Kurt Suzuki arrives in Washington, ready to learn the Nationals’ pitching staff

Kurt Suzuki learned he had been traded from the Oakland A’s, the only team he had known in seven professional seasons, at 11 a.m. Friday. Before he said goodbye or allowed memories to gather in his mind, he told an Oakland official, “Get me on the first flight out.”

Suzuki arrived with the Nationals Saturday morning, after his flight landed in the area at about 3 a.m. He is in the lineup today, batting seventh and catching Jordan Zimmermann, a pitcher he has never seen before. The transition between his old, familiar team and his fresh, new home happened in a flash.

“It’s been a whirlwind, for sure,” Suzuki said. “I’ve been with Oakland for, what, seven years, to coming to a new ballclub. I was really looking forward to this opportunity. This is a good situation for me.

“There’s a lot of good memories there, but I’m ready for this and I couldn’t be happier to be a Washington National,” Suzuki added. “I’m just looking forward to hanging out with the guys. I’m getting to know a lot of guys now and meeting everybody, hanging out. I’m just trying to fit in.”

Suzuki will oversee the best pitching staf…

via Kurt Suzuki arrives in Washington, ready to learn the Nationals’ pitching staff – Nationals Journal – The Washington Post.