For new Nats hurler Ogasawara, Dice-K like 'his dad'

This story was excerpted from Jessica Camerato's Nationals Beat newsletter. To read the full newsletter, click here. And subscribe to get it regularly in your inbox.

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. -- Imagine it’s your first day at a new job.

You are getting to know your new colleagues, and you already have a chance to showcase your skills in front of your manager.

And no pressure, but the person who you admired growing up and influenced your career path is there, too.

There was an audience for Shinnosuke Ogasawara’s first Spring Training workout on Friday morning. As he stepped into the bullpen at CACTI Ballpark of the Palm Beaches -- to throw a notable 40 pitches -- former Major Leaguer Daisuke Matsuzaka was among those watching.

Matsuzaka is a baseball commentator, a role he took on after a 23-year career in baseball. He also was a reassuring presence for Ogasawara.

"For him, Daisuke is his dad,” Ogasawara said via interpreter Jumpei Ohashi. “He’s looking for him as his father today. … He felt very comfortable pitching and everything because he was there.”

Ogasawara, 27, and Matsuzaka, 44, both played on the Chunichi Dragons in 2018 and ‘19. Matsuzaka helped Ogasawara as Ogasawara developed a career that led him to a two-year contract with the Nationals in January.

Ogasawara is now looking to establish himself in the Major Leagues, where Matsuzaka pitched eight seasons and won the 2007 World Series in Boston. From ‘07-14, Matsuzaka was 56-43 with a 4.45 ERA in 158 starts between the Red Sox and Mets.

“It’s tremendous,” said manager Dave Martinez. “Here’s a guy that came over and had a really unbelievable career and did some really special things. [Ogasawara] should pick his brain on how he made the adjustments to come here. But to see [Matsuzaka] out there and to see him watching [Ogasawara], it’s pretty awesome.”

Ogasawara sat down with Matsuzaka after the workout for an interview. For the advice Matsuzaka has offered and the time they have spent together, Ogasawara still looks up to the iconic right-hander.

“He’s a superstar on the TV,” Ogasawara said.

A special newsletter dedication

With a heavy heart and fond memories, I dedicate this newsletter to Tim Curran. Tim passed away recently at age 57.

Tim was an editor at the Washington Post and Roll Call, a Nationals fan, my neighbor, and -- above all -- my friend. Whether it was during a holiday gathering or running into each other on the street, Tim was always up for talking about baseball.

He read every edition of this newsletter, and he shared insight early on that made a lasting impression on how I approach this content. After reading an article on top prospects, he told me he wanted to know more about the Minor League players beyond the rankings. Tim was curious, and he was excited for the Nationals' future.

It is sad to be at Spring Training knowing Tim isn’t with us any longer, but I hope he has the best seat in the house for games this season.