Nationals star Harper off to smashing start after down year (Yahoo Sports)

Nationals manager Dusty Baker discerns a difference in Bryce Harper at the plate this spring compared with the guy who struggled mightily for much of last season. Harper also drew a four-pitch walk from Tigers ace Justin Verlander in a 3-3, 10-inning tie. ''Without Bryce last year, there's no way we'd have gotten off to the start that we had last year,'' Baker said.