Nationals Farm Authority

The Nationals today took another important step internationally:

The Washington Nationals today announced they have signed a one-year working agreement with the Tabasco Olmecas Baseball Club of the Mexican Summer League. Director of Baseball Administration Squire Galbreath made the announcement from the Nationals Spring Training site in Viera, FL.

Under the terms of the working agreement, the Nationals and Tabasco agreed to share scouting intelligence. Washington will be granted access to Tabasco’s vast scouting network and information, which is based primarily in, but not limited too, Mexico and Latin America. The agreement also calls for a coaching exchange in which from both clubs make information-gathering visits to the other club’s Spring Training camp.

The government-owned Olmecas play in Villahermosa, which is the capital city of the state of Tabasco. Located in southeastern Mexico, Villahermosa is located 419 miles southeast of Mexico City and within driving distance of Mexico’s shared border with Guatemala. The Olmecas play at 10,500-seat Estadio Centenario 27 de Febrero.

By reaching such an agreement, the Nationals have demonstrated their desire to foster relationships internationally. By the exchange of information with Tabsaco, the Nationals have gained an invaluable resource within Mexico. While the player development system in Mexico is a known quantity to most of MLB, the establishing of native connections allows th Nationals a trusted resource whose name is recognizable to native Mexicans.

Additionally, this an indication the Nationals are becoming serious in developing themselves as an international presence. If such an agreement is expanded with similar partnerships in Japan, Australia, and elsewhere, the globalization of the Nationals brand will continue to gain the foothold necessary for long term success.