VIERA, Fla. -- The Nationals were doing bunting drills Thursday and the most interesting scene was watching center fielder Nyjer Morgan taking lessons from infielder Alex Cora, who told Morgan not to try to surprise the opponent with a bunt. The most important part is putting the ball in the right place for a hit.

"Everybody knows Nyjer is going to bunt. For him, I think placement is very important, [more] than hiding the bunt," Cora said.

Cora learned the art of bunting when he was with the Dodgers. He said he became an experienced bunter by listening to Dodgers Spring Training instructor Maury Wills.

"I came up through the Dodger organization, and we had the best teacher of them all," Cora said. "You can use Maury's knowledge and spread it around. For Nyjer, it will benefit him. I've seen him play the last two years in the National League. I played against him, and I can see his strengths and his weaknesses. I'm here. That's what you do as a teammate."

How did Morgan feel about getting bunting tips on Thursday? Morgan wishes he had Cora as a coach earlier in his career.

"Cora has been in the game a long time," Morgan said. "He understands what it takes to be a successful bunter. By listening to him, I understand what Maury Wills taught him. Alex passed it on to me a little bit. I'm glad Alex has that background to help out my game."

Morgan is hoping the tips from Cora can help him get on base often. Last year, Morgan had hit .253 and had an on-base percentage of .319.

Wang to have another throwing session

VIERA, Fla. -- Nationals right-hander Chien-Ming Wang will throw live batting practice on Friday. If the session is successful, the Nationals have a decision to make: Will Wang pitch in Minor League intrasquad games, or does he stay with the big league club and pitch during the exhibition season?

Wang has been a pleasant surprise this spring. He hasn't missed a bullpen session and threw the ball well during live batting practice Wednesday.

Wang is trying to make a comeback after missing more than a year because of shoulder problems. Wang said he most likely will not pitch in a regular Major League game until late April or May.

Once Wang has fully recovered, the Nationals are hoping he can be the pitcher that won a combined 38 games for the Yankees in 2006 and '07.

Ramirez reports to Nats camp

VIERA, Fla. -- Nationals right-hander Elvin Ramirez arrived in camp Thursday and had a light bullpen session. He will have a few more bullpen sessions and will throw some live batting practice before he can play in an exhibition game.

Ramirez has missed most of Spring Training because of visa problems. Through interpreter Javier Castro -- the team's assistant to clubhouse manager Mike Wallace -- Ramirez acknowledged he was frustrated by the entire visa process. Ramirez said he didn't know what the problem was.

"I was very frustrated, but now that I'm here, it's time to go to work, which is great," Ramirez said. "I'm not really sure what's involved in getting a visa. I was just waiting to get the OK [to come to the United States]."

Ramirez was in a throwing program in the Dominican Republic and the team feels he is not too far behind in terms of getting into shape.

With Ramirez in camp, right-hander Henry Rodriguez is the only Nationals player missing. But he is expected to report to camp Friday. He, too, had problems getting a work visa.

Clippard to stay with Close

VIERA, Fla. -- Nationals reliever Tyler Clippard said that he will continued to be represented by agent Casey Close, who is leaving CAA Sports. Close has represented Clippard for five years.

First-game plans

VIERA, Fla. -- Nationals manager Jim Riggleman announced that Chad Gaudin, Craig Stammen, Brian Broderick, Todd Coffey and Doug Slaten are expected to pitch against the Mets on Monday.

Shairon Martis and Josh Wilkie will be backups in case the quintet throws too many pitches.