Worth noting

• Williams has been impressed by shortstop Desmond. Williams said Desmond relishes his role as one of the leaders on the team.

"From what I've seen so far, he was the first one out for early work today," Williams said. "He is the first one to ask questions. He wants to know what we are thinking and how we go about our business. That's what you want from your middle infielder, your catcher, certainly, and your center fielder. Those guys are going to take charge on an everyday basis."

• After he was done catching live bullpen sessions at the Nationals' Minor League complex, a little boy went up to Jose Lobaton and asked if he could have his batting gloves. Lobaton did one better. He gave the kid a bat with his signature on it. The kid was ecstatic, of course.