Nationals: Soriano hot topic for Washington

VIERA, Fla. -- Ryan Zimmerman and Ryan Church, who didn't have to report until next week, played catch in the warm sunshine at Space Coast Stadium. The pitchers had telltale pieces of cotton on the arm, evidence that blood had been taken at the required physicals.

Yet, when manager Frank Robinson and general manager Jim Bowden sat side-by-side to launch spring training for the Washington Nationals, Topic A concerned a player who wasn't to be seen: Alfonso Soriano.

"My game plan is to sit down and talk with him when he gets here, and we'll make a decision which way to go," Robinson said.

Yesterday was the day for pitchers...