One of the joys of Spring Training is supposed to be taking a break from the icy darkness of wherever you’re from to head south and dream of the warm summer nights that must be around the corner if baseball’s begun. This winter, of course, we’ve all been able to keep our tans, and the kids never had to quit their stickballing in the alley, but it’s still pretty exciting to think that it’s nearly time once more for the crack of the bat and the thump of a hardball on leather.

This Saturday, tickets go on sale for the Nationals’ Grapefruit League Spring Training games. If you’re going to be in Florida during the month of March, you should consider stopping by Space Coast (it’s really hard not to say ghost) Stadium in the town of Viera to see one of the team’s 17 home engagements. The best seats in the house are only $20, and there’s no better time to get your favorite player’s John Hancock.

March is also the time for the first ever World Baseball Classic (now containing Cuba), which features Nationals players on a handful of teams. All-Star closer Chad Cordero is on the United States roster, along with fellow reliever Gary Majewski, and catcher Brian Schneider. The Dominican Republic team includes Jose Guillen and his new teammate Alfonso Soriano, Luis Ayala will play for Mexico, and Tony Armas will take the mound for Venezuela (and don’t forget to keep your eye on Rogearvin Bernadina, who’ll suit up for the Netherlands).

Let’s also not forget Jose Vidro, who’ll be playing in the Classic for the Puerto Rican side. Puerto Rico has a proud baseball history, it’s true, but so does the District. We’ve had ball clubs here, including the Senators and the Grays, for decades. Plus, we host thousands of organized softball games a year; there are probably more softball players per capita in D.C. than anywhere else in the country. So how about it? While we’re working on the Olympics slot, let’s also throw our nine together. We could totally beat the Dutch, right? Canada?