The Washington Nationals have a drone flying over their spring training facility, which they claim is being used to capture photos and video.

Well, technically it is.  The images the Nats have shared so far are pretty cool:

Here’s the video:

But no matter what the Nats say, I know why they have a quadcopter patrolling the sky.  In response to an incident last year, management has employed this piece of technology to protect center fielder Denard Span.

As told in this video from the Washington Post, the team was taking batting practice when an osprey dropped a fish next to Span, who says he is afraid of both birds and fish:

After a disappointing 2013 season, the front office clearly is doing everything it can to make sure 2014 is more successful.  That starts with players being able to focus on baseball, and not threats from the sky.

The drone may have a GoPro on board, but don’t for a second think it isn’t ready to fire warning shots at any wayward birds that threaten the skies above Space Coast Stadium.