on tough counts.